Thailand has long been one of the best value destinations in the world, and it still is, though prices in the tourist hotspots have crept up. The honest answer to is Thailand expensive is that it is remarkably cheap if you eat local and travel like a backpacker, and still good value at the mid range. The cost is in imported comforts and the famous islands in high season. Here is what a trip really costs. For the wider plan, see our Thailand travel guide.
What is cheap and what is not
- Cheap: street food and local restaurants, local buses and metros, domestic SIM data, guesthouses, temples and markets.
- Mid range: internal flights, mid tier hotels, sit down restaurant meals, and organised day tours.
- Pricier: island resorts in high season, Western food and cocktails, spas, and private transfers.
Typical daily costs
Rough guide per person per day, excluding international flights. Prices move and the islands cost more than the mainland, so treat these as planning ranges rather than quotes.
| Style | Where you stay and eat | Rough daily budget |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | Hostel or guesthouse, street food, local transport | Very low, among the best value in Asia |
| Mid range | Three star hotel, mix of local and restaurant meals, some tours and flights | Moderate and comfortable |
| Comfort | Four or five star resort, restaurants, private transfers | Higher, especially on the islands, but below Western resort prices |
Where your money goes
- Food. The best value in Thailand. A street meal costs very little, and eating local all trip keeps the budget tiny. See our Thai food guide.
- Transport. Local buses, trains and metros are cheap. Internal flights are inexpensive if booked ahead. Grab is fair value in cities.
- Accommodation. A huge range, from a few dollars for a hostel bed to island resorts. The islands cost most in the November to April high season.
- Activities. Temples and markets are cheap or free. Boat trips, diving and elephant sanctuaries are the bigger spends.
How to keep costs down
- Eat where locals eat. Street food is cheaper and often better than tourist restaurants.
- Book internal flights early rather than paying last minute fares.
- Travel in the shoulder months for lower island prices and thinner crowds. See the best time to visit Thailand.
- Stay just off the main beach or street, where prices drop sharply.
- Use a local SIM and Grab rather than roaming and metered taxis.
If planning all this yourself feels like a lot, a packaged Thailand tour package bundles hotels, transfers and day tours into one booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thailand cheaper than Vietnam or Bali?
They are broadly similar for budget travel. Thailand can be slightly pricier on the famous islands in high season, but street food and local transport keep everyday costs very low across all three.
How much money do I need per day in Thailand?
It depends on style. Backpackers eating street food and using local transport spend very little, mid range travellers with hotels and the occasional flight spend a moderate amount, and island resort travel costs more but stays below Western prices.
What is the most expensive part of a Thailand trip?
Usually island resorts in high season, followed by Western food, cocktails and organised tours. Everyday Thai food and local transport are cheap by comparison.
More Thailand travel guides
- Thailand Travel Guide: Beaches, Cities, Food and How to Plan a First Trip
- Thailand Itinerary: How Many Days and Sample 7 to 14 Day Routes
- Thailand Travel Tips: What First Time Visitors Need to Know
'/%3E%3C/svg%3E)