So you’re thinking about taking a trip to Thailand. You’ve been wanting to vacation someplace a little more exotic than the usual destinations, and you recently read an article about Thailand in a travel magazine.
You were intrigued by the mysterious lichen-covered ancient temples, the timeless Buddhist culture, the lush green jungle-covered hills and mountains, the delicious food, and the beautiful beaches and island-dotted waters off the coasts.
You’d really love to take your next vacation in Thailand, but you’re just not sure you can make it work with your budget.
But the truth is, your dream trip to Thailand can be a lot more affordable than you imagine. Each year, millions of people vacation in Thailand, people with lifestyles and budgets just like yours.
The best way to determine if you can afford a trip anywhere is to learn what recent travelers to your destination have been spending. Start by researching the reported average costs for flights, accommodation, and transportation at the destination, and the cost for food, drink, and activities.
When you add them all up, you’ll have a pretty accurate idea of the average cost of a vacation to Thailand and whether it will work with your budget.
Sound like a lot of work? Never fear, our travel experts have already done the hard part for you by crunching the data to give you the numbers you need to start planning your vacation.
We’ve collected and analyzed survey results from people who have recently returned from a trip to Thailand and reported what they spent in all the main expense categories.
Then we calculated the average cost for each to give you a solid estimate to use to plan your budget.
And we’ve also included insider tips for saving money and avoiding hassles while you’re there. So read on and let us be your guide for your future trip to Thailand; let us be your guide!
Average Trip to Thailand Cost in 2024
The average trip for one person to Thailand will likely cost you:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $50 per night
- Average Flight Cost: $900 (round trip economy)
- Food, Drink, & Activities: $20 per person, per day
- Transportation: $15 per day
- Total Cost: $1,495
You’ll be happy to learn that Thailand has a reputation for being a very affordable tourist destination compared to some of the other vacation hotspots, as reflected in the average costs quoted in the above list.
But that’s not because the country is lacking in world-class accommodations and experiences.
You’ll find that it offers a wide range of options for the traveler, from the most budget-friendly to the most extravagantly luxurious. In general, your money will buy you more in Thailand, but there are ways to make it go even farther.
Thailand Trip Cost: Average by Item
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Accommodation Costs
Thailand offers a very diverse range of accommodation options, some of them reflecting the unique culture and lifestyle of the people there.
The average cost of hotels ranges from $25 per person per night for a budget stay to $130 and more for more upscale lodging. In the busy cities, you’ll find plenty of both as well as other types of tourist accommodations.
Thailand is a popular destination for backpackers because of its natural beauty and affordability, and an extensive network of hostels has been established across the country to cater to them and other travelers, offering clean rooms for a very low fee.
You’ll also find many guesthouses in Thailand, small family-run establishments with both shared and private rooms and amenities.
In some of them, known as homestays, you can actually stay as a guest of the family in their own home. These offer a great way to save money, meet new friends, and learn more about the local culture.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can easily find huts and bungalows for rent on the many beaches and on the small islands off the coasts. The comforts and amenities at these lodgings are usually basic, but they offer an affordable and exotic option.
Flight Costs
The cost of your flight to Thailand depends on where you’re departing from and when you plan to go, but global average costs range from $600 to $1,100 per person round-trip economy and from $2,000 to $3,500 for a first-class seat.
It’s often possible to get better prices than this, so do your homework and be flexible in your travel plans to find the best deals.
Thailand has several international airports serving as the main entry points to different regions of the country. The largest and busiest of these is Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, considered to be the primary airport in the country.
Other major airports include Don Mueang International Airport, also in Bangkok, serving mostly low-cost airlines and domestic flights, Phuket International Airport in the southern part of the country, serving as the main gateway for tourists visiting the popular beaches, and Chiang Mai International Airport in northern Thailand.
Peak tourist season is from November through February because of the cooler temps and lower humidity, so airfares will be higher.
The best flight deals will be found from June through August but be prepared for heat and rain. The spring and fall months can offer a good compromise between prices and reasonable weather.
As always when you travel overseas, make sure you check with your national embassy or government travel authority for current restrictions and warnings.
Food, Drink, & Activity Costs
Our estimate of the average cost per person per day of only $20 for dining and entertainment is a major reason why Thailand is such a popular tourist destination.
Thai food is famous around the world and you can enjoy it in its most authentic form at incredible prices.
Some of the spicy specialties you’ll want to sample include Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, Satay, spiced and marinated meats skewered on a stick and roasted.
Others include Som Tam, a green papaya salad with tomatoes, green beans, and other ingredients, and Mango Sticky Rice, a mango and coconut pudding. Restaurant food in Thailand is very healthy and nutritionally diverse.
