Thailand on budget

--- the ultimate backpacking travel guide ---

Thailand has become the mecca of backpackers. If you buy a cheap flight ticket anywhere to Southeast Asia, you will probably end up in Bangkok. There is a reason why all the people streams to this country. The best food in Southeast Asia, extremely nice people, great beaches, awesome temples. If you have never done backpacking before and you are a bit scared, you should first come to Thailand, because traveling here is so easy.

Prices is Southearn Thailand have become quite high as it is getting more and more touristy, but the prices is Northern Thailand can still compare to the rest of the countries in Southeast Asia. Thailand is for everyone and you can enjoy a cheap trip and still see a lot or you can spend there weeks of luxury holiday in resorts for thousands of dollars.

The local currency in Thailand is Thai Baht (THB). The exchange rate in 2017 is 1 USD = 33 THB. Like everywhere else it is best to bring US dollars and exchange them. Otherwise you can withdraw money from ATM.

Average cost per person: 25 USD per day for Northern Thailand, 35 USD per day for Southern Thailand
including accommodation, food, transport, entrance fees, souvenirs
excluding visa and flight tickets

Check also top things to see in Thailand in our photo journey.

The main thing you can save money on are the flight tickets. Read our tips how to find cheap flights.
Try to use the public transport as often as possible. It is always the cheapest. If you want to have your freedom, rent a motorbike and explore the area on your own. There has been many tourist accidents on motorbikes, so drive extra carefully. Otherwise try to bargain hard with tuktuk drivers. Beware of scams, especially in Bangkok where you will get a good price for tuktuk, but you will spend an afternoon at travel agents or overpriced shops where they will try to rip you off.

Prices example per person (2016)

train from the Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport (BKK) - 45 THB (1.4 USD)
renting a motorbike for a day - 200 THB (6 USD)
taxi Khao San - China Town in Bangkok - 40 THB (1.2 USD)
bus to Don Mueang Bangkok Airport (DMK) - 17 THB (0.5 USD)
bus Mae Sot (Myanmar border) - Chiang Mai - 215 THB (6.5 USD)
bus Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - 165 THB (5 USD)
transport from Phuket airport to Kata beach - 17 THB (6 USD)
boat Phuket - Ko Phi Phi - 250 THB (7.5 USD)
boat Ko Phi Phi - Ko Lanta - 180 THB (5.4 USD)
boat - Ko Lanta - Ao Nang - 350 THB (10.5 USD)
bus to Don Mueang Bangkok Airport (DMK) - 17 THB (0.5 USD)

It is easy to find all ranges of accommodation in Thailand and the standard is very good. We travel usually as a couple, so we stay in cheap double rooms.
In Northern Thailand you can easily find a cheap room for two for around 150 - 200 THB (4.5-6 USD) per person. In Southern Thailand and especially in destinations like Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi it is way more expensive. The standard is also very high, so you can expect to pay for a nice room 300-450 THB (9-13.5 USD) per person.

Thai food is amazing! It is the best food in Southeast Asia and you will love it. There is no need to say more. The well-known fact is that the street food is really the best and the higher price doesn't necessarily mean better quality. So eat on the street and at cheap restaurants. You won't regret it! A street meal can cost you around 30-50 THB (1-1.5 USD) . If you eat at cheaper restaurants, you will pay 100-150 THB (3-4.5 USD). Restaurants for tourists will charge you 200 THB and more (6 USD).

There is so much to see and do in Thailand that it is impossible to have a list of all things here. You decide what kind of activities you want to try. If you want to save money, rent a motorbike and drive around to explore small hidden temples and food markets. Be aware that tours in Southern Thailand can be expensive and are overcrowded. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is so overcrowded that it can be too much for everyone and you won't enjoy it. On the other hand the cooking class in Chiang Mai was one of the best cooking classes in Southeast Asia.

Prices example per person (2016)

1 hour massage - 250 THB ( 7.5 USD)
Grand Palace, Bangkok entrance fee - 500 THB (15 USD)
Wat Pho, Bangkok entrance fee - 100 THB (3 USD)
Dusit Park, Bangkok entrance fee - 50 THB (1.5 USD)
Thai Cooking class in Chiang Mai - 750 THB (22.5 USD)
Phang Nga day tour - James Bond island, kayaking, food&drinks - 1400 THB (42 USD)
Phuket Trickeye Museum - 300 THB (9 USD)
Ko Phi Phi tour - 550 THB (16.5 USD)