Travel Budget for Bangkok Visit Bangkok on a Budget or Travel in Style

Bangkok, Thailand

How much does it cost to travel to Bangkok?

You should plan to spend around $78 (฿2,783) per day on your vacation in Bangkok. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $19 (฿669) on meals
  • $5.93 (฿211) on local transportation
  • $85 (฿3,020) on hotels

A one week trip to Bangkok for two people costs, on average, $1,092 (฿38,963). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $78
    ฿2,783
  • One Week Per person
    $546
    ฿19,482
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,092
    ฿38,963
  • One Month Per person
    $2,341
    ฿83,492
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,092
    ฿38,963
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,185
    ฿77,926
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,682
    ฿166,985
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bangkok cost?

A one week trip to Bangkok usually costs around $546 (฿19,482) for one person and $1,092 (฿38,963) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Bangkok on average costs around $1,092 (฿38,963) for one person and $2,185 (฿77,926) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bangkok will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Bangkok on average costs around $2,341 (฿83,492) for one person and $4,682 (฿166,985) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Bangkok has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is Bangkok expensive to visit?

Bangkok is a reasonably affordable place to visit. Located in Thailand, which is a reasonably affordable country, visitors will appreciate the relatively low cost of this destination. It falls in the average range in the country for its prices. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Asia, Bangkok is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Beijing or Longsheng.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bangkok Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Bangkok?

The average Bangkok trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bangkok travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) ฿3,020 ($85)
Local Transportation 1 ฿211 ($6)
Food 2 ฿669 ($19)
Entertainment 1 ฿572 ($16)
Tips and Handouts 1 ฿91 - 273 ($3 - 8)
Alcohol 2 ฿109 - 328 ($3 - 9)
Accommodation Budget in Bangkok
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Bangkok is $42 (฿1,510). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Bangkok is $85 (฿3,020). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $42
    ฿1,510
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $85
    ฿3,020

Hotel Prices in Bangkok

Looking for a hotel in Bangkok? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

 

Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in Bangkok based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $25. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Bangkok
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in Bangkok is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $5.93 (฿211) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bangkok.


  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $5.93
    ฿211

Recommended Services


Flights to Bangkok
How much does it cost to go to Bangkok? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Bangkok
The price of renting a car in Bangkok will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Bangkok?

Typical prices for Transportation in Bangkok are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Bangkok, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    ฿80
  • Skytrain Ticket
    ฿160
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    ฿32
  • Ferry Ride
    ฿26
  • Taxi From Airport
    ฿250
  • Short Taxi Ride
    ฿90
  • Boat Taxi
    ฿50
  • Trains to airport
    ฿160


Food Budget in Bangkok
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in Bangkok can vary, the average cost of food in Bangkok is $19 (฿669) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Bangkok should cost around $7.50 (฿268) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Bangkok is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $19
    ฿669

Recommended

What did other people spend on Food in Bangkok?

Typical prices for Food in Bangkok are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Bangkok, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    ฿900
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    ฿200
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    ฿45
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    ฿30
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    ฿200
  • Pad Thai
    ฿70
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    ฿550
  • Lunch for 2
    ฿742


Entertainment Budget in Bangkok
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in Bangkok typically cost an average of $16 (฿572) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $16
    ฿572

The Go City Bangkok Pass offers great discounts on attractions in Bangkok. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.


Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Bangkok?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Bangkok are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Bangkok, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Movie Ticket
    ฿160
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    ฿350
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    ฿50
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    ฿200
  • Club Cover Charge
    ฿375
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    ฿2,400
  • Fish Pedicure
    ฿150
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    ฿100


Tips and Handouts Budget in Bangkok
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Bangkok is $5.10 (฿182) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Bangkok is 5% - 15%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $5.10
    ฿182


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Bangkok
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Bangkok is $16 (฿575), as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $16
    ฿575


Alcohol Budget in Bangkok
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $6.14 (฿219) on alcoholic beverages in Bangkok per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $6.14
    ฿219

Recommended

What did other people spend on Alcohol in Bangkok?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Bangkok are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Bangkok, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Beer
    ฿40


Water Budget in Bangkok
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $1.45 (฿52) on bottled water in Bangkok per day. The public water in Bangkok is considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $1.45
    ฿52


Last Updated: Nov 14, 2023
Bangkok On a Budget
Bangkok The Marble Palace, Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.

Many people spend little more than a night or two in this city before passing on to the cultural north or beach filled southern regions of the country. If you choose to linger in Bangkok, you won't be disappointed. This populated city offers rare glimpses into real life in Thailand. You can wander through neighborhoods and markets that are designed not for tourists, but for locals. You'll see what everyday life is really like in this dynamic country.

Those who breeze in and out of Bangkok may see little more than a dirty capital city with a gaudy nightlife, crowded streets, congested traffic, and countless touts, but those who delve a little deeper get to see Bangkok for what it really is. There are wonderful canals lined with homes and temples that peak out from every corner. While there is no shortage of glitzy and touristy temples in Bangkok, in the residential areas you'll find the more charming temples that are part of everyday life here. Definitely don't miss the markets in Bangkok where you can find unusual food options, beautiful cloths, and some great buys on souvenirs that haven't been heavily marked up. Still, remember to barter, because it's Thailand after all.
Sights
Rattanakosin, or the "Old City" in central Bangkok, is home to the Grand Palace and various temples (known as "wats"). This area is perhaps the most visited area of the city by tourists, as it contains the palace complex with huge gardens and Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most sacred temple. Wat Pho, the large reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun are also nearby. If temples are your thing, another half dozen or so can be found in the surrounding area, with many more scattered throughout the city. Entrance fees vary by temple, and appropriate dress is required (long pants, no sandals). Note that many scammers are often outside some of these popular temples telling people that they are closed. Do not pay any attention to them, as the temples rarely close – visit the entrance yourself to see. These scammers are only attempting to divert you to their own illegitimate enterprises.