For a really authentic and affordable dining experience, hit the world-famous local street stalls and markets. There you’ll find every type of traditional Thai dish, often made from ancient recipes.
The food is fresh and cooked before your eyes. Haggling over prices is common and expected in Thailand. Activities and entertainment opportunities in Thailand are also very affordable.
You can see the beautiful temples of Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, explore the ancient city of Ayutthaya, or visit the numerous nature reserves and national parks, all for a reasonable entry fee.
You can also bask on the many gorgeous beaches in the south, and although you can spend some money in the tourist attractions around them, swimming and sunbathing are free. For a relaxing and therapeutic experience, try a traditional Thai massage.
Transportation Costs
The reported average daily transportation cost of only $15 per person per day for visitors to Thailand reflects the country’s varied and well-developed transit system, both public and private.
Local and regional buses are a common and economical way to travel both within the cities and between them. Fares are cheap and the buses are clean and dependable.
In Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, you can take advantage of a variety of public transportation options, including the BTS Skytrain, a modern elevated passenger train, the underground MRT Subway electric rail system, and the MRT Metro Bus lines.
All of these systems are well-maintained and offer efficient and affordable transportation to all areas of the city and all the attractions and shopping areas.
Thailand also boasts an extensive network of railroads, connecting all the major regions and cities and many of the most popular tourist destinations.
Carriages are clean and safe and fares are very reasonable. You can also rent a car if you want to see Thailand at your own pace on some of the less-traveled roads. You’ll find all the major rental companies at the airports and in the cities.
Be advised that they drive on the left-hand side of the road there, and some of the roads can be hazardous off the beaten path.
You’ll also find independent local operators with motorcycle taxis and small three-wheeled vehicles called Tuk-tuks that will carry you around to your destinations for a small fee.
Things to Consider
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Here are some other things besides costs to keep in mind to ensure that your trip to Thailand is fun, safe, and trouble-free:
- The Thai monarchy and the royal family is highly revered in Thailand, and any disrespectful actions or comments made in regards to them is not only highly offensive, it’s illegal, and you can be arrested and prosecuted. It’s best to avoid political topics with the locals. Illegal drug possession is also severely punished.
- Be respectful of local customs and religious practices. Dress modestly when visiting Buddhist temples and sanctuaries, and resist the urge to touch or climb on sacred structures and statues. In private homes and some other places, it’s polite to remove your shoes before entering.
- The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the cities and the larger hotels, restaurants, and stores, but it’s a good idea to carry a mix of cash for street vendors and markets.
- The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken and understood, especially in the cities and around the popular tourist areas. Menus and signs will often be written in English also. You might also meet people speaking Chinese, Lao, and Malay in the areas around the borders.
- When traveling to a country with a tropical climate, it’s always best to check with your doctor about any recommended vaccinations and medications before you go. You might also consider travel insurance that covers unexpected medical expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bangkok, Thailand – JULY 17, 2022: Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen Temple, Stunning temple outside the main city area with a massive gold Buddha statue/Kikujungboy CC/Shutterstock
What are the must-see attractions in Thailand?
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand include Bangkok for its colorful and vibrant urban culture and Chiang Mai for its national heritage and cultural sites.
There are also gorgeous beaches in Phuket and Krabi, historical attractions located in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, and the nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao.
What clothes should I pack for a trip to Thailand?
The weather can vary considerably over the seasons, so you’ll need to check conditions for your specific travel dates. However, you’ll want to pack light clothing appropriate for heat and humidity and some rain gear during the monsoon season, as well as swimwear and comfortable walking shoes.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Many people prefer to visit Thailand between November and February because of the generally cooler and drier weather, but you can find better travel deals, fewer tourist crowds, and reasonably good weather during the slower shoulder periods between March to May and September and October.
Is it safe to eat street food in Thailand?
Food from street vendors and markets is generally safe to eat, but pay attention to cleanliness levels and look for the stalls that attract the most tourists and locals to help ensure freshness and sanitary food handling.
Drinking the tap water is also usually safe in the cities and major tourist spots, but in outlying areas, it’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water.
Should you tip in Thailand?
Tipping is not expected in Thailand, but you might see a small service charge added to your bill in restaurants. A small tip of 10% will be appreciated though.
So, What Is the Average Cost for a Thailand Trip?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $50 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $900 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $20 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $15 per day |
| 💲 Total Cost | $1,495 |
Our estimate for the average daily cost of visiting Thailand of $85 per person, added to your airfare, is an accurate estimate of what you can expect your own trip to cost if you’re the average tourist.
However, with careful planning and by putting our expert tips to use, you can save even more money on your future trip to this picturesque paradise. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!