Content [Switch to sidebar]

How Much Money To Spend Per Day In Thailand ?

If‎ you are planning a trip to Thailand and wondering how much‎ money to spend per day in Thailand,‎ you should know that,‎ renowned for its excellent value for money,‎ the destination appeals both to budget-conscious travelers‎ and to those seeking comfort.‎ However,‎ the daily budget can vary depending on your travel style,‎ the regions you visit and the season.‎ To travel with peace of mind, it is essential to have a realistic estimate of your expenses. With Autour Asia, a travel agency specialized in Southeast Asia, we support travelers in designing tailor-made itinerary to Thailand.‎ Through this article, we help you better understand the daily budget in Thailand by covering the main expense categories,‎ so you can plan your trip with confidence.

I. What to know about your daily budget in Thailand ?

If you are considering‎ how much money to spend‎ per day in Thailand,‎‎ it is helpful to keep a few simple‎ principles in mind.‎‎ Thailand remains a destination with excellent‎ value‎ for money,‎ even though the cost of living has slightly increased‎ in recent‎ years, particularly‎‎ in the most tourist-oriented areas.‎‎ The Thai baht‎ (THB) is the local‎ currency,‎ with an exchange rate generally around 1‎ USD for 35 to 37‎ THB.

In everyday‎‎ life,‎ cash is‎ still widely‎‎ used, especially for‎ local meals,‎ markets‎ and short trips.‎‎ Also keep in‎‎ mind that your budget‎ per day in Thailand‎ will depend on the‎ season:‎ quieter and more affordable in‎ summer,‎ more‎ festive and in demand from November‎ to February.‎ In short‎,‎ whether you are seeking‎ simplicity or‎ refinement,‎ Thailand allows you to‎ adjust your spending according‎ to your‎ preferences.

II. Daily expenses breakdown in Thailand

1. Accommodation: Where to stay according to your budget ?

In‎ Thailand, accommodation generally represents‎ the largest share of the daily budget but it is also the expense category‎ offering the widest range of options.‎ Whatever your travel style,‎ it is easy to tailor your accommodation‎ to your expectations and your budget.

For‎ limited budgets,‎ hostels and guesthouses are very common and are an ideal‎ solution for those wondering what daily budget‎ to plan‎ for Thailand.‎ They offer‎ dormitories or small,‎ simple, clean and often well-located rooms for 350 THB to 700 THB per night (around $10 to $20),‎ depending on the city and the season,‎ making them particularly suitable for solo travelers‎ or those who favor a local atmosphere at a lower cost.

With‎ a mid-range‎ level of comfort, 3-star hotels,‎ boutique hotels‎ or certain Airbnb accommodations provide‎ air-conditioned, well-equipped rooms, sometimes with a swimming pool.‎ Prices generally range between‎ 1,200 THB and 3,000 THB per night‎ (around‎ $35 to $85),‎ especially in tourist areas.

Finally,‎ for a high-end stay,‎ Thailand‎ stands out for its‎ resorts and private villas.‎ Prices typically start between‎ 4,000 THB and‎ 8,000 THB per night (around $120‎ to $230). At this level, comfort, service quality and setting are often remarkable,‎ particularly in beach regions and the most sought-after destinations, offering an exclusive experience while remaining relatively accessible.

Daily budget in Thailand for accommodation: it can represent 30% to 50% of your daily budget, equivalent to 350 THB to 3,000 THB (around $10 to $85) for the most common options and more for high-end establishments, depending on the destination and the travel period.

2. Food: How much does it cost to eat in Thailand ?

Thai gastronomy‎ is an integral part of the pleasure of traveling in Thailand and,‎ fortunately, it remains accessible to all budgets.‎ Depending on your preferences,‎ you can easily alternate between simple meals and more elaborate dining experiences.

For‎ budget travelers,‎ street food and local markets are must-tries.‎ Iconic dishes such‎ as pad thai or som tam cost 50 THB to 100 THB and‎ a daily budget of 200 THB to 500 THB (around $6 to $15) is enough to eat a wide variety‎ of flavorful meals throughout the day.

When seeking a bit more comfort,‎ local restaurants and food courts offer an excellent balance between price, hygiene and a relaxed setting,‎ which helps better understand how much money to spend per day in Thailand.‎ A complete meal with a drink generally costs 150 THB to 300 THB (around $5 to $9),‎ corresponding to a daily food budget‎ of 500 THB to 1,000 THB (around $15 to $30), without compromising on quality.

At the other‎‎ end of the spectrum, fine-dining restaurants,‎ rooftop venues or‎ seafood establishments provide a more refined experience,‎ often reserved for special occasions.‎ In this case, it is more realistic to plan‎ 2,000 THB to 3,500 THB per day‎ (around $60‎ to $100)‎‎ or even more in highly touristy areas, where‎ the setting, views and service are an integral part‎ of the dining experience.

Daily‎‎ budget to plan for local dining: 200 THB‎ to 500 THB (around $6 to $15),‎ while more elaborate‎ meals or gastronomic experiences‎ can significantly increase this budget‎ depending on your‎ choices.

