30 Ways to Visit Thailand on a BUDGET (2025)

Visiting Thailand on a budget? As ex-pats in Bangkok, we share the best ways to save money in Thailand and plan a budget Thailand trip!

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for young people and budget travelers; it is possible to visit Thailand for $20 a day! It may not be as notoriously cheap as it used to be but there are still many ways you can save money and bag a bargain when traveling to Thailand.

As ex-pats living in the country, we share the best ways to save money in Thailand, from cheap but comfortable accommodation to the best cheap eats around, so you can visit Thailand on a budget. Don’t forget to read more about Our Bangkok Life before your trip!

Thailand on a budget

1) Travel during the Low Season

The first way you can visit Thailand on a budget, is to plan to visit during the low season.

When possible, travel to Thailand between April and September to save money on airfares, accommodation, motorbike/car rentals, and even food. Prices rocket up during the high season from October through to March. However, this is the rainy season so visit in September and October to avoid the heavy rain and the heat of April. 

If you are paying for hotels and hostels on arrival, it is easier to haggle prices during the low season as many rooms will be empty around this time of the year. Companies like AirAsia offer discounted flights from May to October too.

If you are visiting in the high season, make sure to book hotels in advance and check deals directly on the hotel websites, especially when booking a 4 or 5-star hotel.

If you do travel during the high season, book all flights and trains in advance too, especially if visiting during Song Kran or Loy Krathong.

Prices and the season does vary slightly depending on where you are visiting in the country, so do check for the best time to visit Chiang Mai when visiting there, compared to the best time to visit Koh Samui.

2) Avoid Tourist Traps

Thailand is a popular place to visit and there are a few more touristy spots which do lead to higher pricers. To visit Thailand on a budget, try to look at the lesser-known, quieter places, especially when planning a beach vacation.

The islands of the South of Thailand are still cheap compared to the rest of the world but they are expensive for Thailand. Enjoy the beautiful Thailand destinations like Koh Chang or Koh Lanta rather than the tourist spots of Phuket and Ko Samui to save money on practically everything. 

Additionally, there are touristy areas in the city that are worth staying in but staying just outside of these areas will get you better value hostels and hotels. For example, you can get cheap hostels near Khao San Road but they can be run down and dirty. Instead, book a hostel along Sukhumvit Road or even find a private room in a budget hotel in more residential areas like Thonglor and Phrom Phong.

3) Avoid Rush Hour Taxis

During rush hour and in certain areas of Bangkok, Taxis are known to quote high prices for a journey. To visit Thailand on a budget, avoid taking a taxi during rush hour, and if you need to, make sure the driver uses the meter.

If a taxi driver refuses to use the meter then just get out and find another taxi, chances are there will be one driving past within a few minutes. Make sure you can see the meter clearly and once at your destination, if the driver starts adding ‘extra service fees’ then just pay the meter price and leave.

Our best tip for taxi travel is to stick to using the Grab app. This app is very similar to Uber and is cheap, and easy to use so make sure to download it before your trip and use it to get around. 

EXTRA TIP: Another way to save money and time when traveling across the city is to find the nearest BTS or MRT stop near your chosen destination, head to that stop then get a taxi for the rest of the journey. This is especially helpful during rush hour.

4) Travel on overnight buses but get second-class tickets

Overnight buses and trains can be much cheaper than day journeys whilst also saving you money on a hotel or hostel for the night; perfect for those wanting to visit Thailand on a budget.

Buses around Asia are now pretty comfortable (for a bus) and often come with air conditioning. The bus will still stop at convenience stores on the way so you can buy hot food, drinks, and snacks.

There are also plenty of options to choose from and trips rarely sell out. 

Second-class buses aren’t too different from first-class buses, with the main difference being a little more room on first-class buses as well as a reclining seat and footrest. First class or VIP buses can be faster as they often have an on-bus toilet, meaning they don’t stop as much.

The bus can be a great way to save money when getting around the whole country, especially ideal for shorter trips like Bangkok to Pattaya.

