Mastering Your Budget in Thailand 2024: Prices and Tips

How much does a trip to Thailand really cost? Plane tickets, accommodation, food, transportation, activities... The budget can quickly escalate. Fortunately, with a few tips, it's entirely possible to visit Thailand without breaking the bank! 
In this article, discover all the tricks to optimize your budget and find the best prices for your stay, so you can fully enjoy this fascinating destination.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 20-04-2024

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Bear in mind: The baht is the only legal currency in Thailand. Thus, it's advisable to exchange some currency in your home country before coming to Thailand and avoid using airport exchange services. Bank-operated centers, such as Kasikorn Bank, often offer poor exchange rates. Instead, consider using services like Super Rich or Dee Money, which can be found in many malls in Bangkok (Emporium, Icon Siam, Siam Paragon,...) or at Nana Soi 8.

1. How to Properly Plan Your Travel Budget in Thailand?

1.1 Understanding Daily Expenses

Your daily expenses in Thailand will largely depend on your choices of accommodation, dining, and activities. Your budget will quickly inflate if you choose high-end establishments aimed at tourists. Similarly, certain activities like diving or excursions can be costly. You should also budget for nightlife, which is very developed in Thailand but can quickly blow your initial estimates. Luckily, you can find food cheaply.

1.2 Choosing Your Destination

Trips to the islands, though paradise-like, are often more expensive. Everything must be transported by boat, leading to additional costs passed on to tourists. With high island rents, merchants raise their prices. Conversely, you can choose the northern part of the country (Chiang Mai, Pai) for a more budget-friendly stay. Even within a city, less touristy neighborhoods are more affordable. 

1.3 Choosing the Timing of Your Trip

The ideal time to travel to Thailand in terms of weather is from December to April, with optimal sunshine. However, it is also the high season, marked by high prices. It is important to note that the very high season is from late March to late April, especially in 2024, due to the overlapping holidays of two major holidays, Chakri Day and Songkran.

If you plan to travel between June and October, you can enjoy lush landscapes and great rates on accommodation and activities. However, this period also corresponds to the low season in Thailand due to rain, leading to limited activities on the islands. Some activities, such as sailboat and yacht rentals, may be closed during this time.
Friendly reminder: The peak season is from late March to late April, especially in 2024 when Chakri Day and Songkran holidays overlap.

Do you know Songkran 2024 is coming close? Let's discover this biggest festival of Thailand!

2. Budget for a Trip to Thailand

2.1 Plane tickets

Airfares to Thailand vary depending on the season. The most expensive periods are from mid-November to mid-February (peak season) and in July-August (school holidays). To find reasonable prices, book several months in advance. Expect an average of $750-$1200 for economy class departing from Europe. Choose the low-season months to get discounts of up to 50%.

2.2 Accommodation

When people ask how much it costs to go to Thailand, they understand that where you stay and the type of accommodation you choose make a significant difference. In Thailand, travelers have a wide range of accommodation options at various prices.

Nowadays, many reputable websites specialize in online hotel booking, such as Booking and Agoda, which regularly offer attractive monthly discounts. However, it's essential to note that after making an online reservation, it's recommended to call the hotel or send them an email to confirm the booking information.

This small precaution will avoid any confusion and ensure that you have a room reserved upon arrival, thus avoiding being without accommodation during your stay abroad.

You might want to know about: The Ultimate Guide to a 2-Week Adventure in Thailand 

2.3 Local Transportation

In Thailand, you have a variety of popular transportation options to explore the country's golden pagodas: BTS, MRT, buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, boats, moto-taxis, and car rentals. Fortunately, traveling by public transport in Thailand is relatively affordable.

Here's an estimate of prices for some common routes:

• Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: approximately $28 to $30
• Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (2nd class): approximately $27 to $59
• Ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta: from $27 to $54
• Ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Tao: $19

For other means of transportation such as tuk-tuks, the metro, Grab, expect about $4 to $9 per day. Bangkok has two types of metro: the BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground. The BTS Sukhumvit line takes you to major attractions like Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and Emquartier. You can switch to the Silom line at Siam Paragon and then to the gold line at Krung Thon Buri to reach Icon Siam. The MRT is faster and better for places like Chinatown. Grab can be expensive at peak times, so try other apps like Lineman Taxi or Bolt.

These prices are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the season and demand.

2.4 Food Budget

Thailand is truly a culinary paradise, offering a dining experience ranging from street food delights to the refinements of Michelin-starred restaurants. The price of a meal depends on the place you choose, and food costs in Thailand can also vary depending on cities and tourist regions.

Street food, in particular, is very affordable in Thailand. You can enjoy a huge portion of fried rice from a street vendor for only 60 baht(approximately $2). And if you prefer something other than fried rice, no worries, you can opt for Pad Thai, Khao Soi, or fresh fruits, all for less than 100 baht(about $3). Basically, most Thai dishes will cost you around $2-$3.

Local Restaurants: Prices slightly above street food, ranging from $3 to $9 for individual dishes.

Nara Restaurant (Bangkok & Chiang Mai): Mid-range favorite, with locations in Siam Paragon, Central World, Emquartier, and One Nimman Complex.

Fancier Restaurants:

Bangkok:

• Nahm: $52.5-$105 per person, known for innovative and traditional Thai flavors.

• Bo.Lan: $63-$126 per person, celebrated for delicious, sustainably prepared food.

Chiang Mai:

• Ruen Tamarind: $21-$42 per person, offers scenic ambiance with traditional Northern cuisine.
• The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar: $26.25-$52.5 per person, combines historical ambiance with exquisite food.

Phuket:

• Pru: $84-$157.5 per person, famous for its farm-to-table dining experience.
• Blue Elephant Phuket: $31.5-$63 per person, known for traditional Thai cuisine and classic ambiance.