3. Transportation: How to get around and at what price ?

In Thailand,‎ transportation is simple‎ and affordable,‎ both for urban travel and for long-distance journeys across the country,‎ making it an‎ essential factor to consider when determining how much money to‎ spend per day in Thailand.

In major‎ cities, especially in‎ Bangkok, public transportation is often the most efficient option.‎ The BTS‎ and MRT help avoid traffic congestion, with fares ranging from‎ 20 THB to 60 THB per trip (around $0.50‎ to $2). Taxis‎ remain affordable when the‎ meter is used,‎ while ride-hailing apps provide greater peace of mind.

Tuk-tuks,‎ which are more experiential than‎ economical,‎ generally cost 100‎ THB to 200 THB (around $3 to $6) for a short ride,‎ sometimes more expensive than‎‎ a taxi.‎‎ By contrast, for getting around‎ cheaply in Thailand, scooter‎ rentals are very common and allow flexible travel for 200‎ THB to 300 THB per day‎ (around $6 to $9), provided safety rules are respected.

For‎ long-distance travel,‎ low-cost domestic‎ flights range between 1,500 THB and 3,000 THB (around $45 to $85), while overnight trains cost approximately 800‎ THB to 1,500 THB (around $25 to $45),‎ depending on the class chosen.

Overall,‎ it is reasonable to‎ plan a daily budget of 100 THB to 500 THB (around‎ $3‎ to $15) for local transportation,‎ with occasional additional costs for long-distance journeys depending on your itinerary.

4. Activities and leisure: Budget for on-site experiences

Activities in Thailand easily adapt to all budgets, making it possible to answer the question of what to do in Thailand without overspending. Between culture, relaxation and nature, everyone can tailor their itinerary according to their preferences.

Cultural visits are often the most affordable. Many temples can be visited for free or for a modest fee, while major sites charge higher entrance fees. In practice, admission prices generally range from 20 THB to 500 THB (around $1 to $15).

For relaxation, Thai massages are among the must-do experiences and offer excellent value for money. A one-hour session costs on average 300 THB to 800 THB (around $9 to $25), making it ideal for enjoying a wellness break without significantly increasing your budget.

Excursions and nature-based activities, such as boat trips, snorkeling, cooking classes or visits to ethical sanctuaries, require a slightly higher budget and directly influence how much money to spend per day in Thailand. Depending on the activity chosen, you should plan 1,000 THB to 2,500 THB (around $30 to $75) or up to 3,000 THB (around $90) for more comprehensive experiences.

Finally, many experiences remain free, whether enjoying the beaches, strolling through night markets or exploring neighborhoods on foot.

Overall, an average Thailand travel budget for activities from 300 THB to 1,500 THB per day (around $9 to $45) allows you to fully enjoy activities and leisure in Thailand while maintaining great flexibility in your choice of experiences.

III. Average daily budget in Thailand by travel style

The amount of how much money to spend per day in Thailand varies above all according to your travel style and priorities. Accommodation, dining, transportation and activities can be easily adjusted, allowing the experience to be adapted to both long stays and more comfortable or high-end trips. Below are realistic estimates based on concrete situations.

1. Budget travel (Backpacker)

This budget is intended for travelers who favor simplicity and independence, often for extended stays. It is generally based on:

• Overnight stays in hostels or‎ guesthouses: Simple‎ but functional accommodation, often well located, allowing costs to be reduced while encouraging interaction with other travelers.
• Meals mainly from street food: Varied and flavorful‎ local‎ cuisine, accessible at‎ low prices, ideal for eating regularly without increasing the budget.
• Travel by‎ public transportation: Use of the metro, buses or tuk-tuks to get around easily and at low cost on a daily basis.
• Low-cost or‎ free activities: Temple visits, city walks,‎ night markets, beaches and on-foot‎ exploration, offering authentic immersion without significant‎ expenses.

Example of a daily budget (average estimate):

- Accommodation: Around 400‎ THB to 500‎ THB (around $12 to $15)
- Street food meals: Around 300‎ THB to 400‎ THB (around $9 to $12)
- Transportation and small activities: Around 400 THB to 600 THB (around $12 to $18)

Estimated total budget: 1,100 THB to 1,500 THB per day or roughly $35 to $45, depending on the city, the season and your travel pace.

2. Mid-range travel in Thailand (Comfortable budget)

This is the ideal option for determining what daily budget to plan for in Thailand for a well-balanced trip, combining everyday comfort with freedom of movement without excess. It generally includes:

• A private room in a comfortable hotel or boutique hotel: Offering a good level of amenities, a convenient location, and often appreciated services such as air conditioning or a swimming pool.
• Varied meals: Alternating between street food for spontaneity and local restaurants for greater comfort and choice, while keeping the budget under control.
• Transportation by Grab or taxi: Occasionally complemented by public transportation, allowing you to save time and travel more comfortably.
• Regular excursions and activities: Such as cultural visits, nature outings or relaxation moments, enabling you to fully enjoy the experiences available on site.

