Traveling in Thailand can be as affordable or as luxurious as you want it to be. Whether you’re staying in a budget dorm for 200 THB or splurging on a 20,000 THB luxury resort, there’s something for every budget. You can enjoy delicious street food for just a few bucks or indulge in fine dining for much more. Thailand offers free beaches, budget-friendly attractions, or you can go for pricier tours with all the comforts.
I’ve been visiting Thailand for nearly 20 years, and it’s one of my favorite places to travel on a budget, though it’s easy to spend more if you’re not careful. On my last trip with friends, we spent a lot more than usual—about 47,888 THB for 24 days, which comes to about 1,995 THB per day. This is much higher than my usual budget, but we were traveling faster, staying in nicer places, and doing more activities than I typically would.
For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around 1,000-1,100 THB per day. This covers things like hostel stays, street food, public transport, and some tours. If you want a more comfortable experience, you might budget around 1,750 THB per day. This would allow for nicer accommodations, more activities, and the occasional meal at a good restaurant. For those seeking Western-style hotels and food, with frequent flights and tours, a budget of 4,000 THB per day is more realistic.
You can definitely save money in Thailand if you’re aware of your spending. For example, my friends wanted to fly instead of taking the train, which increased our costs, especially during peak season. If you’re not in a rush, taking trains or buses can save you a lot.
Here are 8 ways to save money while traveling around Thailand:
- Get off the tourist trail: Explore less touristy places, eat like a local, and use public transport. This can save you a lot of money.
- Book tours locally: Wait until you arrive to book tours. Travel agencies are everywhere, and you can usually negotiate a discount, especially if you’re booking multiple activities.
- Eat at street stalls: Street food is both delicious and super cheap. A bowl of noodles or soup can cost as little as 100 THB.
- Skip Western food: Western-style meals are much pricier. Stick to Thai food for the best value.
- Negotiate tuk-tuk fares: Tuk-tuks don’t have meters, so agree on a price before you hop in. Ask locals or your hotel for a fair rate.
- Limit your drinking: Alcohol can be expensive, so opt for water if you’re on a budget. If you do drink, buy beer from convenience stores like 7-Eleven instead of bars.
- Use hospitality exchange websites: Stay with locals through platforms like Couchsurfing to save on accommodation and get insider tips.
- Bargain at markets: Don’t accept the first price. Bargaining is expected in markets, so haggle hard but be polite.
Even if you’re splurging a bit more on a short trip, it’s still possible to keep things affordable in Thailand. Just be mindful of your spending and use these tips to save where you can. Whether you’re backpacking or traveling in style, Thailand offers something for every budget!
