thailand trip budget

Thailand Trip Cost – Budget Tips and Prices in 2024

• Last Updated: January 17, 2024

Read on for a detailed breakdown of what it costs to travel to Thailand, whether you’re a budget traveler or looking to splurge. 

Before travelling to Thailand many travellers find themselves asking, “Is Thailand cheap?” or “What does a Thailand trip actually cost?” or “What are the best tips for saving money in Thailand?”

These are all valid questions and hopefully this article will answer them!

Thailand is a very affordable country to visit. Though it isn’t as cheap as its Southeast Asian neighbours, like Laos or Cambodia , Thailand is still a very affordable travel destination. 

Budget travellers can easily have an incredible time exploring Thailand cheaply.

Mid-range accommodations and restaurants allow travellers to treat themselves a bit more without spending a fortune, and there are lots of affordable activities to enjoy in Thailand as well. 

For those that want the real luxury travel experience, Thailand has that too, and it isn’t even out-of-the-question expensive.

But for the average traveller, who wants to have an amazing cultural experience without spending an entire years’ worth of savings, Thailand is the perfect country to visit. 

With this post, you’ll learn about what things actually cost in Thailand, and how to break down the cost of a trip. 

Of course, the actual cost of a trip to Thailand will depend on the individual traveller and their personal preferences. 

But for those looking for a general idea of a Thailand travel budget, this is the article for you!

While discussing prices in Thailand, I’ll be using USD. Because this is such a universal currency, hopefully, the prices will make more sense than if I list them in Thai Baht. (1 USD equals roughly 30 THB)

Table of Contents

Backpacker Budget: Average daily budget: $25-50 USD

Mid range budget: average daily budget: $60-100 usd , luxury traveler budget: average daily budget: $200-400 usd, getting to thailand by air, getting to thailand by land, public transport in thailand, long journeys, short journeys, street food, buying groceries, local restaurant, tourist restaurant, fancy restaurant, drinking in thailand, guest house/cheap hotel, mid-range hotel, luxury hotel, activity cost breakdown in thailand, thailand budget travel tips, thailand trip cost: how much does it cost to travel to thailand.

Wondering how much does it cost to travel to Thailand? Considering the information presented in this post, creating a Thailand travel budget can be quite simple. 

Think about whether you want to travel on a backpacker budget, a mid-range traveller budget, or a luxury budget. You can even mix-and-match, penny-pinching at times and splurging here and there. 

Formulating a Thailand travel budget is all up to the individual, but this breakdown of an average Thailand trip cost should help you get an idea of what you’ll spend. 

* Attractions vary greatly by personal interest and can be the same at any level of budget

If you live the backpacker lifestyle and always pick the cheapest options while travelling around Thailand, it is very easy to explore Thailand on a budget. 

There are plenty of free attractions to see, like temples, street markets, waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints. 

Some popular attractions may have entrance fees, but they are usually close to nothing. 

A budget traveler in Thailand would have average daily expenses that may look something like this:

• Hostel dorm bed: 10 USD
• Fruit smoothie: 2 USD
• Temple entrance fee: 2 USD
• 2 street food meals: 8 USD
• Taxi ride: 2 USD
• 1 beer from 7/11: 1 USD
• Total Cost: 25 USD

But make sure you aren’t so stingy with money that you miss out on special experiences!

You can book activities with the cheapest companies and pack a few fun day trips into your schedule. 

Book a half-day island snorkelling tour for 30 USD, take a local cooking class for 30 USD, or hit up a Thai boxing match for 15 USD. 

Take cheap buses around the country, avoid drinking too much, and hang out with the locals. 

A budget traveler should have no problem enjoying themselves in Thailand!

If you’re willing to spend a bit more money than the average backpacker, you can upgrade your Thailand travel budget to include more fun things. 

Visit all the best attractions, even if they cost a bit more. 

Treat yourself to some nice cocktails on the beach here and there. Book a one-hour Thai massage, or maybe throw in a full-day scuba-diving trip. 

Stay in affordable hotel rooms and eat a wide range of foods that include cheap street food and some nice restaurant meals. 

An average day may look like this:

• Budget double room in a hotel: 22 USD
• Lunch in a restaurant: 6 USD
• Cocktail: 5 USD
• Street food for dinner: 4 USD
• Souvenir shopping: 5 USD
• Cabaret Show: 15 USD
• Taxi ride: 3 USD
• Total Cost: 60 USD

On a mid-range budget, you can dish out more money on the things that matter to you the most. 

You can pay for more day trips if you want to explore more, or you can treat yourself to more food and drinks if you like eating out. 

Whatever you choose, you can still have the trip of a lifetime without completely breaking the bank. 

If you really decide to lash out on a luxury vacation to Thailand, you’ll be surprised at how affordable it is. 

If you’re willing to spend lots of money, you can also pay for all the best activities. 

You can book guided temple tours, incredible speedboat island-hopping tours, spa and massage treatments, private cooking lessons, and everything else under the sun. 

You can indulge in all the best food and drinks, and stay in five-star accommodation. 

For those who dream of a vacation like this, but don’t think they can afford it, Thailand is a relatively cheap place to live like a king or queen, so take a look at this average daily budget breakdown. 

• Luxury suite in a nice hotel: 150 USD
• Private temple tour: 50 USD
• Thai cooking lesson: 30 USD
• Lunch in a tourist restaurant: 10 USD
• Drinks on the beach: 30 USD
• Spa treatment: 20 USD
• Dinner in a nice restaurant: 30 USD
• Total cost: 320 USD per day

Though most travellers won’t be living the luxury lifestyle in Thailand, it is interesting to see the actual costs. 

Probably the most rewarding way to travel Thailand is by using a mid-range budget. 

You can still kick it with the locals, eat street food and drink cheap local beer, but spend a bit of money on amazing activities and nicer accommodation. 

Backpacking Thailand is also a really fun and character-building experience. 

You’ll learn a lot from navigating public transport and deciphering foreign menus. While staying in hostels, you’ll also meet lots of incredible people. 

So a Thailand travel budget does not have to send you into bankruptcy. 

Travel with a frugal attitude, an open mind, and positive energy and you’ll have an unforgettable trip!

Breakdown of Thailand Costs

With a general overview of the Thailand costs at various budgets, below you will find information to help you navigate specific budget items.

These will include costs of:

• Transportation (to and around)
• Accommodation

I’ll also end the article with some budget travel tips. If you’re looking to save money, these tips will help you enjoy Thailand for cheaper.

Cost of Transportation in Thailand

Wondering how much does it cost to get around Thailand? Here is a breakdown of the costs of getting to Thailand, and getting around within the country. Local transportation is affordable here!

READ MORE: Check out my other guide on transportation in Thailand for a better idea of how to get around.

The cost of flying to Thailand depends on where you are travelling. 

If you are travelling from the Americas or Europe, chances are your flight will be very long and quite expensive. 

However, there are certain budget travel tips to keep in mind that will help you find the cheapest flight to Thailand. 

• Plan your trip to Thailand during the off-season (April through October) 
• Check websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights that show you the cheapest departure dates for an entire month
• Don’t be afraid to take weird layovers; the prices may be cheaper!
• Consider changing your departure airport if possible (For example, flying from NYC to Bangkok is cheaper than flying from Boston to Bangkok).

Use these same tips no matter where you are flying from, and you should be able to score a reasonably priced flight to Thailand. 

If you’re travelling to Thailand overland, your travel will most likely be incredibly cheap. 

The most affordable way to get to Thailand from bordering countries is by bus. 

Countless different bus companies travel to Thailand from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, and the journey will usually cost around 20-40 USD. Depending on where you are starting your trip to Thailand, it may be cheaper to travel by land.

Once you arrive in Thailand, you’ll be using public transport to get around the country (unless you rent a car). 

The typical traveller’s route in Thailand starts in Bangkok , then goes up to the north to Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai , and Pai , then goes down south to the islands. 

So you’ll probably be travelling long distances within the country, and luckily these journeys can be very cheap.

Here is a general idea of what different local transportation options cost when you visit Thailand:

Here is the average cost of travelling long distances around Thailand via local transportation. 

Flights 

For covering long distances around the country, flying local budget airlines is the best option. You can get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or from Bangkok to the islands, in just one hour. 

Using budget airlines like Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways, or Thai Vietjet, the average cost of a one-way domestic flight is between 30-50 USD. 

Keep in mind though that if you want to fly, your Thailand trip cost will go up.

Bus or Train

A long bus or train journey through Thailand, say from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, costs on average about 20-50 USD on local transportation. 

So the average price for buses or trains is very similar to flights, but they can take up to 12 hours instead of 1. 

If you’re a fan of slow travel and seeing the countryside, buses or trains are the way to get around on your trip to Thailand. 

But it is much quicker and just as cheap to catch a flight, so that’s probably the easiest way to travel long distances in Thailand. 

The best deals for internal ground transport in Thailand are on 12Go.asia .

For getting around one city or general area, here is a breakdown of the transport costs. If you’re in a big city like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, there are plenty of options to travel within and around the city.

Smaller towns have fewer options, but still should at least have the following:

These red-pick-up trucks serve as collective taxis, and they are the cheapest and easiest way to take day trips to a certain city or island of Thailand. 

If you wait for the whole truck to fill up, everyone can split the cost and the ride becomes cheaper. 

If you’re travelling 5-20 minutes within a city, your journey shouldn’t cost more than a couple of dollars. 

If you’re taking a long day trip and the drive is an hour, the whole journey may cost about 50 USD. But split between 10 people, you’re still only paying about 5 USD for a long trip. 

For travelling quick distances within a city, taxis are the second cheapest way to travel. 

Only use taxis that have meters, and your quick journey won’t cost more than 5 USD. 

These motorized, three-wheeled scooters are a fun way to travel in Thailand, but the drivers tend to overcharge tourists. 

It is common for a tuk tuk ride to cost up to 10 USD, which seems cheap but is definitely overpriced for local transportation in Thailand. 

Ask locals what a specific tuk tuk journey should cost and make sure you clarify it with the driver before you go so he doesn’t rip you off. 

For travelling through the Thai islands, you’ll have to take ferries. 

There is usually only one route to get from one island to the next, and the cost of the journey is in the same range regardless of which ferry company you take. 

An average ferry journey costs around 20 USD, give or take a bit depending on how long the ride is. 

Cost of Food in Thailand

Thailand is truly a foodie’s paradise. 

There is so much delicious Thai food and it is all very affordable, so food won’t take up a big portion of your Thailand travel budget.

Here is a summary of the different types of places to eat in Thailand and how much they cost. 

Eating at street markets is the cheapest way to eat in Thailand. 

You can get full plates of food for as cheap as 1 USD, and little snacks like fruit platters and spring rolls cost less than 1 USD each. 

This is also where you’ll find the most authentic local Thai food, so street markets are the way to go regardless of your budget. 

If you plan on cooking your own meals, street markets are still the best places to shop. 

Big western-style grocery stores are rare in Thailand. Occasionally you’ll find little markets or 7/11s that sell staples like rice, noodles, snacks, and processed foods. 

But for buying produce, meat, seafood, and spices, the street markets have the freshest and cheapest food. 

Produce costs barely anything; you can buy a bag full of fruit for only a couple of dollars. 

Cooking is a great way to save money, but honestly, street food in Thailand is so cheap that you might as well just eat the food cooked by the locals.

For eating out in a restaurant, the cheapest option is eating at a small, humble, local joint that only has a few menu items. 

A full meal in a restaurant like this can cost between 40 and 100 Baht, which is roughly 2-4 USD. 

In touristy areas of Thailand, you’ll find lots of restaurants geared towards foreigners. 

This is where you’ll find western-style food like pizza, burgers, and European food in addition to classic Thai meals. 

A meal in a tourist restaurant generally costs between 100 and 200 Baht, still only 3 to 6 USD. 

Even in upscale restaurants, the price of food is very cheap. 

A full meal in a super high-quality restaurant can cost a few hundred Baht, and it is rare to find something that costs over 30 USD. 

So Thailand is an awesome place to treat yourself to the nicest restaurants and still spend much less than you would at home!

The cost of alcohol in Thailand varies. 

Beer is the cheapest beverage, whereas wine and liquor are often imported so they are pricier. 

If you buy your beer from a convenience store like a 7/11, it will only cost 1 or 2 USD. 

Ordering a beer in a bar or restaurant is a bit more expensive, but is still the cheapest drink, costing only about 3 USD. 

As for liquor, a mixed drink or cocktail can cost between 3 and 6 USD depending on the venue.

So though drinking in Thailand isn’t expensive, one of the best tips for saving money in Thailand is to just cut down on drinking in general and saving your cash for food and activities. 

READ MORE: Make sure you know all of the best foods to eat in Thailand !

Accommodation Costs in Thailand

There are plenty of places to stay during your trip to Thailand for any type of travel budget. 

Accommodation tends to consume the majority of a Thailand travel budget, but it is still very affordable compared to other destinations around the world. 

The Thailand cost of living is cheap too, so if you plan to stay here for a while you can probably secure somewhere affordable to stay long-term.

The cheapest form of accommodation in Thailand is a backpacker hostel. 

The average cost for one night in a dorm room is between 8 and 15 USD. The $8 hostels will be more basic, whereas the $10-$15 hostels will be much nicer. 

Even though the cost is cheap, all of Thailand’s hostels are generally very well-kept and full of great facilities. 

Thailand has lots of guest houses that are like small, simple, and cheap hotels. 

You can find a basic budget double room for anywhere between 20 and 30 USD per night. 

If you’re travelling as a couple, it may be cheaper to split the cost of a budget double room in a cheap hotel rather than paying for two hostel dorm beds. 

Make sure you book your hostels ahead of time on Hostelworld if you want to get the best ones, as they often sell out.

Even a mid-range Thailand hotel can be very cheap compared to western standards. 

A beautiful hotel with a pool and lots of amenities can cost as low as 20 USD per night, though the average cost is anywhere between 30 and 60 USD per night. 

If you’re looking to treat yourself to the finest hotels and resorts in Thailand, there are so many amazing options. 

Especially when travelling in the islands, you can find stunning beachfront suites that will cater to your every need. 

True luxury hotels in Thailand can cost anywhere between 100 and 300 USD per night. 

There are a few rare finds that cost even more, such as renting an entire ocean view villa for thousands of dollars, but chances are most average travellers won’t be looking for places like that. 

After paying for all the necessities, like food, transport, and accommodation, you can start planning your budget for the fun stuff!

There are endless opportunities for adventure in Thailand, and you should at least participate in a few fun activities during your stay. 

Tours and activities in Thailand vary in terms of price and quality. Some tour companies are more upscale and established, so their tours cost more. 

The quality of your tour just depends on how much you are willing to spend. 

Here is a quick cost breakdown of some of the most popular tours and activities in Thailand that you may be interested in trying. 

The actual price will vary depending on the location and the company you book through, but here is a general idea of the average prices. 

• Island Hopping day trip: 30-100 USD
• Diving or Snorkeling day trip: 50-150 USD
• Thai Massage: 5-15 USD per hour
• Muay Thai Boxing Match: 10-20 USD
• Ladyboy Cabaret Show: 15-25 USD
• Cooking Class: 30 USD-60 USD
• Guided Temple Tour: 20-70 USD

READ MORE: Be sure to check out these incredible things to do in Thailand !

To summarise all the information throughout this post, here are some of the best budget travel tips for Thailand that will help you save money throughout your trip.

• Travelling during the off-season to enjoy cheaper flight prices
• Fly budget airlines to save money and time when travelling long distances in Thailand
• Try to share songtaews with other travellers so everyone pays a cheaper price and you can all limit transportation costs
• Don’t let tuk tuk drivers rip you off! Secure a fair price before you get in the vehicle
• Eat street food whenever possible. Not only is it super cheap, it’s authentic and delicious.
• Drink local beer when going out; it’s the most affordable option for alcohol in Thailand.
• If you’re a solo traveller, you can score a bed in some epic hostels for less than 10 USD per night.
• If you’re travelling as a couple, it may be cheaper to split the cost of a private double room in a guesthouse or hotel, rather than paying for 2 dorm beds.
• Treat yourself to a nice room in a hotel at least once in Thailand! Even if you’re on a backpacker budget, you can find some incredible deals.
• Take advantage of all the free activities in Thailand, like hiking, exploring temples, and visiting the beach.
• Attractions in Thailand are usually very affordable, so definitely spend a bit of money on some fun things like cooking classes, boxing matches, massages, or snorkelling tours.
• Spending money on experiences in Thailand is almost always worth it. Book tours with reputable companies and enjoy every minute of Thai culture!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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I am looking to travel to Thailand as well!!! I am apprehensive about travelling alone. I am 56 female and looking for an adventure: it will be my first time travelling over that way. I have done the Caribbean islands before. .

thanks for the tips,im 65 and would like to find a travelling companian that would like to say go from phuket to chang mai any sights that i can look on that you know of,thanks for your time.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Thailand Travel Budget - Visit Thailand on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Thailand Costs

• Is Thailand Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Thailand cost?
• Thailand On-Your-Own Itineraries
• Northern Thailand
• Southern Thailand
• Thailand Hotel Prices
• Thailand Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Thailand
• Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand
• Best Party Hotels in Thailand
• Best Beach Hotels in Thailand
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Thailand
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Thailand
• Best Cheap Hotels in Thailand
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Thailand
• Best Hotels for One Night in Thailand
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Thailand
• Best Hotels for One Week in Thailand
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Thailand
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Thailand
• Best Business Hotels in Thailand
• Where Do Backpackers Go in Thailand? A Review of Hostels and Guesthouses.
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Thailand Activities
• Thailand Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand
• The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand
• The Best Historical Tours in Thailand
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Thailand
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand
• The Best 3-Week Tours in Thailand
• The Best Extended Trip Tours in Thailand, One Month or Longer
• The Best River Cruises in Thailand
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Thailand
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand
• The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand
• The Best Eco Tours in Thailand
• The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Thailand
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand
• The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Thailand
• The Best Music Tours in Thailand
• The Tours for Animal Lovers in Thailand
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand
• The Best Safaris in Thailand
• The Best Budget Safaris in Thailand
• The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand
• The Best Religious Tours in Thailand
• The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand
• The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand
• The Best Luxury Tours to Thailand
• The Best Budget Tours to Thailand
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand
• The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand
• Koh Phi Phi
• Koh Pha Ngan
• How much does it cost to travel to Thailand? (Average Daily Cost)
• Thailand trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Thailand?

Is thailand expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Thailand?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Thailand?

You should plan to spend around $86 (฿2,981) per day on your vacation in Thailand. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $18 (฿611) on meals
• $13 (฿442) on local transportation
• $74 (฿2,560) on hotels

A one week trip to Thailand for two people costs, on average, $1,205 (฿41,731) . 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.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 86 ฿ 2,981
• One Week Per person $ 602 ฿ 20,866
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,205 ฿ 41,731
• One Month Per person $ 2,582 ฿ 89,424
• One Week For a couple $ 1,205 ฿ 41,731
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,410 ฿ 83,463
• One Month For a couple $ 5,164 ฿ 178,848

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

A one week trip to Thailand usually costs around $602 (฿20,866) for one person and $1,205 (฿41,731) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Thailand on average costs around $1,205 (฿41,731) for one person and $2,410 (฿83,463) 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 Thailand will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Thailand on average costs around $2,582 (฿89,424) for one person and $5,164 (฿178,848) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Thailand is $179 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Backpacking Thailand (21 days) 21 Days - 9 Destinations $ 2,399
• Discovery Thailand The Golden Chersonese 15 Days - 14 Destinations $ 3,700

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently 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.

Thailand is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Asia, Thailand is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to China or Malaysia.

For more details, see Is Thailand Expensive?

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

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

Accommodation Budget in Thailand

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Thailand is $37 (฿1,280). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Thailand is $74 (฿2,560). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 37 ฿ 1,280
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 74 ฿ 2,560

Hotel Prices in Thailand

Looking for a hotel in Thailand? 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 Thailand based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $33. (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

• Phurapee Pakchong Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 110
• Chinoiserie Collection Resort & Spa Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 119

Local Transportation Budget in Thailand

The cost of a taxi ride in Thailand is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $13 (฿442) per person, per day, on local transportation in Thailand.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 13 ฿ 442

Recommended Services

• Private Van: Phuket Airport Transfers Viator $ 40
• Private Transfer from Bangkok Airport/City to Hua Hin Viator $ 82

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

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

• Trains to airport ฿ 160
• Bus to White Temple ฿ 40
• River Ferry Crossing ฿ 20
• Minibus- Airport to Chaweng ฿ 120
• Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach ฿ 420
• Airport Taxi ฿ 440
• Gas for Scooter ฿ 110
• Longboat Taxi from Town ฿ 200

Food Budget in Thailand

While meal prices in Thailand can vary, the average cost of food in Thailand is $18 (฿611) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Thailand should cost around $7.05 (฿244) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Thailand is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 18 ฿ 611

Recommended

• Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class Viator $ 61
• Riverside Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour Viator $ 55

What did other people spend on Food?

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

• Lunch for 2 ฿ 742
• Airport Lunch for 2 ฿ 550
• Breakfast for 2 ฿ 350
• Ice Cream ฿ 30
• Breakfast for 2 ฿ 140
• Lunch for 2 ฿ 140
• Casual Lunch (for Two) ฿ 215
• Pancake ฿ 70

Entertainment Budget in Thailand

Entertainment and activities in Thailand typically cost an average of $19 (฿673) 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.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 19 ฿ 673

Recommended Activities

• From Bangkok : Kanchanaburi Tour with Floating market Visit Viator $ 158
• John Gray’s James Bond Island Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking Viator $ 105

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

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

• Siriraj Museum (2) ฿ 400
• Wat Pho entrance ticket ฿ 100
• Fish Pedicure ฿ 150
• Kayak and Snorkel (2) ฿ 100
• Wat Entrance ฿ 50
• Temple Entrances (2) ฿ 200
• Club Cover Charge ฿ 375
• Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two) ฿ 2,400

Tips and Handouts Budget in Thailand

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Thailand is $3.88 (฿135) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Thailand is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 3.88 ฿ 135

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Thailand

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 Thailand is $39 (฿1,338), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 39 ฿ 1,338

Alcohol Budget in Thailand

The average person spends about $8.98 (฿311) on alcoholic beverages in Thailand per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 8.98 ฿ 311
• Railay Pub Crawl Viator $ 15
• Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket Viator $ 103

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

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

• Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two) ฿ 260
• Cocktails (for Two) ฿ 300
• Beer ฿ 90
• Beer ฿ 65
• Bottle of Wine ฿ 370
• Beer (2) ฿ 140
• Banana Daiquiri ฿ 200
• Mojito Bucket ฿ 500

Water Budget in Thailand

On average, people spend $1.41 (฿49) on bottled water in Thailand per day. The public water in Thailand is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.41 ฿ 49

Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Thailand.

How can you save money during your time in Thailand?

We wanted a different experience than your typical beach vacation in Thailand, so we went to the less touristy areas which were far cheaper.

Thailand isn't a cheap as it used to be when we visited years ago, but it's still possible to save money by avoiding the big resorts, taking the local buses, and choosing your destinations wisely.

We were a bit overwhelmed by how touristy Thailand was after some of the other places we've visited. This makes it harder to save money because prices are higher for tourists. Head north from Bangkok and explore those parts of the country, which are much cheaper than the south.

Are you an experienced traveler? Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. + Add Comment

Related Articles

Thailand on a budget.

At A Glance

• Because Thailand is one of the more touristy countries in Southeast Asia, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the crowds and the hassle. If you find yourself getting a little frustrated, head to the northern parts of the country where the atmosphere is more relaxed and mellow. The highlands are beautiful and you can have a wonderful cultural experience at a far more affordable price.
• The food in Thailand is absolutely delicious. It is generally served quite spicy and can overwhelm many people's palates. If you're hoping for a milder variety of a specific dish, ask for it with "no spice." While many locals don't understand the word mild, they do understand "no spice." They usually abide by these instructions, but not always.
• If you're really enjoying the food in Thailand then consider taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai. These classes often last a full day and they are loads of fun. The teachers keep the classes light and humorous and the food provides a full days worth of meals. You can often arrange classes through your hotel or a local travel agency.
• Many people use VIP buses to travel around Thailand. These buses are decent in quality but the connections are often poorly thought out and inconvenient. Once a booking agent has your money you are really at their mercy. Consider finding the local bus station and traveling with public buses which are far cheaper and often times more convenient.
• There are many popular beaches in Thailand with some of the most famous being on Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Samui. If you're looking for a more remote and peaceful experience look into any of the national parks around the country. Some have cabins available where you can camp and others have tents available for rent.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 My 2024 Thailand Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Thailand, a country famous for its Buddhist temples and flavorful cuisine, can be visited with a  budget of $35 to $80 a day.

My nearly two-week trip to Thailand cost a total of $1,138 . In this post, I share:

• 💰 Expected travel costs
• 💡 Budgeting tips
• 💵 How much cash to bring
• ✈️ My trip’s costs by category
• 📍 My trip’s costs by destination

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Thailand .

• Is Thailand Expensive?
• How Much Is a Trip?
• Thailand vs. Vietnam Costs
• About My Trip
• Cost Breakdown
• Daily Budget: $77
• Flight: $218
• Accommodation: $211
• Transportation: $233
• Entertainment: $381
• Bangkok: $170
• Chiang Mai: $392
• Krabi/Ao Nang: $357
• Withdrawing Cash
• How Much Cash To Bring
• Credit Card Places
• Tipping Etiquette

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Is Thailand Expensive To Travel To?

Thailand ranks as  one of the most affordable  destinations in Asia. It has a relatively low cost of living, a wide range of accommodation options that fit different budgets, and a lively, cheap street food scene.

Along with Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, Thailand is often considered an inexpensive destination  in Southeast Asia.

💰 Trip Daily Budget for Destinations in Asia

For comparison, I visited these countries in Asia within a year of visiting Thailand, and here’s how much I spent per day at each one:

*My Cambodia daily budget is high because I splurged on accommodation.

See all my daily budgets .

How Much Is a Trip to Thailand?

This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.

🎒 Budget Traveler – Thailand Trip Cost

Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $35 per day or $245 for seven days of travel in Thailand, excluding flights.

Here’s what a budget traveler’s cost breakdown can look like:

Traveling Thailand on a Budget

To travel to Thailand on a budget, here are some things you’ll need to do:

• 🏠 Accommodation – For the cheapest option, stay at a  dorm-style hostel for as low as $5 a night . You can also stay at homestays where you can stay with a local family for about $12 a night.
• 🚗 Transportation – Take local buses, which can cost less than $1 per trip, or $2 songthaews, which are red passenger trucks that are common local transportation.

In Bangkok, public transportation (e.g., the MRT and BTS Skytrain) can cost less than $2 per ride . The city’s train is convenient for getting to and from Bangkok International Airport.

• 🌶️ Food – Eat at night markets and try local food at street stalls for less than $4 per meal. I ate six times at night markets in Chiang Mai and Krabi and averaged $5 per meal without trying to budget.

Tap water is generally unsafe to drink in Thailand, so you can also stock up on drinks and water at convenience stores instead of paying for them at restaurants or touristy places.

• 🐘 Entertainment – Visit free temples and monasteries instead of the famous ones with entrance fees (e.g., the famous Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace in Bangkok have a ~$15 fee). In tourist areas, you can negotiate tour prices in person instead of booking them ahead. This is especially true if you’re booking a guided tour for the next day (I did this in Krabi for the Phi Phi Islands tour, which saved me $20).
• ☀️ Travel Season – For the best deals on accommodations, travel to Thailand during the low season, which runs from April to May and July to September. April to May are the hottest months, and July to September is the wet season.

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Thailand Trip Cost

A mid-range budget traveler like myself can expect to spend approximately $80 per day or $560 for seven days of travel in Thailand, excluding flights. I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.

Is Thailand or Vietnam More Affordable To Travel To?

People often compare Thailand to Vietnam, as they are Southeast Asia’s most popular and affordable destinations .

Thailand is, on average, slightly more expensive to travel to than Vietnam. However, affordability and cost of living vary by region within each country. Still, Thailand is a more developed country, and Vietnam’s cost of living is lower than Thailand’s.

For tourists, Thailand’s cost per day is, on average, higher than Vietnam’s. Below is a rough daily budget comparison for a mid-range budget traveler.

For a seven-day trip, you can expect to spend roughly $455 in Vietnam and $560 in Thailand.

About My Thailand Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• Bangkok: 3 days
• Chiang Mai: 5 days
• Krabi (Ao Nang): 4 days
• ☀️ High season – I visited Thailand in November, which is considered the high season.

Thailand’s peak season runs from November to February, when the weather is drier and cooler.

• ✌️ Group travel – I traveled with one other person, so we were able to split some costs, such as housing.
• 💰 Mid-range budget – I consider myself a mid-range budget traveler, and these expenses reflect that. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m thoughtful about how and where I spend.
• 🍀 Self-funded – My trips are self-funded, so I paid for everything listed below. None of my excursions or experiences are sponsored.
• 💵 US dollars – All costs listed in this post are per person and in US dollars, converted from Thailand’s local currency, the Thai baht.

The exchange rate was $1 USD = ฿ 35 at the time of writing.

Thailand Trip’s Total Cost: $1,138

My nearly two-week trip to Thailand cost a total of $1,138 , including flights.

See the highlights of my trip in this  Thailand itinerary .

💰 Cost Breakdown for Thailand

Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:

🗓️ Daily Budget in Thailand: $77

My Thailand trip cost $77 per day , excluding my flights from Vietnam and to Cambodia.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $80 per day in Thailand. This generally means staying at accommodations that cost about $40 per night, eating a mix of street and restaurant food, and going on several non-private guided tours.

✈️ Flight Cost to Thailand: $218

I usually take round-trip flights from the United States, but I flew into Thailand from Vietnam and out to Cambodia for this trip. Here are my flight costs:

A round-trip flight between the US and Thailand that costs under $750 is considered cheap; international flights typically cost over $850.

Be aware of bag weight limits on budget airlines that hop around Asia. I flew AirAsia and VietJet Air, and both had a combined carry-on and checked-bag limit of 7kg (about 15 lbs). If you pass this limit, you’ll have to pay an extra checked bag fee. I paid $14 per bag, but some fees were as high as $45.

🏠 Accommodation Cost in Thailand: $211

My average cost of accommodation in Thailand was $18 per day. I was able to split accommodations with one other person at all times.

Here are the accommodations I stayed at and how much I paid for each:

Accommodations in Thailand are incredibly affordable. You can stay at a mid-range hotel for as low as $15 per night . A private room costs as low as $10 per night at a budget hotel. Even luxury hotels, which start at $150 per night , are relatively inexpensive.

🌶️ Food Cost in Thailand: $95

My average cost of food in Thailand was $8 per day.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about  $15 per day  on food in Thailand.

Cheapest Meals in Thailand

Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:

Food in Thailand is extremely affordable. You can easily eat meals for $5 or less every day if you go to local restaurants, night markets, and street food stalls.

Most Expensive Meals in Thailand

Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:

I recommend going on a food tour early on your Thailand trip. This is the easiest and best way to discover authentic, delicious food and restaurants you can try throughout your trip.

🚗 Transportation Cost in Thailand: $233

My average cost of transportation in Thailand was $19 per day.

My average cost of transportation is high because I took two domestic flights to travel long distances within Thailand. Had I not taken any domestic flights, my average cost of transportation would have been $8 per day.

Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:

Grab rides are almost always more affordable than flagging down a taxi or tuk-tuk in Thailand. Pro tip: use Grab prices as a baseline for negotiating with taxis or tuk-tuks when they’re more conveniently available.

🐘 Entertainment Costs in Thailand: $381

My average cost of entertainment in Thailand was $32 per day. This total includes a 5% to 15% tip at certain places.

A typical mid-range traveler in Thailand can expect to spend about  $35 a day on entertainment.

Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:

Learn how to choose ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.

Cost Breakdown by Destination in Thailand

Below are my trip expense breakdowns for  Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Krabi (specifically the Ao Nang area) . Bangkok and Chiang Mai are often featured in first-timers’ travel itineraries.

🏍️ Bangkok Trip’s Total Cost: $170

During my three-day trip to Bangkok, I averaged $57 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at a mid-range budget hotel and was able to split accommodation costs with one other person. During my trip, I did a unique and memorable food tour, visited Wat Pho, and was impressed with the city’s aquarium.

Despite being the capital city and one of the more expensive places in Thailand, Bangkok is still incredibly affordable . A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $55 per day in Bangkok. You can find mid-range accommodations for less than $20 a night, eat for less than $5 a meal, and take advantage of public transportation to get around.

🐘 Chiang Mai Trip’s Total Cost: $392

During my five-day trip to Chiang Mai, I averaged $78 in daily travel expenses. Excluding my flight ticket from Krabi, my total cost was $304, and my average cost was $61 per day.

I split an Airbnb with someone and did quintessential Chiang Mai activities (e.g., visited an ethical elephant sanctuary , talked to monks , and attended a cabaret show).

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand and is affordable. A mid-range budget traveler can expect to have a daily travel budget of $60 , similar to Bangkok.

🚤 Krabi/Ao Nang Trip’s Total Cost: $357

During my four-day trip to Krabi/Ao Nang, I averaged $89 in daily travel expenses. Excluding my flight ticket to Krabi from Bangkok, my total cost was $307, and my average cost was $77 per day.

I split an Airbnb with someone and did activities like a Phi Phi Islands day tour (which included stops at the beautiful beaches of Koh Phi Phi, Ton Sai, and Bamboo Island), outdoor rock climbing at Railay Beach, and an informative and delicious northern Thailand food tour .

Krabi is less popular than Phuket in terms of Thailand beaches. But it’s still one of the pricier destinations where a mid-range budget traveler can expect to have a daily travel budget of $60 .

Do You Need Cash in Thailand?

Thailand’s economy is largely based on cash transactions , especially in non-tourist areas, so bring some cash. I needed to use cash almost everywhere when I visited.

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Thailand.

💵 1. Withdraw cash in Thai baht.

Thailand’s local currency is the Thai baht (฿), and the US dollar is not widely accepted.

ATMs are readily available in many tourist places in Thailand, but if your debit card doesn’t reimburse your ATM fees, you’ll want to withdraw a higher amount less frequently to save on fees.

🏧 2. Carry about $40 to $50 worth of cash per day in Thailand.

On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Thailand will need  at least $40 in cash  to cover food, transportation, and attractions. A daily cash expense breakdown can look like this:

• $15 at restaurants and cafes
• $20 for tipping and entrance fees
• $5 for transportation and other miscellaneous spending

I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.

💳 3. Very few places in Thailand take credit cards.

Being able to use a credit card in Thailand is the exception, but below are some places that accepted credit cards during my trip:

• Touristy restaurants – This was especially true in Bangkok.
• Established massage places – However, the places typically had a 3% credit card fee.
• Grab app rides – You can also tip through the app, so you don’t need cash for these.
• Malls and attractions within them – Many stores inside a mall will take cards. The Bangkok Aquarium also accepts cards.

💰 4. Tipping is not customary in Thailand.