Example of a daily budget:

- Accommodation: Around 1,200 THB to 1,800 THB (around $35 to $55) for a comfortable hotel or a well-located boutique hotel
- Meals (street food and local restaurants): Around 600 THB to 900 THB (around $18 to $27), alternating between simple meals and restaurants
- Transportation (Grab, taxi, public transport): Around 300 THB to 500 THB (around $9 to $15), depending on daily travel
- Activities and excursions: 800 THB to 1,300 THB (around $25 to $40) for an excursion, a massage or a cultural visit

Estimated total budget: 3,000 THB to 4,500 THB per day or roughly $90 to $135, depending on the destination, the season, and the level of comfort desired.

3. Luxury and high-end travel

This profile is intended for travelers who plan a Thailand travel budget per day in order to prioritize a high level of comfort and personalized services, with particular attention paid to service quality and the overall experience. It most often includes:

• Stays in 5-star resorts or private villas: Offering spacious areas, high-end facilities and a refined setting, ideal for relaxing in complete tranquility.
• Fine-dining restaurants and rooftops: Chosen as much for the quality of the cuisine as for the ambiance, views and‎ service.
• Transportation with private‎ drivers or frequent domestic flights: Allowing travel time to be optimized and journeys to be made in comfortable conditions.
• Exclusive‎ excursions‎ and tailor-made experiences:‎ Designed‎ according to‎ your‎ preferences, whether‎ private‎ outings, wellness‎ moments or unique‎‎ activities, for a‎ truly‎ personalized‎ stay.

Example of a daily budget:

- Accommodation: Around 4,000‎ THB to 6,000 THB (around $120 to $180) for a 5-star hotel, resort or private‎ villa
- Fine dining and high-end restaurants: 1,500 THB to 2,500 THB (around $45 to $75), including‎ refined restaurants or rooftops
- Private transportation and premium services: 600‎ THB to 1,000‎ THB (around $18 to $30), such as premium‎ taxis, occasional private drivers or‎ ride-hailing services
- Exclusive activities‎ and selected excursions: 900 THB to 2,000 THB (around $30 to $60), including spa‎ treatments, private‎ outings‎ or tailor-made‎ experiences

Estimated total budget per day: 7,000‎ THB to 12,000‎ THB per day,‎ or roughly $210 to $360, depending on the destination,‎ the season and the experiences‎ chosen.

IV. Daily budget by region in Thailand

1. The most expensive regions in Thailand

The most tourist-oriented‎‎ areas‎ naturally concentrate the highest costs,‎ particularly for accommodation,‎ transportation and activities.‎ In Bangkok,‎‎‎ prices rise quickly when staying in central districts or when favoring‎ rooftops,‎‎ trendy‎ restaurants and well-located hotels.

Iconic‎ islands‎ such as Phuket and Koh‎ Samui are also among the most expensive destinations, directly influencing‎ the calculation of how much money to spend‎ per day in Thailand.‎ During the‎ high season, accommodation,‎ sea‎ excursions and even local transportation can be priced‎ 20% to 40% higher‎ than the national‎ average, making it‎ necessary to slightly‎ increase your budget‎ in order to maintain the same level of‎ comfort.

2. More affordable regions in Thailand

By contrast,‎ certain regions offer an excellent balance between cost and quality‎ of experience, making them‎ ideal choices for optimizing your Thailand travel budget during longer stays.‎ Chiang Mai‎ and northern Thailand,‎ particularly Pai and Chiang Rai,‎ are known for their affordable accommodation,‎ flavorful street food at low‎ prices and numerous low-cost‎ activities. The daily budget there‎ is generally 20% to 30% lower than in Bangkok‎ or on the islands.

If you wish to organize a trip to Thailand while keeping full control over your budget per day in Thailand, AUTOUR ASIA, a leading travel agency specializing in Southeast Asia, creates tailor-made itineraries that balance budget management, authenticity, and meaningful local experiences.

Ultimately,‎ the‎ daily‎‎ budget in Thailand‎‎ depends above‎ all on your travel style,‎ the regions you explore‎ and the‎ pace you wish to‎ adopt.‎ Thailand‎ has‎ the‎ advantage‎ of‎ catering to all‎ traveler‎‎‎‎ profiles, from budget-conscious‎‎ visitors‎ to those‎ seeking greater comfort or more exclusive‎ experiences. By clearly identifying‎‎‎ the‎‎ main expense categories,‎‎‎ it becomes easier‎ to estimate how much money to spend‎ per day in Thailand and to organize a‎ well-balanced itinerary. With Autour Asia,‎ a travel agency specializing in Southeast Asia,‎ trip preparation is an integral‎ part of the experience.‎ These guidelines will allow you to adjust your choices with confidence and fully enjoy Thailand’s landscapes,‎ culture‎ and diversity,‎ without unexpected surprises.

Read more:

- Budget-friendly family trip to Thailand
- Thailand 3-week itinerary
- 3-day agricultural tour to Thailand
- Thailand Travel Guide
- 14 days in Thailand
- Thailand Tours