EXTRA TIP: You can also compare and book train, bus, and mini-van tickets on the 12Go website, a popular choice in Asia.

5) Visit Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are considerably cheaper cities than Bangkok and its nearby cities, which is why those wanting to visit Thailand on a budget often chose to spend an extended period of time in the North.

A night bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs around 900 Baht with apartments costing as little as 200 baht per month (£40 or $60).

Plus, food and transport around the city are cheaper, and buses to nearby locations can also be found for under 500B.

In general, visiting the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-track destinations in Thailand will always be cheaper than the more popular destinations.

6) ATM Withdrawals

The next way to visit Thailand on a budget is to think about withdrawals. Take out large amounts of cash, preferably enough for your time in that area rather than small amounts from an ATM.

You will often get charged a flat rate for withdrawing money from your bank as well as an exchange rate.

Alternatively, get yourself a card with no or low foreign transaction fees, so you can spend on your card without worrying about having the cash.

7) Haggle

No matter where you are in Thailand, you will notice that items are one price for locals and another price for foreigners. To help you visit Thailand on a budget, you need to start getting used to haggling.

Make sure you haggle the price down to what you are happy to pay (even if it is more than a local) and if the vendor doesn’t budge on price then walk away – they will often call out a decent price if they think they are losing a customer.

A general rule for haggling is if a stall doesn’t have a price listed, it is probably because they are going to give different prices. In this scenario, either be prepared to haggle or move along and find someone else who does list their prices. (see the next tip)

However, if prices are listed, it is often the set price.

8) Signed stalls

A great way to enjoy Thailand on a budget is to take advantage of the street food. When visiting food stalls and markets around Thailand, try to buy items from the stalls that signpost the prices of items.

In Chatuchak Market, we once saw a crepe stall selling crepes for 40 baht then went to buy one a little further up and he tried to charge us 300 baht. Needless to say, we just carried on walking until we saw another place with the price displayed.

9) Negotiate with Tuk Tuk drivers

Choosing the cheaper transportation options can help you visit Thailand on a budget. Tuk Tuk drivers can be found in the popular cities of Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, but aren’t always the cheapest option.

If you are taking a Tuk Tuk, make sure you negotiate a decent price with them, finalize the price before you get in, AND make sure they take you exactly where you want to go. Feel like you are being overcharged? Say no and order a grab.

10) Buy a local SIM card

Like most places, if you are staying in Thailand for some time, then pick up a local SIM card and make sure your phone is unlocked so you can use the SIM card.

True Move is a popular choice with all package deals and pay-as-you-go deals are pretty decent. These are especially helpful when booking GRAB taxis to get around the city.

11) Hunt around for accommodation

Another way to visit Thailand on a budget is to get a great hotel for the best price.

Use Agoda, booking.com, and Hostelworld to search for the best deals before you start your travels.

Booking accommodation in advance is usually much cheaper and not all hostels are cheaper than hotels.

In Bangkok and Northern Thailand, you will often find cheap private bedrooms in small B’n’Bs, which work out cheaper than a dorm bed if you are traveling as a couple. You can also opt for a mid-range or luxury hotel and get great deals when booking directly via their website, or by signing up to booking.com’s membership.

12) Rent a motorbike

If you are in the small towns and cities of Thailand, you can rent a motorbike to get around. These are much more fun than taking taxis and can save you a small fortune, especially ideal for exploring rural areas. This is idea for those wanting to visit Thailand on a budget because private drivers and taxi prices can add up!

However, always make sure to wear a helmet and avoid traveling in wet conditions when possible, especially in the mountain regions up north. There are too many accidents involving motorbikes, so rent a bike and ride with caution.

13) Free attractions

No matter where you are in Thailand, there are always temples, monasteries, buddhas, farms, beaches, waterfalls, forests, and so on, that are completely free. Do your research and spend time visiting these to visit Thailand on a budget.