Tipping is often appreciated in Thailand, but it’s optional. Tipping is most often expected from tourists and businesses that serve visitors.

• Tours – Tour guides will gladly accept 10% to 15% tips, especially those serving Americans.
• Dining – When eating out, you can leave behind some of the remaining change.
• Drivers – You can tip through the Grab app at about 5% to 10% if you like.
• Other service workers – Given how affordable massages are in Thailand, consider leaving a 20% tip since it won’t be that much money for you, but it can make a difference to the masseuse.

See other essential travel tips for Thailand before visiting.

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Thailand Travel Guides

• 🇹🇭 Planning A Trip To Thailand: 11 Practical Things To Know
• 🏝️ 10 Epic Days in Thailand: An Active & Unique Itinerary
• 🐘 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 👲🏻 Monk Chats in Chiang Mai: Firsthand Review & Tips

🧋 Support Lukiih

Lists by Lukiih is a humble website that I fund with my own savings. If you find my tips helpful, I appreciate you saying thanks with a bubble tea !

Thank you, Lukiih. I’m glad I found your review. I’ll be arriving in BKK on 3/30 for 18 days solo. Planning on spending time in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin (maybe Joe Tien).

One of my main concerns was about credit cards and you’ve answered that fully. I’m planning on bringing $3K cash with me – I’m not a partier or fine diner but I do want to explore. Since I will need to convert $ to TB, where do you recommend doing this? The first opportunity will be in the airport. Aside from converting at the airport what I’ll need for a few days, would I get a better exchange rate at a bank?

Thank you for you help.

Hi Tom, glad you found this review helpful. I didn’t have to exchange USD for THB in Thailand, so I don’t have any firsthand tips other than the exchange rates at the airports are generally terrible.

I’m not comfortable carrying a large sum of cash when I travel, so I withdraw as I go. I have a debit card that will reimburse my ATM fees and provides a good exchange rate, so I rely on ATMs. Good luck exchanging money and enjoy your trip!

Dear Lukiin Thanks for your article, very interesting. I will fly to Tailand in one week time whit my husband and two sons 6 and 16th years old. We will stay 3 days in Bangkok, 3 days Krabi, 2 days Phi Phi Island, 2 days Raylay beach, 3 days Chiang and finely 3 day Chiang Rai. I aredy paid 3 flights between Bangkok, Krabi,, Cĥiang Mai, and from Chiang Rai back to Bangkok, also some of the hotes also payd.

Do you thin I can manage to leve for 100€ a day for 4 of us for food ets?

Hi Olga, glad you found this article helpful. I can only speak about my experience, but I think 100€ to 120€ per day is sufficient for the four of you, especially because one of your sons is so young. All of your destinations are tourist hot spots, so prices might be a tad bit higher, but Thailand is overall very affordable.

Hi there, I found your article really good so thank you. I am leaving in 1 week for a month long trip to Thailand with my 2 teenage children (lucky them right). I have only pre booked all my accommodation (pay when I arrive) and have booked all 2 internal flights and paid for them already. I have run out of time unfortunately to get a travel wise card which after much research am bummed about as seems this is the best way to avoid all the bank transactions fees. I don’t really want to carry enough cash for 4 weeks as that would be an extreme amount to take for 3 people. Do you have any advice for me or am I just going to have to use ATM machines and pay the extravagant bank fees 🙁. I am happy to use my debit card to pay for my accommodation when I arrive which will be in 5 destinations. Looked at getting a Wise Travel digital card as can get instantly and they have much lower atm fees, pretty sure most places wouldn’t have contactless ATMs or payment options being Thailand right as it’s the same as using Apple Pay (tap to pay). We are going to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Railay. Regards 🙂

Hi Sarah, glad you found this article helpful! I can only speak about my experience: – I also never carry too much on me (about $100 at most) – Yes, Thailand heavily relies on cash, so I wouldn’t depend on credit, debit cards or any tap to pay technology. – I had no trouble finding ATM machines around Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Railay. I didn’t go to Phuket, but it’s one of the most tourist-heavy destinations, so I can’t imagine them not having ATMs. – I have a debit card with zero transaction fees AND it reimburses my ATM fees, but I do remember the fees being high (about $6 for every withdrawal). The fees do suck, but Thailand is also so affordable that the fees feel like a reasonable sacrifice (e.g., you might have to pay a $6 fee every time you take out money, but your meals can also be as cheap as $3 depending on where you go). Or you might have to consider just taking out more than you’re comfortable.

Have a great time with your two lucky teens! 🍀

Very helpful article.

We’re going to Thailand for 15 days just over 2 weeks from now! As retirees with a budget that can afford comfort, we’re on a group tour for 10 days, taking a cooking class in Bangkok before our tour, and staying at a resort hotel in Phuket a few nights at the end. Our itinerary also includes overnights in Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai. Hotels and transportation are prepaid. Breakfast every day and some dinners are included, as are excursions and attractions on the tour, except for some free days. I assume the Phuket resort will accept credit card.

So I’m trying to determine how much cash we need for the two of us for the non-included meals (ranging from street food to sit-downs), attractions on our free days, and souvenirs and gifts. I’m leaning toward 50,000 Thai Baht (between $1400-$1500 US). That’s $90-$100 per day. You’re recommending $40 per day per person ($80 total), so it seems like I’ve got that plus a cushion. Do you agree? Or suggest we carry less?

Hi Ken, glad you found this article helpful.

You’re going to be in three of Thailand’s most expensive destinations: Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, so I don’t think it hurts to bring a bit extra per person. At the same time, a lot of your trip is already covered (e.g., transportation, some meals), so I don’t think you’ll need much outside of tipping, buying small souvenirs, dining out, etc, which can all be very affordable by US’s standards.

My $40 per day estimate also includes massages, which can be very cheap in Thailand, but you might be going to nicer places. Overall, you seem to be doing a nicer trip than what I did, so roughly $80-$90 per day per person sounds right.

If you end up using significantly more or less cash after your trip, feel free to shoot me a note. I’ll be curious as to why :). Enjoy your trip!

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16 tips for a budget visit to Thailand

Oct 28, 2023 • 10 min read

These top budget tips with a guide to daily costs can help you keep your spending under control on a trip to Thailand © Chadchai Ra-ngubpai / Getty Images

Travelers looking for adventures on a shoestring flock to Thailand .

With its heady blend of pocket-friendly travel experiences, cultural surprises, easy transport, spicy-not-pricey food and one of the world’s friendliest backpacker scenes, Thailand could well be the perfect budget travel destination.

However, the cost of a trip can vary wildly depending on where you go and the levels of comfort you're looking for when you get here. Spend too much time in Bangkok, take lots of tours and drink lots of bottled beer, and you're looking at spending a whole lot more.

Here are our top tips for traveling further for less in Thailand.

1. Places to stay are cheaper in the low season

Prices for accommodations and transport shoot up from November to March, coinciding with the driest weather and travel-friendly temperatures. The July to September low season is the rainiest time of year; some ferry routes and island resorts close down completely, but accommodation prices drop significantly. Hotel rates also dip during the spring and fall shoulder seasons , which can be a rewarding time to visit without the winter crowds. 

2. Air travel into Thailand can be surprisingly low

Bangkok is one of Asia’s cheapest destinations to reach by air, particularly if you come with Qatar Airways, Etihad or another Gulf carrier, but prices creep upwards during the peak winter season. If flights to Bangkok are looking costly, investigate flights to Singapore , Kuala Lumpur and other Asian hubs, and see if you can find a cheap connection to the capital on Air Asia or another budget carrier.

Alternatively, connect to Bangkok by train . Regular trains run from Johor Bahru – just over the causeway from Singapore – to KL, Butterworth (for Penang) and north along the isthmus to Bangkok for around US$80 one way. It’s one of Asia’s most enjoyable rail journeys. 

3. Resist the taxis at the airports

Most new arrivals fly into Bangkok’s busy Suvarnabhumi International Airport, 30km (19 miles) east of Bangkok, though a few budget carriers still use Don Mueang International Airport near Chatuchak Weekend Market . At either hub, eager agents will try to talk you into expensive airport taxis.

Instead, take public transit; Suvarnabhumi has Airport Rail Link trains that connect with the downtown Skytrain and MRT network, and a free shuttle bus to a local transport terminus with cheap city buses into the center. Don Mueang has regular overground trains and slow but inexpensive local buses to the middle of Bangkok. 

At airports all over Thailand, you can often find a cheap taxi ride by flagging down a cab on the highway outside the airport-terminal complex, avoiding airport charges. Just remember to check if any highway tolls apply for the journey into town.

4. Stay in homestays or hostels

Accommodation prices in Thailand have been climbing steadily for years, in line with rising standards. Many backpacker places are edging into boutique-hotel territory, with cafes, bars, wi-fi and pools, and the US$5 box rooms of old are a dying breed.

To keep a lid on costs, sleep in dorms; rates start around 250B. For not too much more, you can find basic rooms and bungalows with shared bathrooms and fans rather than A/C (or central air-conditioning instead of a unit in every room). If you're traveling with friends, sharing triple and quad rooms can be a great way to save money.

Camping can be astonishingly cheap, with rates at many national parks starting from 30B per person. Homestays are another inexpensive option in rural areas; rooms tend to be rustic but comfortable, and you get authentic home cooking and cultural immersion in the bargain. Also, look out for discounted rates at hostels and budget hotels via booking sites such as Booking.com and Agoda.

5. Skip internal flights and tourist minivans for local buses and trains

Even if you stick to budget airlines, flying internally in Thailand and making use of those oh-so-convenient tourist minivans will jack up your travel costs. Instead, use public buses or travel in second or third-class carriages on the trains. 

If you don’t mind sleeping in a reclining seat, you can save the cost of a berth (and a hotel room) by taking a slow overnight train or overnight bus. Buy tickets directly from bus and train operators to avoid travel agent fees.

Buses run by the state transport company Baw Khaw Saw (BKS) are usually cheaper than private buses. Most bus stations have ticketing halls where all the companies advertise their destinations so that you can compare fares. Ordinary and express buses are cheaper (but less comfortable) than VIP buses or luxury VIP24 or VIP32 buses, named for the number of seats on board. 

6. Take taxis or a  sŏrng·tăa·ou  instead of tuk-tuks

For local trips, regard tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) as a travel experience rather than a serious means of transport. Prices are routinely hiked for tourists,  and trips often involve detours to commission-paying souvenir shops and other establishments. Sǎamláw – three-wheeled pedicabs – also work on a bargaining system, but they’re not too expensive for short hops. 

A metered taxi is usually a more stable bet – just be aware that traffic jams can make even a short journey slow and expensive. Rideshares can be summoned through Grab and other apps, but you’ll often pay more than you would for a regular taxi. For trips around town (or from town to nearby villages), by far the cheapest option is the sŏrng·tăa·ou – a pick-up truck with benches that operates like a local bus.

7. It's cheap to rent a motorcycle or scooter, but ride carefully!

Renting a scooter or motorcycle is a remarkably cheap way to get around in Thailand , particularly for local exploring. In most traveler centers, you can pick up a ride for as little as 150B per day, and petrol costs around 40B per liter. Thailand has a shocking rate of traffic accidents, so ride cautiously and slowly and make sure liability insurance is included as part of the hire. It may not be enough to rely on your own travel insurance.

8. Eat at street stalls and night markets

If you find restaurant dining is eating through your stock of baht, look to street stalls and wandering hawker carts that are always gratifyingly inexpensive. Stick to busy stalls and avoid uncooked fruit and veg.

As dusk falls across Thailand, street corners, parking lots, boat jetties and station forecourts transform into bustling night markets, where some of the best food in town can be had for low prices. Indeed, grazing from pàt tai noodle stall to sà·dé (satay) stand to ðôm yam soup vendor is one of Thailand’s great pleasures. For a real bargain, seek out the food courts attached to bus stations and other transport hubs, where bowls of noodle soup and other tasty local snacks can be had for penny prices.

9. Expect a high tax on alcohol

Going out in Thailand can be surprisingly expensive because of the taxes on alcohol. Knocking back the bottles of Singha or Chang beer can easily double your meal bill, so sip slowly or do as locals do and share a bottle of Thai whiskey or rum (usually enjoyed with ice and soda or cola). If only a beer will do, Chang is usually cheaper than Singha.

10. There's rarely a cover charge at live music bars

For inexpensive evening entertainment, a trip to a live music bar gives a lot of bang for not many bahts. There’s rarely a cover charge, and most venues have a rotating line-up of bands playing technically adept covers of popular songs. 

11. National parks have entry fees, and activities can be costly

Entry fees to Thailand’s many national parks are not too onerous – typically 200–300B – but they can add up. The big costs are usually associated with transport into national parks and organized activities such as guided hikes , boat trips and scuba diving. If you’re looking to save money, competition between operators keeps prices down at Khao Sok National Park and Khao Yai National Park . 

Accommodations at national parks, on the other hand, are very reasonably priced, with bungalows going for 350-500B and tent spaces costing from 30B (US$0.90) per person. Tents are often available for rent for around 150B. Most national parks with accommodations also have basic canteens offering simple Thai dishes at budget prices.

12. Thailand’s minor monasteries are often free to visit

Thailand’s most famous monasteries – including Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok – charge pricey entry fees for tourists. If you’re watching the pennies, smaller monasteries are often completely free to visit, and they are arguably more interesting because of the absence of photo-snapping crowds. In any town you pass through, ask a local for tips on the most interesting wát in the area – there’ll always be something intriguing to see.

13. Hot spring treatments are cheaper than spas 

Thailand’s spas are world-famous, and the sky is the limit when it comes to prices at the luxe end of the market. However, you can find therapeutic treatments for a song at dozens of natural hot springs dotted around the hills of northern Thailand. 

Chiang Mai in the north is ringed by government-run hot spring complexes, where therapeutic baths and other treatments come at highly agreeable prices. At Pha Daeng National Park , access to the pools costs just 100B, and you can camp for 30B per person; entry prices are similar at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs.

14. Seek out economical Thai massages 

Having a vigorously relaxing Thai massage is de rigueur on a trip to Thailand, and you can pay the earth at posh hotels and luxury spas. At the other end of the spectrum, you can enjoy a pocket-friendly pummeling from former convicts at Chiang Mai’s Vocational Training Centre of the Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Institution and Lila Thai Massage , where many graduates work full-time. 

Alternatively, head to the massage pavilions on the grounds of Thai monasteries, where massages are performed by people trained in traditional Buddhist massage, as taught by the monks of Bangkok’s Wat Pho , the spiritual birthplace of Thai massage.

15. Thailand is one of the cheapest places to learn to scuba dive

Budget travelers can breathe easy – Thailand is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to scuba dive. An open water dive certification course on Ko Tao will cost around 10,000B, and dives start from 1500B if you go in off the beach. While Ko Tao is the cheapest dive hub, other inexpensive spots include Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi .

16. Bring your own gear for free experiences

Every imaginable adrenaline activity is possible in Thailand, from canyoning and kiteboarding to bungee jumping, zip-lining and jungle trekking. However, prices can be steep, particularly for organized, tourist-oriented trips that include transport. If you want thrills at minimum cost, head to Railay near Krabi, Thailand’s favorite rock climbing playground, where epic limestone routes start right off the beach. There’s no charge to climb with your own gear (or it can be rented cheaply), and budget rooms are available at Hat Ton Sai. If you've got your own snorkeling gear, you can see the underwater world for free at beaches across Thailand .

A guide to daily costs in Thailand

• Basic guesthouse room: 500–1000B (US$15–30)
• Market/street-stall meal: 40–100B (US$1.20–3.00)
• Bottle of local beer: 80B (US$2.40)
• Organized tour or activity: from 1500B (US$45)
• Motorbike or scooter hire per day: 150–300B (US$4.50–9.00)

This article was first published Feb 2, 2022 and updated Oct 28, 2023.

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Thailand Trip Costs 2023 – How Much

Will it cost per day.

Thailand trip costs are going to vary quite a lot in terms of the place or places you’re planning to stay and various other factors….

There are so many variables in regards to the person (do you booze and party…or have a glass of wine with a meal?), places (cities more options – Islands less), visiting various places or primarily one, and many others that it’s tricky to give an exact amount of travel expenditure required, but an estimate always helps.

I thought it best to keep it simple and then include within other articles more specifics based on destinations and touristic things to do. Whatever your plan there are always great options and value for all budget types in Thailand – from the backpacker to those wishing to have an extravagant holiday.

Three weeks is probably the most common amount of time tourists spend in Thailand that I have met and makes sense in terms of seeing, doing, and relaxing plenty after and before returning on a long-haul flight.

Budgets based on three weeks it is then!

All figures will be in USD as it’s the most stable and common currency, at the moment. 100 THB is around 3 USD and 1000 THB – 30 USD which is approximate based on rounding it off and today’s exchange.

Alcohol & Cigarettes- Partying & Ladies

For some visitors to Thailand there primary purpose is to enjoy drinking, partying or the lady bar scene. If that’s the plan Stan then Thailand surely provides the right setting and conditions to fulfill this purpose in style. This is a separate budget on it’s own, and the sky is the limit on what cash can leave your wallet….and it can leave in abundance.

Alcohol Costs

• Wine: Wine is expensive usually as it’s imported, a bottle 1200 THB (36 USD) + or 250 THB (7.5 USD) + a glass.
• Beer: Anything from 80 – 150 THB (2.5 – 4.5 USD) for small bottles of local beer (i.e., Leo, Singha, Tiger, and a couple of others).
• Spirits & Cocktails: From 80 – 300 THB (2.5 – 9 USD) a glass. If you’re going out to nightclubs it pays to order a bottle and just pay for mixers if there is a group of you. At some places especially the beer gardens you can take your own bottle or buy theirs and order mixers and ice (check for corkage charge though).

A quick mention about cigarettes…they’re cheap as chips. Approx 40 – 120 THB (1 – 4 USD).

Nightclubs require an entrance fee that differs for each venue and you might find offers may be available. If you’re a boozer and on a budget the nightclubs are going to sting you for cash that are worth avoiding or at least limiting. Even mixers are expensive so there’s no way of budgeting.

For those sensible people that drink 2 or 3 drinks and dance for a couple of hours or so then you can get away with spending about 1000 THB (30 USD).

GoGo and Lady Bars

Drinks are more expensive in the lady bars and it’s polite to buy a hostess a drink (an extra 100 THB on top of the normal price), but you don’t have to buy drinks for hostesses unless you wish. Many of them will ring you dry if possible. Happy hours are the best times to go to save on cash.

Drink costs for small bottles of local beer and spirits are anything from 80 – 250 THB (2.5 – 7.5 USD) and buying a bar girl a drink will cost you about 160 – 350 THB (5 – 10 USD).

Guys taking a lady out for the night from the bar will cost them a bar fine (charge for the lady not continuing to work that night) of 300 – 700 THB (7.5 – 21 USD). The lady in question has her evening charge for her company which could be anything from 1500 – 2500 THB + (45 – 90 USD).

You were told Thailand is cheap to booze right? Not so, but some places are still reasonably priced. If you’re a happy hour person you’ll save quite a few baht. Visiting beer gardens is also budget-friendly.

I can drop most of the dollar converting out now….you’ve probably got the idea if you’ve followed so far.

Food, Rehydration & Eating Out Budget

In Thailand, you can buy a meal from 45 THB – 500 THB +. Really good deals on the food in Thailand. Even fine dining and 5-star buffets can still be value for money compared to the UK, my home country, Europe, and beyond.

Three meals a day, rehydration drinks and snacks are going to cost around….

• Low budget backpacker 400 THB or less.
• Budget friendly but still not too tight 600 THB +/-.
• Mid range 600 THB and above.

For a budget day without being tight you can still spend 100 THB for breakfast, 100 THB for lunch, 250 THB for an evening meal, and 150 THB for rehydration and cheap snacks, totaling 600 THB for the day. Take advantage of the street stalls selling fruit, coconut water, sweetcorn, and other great healthy snacks that are cheap.

Of course, you could eat three 45 THB meals a day, have a couple of snacks and bottles of water which may cost a person 200 THB, but it’s not most people’s idea of a fun holiday.

Hotels, Guesthouse & Resort Costs

Backpacker & Budget: Hostels and guesthouses are the main option that attracts those on a tighter budget. The hostels have dorms like many other countries. Dorms cost from as little as 100 – 350 THB. Budget room with a fan only and shared bathroom 300 – 600 THB. Budget room with air con 600 – 900 THB.

Budget to Mid Range: Hotels within the price range of 900 – 1500 THB. Once you get over the 1000 baht mark rooms become much nicer and the facilities. Around 1300 THB I have found great places to stay without breaking the bank.

Mid Range: Mid-range of 1300 – 3000 THB is the best option for most people for a good room and facilities. Really nice and peaceful resorts start to become available after the 1800 THB level.

Top Range: From 3000 ++. The resort and hotel world of Thailand is your oyster.

Most places in Thailand have lush and lavish accommodation options at reasonable rates, great mid range hotels at good rates and super budget friendly shacks and guesthouses or dorms. It really is open to all budgets.

Transportation Costs

Transport costs are fairly cheap across the board in Thailand, although there are differences in various places. Every place has their own main modes of transport and options.

Taxis, motorbike taxis, tuk tuks, songthaews, buses, or the Bangkok subway (MRT) and skytrain (BTS) will cost anything from 10 THB – 300 THB, although certain places and situations could cost a bit more (always research the place and route you’re taking). More about transport in Thailand here.

Examples of Transport Costs

You can use the below examples as a good transport estimated guide if traveling a bit further south to Krabi or Phuket and other places. Other islands like Samui cost more, although there are other options (e.g. fly Bangkok – Surat Thani then Bus then Boat) you may consider.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

• Flight: Minimum 85 USD with hand luggage only and 150 USD return flight with 20 KG checked baggage. The domestic flights all have baggage restrictions (Bangkok Airways allows 32 KG) and costs that you must check before booking.
• Train: Second class overnight train 1050 THB each way. There are many other train ticket options to Chiang Mai but the overnight is popular. More about Thailand trains here .
• Bus/Coach: The long 10 hour journey to Chiang Mai on the bus costs around 450 THB.

Add a bit more on top for transport costs to and from airports or other transportation hubs.

Boat Trips & Island Hopping

There are many boat trips and island hopping options in Thailand and different costs, with speed boat trips and better services costing more. Approx costs 700 – 2500 + THB.

Activities & Sightseeing

Activities and sightseeing can bump up costs and they’re not always that revealing at first to the budget plan. Visiting temples in Bangkok or any other tourist attractions will stick another 100 – 500 + THB on the days budget, for entrance fees.

If you like your jet skiing, banana boating, paragliding, snorkeling, or diving…….or any other water, air or land sports then you will need to add an extra 500 – 2500 THB + for each activity.

Gifts & Shopping

Buying gifts for others and personal shopping is the same as shopping anywhere else in the world. including our home countries. You can buy cheap or expensive gifts in Thailand and it’s particularly good for those that buy copies. In terms of clothing and other brand stuff buying back home in the UK is much cheaper, but the duty free is good.

You will need to add to your spending budget the amount you’re willing to spend on shopping as there are too many variables to give anyone a reasonable clue to how much it’s going to cost.

Three Week Trip – 21 Day Guides

This is a basic guide for three budget levels. Budget, budget with some luxuries and closer to mid-range or above. These exclude alcohol, partying, shopping and smokes.

Accommodation 10’000 THB – 300 USD

Food – Eating Out 8400 THB – 250 USD

Transport 9000 THB – 270 USD Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Bangkok + Bangkok – Phuket (train and bus) + boat trip – Bangkok + local transport estimates

Activities/Sightseeing 5000 THB – 150 USD  

Total 32’200 THB – 972 USD Now you will need to add as required alcohol, nightlife, cigarettes, and any gift shopping that you may need. This is fairly budgety on the food front that you may need to increase if you wish to eat at better restaurants and the same in regards to accommodation that’s based on fan-type rooms and dorms.

Budget to Mid Range

Accommodation 25’200 THB – 760 USD

Food – Eating Out 18’000 THB – 540 USD

Transport 15’000 THB – 450 USD Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Bangkok + Bangkok – Phuket (flights) + boat trip – Bangkok + local transport estimates

Activities/Sightseeing 10’000 THB – 300 USD  

Total: 68’200 THB – 2’060 USD While this is budget to mid-range in estimates you get really good value for money, eating well, good accommodation, and just enough of visiting places and activities. For the average drinker and room to budge with cash – 3’000 USD would provide a great holiday.

Mid Range and Above

Accommodation 42’000 THB – 1270 USD +

Food – Eating Out 21’000 THB – 635 USD +

Transport 15’000 THB – 450 USD Bangkok – Chiang Mai Bangkok + Bangkok – Phuket (flights) + boat trip – Bangkok + local transport estimates

Total Costs 88’000 THB – 2’660 USD + At the mid-range level, Thailand really ups its game in terms of accommodation and restaurant-quality that’s value for money. You can go anywhere above this range but the above guide is a good baseline.

Average drinker with room to spare ‘in terms of cash’ I would go along with 4’000 USD + and it would be a luxury vacation and possibly cash left over for duty-free gifts.

Pace Yourself

Taking it easy on the spending budget the first week in Thailand is a smart move, especially when you have never visited before. Thailand can seem very cheap and it is in many ways, however, before you know it a travel budget can drop drastically within a blink of an eye.

Keeping the budget a bit tight the first week or few days will help you get familiar with the costs here. Keeping it tighter the first week could enable the last week of your stay to be spent in much more luxurious accommodation before heading home, by being smart the first week.

I’m Jonesy. The one responsible for whole lot of things including having this Thailand site up and running. I first arrived in Thailand in 2008 and being a web developer it made sense to create a website and write some stuff about my second home. Enjoy your travels!

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17 Best Thailand On A Budget Travel Tips And Tricks (2024)

• Updated on July 15, 2024
• Tips and Tricks

What You Will Learn (Click to Expand)

Why thailand is such a great cost-friendly destination.

As a seasoned traveler and a Thailand local, I can assure you the Land of Smiles tops the list as one of the most budget-friendly destinations worldwide! It offers stunning value, making it an unmatched paradise for thrifty wanderers like us.

There are plentiful reasons that substantiate the affordable charm of Thailand. From heavenly yet inexpensive street food to pocket-friendly accommodations, Thailand welcomes everyone.

The affordability extends to the transportation facilities, ensuring you can explore the farthest corners without denting your wallet.

• Exploring awe-inspiring and free-of-cost temples is a favorite activity among travelers.
• Delectable street food, with dishes starting from under a dollar, promises a gastronomic adventure without breaking the bank.
• Easy-on-the-pocket night markets offer treasures to take back, with bargaining as the cherry on top!
• Inexpensive local transport services will make your journey to places like the turquoise islands or green hills as pleasant as the destinations themselves.

Indeed, by setting foot in Thailand, every globetrotter can experience its rich culture without overspending.

In this article, I’ve prepared 17 Amazing Tips and Tricks for Traveling to Thailand On A Budget.

Let’s dive in!

17 Best Tips And Tricks for Traveling Thailand On A Budget

1. travel during the low season.

The season when you travel will have the highest impact on your Thailand travel budget. Visiting during the low season can cut your cost in half.

It’s a budget traveler’s dream, with fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations and flights.

Here’s how you do it:

• Plan your trip between May and October. Do note it’s the rainy season, so expect short sun-showers almost daily. They are quick and refreshing, so it’s not a big deal, in my opinion.
• Try negotiating rates for hotels and hostels; it’s off-peak, and there are vacant rooms waiting!
• Use your charm and local language skills in bargaining. Learn a few words in Thai and be pleasant and respectful. Thrifty travel is an art, after all.
• And don’t panic about the rainfall. Some of the best Thai festivals, like Visakha Bucha and Asahna Bucha Day , happen during the low season. Even with a little drizzle, these colorful and cultural showcases are worth every minute.

With fewer crowds and lower prices, you can adventure on a budget and still have a crazy, unforgettable experience!

2. Create a budget and stick to it

Creating and adhering to a budget is absolutely crucial when planning a trip to the fantastic Thailand – the travel destination known for its affordably rich experiences!

With careful planning and smart choices, your trip can be both budget-friendly and unforgettable.

Here’s how:

• Start by defining a daily spending limit. Based on personal accounts, one can manage to traverse Thailand as low as $30 per day.
• You can use a free Spending app to keep track of your expenses and if you are leaning over or under budget.
• Save at least six months in advance to handle significant expenses before your trip commences. This lessens the burden of surprise costs.
• Not all expenses are included in your daily budget. For example, you may have to purchase some items ahead of your trip.
• Optimize your spending by embracing local experiences, such as taking local buses, enjoying street food, and drinking local beer.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy without overspending!

3. Travel to the North of Thailand

Let your wanderlust be fulfilled, and your pockets stay filled as you explore North Thailand – your one-stop destination for breathtaking views, exotic culture, and endless adventure on a budget.

• Choosing to visit the North of Thailand in cities like Chiang Mai, Pai, or Chiang Rai can cut your spending by 30-50% compared to islands like Koh Samui or Phuket.
• Start your journey in Chiang Mai, an old city known for its serene temples, vibrant markets, delectable street food, and laid-back vibes. Skip pricy tour packages: explore on foot or rent a bike for a few dollars a day.
• Venture into the jungle with affordable treks launching from Chiang Mai. Be sure to visit the local elephant sanctuary. It’s regarded as one of Thailand’s best while being remarkably cheap.
• Take in the stunning beauty of Doi Inthanon National Park, a gem not overrun by tourists. Viator.com offers top-notch tours and accommodations without breaking the bank.
• Immerse yourself in Thai culture during Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated in April. You’ll experience unforgettable joy in this grand water fight, and it’s absolutely free!

Prepare to be captivated by North Thailand, a paradise for budget travelers.

Related Article: Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai .

4. Stay at affordable accommodations

Oh boy, isn’t traveling in Thailand a blast for your buck? From drool-inducing street food to exotic sights, every penny saved on accommodations means more adventures.

Explore a broad range of affordable options: hostels, budget hotels, and charming guesthouses.

To grab top-notch deals, and yes, they do exist, use Booking.com , which I find pretty convenient with their free cancelation options.

Want more savings? Group travels or sharing rooms can trim down costs big time! Camping and homestays in rural areas also add a zesty flavor to your cultural immersion while saving some greens.

• Budget Hotels: A social scene, rates start from as low as $10/night. Just remember to book in advance.
• Local guesthouses: Rustic, private rooms with local charm at virtually the same price as two hostel beds, a steal for couples.
• Hostels: Fun places to meet fellow budgeteers at very low prices. I use HostelWorld.com to book.

Remember, a wise traveler never compromises on experiences, only on expenses!

Hair Tools Travel Bag

5. eat at local restaurants.

Local restaurants in Thailand are a tantalizing treat for every budget traveler. Not only do they offer an affordable way to explore the country’s finest cuisine, they also serve a heaping side of authentic Thai culture with every meal.

Here’s your recipe for gastronomic success:

• Look out for bustling local eateries with a crowd of Thai patrons— that’s a sign of good food!
• Dish out your dollars for local favorites like pat tai noodles, chicken satay, and Tom Yam soup.
• Skip pricey tourist spots with Western menus. Instead, feast on local Thai dishes for just $1.50-3USD per meal at charming street stalls and tiny restaurants.
• Use apps like Eatigo for discounted meals and ask locals for hidden culinary gems.

Scour the streets, taste the local flavors, and live the Thai life– with a happy heart and fuller wallet.

6. Find free or cheap activities

Maximize your travel experience in Thailand without breaking the bank! Combine planning and spontaneity to discover a wealth of free and low-cost activities.

• Embrace the abundant free attractions such as temples, parks, and marketplaces. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but they also allow a deeper understanding of the culture.
• Find walking or food tours on TripAdvisor; they list their entire itinerary, then just use Google Maps to navigate and do it yourself for free.
• Download local apps like Eatigo for dining discounts, Klook and Trazy for ticket deals on attractions.
• Traveling in groups? Seek out shared tours or group discounts to cut expenses on entry fees and transportation.
• Lastly, leverage the knowledge of locals for insider details on hidden gems. Check out Couchsurfing meet-ups for this purpose.

Thailand has one free activity in abundance: check out Thailand’s Best Beaches .

7. Get a local SIM card with data

Using your phone with your home network on Roamning will be very expensive in Thailand. Instead, grab a local SIM card for easy, affordable connectivity!

Hunting down a Thai SIM card with a prepaid plan packed with generous data allowances saves you big bucks. It’s an absolute game-changer!

Bagging one is simple:

• The main carriers in Thailand are AIS, TrueH Mobile, and Dtac; any of their pre-paid plans will be good.
• Bring your passport with you; they will want a copy of it.
• You can find SIM cards at the airport when you land, but they will be more expensive.
• If possible, head to a local mall, BigC supermarket, or 7-Eleven and get your SIM there. Don’t shy away; ask for their cost-effective prepaid plans.
• Ensure your phone is not carrier-locked, pop that card into your smartphone, begin the plan, and voila, you’re connected!

Stay connected and save money.

You will also enjoy My Top Thailand Travel Tips .

8. Use travel apps and book in advance

Traveling on a budget to Thailand can be a magical experience, and you can save big just by using nifty travel apps and booking in advance!

These two tricks are game-changers in managing your spending while ensuring an enjoyable trip.

• Start by downloading local travel apps such as Booking , Agoda , and AirBnb for discounts and price comparisons.
• Group travels or shared tours could slash costs on transportation and entry fees.
• Love free breakfasts? Let’s not forget to book hostels that offer them!
• For comfortable, budget-friendly commutes, use Grab , InDrive , or Bolt instead of taxis.
• If the city lacks these, ensure your taxi driver uses the meter.
• For a cherry on top, book motorbikes through Grab for fixed, non-negotiable fares, which generally save money.
• Use the Viator app to find the best deals on trips and excursions.
• And finally, book your activities in advance if possible. You reserve your spot and save money.

These tips can dramatically transform your Thai travel into a budget-friendly wonder!

9. Avoid popular tourist attractions and traps

Popular tourist activities tend to be more expensive and usually overrated. Stay off the beaten path, and you’re in for a real treat.

Tourist traps are also a sure way to empty your budget in one quick swoop, so they should be avoided.

Here are some common ones to keep in mind:

• If people approach you speaking excellent English near a popular attraction, such as the Royal Palace, telling you it’s closed, ignore them and move on. It’s usually a scam.
• Places like Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok are not hidden gems anymore, they are expensive tourist traps.
• Unmetered taxis? No thank you! Look for another cab that is willing to use the meter.
• Large group tours? Pass!

How do we avoid these places? Check their Reviews on Google and Trip Advisor. And ask locals for the real hidden gems.

Tap into insider knowledge and experience Thailand without draining your wallet.

10. Use budget transport options

Taking advantage of Thailand’s budget transport options is a surefire way to conserve money during your travel.

These cost-effective solutions allow you to immerse deeply into the local culture and explore Thailand like never before!

