Thailand has been one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for years. Beautiful beaches, incredible food, vibrant cities and affordable prices make it ideal for both backpackers and mid-range travelers.
But how much does a trip to Thailand actually cost in 2026?
This guide breaks down the real cost of traveling in Thailand, including accommodation, food, transport, activities and realistic budgets for 1-week and 2-week trips.
If you haven’t read our country overview yet, see is Thailand expensive to visit.
For a regional comparison, read how much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost.
Quick answer: is Thailand cheap to travel?
Thailand remains one of the best-value destinations in Southeast Asia. While prices have increased in tourist hotspots, the country is still very affordable for most travelers.
| Travel style | Daily budget per person |
|---|---|
| Budget traveler | €30–€45 |
| Mid-range traveler | €55–€85 |
| Luxury traveler | €140+ |
Thailand offers an excellent balance between affordability and comfort.
Flight cost to Thailand
Flight prices vary depending on departure country and season.
Average return flights:
• Europe → Thailand: €550–€850
• UK → Thailand: €600–€900
• US → Thailand: €750–€1,200
Booking 2–4 months in advance usually gives the best deals.
Visa and travel insurance costs
Many travelers forget to include entry and safety costs when planning their budget.
Typical costs:
• Tourist visa: €0–€50 (depends on nationality and stay length)
• Travel insurance: €1.50–€2.50 per day
For a 2-week trip, travel insurance typically adds €20–€35 to your budget.
Including these costs makes your trip budget more realistic.
Accommodation costs in Thailand
Thailand offers excellent accommodation at every price level.
Budget accommodation
• Hostel dorm bed: €8–€15
• Budget guesthouse/private room: €18–€30
Mid-range hotels
• 3-star hotels: €35–€60
• Boutique hotels: €55–€90
Luxury hotels
• 4–5 star hotels: €120–€300+
Thailand offers fantastic hotel value compared to Europe.
Food prices in Thailand
Food is a highlight of any Thailand trip and extremely affordable.
Typical food prices:
• Street food meal: €2–€4
• Restaurant meal: €6–€10
• Coffee: €2–€3
• Beer: €2–€3
Eating street food daily can dramatically reduce travel costs.
Transport costs in Thailand
Thailand is easy and affordable to travel around.
Local transport
• Grab ride: €3–€6
• BTS/MRT Bangkok: €1–€2 per ride
• Scooter rental: €6–€9 per day
Travel between cities
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Bangkok → Chiang Mai flight | €35–€60 |
| Bangkok → Phuket flight | €40–€70 |
| Overnight train Bangkok → Chiang Mai | €25–€40 |
| Ferry to islands | €15–€30 |
Domestic flights save time and are affordable.
Attraction and activity prices
Thailand offers great value experiences.
Typical prices:
• Temple entry: €3–€8
• Island boat tour: €25–€50
• Cooking class: €30–€40
• National park entry: €8–€15
Activities remain affordable for most travelers.
How much does a 1-week trip to Thailand cost?
Budget traveler
• Flights: €600
• Accommodation: €140
• Food: €90
• Transport: €120
• Activities: €120
Total: €1,070 per person
Mid-range traveler
• Flights: €700
• Accommodation: €350
• Food: €160
• Transport: €180
• Activities: €180
Total: €1,570 per person
How much does a 2-week trip to Thailand cost?
Budget traveler
• Flights: €600
• Accommodation: €280
• Food: €180
• Transport: €180
• Activities: €240
Total: €1,480 per person
Mid-range traveler
• Flights: €700
• Accommodation: €700
• Food: €320
• Transport: €300
• Activities: €300
Total: €2,320 per person
Cost of popular cities in Thailand
Prices vary depending on destination.
Bangkok
Average daily budget:
• Budget traveler: €35/day
• Mid-range traveler: €70/day
Chiang Mai
Average daily budget:
• Budget traveler: €30/day
• Mid-range traveler: €60/day
Phuket & islands
Average daily Phuket & islands
Average daily budget:
• Budget traveler: €40/day
• Mid-range traveler: €80/day
Island destinations are the most expensive part of Thailand travel.
Pro tip: taxi prices on Thai islands
Transportation on islands like Phuket and Koh Samui is dominated by local taxi monopolies. A 10-minute ride can cost €12–€15, which is sometimes more than a 1-hour domestic flight from Bangkok.
Always check prices in Grab or Bolt before getting into a local taxi to avoid overpaying. Budget:
• Budget traveler: €40/day
• Mid-range traveler: €80/day
Island destinations are the most expensive part of Thailand travel.
Backpacking vs mid-range vs luxury Thailand trip
Backpacker Thailand trip
Typical monthly budget: €900–€1,100
Mid-range Thailand trip
Typical monthly budget: €1,700–€2,200
Luxury Thailand trip
Typical monthly budget: €3,500+
Thailand works for every travel style.
Sample 10-day Thailand itinerary budget
Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Phuket
Typical mid-range cost breakdown:
• Flights: €700
• Hotels: €500
• Food: €220
• Transport: €220
• Activities: €250
Total: €1,890 per person
Sample 2-week backpacking itinerary budget
Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Krabi → Phuket
Budget breakdown:
• Flights: €600
• Hostels: €280
• Food: €180
• Transport: €200
• Activities: €250
Total: €1,510 per person
Best time to visit Thailand for cheap travel
Cheapest months:
• May–June
• September–October
Avoid peak season (December–February) when hotel prices increase.
Is Thailand cheaper than nearby countries?
Thailand vs Vietnam: Vietnam is generally 15–20% cheaper, especially for beer and accommodation. You can compare the full breakdown in our guide: how much does a trip to Vietnam cost.
Thailand vs Malaysia: Similar overall cost.
Thailand vs Philippines: Thailand often cheaper for transport.
Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia’s best-value destinations.
Thailand travel cost decision table
| Travel question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Thailand cheap? | Yes |
| Cheapest travel style | Backpacking |
| Good for mid-range travel? | Excellent |
| Expensive season | Dec–Feb |
| Cheapest season | May & Sept |
Money-saving tips for Thailand
- Eat street food daily
- Book domestic flights early
- Travel outside peak season
- Use overnight trains
- Avoid luxury island resorts
- Buy a local eSIM (AIS or DTAC) for under €15/month instead of expensive roaming
- 7-Eleven toasties and ready meals are a backpacker favorite and can replace a €10 meal with a €2 lunch
Thailand rewards travelers who plan smart budgets.
FAQ about Thailand travel costs
Is Thailand cheaper than Europe?
Yes, Thailand is significantly cheaper than most European destinations.
How much money do I need per day in Thailand?
Budget travelers average €35/day, mid-range travelers €70/day.
Is Thailand good for budget travel?
Yes. Thailand is one of the world’s best budget travel destinations.
Is Thailand worth visiting in 2026?
Absolutely. Thailand offers incredible experiences at affordable prices.
Thailand remains one of the best-value destinations in Southeast Asia and perfect for travelers planning affordable long-distance trips.
