Explore Thailand

Cost To Visit Thailand: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Wondering how much money you will need when visiting Thailand? You're in the right place!

This Thailand travel cost guide breaks down everything from cheap street eats to beachside resorts, showing you how much it costs to travel. We'll dive into attractions, accomodations, food and more.

Is Thailand Expensive to Visit?

Thailand is one of the most affordable destinations in the world, especially when compared to U.S. travel costs. Food, transportation, and accommodation are significantly cheaper, particularly for backpackers or travelers who are willing to stay in budget hotels or hostels.

Regionally, it remains one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia, though popular tourist hubs like Phuket and Koh Samui can be more expensive than lesser-known provinces. Regardless of your travel style—budget, mid-range, or luxury—Thailand offers excellent value.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

The cheapest and most expensive seasons to travel
Where to stay based on your budget
Daily and weekly cost breakdowns for all travel styles
Prices for food, activities, transportation, and more

Seasonal Cost

Thailand has three main seasons that impact tourism and pricing.

Peak Season (Late November–March)

Cool, dry weather makes this the most popular time to visit
Ideal for exploring beaches, temples, and outdoor attractions
Most expensive season for hotels and flights

Shoulder Season (April–June, September–October)

Warmer temperatures, some rain (especially in May/Oct)
Fewer tourists, lower prices on accommodation and tours
April is very hot but includes the lively Songkran Festival

Off-Season (July–August)

Rainy/monsoon season in most of Thailand (except parts of the Gulf Coast)
Daily showers likely, but plenty of sunshine too
Lowest accommodation prices (especially outside tourist islands)

Most Expensive Times To Visit Thailand

Christmas & New Year (mid-Dec to early Jan) – prices spike
Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb depending on the lunar calendar)
Songkran Festival (April 13–15) – popular with both locals and tourists
Loy Krathong / Yi Peng Festivals (Nov) in Chiang Mai – high demand

Cheapest Months To Visit Thailand

May–early June – hot but affordable
September–October – end of rainy season, excellent value
Early November – great weather, lower pre-peak prices

Where You Stay

Prices vary dramatically depending on location and proximity to major attractions.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

Phuket (Patong, Kata, Karon Beaches)
- Major beach resort town
- High-end villas, beach resorts, and all-inclusive stays
- Near: Beach clubs, scuba diving, island tours
Koh Samui (Chaweng, Lamai)
- Luxury beachfront properties and spas
- Great for couples and honeymooners
- Near: Waterfalls, temples, island hopping
Bangkok (Sukhumvit, Riverside)
- 5-star hotels with skyline views and rooftop bars
- Near: Shopping malls, luxury dining, Grand Palace

Affordable Areas To Stay

Chiang Mai (Old Town, Nimman)
- Great for digital nomads, yoga lovers, and culture seekers
- Wide range of boutique hotels and Airbnbs
- Near: Temples, cooking classes, Elephant Nature Park
Ao Nang (Krabi)
- Laid-back beach town with mid-range prices
- Good mix of affordable and moderate hotels
- Near: Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands
Bangkok (Ari, Silom)
- Trendy neighborhoods with guesthouses and boutique stays
- Great street food and markets

Cheapest Areas To Stay

Pai (Northern Thailand)
- Backpacker haven with bungalows and hostels
- Ultra-low cost of living
- Near: Waterfalls, hot springs, scooter routes
Isaan Region (Udon Thani, Khon Kaen)
- Off-the-beaten-path northeast Thailand
- Dirt-cheap hotels and local food
- Near: Temples, local villages, national parks
Hat Yai or Trang
- Southern cities not heavily touristy
- Cheap lodging and local markets
- Near: Thai-Malay border and quiet beaches

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Thailand Vacation Costs

Here’s what you can expect to spend on food, lodging, transportation, and sightseeing.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

Budget Traveler
- Hostels, fan rooms, bungalows
- ฿150–฿500 / $4–$14 USD
Moderate Traveler
- 3-star hotels, boutique stays, basic beach resorts
- ฿800–฿2,000 / $22–$55 USD
Luxury Traveler
- 4–5 star hotels, beachfront villas, private pools
- ฿3,000–฿10,000+ / $85–$280+ USD

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget
- Street food (pad thai, mango sticky rice, skewers)
- Local markets, 7-Eleven meals, night bazaars
- ฿150–฿250 / USD $4–$7
Moderate
- Local restaurants, casual sit-down spots
- Western meals or Thai fusion options
- ฿400–฿700 / USD $11–$20
Luxury
- Upscale Thai dining, fine wine, seafood buffets, rooftop bars
- ฿1,200+ / USD $35+

Transportation Cost

Local Transport
- Tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, songthaews (shared trucks)
- ฿20–฿100 / USD $0.50–$3 per ride
Scooter Rental
- Common way to explore islands or rural towns
- ฿150–฿300 / USD $4–$8 per day
Taxi or Grab (Bangkok & big cities)
- Grab is often cheaper than taxis
- ฿150–฿400 / USD $4–$12 depending on distance
Domestic Flights
- ฿800–฿2,000 / USD $22–$55 one-way with budget airlines
Train/Bus
- Overnight train to Chiang Mai: ฿900–฿1,500 / USD $25–$45
- Intercity buses: ฿300–฿800 / USD $8–$22

Attractions

Grand Palace (Bangkok) – ฿500 / USD $14
Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) – ฿2,500 / USD $70
Island hopping tour (Phuket/Krabi) – ฿1,200–฿2,000 / USD $35–$55
Thai Cooking Class – ฿1,200–฿1,800 / USD $35–$50
Floating Market Tour – ฿1,000+ / USD $28+
Temple Entry Fees – ฿50–฿100 / USD $1.50–$3

Day Trips From Major Cities

From Bangkok
- Ayutthaya Ruins – 1.5 hours by train, day tours around ฿1,000–฿1,500 / USD $28–$40
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – half-day tours around ฿800–฿1,200 / USD $22–$35
From Chiang Mai
- Doi Inthanon National Park – guided hikes and waterfalls, day tours ฿1,500 / USD $42
- Elephant Nature Park – ฿2,500 / USD $70 for a full-day ethical experience
From Phuket/Krabi
- Phi Phi Islands – speedboat or ferry day trips ฿1,200–฿2,000 / USD $35–$55
- James Bond Island – full-day boat tours ฿1,500–฿2,500 / USD $42–$70

Daily Budget (Per Person)

Budget Traveler
- Hostel or guesthouse, street food, public transport, free attractions
- USD $25–$40 per day
Moderate Traveler
- 3-star hotel or Airbnb, mix of local & western food, a few paid tours
- USD $60–$100 per day
Luxury Traveler
- 4–5 star resort, guided tours, spa visits, rooftop bars
- USD $150–$300+ per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Budget Traveler
- Lodging: $100–$150
- Food: $50–$80
- Transport: $30–$50
- Attractions: $50
- Total: $230–$330
Moderate Traveler
- Lodging: $250–$400
- Food: $100–$150
- Transport: $80–$120
- Attractions: $100–$150
- Total: $530–$820
Luxury Traveler
- Lodging: $700+
- Food: $250+
- Transport: $150+
- Attractions: $200+
- Total: $1,300+

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Thailand (Bangkok or Phuket) in 2026:

Peak Season: $1,100–$1,400
Shoulder Season: $850–$1,100
Off-Season: $600–$850