Cost of travel in Thailand

There is good reason Thailand is popular amongst backpackers - it is normally much cheaper than back home. Accommodation, activities, transport and food all come at quite a low cost, making Thailand the perfect destination for budget travellers.

One of the perks of travelling on a Tucan Travel group tour to Thailand is that all the main elements of your holiday are included in the tour cost. We arrange and book all the accommodation, the transport to get between each location, add in some activities and provide a tour leader to show you the ropes and be on hand 24/7. This means all you need to worry about is how much fun you can cram into each destination! The best part? You’ll be travelling with a bunch of like-minded people and make friends along the way. They do say that the best things in life are shared.

A traveller sipping on fresh coconut water in a market in Bangkok

Drink

Bottled water costs around 15 baht (around 50 cents) in a convenience store. Tap water is unsafe to drink in Thailand so you will have to pay for water along your travels. If possible, refill your bottle in hotel water machines to cut down on plastic where you can.

Beer in Thailand starts from 60 baht (around 1.9 dollars) from a store or around 90 baht (around 2.9 dollars) in a bar, a fresh coconut can be around 50 baht (1.6 dollars) and coffee starts from 25 baht (80 cents), as long as you don't go to starbucks. Cocktail prices vary depending on where you are, but generally start from 150 baht (around 4.8 dollars), but are cheaper during happy hour!

Food

Food in Thailand is some of the cheapest you will find. Prices start from around 30 Thai baht (around 97 cents) for basic Pad Thai in food stalls and can range from 90 baht to 150 baht in a basic restaurant. Thai curries are around 70 to 90 baht (2 to 3 dollars) and sometimes a little more is charged if you add rice. Tourist areas will be more expensive and since street vendors don’t tend to have an advertised price, you simply have to ask how much. A good idea is to casually hang around the back of the line and watch how much money other people hand over.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok has one of the highest entrance fees for an attraction in Thailand

Admission Fees

Most of the top attractions in Thailand charge admission fees, and these can vary from a few dollars to enter a temple to 500 baht (just over 16 dollars) to enter the Grand Palace. It’s a good idea to plan a little and note down all the attractions you want to visit and how to get there. In the tourist areas you will find local agencies selling you day tours that tick off different places, but the prices will be marked up and they will often bring you to places on the way in the hope you will buy souvenirs, which they in turn get commission from. Many tuk-tuk drivers will stay with you for the day and bring you to various places if you settle on a day price. Try to arrange a price you feel is fair for both you and the driver, and remember to tip at the end of the day.

Markets

Markets are a great place to experience the chaos of Thailand and you will find plenty of little treasures to take home. We highly recommend checking out the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Markets in Thailand will not have displayed prices so you will need to ask, and one thing to know is that prices are always marked up for tourists, normally by at least 50%! Never take the first price you are offered, but also don’t barter down too low, come to an agreement and if you can, compare prices from a few vendors.

Transport

Transport in Thailand is generally cheap. Budget airlines such as Asia Air operate between Bangkok and other cities in Asia and prices can start from as little as US25 (or equivalent) but you will need to pay extra for luggage, meals and choosing seats. Taxis are common and you should always ask for the metre to be switched on. Tuk-tuks are also a popular way of getting around and are great for shorter distances, but always agree on a price before the journey starts.

Other costs you may incur on your travels in Thailand include donations to temples and sacred sites, souvenirs and incidental items such as medicine or phone SIM cards.

Top Tips for spending in Thailand

A traveller shops in a local market in Thailand

Where should I spend my money in Thailand?

Knowing how you should budget when travelling can be difficult and is very much a personal choice. Here are our top tips on how best to distribute your money.

Spend on good street food. Markets and street food vendors are much cheaper than restaurants anyway, but don't just opt for the cheapest. Check who has a queue, who is putting fresh food in the wok etc. Food poisoning is not worth saving 50 cents.
Save on clothing. If you need to pick up items, don't shop in international chain stores but opt for the local markets instead.
Spend on the highlights. 500 baht might seem a lot for the Grand Palace, but when will you next be back and have the chance to see its grandeur? Do it while you can!
Save on drinks. Instead of buying alcohol that is imported and marked up, opt for a local beer.
Spend on a hotel transfer if you are arriving late at night. It's not worth trying to find your way at 3am.
Save on luggage fees by packing as light as you can!
Spend on a group tour that matches your dates and requirements. Not only are group tours a great way of meeting people or introducing you to a new country, tour leaders know the hidden secrets of a city which you won't find alone!
Save by travelling in the shoulder seasons. Prices are normally increased across the board during the high season.