Various history, culture, and art museums can also be found in Bangkok, such as the National Museum, the Museum of Siam, the National Gallery, and the Queen's Gallery.

The floating markets of Damnoen Saduak (daily) and Amphawa (weekends only) are very popular day trips from Bangkok, at which visitors can take boat rides along the canals to witness the market activity of the locals and make purchases themselves. Both markets can be seen in one day. Be prepared to negotiate firmly for a boat tour along the canals, especially at the more popular Damnoen Saduak markets.
Neighborhoods
The Khao San Road area is popular among younger backpackers and budget travelers, as it contains a very active nightlife, cheap accommodation options (hostels and flophouse-style hotels), and inexpensive restaurants. The nightlife (bars and clubs) in this area is what generally defines the stereotype of partying in Bangkok.

Rattanakosin, as mentioned before, is where most of the attractions and sights are to be found, as this is the older part of Bangkok. Many festivals are also celebrated in this section of the city. Restaurants and shops are also plentiful.

Silom is a business district during the day, but has a party atmosphere at night as it contains many trendy nightclubs and bars.

Most higher-end hotels and restaurants can be found in Siam Square and Sukhumvit, as these neighborhoods are higher priced, and are full of luxury shops and their clientele. As this is Bangkok, these neighborhoods also have an active nightlife.

Activities
Tours in and around Bangkok come in a variety of shapes and costs. From Tuk-Tuk tours to bicycle tours to canal boat tours, there are many ways to view the popular and off-the-beaten-path sides of Bangkok.

Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is a unique activity to Thailand, and not to be missed. Local boxers, not as large or menacing as to be expected, attack each other with kickboxing skills that any martial arts enthusiast would drool over. Visit Lumpinee Boxing Stadium or Ratchadamnoen Stadium for popular fights (with a steep entry fee for foreigners), or the venue by the MBK center on Wednesday nights for a free show.

Massage parlors and Spas are quite popular. Most high-end spas are actually "spas" as westerners define the word. However, if you only want a massage and not a prostitute, make sure you inquire appropriately if you're in a smaller shop away from one of the glitzier neighborhoods. Look for "massage only" signs.

For shopping, Siam Square is the mecca. The neighborhoods around the large shopping centers contain many small alleys (sois) with a plethora of small boutique shops selling every type of clothing item, souvenir, or gadget. Two large malls, the Siam Center and the MBK center, offer even more options. Keep in mind that many brand names are knockoffs and fakes, but that is part of the attraction for many visitors (as are the low prices).

Various seasonal festivals and shows take place in Bangkok on a regular basis. One of the most popular is the famous Songkran festival each April. During the multi-day activities, everyone in Thailand excitedly pours buckets of water over one another in a fun and spirited way. The Buddhist origin of the festival is so that people can wash their sins away, but for visitors, it's essentially a huge water gun fight.
Food and Dining
Thai Food! Bangkok, being the huge cultural center of Thailand, has every type of Thai food available at every price range. Furthermore, foods of other nationalities are plentiful as well especially European, Chinese, and Indian.

Common Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and other non-spicy noodle plates can be found in many restaurants, and are a staple of many travelers new to Thai food.

Pad Thai is a noodle dish, often served with chicken or shrimp, containing some spices, lime, and basil (although ingredients tend to vary). Somtham is another common street food dish involving noodles, spices, eggs, and fish sauce.

Dinner cruises are popular in Bangkok, and quite easy to book. Inquire at your hotel or hostel or at the River City pier near the Si Phraya Express pier.

As Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city, brunch is also popular. Check out this guide to the best places for brunch in Bangkok, and eat your way through the city.

Transportation
Getting around Bangkok can be chaotic if only because of the intense traffic. Fortunately, many options are available.

Public transportation is plentiful and varied. Perhaps the most fun form of transport is on the passenger ferries that run up and down the Chao Phraya or Saen Saep rivers. You just hop on and off the boats at their designated stops like it's a bus. (River taxis are also available).

The Skytrain is a futuristic monorail that takes commuters and passengers across town to various neighborhoods. Also known as the BTS, the train does not go everywhere, but covers a good part of the city and connects to other transportation system.

The Metro (or MTS) also has useful stops, but its tickets are not compatible with the Skytrain (they are run by different companies).

Local buses are cheap, plentiful and plow various routes throughout the city. Look for maps on bus station signs. The 554 route goes to the BKK airport, while the 79 route connects Siam Square with Khao San Road and the Grand Palace.

The Airport Rail Link is considered the most efficient way to get between the airport and the city center, connecting with the other systems.

Taxis come in various forms. Regular metered taxis (cars) are plentiful, but traffic is often bad. Always ask to use the meter or negotiate in advance. The yellow-green taxis are owner-operated and quality, service, and price can vary greatly, so be cautious of these.

Tuk-Tuks are perhaps the most fun way of getting around. These motorized rickshaw carts are fast, small, and loud, but usually cheaper than regular taxis. They can also weave around traffic jams more efficiently. Most do not have meters, so negotiate prices before you depart.

Motorbike taxis, like Tuk-Tuks, tend to be faster, but at a risk. Once again, always negotiate.

And here are some great tips for how to get to Khao San Road.


Related:

Partying in Chiang Mai or other parts of Thailand?
Going to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?
Hitting the beach in Koh Samui?

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.