Let’s make travel fun and affordable with these options:

• Hop on public buses or third-class train carriages for intercity trips.
• Experience the nightlife on a slow overnight train, saving on hotel costs.
• Choose economic Baw Khaw Saw (BKS) state buses over private ones.
• For short journeys, opt for eight-seater shuttle buses.
• While in cities, use Bangkok’s BTS train line or book a Grab taxi.
• If you need to fly, use low-cost airlines like Thai Air Asia and Thai VietJet.

Remember, the slower you travel, the less you spend! Whether it’s a bustling city or a countryside foray, savor each moment.

11. Bargain with dignity with street vendors

The art of bargaining in Thailand can transform your shopping experience and stretch your budget.

Done right, it’s a great way to engage with the local culture, find fantastic deals, and make your trip more memorable.

• It’s well known that many street vendors have a price for locals and a much higher one for tourists, so haggling will help you get to the real price.
• Haggle with dignity and choose your battle wisely. If a water bottle costs 30 Bath, don’t bother trying to haggle with the vendor. Remember, their salary is about $300 per month.
• If you are buying more expensive items, such as clothes, begin your haggling with a smile. Nothing paves the way for better discounts like a friendly demeanor.
• Learning key Thai phrases, especially for numbers and bargaining, can give you an edge. By showing respect for their language and culture, vendors may be more inclined to offer discounts.
• When shopping at famous markets like Chatuchak or local spots like Pak Khlong Talat, aim to negotiate at about 50% and haggle from there. Never go too low, though. It can come off as offensive.

Some of my priceless finds here have been the result of good-natured haggling.

Remember, it’s less about winning and more about understanding the cultural dynamics at play.

12. Rent a scooter, but be careful

Renting a scooter is an affordable and exhilarating way to explore Thailand’s scenic views!

A seemingly daunting task like this can turn into the highlight of your Thailand adventure, but you have to be careful.

Here are my top tips:

• Check your bike meticulously before hitting the road; note any damage or dents to avoid trouble later. Take many pictures and even a video at the rental agency.
• Do NOT leave your passport as collateral with the rental agency. Leave a photocopy and cash instead.
• Remember, safety is paramount! Thailand has alarmingly high traffic accident rates, so always wear a helmet, drive cautiously, and have your driver’s license on you in case you get stopped.
• Brace yourself; the costs are surprisingly pocket-friendly! Gear up for a ride for as low as 150 Bath (US$4.50) per day and budget-friendly petrol prices around 40B (US$1.20) per liter.
• To ensure a secure experience, opt for reliable travel insurance. Based on my experience, SafetyWing does a commendable job!

Embrace the thrill and navigate the town on two wheels, but always put safety first!

If you want to try an epic two-wheel trip, check out the Mae Hong Son Loop in the North of Thailand.

13. Join Facebook groups to find free activities

Joining Facebook groups can unlock a trove of tips, personalized recommendations, and free activities for budget travelers in Thailand.

It’s like having an insider’s guide at your fingertips, spiced up with real-time updates and interaction with locals or fellow travelers.

Go to Facebook and search for groups with keywords like “Thailand free activities” or “Thailand budget travel”. Join the groups that seem most active and engaging.

You’ll find a cornucopia of suggestions:

• Free walking tours
• Volunteering opportunities
• Visiting local markets
• Exploring Buddhist temples
• Couchsurfing meet-ups
• Group visits to National Parks
• Beach exploring

This isn’t just cost-saving; it’s immersion at its best! Remember to engage, ask questions, and share your experiences too!

14. Local convenience stores are your best friend

In Thailand, your budget traveler’s best friend is undoubtedly the omnipresent local convenience stores.

These stores, like the popular 7-Eleven and Family Mart, are treasure troves of economic offerings.

Not only do they present an array of mouth-watering snacks like ham and cheese croissants, rice burgers, and tantalizing sweet buns, but they also fulfill your early morning breakfast cravings without burning a hole in your pocket.

But here’s the kicker – their alcohol prices! They are an absolute steal, especially for local beer brands like Singha or Chang.

And don’t forget about essentials like large water bottles – a boon in a country where tap water is not fit for drinking.

So, next time you’re in Thailand, step into a local convenience store and unveil a world of affordable delights!

15. Use travel hacks and points

Want to explore Thailand without breaking the bank? Let me enthuse you about the game-changing power of travel hacks and points!

Start by scouring the web for credit card bonuses. Websites like Nerd Wallet or The Points Guy are great starting resources.

Many credit cards have bonus signup points if you spend a minimum amount in the first few months. Apply for those credit cards, pay for your flights, and use them for groceries to meet the minimum.

With strategic planning, those points will quickly stack. Then, redeem the bonus points for free hotel stays and activities.

Here is what to look for when choosing the right Cards:

• For Credit Cards, choose Chase or Bank of America Travel Credit Cards.
• Look at the signup bonuses and choose the best one at the time.
• Ensure they do not have foreign transaction fees or yearly fees.

Trust me, with these hacks and the smart use of points, Thailand can become your budget-friendly paradise!

16. Get a bank card with no foreign transaction fees

Managing money well is crucial when you’re globetrotting on a tight budget, especially in Thailand.

Grabbing a bank card with zero foreign transaction fees is one of the smartest money moves you can make.

Thailand has an amazing banking infrastructure with QR codes and direct transfers, but without having a local bank account, we are still stuck with using Cash, so the ATM will be your best friend.

Local ATMs charge a small withdrawal fee of 220 Bath, but the foreign transaction fees and conversion fees are what will really add up.

Here’s how to avoid them:

• For Debit Cards, choose an account with no foreign transaction fees. I use the Capital One 360 Checking Account, with no monthly fees and no foreign ATM fees.
• Withdraw larger sums at a time (20,000 Bath) to minimize the ATM fee, but don’t keep it all on you. Keep most of the cash in your hotel safe and carry 1,000-2,000 Bath for daily Expenses.
• When asked at the ATM, always decline the local currency conversion. This way, your home bank will do the conversion, and you will get a much better rate. (This can save you 5-10%)

17. Make some money while you travel

When it comes to extending your vacation in Thailand, you can try to save as much as you can to make your budget last longer, or you can try to make some extra money.

I highly recommend trying the latter; it will give you a taste of freedom and working remotely, and it might turn into something bigger.

Since you are already in a beautiful place, take advantage of it to make some extra travel money.

Here are some ideas:

• Photography. Your phone is already full of beautiful pics, so why not post them for sale or licensing?
• Social Media Management. You are already sharing so much of your journey and learning about managing social media; you can do it for others and charge a monthly fee.
• Content Writing. Imagine chilling in a tranquil mountain town like Pai; why not use the inspiration and write some blog posts for a quick payday?
• Online Influencer. If you have a decent following on Instagram or TikTok, you can reach out to local hotels to create a post, story, or TikTok about your experience. Even with a few hundred followers, you can earn a free night’s stay.

With dedication and a dash of creativity, your travel expenses will take a thrilling dive!

Can you do Thailand on a budget?

Absolutely, you can indeed travel through Thailand on a budget!  The beauty of a trip to Thailand lies in how flexible it can be in terms of costs.

For instance, you can opt to explore Thailand by starting your journey in Bangkok – the city known for its top attractions at pocket-friendly prices.

Then, take a night bus or train and travel north to Chiang Mai, a dream for budget-conscious travelers.

Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy authentic Thai street food, which is flavorsome and very affordable.

Take public transport to keep costs low and benefit from the spirited, backpacker-friendly environment.

Be sure to try different experiences like visiting the local markets or the famous temples – they’re budget-friendly and give you a real taste of Thai culture.

What are the most popular budget destinations in Thailand?

If you’re on a mission to explore a paradise without breaking the bank, Thailand has got your back. It stands as a testament that the best things in life come on a budget!

• Bang on the bustling streets of  Bangkok , where exceptionally cheap delights await. Food stalls sprinkle the sidewalks, offering amazing cuisine at a fraction of the price.
• Head on North, where the green hills of  Chiang Mai  provide an aesthetically pleasing sight without the hefty price tag. Bonus: You’ll find temples to visit without splurging!
• Down South to the  Thai islands , slightly pricier but still budget-friendly. Picture turquoise waters and sublime seafood, all within means!

So, are you ready to make unforgettable memories in Thailand without rendering you penniless?

Ensure you have everything you need on your trip with my  Complete Thailand Packing List .

Is $500 dollars enough for a week in Thailand?

Yes! With mindful spending, $500 is enough for an enjoyable week in Thailand on a backpacker’s budget.

Here is the breakdown:

• Average daily expenditure: $30-$40, totaling up to $280 for a week if you steer clear of high-cost excursions. This will get you a stay in a Hostel and delicious Thai street food.
• There are plenty of free activities to enjoy in Thailand: Temples, Nature Walk, Hiking and Trekking.
• Allocating $100 for entertainment activities allows you to enjoy sunset beers and even major activities such as a cooking lesson.
• Personal wellness items such as snacks, laundry, and toiletries can round up to a total of about $23 per week.
• With the remaining balance, you can opt for a dive into the local culture or maybe a spa retreat.

Conclusively, you can have a fantastic time in Thailand’s diverse offerings within a $500 budget for a week.

What are some budget accommodation options in Thailand?

Thailand is a paradise for budget travelers, boasting an abundance of wallet-friendly places to stay.

With options ranging from gorgeous guest houses to lively hostels, you’re sure to find something to suit your budget and traveling style.

• Hostels: With countless hostels scattered across Thailand, these gems are perfect for the thrifty traveler. The average price for a dorm room falls between $6 to $12 per night. Expect comfy beds and a vibrant, social atmosphere.
• Guesthouses: Ready for a touch of local charm? Guesthouses provide private rooms at affordable rates. You’re also supporting the local economy, as these establishments are usually family-operated.
• Budget Hotels: Keep an eye out for discounted rates on sites like Booking.com and Agoda! These sites often feature budget hotels that won’t break the bank.

Whether you’re backpacking or planning a longer stay, you can navigate Thailand without splurging on accommodation.

What are the best ways to get around Thailand on a budget?

Getting around Thailand on a budget is fun and easy and lets you experience the local lifestyle.

Here’s how you can make it budget-friendly and exciting:

• Opt for buses:  They are the cheapest option and fine for short journeys.
• Utilize Bangkok’s BTS train line or Grab taxi:  More reliable and cost-effective than traditional cabs, with fares ranging from $0.50-2.00.
• Overnight buses and trains:  Perfect to save on a night’s accommodation and reach your inter-city destinations.
• Use local transport like Songthaews and Tuk-Tuks:  A well-connected, authentic, and cheap way to experience Thailand.
• Travel during the Low Season:  Get the best flight and accommodation deals during this time.

What are the best free or cheap attractions to visit in Thailand?

There’s no shortage of free or affordable attractions in Thailand that wonderfully reflect its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.

From royal palaces to lush national parks, here’s how you can maximize your experiences with minimal cost:

• Go royal at the historic  Grand Palace  and  Wat Pho , home to a 15th-century Emerald Buddha and a monumental 150-foot reclining Buddha, respectively. Back-to-back visits can cost you less than $25!
• Hiking in the breathtaking  Khao Sok National Park  is a must for just $6. Make sure to check out the sunset—it’s surreal!
• Journey through the ancient capitals —Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya, each with its unique charm and historical tale.
• Head off to Thailand’s tropical islands.  Some of them are beautifully isolated with idyllic beaches and crystal clear water.  Koh Tao  and  Koh Phangan  are at the top of the list for backpackers.

Remember, Thailand’s rich experience is more about the journey and less about the price!

Made by travelers, for travelers, check out the Barefoot Caribou Products below!

Making the most of your trip to Thailand on a budget

Related Article: The Best Places to Visit in Thailand .

Wow! What a ride it has been, taking you through the nuances of budget travel in Thailand for 2024.

This guide was packed with nuggets of wisdom to make your journey as light on the wallet as it is in spirit.

If I missed anything, be sure to add it in the comments below!

Remember, we are out to not just save but to live and enjoy the journey!

Happy traveling!

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How Much Money Is Needed for a Trip to Thailand

Nigel Killeen / Getty Images

"How much money will I need for Thailand?"

It's perhaps the number one question that Southeast Asia travelers always want to know. Unfortunately, there is no easy, cut-and-dried answer. But we can look at some average expenses in Thailand so that you can produce a more educated estimate.

Traveling in Thailand can be very affordable. How much money you spend in Thailand obviously depends largely on what you do (will you be diving a lot or enjoying craft cocktails with every sunset?), how much luxury you demand, and which parts of the country you plan to visit.

Budget travelers and backpackers can often get by in Thailand for US $25-$30 per day. They leverage smart budget travel techniques to save money because they'll be away from home for a long time.

Others travelers on shorter trips with higher budgets and expectations could easily spend double that on dinner and drinks. But that's the beauty of traveling in Thailand: the infrastructure happily accommodates all budgets — and often finds a way to break them!

Note: All prices are in Thai baht. Your current exchange rate may affect prices, and you'll always find exceptions for these daily living expenses in Thailand.

Understanding Daily Expenses

Finding the best prices and spending less in Thailand is ultimately up to you. Patronizing upscale restaurants and hotels that cater only to tourists will obviously cost more, as will doing more activities (e.g., scuba diving , taking tours, etc) and paying entrance fees to tourist places.

All jet ski rentals aside, many long-term travelers brave enough to track daily expenses in an honest fashion typically discover an ugly truth: they spent more on partying and socializing than activities, transportation, and food!

Many people tend to socialize — and ultimately drink more — while on vacation. Thailand is infamous for providing enough nightlife opportunities to send daily expenses soaring past your original estimates. Eating can be cheap and delicious, but those drinks add up.

Location Matters

Plain and simple, the islands cost more. You've got to pay to play in the sun.  Plan to spend slightly more while in the islands on food, basics, and accommodation.

Totally worth it! Islands cost more for a reason: everything must be brought to the island from the mainland either by boat or plane. Rent for businesses is invariably more expensive near the sea, so they have to increase prices to make ends meet.

Chiang Mai and destinations in Northern Thailand such as Pai are relatively less expensive than Bangkok and the islands. If you're on a shoestring budget, you'll get more for your money in Chiang Mai and northern destinations in Thailand.

Location affects price down to the local level. You'll often find better prices depending on the neighborhood in which you are staying. "Local" neighborhoods with fewer services for tourists are usually the cheapest.

You'll nearly always find better prices in Thai neighborhoods farther away from tourist areas, but being a foreign visitor matters. The subject is hotly debated and controversial. Dual pricing in Thailand is common. Farang (foreigners) are often expected to pay higher prices. Tourists may be considered "rich."

By default, the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok is the most expensive; Silom is considered pricey as well. Meanwhile, the Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri neighborhood — once famous as a hub for backpackers — in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok can be cheaper. Although some of the old "weirdness" still exists near Khao San Road, many of the surrounding streets are now lined with chic and boutique guesthouses.

A small bottle of beer in the more expensive Silom or Sukhumvit areas of Bangkok will cost 90 – 180 baht, while you can find a large bottle in the Khao San Road area for 60 – 80 baht during happy hours or 90 baht during regular hours. Which of the top three Thai beers you choose also matters.

Unless prices are fixed (e.g., inside of minimarts) you can often negotiate for a better deal. Fair, friendly haggling is a part of Thai culture but do it correctly. You should not try to negotiate for consumables such as water, snacks, and street food.

When You Travel Matters

Traveling during the high season in Thailand will cost a little more as people are less willing to negotiate. Hotels and guesthouses stay full enough that they don't need to offer discounts and specials.

Traveling during the low season in Thailand (roughly June to October) may require ducking in from afternoon thunderstorms — the monsoon season keeps scenery green — but you can find more discounts.

Traveling immediately before or after major festivals and holidays in Thailand such as Songkran and Chinese New Year will cause flights and hotels to be more expensive.

Potential Expenses in Thailand

Here is a list of common expenses for your trip in Thailand along with the potential impact on your budget:

• Bottled water: low
• Laundry service: low
• Accommodation: medium-high
• Ground transportation: low
• Domestic flights to different regions: medium-high
• Shopping: medium
• Alcohol and socializing: high
• Tours and activities: high
• Entrance fees (foreigners often pay more than double): medium
• ATM fees (as much as 200 baht per transaction): high
• Unexpected scams: low
• Motorbike/scooter rentals: low

Accommodations

The cost of your accommodation depends largely upon how much luxury you expect. Remember, with such an exciting country waiting outside, you'll probably only be at the hotel to sleep!

Avoiding the large Western hotel chains and staying in local, independently owned places will nearly always save money. Cute boutique options abound throughout popular places to travel in Thailand.

Moving around frequently adds to the cost of your trip. If you intend to stay in a place for a week or longer, try negotiating for a better nightly rate. You may get a better deal — particularly during the slow season.

You'll find backpacker guesthouses in Thailand for $10 a night (320 baht) and less, as well as five-star accommodation where the sky is the limit and staff are willing to do anything to please guests.

If your trip is short and you don't mind spending more on accommodation, you'll be able to enjoy much higher levels of luxury for cheaper prices than you would find in hotels at home.

As is often the case in Asia, eating in Thailand is relatively inexpensive — assuming you enjoy Thai food. Western food nearly always costs more than Thai food in restaurants.

Street carts and simple, open-air restaurants will always be cheaper than eating at your hotel or in air-conditioned restaurants. Adding seafood or shrimp to traditional dishes increases the cost. The default meat served with nearly every meal is chicken; beef and pork are common options.

The average cost of a basic Thai meal in a restaurant is 90 – 150 baht. Seafood invariably costs more. A plate of noodles in a basic restaurant in Sukhumvit is around 100 baht. Thai portions are often smaller, so you may end up eating an extra meal or snacking during the day!

Tip: If you find yourself near the Asok BTS stop in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok, check out the food court at the top of Terminal 21. Although the mall is home to some posh stores, local residents head to the food court to enjoy good food for street prices in the area.

The Cost of Pad Thai in Thailand

Since many people enjoy pad thai noodles in Thai restaurants at home, the menu item makes a great benchmark for comparing food costs! Spoiler: the much-loved noodles are way cheaper in Thailand.

A basic meal of pad thai noodles with chicken or tofu can be found at street carts and from simple restaurants for 30 to 40 baht (around US $1), particularly outside of tourist areas. The average cost for pad thai in tourist places is around 50 baht per plate. One of the famous Thai curries can be enjoyed for 60 – 90 baht; sometimes an additional 20 baht is added for rice.

Water and Alcohol

The tap water is unsafe to drink in Thailand; hot temperatures will have you drinking far more water than you do at home.

A 1.5-liter bottle of drinking water from any of the ubiquitous 7-Eleven shops found all over Thailand costs around 15 baht (less than 50 cents). To cut down on plastic, look for free water refills in some hotels. Also, you can find water-refill machines on the street that cost only a few baht per liter.

In the islands, a fresh drinking coconut can be enjoyed for around 60 baht. A nostalgic, glass bottle of Coke costs around 15 baht.

A large bottle of Thai Chang beer can be found in restaurants around Khao San Road / Soi Rambuttri for under 90 baht. 7-Eleven price for a large bottle of beer is usually less than 60 baht. Other beers such as Singah and imports will cost at least 90 baht and up, depending on the venue.

A small bottle of Sangsom (the local Thai rum) costs around 160 baht in minimarts; there are cheaper brands (Hong Thong is one) if you're brave enough.

A night out in an establishment with band or DJ will always cost more than a night of socializing in a restaurant or somewhere quieter. Unless you're attending an organized event or special party with DJ, cover charges aren't common.

Transportation Expenses

You'll find no shortage of offers for transportation from taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. Hailing a taxi on the street is best; always make the driver use the meter! If the driver refuses and tries to name a price, simply pass and wait on the next taxi. You'll eventually find an honest driver willing to turn on the meter.

The prices for taxis from Suvarnabhumi airport are always changing. These are literally controlled by a sort of local transportation "mafia." You're better off taking a train closer and then hailing a taxi. There are sometimes minivans running from the ground floor of the airport to Khao San Road for 150 baht.

Although riding in tuk-tuks is a fun experience, you must first negotiate a price before getting inside. In the long run, taking a sweaty, exhaust-choking tuk-tuk is rarely cheaper than going somewhere with an air-conditioned taxi. Times have changed. Taking a tuk-tuk is more about the experience than saving money.

TIP: Beware of tuk-tuk drivers who offer to be your dedicated driver for the day! This is one of the oldest scams in Thailand.

Ferries running the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok can get you around the city for far cheaper than a taxi. Depending on the destination, a single ride averages 30 baht. You can also purchase an all-day ticket for 150 baht to make unlimited hops. Don't be intimidated: it's a great system for getting around Bangkok's consistent traffic!

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway in Bangkok are cheap and modern ways to move around the city . The fare rarely exceeds 30 baht. An all-day ticket can be purchased for 150 baht.

Night buses and trains are a good way to move across Thailand; both save a day on your itinerary and double as accommodation for the night. Overnight buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be booked in travel offices for 600 baht or less. Trains cost more than long-haul buses but offer a more comfortable experience.

If you don't have baggage to check, flying domestically in Thailand can be very cheap with local low-cost carriers such as Nok Air. The fees for baggage and other add-ons are what make flying cost more.

Other Expenses

• A pack of Western-brand cigarettes costs 100 to 140 baht in Thailand, depending on the brand.
• Outside of luxury hotels and nicer restaurants, tipping is not expected in Thailand.
• Using any ATM in Thailand requires paying a steep bank fee for each transaction.
• Laundry service is very cheap in Thailand. Coin-operated laundromats can be found in the cities.

How to Plan a Vacation in Thailand

Cultural Etiquette in Thailand

Guide to Airlines in Thailand

The Best Thai Street Food Dishes to Try in Bangkok

Thailand Temple Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts

A Guide to Tipping in Thailand

Drinking in Thailand: Etiquette and Local Spirits

The Ultimate Thailand Packing List

Driving in Thailand

Getting Around Thailand: Transportation Options

How to Say Hello in Thai

Fall in Thailand: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Summer in Thailand: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Hill Tribes in Thailand

Table Manners and Food Etiquette in Thailand

Vital Information for the First-Time Visitor to Thailand

The Ultimate Guide to the Trip to Thailand Cost in 2024

When considering a Thailand trip, you may want to know how much it would cost. Is it expensive? Thailand is not an expensive destination. It is a cost-effective country to travel around. For a lot of things, Thailand is very affordable. Moreover, Thailand can suit all kinds of budgets, from economical to luxury.

Here is a breakdown of how much it costs for flights, hotels, transportation, sightseeing, food, and activities.

• Cost of International Flights to Thailand
• Cost of Accommodation in Thailand
• Cost of Eating and Drinking in Thailand
• Cost of Transportation in Thailand
• Cost of Attractions/Activities in Thailand
• Thailand Trip Cost for a Private Tour
• Tips for Saving Money

The Cost of International Flights to Thailand

Flying to Thailand from the U.S. now requires at least one layover, most of which are in Singapore, Seoul, Doha, Paris, London, Munich, and other European/Asian flight hubs.

The cost of airfares varies a lot depending on when you fly and which airline you use, from around 700 to 1,300 USD for a one-way economy trip.

A transfer in an Asian country, like Singapore, is cheaper . August, September, and October are Thailand's low season because of the rainy season. Air tickets drop by around 40% during this period.

Europe has direct flights to Bangkok - from London, Paris, Zurich... A one-way air ticket is around 600 to 1,000 GBP flying economy.

Suggested reading: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps

The Cost of Accommodation in Thailand

Prices of hotels vary widely from city to city and from season to season.

The busiest (and most expensive) period is from November to January/February . To find good accommodation during this period, we recommend you plan and book well in advance (at least 3 months before departure).

The low season runs from July to October. Prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists.

Here is a table to show you the approximate cost for a standard 2-person room around Thailand for reference only:

Hotels are included in our itineraries and we can generally secure favorable prices. We recommend suitable hotels based on your preferred location, room specification (e.g. no-smoking room, family room for Parents and 2 -3 kids), and other requirements. Feel free to contact us .

Suggested reading: 14-Day Thailand Itinerary: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Thailand

The Cost of Eating and Drinking in Thailand

Thailand has a variety of delicacies and is not expensive. Many unique Thai foods, like pad Thai (Thai fried noodles) and som tam (spicy papaya salad), can be bought from roadside stalls for 1–2 USD.

A decent restaurant costs about 10–15 USD per person. Luxury restaurants cost 50–60 USD per person and upwards .

Fresh fruit juice can be found easily on the roadside for 0.5–1 USD. As for alcohol, the best deals are in convenience stores, like 7-11s. A bottle of beer costs about $2. Drinks in bars and restaurants are more expensive, costing 3–4 USD a bottle. Drinks at luxury restaurants start at 15 USD.

Suggested reading: Planning a Trip to Southeast Asia: A Beginner's Guide

The Cost of Transportation in Thailand

Flying is the fastest and most popular way to travel between cities. Airfares range from 30 to 100 USD for economy seats.

There are many airlines in Thailand with different prices and services. See our article: The 8 Best Domestic Airlines in Thailand for Tourists .

Ferry or speedboat is the main way to travel between most islands, such as Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands. See How to Get from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands.

Traveling between cities also can be done for 8 to 72 USD on trains or 6 to 20 USD on buses.

Thailand's public transportation within cities is very affordable. Taking Bangkok as an example, for 0.50–1.00 USD you can take a bus or the MRT/BTS. Taxis charge 1 USD minimum and make sure they use their meters to avoid price disagreements. Tuk-tuks charge ½–1 USD for a 10-minute walking distance - 800 m (½ a mile). The rental car is approximately 1,000-1,500 Thai Baht ($30-$45) per day for a basic car.

Transportation on the islands is higher in cost than in the cities. Renting a motorbike is a popular way to enjoy the scenery around the islands.

Suggested reading: 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Honeymoons, Families, and More

The Cost of Attractions/Activities in Thailand

Tickets for most tourist spots in Thailand range from 1 to 15 USD, i.e. they're very affordable. The most famous Thailand attraction, the Grand Palace in Bangkok, costs 500 THB (14 USD).

Some temples and museums are free of charge, like Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.

Some beach activities or entertainments like snorkeling, night shows, etc. cost about 15–50 USD a time.

Suggested reading: Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Thailand & When is the Rainy Season

How much does it cost for a private tour in Thailand?

A private tour is an affordable luxury in Thailand! Private service is value for money there. Here are the prices for a private tour based on a group of 2 people during the peak season, for your reference:

• On a medium budget, touring Thailand typically costs around US$150–200 per day per person (including 4-star hotels, airfares within Thailand, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a higher budget of US$200–250 per day per person, more comfort can be enjoyed (including 5-star hotels, airfares within Thailand, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a family trip (2 adults plus 2–3 children) for 2 weeks in Thailand or in Southeast Asia, it normally costs US$10,000–15,000 per family excluding international flights from/to America or Europe.

Her are some Thailand tours along with costs for your reference. The prices below are per person, based on a great-quality 2-person experience (4/5-star hotels, private transfers, guide service, etc.).

• Example: our 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour , from 2,829 USD per person
• Example: our 9-Day Thailand Family Tour , from 1,689 USD per person

Check out some private Thailand tours and private Southeast tours to get a general idea of the cost. We can tailor-make an itinerary based on your budget. Contact us to get a quote for your trip.

Tips to Make Your Experience More Cost-effective

Before delving into the details of planning your trip to Thailand, let's explore some essential tips to make your experience more enjoyable and cost-effective:

• Timing Matters: Thailand experiences different seasons, and your travel dates can significantly impact your expenses. The peak tourist season, from November to February, is the most expensive. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, like March to May or September to October, to save on accommodation and activities. The trip cost may drop by 20%–40%.
• Explore Beyond Popular Destinations: While famous destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are popular, consider exploring lesser-known gems. Places like Pai, Koh Tao, or Sukhothai offer unique experiences with a more affordable price tag.
• Accommodation Choices: Opt for a mix of accommodation options. While luxury resorts can be tempting, Thailand offers a plethora of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Explore local stays for an authentic experience without breaking the bank.
• Transportation: Thailand has an extensive and affordable transportation network. Choose budget airlines when traveling around Thailand, such as Lion Air. It may save 20%–30%.
• Street Food Adventure: Embrace the local street food scene for delicious and budget-friendly meals. Thai street food is not only flavorful but also a significant part of the cultural experience. Venture beyond restaurants to savor the true taste of Thailand.
• Island Hopping on a Budget: Instead of opting for expensive island tours, consider organizing your island-hopping adventure. Public ferries and boats are available at more affordable rates, allowing you to explore Thailand's stunning islands at your own pace.

Suggested reading: Best 3 Thailand Itineraries for 12 Days

You're in Good Hands with Asia Highlights

At Asia Highlights, we have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. We truly understand that every single big trip planned for our clients is not just for good holiday memories but also for joyful celebrations of life's milestones.

Read comments from our clients on TrustPilot , for example:

Daniel Ponce:

• "Everything went better that we'd expected! Our guides were local people who knew about the city, the people, and how to solve problems. They were really punctual and had the best attitude!

Rosangela Campos:

• "Traveling with Asia Highlights is a guaranteed wonderful experience in Asia! I highly recommend them!"

Get a wonderful Thailand vacation by sending us a message . Or check out our sample itineraries for inspiration:

• 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
• 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
• 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
• 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

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Thailand Trip Cost: 10 Days In Thailand On A Budget

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2023

Categories Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia and a popular destination for all types of travelers. This isn't surprising as Thailand has a lot going for it like friendly people, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich heritage.

If you are like me and like doing a little research before traveling to a country, you are probably interested in the approximate Thailand trip cost. Personally, I was very interested in how much money we would need to travel around Thailand.

It turned out that, despite being a tourist destination for many years, travel in Thailand is still pretty cheap! Or at least it can be, it all depends on your personal preference and choices.

You can go all out, stay in fancy 5-star hotels and resorts and go on interesting organized tours with private transport.

Or you can travel around Thailand on a budget, eat cheap (but delicious) street food and stay at budget (but quality) hotels and hostels.

Thailand trip budget

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

How much is a trip to Thailand?

In this Thailand budget article, you can find all our Thailand expenses. So if you are wondering how much money to bring to Thailand for your trip, this is the perfect post for you!

During our first trip to Thailand, we spent approximately 2200THB / €60 / $67 per day as a couple. We traveled to Thailand on a backpacker budget and tried to keep our expenses as low as possible.

We've returned to Thailand several times since then, and during these trips, our budget was higher. We stayed at several 4 and 5-star hotels, did a couple of organized tours and during our most recent Thailand trip, we traveled with our kids.

I wasn't as precise in budget keeping as during our first trip, but my estimate was that our daily average was closer to 3500THB / €100 / $107.

So is Thailand cheap or expensive? It can be both, but it's up to you and the choices you make! In the infographic below you can find more detailed information about the cost of a trip to Thailand.

How to travel Thailand on a budget?

The infographic gives you a quick overview of how much (or actually how little) you can spend during your trip to Thailand.

But it's important to remember that the amount you'll spend depends on your travel style, the length of your trip, and the type of accommodation you choose.

That being said, compared to countries such as Japan , New Zealand , Canada , and Europe , Thailand is still a very affordable destination.

Are you still wondering how much money to take to Thailand for 10 days?

Generally speaking, you can travel around Thailand on a budget of $35-$70 per day (per person). As you can see in the infographic, we spent $67 per day as a couple.

It's important to note that this infographic is based on the daily budget in Thailand for our first trip (the budget backpacker trip).

Further down in the post, you can find more details about the cost of accommodation, transport, food and drinks, and activities.

Thailand travel budget: important facts and figures

• I traveled around Thailand with my husband, all expenses are for the two of us together.
• During our first trip to Thailand, we spent 10 days in the country.
• I quote prices in Thai Baht as well as Euros (€) and US Dollars ($). When we were in Thailand, €1 was around 37THB and $1 around 33THB, but as the exchange rate varies this might be a little different now. You can check the current exchange rate on XE.com .
• Thailand is one of the best cheap destinations for couples . In total, we spent 22220 THB (€600/$670) during the 10 days we were in Thailand. As such, our Thailand travel budget per day comes down to an average of 2222THB (€60/$67) and includes almost all expenses in  Thailand. Please note that flights to Thailand are not included in the budget.
• Also, as with my budget breakdowns for the Philippines and Malaysia , I excluded the costs of scuba diving on Koh Tao . I feel this would not be a fair representation of the average cost per day in Thailand. Diving is (relatively) expensive and not everyone will go diving in Thailand, therefore, I excluded these costs from the Thailand budget.

Thailand budget travel tips

When planning a Thailand budget trip, your total Thailand travel costs all depend on your way of traveling.

In general, the slower you travel, the lower your average daily costs. Street food is cheaper than European food or eating in restaurants.

Drinking alcohol will increase your Thailand budget per day. Tuk-tuks and taxis are more expensive than public transport. And so on.

This budget breakdown includes 2 flights, and even though they were very cheap flights it still increased the average daily costs.

Also, despite the fact that we were budget travelers, we spent the final two nights of our 10 days in Thailand at the luxurious Tarna Align Resort on the tropical island of Koh Tao.

This was by far the most expensive accommodation of our 5-month trip , however, it was worth every bath because we wanted to end our trip in style. And who doesn't like a semi-private pool with a beautiful view…

Daily travel expenses in Thailand

Now that you know the most important facts and figures of our Thailand budget, it's time for a deep dive into our Thailand travel expenses. Our daily travel budget can be divided into four categories:

• Accommodation: 39% of our daily travel costs
• Transportation: 20% of our daily travel costs
• Food&Drinks: 39% of our daily travel costs
• Paid activities: 2% of our daily travel costs

Plan your Southeast Asia trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Book your transport tickets (train, bus, ferry, minivan, and more) via 12Go.Asia ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

1. How much does accommodation cost in Thailand?

Of the 10 days, I spent in Thailand I only slept in hotels for 8 nights. I spent one night on the boat from Koh Tao to Surat Thani and allocated these costs to transport.

On my last day in Thailand, I took a flight home in the middle of the night so we didn't have accommodation costs for that night either.

We stayed in a private room (no dorm rooms) at 5 different hotels and spent  850THB / €23 / $25,50  on accommodation on an average travel day. The total amount we spent on accommodation was 8500THB / €230 / $255.

In the table below you can find 3 of the 5 hotels, I stayed at. I only included the places I recommend, so I haven't included the 2 hotels that I wouldn't return to myself.

2. How much does transportation cost in Thailand?

Let’s take a closer look at transportation in Thailand. There are many ways to travel around the country, such as trains, buses, taxis, tuk tuks, minivans, ferries, and of course the BTS and MRT trains in Bangkok.

One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to travel in Thailand is taking a night train .

You'll save money on accommodation because you're taking a sleeper train. Plus, you'll save valuable time by covering (large) distances at night, so you can see more of Thailand.

Another budget-friendly way to travel in Thailand is by catching a local bus . Bus services are available in all of the major cities and most of the smaller towns as well.

This is a great way to explore parts of Thailand where there aren't any train tracks (such as the more rural areas of the country).

A quick note: when traveling in Thailand (and Southeast Asia in general), you need to be prepared for delays. Most of these delays will be relatively short but sometimes your train, bus or minivan can be delayed for hours (without anyone offering an explanation).

