Is Thailand Expensive?

Is Thailand expensive to visit?

While Thailand is a popular destination, it is also fairly affordable and not very expensive to visit. Compared to other countries in Asia, travelers find it to be a moderately priced country. Ranked in the top 50% of countries in Asia for its travel costs, our cost analysis found it to be comparable to countries such as China and Malaysia.

Because Thailand is such a touristy destination, there are a number of terrific places within the country that attract visitors. Some of the most expensive places to visit in Thailand include Koh Tarutao, Khao Lak, and Similan Islands. For more affordability, you can visit places like Hat Yai, Koh Tao, and Chumphon.


Average daily price of selected cities in Thailand, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Similan Islands $204
Khao Lak $149
Koh Tarutao $135
Phuket $133
Ao Nang $133
Railay Beach $130
Koh Samet $124
Bangkok $99
Koh Pha Ngan $57
Nakhon Ratchasima $56
Kanchanaburi $54
Chiang Rai $51
Chumphon $50
Koh Tao $48
Hat Yai $26


Koh Lanta, Thailand

How expensive is Thailand?

The average daily spending amount for tourists in Thailand tends to be around $102 (U.S. Dollars). Keep in mind that your travel style, spending habits, and trip length will influence these costs. However, you can keep fairly close to this budget if you opt for moderately priced hotels, dine at economical restaurants, and make use of public transportation when available. See more travel costs for Thailand here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Thailand?

On average, a one week trip to Thailand costs about $713 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,426.

How expensive is a two week trip to Thailand?

A two week trip to Thailand costs about $1,426 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $2,853.

How expensive is a month long trip to Thailand?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one month trip to Thailand costs around $3,057 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $6,113.



Ayutthaya, Thailand

Is it expensive to backpack in Thailand?

Thailand is a very popular destination for backpackers, offering an extensive network of over 780 hostels across the country. The average cost for a dorm room in these hostels is approximately $11 per night. (See detailed information on hostel prices in Thailand here.) Notably, backpackers often flock to the popular hostels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, and Pai has some of the most affordable hostels, averaging $8, $8, and $8 per night. Conversely, you'll find the most expensive hostels on average in Koh Phi Phi, Bangkok, and Koh Lipe with an average cost of $14, $14, and $13 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Thailand.

  • $10 for a dorm bed at NapPark Hostel at Khao San in Bangkok
  • $11 for a dorm bed at Stamps Backpackers in Chiang Mai
  • $25 for a dorm bed at Lub d Phuket Patong in Phuket

Where to find affordable hostels in Thailand
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Bangkok 205 $14
Chiang Mai 141 $9
Phuket 69 $13
Pai 57 $8
Koh Tao 50 $12
Koh Pha Ngan 48 $9
Krabi 41 $12
Koh Samui 36 $13
Koh Phi Phi 31 $14
Pattaya 18 $12
Chiang Rai 17 $8
Koh Lanta 15 $8
Ayutthaya 6 $8
Kanchanaburi 6 $12
Hua Hin 6 $12
Khao Lak 6 $9
Koh Chang 5 $10
Koh Lipe 5 $13

Are hotels expensive in Thailand?

When considering the analysis of hotel prices in Thailand, it becomes apparent that they are notably more budget-friendly compared to other countries. The average nightly price for a hotel room is around $33. However, within Thailand, be aware of varying prices across cities, with destinations like Koh Samui commanding a higher average of $109 per night. For those looking for more economical choices, Hat Yai offers a budget-friendly alternative, with hotel prices averaging $18 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Thailand
City Average Hotel Price
Koh Samui $109
Koh Lipe $53
Koh Tao $50
Phuket $44
Krabi $42
Bangkok $25
Chiang Mai $22
Chumphon $20
Nakhon Ratchasima $20
Chiang Rai $19
Hat Yai $18

55 Pattanakarn Road Praves, Bangkok
Overall Rating 9.4
30/9 Kata Road, Karon
Overall Rating 9.3


Similan Islands, Thailand

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Thailand?

Activities and things to do in Thailand can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $20 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $65
  • Foods experience at Railway & Floating Market: $126
  • Koh Tao VIP Snorkelling Tour : $167
  • LIFECYCLING - Half Day City Bike Tour: $38
  • Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple: $44
  • Amphawa & Railway Markets & Firefly Boat Ride: Multi-Lang Private Tour from BKK: $128
  • 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $138
  • Single Day Enduro Tour: $140

Is food expensive in Thailand?

Food in Thailand can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $30 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

  • Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $61
  • Riverside Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour: $55
  • Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $53
  • Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $27
  • Online Thai and Akha Cooking Class: $35
  • Lanna Kingdom Chiang Mai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59


A Longtail Boat

Is transportation expensive in Thailand?

Local transportation in Thailand can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $13 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Intercity transportation in Thailand can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $130 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

More for Thailand

If you're planning a trip to Thailand, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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