Is Thailand Expensive?

Thailand Budget Guide: What to Expect and How to Save Money

Thailand is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, known for its Buddhist temples, tropical beaches, friendly locals, and markets. Despite its international reputation and high tourist footfall, Thailand is often cited as being very affordable, especially to Westerners. Thailand also has certain areas that, despite having a large population and popular attractions, are more affordable than others.

Thailand also has efficient and reliable public transportation, the most popular form of which is buses. You can expect to find buses in all major cities and access most of the popular attractions that give Thailand its reputation. We’re here to make your life a little easier with recommendations on where best to visit in Thailand. From the vibrant Old Town of Phuket to the sprawling metropolis of downtown Bangkok, you’re sure to find dining, living, and accommodation costs that perfectly suit your budget. Here’s a general breakdown and guide to costs in Thailand:

A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in Thailand

How Much Do Things Cost in Thailand

*The currency of Thailand is the Baht (฿). £10 is equal to around 460฿.

Where to Stay in Thailand on a Budget

Despite the capital Bangkok seeing higher prices on average than other cities and areas in Thailand, there are still cheap districts and areas of the city that’ll help you remain within budget. Each city has its own story to tell and its own fair share of attractions, and travel between cities is easy with Thailand’s efficient railway system. You’ll find mid-range and luxury resort-style hotels across the country, with some popular options including the Four Seasons Resort, Amdaeng Bangkok Riverside Hotel, and Avani Pattaya Resort Hotel.

If you’re wondering where to stay that is both budget-friendly and convenient, follow our helpful tips and advice on the best places to stay in Thailand that will perfectly match your budget, but still simulate the feeling of luxury.

Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai, a city in Northern Thailand, is renowned for its cheap living costs and prices. Decorated with hundreds of Buddhist Temples and one of the most cultural cities in the country, you’re guaranteed to find plenty to do and see while keeping costs low. Some options for low-cost accommodation in Chiang Mai include the Khum Khun Wang Hotel and the Doi Resort.

Airport Hotels: Airport hotels are consistently ranked in cheap hotel lists, as they tend to only include basic amenities and are a little further away from downtown areas, making them less expensive. The Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main airport in Bangkok that sees the most arrivals. This airport’s surrounding hotels are a great low-cost option, and some of the most popular include the Floral Shire Resort and the Thong Ta Resort & Spa.

The Best Options for Finding Affordable Accommodation in Thailand

While Thailand as a whole is considered to be cheap for overseas travellers, there are certain areas where you’ll likely find the best deals on accommodation. Read our tips on what to consider to ensure you always find the cheapest hotels, as well as which areas you should be staying in for the best value hotels:

Chiang Rai: Like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is also considered one of the least expensive cities in Thailand. You’re likely to find excellent deals on hotels that are extremely high-quality, giving you a luxury feel without having to fork out a fortune. Chiang Rai is also known for its Buddhist temples, art culture, and unique architecture.

Rely on budget hotels: Hotels that are specifically designed to be budget-friendly are usually a good option for those who are on a tight budget. A compromise on cost doesn’t mean a compromise on quality, and the mid-range hotels in Thailand are favoured by tourists for their low prices but still high-quality services.

Avoid inner city areas: While they are often the most convenient, inner-city areas like downtown Bangkok, Phuket, or other major cities often see very high living and accommodation prices. Rely on Thailand’s efficient public transport and opt for a hotel outside of the downtown city areas– public transport in Thailand is cheap, efficient, and reliable, whether you opt for a bus, train, boat, or tuk-tuk.

What to Expect from Staying in Thailand and How to Book a Cheap Room

While you may think you’ve got the technique down for choosing cheap hotels, there is a certain skill to ensure that every hotel you book remains on budget. If you’ve never been to Thailand, you may be unsure of what to consider when booking hotels. We’re here to help make your life all the more easy, with our tips and advice on what to consider:

Book in Advance: You may have heard this before, but booking in advance is one of the golden rules when it comes to booking and securing hotels. In an internationally popular tourist destination like Thailand, hotels sell out in a matter of minutes. Try to book your hotel around 3-4 months in advance of your trip, or even further in advance for more popular destinations like Bangkok.

Choose your location: If you choose your location and decide where you want to stay before you book, you can then start to familiarise yourself with the city or area and give yourself a better understanding of which areas are the cheapest.

How to Get Around Thailand Cheaply and Easily

Thailand is known for its efficient and low-cost transport, with popular modes of transport being boat, tuk-tuk, bus, and train. Here are some of the cheapest and most popular ways to get around the country, and tips on how to keep transport costs low:

Walk: Many cities and resorts are walkable, with most of the top attractions accessible on foot. Walking is also a free and sustainable way of getting around. The best cities to walk around include Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok– with beaches, temples, and vibrant streets to explore, walking is a favoured option in these cities.

Bus: One of Thailand’s most popular modes of transport is the bus, with many local and national routes offering access across the country. Buses are also low-cost, helping you stay within budget.

To get around of your own accord and based on your own timings, as public transport can’t always be relied upon, why not consider hiring a car as a means of getting around? A road trip around Thailand may help you see and experience everything you’ve been looking to experience. Many car rental companies offer one-way rentals, meaning you can drive around the country and not have to return your car to the same place you picked it up from.

How to Eat Well in Thailand Without Spending a Fortune

Thailand is one of the best places in the world to enjoy street food, and with one of the world’s best-loved cuisines, you’ll be spoiled for choice on what dish to sample first. To keep food costs low, consider these options:

Stick to street food: Street food in Thailand is known for being very cheap- we’re talking the equivalent of around £1-£2 per dish. Plus, you may be able to negotiate an even cheaper price– the locals are known for being friendly to tourists but may drive a hard bargain.

Head to markets: Thailand's markets are varied, rich, and vibrant, with various goods, products, and food options being sold at reasonable prices. You can find hundreds of types of cuisine, dishes, and fresh produce in markets, and with cheaper prices than supermarkets or restaurants, these may be a better option for those on a strict budget.

Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities in Thailand

Here are our top picks for free and cheap activities in Thailand:

Temples: Temples across the country are known for their cheap entry prices and stunning architecture.

Parks: Thailand is home to numerous national parks, many of which are free to enter– you may still need to pay for attractions inside the park, like renting boats or modes of transport.

The Best Places to Find Live Music, Events and Entertainment in Thailand

Rajamangala Stadium: The country’s largest stadium and events venue, with a 50,000-person capacity.

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium: A top sport and boxing venue, where spectators can enjoy boxing matches and other sporting events.

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Tourist Board Info For Thailand