The easiest way to get from A to B in Thailand is by booking your transportation ticket via 12Go Asia . This is an online platform where you can book tickets for trains, buses, ferries, minivans, and private transfers all around Southeast Asia.

I've used 12Go Asia several times and had great experiences with both the ease of booking on the platform itself as well as their fast and friendly customer service when I needed to amend our booking.

For example, you can use 12Go Asia to book tickets from:

• Ferry tickets from Donsak Pier (Surat Thani) to Koh Samui ( check availability here )
• Train or bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai ( check availability here )
• Train ticket from Surat Thani to Bangkok ( check availability here )

How much did we spend on transportation in Thailand?

Our average transportation costs were 450THB(€12/$14) per day and the total cost of transport was 4500THB (€120/$140).

3. How much does food cost in Thailand?

Thailand is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine! The key to Thai cuisine is its balance of five essential flavors: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter.

This balance of flavors is achieved through a careful blend of herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Each dish is a unique combination of these flavors and ingredients, making Thai cuisine both complex and delicious.

Some of the best things to try are the various curries, Pad Thai, Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad), Khao Man Gai (chicken and rice), Tom Yum soup, and mango sticky rice.

How much did we spend on food and drinks in Thailand?

Good news: the food in Thailand is not only really tasty, but it’s also very cheap! That is if you eat local food at local restaurants.

Eating Western Food always triples the price of dinner when traveling around Southeast Asia.

So when it comes to food, explore the local markets to find inexpensive meals and try delicious street food whenever you have the chance.

Anyway, let’s talk numbers .

On an average day, we spent 870THB (€23,60/$26) on food and drinks. Our total costs for food and drinks were 8700THB (€236/$260).

Also read: 10 best places to eat in Maenam

4. How much do tours and activities cost in Thailand?

When you’re in Thailand, make sure to take advantage of all the free activities the country has to offer, like exploring Buddhist temples, local markets, National Parks, and pretty beaches.

Doing so will help you make the most of your vacation while still sticking to a tight budget.

When planning your Thailand trip, it's also worth looking into tour companies that offer (discounted) activities that can help you save money while still getting the best experience.

Klook is the largest tour operator in Southeast Asia, but Get Your Guide has been working really hard on growing their SEA offers as well so be sure to check out those websites as well when you're planning your Thailand activities.

Some of the most worthwhile tours and activities in Thailand are:

• Bangkok city tour with a local guide : immerse yourself in the cultural and historical heritage of Bangkok by exploring the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Check availability .
• Damnoen Saduak market and Maeklong railway market (day trip from Bangkok): arrive at the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market by paddleboat and discover the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Maeklong Railway Market. Check availability .
• Erawan National Park and Kanchanaburi tour (day trip from Bangkok): soak up Thai history on this guided day trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok in a climate-controlled bus. Visit Erawan National Park, the JEATH Museum, and the Bridge over the river Kwai. Check availability .
• Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok : admire Thailand's history and cultural heritage on an exciting full-day adventure on this Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok! Check availability .
• Angthong Marine Park day trip from Koh Samui : experience the beautiful panorama view of Angthong Marine Park and snorkel at Koh Wao or Koh Tay Plow. Visit Emerald Lake, go kayaking, or hike up Mae Koh. Check availability .
• Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai : learn how to make delicious Thai food and discover the secrets behind its unique flavors and tastes. Check availability .

How much did we spend on activities in Thailand?

We did an Advanced PADI Open Water Course on Koh Tao, but as I mentioned above, I didn't include the costs of this course in this Thailand budget breakdown as most people won't go scuba diving.

Besides diving, our only paid activities in Thailand were a visit to Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha, and going to a movie at the SF cinema.

The entrance fee for Wat Pho was 100THB per person and the SF Cinema at Terminal 21 was 160THB per ticket. We did many more activities, such as exploring Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but these were all free!

Our average activity costs per day were 52THB (€1,40/$1,50), and the total for activities comes down to 520THB (€14/$15).

5. Travel insurance costs

I didn't include the cost of travel insurance in our Thailand budget breakdown because we use our travel insurance for all our trips, not just for our Thailand itinerary.

However, that doesn't take away the fact that making sure you have proper travel insurance is super important .

It helps protect you and your belongings in the event of a mishap during your travels. Furthermore, it provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, and more.

Also, having good travel insurance will provide you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, you have a safety net in place.

With so much to consider when planning a trip, having the right travel insurance can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without stressing out about things that can go wrong.

How to save money when planning a trip to Thailand

Now that you know the costs of a trip to Thailand, here are some practical tips about how to stretch your travel budget.

When it comes to saving money in Thailand, it's important to plan carefully, look for discounts, and be flexible with your itinerary to make the most of your travel budget for Thailand.

Avoid peak season (travel during the low season instead)

Start by researching the best time of year to visit Thailand as flight costs and hotel prices vary throughout the year.

The high season in Thailand is from November until February. During these months accommodation prices are at their highest.

So if you have the option to be flexible with your travel dates and able to travel during shoulder season, this is a great way to save money on your Thailand trip.

Save money on flights

You can look for the cheapest flight to Thailand on websites like Kiwi.com . Try different travel dates and see how this affects the price of your flight.

Generally, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Airlines often offer discounted fares on these days, so it's worth checking the booking sites and comparing prices on different days of the week.

You’ll get a better deal by booking your flight in advance. For domestic flights 1-3 months before your trip is ideal.

That being said, I booked our tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and from Surat Thani to Bangkok last minute (only a couple of days before our flight) and still managed to find a great deal (around $25 per person including luggage).

Reputable low-cost airlines in Thailand are Air Asia, Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai Smile. It's often cheaper to fly to Don Mueang International Airport for domestic flights than to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

For international flights, it’s best to book 2-8 months in advance. Tickets to Bangkok are pretty much always the cheapest option but keep an eye open for tickets to Chiang Mai and Phuket as well.

Lastly, you may be able to find cheaper flights if you're willing to be flexible with your departure and arrival times.

Sure, it’s not ideal to arrive in the middle of the night, but if it saves you hundreds of dollars it’s worth losing one night of good sleep.

✈️ Click here to find the best ticket deals

Book your accommodation in advance

Once you've got your flights booked, it’s time to research accommodation options. I always use Agoda and Booking to find the best value-for-money accommodation for our trips.

I recommend checking both platforms before you book to make sure you get the best deals on hotel rooms.

What's great about accommodation in Thailand is that there are so many options for any budget.

There are luxurious 5-star resorts (such as the Kimpton Kitalay on Koh Samui ), family hotels with a playground (like the Kokotel Dheva Thonglor in Bangkok), modern boutique hotels (like the Owl Poshtel in Kanchanaburi) and affordable budget accommodation (like the Au Bon hostel in Bangkok)

Please note that Agoda includes taxes in their price whereas Booking doesn't always include this. Make sure to check this before finalizing your booking.

Also, Thailand charges a hefty ATM fee and has a limit on how much cash you can withdraw per transaction. Therefore, it can be better to book with Agoda as you can often pay online with your credit card (and reduce your need for cash).

Travel cost per day in Thailand: in conclusion

I hope this post has given you an insight into the costs of a trip to Thailand. If you have any questions, leave a comment or  send me a message .

Also check out my travel budget posts for Cambodia , Laos , and Vietnam !

This post was updated in December 2022 .

Monday 2nd of October 2017

awesome information here,you go with husband , what if one go alone ,how much it will cost, thanks

Tuesday 3rd of October 2017

Thank you, happy to hear you enjoyed the post! Well, that depends if you want to stay in a private room or a dorm. If you prefer a private room you'll probably spend around €50 per day. Accommodation costs will be similar to ours, but you'll spend a little less on transport, food and activities. If you stay in a dorm I think €35-40 per day would be doable. Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip:-).

Tuesday 15th of November 2016

Its Indeed very helpful to plan my trip with your post which will start on 25th Nov 2016 for 10 nights...can you suggest few more (must try) Thai street food ...

P.S:Thank you Miss Pad Thai..hahahaaaa

Wednesday 16th of November 2016

Thank, happy to help:-). Green Curry is one of my favorite dishes, as is green papaya salad. Kai Jeow is another great dish and mango sticky rice is a divine dessert... Basically, pretty much all Thai food is delicious! Enjoy your trip!

Andrea Leblang

Monday 7th of March 2016

This is such an informative post - love it! We are headed to Thailand for a few months this spring. Definitely bookmarking this for our time there. Great tips, thanks!

I am so happy to hear that Andrea, you are very welcome:-). I wish you an amazing trip in Thailand!

You're making me miss Thailand so bad!! I loved my time there and the fact that everything was so cheap. Especially the food. Mmm... pad thai...

I know... Pad Thai! I was dreaming about Pad Thai after writing this post;-P

Sunday 6th of March 2016

I've done Thailand on a budget so many times, but now I've fallen in love with its luxury side, and the bargain prices that go with it. Thailand really is a country for every traveller.

True, Thailand is very versatile and I loved our stay at the luxurious Tarna Align:-). But my travel funds are not sufficient to stay only in high-class resorts. And I actually don't mind, I like budget travel, particularly using public transport because it's how the locals get around as well.

Thailand 2-Week Itinerary: How To Spend 2 Weeks In Thailand

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Need help planning your two-week Thailand trip? You’ve come to the right place!

Having visited Thailand three times now, each time for different periods of times, I’ve been able to travel the country extensively and see different parts of it every time.

It’s a country I love very much and can highly recommend to everyone. I love the cuisine, the friendly locals, the pristine beaches and stunning natural landscapes.

If it’s your first time planning a trip to Thailand, this ultimate Thailand two-week itinerary is perfect for you. It covers a little bit of everything – a good mix of cities, culture, history, nature and the beautiful Thai beaches.

If you want to spend 2 weeks in Thailand and be sure to have an all-rounded and great experience, this is the 2-week itinerary for you.

• 1.1 Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
• 1.2 Day 2: Explore the temples in Bangkok
• 1.3 Day 3: Visit the floating and railway markets
• 1.4 Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai
• 1.5 Day 5: Spend a day with elephants at Elephant Nature Park
• 1.6 Day 6: Travel to Chiang Rai & go temple hunting
• 1.7 Day 7: More temples & return to Chiang Mai
• 1.8 Day 8: Fly to Phuket & relax in Patong
• 1.9 Day 9: Island hopping in Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
• 1.10 Day 10: Do a boat tour to Koh Yao Noi
• 1.11 Day 11: Travel to the Surin Islands
• 1.12 Day 12: Relax in the Surin Islands
• 1.13 Day 13: Back to Phuket
• 1.14 Day 14: Back to Bangkok & fly home
• 2.1 Currency
• 2.2 Cuisine
• 2.3 Best times to visit Thailand
• 2.4 How to get around Thailand
• 2.5 Essentials to pack for 2 weeks in Thailand

Island hopping with a typical wooden long tail boat in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

How to spend 2 weeks in Thailand

Day 1: arrive in bangkok.

Even if your flight lands late, there are still tons of things you can do in Bangkok at night . You could start your 2 weeks in Thailand with a chill evening at the Chatuchak night market .

This is one of the most iconic markets in Thailand – featured in various food shows and even in Asia’s Next Top Model.

It’s a huge street market with loads of food and souvenirs stalls, and is characterised by the colourful stall tents that create a colourful patchwork when seen from above. 

It’s the perfect place to start your Thailand trip and start with tasting some amazing Thai street food. There is a mall right next to it which offers epic views over the market.

Chatuchak Night Market in Bangkok as seen from above

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, you could also start the first evening of your three days in Bangkok with one of the many rooftop bars in Bangkok .

The most famous is Sky Bar, which you might recognise from the famous movie The Hangover. Drinks are expensive (I paid 30 GBP for a cocktail!) but the sunset view is stunning.

There are also loads of cute cafes in Bangkok  that you can visit at any time of day.

Enjoying the sunset view over Bangkok from Sky Bar

Where to stay in Bangkok

We spent our first few nights in Thailand at the SO Sofitel Bangkok , one of the best hotels in Bangkok with a rooftop pool .

It was the perfect hotel to stay at for the start of our trip. It’s very luxurious and with a rooftop pool, which is the perfect place to chill after a long flight, or to escape the Thai heat after a long day exploring Bangkok.

The rooms are spacious and have a beautiful interior decor.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at the SO Sofitel Bangkok

The rooftop pool of the SO Sofitel in Bangkok, Thailand

If SO Sofitel isn’t quite your vibe, whether you’re looking for a more  family friendly hotel in Bangkok , or for a party hostel, I have listed below other options in Bangkok for other budgets.

Budget: Bangkok is the starting point of many backpacker trips and as such, it’s also home to many hostels.

If you’re looking for a fun hostel, Mad Monkey has a big party reputation, if you want something quieter Kloem or The Yard are probably better options.

Click here to book your stay in a hostel in Bangkok! 

Mid-range: I stayed in two different hotels close to Khao San Road. The New Siam Palace Ville and Buddy Lodge Hotel were both nice, with spacious rooms and pools.

Nothing fancy but definitely a step up from a hostel dorm. It’s also nice to have a pool where you can relax at the end of a long day exploring temples in Ayutthaya!

Click here to book your stay at Buddy Lodge Hotel in Bangkok!

Enjoying the rooftop pool of SO Sofitel Bangkok

Day 2: Explore the temples in Bangkok

Buddhism is the most practiced religion in Thailand, as you will immediately see after a quick wander around Bangkok. Just in Bangkok there are over 400 temples!

For your first full day in Bangkok, prepare yourself for a full immersion of culture and history! Although let’s be realistic, visiting all 400 isn’t feasible, which is why I’ve outlined here the best ones.

Start your day early by visiting the Royal Palace . It opens at 7AM, but you want to be there earlier in order to beat the crowds. Make sure to purchase your entrance online beforehand , so you won’t have to queue on the day.

The Royal Palace, also known as the Grand Palace, is a complex of buildings that has been the official residence of the King of Siam since the 1700s.

It offers the best of Thai architecture, with prominent colors of cream, blue and gold. It’s quite a marvel to explore.

Click here to book your Bangkok Grand Palace entrance and self-guided tour!

Exploring the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand

After the Royal Palace you can go on to visit Wat Pho, which is only a short walk away.

Wat Pho is famous for being one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and home to one of the biggest reclining golden Buddha statues in the world.

This huge golden Buddha is extremely iconic, and no Thailand itinerary would be complete without it. Walking around it really has a way to make you feel small.

Wat Pho is a beautiful temple though so don’t stop at the big buddha statue, wander around the complex and discover some of the less touristy corners.

Exploring the outside grounds of Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand

Just across the river from Wat Pho is Wat Arun , another famous buddhist temple. It is actually the first temple in the list of six Buddhist temples in Thailand classified as the first class royal temples.

It is also recognized by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. The temple also houses a school of Thai medicine and is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Personally, I think you could visit these three temples in Bangkok independently. But if you prefer to have a local guide taking care of the transfers, and telling you about the history and culture of what you’re seeing, I have listed below some highly reviewed tours that you can join.

Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun Private Tour – This private tour will take you to the three temples I have listed in this itinerary, with the added bonus of a private guide just for you.

Bangkok City Highlights Temple & Market Tour – This isn’t a private tour, but besides the temples it includes an additional additional stop at a local market.

Both tours are very popular online, with very high reviews. If you don’t want to deal with the faff of transport within the busy streets of Bangkok, they’re the best way to get around.

On top of that, you’ll also have a local guide sharing with you everything about the history of the temples. What better way to immerse yourself in Thai culture than learn about it from a local?

Click here to purchase your Bangkok city temples tour,   or click below to see prices & availability!

The stunning Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Day 3: Visit the floating and railway markets

On day three you will spend half of the day exploring the famous floating and railway markets. These are located outside Bangkok, so you have to visit them on an organised tour , as it’s the easiest way to get there.

We did a tour that set off around 8AM, and returned just in time for a late lunch. The markets are about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive outside of Bangkok.

Which market you visit first will largely depend on what time you set off, as they will time it so that you can see the train passing through at the railway market. The railway market is cool, but odd.

One moment you’re walking along the tracks looking at the various stalls, then all of a sudden you see people cover their products with blankets or taking them inside, and a moment later the train comes!

You’ll find yourself standing quite tight on the edge of it, as the space between the train and houses that surround the tracks is really minimal.

Click here to check out prices and availability for a floating market & railway market tour from Bangkok, or see directly in the calendar below!

The famous railway market just outside Bangkok, Thailand

The floating market is pretty close to it and is very different. It’s much more chaotic, with proper boat traffic jams along the river at peak times.

There are a number of locals selling products from their boats or stall along the river, but there is quite a big market also surrounding it that you can explore on foot.

We found the experience of bargaining in the river quite interesting, since everyone is on the move, negotiations are much shorter and you’re more likely to get a good deal!

Our tour didn’t include a cruise on the typical wooden boats but you can arrange this for 50 THB per person once you arrive there.

If you don’t want to pay for the extra just walking along the canals and in the market inland is very interesting too.

Click here to book your Bangkok floating & railway market tour!

The floating market close to Bangkok, Thailand

Once you return to Bangkok you have you have a variety of options for your afternoon.

I would recommend relaxing at your hotel and chilling by the poolside, and then adventuring out to Khao San Road night market when the sun falls.

Khao San Road is one of the busiest streets in Bangkok, where you can find anything you’re looking for.

The market has the same charm as any Thai market – chaotically beautiful. There are also tons of restaurants and bars where you can drink and party until the early hours of the morning.

I didn’t include it in this Thailand 2-week itinerary, but another popular day trip from Bangkok is Ayutthaya .

I visited it on my second Thailand trip, and while it’s a cultural significant historical area, I found the temples in Bangkok and Chiang Rai to be more impressive.

Since you only have two weeks in Thailand, I figured it’s best to focus on the truly stunning temples, and not waste time on long day trips.

Khao San Road night market in Bangkok

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai

On the fourth day you’ll be travelling to Chiang Mai. There are multiple ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, including buses, trains, taxis and flying.

While it’s not the cheapest, flying is obviously the quickest and if you only have 2 weeks in Thailand, I would highly recommend it.

Make sure to get an early morning flight so that you have time in the afternoon to start exploring Chiang Mai. One of the most popular activities to do in Chiang Mai is to attend a Thai cooking class .

Most packages include pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation, and they will directly bring you to the cooking school or farm, where they will show you how to cook traditional Thai dishes like the Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, Penang curry and mango sticky rice.

| READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE |

Pad Thai; one of the most traditional, and popular amongst tourists, dishes in Thailand (I made this one!)

There are full-day or half-day cooking classes. The full-day experiences include also a visit to the local market where you are shown how to choose the right ingredients, or a tour of the farm where you pick them yourself.

We landed in Chiang Mai around lunch so decided to do the half-day cooking class , and it was the perfect way to spend our first afternoon and evening in Chiang Mai.

During the cooking class you will be cooking alongside a local Thai chef, who will explain every step of the way what you need to do. At the end of the class, you get to eat the delicious dishes you made! 

Thai cuisine is very delicious and unique, as it has been influenced by both Indian and Chinese flavours. Some dishes are quite spicy, but there are a lot that have been adapted for Western palates and still super yummy.

What better way to get acquainted with Thai cuisine but to cook it? We did our cooking class with Grandma’s Home Cooking School and can highly recommend it.

The staff were friendly and professional, and the food was amazing!

Click here to book your Thai cooking class at Grandma’s Home Cooking School,   or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Mango sticky rice, one of the most traditional Thai desserts

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai we stayed at Le Meridien , a great hotel to stay if you want to be pampered during your travels.

The rooms are spacious and have beautiful views over Chiang Mai, with the mountains in the distance, and it has a great rooftop pool where you can relax and enjoy the sunset.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Le Meridien Chiang Mai

If you’re looking for something cheaper, I have listed other accommodation options in Chiang Mai below.

Budget: Leaf Hostel – While it might not have a party reputation, this hostel offers clean and spacious dorms. if you’re looking for a very sociable hostel I’ve heard fun things about Bodega Chiang Mai Party Hostel.

Click here to book your stay at Leaf Hostel!

Mid-range: POR Thapae Gate – If you don’t fancy a hostel dorm, a lovely mid-range option is POR Thapae Gate . Located in the heart of the Old City, this hotel has spacious rooms and a pool where you can chill after a long day exploring Chiang Mai.

Click here to book your stay at POR Thapae Gate!

Enjoying the sunset from the rooftop pool of Le Meridien in Chiang Mai

Day 5: Spend a day with elephants at Elephant Nature Park

Chiang Mai is becoming one of the most popular spots in Thailand for ethical elephant encounters.

Most travellers visiting Thailand will spend at least half a day at Elephant Nature Park , an ethical elephant sanctuary that serves as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for elephants, and even other animals such as dogs and cats.

Thanks to ENP locals involved in the elephant tourism industry are starting to realise that it is more profitable to run an ethical sanctuary than a riding camp, meaning there has been a big shift in recent years with an increase of ethical elephant sanctuaries.

| READ MORE: HOW TO SEE ELEPHANTS IN THAILAND ETHICALLY |

Feeding the elephants at Elephant Green Hill, part of the Elephant Nature Park “saddle-off” project

Walking in the forest with one of the rescued elephants

While ENP is the more famous sanctuary with more elephants, if you want a more unique experience, I would recommend choosing one of the smaller sanctuaries affiliated with Elephant Nature Park.

We chose to visit Elephant Green Hill , a sanctuary that is part of the “saddle off” project of ENP, where the animals are rescued from riding camps.

They had only three elephants, but me and my friends were the only three tourists there so we had a really incredible close encounter with the elephants. 

The experience costs 2,500 THB per person, which includes also your lunch and hotel pick up and drop off. You will spend the day taking care of the animals; you will feed them, bathe them and walk them in the forest.

Click here to book your elephant encounter in Chiang Mai, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Happy elephants bathing at Elephant Green Hill in Chiang Mai, Thailand

If you want to meet elephants in Thailand, or anywhere in Asia, I highly recommend visiting a sanctuary like Elephant Nature Park and not a riding camp.

Elephants are incredibly intelligent animals and they are not treated well in riding camps.

During an ethical encounter like this you will be able to spend longer with them, and somewhat connect with them, not just ride them and contribute to their abuse.

You should also make sure you do your research before visiting one, as not all camps are as ethical as they claim to be.

Spending time with the elephants at Elephant Green Hill

Day 6: Travel to Chiang Rai & go temple hunting

Day 6 is going to start with a long journey so make sure you rest well on the previous evening to be able to get up early in the morning and catch the morning bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai .

Or party all night and sleep on the bus, totally up to you! The bus ride takes around 4 hours depending on if you get a faster or slower one.

You will arrive in Chiang Rai in time to settle down, relax a bit and then take a Grab to the Blue Temple. The Blue Temple, also known as Wat Rong Suea Ten, is a Buddhist temple painted in a very vibrant blue.

The temple houses a large blue Buddha and various artifacts of the Buddhist religion.

While it is an active temple and place of worship, it is more popular as a temple for tourists due to its unusual blue colour, which gives traditional Thai architecture a unique spin.

The front of Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) in Chiang Rai, Thailand

The inside of the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

From the Blue Temple you can get a Grab to the White Temple, it will take around 20 minutes and cost 100 THB. Just be aware that it closes at 5PM!

We didn’t realise that was the case and we timed it wrong, arriving there just as it was closing. This actually proved to be a blessing in disguise as we got to enjoy a beautiful sunset all by ourselves at the White Temple.

Yes we couldn’t go in, but the sun was setting behind it and there was a stunning golden light everywhere. The White Temple is another Buddhist temple, which as you can guess by the name, is fully white in colour. 

Motifs of dragons, half-dragon and half-human hybrids alluding to the gods are also largely used in the architecture of the White Temple.

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, at sunset

If you want to avoid the hassle of arranging Grabs and taxis between temples, you can also join an organised tour . 

Besides not having to worry about transport, you’ll always have a local guide with you, telling you about the history and cultural importance of the temples you’re visiting.

Click here to book your Chiang Rai temples tour,   or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

While we’re talking about tours, you can also consider  visiting the temples in Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai . It’s a very popular choice, since it saves you having to change hotels just for one night.

That said, I personally find it quite intense as it would be a 14-hour day, with loads of hours of driving and not much time in Chiang Rai. Instead, why not spend a night in Chiang Rai ?

After all, if you have 14 days in Thailand you can easily fit it in, and it gives you the opportunity to visit the the night market in Chiang Rai.

If you do choose to visiting Chiang Rai on a day trip , this tour is the most popular and highly reviewed online.

Click here to book your Chiang Rai temples day trip from Chiang Mai!

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

Here are some cool places to stay in Chiang Rai for every budget.

Budget: Mercy Hostel – If you don’t mind sleeping in a hostel dorm, Mercy Hostel is a great choice. Great value for money and excellent location.

Click here to book your stay at Mercy Hostel!

Mid-range: Nak Nakara Hotel – If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, but without breaking the bank, Nak Nakara Hotel is a great option.

Located right in the heart of Chiang Rai they also have a pool where you can cool off after a long day chasing temples in Chiang Rai.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Nak Nakara Hotel!

Luxury: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa – Even if you only have one night in Chiang Rai, no reason why you shouldn’t spoil yourself!

Treat yourself to a fancy stay at the Legend Chiang Rai , where you can relax after the long bus journey.

Click here to book your stay at The Legend Chiang Rai Resort & Spa!

The back of Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Day 7: More temples & return to Chiang Mai

I hope you haven’t had enough of temples just yet, because there are a couple more you should check out before leaving Chiang Rai!

First stop on the agenda is Wat Huay Pla Kung , if you can get up early enough to visit at sunrise even better.

It is closed at this time, so you won’t be able to go inside the temples but the outside of these temples is absolutely stunning at sunrise.

The Wat Huay Pla Kung is a group of three buildings, two temples and a huge, white statue also known as Chiang Rai’s big Buddha.

It’s a statue offered to the Goddess of Mercy, and when paired with its huge white dragons built along the staircase it’s an absolutely magnificent sight to behold, especially at sunrise.

The big buddha of Wat Huay Pla Kung in Chiang Rai, Thailand

You should ask your Grab driver to wait for you, as you won’t find many available Grabs in the area early in the morning. We didn’t think of doing that and ended up having to hitchhike a ride back to Chiang Rai!

We then decided to go back to the White Temple as soon as it opened so that we could actually see the inside of the temple too.

As good as the sunset was on the previous day, we still wanted to see this beautiful temple up close! There is a 50 THB fee to enter the temple.

We then took the bus back to Chiang Mai in the afternoon, where we then spent the last evening in Chiang Mai wandering around the night market. 

We only spent a few days in Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas, but there is so much cool stuff to do that you could easily spend one week in Chiang Mai , and still not see it all!

Exploring the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai

Day 8: Fly to Phuket & relax in Patong

If you’re anything like me, by this stage you’re probably a little templed out and kind of fed up of street markets. Worry not, because for the last part of your two-week trip, it is finally time for some beach chilling! 

You can fly to Phuket directly from Chiang Mai, and from there drive one hour to Patong. Patong is the main tourist area in Phuket.

Relax by the beach after your flight and then try to visit the Big Buddha at sunset. I know I said no more temples, but this is a bit of an exception, as it’s more of a viewpoint than temple.

The Big Buddha of Phuket is high at the top of a hill and has stunning 360 views over the coastline of Phuket. 

Just make sure to set off with plenty of time to spare as the tuk-tuks can be quite slow and the traffic can be crazy. You don’t want to miss the sunset!

If you want to spend a lavish evening in Phuket, you can visit Bangla Road in Patong. It’s a pretty crazy street with tons of bars, restaurants and clubs and is the perfect spot to enjoy the nightlife in Thailand.

Enjoying the sunset from the Big Buddha of Phuket, Thailand

Where to stay in Phuket

In Phuket we stayed at The Crib Patong , a really cute boutique hotel that was close to the nightlife of Bangla Road, but just far enough that the noise wasn’t annoying when you wanted to sleep.

Check the latest prices and availability at The Crib Patong here!

I listed below some other accommodation options for other budgets.

Budget – Phuket is one of the biggest backpacker destinations in Thailand. You will find lots of hostels for all moods. I’ve heard good things about Bodega Phuket Party Hostel if you’re in a party mood, and BearPacker Patong Hostel , if you’re looking for something more relaxed.

Click here to book your stay in a hostel in Phuket!

Luxury: Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, Karon Beach – On my first stay in Phuket I stayed at the Hilton in Karon Beach. Located right on the beach and away from the chaos of Patong, it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a fancy stay.

Click here to book your stay at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia in Karon Beach!

Sunset over the ocean as seen from our room at the Hilton

Day 9: Island hopping in Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island

The beach in Patong isn’t incredible, which is why Phuket is used by a lot of travellers as base for day trips to the surrounding islands. The tours to Phang Nga Bay are amongst the most popular.

Prices for a day trips from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay vary depending on tour size, what stops you do and what type of boat you choose, but generally speaking, they all tend to include pick up, drop off and lunch.

Pick up will usually be around 7AM while the return is at 6PM approximately, depending where in Phuket you’re staying. From Patong, it takes around 1 hour to drive to the harbour from which your boat will set off.

During the tour you will go kayaking into secret lagoons, snorkelling with fishes, relaxing at beautiful beaches, and even visit the famous James Bond Island, which became a popular tourist attraction after featuring in the Hollywood movie Agent 007.

On James Bond island you will find tourist shops and stalls where you can buy souvenirs and food if you get hungry.

Click here to book your day trip to James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay from Phuket,   or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

The iconic limestone formation of James Bond Island, Thailand

Cruising in Phang Nga Bay. Thailand

Day 10: Do a boat tour to Koh Yao Noi

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay are very cool, but can also get quite touristy. After a day trip there, I can imagine you now want to see something a little more unique.

The islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are not as famous as Phang Nga Bay yet. They are slowly becoming a popular island hopping destination, but are still off the main tourist radar.

Tours to these islands tend to be a bit more expensive than the James Bong Island trip, but they’re well worth it. Tours always including pick up, drop off, lunch and snacks throughout the day.

Day 10 will be quite similar to day 9 in terms of schedule, with an early morning pick up, around 1 hour drive to the harbour and then a full day of island hopping.

You won’t find tours that visit only the Koh Yao Islands. For example this one has great reviews online, and it visit also Phang Nga Bay and Hong Island.

On our tour we did multiple stops throughout the day for snorkelling and beach chilling, alternating between pristine sand bars and dramatic cliffs.

The spots weren’t as famous, but the beaches were considerably less busy and we were very happy about it. Alternatively, you could also explore the Similan Islands , another very popular day trip from Phuket.

Click here to book your day trip to Koh Yao Noi and other off the beaten track islands!

Exploring the beaches of Koh Yao Noi in Thailand

Typical Thai longboats on the beach in Hong Island, Thailand

Day 11: Travel to the Surin Islands

The journey to the Surin Islands is long, but it is well worth it. It is a four hour car ride to Khura Buri Port and one hour by fast boat.

The car transfer depends on how well you negotiate (we paid 700 THB per person) and speedboat ticket costs around 1,700 THB per person.

The Surin Islands are a true beach paradise! With crystal clear turquoise blue waters, soft white sand beaches, and a rich marine life with lots of corals and fishes.

They are still off the main tourist radar, and the lack of hotels or proper accommodation on the islands are proof of that. The only option to stay on the islands overnight is to either do a diving live aboard trip or to camp on the beach.

| READ MORE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE SURIN ISLANDS |

Enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Surin Islands in Thailand

Day 12: Relax in the Surin Islands

I recommend spending a good two nights here in the Surin Islands to really get an opportunity to disconnect, enjoy the beach and make it truly worth the long journey from Phuket.

For these two days, you can go on snorkelling (it’s one of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in Thailand after all!) go on boat trips, hike around the island, visit the local Moken Village, scuba dive and just chill and relax by the beach.

If you don’t feel comfortable camping on the beach for two nights, you can also stay in Khao Lake (the town from which the speed boat departs) and visit the Surin Islands on a day tour from there.

This tour has great reviews online. It includes pick up, drop off, lunch, snorkelling equipment and national park entrance fees. It’s a great option if you don’t fancy sleeping in the Surin Islands.

Click here to book your snorkelling day trip to the Surin Islands,   or check out the calendar below for prices & availability!

Snorkelling in the Surin Islands, Thailand

Fish and corals that you can see while snorkelling in the Surin Islands, Thailand

Day 13: Back to Phuket

After 2 nights in paradise, it’s time to head back to Phuket. The exact return time from the Surin Islands to mainland Thailand will depend on the tides.

You will usually set off around 1PM with the long tail boat from the camping area to the speedboat drop off point.

The actual speedboat usually comes around 3PM but check with your local guides to be sure, so that you can get some time to relax on the beach beforehand. 

It’s going to be a long car journey back to Phuket and I recommend sleeping at Sirinat National Park. It’s closer to the airport and offers a nice beach with beautiful sunset views.

Sunset at Mai Ngam Beach in Koh Surin Neua, Thailand

Day 14: Back to Bangkok & fly home

Chill at the beaches of Phuket in the morning, and then fly from Phuket to Bangkok later on in the day.

Depending on how much layover time you have before your international flight, you can go out and explore more street food markets in Bangkok, visit the famous mall Paragon (also the seventh largest in Asia) or just chill by the riverbanks in Bangkok.

And that brings your Thailand 2-week itinerary to an end!

It’s not the exact itinerary I followed on any of my Thailand trips, but after visiting Thailand three times, it’s how I would recommend spending 2 weeks in Thailand.

This 2-week Thailand itinerary includes a bit of everything, including temples, beaches, nature and cities, and is well paced so that you don’t find yourself rushing from one place to the next.

Wat Benchamabophit temple in Bangkok, Thailand

2023 Update

Hello friends! Four years after first publishing this article, I had the pleasure of travelling once again to Thailand (for my fourth trip) and visiting places I hadn’t previously been to.

While I still believe the Thailand 2-week itinerary I outlined above is pretty perfect for any first time travellers, it wouldn’t really be complete without mentioning also Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands .

On my last Thailand trip I spent one week in Railay Beach , a truly stunning beach destination with a very laid back town.

Located pretty much at the same height as Phuket, just on the other side of the Gulf of Thailand, Railay Beach can make for an excellent base for day trips.

Long-tail boats lined up at Railay Beach West in Krabi, Thailand

Besides the Surin Islands, you can visit all the same places listed in my itinerary above, plus others too.

If you don’t want to move around as much, you could base yourself in Railay Beach, and from there go on day trips to Phi Phi , Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Yai and the famous Krabi four islands tour .

That way you will see iconic places like Maya Bay , but also lesser known beaches like Ko Poda. It’s a great way to alternate between famous sights and off the beaten track destinations.

Railay Beach doesn’t have the nightlife and fame of Phuket, but for some travellers I imagine that’s just a plus!

You could also visit the paradise island of Koh Lipe . Getting to Koh Lipe can be a bit of a nightmare, as it’s basically closer to Malaysia than Thailand, but it’s actually pretty perfect if you plan to then island hop over to Langkawi on a wider South East Asia trip.