For example, there are plenty of Bangkok markets that are free to explore but also have cheap food and affordable souvenirs. Bangkokian Museum is a free place to learn more about the city whilst Wat Saket is a free monstery and a picturesque place to see in the city.

14) Take the local bus

Whilst in Bangkok, it can be so much cheaper if you use the local bus system to get around the city, perfect for those wanting to visit Thailand on a budget.

Half an hour trips start at 20 baht and more and more buses are being modernized; meaning you even get aircon. Just make sure you know which stop you are getting off at and if you have a sim card with data, follow along on Google Maps to check where you need to get off.

15) Jump on the BTS/MRT

For fast, easy, and cheap transport around Bangkok, jump on the BTS or MRT to your chosen destination. If you are far from a stop or your destination is far from a stop, it may be worth getting a taxi or riverboat to the nearest station to avoid traffic.

Either way, get yourself a Rabbit card and stick to the BTS/MRT as much as you can. You can download the BTS SkyTrain app to navigate your way around the city with ease.

16) Hand-out Flyers

In the south of Thailand, some bars are known to give you free drinks if you spend a few hours handing out their venue flyers during the afternoon. Speak to those at the bars, this is more likely to happen with bars run by ex-pats.

This is more popular on the islands and quieter destinations, so if you do need some extra income, look for these options if you are visiting Thailand on a budget.

17) Couchsurfing

This is a website that allows you to find free accommodation with people living in Thailand.

This works particularly well in places like Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Chiang Rai where there are large amounts of ex-pats with spare rooms! Browse the hosts to find accommodation options but also check out the meet-up groups to meet other travelers in the city.

18) Avoid Western food

We all like a pizza or a McDonald’s from time to time but if you are trying to visit Thailand on a budget, then don’t start hitting up Western chain restaurants. Head to a local restaurant or market and eat like a king for very little.

Thai street food is delicious and sticking to this is a great way to visit Thailand on a budget. Most street food in Thailand is cheap and affordable, meaning you can try plenty of the local flavors without spending a fortune. Some of our favorites we would highly recommend are Sam Tham, Phra Kra Pro, and Moo Ping.

19) Don’t leave tips

It is not the norm to leave tips in Thailand so don’t worry about leaving tips in restaurants, bars, or cafes. However, we find the locals to be very grateful when we do. So, instead of leaving tips like the high percentage you would in the US.

20) Stock up on 7/11 meals and snacks

The first thing we learned about Thailand when we arrived in Bangkok, was how cheap the beer in 7/11 is! A big bottle of beer costs around 55 baht (£1.10) whilst whiskey and wine bottles are as cheap as 250 baht (£5!). There are also these stores EVERYWHERE; ideal for stocking on water etc for your hotel room.

7/11 also has plenty of food options that they happily heat up for you. This includes local meals like green curry and Pad Thai as well as quick bites like sandwiches and toasties. They also have Western food like pasta, burgers, and burritos. This is a great way to save money when you aren’t near a food stall or fancy something a little more familiar.

21) Lotus Water

If you are staying in an area for a while, buy a big bottle of water and fill it up from the water machines outside supermarkets like Lotus, costing 1 baht per liter. This will save you quite a bit on water bottles that normally cost 30+ baht in-store.

22) Visit the side streets

head down side streets and alleys to find the cheapest street food and often the tastiest. This is often where locals can be seen picking up food and you should follow their lead!

23) Drink the local beer

Singha, Tiger, and Leo are all considerably cheaper than imported brands so stick to them when drinking out in bars and restaurants. Also, check out the Facebook pages of Western bars to find their happy hours; ideal if you are looking to save money and have a drink or two.

24) Travel by train

Trains are the cheapest way to travel long distances across Thailand but take some time and offer less comfort than buses. Compare train journeys on 12Go.Asia, with various routes, classes, and ticket prices available. You can also check out overnight train options to save even more money.

