Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations and it has developed significantly over the years. A part of its popularity is that it is a cheaper holiday destination and is a beautiful paradise.
On average it costs $60 per day per person including accommodation, food, transport and other costs. A meal can easily cost $1 from a street vendor. There is a variety of accommodation to choose from to fit your budget.
Thailand is also cheaper as many resorts have all-inclusive options that includes all of your meals, snacks and drinks. Thailand has a host of beautiful beaches to relax on that doesn’t cost you a cent.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Thailand?
Firstly when visiting Thailand, you should decide what kind of accommodation you’d like to stay in. This determines the basis of your budget. As there is a variety of accommodation available, you’ll almost be guaranteed to find a place to stay in your budget.
Choices in accommodation ranges from Airbnb’s, beach bungalows, all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels and hostels. Deciding which accommodation to choose depends on what kind of holiday you’d like to have and what your budget is.
Hostels costs approximately $6 a day for a standard room, this varies by city and by size. For a private hostel room, it costs slightly more.
For hotels is costs about $33 depending on how luxurious the hotel is and where it is based. All-inclusive deals may be more expensive upfront but often include flights, meals, drinks and activities.
On average two weeks in Thailand can cost about $3 000 for two people.
Visiting Thailand’s beaches are completely free – unless you are hiring a boat or choose to do some of the water sports and activities on offer. You can also visit the restaurants and bars that line the beaches.
Thailand’s Economy
Thailand’s economy depends on its tourism industry. They have a higher standard of living despite a lower cost of living. It is one of the more developed countries in comparison to other countries within Asia.
As the Thai Baht is a weaker currency than the majority of western currency – such as the euro, pound and dollar, it is cheaper for international tourists to visit Thailand as their currency is able to stretch further in Thailand.
In comparison to European, American and other international holiday destinations in more developed Asian countries, Thailand is a lot more affordable.
When looking for deals in Thailand, you can easily find an abundance of cheaper products and services.
The cost of living is cheaper in Thailand and it therefore afford vendors to supply goods and services for a more affordable price in comparison to more developed countries.
What Is Cheaper In Thailand?
Overall, food and day to day costs such as transport are more affordable when compared with international prices. As Thailand has a variety of options to choose from you can decide what to buy based on your budget.
Street food is extremely popular all over Thailand and for good reason. It is absolutely delicious, authentic Thai meals that cost about $1. Finding affordable meals to eat throughout Thailand is incredibly easy.
Midrange restaurants can cost about $13 per person for a 3 course meal, while high end restaurants costs about $40.
However not everything is cheaper in Thailand. Alcohol, technology and western food are not as cheap as you’d think. Local liquor is a lot cheaper but any imported liquor can cost even more due to the import taxes that have been added on.
Western food typically costs $7 for a meal, and whereas that may be cheaper in comparison to western countries, it is about 5-6 times more expensive than good Thai food. It is well worth indulging in Thai food while you are visiting the country.
It is widely believed that technology is cheaper in Thailand, however this is not completely accurate. For authentic technology, you might only save 10-15% compared to international prices.
Thailand has a reputation of being an extremely affordable holiday destination. This does have quite a bit of basis as you can enjoy a full day of activities, food and beautiful accommodation without hurting your wallet.
How Much Money Do You Need For A Day In Thailand?
When looking at the breakdown of how much necessities cost for a day, on average you’d need about $60.
Your first expense, and arguably your biggest expense is deciding on accommodation. This can cost anywhere from $20-$200 a day. Midrange accommodation is typically $68 a day. For families travelling together, the price is often cheaper as children’s tickets and rooms are discounted.
When budgeting for food on average it costs between $6-15 a day on meals. Street food and vendors are of course a lot cheaper than sit down restaurants. High end meals for a full day will cost $40.
Transport throughout Thailand is easily accessible and there is an abundance of options. You can take a taxi, hire a motorbike or car, catch a songthaew, take a bus or safely walk. On the smaller islands throughout Thailand, vehicles are not common and walking is the main form of transport.
A songthaew costs about $1-2 per trip, and on average transport will cost between $4-41 for the day. Trains cost on average $5 to and from the airport and a ferry costs less than $1 depending on where you are going. Renting a motorbike is a popular option as well.
A day of activities can cost between $7-51. Visiting a museum can cost about $13 and a fish pedicure costs $5. Fun water activities like hiring a banana boat costs about $23, or renting a jet ski typically costs the same.
You can save on entertainment costs by relaxing on the beach or exploring markets that are free to enter.
When budgeting for a day, take into account what activities you’d like to experience and budget for a day’s worth of high end food and luxury activities if you’d like. Thailand has a lot to offer and your dollars can go far while enjoying your stay.
In Conclusion
Thailand is cheaper in comparison to Western and more developed Asian countries as a holiday destination. The Thai Baht is a weaker currency and western currencies convert to more Bahts, while means you are able to spend less in Thailand for more.
On average it costs $60 per person per day in Thailand including accommodation. There is a variety of accommodation for visitors to choose which means you can choose a place to stay based on your budget.
Hostels are more affordable options while luxury resorts may be pricier but can still be affordable options. Beach bungalows are also worth exploring.
How cheap your holiday will be in Thailand, depends entirely on which city you visit. Bangkok is on average 10-15% more expensive than smaller cities throughout Thailand.
Phi Phi is also considered to be a bit more expensive in comparison to Phuket’s mainland costs.
It also depends on what activities you choose to do – relaxing on the beach is a lot cheaper than hiring a private sailboat to go island hopping.
Although, in comparison to other popular holiday destinations, hiring a private boat is a lot cheaper and can easily be budgeted for.
However, you should set your expectations. Not everything In Thailand is significantly cheaper than the more developed world. Technology is only 10-15% cheaper when looking at authentic brands.
Before booking your holiday to Thailand, decide on which activities you’d really like to experience and which tourist destinations you’d like to visit. Doing your research upfront can help you save in the long run.
You can easily enjoy a beautiful, vibrant and adventurous holiday while in Thailand on a budget. Doing your research and finding deals will especially aid you with this.
Happy travels friends!