Discovering the beautiful Maya Bay in Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

The crystal clear water of Koh Poda in Krabi, Thailand

Preparing for 2 weeks in Thailand

Having covered my suggested Thailand 2-week itinerary, I want to share with you some useful information before you start planning this epic trip!

Below I tried to answer some of the most common questions travellers have about visiting Thailand that I hope you will find useful.

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).

Last time I visited, 1 USD was equal to around 30 THB. Food is extremely cheap, and tuk-tuk rides are usually 150 THB for a short distance.

When travelling longer distances, make sure to first negotiate properly with the drivers before committing to the ride, or ask them to drive by the meter.

Enjoying the view over Koh Phi Phi Don from the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint in Thailand

I love Thai cuisine. I find it’s the perfect cuisine to introduce Western travellers to food in South East Asia, as it’s super tasty but has quite a lot of dishes where the flavours aren’t too strong or spicy.

Thai cuisine features a lot of fruits native to the area, such as papayas and mangos. Some iconic and must try dishes are the green papaya salad, pad thai, pancit, tom yum soup and mussaman curry.

I have a soft spot for mango sticky rice, a delicious dessert made of, as you can imagine from the name, mango and sweet rice!

Penang chicken curry – a traditional Thai curry I made at the cooking class in Chiang Mai

Best times to visit Thailand

Thailand is a tropical country, and is quite hot and humid all throughout the year, but especially so in the summer.

You can visit Thailand all year round but the best time to do so is during the cool and dry season, from November to April, when there are less rains but there is a colder weather (for Thai standards, meaning it’s still the perfect winter escape for Europeans)!

Also, one thing to note is that different parts of the island are affected by different monsoons, so there are some islands that are best to visit in summer and others in winter.

This itinerary is best suited for a Thailand winter trip, as the islands around Phuket are affected by the summer monsoons.

If you’re visiting Thailand in summer, you can still do the first part of this trip, but for the beach part of it you’d want to visit the islands around Koh Samui instead.

Enjoying the empty beaches of Koh Lanta, Thailand

How to get around Thailand

Getting around Thailand is pretty easy. Thailand has a very developed tourism industry, meaning it’s usually fairly easy to get anywhere and to arrange transports on site.

Your preferred mode of transport will usually change depending on how far you have to travel.

Buses in Thailand can be very efficient. There are also ferries and minivans, depending on the place that you are travelling to. For short distances tuk-tuks are the most popular mode of transport.

Snorkelling in the Phi Phi Islands

Essentials to pack for 2 weeks in Thailand

For a full breakdown of what you should pack for Thailand, check out my Thailand packing list . Here I just wanted to include a couple essentials that I definitely don’t want you to forget!

Fast drying towel – whether it’s to use at the beach, in a hostel that doesn’t provide them, after bathing with the elephants, these always come in handy! Quick to dry and they don’t take up much space.

Waterproof jacket – if you visit in rainy season!

Dry bag – To keep your valuables safe and dry during the rainy season or on boat trips

Water bottle – lots of hotels and restaurants have water refills, save yourself some cash and save the environment some plastic by having your own reusable water bottle

Adapter – depending on where you come from you might need one of these to charge your electronics. I like to always carry an international one with me to be sure I can get my stuff charged

Power bank – if you’re out and about all day you don’t want your phone to die on you just as you’re about to snap a great photo!

Getting close to the elephants at Elephant Green Hill in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Final thoughts on my 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Thailand 2-week itinerary! Have you been to Thailand before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Thailand is a wonderful destination that is the perfect mix of beach life, city, nature, history and temples that showcase the beautiful Buddhist heritage of the country.

This is the ultimate way to make the most of your 14-day trip to Thailand. Don’t have 2 weeks to travel around Thailand? Check out my Thailand 10-day itinerary instead!

I hope you find this Thailand 2-week itinerary useful in planning your trip there!

Enjoyed reading my Thailand 2-week itinerary? Pin it!

Jan (Chimptrips)

Thursday 30th of January 2020

Hi Greta Thanks for this post. It's been really helpful for planning. We are going to be in Chiang Mai for about 5 days - do you think it is worth the long journey out to Chiang Rai, or would we be best to stay and make the most of what Chiang Mai has to offer? Jan (Chimptrips)

Monday 3rd of February 2020

Hi Jan, I would definitely go to Chiang Rai! The journey is quite long but the temples are really incredible! And they're very unique as well, the white and blue temples felt very different from all the others we had seen in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Also the night street food market is great, I had the best mango sticky rice there!

30 Ways to visit THAILAND on a BUDGET

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Visiting Thailand on a budget? As ex-pats in Bangkok, we share the best ways to save money in Thailand and plan a budget Thailand trip!

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for young people and budget travelers; it really is possible to visit Thailand for $20 a day ! It may not be as notoriously cheap as it use to be but there are still many ways you can save money and bag a bargain when traveling to Thailand. As ex-pats living in the country, we share the best ways to save money in Thailand.

Thailand on a budget

1) Travel during the Low Season – When possible, travel to Thailand between April and September to save money on airfares, accommodation, motorbike/car rentals, and even food. Prices rocket up during the high season from October through to March. However, this is the rainy season so visit in September and October to avoid the heavy rain and the heat of April. 

If you are paying for hotels and hostels on arrival, it is easier to haggle prices during the low season as many rooms will be empty around this time of the year. To plan your trip, read these tips before you travel to Thailand.

If you know the craft of haggling well, you realize that speaking in the local language can help you in getting the price you want. Learning Thai will allow you to try to get cheaper prices not just for accommodation but other useful things such as food and transport.

If you are visiting in the high season, make sure to book hotels in advance and check deals directly on the hotel websites, especially when booking a 4 or 5 star hotel.

2) Avoid Tourist Traps – The islands of the South of Thailand are still cheap compared to the rest of the world but they are expensive for Thailand. Enjoy the beautiful Thailand destinations like Koh Chang or Ko Lanta rather than the tourist spots of Phuket and Ko Samui to save money on practically everything. 

Additionally, there are touristy areas in the city that are worth staying in but staying just outside of these areas will get you better value hostels and hotels. For example, you can get cheap hostels near Khao San Road but they can be run down and dirty. Instead, book a hostel along Sukhumvit Road or even find a private room in a budget hotel in more residential areas like Thonglor and Phrom Phong.

3) Leave the Taxi – During rush hours and in certain areas of Bangkok, Taxis are known to quote high prices for a journey. Even in Bangkok traffic, it is still cheaper to use the taxi meter, which all taxis should be doing anyway. Some taxi drivers even like to take you via a friend’s tailor shop which is just a hassle!

If a taxi driver refuses to use the meter then just get out and find another taxi, chances are there will be one driving past within a few minutes. Make sure you can see the meter clearly and once in your destination, if the driver starts adding ‘extra service fees’ then just pay the meter price and leave.

Our best tip for taxi travel is to stick to using Grab. This app is very similar to Uber and is cheap, and easy to use so make sure to download it before your trip and use it to get around. 

EXTRA TIP: Another way to save money and time when traveling across the city is to find the nearest BTS or MRT stop near your chosen destination, head to that stop then get a taxi for the rest of the journey. This is especially helpful during rush hour.

4) Travel on overnight buses but get second-class tickets – Overnight buses and trains can be much cheaper than day journeys whilst also saving you money on a hotel or hostel for the night. 

Buses around Asia are now pretty comfortable (for a bus) and come with air conditioning. The bus will still stop at convenience stores on the way so you can buy hot food, drinks, and snacks. There are also plenty of options to choose from and trips rarely sell out. 

Second-class buses aren’t too different from first-class buses, with the main difference being a little more room on first-class buses as well as a reclining seat and footrest. First class or VIP buses can be faster as they often have an on-bus toilet, meaning they don’t stop as much.

EXTRA TIP: You can also compare and book train, bus, and mini-van tickets on the 12Go website, a popular choice in Asia.

5) Visit Northern Thailand – Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are considerably cheaper cities than Bangkok and its nearby cities. A night bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs around 900 Baht with apartments costing as little as 200 baht per month (£40 or $60!). Plus, food and transport around the city is cheaper and taking buses to nearby locations can also be found for under 500B.

In general, visiting the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-track destinations in Thailand will always be cheaper than the more popular destinations.

6) ATM Withdrawals  – Take out large amounts of cash, preferably enough for your time in that area rather than small amounts from an ATM. You will often get charged a flat rate for withdrawing money from your bank as well as an exchange rate.

7) Haggle – No matter where you are in Thailand, you will notice that items are one price for locals and another price for foreigners. Make sure you haggle the price down to what you are happy to pay (even if it is more than a local) and if the vendor doesn’t budge on price then walk away – they will often call out a decent price if they think they are losing a customer.

A general rule for haggling is if a stall doesn’t have a price listed, it is probably because they are going to give different prices. In this scenario, either be prepared to haggle or move along and find someone else who does list their prices. (see the next tip)

8) Signed stalls – When visiting food stalls and markets around Thailand, try to buy items from the stalls that clearly signpost the prices of items. In Chatuchak Market , we once saw a crepe stall selling crepes for 40 baht then went to buy one a little further up and he tried to charge us 300 baht. Needless to say, we just carried on walking until we saw another place with the price displayed.

9) Negotiate with Tuk Tuk drivers – Tuk Tuk drivers can be found in the popular cities of Thailand, particularly in Bangkok. If you are taking a Tuk Tuk, make sure you negotiate a decent price with them, finalize the price before you get in, AND make sure they take you exactly where you want to go.

10) Buy a local sim card – Like most places, if you are staying in Thailand for some time, then pick up a local sim card and make sure your phone is unlocked so you can use the sim card. True Move is a popular choice but all package deals and pay-as-you-go deals are pretty decent. These are especially helpful when booking GRAB taxis to get around the city.

11) Hunt around for accommodation – Use Agoda , booking.com , and Hostelworld to search for the best deals before you start your travels. Booking accommodation in advance is usually much cheaper and not all hostels are cheaper than hotels. In Bangkok and Northern Thailand, you will often find cheap private bedrooms in small B’n’Bs, which work out cheaper than a dorm bed if you are traveling as a couple.

12. Rent a motorbike – If you are in the small towns and cities of Thailand, rent a motorbike. These are much more fun than taking taxis and can save you a small fortune. However, always make sure to wear a helmet and avoid traveling in wet conditions when possible, especially in the mountain regions up north.

13. Free attractions – No matter where you are in Thailand, there are always temples, monasteries, buddhas, farms, beaches, waterfalls, forests, and so on, that are completely free. Do your research and spend time visiting these.

For example, Bangkok has plenty of markets that are free to explore but also have cheap food and affordable souvenirs. Bangkokian Museum is a free place to learn more about the city whilst Wat Saket is a free monstery and a picturesque place to see in the city.

14. Take the local bus – Whilst in Bangkok, it can be so much cheaper if you use the local bus system to get around the city. Half an hour trips start at 20 baht and more and more buses are being modernized; meaning you even get aircon!

15. Jump on the BTS/MRT – For fast, easy, and cheap transport around Bangkok, jump on the BTS or MRT to your chosen destination. If you are far from a stop or your destination is far from a stop, it may be worth getting a taxi or river boat to the nearest station to avoid traffic.

Either way, get yourself a Rabbit card and stick to the BTS/MRT as much as you can. You can download the BTS SkyTrain app to navigate your way around the city with ease.

16. Hand-out Flyers – In the south of Thailand, some bars are known to give you free drinks if you spend a few hours handing out their venue flyers during the afternoon. Speak to those at the bars, this is more likely to happen with bars run by ex-pats.

17. Couchsurfing – This is a website that gives you an opportunity to find free accommodation with people living in Thailand. This works particularly well in places like Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Chiang Rai where there are large amounts of ex-pats with spare rooms! Browse the hosts to find accommodation options but also check out the meet-up groups to meet other travelers in the city.

18. Avoid Western food – We all like a pizza or a Mcdonald’s from time to time but if you are trying to save money in Thailand then don’t start hitting up western chain restaurants. Head to a local restaurant or market and eat like a king for very little.

The best Thai street food on a budget : Most street food in Thailand is cheap and affordable, meaning you can try plenty of the local flavors without spending a fortune. Some of our favorites we would highly recommend are Sam Tham, Phra Kra Pro, and Moo Ping.

19. Don’t leave tips – It is not the norm to leave tips in Thailand so don’t worry about leaving tips in restaurants, bars, or cafes. However, we found the locals to be very grateful when we did.

20. 7/11 Stock up – The first thing we learned about Thailand when we arrived in Bangkok, was how cheap the beer in 7/11 is! A big bottle of beer costs around 55 baht (£1.10) whilst whiskey and wine bottles are as cheap as 250 baht (£5!). There are also these stores EVERYWHERE; ideal for stocking on water etc for your hotel room.

7/11 also has plenty of food options that they happily heat up for you. This includes local meals like green curry and Pad Thai as well as quick bites like sandwiches and toasties and western food like pasta, burgers, and burritos. This is a great way to save money when you aren’t near a food stall or fancy something a little more familiar.

21. Lotus Water – If you are staying in an area for a while, buy a big bottle of water and fill it up from the water machines outside the supermarkets like Lotus, costing 1 baht per liter. This will save you quite a bit on water bottles that normally cost 30+ baht in-store.

22. Visit the side streets – head down side streets and alleys to find the cheapest street food and often the tastiest. This is often where locals can be seen picking up food and you should follow their lead!

23. Drink the local beer – Singha, Tiger, and Leo are all considerably cheaper than imported brands so stick to them when drinking out in bars and restaurants. Also, check out the Facebook pages of western bars to find their happy hours; ideal if you are looking to save money and have a drink or two.

24. Travel by train – Trains are the cheapest way to travel long distances across Thailand but take some time and offer less comfort than buses. Compare train journeys on 12Go.Asia , with various routes, classes, and ticket prices available. You can also check out overnight train options to save even more money.

25. Skip the Guidebooks – I love a good guidebook and will always find the extra cash to buy at least one and read it from front to back and back to front before a trip. When visiting Asia, the best information I found about traveling to Thailand was online at various different travel blogs and youtube videos. Skip the guidebook for Thailand because everything you need to know can be found online.

Plus, one of my favorite things to do in Thailand is just to wander. Around every corner, there will be something unique and interesting.

26. Fly AirAsia – We aren’t big fans of the overnight buses and long train journeys and if you’re not either then check out the flights on AirAsia.com . We managed to get Bangkok to Phuket flights for just 1000 baht (£20). Don’t miss out on the beautiful islands of Thailand like the  beaches of Krabi and Koh Lanta .

As always, compare flights on Skyscanner then check prices directly on the Air Asia website. The website often does flash sales too, if you want to get very cheap flights.

27. Shopping Mall food courts – You can find shopping malls all over Thailand with so many scattered around the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok. These malls often included food courts that serve delicious meals usually including a drink for under 100 baht (£2).

28. Work – Working in Thailand

without the correct Visa is illegal but if you want to stay in Thailand for an extended period of time then you can take an online TEFL course

and bag yourself a job over there. If you speak English well and are from an English Speaking country, you could earn upwards of 50,000 baht a month.

29. Avoid Khao San Road – Unfortunately, this infamous road is no longer the cheap hub of Bangkok so avoid staying in this area or drinking in this area. Some of the pubs in this area are great for happy hours but you’ll find cheaper and better drinks in the Sukhumvit area. Also, the food stalls here are overpriced and often, of lesser quality than other food stalls in the city.

30. Take advantage of the happy hours – Most bars and restaurants in Thailand offer some type of happy hour for you to take advantage of. Wander from one bar to the next during their happy hour times and enjoy!

Most beautiful places to visit in Thailand

Budget Thailand FAQ

How much should I budget for a trip to Thailand?

If you are staying in hostels, eating local food, and sticking to free attractions in Bangkok and Thailand, you can plan to spend ฿2000 a day; $64 or £45. 

Is Thailand a cheap place to visit?

Thailand is a much cheaper destination than places in Europe and North America but visiting in the high season ca expensive (compared to other Asia destinations) when visiting the islands. 

How much does it cost for 10 days in Thailand?

When sticking to these budget Thailand trips, you can expect to spend around ฿28,000 for 10 days in Thailand (or $900). It is possible to spend as little as $600 if you are staying in hostels in Northern Thailand or the less touristy beaches. 

What is the cheapest month to fly to Thailand?

September, October and April are cheaper months to fly to Thailand with January, November and December being the most expensive time to fly to Thailand. 

What is the best airline to fly to Thailand?

Depending on where you are flying from, there are lots of different airlines to choose from when flying to Thailand. Via the UK, you can use British Airways whilst Eva Air have affordable rates throughout the year. 

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2024 BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

If backpacking were a college degree, Bangkok would have to be the 101 course.

Not only is Bangkok the the most visited city in the world, it also considered the global epicenter of backpacking culture. The famed Banana Pancake Trail, perhaps Asia’s most used travel route, often starts and ends in the Thai capital. No shock there, given that it sits at the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, boasts affordable prices, serves delicious local cuisine, and is home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Best of all, even during the pandemic, it remains tourist-friendly.

We have just arrived from our ninth — yes, 9th — Bangkok visit, and in this article, we’ll share with you all the tips and latest updates we’ve collected.

ESSENTIAL BANGKOK LINKS

Before we dive into the details, here’s a list of links to some of our recommended hotels, tours, attractions, and other must-haves, for easy reference in the future.

Top Bangkok Hotels Find Deals on Agoda! Top Day Tours on Klook Ayutthaya Day Tour Floating Market & Railway Market Tour Pattaya Day Tour Transportation Passes BTS Rabbit Card BTS One-Day Pass Internet Connection Data SIM Card Pocket Wifi

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital and the commercial, economic, and political center of Thailand. The name Bangkok is an exonym, something that foreigners use. Thais call it Krung Thep (meaning City of Angels), short for its official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon , which is also a shortened version of its full, ceremonial name: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

At first glance, Bangkok appears as your typical highly-urbanized metropolis, but a closer look reveals it remains very much in touch with its past. The city’s roots as the capital can be traced back to 1782, when King Rama I, after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, ordered the people to move south and establish a new center at a more militarily strategic location along the Chao Phraya River. Many of Bangkok’s most visited attractions today were built under King Rama I, including the Grand Palace complex and the other temples that will be discussed in the guide.

Here are a few more facts you need to know:

• Language : Thai. For newly exposed non-native speakers, it can be quite intimidating, especially its lengthy words. It’s also a tonal language, i.e. the meaning changes with the tone. But many road and establishment signs are also written in Latin alphabet. English isn’t normally spoken. You’ll encounter taxi drivers and vendors who cannot speak English. But most younger locals can. And what the Thais lack in English fluency, they make up for with their friendly attitude toward tourists.
• Timezone: UTC+07:00 (ICT – Indochina Time), year round. No daylight saving time observed. Same time zone as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Thailand, in general, is one hour behind the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia.
• Currency : Thai Baht (THB, ฿). TTHB100 is roughly USD 2.89, EUR 2.72, SGD 3.9, PHP 161 (as of December 2022).
• Modes of payment : Cash. Although some restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, smaller establishments prefer cash.
• Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by almost 93% of the population. Most others identify with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Confucianism.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK

Best area to stay.

Bangkok is a vast city, and many of the key attractions are spread apart. Thankfully, there are also plenty of neighborhoods that are ideal places to stay. What’s best depends on why you’re in Bangkok in the first place.

• If you’re on a budget , SIAM and SILOM have a good selection of hostels and budget hotels, especially the areas around BTS National Stadium Station or MRT Ratchathewi in Siam and BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Si Lom in Silom. From any of these, most of the attractions easily accessible, ensuring savings on transportation. Cheap food spots are also scattered around these districts.
• If you’re backpacking or after Bangkok’s wild nightlife, the KHAO SAN area should be your top choice. Khao San Road is loud, but it is where backpackers from around the world congregate. The area also harbors countless hostels and other lodging options for budget travelers. It’s also easily accessible from the Grand Palace and the city’s popular temples.
• If you’re here to shop ’til you drop , the PRATUNAM and SIAM areas are ideal because of the many bargain centers and shopping malls around.
• If you’re after nightlife, the SUKHUMVIT and SILOM areas are pulsating with pubs, clubs, and many of its famed rooftop bars.
• If you’re a foodie , SILOM and CHINATOWN are home to some of the best but affordable food spots in the city. Silom is the business district with the Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s largest green space, at its center, ensuring a balance between quiet and chaos. The BANGLAMPHU area (near the Democracy Monument and Khao San Road) also has a great selection of Michelin-listed pocket-friendly restaurants.

All these areas are conveniently located because there are BTS/MRT stations nearby. Well, almost. The only exception is KHAO SAN / BANGLAMPHU, which is a 30-minute walk away from the nearest MRT Station (Sam Yot) . But Khao San is close to a pier, where you can board a boat to get to key attractions along Chao Phraya River. Other than that, tuktuk and taxi are the main transportation options to and from Khao San. That said, I can still recommend staying there, especially if you wish to have a taste of Bangkok’s backpacking culture.

If you prefer to stay somewhere easily accessible, the SILOM and SIAM areas are my top recommendations. Both have a number of BTS/MRT stations and offer a little bit of every thing that the other districts have to offer — good food, shopping, and nightlife.

Top Budget Hotels & Hostels in Bangkok

Here are some of the top-reviewed hostels and budget hotels on Agoda that won’t break the bank:

• Tamni , near Hua Lamphong Station & Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Daraya Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Siam Eco Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Kinnon Deluxe Hostel , Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• HOSTEL URBY , Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Baan Kun Mhor Hostel , Chatuchak. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• LOBSUEK Hostel หลบศึก โฮสเทล, Khao San Area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• VIX Bangkok @ Victory Monument. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Lub d Bangkok Siam Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Top Mid-Range/Upscale Hotels in Bangkok

If you have a bigger budget, here are the top properties on Agoda:

• Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Siam/Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Carlton Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Old Capital Bike Inn , Khao San area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• ASAI Bangkok Chinatown . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ago Hotel Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Bangkok Hotels

HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK

Bangkok is one of the busiest and most connected cities in the world. If you’re living in a major city, chances are, there’s a direct flight from where you are to Bangkok.

The city is served by two airports:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , the newer and bigger airport, serving most airlines, except a few low-cost carriers. It’s situated east of the city proper, roughly 1 hour away.
• Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , serving mostly AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and TigerAir Taiwan. It lies north of the city center, 45 minutes to 1 hour away, depending on traffic conditions.

Manila to Bangkok

If you’re flying from Manila, it’s easy to find direct, non-stop flights to Bangkok as multiple airlines operate this route. As of this writing, here are your options:

TO SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK)

• Philippine Airlines
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Thai Airways

TO DON MUEANG AIRPORT (DMK)

• Philippines AirAsia

Travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours.

For our most recent visit, we flew with Philippine Airlines for many reasons:

• 30 kg check-in baggage allowance. Most other airlines only provide 20kg. Although we had been to Bangkok many times before, this would be the first time we intended to go shopping here. Bangkok is a retail paradise, so bargain hunters can easily have a field day at any of their shopping centers. It turned out to be a great decision because we really did use almost the entire 30 kg.
• FREE rebooking. There were a lot of uncertainties about this recent trip. When we booked our tickets, we still weren’t decided yet on how long we wanted to stay in Thailand. It was a multi-city trip and we weren’t sure if we also wanted to visit Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. We wanted more flexibility, just in case. As of this writing, PAL doesn’t charge additional rebooking fees if the new flight is within 60 days after the original flight. (But double check first because airline policies change often these days.) Fare difference still needs to be settled, though.

HOW TO GET TO DOWNTOWN BANGKOK

Just in case you missed it, Bangkok has two airports: Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , located 25 km north of the city center, and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , 30 km west of the city center.

We’ll be creating a more detailed guide about this. But here’s a condensed rundown of the ways to get to downtown Bangkok from either airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City Center

The AIRPORT RAIL LINK is the fastest way to get to the city proper because you’ll be dodging Bangkok’s infamous traffic jams. You can find the station at the basement of the airport’s passenger terminal. There’s a train every 15 minutes from 6am to 12 midnight (every 10 minutes within the peak hours).

It’s connected to the city’s BTS Skytrain at two stations: Makkasan (฿35) and Phayathai (฿45), the last station. Travel time: around 25 minutes.

Depending on where your hotel is located, you can switch lines.

• To SUKHUMVIT or SILOM Area: You can connect at either Makkasan or Phayathai Station. Find out the station closest to your hotel and transfer to either the MRT Blue Line at Makkasan Station (then to Petchaburi Station) or to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Phayatai Station.
• To SIAM Area: Alight at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
• To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kho Khot. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
• To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Makkasan Station, transfer to MRT Blue Line at Petchaburi Station, and get off at Sam Yot Station. From here, take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

By Taxi or Grab

If you’re a group or if you have heavy luggage in tow, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area). If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

TAXI RATES: Fare: around ฿400 Airport surcharge: ฿50 Highway toll fees: ฿75

GRAB RATES: ฿530 and ฿600, inclusive of toll fee or highway fee. This is based on the experience of our team.

Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok City Center

According to reports, the Don Mueang Airport was finally connected to Bangkok’s train network in August 2022. I say “according to reports” because we haven’t tried this ourselves yet.

From the airport, you can walk to the Don Mueang Station, along the SRT Dark Red Line . Board the train bound for Bang Sue and alight there, at the last stop. Transfer to the MRT Blue Line.

• To SILOM Area: Most stations in Silom are along the Blue Line, so just get off at the station closest to your hotel.
• To SIAM Area: Alight at Chatuchak Park Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Mochit Station. Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
• To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
• To SUKHUMVIT Area: The Sukhumvit area has a lot of stations that are either along the MRT Blue Line or the BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). If the closest station to your hotel is along the Blue Line, it’s going to be easy because you’re already on the same line. If your hotel is closer to a Light Green line, alight at Chatuchak Park and transfer at Mochit Station. Then, board a train bound for Kheha.
• To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Sam Yot Station (along the same Blue Line) and take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

If, for whatever reason, you do not like taking the train straight from Don Mueang Airport, you can also take the bus and the switch to BTS/MRT. And follow the steps above.

There are direct buses from Don Mueang Airport to select destinations around Bangkok.

• To MOCHIT BUS TERMINAL: Bus A1
• To BTS MO CHIT STATION: Bus A1
• To VICTORY MONUMENT: Bus A2
• To BTS RATCHADAMRI STATION: Bus A3
• To LUMPHINI PARK: Bus A3
• To KHAO SAN ROAD: Bus A4

Fare: ฿30-50 , depending on route

To see the complete list of stops, visit this page .

If you want a more straightforward journey, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area).

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic Fare: around ฿540 (including ฿50 airport surcharge)

If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

POCKET WIFI AND DATA SIM CARD IN BANGKOK

Data Sim Card

This is the cheapest and most convenient option. Klook has two main options: TrueMove and dTac. Both offer:

• 15GB data for up to 16 days
• Internet connection anywhere in Thailand
• Inclusive of FREE call credits
• Pickup at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport

✅ RESERVE TRUEMOVE DATA SIM HERE!

✅ RESERVE DTAC DATA SIM HERE!

Pocket Wifi

If your phone is locked to your home network or you have more devices to connect, you can rent a pocket wifi. You’ll find many wifi rental booths around Bangkok, but if you want to stay connected from the get-go, you can reserve one in advance via Klook and just pick it up at the airport, either at Don Muang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport.

If you’re coming from Manila, you can also get one at NAIA Terminal 3. Either way, they can accommodate up to five devices at one.

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – BANGKOK PICKUP!

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – NAIA PICKUP!

HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK

The Thais have their own address system and first timers in Bangkok can be easily disoriented. Wikitravel explains it really well: “Large roads such as Silom or Sukhumvit are thanon while the side streets branching off from them are called soi. Sois are numbered, with even numbers on one side and odd numbers on the other side. Thus, an address like 25 Sukhumvit Soi 3 means house number 25 on the 3rd soi of Sukhumvit Road.”

Although it is not as sweat-free as in Hong Kong or Singapore, commuting in Bangkok is quite easy. Vehicular traffic can get crazy during rush hour though. But if you’re used to the giant parking lot that runs across Manila called EDSA, you’ll be fine in Bangkok (or any other Southeast Asian city for that matter).

Getting around via public transportation means using one or more of these four modes:

• Train (BTS Skytrain/MRT) . Bangkok’s train system is fast and reliable, and will take you to many attractions throughout the city. I always find myself taking the train most of the time because many attractions are located close to a station. Also, it allows me to bypass traffic jams especially during rush hours. Although connected at a few stations, the BTS and the MRT are completely separate systems, run by different managements and use different tickets. The fares for both are similar, ranging from 16 to 52 baht. Most stations have a counter than can break your large bills and a ticket machine that accepts bills. For a more convenient journey on BTS, use a Rabbit Card (stored-value ticket) or a One-Day Pass (unlimited rides for 1 day).
• Boat . The two boat services operating in Bangkok are the Chao Phraya Express Boat, which plies up and down the Chao Phraya River and is popular among tourists for it stops at many of the city’s most popular landmarks; and the Saen Saep Express Boat, used mostly by locals who commute to work. The Chao Phraya boat is the best option for you if you intend to visit the Grand Palace complex (at Tha Chang) and Wat Pho (at Tha Tien), and Khao San Road (at Phra Athit) within one day! Both the Chao Phraya TOURIST BOAT and the cheaper ORANGE-FLAG BOAT will make a stop at these key tourist attractions. Fare: tourist boat, ฿50 single ride or ฿180 for day pass; orange-flag boat, ฿15 flat rate.
• Taxi/Grab . If my destination is too far from a train or boat station, I would just hail a cab. A ride costs more than in Manila but nowhere near the rates in Hong Kong or Singapore. The flagdown is 35 baht and the average ride within the city is probably around 100. You might encounter cab drivers who take advantage of tourists by not using the meter and then overcharging. If the driver refuses to use the meter, just get off the vehicle. Know that all cabs in Bangkok must use the meter. Many of these drivers wait for tourist passengers at the popular attractions like temples and Khao San Road.
• Tuktuk. I didn’t even bother. They are very expensive, even more expensive than cabs, and many (not all, but it’s hard to know) are involved in scams. If you really want to try for the heck of it, just agree on the price first.

THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND BANGKOK

Before we enumerate the many attractions waiting for you in Bangkok, allow us to introduce KLOOK PASS BANGKOK & PATTAYA . This ticket will give you up to 45% discount. The pass is valid for 30 days upon confirmation.

How it works is simple. With this pass, you’ll have access to a number of attractions. You get to choose how many and what these attractions will be. The first step is to choose how many attractions you want your pass to cover and purchase the pass. Once paid, you can go to the BOOKING section or your app or account, and redeem it. Say, if you purchase a 3-attraction pass, you can book up to 3 attractions from the list. Some attractions might also require you to reserve afterwards.

Here are the attractions in Bangkok and Phuket that you may choose from:

Mahanakhon Skywalk

Siam amazing park.

• Safari World
• SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
• Madame Tussauds Bangkok
• Pororo Aquapark
• Sanctuary of Truth
• Dream World
• Frost Magical Ice of Siam
• Underwater World
• Ancient City Museum
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
• Wat Pho & Wat Arun Walking Tour
• One More Thai Massage
• Chao Phara Princess Dinner Cruise
• Alcazar Cabaret Show
• Tiffany’s Show
• Bangkok Hop on Hop Off Bus

✅ CHECK RATES & GET PASS HERE!

How much you save depends on what you book. Regardless of the attractions you use it on, the price of the pass remains the same. So what we recommend is to use this pass on pricey attractions.

Here are examples on how you could save using this pass:

Grand Palace and Temples Tour

If you’re fit and you enjoy walking, you’ll be glad to know that many of the city’s key attractions are located within walking distance of each other. For example, Bangkok’s most popular temples and shrines, Chinatown, and even Siriraj Forensic Museum are easily accessible from the Chao Phraya River and can be easily visited in one day.

How to get there : If you’re from Silom, Siam or Sukhumvit areas, take the train to Saphan Taksin Station. Take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a boat to either Tha Thien or Tha Chang. Boat fare is ฿50 if you board the tourist boat or ฿15 if orange-flag boat.

Here are the usual stops:

• Grand Palace. A complex of structures, pavilions, and courtyards including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The entrance fee also includes admission to “Khon: Thai Classical Masked Dance”. Boat stop: Tha Chang Pier (No. 9). Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Ticket counters close at 3:30 PM). Entrance fee: ฿500.
• Wat Arun. Probably the most recognizable landmark in Bangkok with a 70m tall spire (called prang). Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then cross the river on a smaller boat. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Entrance fee: ฿100, inclusive of bottled water.
• Wat Pho. Famed for the enormous reclining Buddha that it houses. Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then walk up the perpendicular road to Wat Pho. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM Entrance fee: ฿200, inclusive of bottled water.

Dress Code : The rule is to have your shoulders, knees, and heels covered. The following are not allowed:

• Shorts, short skirts, mini-skirts, tight fitting trousers
• Torn trousers/pants
• Sando, vests, sleeveless shirts
• See-through shirts

The management used to rent out pants to inadequately dressed tourists, but perhaps because of the pandemic, they only sell those now for ฿200 apiece.

Although it’s completely possible to pull this off DIY-style, it’s still much more recommended to join a guided tour so you have better appreciation of each site. These are historic and cultural landmarks that hold so much significance for the Thai people. You can book a guided tour on Klook, which includes all entrance fees, boat transfer fee, insurance, and the service of an English-speaking guide.

✅ CHECK ITINERARY & BOOK HERE!

Floating Markets & Railway Market

Aside from its ornate spires and temples, Bangkok is also best known for its floating markets. But the truth is, these boat-navigated markets are actually located outside the capital. Two of the most accessible are:

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province
• Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram

A visit entails boarding a small boat as you negotiate the market canals. Plenty of souvenir and food options around!

Another market that has been attracting throngs of tourists is the Marklong Railway Market. Yes, railway, because it’s set up along the train tracks. And when a train chugs along, watch and be amazed by how the vendors make way for it. You can also spend an hour chilling at a railway cafe.

Klook has tours that combine Maeklong Railway Market with either Damnoen or Amphawa Market — your choice. There are several departure times available so choose the most convenient for you.

✅ CHECK RATES & OPTIONS HERE!

At 314 meters tall, King Power Mahanakhon is one of Thailand’s tallest buildings, housing a hotel, residential units and tourist attractions. From the outside, it looks like a pixelated skyscraper, a design that easily captivates. Inside, a multimedia elevator will take you to the highest outdoor observation deck in the country, allowing a magnificent view of Bangkok and surrounding areas.

But most visitors are here for the Skywalk. Atop the building is an area with a glass floor that you may walk on, creating a nerve-wracking but pretty mind-blowing experience.

You need to wear the shoe covers provided onsite before you’re allowed to step on it. And mobile phones (and other loose items) are NOT allowed within the glass tray area. This means that you won’t be able to take a selfie while on the glass. If you’re after photos, best to visit with someone else. Or if you’re traveling alone, make friends with other solo visitors and just take photos of each other.

Location: 114 1 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi BTS Station Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mahanakhon SkyWalk); Entrance Fee: Mahanakhon SkyWalk (Indoor & Rooftop) – Adult, ฿836; Child (3-15 y/o), ฿250; Senior (Above 60 y/o), ฿250.