To discover in detail the best dishes to try, check out our following article: Top 10 Thai Dishes to Try Right Away!

2.5 Cost of Activities in Thailand

Estimating the cost of activities in Thailand can be tricky, as it depends on the places you plan to visit during your trip. Some activities are free, but major attractions usually have entrance fees. Here are some examples of prices for must-see sites in Thailand:

•  Grand Palace: 500 baht (approximately $14)

•  Wat Pho Temple: 200 baht (about $6)

•  Safari Park: starting from 750 baht (around $21)

•  Wat Arun: 100 baht (about $3)

•  Wat Pho Temple: 200 baht (around $6)

For free entrance, you can visit Erawan Shrine in Bangkok at Ratchaprasong, near the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and Central World but a merit package will cost you 400 THB. It is very revered and there is an ancient belief that this temple is sacred to all Thai people.

No trip to Thailand is complete without a traditional Thai massage. Thailand is one of the best countries in the world to find high-quality massages at low prices in every city.

Here are 3 popular kinds of massages found all over Thailand and their price breakdowns:

• Traditional Thai Massage:

Price Range: 200 to 400 Thai Baht (approximately $5 to $11) for 1 hour.

• Foot Massage:

Price Range: 200 to 350 Thai Baht (approximately $6 to $10) for 1 hour.

• Aromatherapy Massage:

Price Range: 400 to 700 Thai Baht (approximately $11 to $19) for 1 hour.

If watching Muay Thai has sparked your interest in trying Thai boxing, you're in the right place. Thailand has some of the most prestigious training camps on the planet, and their value for money is surprisingly good! You can expect to pay from $10 to $26 for a class session.

If you've been wanting to learn diving for a while or if you want to get your PADI Open Water certificate, Thailand is one of the most cost-effective places to learn diving. Diving courses range between $245 and $466 depending on the qualification and duration of the course.

If you like diving, why not take a look at: Scuba Diving In Thailand: The 10 Most Fascinating Dive Sites?

3. Prices for a Two-Week Trip to Thailand

Traveling on a Budget  

If you're on a tight budget, opt for budget accommodations like hostels or homestays. For meals, choose street food and local restaurants. Move around on foot or by train and bus to limit your transportation costs.

• 1 night in a 2-star hotel: from $26 / night.
• 2 meals per day per person: from $11 to $21.
• Transportation: about $11 per day per person.
• Activities: about $11 per day per person.

Comfortable Travel

With a moderate budget, you can explore the country more comfortably. Alternate between mid-range hotels and more refined restaurants. Thus, the cost of a two-week trip to Thailand should not exceed $1836 per person if you travel as a pair (excluding airfare). If you opt for private car travel and guidance from a local guide, this will allow you to visit more distant places and discover the unique culture of the "Land of Smiles". For these additional services, budget around $43 to $54 per day.

• 1 night in a 3-star hotel: from $47/ night.
• 2 meals per day per person: from $21 to $32.
• Transportation: about $32 per day per person.
• Activities: about $11 to $16 per day per person.

Luxury Stay

Finally, if you have a higher budget, stay in luxurious hotels and savor refined gastronomy. Opt for a personalized luxury tour with a French-speaking guide and air-conditioned private car. The estimated budget for a two-week trip to Thailand will start from $2700 per person (based on at least two participants):

• 1 night in a 4 or 5-star hotel: from $105 / night.
• 2 meals per day per person: from $32.
• Transportation: about $32 per day per person.
• Activities: about $21 per day per person.

These figures are estimated based on the actual costs of many visitors who have traveled to Thailand. They are provided as indicative.

4. Example Itinerary for 15 Days

With this itinerary, you can explore the complete panorama of Thailand, from the lively capital of Bangkok to the mountainous regions and dreamy islands. The cost of this itinerary will entirely depend on your choices regarding accommodation, means of transportation, etc.

With Kampá Tour giving the best Thai Tours, you'll embark on a well-curated journey that captures the essence of Thailand, offering a hassle-free and deeply enriching experience. Choose Kampá Tour by Thai Tours to guide you through Thailand's breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, making every moment of your trip unforgettable.

5. Practical Tips for Budget Traveling

Discover Thailand without breaking the bank! Here are some tips for an economical trip to this popular country for international tourists:

•  Travel during the low season between June and September to enjoy discounts on airfare and hotels.

•  Eat at local stalls and restaurants to taste delicious street food at low prices.

•  Stay in hostels or homestays to save money.

•  Walk or use public transportation in cities instead of taxis or tuk-tuks. In cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, motorbike taxis are a quick transportation option, available through the Grab app or at taxi stands. Their fares in USD start from about $1 to $2.

•  Book activities in advance online to benefit from discounts on certain tourist sites. Negotiate the price of tuk-tuk rides to avoid excessive fares. However, Tuk Tuks don't travel long distances in Bangkok. For example, going from Thonglor to IconSiam is too far and expensive. Use Tuk Tuks only in old areas like the Grand Palace or downtown Sukhumvit.

•  Avoid unnecessary expenses in shopping, spa, or bars by setting a reasonable budget.

•  Withdraw money from ATMs rather than exchanging at the currency exchange for better rates.

•  Contact specialized local agencies to develop with you the most economical itinerary and the one best suited to your budget.

Wonder how to choose the best Thailand Islands? Don't worry, we've got you covered!

Our Final Words,

Thailand remains a budget-friendly destination, offering options for all budgets. You'll find a wide range of activities, restaurants, and accommodations there. I hope this information will be helpful in preparing for your trip. For a serene and leisurely journey, fulfilling all your desires, consider booking a custom-made organized trip with our team to explore Thailand. 

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