How much does it cost to travel in Thailand? This depends on your taste and travel budget! It can be really cheap if you are willing to commit to low budget activities, like backpacking around Thailand. On the other hand, it can be very expensive if you choose the best of the best! I spent three weeks traveling around Thailand.
My trip began in Bangkok, then brought me up north to Chiangmai, and eventually down south to explore the Phi Phi Islands. Before my trip, I had read tons of blogs that informed me of the incredible low prices in Thailand. For the majority of the time, this was true; however, when I got to the southern islands I felt like I was spending Baht like it was Monopoly money.
Previously, I had heard (and can now confirm) that the north of Thailand is easy on a budget. As you move further south towards the islands, food and transportation remain inexpensive; however, accommodations start to double and triple. My biggest expenditure was accommodation and second was nightlife and drinks.
Considering overall expenditure, I realized that the costs were still extremely low compared to any other trip I had ever been on!
Exchange Rate Reference: ~34 Baht is 1 USD
Accommodation
One can easily find accommodation in Thailand for all kinds of budgets, tastes and locations. I love a simple beach hut, but also can’t resist a modern room with a rooftop pool in Bangkok. You can find very cheap hotels in Thailand, but they will be very simple and basic. Remember for accommodation, “You get what you pay for” in Thailand!
The average price of accommodation in Thailand:
- Dorms: 100 – 200 Baht per night per person
- Double Room in a simple hotel/guest house: 1,000 Baht
- Double Room in a 4- 5 stars hotel: 3,000+ Baht
Transportation
How much does transportation cost in Thailand?
Arriving in Thailand: When flying from outside Southeast Asia, you are going to land in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. If you are entering from neighbor countries, you might arrive at Dom Muang Airport. Flying in and out of Thailand is not cheap, especially if you are coming from Europe or the Americas.
If you are traveling around Southeast Asia, you can fly to and from with low-cost airlines. Trains and buses are also good options if you are coming from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos. Just be mindful of the visa requirements and entry scams on the borders.
Transport inside Thailand: For the majority of the time, I booked the domestic flights, buses, and trains through local travel agencies that I found while walking down the different city streets. They had great prices, especially if you pay in cash!
Domestic flights were ~$60 one-way depending on when you booked them
Transport within the cities: Throughout Thailand, the main method of transport is based on tuk-tuks (a three-wheeled vehicle that functions like a taxi) and the songthaews (a red truck that transports people from one site to the next, kind of like a small bus).
Tuk-tuk rides and songthaews are always negotiable. For traditional taxis, ask them to use the meter. If they don’t want to use the meter, just leave and try another one.
The average cost of transportation in Thailand:
- Songthaew ride: 20 Baht in small cities, 60 Baht in Bangkok, 100 Baht in the islands
- Tuk-Tuk ride: 100 Baht in small cities, 200 Baht in Bangkok and the islands
Food Prices
If you eat local food in Thailand, it is extremely cheap. Western foods are more expensive, though still cheap in comparison to European prices.
The average price of food in Thailand:
- Thai Street Food: 40 – 80 Baht in small towns & Bangkok, on the islands 100-120 Baht
- Thai Local Restaurants: 80 – 150 Baht in small towns & Bangkok, on the islands 150 – 220 Baht
- Thai Top Restaurants: Dishes start at 200+ Baht
- Western Restaurants: Pizzas & burgers start at about 150 – 350 Baht
- Top Western Restaurants: 500+ Baht per dish in the modern trendy restaurants
*Pad Thai will cost you 50 Baht at a street stand, spring rolls will be 10 Baht each, coconut water will be 40 Baht, and a beer will be about 60 Baht
Attractions
How much are the costs of attractions in Thailand?
The majority of attractions in Thailand are not expensive at all! Many temples and museums are free, if not very affordable (~40 baht). The most expensive attractions were the boat trips around the islands like Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Krabi.
*Jungle treks are around 500 baht per day. Elephant visits in the north cost about 1500 baht per session. Renting a motorbike is 150 baht per day all throughout Thailand.
Nightlife
How much does a night out cost in Thailand?
Nightlife in Thailand can definitely ruin the travel budget, it was one of my biggest expenses in Thailand. I know, I know, we shouldn’t go out and party so much, but sometimes we can’t help ourselves…
Thailand is known for its wild nightlife and the crazy bars and clubs. The Bangkok night life scene and Full Moon Parties in the southern islands are by far the best if dancing and drinking are your thing.
The average price of a night out and drinks in Thailand:
- Beer in local bars: 80 – 120 Baht
- Beer in fancy bars: 150 + Baht
- Cocktails in a fancy bar: 500 – 800 Bath
- Buckets at Khao San Road: 200 – 400 Baht
- Night club entrance: 500 – 1000 Baht
The upscale bars have a dress code and super expensive cocktails. The mid-range and local bars are great fun for a decent price (best bet)!
In Bangkok, the top areas for bars are Sukhumvit, Silom, Ekamai and RCA. Check out the end of this post for Chiangmai Nightlife suggestions.
Of course, you can’t forget about Khao San Road in Bangkok! This place is full of backpackers, crazy bars, and cheap drinks. Go for fun and dance your socks off! I highly recommend 9 Bar at Khao San Road.
Always check if it is a safe place with fixed prices and a friendly atmosphere. Never go inside without knowing the rules and how much you will have to pay. Your scam monitor must always be on!
Hope this helps plan and effectively cost out your next Thailand adventure! If you have any questions, always feel free to reach out. Cheers!