Only a limited number of tickets are sold per day, so it’s best to book in advance. You can reserve online via Klook! You can also check out other Mahanakhon experience package options and choose the one that suits your preference.

✅ RESERVE A TICKET HERE!

Bangkok Nightlife

No Bangkok trip is complete without getting a taste of its (in)famous nightlife. We already mentioned Khao San Road , the backpacker mecca. It is crowded, loud, and wild. Thunderous music from nightclubs and the delicious smell of street food fill the air, while tourists fill every vacant seat, table and corner.

Aside from Khao San, Bangkok has several other nightlife districts! Most clubs and bars are safe, but as in any other major city, not all. Scams targeting tourists do exist at some establishments. You’ve probably heard about tourists entering a bar and then not being allowed to leave without paying a hefty price for a ridiculously overpriced drink.

If you want to try Bangkok nightlife and make sure you’re in good hands, you may join a guided tour. Klook has two main options: a bar hopping tour , more like a pub crawl, and a Hangover tour , where you get to visit the bars featured in The Hangover 2 movie (including a ping pong show)!

✅ JOIN HANGOVER TOUR HERE!

✅ BOOK BAR HOPPING TOUR HERE!

Dream World Bangkok

Bangkok has its fair share of theme parks, too! And on top of that list is Dream World , a 25-hectare adventure park featuring over 40 rides, shows, and other attractions, spread around four key zones!

Some of the most popular rides are the cable car, Sky Coaster (rollercoaster), Tornado, Vikings (pendulum ride), and Grand Canyon (water rapids)!

ENTRANCE FEE

• Dream World Visa (26 rides with unlimited time per ride EXCEPT Alien, Bump Car, and Haunted House, which can be enjoyed once only): ฿600
• Dream World Super Visa (includes all the rides for unlimited time): ฿1,000
• Children below 90cm : FREE

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Location: 62 Moo 1, Rangsit-Ongkharak Road (Km.7), Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani How to Get to Dream World: From Victory Monument BTS Station, take Bus No. 523 or 538 to Dream World.

Dream World is very popular even among locals, so you might want to book your ticket in advance to skip the line. You may also add transfers.

✅ GET SKIP-THE-LINE TICKETS HERE!

The Siam Amazing Park is the largest theme park in Thailand and is home to the largest wave pool in the world (according to the Guinness World Records). You can also enjoy exhilarating rides including Southeast Asia’s first suspended looping coaster with five inversions and the 7-story water slides.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Entrance Fee: Adult, ฿1000; Child, ฿850; Children below 101cm, FREE. Location: 203 Suan Sayam Road, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok How to Get There: From Victory Monument BTS Station, head towards Ko Din Daeng Bus Stop via the circular skywalk, then take Bus No. 168 or 36ก to Siam Amazing Park.

Visitors must purchase their tickets at least one day in advance. You can book online via Klook! You can also choose the package — combine your ticket with an international lunch buffet or combine it with both lunch and shared transfer.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!

Ayutthaya Day Tour

Founded in the 1350s, Ayutthaya was Siam’s old capital before it was destroyed by the Burmese. Today, however, parts of its glorious past still shine through, especially at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, where four major temples stand up to this day: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Ratchaburana – the Royal Palace and Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Lying about 80 km from Bangkok, it is easily accessible and can be visited on a day trip. You can do this independently by taking public transportation and then hiring a tuktuk to tour you around. (We’ll write a separate post about it.) But if you need a guide and you want someone else to take care of everything for you, you can book with Klook.

✅ SEE OPTIONS & RESERVE HERE!

Pattaya Day Tour

Pattaya is another popular day trip destination from Bangkok, thanks mainly to its proximity, just around 150 km and roughly 2.5 hours away. The closest major beach destination to the capital, it is best known for water sports, island tours, and beach activities. But it also harbors some cultural structures like Wat Phra Yai Temple and the Sanctuary of Truth.

Jump-Off Point: Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal/Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Bus); Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Train) How to Get to Pattaya: By bus, go to Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal, then take the bus bound for Pattaya. The travel time is about two and a half hours. The one-way fare is ฿130-200 per person. By train, go to Hua Lamphong Station and get on a train to Pattaya. The travel time is 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train. The fare is ฿30-฿300, depending on the ticket class. The train for Pattaya normally leaves early in the morning — around 6:00 AM.

If you want a convenient roundtrip transfer between Bangkok and Pattaya, you can just join a guided tour. Klook offers Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn Coral Island Full Day Tour from Bangkok. This covers roundtrip transfers, an English-speaking guide, a Sanctuary of Truth ticket, insurance, and bottled water.

✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE!

Muay Thai Match

If you’ve ever wanted to witness a live muay thai match, there’s no better place to make that happen than Bangkok! The two common venues are:

• Lumpinee Boxing Stadium 6 Ramintra Road, Anusawaree, Bangkok
• Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium 1 Ratcha Damnoen Nok Road, Bangkok

You can secure your slot in advance and get discounted ticket by booking online through Klook!

✅ GET LUMPINI STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

✅ GET RAJADAMNERN STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

Other Attractions:

• Siriraj Medical Museum . Not for the faint of heart! Also known as the Museum of Death, it houses a huge collection of artifacts gathered in the 120 years of the Siriraj Hospital’s service as a pioneer in the medical field in the country. These pieces are divided into seven smaller museums dedicated to parasitology, anatomy, and forensic science among others. It’s a must-visit for dark tourism enthusiasts and those who simply wish to learn more about these fields. How to get there : Board the SkyTrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station, take Exit 2, and hop onto a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Siriraj Pier N10 or Tha Rot Fai Pier, both on the west side of the river. Walk a couple of blocks into the hospital complex. Follow the signs to Adulyadej Vikrom Building. The museum is on the second floor. More info : Siriraj Museum
• iconSIAM . Opened in 2018, this massive shopping mall is one of the largest in Asia. It is bursting with retail shops including luxury labels and budget-friendlier options, and the first Takashiyama Department Store in the country. But it’s best known for its indoor floating market, mimicking those in nearby provinces and showcasing local products and cuisine. Nearest Station: Charoennakorn Station (Sky Train Gold Line via Krung Thon Buri BTS Station) or Saphan Taksin BTS Station (then ferry from Sathorn Pier to IconSIAM) Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Bangkok Chinatown . Popular for its shops, especially near Charoenkrung Road. But there are also temples around the district. To be honest, it’s not as grand or as visually arresting as Chinatowns in other countries, unless you visit during the Chinese New Year, when the district really comes to life. How to get there: Take the Skytrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station (BTS Silom Line), take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a Chao Phraya Express Boat. Alight at the Ratchawong Pier (N5) and make your way on foot from Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road.

WHERE TO SHOP IN BANGKOK

Here are some of the best areas to satiate your inner shopaholic! We’ll be creating a separate, more detailed article about these spots in another post.

• Pratunam . Bangkok’s most popular shopping district. Between its busy alleys are even busier blocks filled with indoor and outdoor stalls selling mostly apparel and accessories. Smack at the heart of the area stand two massive malls — Platinum Shopping Mall and the Paladium World Shopping — both filled to the brim with bargain finds. Most of these specialize in wholesale, they also sell in retail quantities. How to get here : Take the MRT to Ratchaprarop Station and walk south from there. It should take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Chit Lom Station.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market . If your visit in Bangkok falls on a weekend, squeeze this into your itinerary. This retail paradise is a labyrinth made of shops, once popular only to wholesale traders but eventually became a favorite attraction among tourists. Here you’ll find almost anything you can think of: from souvenirs to flowers to clothes to furniture to street food! Prioritize this over Pratunam. We found that most of the items in Pratunam are also sold here at a cheaper price. (That said, I think Pratunam has a much more diverse selection when it comes to apparel.) Nearest BTS Station: Mo Chit Station, take exit 1.
• Siam Square . Made more popular to foreigners as the shooting location for the hit movie The Love of Siam, Siam Square does not disguise itself with pretenses of being culturally significant. It is a shopping and entertainment district. Yet, if you think about it, it somehow represents a generation — a younger, more industrialized, more fashionable Bangkok. Catering mostly to college students and young adults, Siam Square comprises several blocks harboring a wide array of stores — over a hundred of ’em — apparel stalls, boutiques, bookshops, record stores, restaurants, cafes, even cinemas. How to get here : Take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Siam Station.

Find more shopping centers here: WHERE TO SHOP IN BANGKOK! ✅

WHERE TO EAT IN BANGKOK

We’ll be creating a more detailed version of this article soon. But in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of our favorite places to eat in Bangkok.

• Thipsamai , where we had the best pad thai of our lives. It’s said to be the first store to serve the now ubiquitous noodle dish. It uses thinner rice noodles coated in shrimp oil. Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Pad Thai, ฿105; Pad Thai with prawns: ฿150 Open: 10AM – 12MN for takeaway only; 5PM – 12MN, dine in & takeout
• Jeh O Chula (Jay Oh) , for the best affordable tom yum noodle soup! It’s crazy popular that queuing can take up to 2 hours, unless you arrive early. We arrived past 4pm, just in time for the opening. But barely 5 minutes after we arrived, the line grew quickly. If you could, reserve a table via Klook. Those who book with Klook have a separate line, which is much shorter. Reserve here! ✅ Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Tom yum mama (spicy tom yum noodle soup), plain ฿150, with meatballs, squid, shrimps and crispy pork belly, ฿300; salmon salad, ฿300. Open: Daily 4:30PM-12MN
• Polo Fried Chicken , another Michelin-recognized establishment just across Lumphini Park in Silom area. It started out as a humble street stall but grew to become a proper eatery serving only a few Thai favorites. Address: 137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Fried chicken half, ฿130; som tam (papaya salad) with salted egg and dried shrimp, ฿80; pork larb/laap (spicy sour minced meat salad), ฿80. Operating Hours: Daily 7am-8:30pm
• Moo Yang Mae Sumontha , a hidden stall inside Chatuchak Market serving moo yang (grilled pork). But its version is roasted honey glazed, which is incredibly tender, succulent, and properly cooked. Address: 587 โครงการ 22 ซอย 4 /2ตลาดนัด จตุจักร 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok Bestseller: Roasted honey glazed pork, ฿60 per 100g. Open: Weekends 8AM-6PM
• Kuang Heng Chicken Rice , established 1932. If you get hungry while shopping around Pratunam, this is the place to refill that empty tummy! It’s located just next to Platinum Mall and across the street from Palladium. Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Daily 7am-10pm
• Jay Fai , with one Michelin star and featured on the Netflix series Street Food . It’s so incredibly popular that we still haven’t been able to try it. It doesn’t accept reservations beforehand, so you need to show up and fall in line early to be considered for the waitlist. We attempted three times but the waitlist was always full by the time we arrived. Nevertheless, I’m adding it to this list so you could try it for yourself. Address: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 9am-9pm Closed: Sunday-Tuesday

USUAL PRICES IN BANGKOK

Below is the list of the prices of common items that you will need for a comfortable budget stay in Bangkok! Bear in mind that the figures are in Thai Baht.

FAST FOOD & CONVENIENCE STORE

• Bottled water (500ml): ฿6-12
• Bottle of softdrink (550ml): ฿20
• 7-Eleven rice meal: ฿40-55
• Big Mac (McDonald’s): ฿128

STREET FOOD

• Grilled meat: ฿10-30 per stick
• Pad thai: ฿50-60
• Noodle soup: ฿50-70
• Rice meals: ฿50-100

ENTRANCE FEES

• Grand Palace: ฿500
• Wat Pho: ฿200
• Wat Arun: ฿100
• Siriraj Medical Museum: ฿200
• Mahanakhon Skywalk: ฿836
• Dream World Bangkok: ฿575
• Siam Amazing Park: ฿650

TRANSPORTATION

• BTS/MRT fare: ฿16-52
• Taxi flagdown rate: ฿35
• Grabcar within the city: ฿100-280, depending on distance/traffic conditions

TOURS (with Transfers)

• Maeklong Railway Market + Damnoen/Amphawa Floating Market: ฿1356
• Ayutthaya: ฿1690
• Pattaya + Koh Larn: ฿2239

SAMPLE BANGKOK ITINERARY

Here’s a sample itinerary that you may use. We stayed much longer, but if you have only an extended weekend to spend in Bangkok, here’s something to consider.

Note that this itinerary assumes that you’re a party of 2 , splitting some of the costs, and that you’re staying at a hotel in Siam, close to BTS National Stadium Station. Feel free to adjust here and there to match your hotel location, flight schedule, and your travel preferences.

DAY 1: MAHANAKHON SKYWALK & JEH-O-CHULA 01:00 PM – Arrival in Bangkok – Pickup Data SIM Card & Rabbit Card 02:30 PM – Train to Phaya Thai Station ฿45 – Transfer to BTS to Siam, ฿25 03:00 PM – Walk to your hotel, check in, freshen up 04:00 PM – Train to BTS Chong Nonsi Station, ฿28 04:15 PM – Mahanakhon Skywalk, ฿836, Book here! – Chill and wait until sunset 07:00 PM – Train to BTS National Stadium, ฿28 07:15 PM – Walk to Jeh-O Chula 07:30 PM – Eat tom yum set at Jeh-O Chula, ฿350/pax, Reserve here! ! 09:00 PM – Walk or train to Siam, ฿22 09:30 PM – Back to hotel, lights out

DAY 2: DIY TEMPLES TOUR & KHAO SAN ROAD 07:00am – Wake up call 08:00am – Train to BTS Saphan Taksin Station, ฿37 08:30am – Walk to Sathorn Pier 08:45am – Board orange-flag boat, ฿15 09:15am – Get off at N9 Tha Chang Pier 09:30am – Grand Palace Complex, ฿500 10:00am – FREE Tour at Temple of Emerald Buddha 11:00am – Lunch, ฿100 12:00pm – FREE shuttle to Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre 01:00pm – Khon Performance (included in Palace ticket) 01:45pm – Walk to Wat Pho 02:00pm – Wat Pho, ฿200 03:30pm – Boat to the other side of the river, ฿5 03:45pm – Explore Wat Arun, ฿100 05:00pm – Boat to the other side (Tha Thien*), ฿5 05:15pm – Boat to N13 Phra Arthit, ฿15 05:40pm – Walk to Khao San Road 06:00pm – Dinner & drinks at Khao San, ฿400 09:00pm – Taxi/grab to Silom, ฿100/pax *Note: Tha Thien/Tha Tian Pier is temporarily closed for renovation, as of Dec 2022. For now, you may walk all the way back to Tha Chang and catch the boat to Phra Arthit Pier.

Day 4: SHOPPING, DEPARTURE A: If this falls on a weekend 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS to Chatuchak Park Station, ฿42 09:00am – Shop at Chatuchak Market 11:00am – Lunch at Moo Yang Mae Sumontha, ฿120 11:30am – Continue shopping 02:00 PM – BTS back to hotel, ฿42 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out B: If this falls on a weekday 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS+ARL to Ratchaprapop Station 09:00am – Platinum + Palladium Malls 11:30 AM – Lunch at Kuang Heng Chicken Rice, ฿120 12:30pm – Continue shopping in Pratunam 02:00 PM – ARL+BTS back to hotel 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out

If you follow this Bangkok itinerary, prepare to shell out ฿5000 (USD 144, EUR 136, SGD 195, PHP 7950) , excluding airfare and hotel but including a bit of allowance for wiggle room and to make up for any possible price adjustments and incidental expenses.

If you spend TH฿600 per night per person on accommodations, the same itinerary will cost you TH฿6800 (USD 197, EUR 185, SGD 264, PHP 10,800) , excluding airfare but with some allowance to cover adjustments and incidental expenses.

(If you’re coming from the Philippines, it doesn’t include the PHP1650 travel tax yet.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BANGKOK

What are the covid-19-related travel requirements in thailand.

But if your next destination is a country that requires an RT-PCR COVID test (like India and China), travel insurance is mandatory . It must cover the full length of intended stay in Thailand + 7 extra days.

Is Bangkok safe?

My only frustration with Bangkok is that it has more than its share of scams targeting tourists, so always be careful.

What are the common Bangkok scams?

Khao San Road is also rife with scams. You’ll find tourist agents selling all sorts of transportation tickets that turn out to be less than what they promise. For example, you’ll find plenty of “direct buses” to Siem Reap, but most of them are not really direct as they involve switching vehicles at one point during the trip. Worse, some of these buses stop at “travel agencies” that will sell you fake visa.

Patpong is also notorious for scams. You’ll be invited by barkers to a sexy club to see a “pingpong show” or other mind-blowing presentations, to say the least. They’ll say the show is free but you must order a drink. The catch is, the drink is ridiculously overpriced.

As in any other city, be careful and vigilant. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

Bangkok could’ve been a year-round destination if it weren’t for the bouts of rain and flooding problems, which is why it is best to avoid the wettest months.

Rainy season is from May to October, but the wettest months are September-October. We have tried traveling to Bangkok in January, July, August, September, October, and November, and we can tell you that the precipitation level can definitely affect your overall travel experience. We’ve been stranded in some sites because of torrential rains and flooding and ended up wasting much of our time.

What is tipping policy in Bangkok?

When eating at sit-down restaurants, a tip of 10% of the bill should be fine. You can also just round off your bill. For example, if your bill is ฿135, you can leave ฿150. Same with cabs. If the meter is ฿105, round it off to ฿110 or ฿120. At hotels, you can give ฿20-50 to the porter who carries your luggage to your room, depending on the number of pieces. For a massage, tip ฿50. For full-day tour guides, at least ฿200 is alright.

Where to exchange money in Bangkok?

What is the power socket used in bangkok.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

To see the complete list of countries, visit this: List of Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries

However, visitors must have the following upon entry:

• a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• return or onward ticket
• at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family or equivalent in other currencies, cash.

It will also help to have a hotel reservation .

Note that if you’re not arriving by air, you’re only allowed to enter Thailand twice per year.

Do I really need 10,000-baht show money at the immigration?

Our team has been in and out of Thailand recently but none of us were asked how much we carry. But it would help to just comply, just in case.

The amount should be 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family.

It doesn’t need to be in baht. It can be any currency as long as it has the equivalent value.

Updates Log

2024•1•5 – Removed travel insurance for test-requiring next destination as it no longer applies 2022•12•21 – First up

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

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I stumbled upon your travel blog website and I’m absolutely loving it! Your posts are so informative and inspiring, and they’ve given me some great ideas for my own travels. I especially enjoyed your recent post on Travel blog, and I can’t wait to see where you’ll take us next!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the world, and keep up the amazing work! I’ll definitely be following along on your adventures.

Thank you so much for preparing this blog, Yosh!!! I cannot imagine the length of time it took you to lay out this information, so thank you! I appreciate it a lot now that I am in charge of our Thailand itinerary – it’s crazy!

Glad it was helpful. And yes, it takes us days (sometimes, weeks) to produce just one travel guide. But it’s always worth it!

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2024 bangkok travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, tips and more for first-timers in thailand.

Planning a trip to Bangkok, Thailand this 2024? Let me help you plan an Amazing Thailand Adventure! If you're visiting Bangkok for the first time, then this detailed Bangkok Travel Guide Blog with sample DIY itinerary (PDF), things to do, tourist spots, budget, breakdown of expenses, and more, will help you plan your trip to the "Land of Smiles!"

Updated: 2024 budget travel guide blog to bangkok for first-timers, thailand visa requirements, when is the best time to visit bangkok, how many days to stay in bangkok.

PRE-TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Book your flights to bangkok.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND ACTIVITIES

• BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card - this is a reloadable card that you can use when riding Bangkok's Skytrain. BTS is the swiftest way to go around the city and avoid heavy traffic in Bangkok.
• 4G SIM Card for Thailand - internet connection is very important when traveling abroad and to stay connected with your family and friends without overspending on roaming services. Be sure to get a local 4G SIM card when traveling to Thailand.
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half Day Tour - this is a day tour from Bangkok. This tour will let you experience Thailand's biggest and most popular floating market.
• Ayutthaya Day Tour with Sunset Boat Ride - this day tour from Bangkok will let you discover Thailand's ancient capital with a visit to three of the most important temples in Ayutthaya - Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Lokayasutharam. It also includes a visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Ayutthaya Floating Market, and a Sunset Cruise around the rivers of Ayutthaya.

INDOCHINA ADVENTURE?

• Vientiane to Bangkok
• Siem Reap to Bangkok
• Yangon to Bangkok

HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK FROM THE AIRPORT?

From suvarnabhumi international airport, from don mueang international airport.

WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY IN BANGKOK?

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED IN THAILAND?

4g sim card, 4g pocket wifi.

HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK?

Bts sky train, grab car/taxi, metered taxi, motorcycles, private car charter.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK?

For you residence.

• Standard Double Or Twin Room Only - starts at 1,169 Pesos per night
• Standard Double Or Twin Room With Breakfast - starts at 1,481 Pesos per night
• Deluxe Double Room Only - starts at 1,591 Pesos per night
• Deluxe Double Room With Breakfast- starts at 1,856 Pesos per night

Lub D Bangkok

• Lub D Ladies’ Dormitory - starts at 453.00 Pesos per night/bed
• Lub D Dormitory Room Only - starts at 482.00 Pesos per night/bed
• Railway Twin Room Only - starts at 1,113.00 Pesos per night for 2 persons
• Lub D Double Room Only - starts at 1,782.00 Pesos per night for 2 persons

The Spades Hostel

• 1 Bed In 8-Bed Mixed Shared In Dormitory - starts at 509.00 Pesos per night/bed
• 1 Bed In 4 Bed Mixed Shared In Dormitory - starts at 637.00 Pesos per night/bed
• Deluxe Single Bed With Shared Bathroom - starts at 729.00 Pesos per night/bed
• Deluxe Queen Room - starts at 1,977.00 Pesos per night

Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Oct 2, 2018 at 7:37pm PDT

• Deluxe Room - starts at 5,200.00 Pesos per night
• Deluxe Room with Bathtub - starts at 6,700.00 Pesos per night

Other Hotels and Hostels in Bangkok

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Jul 11, 2018 at 5:27pm PDT

THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Jul 11, 2018 at 2:38am PDT

The Grand Palace

• Guided tour in Grand palace & Emerald Buddha
• Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew with Thai Massage Half Day Tour
• Bangkok Cultural City Private Customize One Day Tour
• Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Walking Half Day Tour
• Bangkok Night Tour: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Grand Palace

Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)

Mahanakhon Tower SkyWalk

• Experience Thailand’s tallest observatory deck when you visit the Mahanakhon SkyWalk.
• Hop on a multimedia-themed elevator and head to the King Power Mahanakhon’s 74th floor for a sweeping view of the city.
• Stop by the building’s rooftop on the 78th floor and enjoy an exhilarating walk across the world’s largest glass floors.
• Visit in the afternoon for a memorable sunset experience or late at night for a glittering view of Bangkok. -Klook

KING POWER MAHANAKHON TOWER

The Giant Swing

• Pom Mahakan

• Loha Prasat

Erawan Shrine

Asiatique The Riverfront

Khao San Road

Patpong Night Market, Bazaar, and Clubs

Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine

Jim Thompson House

Terminal 21

Siam Paragon

Madame Tussauds Bangkok

Thai Spa Experience

KidZania Bangkok

Muay Thai Live

Chao Phraya Princess Cruise

Dream World

Ancient City and Erawan Museum

• Erawan Museum: 99/9 Moo 1 Bangmuangmai, Samut Prakan, Bangkok 10270, Thailand
• Ancient City: 296/1 Sukhumvit Road, Bangpoo, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand

Must-try Food in Bangkok, Thailand

MUST-EXPERIENCE DAY TOURS FROM BANGKOK

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Other floating market tours in thailand.

• Thailand Floating Markets Day Tour
• Bangkok Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Grand Palace Half Day Trip
• Amphawa Floating Market Half Day Trip
• Vana Nava Waterpark & Floating Market Custom Tour from Bangkok
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Chatuchak Weekend Market Private Day Tour
• Maeklong Train Market and Amphawa Floating Night Market with Firefly Viewing Tour
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Chatuchak Weekend Market Half Day Trip

Ayutthaya Day Tour with Sunset Boat Ride

Other tours in ayutthaya:.

• Colors of Ayutthaya Biking Tour
• Ayutthaya Grand Pearl River Cruise Tour
• Ayutthaya City Culture Biking Tour
• Ancient Ayutthaya Tour
• Ayutthaya Food Tour
• 2D1N Ayutthaya Private Trip from Bangkok
• Ancient Ayutthaya Private Day Tour

Ratchaburi Day Tour from Bangkok

Other day tours from bangkok, thailand.

Kanchanaburi Full Day Tour

• Travel back in time and recapture Kanchanaburi's triumphs and tragedies on the River Kwai Bridge
• Discover WW2 landmarks including the Death Railway, essential to Thailand's history and culture
• Enjoy an educational stroll on the historical streets by the riverside and experience local food
• Be escorted by your professional yet friendly guide fluent in Chinese and English on this full day tour

Splendid Pattaya Day Tour

• Ride an Amphibious Boat to Pattaya Floating Market, the largest and most popular marketplace in Pattaya
• Upgrade your Instagram feed with Art In Paradise Pattaya's creative 3D murals
• Chill by Pattaya beach with a fresh coconut in hand as you watch a golden sunset
• Get VIP seats at the Colosseum Show Pattaya, a must-see cabaret show when in Thailand

Amphawa Day Tour

• Experience Thailand like a true local - take the railway train and shop at leisure at Amphawa Floating Market
• Ampha is famous for its delicious shellfish (solen strictus) and various seafood cuisine
• Have an authentic seafood lunch at a well-known restaurant in Amphawa
• Visit one of Thailand’s most interesting temples, Wat Bang Kung, surrounded by the roots of a Banyan tree

Hua Hin Day Tour

• Discover the beauty of Hua Hin, a resort town formerly frequented by the Thai royal family
• This immersive tour takes you on an unforgettable adventure to some of the city’s most amazing sights
• Take in the incredible natural views, unique atmosphere and learn about its rich past
• If your itinerary takes you to Hua Hin next, your guide can arrange a downtown Hua Hin drop off for you!

Pattaya City & Coral Island Day Tour

• Visit the neighboring seaside city of Pattaya and explore its scenic beaches on a day trip from Bangkok!
• Take a boat trip to Coral Island and explore its sparkling white beaches and crystal clear waters
• Enjoy fun-filled water activities such as jet ski, parasailing, sea walking, snorkeling and more!
• Experience Pattaya's vibrant and bustling night life as you stroll along Pattaya Beach Road
• An English, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean speaking guide is available to guide you!

Best Places to Shop in Bangkok?

Chatuchak market.

• Wednesday and Thursday – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Plants and Flowers Sections only)
• Friday – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Wholesale Day)
• Saturday and Sunday – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (the whole market is open)

Patpong Night Market

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS DIY BANGKOK ITINERARY

Day 1: arrival + city tour.

• 06:15 AM - Depart from Manila via Cebu Pacific Air
• 08:15 AM - Arrive in Bangkok
• 09:00 AM - Take the train to Bangkok City Center
• 10:00 AM - Leave bags (or early check-in if allowed) in hotel/hostel in Silom
• 11:00 AM - Lunch
• 12:00 NN - Visit Wat Pho
• 02:00 PM - Visit Wat Arun
• 05:00 PM - Khao San Road / Dinner
• 09:00 PM - Back at the hotel/hostel

DAY 2: AYUTTHAYA DAY TOUR

• 08:30 AM - Meet up at Century Mall (BTS Victory Monument station)
• 09:30 AM - Arrival in Ayutthaya
• 10:00 AM - Visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• 12:00 NN - Travel to Ayutthaya Floating Market for lunch (own expense)
• 01:00 PM - Explore Ayutthaya Floating Market
• 02:00 PM - Visit Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Lokayasutharam
• 05:00 PM - Enjoy a scenic sunset boat ride
• 06:00 PM - Stop by a night market for food and snacks (own expense)
• 06:30 PM - Depart from Ayutthaya
• 08:00 PM - Arrival in Bangkok (BTS Victory Monument station)
• 09:00 PM - Patpong Night Market / Dinner
• 12:00 MN - Back at the hotel/hostel

DAY 3: FLOATING MARKET DAY TOUR

• 08:00 AM - Meet up at Century Mall (next to BTS Victory Monument station)
• 10:00 AM - Arrive at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and enjoy a 60-minute electric boat ride
• 10:30 AM - Feed fish while on a boat
• 11:00 AM - 12:00 NN - Freely explore the floating market
• 12:00 NN - 01:00 PM - Visit a local seafood market
• 02:00/03:00 PM - Return/arrive at Century Mall Bangkok
• 05:00 PM - Asiatique The Riverfront / Dinner

DAY 4: CITY TOUR + DEPARTURE

• 07:00 AM - Check-out and leave bags at the hotel
• 08:30 AM - The Royal Palace + Temple of the Emerald Buddha ( BOOK A TOUR HERE! )
• 10:30 AM - Lunch
• 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM - City Tour
• City Pillar Shrine
• Giant Swing
• Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple)
• 03:00 PM - Back at the hotel, get bags and travel to the airport
• 04:00 PM - Arrive at the airport, check-in for the flight
• 07:00 PM - Depart for Manila

Sample Bangkok Trip Budget for 4 days and 3 nights for 10,000 pesos budget

• You will be staying for 3 nights in a private room that is good for 2 persons for PHP 1,100 per night.
• You are a group of two.
• Your maximum expense for food is 50 THB for breakfast and 100 THB for lunch and dinner per person.
• You'll be using a Rabbit Card pre-loaded with 200 THB.

PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES

• Budget hotel for 3 nights - PHP 3,300 / 2 = 1,650 per person
• BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card - PHP 467.00 per person
• 4G SIM Card for Thailand - PHP 240.00 per person
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half Day Tour - PHP 1,126.00 per person
• Ayutthaya Day Tour with Sunset Boat Ride - PHP 2,091.00 per person

TOTAL - 5,574 per person

Day 1 expenses.

• Train: Airport to City Center - 45 THB
• BTS Skytrain to Silom - use Rabbit card (39 THB)
• Hotel (1st night) - pre-booked
• Lunch - 100 THB
• Grab Taxi: Silom to Wat Pho - 80 THB / 2 = 40 THB per person
• Wat Pho Entrance Fee - 100 THB
• Boat Ride to Wat Arun - 10 THB
• Wat Arun Entrance Fee - 50 THB
• Grab Taxi to Khao San - 50 THB / 2 = 25 THB per person
• Dinner - 100 THB
• TOTAL - 470 THB per person

DAY 2 EXPENSES

• Hotel (2nd night) - pre-booked
• Breakfast - 50 THB
• Train: Silom (Surasak) to Victory Monument station - use Rabbit card (39 THB)
• Ayutthaya Day Tour - pre-booked
• Train: Victory Monument station to Silom (Surasak)- use Rabbit card (39 THB)
• TOTAL - 250 THB per person

DAY 3 EXPENSES

• Hotel (3rd night) - pre-booked
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Day Tour - pre-booked
• Grab Taxi: Silom to Asiatique - 50 THB / 2 = 25 THB per person
• Grab Taxi: Asiatique to Silom - 50 THB / 2 = 25 THB per person
• TOTAL - 300 THB per person

DAY 4 EXPENSES

• Grab Taxi: Silom to Royal Palace - 80 THB / 2 = 40 THB per person
• The Royal Palace Entrance Fee - 500 THB
• Loha Prasat Entrance Fee - 20 THB
• Wat Suthat Entrance Fee - 20 THB
• Wat Saket Entrance Fee - 100 THB
• Grab Taxi: Wat Saket to Silom - 50 THB / 2 = 25 THB per person
• Train: Silom (Surasak) to PhayaThai - use Rabbit card (44 THB)
• Airport Rail Link - 45 THB
• TOTAL - 1,000 THB per person

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

• DAY 1 - 470 THB
• DAY 2 - 250 THB
• DAY 3 - 300 THB
• DAY 4 - 1,000 THB

TOTAL - 2,920 THB or 4,701 PHP per person

Pre-travel bookings - 5,574 php per person, grand total - 10,275 php per person.

• Round trip airfare Manila-Bangkok-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expense for snacks
• Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses

BANGKOK TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

• Dress appropriately. When visiting a temple in Thailand, the basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees for both men and women. To be sure, always wear pants. But there are some temples (such as Wat Pho) that allow entry for men wearing shorts with length below the knee.
• Check the weather. Depending on the season, the weather in Bangkok, Thailand is hot and humid during summer months. It is suggested that you wear light and breathable clothes. If you're visiting during the rainy season, don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat for occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. I suggest, you use weather apps to check for the weather forecast before your trip.
• Wear comfy pair of shoes. You will be walk a lot in exploring the temples and palaces in Thailand. It is best to wear comfortable footwear.
• Be respectful. Always abide by the rules in the temples and places of worship you're visiting. Women should not talk or touch the monks. Also, do not point using your feet.
• To save on travel expenses , join a group or join-in tours in Bangkok just like what we did.
• For cheap flights to Bangkok , book it several months in advance. Airfare tends to be pricey when your desired travel dates come nearer. It is best if you book it 3 to 5 months in advance. You could get more discounts by using Traveloka's weekly promo codes. Always check the "On-Going Promos" tab on their website or in the app to avail more discounts.
• To save on travel expenses, stay in hostels or budget hotels in Bangkok . There are many nice and decent budget hotels and hostels in Bangkok to choose from that will fit your budget.

BANGKOK TRAVEL BLOGS

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok - visiting a floating market is a must-do activity when in Thailand. I narrated here our experience joining a group tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
• Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok - this includes the top things to do, tourist spots and attractions, as well as where to eat in Ayutthaya.
• Ratchaburi Day Tour from Bangkok - another must-visit province near Bangkok is Ratchaburi. I shared here our experience on what are the top tourist spots and things to do in Ratchaburi. And of course, the must-try food!
• Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4 - here is my complete hotel review of Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4. This is one of the best hotels we've stayed at in Bangkok.

Are you ready to travel to Bangkok for the first time? I hope this Bangkok Budget Travel Guide 2024 for first-timers will help you in planning an unforgettable and amazing Thailand Adventure! Enjoy and have fun!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 22 comments :.

Hi, where did you go when you booked for a one full day charter?

Hi! Ask ko lang po if the immigration would ask for show money?

I'm not the one who made this blog, but I think they wouldn't ask for a show money. Just show your ticket and hotel accommodation (for first timers). It's the easiest way to pass the immigs. I hope this will help.

Usually nmn sa mga immigration pag group kayo they wont ask na... pero mas naghahanap sila ng accomodation just to make sure na hnd kayo mag tnt sa country nila. Mas kilalang hotel the better.

They said 10,000baht diba? Mga Php16,250.43 they said just in case they check at least u have already toavoid headaches.. 😁😁

Upon checking it's in PESO not BAHT :) Please read carefully

Sobrang helpful. Thank you!

Hi I'm a first timer traveller. It's actually my first time out of the country and me and my friend is just worrying about the requirements that the immigration might ask us. Though I have passport, ticket and hotel itirenary. I want to ask if for secondary documents, is the immigration will ask for a bank account? I don't have a personal bank account, what I have is an employer bank account (BDO) can I use this to show my bank statements? And what else you can recommend me to have as a supporting documents. I just really want to make things smoothly in my travel.. and btw thanks to the owner of this blog, this will help me and my friend a lot..😊

Immigration officials will always profile first time travellers especially those bound for Bangkok because the city is a trancient point and a stop over for those travelling to the Middle East. So expect that they would suspect you as someone who will be using BKK as a backdoor for employment in the Middle East. So in order to avoid hassles from Immigration guys, make sure to establish that you have a job to return to in Manila, a clear itinerary of your travel, hotel reservation and of course a return ticket. Just be confident in answering their questions and you should be fine.

Hi the last time I check Bank Statement is not necessary in the immigration part for the exit, especially if the country is visa free non the less bank statement usually need in applying for a visa. Just present your document(passport, hotel reservation and travel itinerary) and answer their few question.

can i get a pdf version of the itinerary?

Hello. Ask ko lang po. Visit ako Bangkok.Pwede ba akong magtravel to Siem reap from Bangkok then go back to bangkok again ?

Hi po ask ko lang po pag family kami mag travel 5 persons po how much po need namin na pocket money? Or dapat po per person pa din po ang pocket money? Thank you so much po🤗

If ever i am first time to travel in thailand can i avail the 1 month visa free?

Paano kung ofw at kakauwi lang.. Siyempre wala naman work dito sa pinas. Wala mapapakita na proof na may babalikan na work sa pinas.

Same balak ko din magbakasyon Sana . Pero di pa ko exit sa Saudi . Balik baksyon lang talaga

Hi, can you recommend an affordable hotel in BKK?

Our arrival is at DMK airport. Would you happen to know where we can buy BTS/rabbit card? (klook doesn’t offer a pick up point at DMK, only at BKK airport) Thank you in advance.

Kindly book the one that can be picked-up at the Klook counter at CentralWorld,

Hi!ask lang po, what if po 3 po kayong magkakaibigan na mag tatravel bangkok thailand, tapos puro first timer po kayong tatlo, hindi na po kayo dumaan sa agency para mas maka less ng gastusin, hindi ba kayo mah ooffload sa immagration?thanks po.

Pa follow up po-same situation- OCt 20 to 24 travel. DIY tour lang din po ano po tips para di ma off load

Hi ask ko lang . Balak Kasi namin magbakasyon sa Thailand. Pede ba magbakasyon sa iBang bansa kapag my contract kapa sa Saudi.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

Tips From the Banker: The Real Cost of Travel in Thailand

02/18/2018 by Kristin Addis 74 Comments

2018 update: I originally wrote this post in 2013, traveling in Thailand on a shoestring. I returned this year with a bigger budget, spending more on accommodation and transport, though some categories, like food, have remained the same. You’ll see both options in this post.

I’ve now spent five months traveling in Thailand, making it my longest-traveled country on my Southeast Asian itinerary. During my three weeks in Laos and month in Cambodia , I found it possible to travel on an average of just USD$30 per day. Once I got to Thailand, however, keeping costs low became difficult.  For some reason, I started spending Baht like it was monopoly money, especially in the islands.

I had heard previously, and can now confirm, that the north of Thailand is easy on a tight budget.  As one moves south, costs for accommodation start to double, triple, and even quadruple.  Pricey accommodation accounted for my biggest expenditure, and drinks came in at a close second.

However, when I considered my overall expenditure, I realized that the costs were still very reasonable, especially considering that I was in Thailand during high season, including Christmas and New Years.

My average daily budget for Thailand ended up at $45/day.  Here is the breakdown:

Table of Contents

Accommodation:

Budget accommodation:  When it comes to cheap places to stay, Thailand can sometimes cost more simply due to where in the country you are. Back in Laos, I distinctly remember stressing about spending $6.25 per day on a private bungalow in 4000 Islands.  For the same accommodation in Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan, I was paying double.  The most I paid for a room in Thailand when I was traveling on a shoestring was $20, completely blowing my budget, considering I often found $2 accommodation in Cambodia.

That said, I was able to find decent and cheap dorms in Chiang Mai and Pai in northern Thailand for a mere $3-$4 nightly.

Midrange: Once I returned this year, I only wanted to opt for single rooms. I still found that I could get cheap ones in the north, like the $12 I spent for a private room in Chiang Mai . It was very basic, with nothing more than a twin bed and a shower, but it at least afforded me privacy.

The most expensive place I stayed in was Paradise Koh Yao at over $300 per night on Koh Yao Noi, while most of the time, I spent more like $30-$40 per night.

Transportation:

Regardless of budget, buses and trains are completely reasonable in price, ranging from $3 to $9 for a bus journey. I highly recommend skipping the tourist buses and opting for public ones. They often cost less, are more comfortable, and are less likely to make stops at expensive roadside restaurants.

My main transport issue used to be tuk tuks and cabs, but now with Uber and Grab Taxi, it’s easier to get around without getting scammed on prices. As a solo traveler, I do often have to foot the entire bill, though. I found that in Laos and Cambodia, tuk-tuks would haggle. In Thailand, they preferred to wait until another tourist came along who would pay the asking price. Given that they’re trying to run a business themselves, I can’t fault them for this. However, it made it hard as a solo traveler to save my money.

When possible, take songthaews, like from the airport in Chiang Mai or around old town. They’re only 20 baht per trip. Also, if you can’t take an Uber or songthaew, which are generally available only in larger towns, take motorbike taxis as they are the cheapest option.  Always at least try to haggle, and don’t take a taxi that isn’t in a queue.  If someone walks up to you, s/he is probably going to quote an outlandish rate.

The food in Thailand is fantastic and very cheap. Regardless of my budget, I usually eat street food because it’s delicious, fresh, authentic, and is honestly the same thing you’ll get in a restaurant. One can easily eat at a night market, sampling several different eats, for just a few dollars.  Generally, prices are not negotiable and the asking price should be paid.  Prices run from around USD$1 for  a dish like vegetarian pad thai, to $3 for a soup with beverage and rice, or $6 for fresh fish.

Where Thailand gets expensive is alcoholic beverages. In Laos and Cambodia, beer runs about USD$1. In Thailand, however, $3 and higher per drink is quite typical. Cutting alcohol from your budget in Thailand could literally save hundreds.

Cheap vs. Expensive Places in Thailand:

Chiang Mai, Pai , Chiang Rai , and other northern cities will tend to be very cheap, with costs increasing as one heads south, especially to the islands. Be sure to check out Koh Chang , lovingly referred to as Thailand’s last cheap island, if you still want an island experience for a fraction of the price.

Also consider time of year. High season (December through March) means double the prices for accommodation in most places in Southeast Asia. Thailand is no different.

Other Incidentals:

SIM cards are very cheap in Thailand.  I paid only $20 (with DTAC – a Thai carrier) for 3 gigs of 3G over the span of one month.  What’s more, service was great.

Massages are also cheap, generally costing around $6 for a full hour.

In general, Thailand can be very cheap to visit, especially during low season and in the north of the country.  Even in the south, considering the beautiful beaches and truly delicious eats, Thailand is still a great budget destination.

READ NEXT: Southeast Asia on a Budget Guide

About kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Suitcase Stories says

02/18/2013 at 12:46 pm

Thanks for sharing – We are heading to SE Asia at the end of the year so its good to get an idea of costs!

Kristin Addis says

02/18/2013 at 11:36 pm

Have a splendid time!

angelica says

04/10/2016 at 7:23 pm

I am so so glad I came across your webpage. Admiring everything you do. So saving up now for SE Asia. Love this! You are amazing. About to follow you on instagram and add on snap 🙂

Kristin says

04/13/2016 at 2:51 pm

Aw thanks so much! Enjoy SEA!

Lindsay Hogg says

02/18/2013 at 2:47 pm

This is all great info to know beforehand. thanks!

02/18/2013 at 3:15 pm

I feel you on the old solo traveller front – I got burned in the South of Thailand for it with accommodation but boy was it worth it! 🙂

Agreed, worth it 🙂

Christina says

02/19/2013 at 11:59 am

$45 a day sounds like a dream compared to Western Europe, especially Switzerland..why did we not go somewhere cheaper!?

02/20/2013 at 3:54 am

True, true. Europe is also awesome though, and must be done at some point in life!

GRRRL TRAVELER says

02/20/2013 at 2:05 am

Good post! I love that Thailand is so inexpensive. But after Cambodia and Laos, I can see how it occasionally doesn’t feel that way.

I took the buses in Thailand a lot.

02/20/2013 at 3:52 am

True, now that I’m in Australia, I have come to wonder what the heck my problem was forking over $20 for a room when now I must fork over the same for a salad. Oh, papaya salad for $1, I miss you!!

11/26/2019 at 2:20 am

great information to start planning my next journey! THANKS for sharing!

Erica Johansson says

02/21/2013 at 10:37 am

Thanks for the overview. I spent a week on Phuket in January, 1 night in Phuket Town and 6 nights in Nai Yang, apparently the island’s least touristy beach town. A Thai style vegatarian meal cost between $2-4 and the cheapest accommodation near the beach was a bungalow for $20, the cheapest fan room I found cost $40.

02/24/2013 at 5:02 am

I was able to find $3 dorms in Phuket Town with fans, but it was so hot, I bumped it up to $6 for air con. A rarity for me!

Jessica Dawdy says

02/23/2013 at 5:51 am

Great summary! Thailand is definitely cheap, but I always hear stories of its heyday when prices were more comparable to Cambodia and Laos – it’s still lovely, but I sometimes I wish I could have visited during that time.

I wish I could have experienced it long ago too. Oh well, that’s the way it goes!

02/25/2013 at 11:31 pm

That’s about what I paid until I got to the islands. If one just traveled in the north, s/he would spend next to nothing.

Aroundtheworldforhappiness says

04/08/2013 at 11:55 am

Awesome post!! Really great info! Thankx for the tips!

08/28/2013 at 3:43 am

Why don’t u visit sri lanka ?

Sophie says

07/11/2014 at 8:15 am

Great post Kristen, love following your blog. Heading out to Thailand and SE Asia in 3 weeks as my first solo trip. You were saying about getting stung with transport and accommodation on your own but I was hoping I wouldn’t be alone for long, meet people and then share these costs. Is this an unrealistic thought? Thanks!

07/12/2014 at 8:17 am

There were a lot of times I was able to share as well. It’s just in the smaller towns when I arrived alone and they knew I had no other option that they’d all band together and quote a ridiculous price that I had no choice but to pay.

Franca says

07/11/2014 at 11:27 pm

Good read Kirsten, very informative and useful to whoever wants to travel to Thailand. We found it being quite cheap, but in some areas can be a bit pricey probably thanks to the mass tourism developed. Still less expensive than Europe and a beautiful country to visit! 🙂

Anonymous says

12/09/2014 at 10:04 am

Hi, I was wondering if you knew a cheaper way to get from BKK down to the islands rather than the expensive tourist buses/trains that go? I found these were setting me back about £20($40) a pop! Any advice would be much appreciated.

12/09/2014 at 2:29 pm

Take the local train in that case. Where there’s a tourist option, always assume there’s also a local option. Ask the man in seat 61: http://www.seat61.com

Juwariah says

02/18/2015 at 7:33 am

Hi Im actually looking to go travelling next summer after my college graduation for 3 months in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Do you think its possible to fit in 3 months of travelling in a budget of 7000 ?

02/18/2015 at 9:09 am

Yes that should be no problem at all. That’s doable on 3-4k once you’re on the ground.

10/30/2015 at 1:25 pm

This is awesome and very thorough. Will definitely use when I plan travel to Thailand!

10/30/2015 at 3:28 pm

Glad to be helpful!

Nallely Lopez says

11/06/2015 at 1:59 pm

Thank you for sharing, this is very helpful! Me and 4 of my friends plan to travel to Thailand next year so i have a couple questions for you.

1. How do you plan your itinerary? 2. Where is a good website to book guided tours in Thailand? or should we book once we are there? 3. How safe is the country? is there cities we should not visit?

p.s. I will be reading your other blogs 😉

11/06/2015 at 2:23 pm

1. I didn’t actually. I just showed up and did things very spontaneously. However this page might be pretty helpful to you for planning if you feel better about figuring it out ahead of time: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/thailand-guide/ 2. You really don’t need to book tours. Thailand is super simple to navigate and tours are way more expensive than independent travel. 3. I never felt in danger there though I’d suggest staying away from Pattaya because it’s just gross and seedy.

Hope that helps!

Steve Emmick says

11/09/2015 at 3:18 pm

Hey Kristen! I really felt like your advice very helpful. I Love to travel and would like to start a page of my own. Any advice? I’m leaving for Thailand in February and will be there for two months in around a 6k budget. Is that pretty doable? I live in Hawaii on the island of Maui, if you’ve never been here you should definitely visit. Thanks again for your helpful advice:) -Steve

11/10/2015 at 5:07 am

Very doable. You can live like a king on that budget and it’s doable for half of that.

I’ve been to Maui! It’s gorgeous. My uncle teaches at UH so I’ve been to Hawaii several times 🙂

01/06/2016 at 7:54 pm

Hi Kristin. The hubby and I are looking at traveling to Thailand this year for around 2 -3 weeks. We hope to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Rai (or both!), Phuket and Koh Samui. We want to fit in a reasonable amount of activities and sightseeing, as well as some relaxing. My initial thought would be a budget of around $7000 NZD which excludes flights. This is close to 10k USD. Does this sound reasonable or far too much? I don’t want to share accommodation and would like to stay in mid-range hotels, not a backpackers etc. Also wondered about the ‘best time to visit’ – which I know is a hard one! I was thinking Sept/Oct. Thanks 🙂 Steph

01/07/2016 at 6:41 am

You don’t need anywhere near that much money for 2-3 weeks in Thailand! I think Phuket is really overrated and if you want something less touristy would suggest Koh Lanta or the beaches in and around Krabi. That time of year is the perfect time to go. Have fun!

01/16/2016 at 4:19 pm

hi kristin. We are travelling to Phuket in August I’ve heard mixed reviews of the weather there what are your thoughts on this month?. And also what could we expect to pay for dinner for a family of 6? Sounds like you have had an amazing time xx

01/17/2016 at 7:47 am

Hi Tina, you’ll have rain but it’s hardly ever all day long. If you eat street food then $6. Stay out of the tourist restaurants and go to the night markets. The food is better and it’s safe. Just pick the popular stalls that have lots of people eating there, including kids. Locals know the good stuff.

Greg Samui says

05/09/2016 at 12:49 pm

Very true about prices in Thailand and the difference between north and south.

I often get people saying ‘oh I’m going to go to Thailand and live like a king for $20 / day’.

Nope, not gonna happen anymore.

And in places like koh samui you might even spend more than in many cities in Europe :).

09/16/2016 at 4:19 pm

I am planning on going to Thailand for one month. I will be staying with my friends so I don’t need to count living expenses. I would just like to know how much you think it would cost. I have read several different articles and I am still quite puzzled on the cost. I have a budget of 1,500$ planned. I’m going to be staying in Nakhon Si Thammarat. What do you think budget wise? Is the budget good? How much money would you take for a month not counting living expenses.

09/18/2016 at 1:31 pm

That sounds pretty good as long as you’re frugal

10/22/2016 at 9:23 pm

I’m planning a trip to Thailand the first or second week of December to Phuket. I’m only staying a week. Any recommendation how much money I should take and any great spots to visit. Its a solo trip. What will the weather bee like?

Casey White says

11/29/2016 at 2:07 pm

Headed to Thailand in mid February to early March. It’s just three of us, and we want to island hop and trek around freely, so we weren’t planning on booking rooms. As it is High Season and as you explain prices to be higher especially in the southern areas, what on your thoughts about being able to get a room in places day of? I don’t want to get there and end up having to pay US$100 per night because we didn’t book anything. We are totally cool with hostels and huts. Again, if they are available as it’s high season. Do you think there are enough cheaper accommodations in the southern islands to not book in advance?

Thanks for your imput, anything helps!

11/29/2016 at 2:32 pm

The only time I ever bother to book in advance in Thailand is around Thai holidays or major worldwide ones that result in a lot of people having time off. December and New Years are definitely high season but even then I didn’t book all that far in advance. $100 per night is super high, and when I say it’s double prices down south I mean $20 for a private hut rather than maybe $10, but that varies from place to place.

Courtney Giese says

01/31/2017 at 7:36 pm

Hi! I just want to start off by saying that I follow a lot of travel blogs, and have wanted to travel for some time now, but your blog REALLY inspired me! I want to do a 3 month solo trip in Thailand from July 1st 2018-August 31st 2018 and I’m gathering all the information I can. So far the only thing I’m a little confused on is how the visas work. If I want to stay for more than 30 days (90 days) do I need a special visa? Or would my best option be to do something similar to what you have done and do one month in Thailand one month in Cambodia and one month in Laos to avoid having to obtain a special visa other than the 30 days. If I do that should I apply for all 3 visas before my trip? Thank you for your help! I hope my questions make sense, and if you’re unsure that’s no problem!!

02/01/2017 at 1:27 am

Hey Courtney! Sounds like an awesome trip. I’d suggest doing Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand simply because they’re all great and that’s a good amount of time to split. I got my 60-day Thai visa at the embassy in the capital of Laos and it took two days. You can probably obtain it at home before you go as well. The rules change often over there. Cambodia and Laos you can get on arrival.

02/01/2017 at 1:31 am

Thank you for the advice!

hannah masten says

03/20/2017 at 11:34 pm

Hi! Just getting into the idea of traveling to Thailand and came across this blog! I have a few questions! 1. Did you just save for this trip or did you find other form of work while there? (Trade work?) 2. What is your recommended place to fly into? (Cheapest, most reliable; I’m coming from the US) 3. Would you recommend renting a moped or just relying on public transportation? 4. I’ve read that peak weather is from nov-may in northern Thailand, what time would you recommend in regards to travel expenses/holidays?

Sorry for so many questions, thanks for this post!!

03/23/2017 at 1:09 am

Hey! 1. I saved up but you could probably find work online or in hostels 2. Bangkok 3. Both! 4. I wouldn’t go north during the burning season which is from Feb-May

03/27/2017 at 11:43 pm

Hi, Im planning to travel to bangkok phi phi and chaing mai sept to november with 3 adults and my toddler son. Can i ask, do you know whats the cheapest accomodation thats family friendly (no backpackers) thanks so much. Also, whats ur favourite place in thailand to visit? Ps love your blog!

03/28/2017 at 2:32 am

You can find hotels as well for as low as $20 per night that are pretty nice. Check Agoda.

04/21/2017 at 11:07 am

Hello We (husband+wife) are planning in June for thailand., Bangkok, pataya Traveling 1st time to abroad from india. Plz suggest places to visit . If possible plz guide itinerary.

04/21/2017 at 7:09 pm

Avoid Pattaya!

05/17/2017 at 6:27 am

I’m planning to go in three countries this end of month,which is Vietnam,Cambodia and Thailand,how much do you think the budget I need? And what currency of money do I use to those countries?thanks in advance.

05/21/2017 at 8:34 pm

Hopefully this helps: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/southeast-asia-on-a-budget/

05/18/2017 at 4:06 am

5 Visits to Thailand 1972 to 2012, next yr. Get there b4 it turns into another Japan. The culture and landscape are changing fast! See Essan in Central East for most old school cultural experiences. Close to Laos. Visit some Buddhist temples in the mountains for some real fun and beauty, We always eat street food and never get sick. You can stay at resorts for under 60$US a day or Chinese Hotels with a fan for 70$US, a week. All clubs and bars will blow your budget. If you drink with locals at street food places it is cheaper if you want to chat with nice locals who want to learn English. Walk a lot and you will be surprised at how much cultural nuance you can discover around every corner. We love it there. Next year we are going to Laos, Cambodia, and hopefully Vietnam. Stay away from Pataya and the area’s around the Airports in Bangkok. Too sleazy and easy to get scammed. Check out the new malls in Korat. Not to buy anything. They are just fun and amazing for a town that wasnt even on the map 50 yrs ago. If you’re back packing it use the bus for town to town travel. Fun way to meet locals. Be prepared. They will want to touch you. Women…do not touch the men/boys in monk robes. It is extremely hot so dress accordingly. I get up early and walk around, sleep in the heat of the day, and party/eat at night. For long stays I recommend the north country. Cheap rates by the month and a lot cooler. Have fun!

Jessica says

05/18/2017 at 7:34 pm

Thanks for sharing! I liked your post, thanks for the info, thanks for talking -or writting- about costs, that is not very usual! but I am pretty grateful and surprised to see that you can explore Thailand with any budget if you do the proper investigation before

Veronica Russo says

07/11/2017 at 10:21 am

Hi, currently looking to travel in august and on a college budget. What was the average flight expense, knowing its going to be the most expensive part of the trip. Any tips on finding cheaper flights?

Raymond Carroll says

07/26/2017 at 4:51 am

Great info on budget traveling in Thailand. I’m married to a Thai and my wife gets good deals for us because she is Thai – I do sometimes find myself spending Baht like monopoly money though, until the wife steps in and curtails it lol. Nice post – thanks for sharing!

Kristina Mendoza says

07/28/2017 at 7:52 pm

Interesting blog! I also went through the other posts and I really had fun reading! Thanks for sharing your travels Kristin! It really inspires me and making me enjoy like once in a while too, instead of just staying at home and spending most of my time working. Looking forward for your future travel guides!

Nichol says

12/14/2018 at 12:21 pm

Helpful post! A perfect guide for those who are travelling for the first time.

Thank you very much 🙂

Andrew Comte says

03/03/2019 at 11:03 am

Excellent breakdown of the costs. I stick to the street food too…well, and 7-11. Then I do the apartments in Bangkok with air. Don’t do the beer, but coffee is a must. Great read!

03/03/2019 at 11:07 am

Agreed on the coffee. I’ll spend money for coffee!

Kelsey says

04/04/2019 at 5:37 pm

Hey Kristin, do you know the name of the place in your photo with the infinity pool and beach view? Thank you 🙂

04/05/2019 at 8:38 am

Paradise Koh Yao: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/koh-yao-noi/

Antanas says

11/24/2019 at 8:13 am

hy, we have 2 months for Thailand and Indonesia, how you would recommend to share the time between those two?

i am not big fan of big crowded noisy cities, and more nature person.

11/25/2019 at 9:53 am

They’re both wonderful, though Indonesia is much bigger. You could split time or do 3 weeks in Thailand and 5 in Indo.

Pat Mac DOnald says

12/29/2019 at 7:38 pm

Thank you for the in-depth honest to the point well written travel report

Your in-depth research is refreshing and valuable to every budget conscious traveller

Safe and Happy travels Pat

gotravelyourself.com

Travel solo, travel smart, travel well.

Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Trip to Thailand: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Are you dreaming of a tropical paradise filled with stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine? Look no further than Thailand! This comprehensive travel guide has everything you need to plan the perfect trip to this Southeast Asian gem. From must-see attractions to local customs and tips for navigating the bustling markets, we’ve got you covered. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Land of Smiles!

Table of Contents

Introduction to Thailand and why it’s a must-visit destination

Thailand, also known as the “Land of Smiles”, is a Southeast Asian country known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. It is a popular destination among travelers from all over the world, and for good reason – there is something truly magical about this country that draws people in and leaves them wanting to come back for more.

One of the main reasons why Thailand is a must-visit destination is because it offers an exciting mix of traditional and modern experiences. On one hand, you have bustling cities like Bangkok with its towering skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife. On the other hand, you have serene beaches with crystal clear waters and lush green forests that give off a sense of tranquility.

Moreover, Thailand is also home to numerous historical sites such as ancient temples and ruins that provide insight into its rich cultural heritage. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must-visit attraction where you can marvel at intricate architecture and learn about Thai history. Other notable temples include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and Wat Arun in Bangkok.

Aside from its natural beauty and cultural attractions , Thailand also boasts a diverse culinary scene that will tantalize your taste buds. From street food stalls serving up mouth-watering dishes like pad thai and mango sticky rice to high-end restaurants offering exquisite Thai cuisine, there’s no shortage of delicious food options here.

But perhaps what makes Thailand truly special is its people – warm, friendly, and always ready with a smile on their faces. The locals’ welcoming nature adds another layer to your travel experience, making you feel at home and giving you a glimpse into the Thai way of life.

Thailand is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, natural beauty, delicious food, and warm hospitality. It’s no wonder that it has been consistently ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to the Land of Smiles!

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

Thailand is a destination that can be visited all year round. However, the timing of your trip can greatly affect your experience and enjoyment of the country. The best time to visit Thailand depends on several factors such as weather, festivals, and tourist crowds.

March to May marks the hot season in Thailand with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in some areas. This time of year may not be ideal for those who are sensitive to heat but it’s perfect for beach lovers seeking a sun-kissed vacation. The beautiful beaches along the coasts provide respite from the scorching heat making it a popular destination for travelers during this period.

June through October is considered the low season or monsoon season in Thailand. Heavy rains and occasional thunderstorms are common during this time which can dampen your travel plans if you’re not prepared. However, if you don’t mind some rain showers, this could be an excellent time to visit as there are fewer crowds which means cheaper prices on accommodations and activities.

In addition to weather considerations, another factor that may influence your decision on when to visit Thailand is festivals. Songkran festival takes place in mid-April and is one of the biggest celebrations in Thailand, marking the Thai New Year. This festival involves water fights and is a fun and unique experience for travelers to partake in.

There isn’t necessarily a “best” time to visit Thailand as it depends on what you’re looking for in your travels. Each season offers its own unique experiences and it’s up to you to decide which aligns best with your travel preferences. Whether it’s soaking up the sun on the beaches or immersing yourself in cultural festivals, Thailand has something to offer all year round.

Accommodation options: hotels, hostels, resorts, Airbnb, etc.

Thailand offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and everything in between. With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to decide which option is best for your trip. In this section, we will discuss the various types of accommodations available in Thailand and their unique features to help you make an informed decision.

For travelers on a tight budget or looking for a more social experience, hostels are an excellent option. Hostels typically offer dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms at affordable prices. They are perfect for backpackers or solo travelers looking to meet new people while keeping costs low. Most hostels also have communal areas such as lounges or kitchens where guests can hang out and socialize. Some popular hostel chains in Thailand are Lub d Hostel and Slumber Party Hostel.

If you’re seeking a more luxurious experience but still want the flexibility of self-catering accommodations, resorts may be the perfect choice for you. Resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include meals and activities such as water sports or spa treatments. They often feature private beaches, multiple restaurants and bars, and lavish amenities like infinity pools overlooking the ocean.

Airbnb has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative accommodation option in Thailand. It allows travelers to rent entire homes or apartments directly from local hosts through an online platform. This option provides a more authentic experience by allowing visitors to live like locals during their stay.

Apart from these traditional options, Thailand also has unique accommodation options such as treehouses, floating bungalows, and traditional Thai house-stays. These offer a more immersive experience for travelers who want to get away from the tourist crowds and experience the local culture.

When choosing your accommodation in Thailand, it’s essential to consider its location and proximity to the attractions you plan to visit. Most hotels and resorts are located in popular tourist destinations like Bangkok or Phuket, while hostels and Airbnb options can be found in more off-the-beaten-path locations.

Thailand offers a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets and travel styles. Whether you’re looking for luxury or authenticity, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country. We recommend researching and comparing different accommodations before booking to find the best option for your trip.

Must-see attractions and landmarks in Thailand

Thailand is a country that boasts an abundance of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and fascinating history. With its diverse range of attractions and landmarks, it can be overwhelming to decide where to visit during your trip. To help you plan your itinerary, here are some must-see attractions and landmarks in Thailand that should not be missed.

1. The Grand Palace – Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Thailand. This majestic complex was once home to the Thai royal family and continues to impress visitors with its intricate architecture and magnificent structures such as Wat Phra Kaew ( Temple of the Emerald Buddha ).

2. Doi Suthep – A trip to Chiang Mai would not be complete without a visit to Doi Suthep, a sacred mountain located just outside the city. Atop this mountain sits Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning temple that offers panoramic views of Chiang Mai city below.

4. Ayutthaya Historical Park – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site , Ayutthaya Historical Park is located just an hour’s drive from Bangkok and offers a glimpse into Thailand’s past as the capital city before it was moved to Bangkok. Here you can explore impressive ruins and learn about the rise and fall of this ancient kingdom.

5. Elephant Nature Park – Interact with these gentle giants at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Unlike other elephant tourist attractions that exploit these animals for profit, this park focuses on ethical tourism by providing sanctuary for rescued elephants.

6. Railay Beach – Escape the bustling cities and head to Railay Beach for a tranquil and picturesque paradise. This hidden gem can only be reached by boat, and its crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and white sandy beaches make it a must-visit destination for any beach lover.

7. Khao Yai National Park – Nature lovers should not miss out on the opportunity to explore Khao Yai National Park. Home to an array of wildlife including elephants, bears, and tigers, this park offers hiking trails that lead you through lush forests and beautiful waterfalls.

Thailand is also known for its vibrant night markets where you can find delicious street food, unique souvenirs, and experience the lively atmosphere of Thai culture. Some popular ones include Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok and Walking Street Market in Chiang Mai.

Unique activities to experience in Thailand

Thailand is known for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and vibrant culture. But beyond the typical tourist activities, there are plenty of unique experiences that you can have in this beautiful country. From riding an elephant through the jungle to participating in a traditional Thai cooking class , here are some of the most unforgettable activities to add to your itinerary when visiting Thailand.

1. Elephant Sanctuary Visits

While elephant rides may be a popular activity in Thailand, they often involve unethical treatment of these majestic animals. Instead, opt for a visit to one of the many elephant sanctuaries where you can interact with elephants in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts. You can feed and bathe these gentle creatures while also supporting ethical tourism practices.

2. Floating Markets

Step back in time with a visit to one of Thailand’s floating markets where vendors sell fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts from boats along winding waterways. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near Bangkok is one of the most famous ones but there are plenty others throughout the country such as Amphawa and Taling Chan.

3. Muay Thai Boxing Matches

Muay Thai or Thai kickboxing is not just a sport but also deeply ingrained in the culture of Thailand. Catching a match at one of the many stadiums around the country is an exhilarating experience that will give you insight into this traditional martial art form.

4. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Thailand’s crystal clear waters make it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. With numerous islands such as Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, and Similan Islands offering amazing underwater landscapes and diverse marine life, it’s no wonder why this activity is so popular among tourists.

5.Royal Palace Tours

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Thai history and architecture. This ornate complex was once home to kings and now serves as a museum, showcasing stunning buildings and artifacts from the past. Other royal residences to explore include the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace in Ayutthaya and the Chitralada Palace in Bangkok.

6. Traditional Thai Cooking Classes

Learn how to whip up some of Thailand’s most iconic dishes by taking a cooking class. You’ll not only get to taste delicious food but also gain insight into the culinary culture of this country. These classes are offered all over Thailand, from bustling cities to rural villages.

Thailand offers an abundance of unique experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories. So while planning your trip, be sure to include some of these activities for a well-rounded and authentic Thai experience.

Safety tips for travelers in Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful and vibrant country, attracting millions of tourists every year. While it offers an unforgettable travel experience, it’s essential to prioritize safety during your trip. Here are some crucial safety tips for travelers in Thailand to ensure a worry-free and enjoyable vacation.

1. Research and plan your itinerary

Before heading to Thailand, research the areas you plan to visit and familiarize yourself with their customs and culture. This will help you avoid any potentially dangerous situations or cultural misunderstandings. It’s also advisable to have a rough itinerary planned out, including transportation arrangements, so you can navigate through the country safely.

2. Be aware of common scams

Like any other popular tourist destination, Thailand has its fair share of scams targeting unsuspecting travelers. These can range from overcharging for services to more serious crimes like theft or fraud. As a general rule, avoid giving money or personal information to strangers and always double-check prices before making any purchases.

3. Stay alert in crowded places

Thailand is known for its bustling markets and crowded streets, which can be overwhelming for some travelers. In these environments, pickpocketing is not uncommon, so it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Invest in a secure bag with multiple compartments and wear it across your body instead of just on one shoulder.

4. Take precautions against food poisoning

Thai cuisine is delicious but can be quite spicy compared to what most people are accustomed to eating regularly back home. If you have a sensitive stomach or are trying new foods for the first time, start slow and gradually increase the spice level as your body adjusts.

5. Use reputable transportation options

When traveling within Thailand, opt for trusted means of transportation such as licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps like Grab instead of unmarked vehicles offering cheap rides. Always agree on a price upfront or insist that the driver uses their meter before starting the journey.

6 . Respect local customs and laws

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country , and there are certain cultural norms that visitors should be aware of. For example, it’s considered disrespectful to touch someone’s head or point your feet at them as they are seen as sacred body parts. It’s also essential to dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites.

7. Get travel insurance

No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency situations during your trip to Thailand.

By following these safety tips for travelers in Thailand, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in the Land of Smiles. Remember to stay vigilant, use common sense, and respect the local culture for a memorable trip that leaves you with nothing but happy memories.

Transportation options within the country

Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture. As you plan your trip to this enchanting country, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different transportation options available to get around. From bustling cities to remote islands, Thailand offers a variety of transportation modes that cater to all budgets and preferences.

1. Taxis : Taxis are readily available in most major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. They are a convenient mode of transportation for short distances or when traveling in groups. However, be sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi as they do not operate on meters.

2. Tuk-tuks : These iconic three-wheeled vehicles are a popular way of getting around in Thailand. They offer a unique and adventurous experience as they weave through traffic, but be aware that they tend to overcharge tourists.

4. Songthaews : These converted trucks serve as communal taxis and are prevalent in rural areas of Thailand. They follow specific routes and usually don’t have fixed fares, so be prepared to haggle for the price.

5. Yaowarat express boat : If you’re visiting Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat), taking an express boat along Chao Phraya River is an ideal way of avoiding traffic congestion on land while enjoying scenic views of the city’s famous landmarks.

6. Buses : Buses are an affordable means of transportation within Thailand with extensive networks connecting major cities and towns across the country. There are both air-conditioned buses (VIP) and non-air conditioned ones (local) available, with the former being more comfortable and faster but also pricier.

7. Trains : Thailand has an extensive railway system connecting major cities, making it a convenient mode of transportation for long distances. You can choose between different classes, including first-class sleepers for overnight journeys.

8. Domestic Flights : For those looking to save time and cover longer distances quickly, domestic flights are available in Thailand. With several budget airlines operating within the country, you can find affordable fares if booked in advance.

Regardless of your preferred mode of transportation, one thing is certain – getting around Thailand is an experience in itself! From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket, each journey will be filled with unique sights and sounds that will make your trip even more memorable.

Delicious Thai cuisine: must-try dishes and where to find them

Thailand is renowned for its unique and flavorful cuisine, with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Thai food has gained popularity all over the world for its use of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and bold spices. A trip to Thailand would be incomplete without indulging in some of the must-try dishes that this country has to offer.

Another popular dish is Tom Yum Goong – a hot and sour soup made with lemongrass, galangal (Thai ginger), kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, shrimp or chicken,and mushrooms. This bold soup packs a punch of flavor and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. For the best Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok, visit Supanniga Eating Room where they use traditional family recipes passed down through generations.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something truly unique to Thailand’s cuisine then make sure to taste Khao Soi – a Northern Thai noodle curry dish. It’s made with egg noodles served in a rich coconut curry broth topped with crispy fried noodles and your choice of protein such as chicken or beef. Head to Khao Soi Islam in Chiang Mai for this iconic dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

For seafood lovers, Khanom Jin Nam Ngiao is a must-try dish which consists of rice vermicelli noodles served in a spicy tomato-based broth with pork ribs or fish balls on top. It’s commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch and can be found at street vendors throughout Thailand.

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on trying Mango Sticky Rice – a popular Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango slices, and topped with coconut milk. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that will satisfy your cravings. Head to Mae Varee Fruit Shop in Bangkok for the best Mango Sticky Rice in town.

Thai cuisine offers a diverse range of dishes that are bursting with flavor and are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to try new dishes during your trip as it’s an essential part of immersing yourself in the culture of Thailand. With countless street vendors, local markets, and restaurants serving up these delicious dishes all over the country, you’ll never run out of options for satisfying your food cravings in Thailand.

How much money do you need – Thailand travel budget

One of the most important aspects to consider when planning a trip to Thailand is your travel budget . It is crucial to have an estimate of how much money you will need for your trip in order to avoid any financial surprises or constraints.

Accommodation

Your biggest expense in Thailand will likely be accommodation. The cost of hotels and resorts can vary greatly depending on the location and amenities offered. In popular tourist areas, such as Bangkok or Phuket, expect to pay around $50-100 USD per night for a mid-range hotel. For budget travelers, there are plenty of options such as hostels or guesthouses which can range from $10-20 USD per night.

Transportation

Thailand has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy and affordable to get around. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available but can be quite expensive compared to other modes of transportation such as buses or trains. A one-way trip on public transport within the city usually costs less than $1 USD while intercity buses or trains can range from $5-30 USD depending on distance.

One of the best things about traveling in Thailand is the delicious and affordable food options. Street food stalls offer tasty meals for as little as $1-2 USD while restaurants may cost around $5-10 USD per meal. If you want a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay anywhere from $15-30 USD per person.

There is no shortage of activities and attractions in Thailand, from visiting temples to island hopping tours. Prices for these activities vary greatly but most can be done on a budget with some research and bargaining skills. Popular tourist spots like Phi Phi Island or Chiang Mai may have higher prices due to their popularity, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Miscellaneous Expenses

It’s always wise to budget for unexpected expenses during your travels. This could include souvenirs, laundry, or emergency costs. It’s also a good idea to have some extra cash in case of any transportation delays or if you want to splurge on a fancy dinner.

The average daily budget for a trip to Thailand can range from $30-50 USD for budget travelers and $100-150 USD for mid-range travelers. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and your actual expenses may vary depending on your travel style and preferences.

Having a rough idea of how much money you will need for your trip to Thailand is essential for a stress-free vacation. With careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer without breaking the bank.

Thailand packing tips

Thailand is a popular travel destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture. As you prepare for your trip to this amazing country, it’s important to pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience . In this section, we will provide you with some essential tips on what to pack for your perfect trip to Thailand.

2. Comfortable footwear : With so much walking and exploring to do in Thailand, comfortable footwear is a must-have item. Pack sandals or flip flops for the beach and light sneakers or walking shoes for city adventures.

3. Sun protection : The sun can be intense in Thailand, so make sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF rating (30+), sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

4. Insect repellent : Mosquitoes are prevalent in certain areas of Thailand, especially during the rainy season. Pack insect repellent containing DEET or wear long-sleeved clothing at night when mosquitoes are most active.

5. Rain gear : If you’re planning on visiting during the rainy season (May-October), it’s crucial to pack rain gear such as a foldable raincoat or umbrella.

6. Quick-drying towel : A quick-drying towel will come in handy after swimming or visiting waterfalls where regular towels may take longer to dry due to high humidity levels.

7. A power adapter : Thailand uses type A/B/C plugs with 220V electricity supply; therefore, make sure you have an appropriate travel adapter if needed for charging electronic devices.

8. Medications/first aid kit : It’s always wise to carry basic medications such as painkillers, antihistamines, and stomach remedies. Also, pack a small first aid kit with bandages, alcohol wipes, and antibacterial cream for any minor emergencies.

9. Inexpensive electronics : Thailand is known for its street markets where you can find incredibly cheap electronics. Therefore, it’s not necessary to bring expensive items like laptops or cameras unless absolutely needed.

10. Cash and credit cards : While most tourist areas accept credit cards, having some cash on hand is always useful for smaller establishments or street vendors. Make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card issues while abroad.

By following these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Thailand. Remember to also research the specific locations you will be visiting and adjust your packing list accordingly. Happy travels!

Essential travel tips for a smooth trip to Thailand

Thailand is a country known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. It’s no wonder that it has become one of the top travel destinations in Southeast Asia . However, as with any trip to a new country, proper preparation and knowledge are essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience. In this section, we will discuss some key tips to keep in mind when planning your trip to Thailand.

1. Research the Weather and Pack Accordingly

Before you start packing for your trip to Thailand, it’s important to research the weather conditions during your visit. The country has three main seasons – hot season (March to June), rainy season (July to October), and cool season (November to February). Be sure to pack appropriate clothing based on the weather forecast. Lightweight and breathable clothes are recommended for the hot season, while rain gear such as an umbrella or waterproof jacket is necessary during the rainy season.

2. Respect Local Customs and Culture

Thailand has a rich cultural heritage, with Buddhism being its predominant religion. As such, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions during your visit. This includes dressing modestly when visiting temples or other sacred sites, taking off your shoes before entering homes or religious buildings, and avoiding public displays of affection.

3. Learn Basic Phrases in Thai

While English is widely spoken in popular tourist areas in Thailand, learning some basic phrases in Thai can go a long way in making connections with locals and showing respect for their culture. Simple greetings like “hello” (sawasdee) or “thank you” (kop khun kha/krab) can make a big difference in interactions with locals.

4. Be Mindful of Your Budget

Thailand is generally an affordable destination, but it’s still important to keep track of your spending and stick to a budget. Street food is not only delicious but also inexpensive, so be sure to indulge in the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Also, bargaining at markets and shops is common practice in Thailand, so don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price.

By following these essential travel tips , you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Thailand. Remember to always stay respectful of the local culture, and keep track of your spending. With proper preparation and knowledge, you’ll have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful country.

Thailand is a country filled with culture, beauty, and adventure, making it the perfect destination for any traveler. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant cities and rich history, there is something for everyone in this diverse country. With this comprehensive travel guide, you now have all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Thailand. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Land of Smiles!

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• Cruise the Mekong at the scenic Golden Triangle
• Explore bustling markets on Bangkok's railways

“Das meiste war sehr gut organisiert. Alles in allem sind wir zufrieden und würden wieder mit Tourradar reisen.”

• Embark on a night safari in Khao Sok National Park
• Party the night away with new friends in buzzing Bangkok
• Sip cocktails and watch the sunset on Koh Phi Phi

“It was an excellent trip and way to see highlights in Thailand. She made the trip so memorable!”

• Trek through the jungles of Northern Thailand
• Cycle around historic Ayutthaya
• Cruise the River Kwai at sunset

“The tour would not be the same without you both. From the highs of the trip itinerary to the low of me not feeling well, you were both there to give your love and support!”

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking
• In-depth Cultural
• Delve into culture and indulge in a tribe jungle feast
• Star gaze in the lush mountains of Chiang Mai
• Feel gratitude and be blessed by Thai monks

“Amazing, beautiful, and a real experience.”

• Camp in a remote Karen Hill Tribe village
• Explore the mountains of Thailand by Tuk Tuk!
• Trek in the foothills of Thailand's highest mountain

“A wonderful adventure with inspiring guide who was very informative and made the trip even more enjoyable.”

• Health, Spa & Wellness
• Explore Lamai Night Market in the evening
• Join diverse daily fitness and yoga sessions
• Arrive and unwind at a tropical resort

“Absolutely amazing definitely recommend, food is super healthy.”

• Tour Chiang Mai's ancient temples
• Relax before your flight from Siem Reap
• Explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

• Relax with daily 1-hour massages
• Engage in daily yoga and meditation
• Savor organic meals three times a day

“The concept is excellent. Healthy food combined with sufficient and interesting activities.”

• Island Hopping
• Discover stunning reefs and beaches in Thailand's island paradise
• Sip cocktails and watch the sunset in Koh Tao

“I had such an amazing 16 days in Thailand. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime I will never forget.”

More Budget Tours in Thailand

Discover TourRadar

Why Visit Thailand At Least Once In Your Life?

I ’m always asked why which is my perfect destination and I’m not sure if I’m more shocked I’m still being asked, or shocked when people sound surprised by my answer; Thailand.

It’s a well known fact that Thailand is paradise, so I’m surprised that people still ask me why visit Thailand?

I’m slowly realizing that the majority of people aren’t privy to the reasons why Thailand should be visited at least once in your life, and to ensure that no one misses out on the most tropically, serene travel experience one could ever dream of, I’ve prepared this guide.

In this guide, I’ve listed all the reasons why you should travel to Thailand at least once in your life…

1. Perfect Days Lived Like a King

2. beaches, islands, jungle, culture, 3. aroi aroi thai food to die for, 4. the sun always shines in thailand, 5. thailand is the land of smiles, 6. nature and landscapes beyond the ocean, 7. full moon parties, 8. to experience songkran, 9. amazing scuba diving sites, 10. easy to travel to/around, 11. gorgeous temples, best time of year to visit thailand, more thailand travel guides, why visit thailand.

Live like a king for a daily budget of around $20- $30 a day. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

Step out from your beach bungalow for an early morning jog, swim or yoga class. Followed by a deliciously, healthy breakfast of noodle soup, fruit smoothies and green tea.

Spend the morning shopping for incredible bargains on the streets or in the local market, hire a moped and cruise around enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxed living.

Have a massage on the white sand beach in the afternoon, snorkel around the reefs, wrapping up the day with a hammock-swinging-sunset beer,  to the chilled tunes of Jack Johnson or something similar.

Laugh with the locals, talk travel with the backpackers, consume delicious food and cold beverages.

Head off to bed eventually, not without first taking some time to gaze at the star-filled sky in awe and contemplate the enormity of the Universe and just how small you and your problems really are.

As your head hits the pillow your last thought is

‘Man! What a perfect day, how wonderful it feels to just be simply alive.”

Read more: Luxury Swiss Family Robinson Island in Thailand

It doesn’t matter what your interests are, Thailand has got you covered.

Want to scuba dive, snorkel, island hop, rock climb or just chill on the beach?

Thailand has some of  the most pristine beaches in the world. Crystal clear waters the temperature of your bath tub, soft sand beneath your toes and coconuts dropping around your head. Perfect!

Would you rather something a bit more adventurous? Head for the hills and trek your heart out through mountainous valleys and spend some time with the Hill Tribe people.

Or perhaps you want something more cultural?

Thailand is an ancient cultural land, from temples, to palaces and ancient ruins you’ll never run short of a chance to learn from the traditions and customs of this incredible country.

Check out these Thailand tours and activities from our partner, Get Your Guide

There’s no denying that if you’d rather pass on Thai food, then your taste buds have taken a leave of permanent absence due to insanity. Thai cuisine is sooo delicious and soooo healthy!

There’s something to suit all tastes, from curries, to noodles, seafood, fish cakes, fresh fruit, omelets, soups and smoothies. Even desserts like Mango Sticky Rice isn’t THAT bad for you…

No matter what time of the day or where you eat, your taste buds will be ‘wai-ing’ you with gratitude for the explosion of flavor you’ve sent their way.

Some popular dishes include Thai curries, such as Green Curry and Khao Soi which are made with coconut milk, so they are more sweet than spicy.

Be sure to try the street food, which is all part of the culture in Thailand. It’s quite common to street vendors with crowds of people sitting on little plastic stools on the side of the street and gobbling down a Pad Thai, so be sure to join them!

Living in Thailand for 6 months while teaching abroad was the healthiest I had ever been. I was weighing in at a healthy number, fit as a fiddle, and alive with energy! It must be all those herbs and spices!

Relevant Reading: Thai Cooking Class with Pat in Phuket and check out these top places to eat street food in Bangkok .

Everybody wants warm, sunny weather on their travels or vacations. You are never left wandering where all that lovely weather has gone when  you are in Thailand.

All year round is swimming weather, some months just a little hotter than others.

It’s the tropics, and with the tropics comes a lot of rain as well. But the rain comes in and then it goes out just as quickly, cooling you down for another round of fun in the sun.

Relevant reading : Phuket Beaches Not To Miss

Everyone in Thailand is smiling. The tourists, the backpackers, the Thai cook, the Thai student, the waiter, waitress or bar men, the  teachers and students at school, the tuk tuk driver and the sleeping Thai baby.

Thailand will teach you the art of “Mai Pen Rai,”  or as we Aussies like to say  ‘No worries mate!”

You’d be hard pressed to find someone worrying in Thailand. And why would you?

Each day is a gift of paradise and a new opportunity to live from a place of kindness and happiness. Thai people accept and embrace, and serve to keep a smile upon your face.

We have all seen scenes of Thailands coast and islands, but Thailand’s nature doesn’t stop there.

It’s home to many national parks, such as Khao Sok National Park, which are famous for their dense jungles and thriving wildlife.

If you head up to Chiang Mai, which is famous for its elephant sanctuaries, you’ll discover gorgeous landscapes of paddy fields, mountains and jungle adventure.

Thailand has been attracting backpackers looking to bask in its nightlife for decades, and perhaps the biggest party in all of Thailand is the Full Moon Party.

This monthly event famously takes place on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan, and is a night-long beach party with loud music, alcohol served in buckets, and fire performances.

While the Full Moon Party only happens once a month, you will find that there are now Half Moon Parties and Black Moon Parties happening in between, so if you want to party, you can always find one on the islands in Thailand.

If you’ve never heard of Songkran, you’re in for a treat. Songkran is the annual festival that celebrates Thai New Year.

It’s become most famous for its water splashing parties, which sees thousands of visitors and locals throwing buckets of water or shooting water through water guns.

The idea behind it is that you wash away the bad luck from the last year, so you can start afresh in the new year.

Thailand is a paradise for scuba diving and has many stunning dive sites scattered across the country.

One of the top picks is Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, known for their magnificent wall dives and captivating caverns. These sites offer a rich underwater world teeming with marine life.

Another popular area is the Gulf of Thailand, specifically Koh Tao and Koh Samui, which are renowned for their exceptional dive sites where sea turtles, black tip reef sharks and even whale sharks call their waters home.

The Similan Islands, located further north, are also highly recommended for their excellent diving opportunities and diverse marine ecosystems.

And of course, there’s the Phi Phi Islands, which is home to protected and thriving coral reefs.

Of all the Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is by far the easiest. Not only do most people speak English, making is a huge bonus when you’re lost of need directions, but people are willing to help you.

I know I mentioned the warmness of the locals before, but when you’re new to traveling and haven’t figured a place out yet, it really makes all the difference knowing you can approach anyone and ask for help.

It’s also well developed and has a good public transport system, especially in Bangkok which has the BTS skytrain that connects most tourist attractions.

Getting from place to place on long-distance buses, ferries, internal flights, is also easy and cheap to do. Even island hopping is made easy.

Here are some guides for getting around Bangkok:

• A Complete Guide To Bangkok Public Transportation & Getting Around
• Bangkok Klongs: Delving deeper into Bangkok on a long tail boat
• Tuk-Tuks are for Tourists: Secrets for Getting Around in Thailand

Some of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia are in Thailand. From the iconic Wat Pho in Bangkok, home to the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world, to Wat Arun, which is famous for its changing colors at sunset.

I also love the Golden Mountain Temple (Wat Saket) in Bangkok . I have a personal connection as I taught English at the school attached to it. But it is a beautiful temple, in a serene space in Bangkok, and a very important Thai temple.

And of course, don’t forget the temple capital, Chiang Mai, which is where you’ll find Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and many other famous temples.

Not too far away from Chiang Mai is Chiang Rai, home to the iconic White Temple , one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Thailand. There’s also Ayutthaya, a land of ancient temples.

Now you know why visit Thailand, let’s quickly inform you of when you should go.

The best time to visit Thailand is the late Autumn and winter season, since the weather is warm but not too hot, and there’s not much rain.

From late February to early March, the weather gets really hot due to the burning season in the north of Thailand, which brings a cloud of pollution over the country.

It typically stays hot throughout April and May, though this is when Songkran happens.

The rainy season is from June to October, though even in the rainy season you get sunny days so it’s a good time to go if you want cheaper deals.

November is our favorite month as it’s warm but not too hot and is when the Lantern Festival takes place in Chiang Mai.

Final Thoughts

I’m thinking I might move back to Thailand … Thai massages every day, healthy delicious food, friendly happy people who understand that life is not a worry, runs along the beach, nightly hammock swings while watching the sunset with a cheap cocktail…. yep, think I might do just that!

Now you know the answer to why visit Thailand, are you ready to take a trip there? Let us know in the comments!

Need more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Here are some other guides!

• 6 places to visit in Bangkok to escape the madness
• Planning a luxury holiday to Thailand
• Things to Do in Phuket in 48 hours

What do you love about Thailand? Let us know in the comments!

Money blog: Morrisons admits it 'went too far' with self-checkouts - as it changes strategy

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include Morrisons getting rid of some self-checkouts and a Money Problem on topping up your national insurance. Leave your consumer issue below - remember to include contact details.

Tuesday 20 August 2024 07:07, UK

• Energy bills to rise 9% this winter - forecast
• Morrisons admits it went too far with self-checkouts
• Kellogg's shrinks size of Corn Flakes

Essential reads

• Money Problem : 'Should I top up my national insurance and could it really get me £6,000 extra?'
• Pay at every supermarket revealed - and perks staff get at each
• Couples on how they split finances when one earns more than other

Tips and advice

• All discounts you get as student or young person
• Save up to half price on top attractions with this trick
• Fines for parents taking kids out of school increasing

Ask a question or make a comment

By Mark Wyatt , Money reporter

The Premier League returned over the weekend, with supporters across the country back in stadiums for another season of drama.

Many of those fans will want to show their support by donning the latest kits in the terraces, but this particular purchase can cost an arm and a leg.

Shirt prices have rocketed in recent years, with some clubs now charging 50% more for their home kits than they did five years ago - Nottingham Forest among them.

Money blog research shows the most expensive adult's home jersey in the Premier League this season belongs to Tottenham Hotspur, with the Lilywhites charging £85.

That's only one penny more than London rivals Chelsea, who are asking fans to fork out £84.99 for an adult home kit.

At the other end of the scale, newly promoted Ipswich Town are charging "just" £59 for their home kit, £1 less than Brentford, Crystal Palace and Southampton.

Here's what we found...

According to research carried out by  the Sun , Forest have raised their prices more than nay other team since 2019. A replica Reds kit was priced at £48 in 2019 but will now cost £75, a 56% hike.

Southampton's price rise of 9% (£55 in 2019 compared to £60 now) represents the smallest increase.

For a child's replica home kit, the most expensive shirt in the Premier League is once again Spurs at £65. Once again, they come in one penny more expensive than Chelsea.

Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City and West Ham all charge £60 for a children's replica home kit, while Ipswich Town once again come in cheapest at £43.

After the revival of popular Cadbury's chocolate bar Top Deck earlier this year, we asked you which discontinued treat you would like to see brought back - and we got so many responses that we've decided to make a weekly feature of it called  Bring It Back . 

Every Tuesday, we'll pick one from our comments box and look at why it was so beloved and, crucially, find out whether the companies in question might consider reintroducing them.

This week we are looking at a product that sparked an outpouring of nostalgia from readers - Spangles.

The boiled sweets were produced by Mars Ltd from the 1950s until the 1980s.

At the time they were first launched, sweets were still subject to post-war rationing - with tokens from ration books needed on top of the price of sweets.

However, for reasons that are not entirely clear, only one token point was required for Spangles, compared with the two required for other sweets and chocolate - a factor considered significant in their popularity.

Originally sold in a paper packet with individual sweets unwrapped, the marketing underwent a series of changes over the years they were available.

Each sweet was formed into a rounded square with a circular depression on each face.

Each bag of the standard product contained a variety of translucent, fruit-flavoured sweets: strawberry, blackcurrant, orange, pineapple, lemon and lime, and cola.

A number of single-flavour varieties were launched at different points, including acid drop, barley sugar, blackcurrant, liquorice, and tangerine. A white mint Spangle, complete with hole, was even produced as a competitor to another longstanding favourite, the Polo mint.

One reader, Margaret, said she had fond memories of the sweets from childhood.

"Every Friday when we got our pocket money, I'd always buy a bag of Spangles," she said.

"They were lovely and I can't think of anything I associate with childhood more than them. I'd just be over the moon if they brought them back."

Another reader, going by the name Spangles, has become familiar to us at the Money blog in recent weeks: "I'll post this every week ;)  Week 4... I can't be the only person that would love to see Spangles back. "Suck a spangle, be happy" as the jingle goes. Best sweets ever. Fizzy were another level!"

Tommo Boy simply said: "Yummy."

And in a similarly concise appraisal, Kat said: "Bring back Spangles!"

As normal, we asked the company associated with the now defunct product whether they might consider responding to the popular demand with a relaunch.

And while they did not exactly commit, a Mars Wrigley UK spokesperson offered something for Spangles fans to cling to.

"We're always listening to the fans of our chocolate and fruity treats, which is why we're constantly innovating our ranges." they told Sky News.

"Whilst our beloved Spangles aren't currently on shelves, we're pleased to offer many delicious alternatives such as Starbursts and M&M.

"We've always got an ear to the ground and recognise the enduring love for old favourites, so stay tuned for some epic comebacks that could be happening soon… Watch this space!"

Which currently discontinued chocolate bar, crisps, sweets - or any other food product - would you like to see brought back, and why? Let us know in the comment box at the top!

The number of drivers visited by bailiffs due to unpaid traffic fines has increased substantially, according to a report.

Four million penalty charge notices (PCNs) were referred to bailiffs in England and Wales in the 2023-24 financial year, it is claimed.

This is up from 2.4 million during the previous 12 months, 1.9 million in 2019-20 and 1.3 million in 2017-18.

Read more ...

Ted Baker is the latest in a string of high-street giants to call in administrators in recent years, with shops set to disappear this week.

But how does it affect you? 

Purchases and returns

You can still buy items online and in store until they close, but you could run into trouble returning them. 

If the retailer stops trading, it may not be able to get your money back to you.

If that is the case, you would have to file a claim with Teneo (Ted Baker's administrator) to join a list of creditors owed money by Ted Baker – and even then there's no guarantee you'd get your money back.

If you have a gift card, you need to use it while you still can.

Credits and debits

You can file a claim with your debit or credit card provider to recover lost funds - but how exactly does that work?

• Credit card:  If you bought any single item costing between £100-£30,000 and paid on a credit card, the card firm is liable if something goes wrong. If any purchase was less than £100, you may still be able to get your money back via chargeback;
• Debit card:  Under chargeback, your bank can try to get your money back from Ted Baker's bank. However, be aware that this is not a legal requirement and it can later be disputed and recalled.

Morrisons has admitted it "went a bit too far" with self-checkouts.

Chief executive Rami Baitiéh says the supermarket is "reviewing the balance between self-checkouts and manned tills".

Some will be removed.

Mr Baitiéh told The Telegraph : "Morrisons went a bit too far with the self-checkout. This had the advantage of driving some productivity. However, some shoppers dislike it, mainly when they have a full trolley."

The executive also said self checkouts had driven more shoplifting.

What have other supermarkets said about self-checkouts?

In April, the boss of Sainsbury's said customers liked self-checkouts...

That prompted us to ask readers for their thoughts - and we carried out a poll on LinkedIn which suggested the Sainsbury's boss was right...

Asda's chief financial officer Michael Gleeson said last week the technology had reached its limit - and said his firm would be putting more staff on tills.

Northern grocer Booths ditched almost all self-checkouts last year amid customer service concerns.

Over at Marks & Spencer, chairman Archie Norman last year blamed self-checkouts for a rise in "middle-class shoplifting".

But Tesco CEO Ken Murphy is an advocate: "We genuinely believe, at the end of the day, it provides a better customer experience."

Many retailers boosted wages after living wage/minimum wage changes in spring.

Figures show German discount brands Aldi and Lidl top the list of major UK supermarkets when it comes to staff hourly pay - after Lidl introduced its third pay increase of the year in May to match its closest rival.

Meanwhile, Morrisons is at the bottom of the pack for staff pay outside London, with hourly wages starting at the National Living Wage (£11.44).

How do other companies compare when it comes to pay and benefits? We've taken a look...

Pay: £12.40 an hour outside London and £13.65 inside the M25

Aldi announced in March it was bringing in its second pay rise of the year as part of its aim to be the best-paying UK supermarket.

From 1 June, hourly pay rose from £12 an hour to £12.40 outside the M25 and £13.55 to £13.65 in London. 

Aldi is one of the only supermarkets to give staff paid breaks. It also offers perks such as discounted gym membership and cinema tickets, and financial planning tools. However, there are no cheaper meals, staff discounts or bonus schemes.

Pay:  £12.04 an hour outside London and £13.21 inside the M25

As of 1 July, hourly wages for Asda supermarket staff rose to £12.04 per hour from £11.11, with rates for London staff also going up to £13.21.

As part of the July changes, Asda brought in the option for free later-life care or mortgage advice. The company also offers a pension and a free remote GP service.

Pay:  £12 an hour outside London and £13.15 inside the M25

Co-op boosted its minimum hourly wage for customer team members from £10.90 to £12 nationally as the national living wage rose to £11.44 in April.

For staff inside the M25, rates rose from £12.25 to £13.15.

The perks are better than some. Workers can get 30% off Co-op branded products in its food stores as well as 10% off other brands. Other benefits include a cycle to work scheme, childcare vouchers and discounts on its other services.

Pay:  £11.50 an hour outside London and £12.65 inside the M25

Iceland says it pays £11.50 for staff aged 21 and over - 6p above the minimum wage. Employees in London receive £12.65 per hour.

Staff are also offered a 15% in-store discount, which was raised from 10% in 2022 to help with the cost of living.

The firm says it offers other perks such as a healthcare scheme and Christmas vouchers.

Pay:  £12.40 an hour outside London and £13.65 inside the M25

From June, Lidl matched its rival Aldi by raising its hourly wage to £12.40 for workers outside the M25 and £13.55 for those inside.

Lidl also offers its staff a 10% discount card from the first working day, as well as other perks such as dental insurance and fertility leave. 

Marks and Spencer's hourly rate for store assistants was hiked from £10.90 to £12 for staff outside London and from £12.05 to £13.15 for London workers from April.

The grocer also offers a 20% staff discount after the probation period as well as discretionary bonus schemes and a free virtual GP service.

Pay:  £11.44 an hour outside London and £12.29 inside the M25

Along with many other retailers, Morrisons increased the hourly wage for staff outside the M25 in line with the national living wage of £11.44 in April.

Employees in London receive an 85p supplement.

While it's not the most competitive for hourly pay, Morrisons offers perks including staff discounted meals, a 15% in-store discount and life assurance scheme.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury's hourly rate for workers outside London rose to £12 from March, and £13.15 for staff inside the M25.

The company also offers a 10% discount card for staff to use at Sainsbury's, Argos and Habitat, as well as a range of benefits including season ticket loans and long service rewards.

Pay:  £12.02 an hour outside London and £13.15 inside the M25

Since April, Tesco staff have been paid £12.02 an hour nationally - up from £11.02 - while London workers get £13.15 an hour.

The supermarket giant also provides a 10% in-store discount, discounted glasses, health checks and insurance, and free 24/7 access to a virtual GP.

Staff get their pay boosted by 10% on a Sunday if they joined the company before 24 July 2022.

Pay:  £11.55 an hour outside London and £12.89 inside the M25

Waitrose store staff receive £11.55 an hour nationally, while workers inside the M25 get at least £12.89.

Staff can also get access to up to 25% off at Waitrose's partner retailer John Lewis as well as 20% in Waitrose shops. 

JLP (the John Lewis Partnership) gives staff a bonus as an annual share-out of profit determined by the firm's performance. In 2021-22 the bonus was 3% of pay; however, it has not paid the bonus for the past two years.

Dozens of Ted Baker stores will shut for the last time this week amid growing doubts over a future licensing partnership with the retail tycoon Mike Ashley.

Sky News understands that talks between Mr Ashley's Frasers Group and Authentic, Ted Baker's owner, have stalled three months after it appeared that an agreement was imminent.

Administrators are overseeing the closure of its remaining 31 UK shops.

One store source said they had been told that this Tuesday would be the final day of trading.

The housing market experienced a surge in activity following the Bank of England's recent decision to cut interest rates, according to a leading property website.

Estate agents reported a 19% jump in enquiries about properties for sale after 1 August, when compared with the same period last year, research by Rightmove found.

It came after the Bank cut rates for the first time in more than four years from 5.25% to 5%.

The lead negotiator for major train union ASLEF has denied the union sees the new government as a "soft touch" after announcing fresh strikes two days after train drivers were offered a pay deal.

Drivers working for London North Eastern Railway will walk out on weekends from the end of August in a dispute over working agreements.

Lead negotiator Nigel Roebuck said it is a separate issue from the long-running row over pay, which looks likely to be resolved after a much-improved new offer from the government.

Over 40 bottles of fake vodka have been seized from a shop in Scotland after a customer reported "smelling nail varnish".

The 35cl bottles, fraudulently labelled as the popular brand Glen's, were recovered from the shop in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

Officers from the council's environmental health officers and Food Standard Scotland (FSS) sent them for analysis after a customer raised the alarm by saying they smelt nail varnish from one of the bottles.

The bottles were found to be counterfeit.

Britons don't have long left to claim cost of living assistance from the Household Support Fund.

Introduced in October 2021, the scheme provides local councils with funding which can be used to support those struggling most with the rising cost of living.

The vast majority of councils operate their version of the Household Support Fund on a "first come, first serve" basis and will officially end the schemes once the funding has run out in September.

The help provided by councils has ranged from free cash payments, council tax discounts, and vouchers for supermarkets and energy providers.

Who is eligible?

Local authorities were instructed to target the funding at "vulnerable households in most need of support to help with significantly rising living costs" when it was first rolled out.

In particular, councils were guided to make priority considerations for those who: 

• Are eligible but not claiming qualifying benefits;
• Became eligible for benefits after the relevant qualifying dates;
• Are receiving housing benefit only;
• Are normally eligible for benefits but who had a nil award in the qualifying period.

If you do not meet these criteria, you can still contact your local council , with many having broadened their criteria for eligibility.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Weapons maker BAE Systems is the big loser on the FTSE 100 this morning, with its shares down almost 3% in early trading.

It comes following reports over the weekend that the German government is planning to scale back aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia – in what would be a blow to the arms industry.

German media said ministers are set to slash support for Kyiv to 6% of current levels by 2027 in their upcoming budget.

However, the government there has rejected the reports and has denied it is "stopping support" to Ukraine.

Whatever the truth, the reports appear to have spooked traders.

Other companies involved in the defence sector, including Rolls-Royce Plc and Chemring Group, are also down more than 2% and 1% respectively on Monday.

It comes amid a slight slump in early trading, with the FTSE 100 down just over 0.2%, although the FTSE 250 is up 0.07%.

Gainers this morning include housebuilders Barratt Developments, up 1.5%, and Redrow Plc, which is up almost 3%.

Barratt said today it intends to push ahead with a planned £2.5bn merger with its rival despite concerns from the competition regulator.

Meanwhile, the price of oil is down amid concerns of weaker demand in China.

Ongoing ceasefire talks in the Israel-Hamas conflict have also raised hopes of cooling tensions in the Middle East, which would help ease supply risks and worries.

A barrel of the benchmark Brent Crude is currently priced at just over $79 (£61).

On the currency markets, this morning £1 buys $1.29 US or €1.17.

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United States Government’s Response to the Clade I Mpox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Other Countries in the Region

This week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the mpox clade I outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The United States government supports those declarations. The United States will continue to work closely with African governments, Africa CDC and WHO to ensure an effective response to the current outbreak and to protect the health and lives of people of the region.

In 2022, the world experienced a global outbreak of clade II mpox, which led to more than 95,000 cases across 115 non-endemic countries. Clade I mpox tends to cause a higher number of severe infections and have a higher mortality rate than clade II mpox. The evidence for clade I mpox clinical outcomes is based primarily on data from endemic countries, particularly DRC. We expect it would cause lower morbidity and mortality in the United States than in the DRC.

DRC is currently experiencing the largest number of annual suspect cases ever recorded and the disease has now been identified in several neighboring countries where mpox (clade I or clade II) has not been found in the past.

U.S. Government Partnership on the Mpox Response

The United States Government has been closely monitoring the spread of clade I mpox in the DRC and neighboring countries since 2023, and we have been working closely with the Government of DRC, as well as regional and global health partners to reduce the impact of this outbreak and safeguard public health. U.S. government support for the mpox response also builds on our robust, longstanding health partnerships with DRC and throughout Africa, which have helped combat infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria for over 20 years. In fiscal year 2023, the United States allocated more than $2.65 billion in bilateral health funding in Central and Eastern Africa. This response also builds on a longstanding partnership on global health security between DRC and the United States.

In addition to ongoing health support, in the last few months the United States has provided an additional $17 million USD to support clade I mpox preparedness and response efforts in Central and Eastern Africa. The funding has enabled stronger surveillance, risk communication, and community engagement, as well as needed laboratory supplies and diagnostics, clinical services, and vaccine planning.

Vaccination will be a critical element of the response to this outbreak. To support this effort, the United States is donating 50,000 doses of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved JYNNEOS vaccine to DRC. The United States is working with other countries, WHO, and international partners to encourage donations that support vaccine efforts and address challenges to vaccine delivery.

Mpox Preparedness for the United States

The risk to the general public in the United States from clade I mpox circulating in the DRC is very low, and there are no known cases in the United States at this time. Due to efforts over the last nine months, the United States is well prepared to rapidly detect, contain, and manage clade I cases should they be identified domestically. The United States has a robust surveillance system in place, including through clinical testing and wastewater analysis. We continue to encourage those at high risk to get vaccinated with the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine, which has been demonstrated to be safe and highly effective at preventing severe disease from mpox. Those who have already had clade II mpox or are fully vaccinated against mpox are expected to be protected against severe illness from clade I mpox.

CDC has issued an updated Health Alert Network advisory urging clinicians to consider clade I mpox in people who have been in DRC or neighboring countries in the previous 21 days; clinicians are also asked to submit specimens for clade-specific testing for these patients if they have symptoms consistent with mpox. Given the geographic spread of clade I mpox, the U.S. CDC issued an updated Travel Health Notice on Aug. 7, 2024, recommending travelers to DRC and neighboring countries practice enhanced precautions.

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