25) Skip the Guidebooks

I love a good guidebook and will always find the extra cash to buy at least one and read it from front to back and back to front before a trip. When visiting Asia, the best information I found about traveling to Thailand was online at various travel blogs and YouTube videos. Skip the guidebook for Thailand because everything you need to know can be found online.

Plus, one of my favorite things to do in Thailand is just to wander. Around every corner, there will be something unique and interesting.

26) Fly AirAsia

We aren’t big fans of the overnight buses and long train journeys and if you’re not either then check out the flights on AirAsia.com. We managed to get Bangkok to Phuket flights for just 1000 baht (£20). Don’t miss out on the beautiful islands of Thailand like the beaches of Krabi and Koh Lanta.

As always, compare flights on Skyscanner then check prices directly on the Air Asia website. The website often does flash sales too, if you want to get very cheap flights.

Other affordable airlines are: Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Airways, and VietJet Airways.

27) Shopping Mall food courts

You can find shopping malls all over Thailand with so many scattered around the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok. These malls often included food courts that serve delicious meals usually including a drink for under 100 baht (£2).

28) Working in Thailand

without the correct Visa is illegal but if you want to stay in Thailand for an extended period then you can take an online TEFL course and bag yourself a job over there. If you speak English well and are from an English-speaking country, you could earn upwards of 50,000 baht a month.

29) Avoid Khao San Road

Unfortunately, this infamous road is no longer the cheap hub of Bangkok so avoid staying in this area or drinking in this area. Some of the pubs in this area are great for happy hours but you’ll find cheaper and better drinks in the Sukhumvit area.

Also, the food stalls here are overpriced and often, of lesser quality than other food stalls in the city.

30) Take advantage of the happy hours

Most bars and restaurants in Thailand offer some type of happy hour for you to take advantage of. Wander from one bar to the next during their happy hour times and enjoy!

How much does a trip to Thailand cost?

A trip to Thailand can really range depending on what you want to spend and experience, so giving an exact number is difficult, however we have an overview.

For accommodation, you can easily spend as little as $10 on a decent dorm bed in a hostel in Bangkok or other destinations around the country. Guesthouses or budget hotel rooms across the country would range from $15 – $40, whilst 4 and 5 star hotels really do range from $30 – $300.

For example, in Bangkok, we stayed at Lebua (where they filmed the Hangover), staying in their 5-star suite for $150. But this included a cocktail on ther rooftop bar, afternoon tea and breakfast. We also spent time at the Jasmine Hotel in Phra Khanong when we first moved to Bangkok, spending around $30 a night in this 4-star option. 

For food, we pick up street food from 30B – 100B a meal (around $1-$2), whilst a meal from 7/11 is a similar price. You can visit local resturants and spend between $3 – $8 including a coffee or soft drink, whilst the chains can cost you up to $10.

For example, our favourite restuarants are Lao Garden and Best Beef; we tend to spend between $20 – $30 in either resturant but this includes beer and food for two.

However, food and acoomodatioino will cost a little more on the islands, especially if you are opting for the Western choices. 

Transporation is very affordable in Bangkok. The Bangkok BTS ranges from 15- 55B ($0.50 – $2), whilst taxi journeys are much lower than the west. For example, a 30 minute journey across Bangkok would cost around $7. 

How much money do I need for a trip to Thailand?

So, we live in Bangkok and each month, between rent, bills, transport, food and going out, we spend around $2000. This includes everything and we could spend less but enjoy our brunch weekends and cocktail Thursdays too much. 

If you are planning to visit on a budet, you need to plan for at least $40 a day, including a dorm bed. If you want a mid-range experience, staying in a private room and enjoying sit-down meals, as well as the paid attractions, I would plan at least $75 a day. For more luxury experiences, plan at least $120 a day. 

You will also need to add in money for your flights to the country and any domestic travel you take. Here are some examples on what we spend tot ravel around the country:

• Bangkok to Phuket return flights AirAsia $80 per person
• Bangkok to Pattaya Private Taxi $60 for the car
• Bangkok to Chiang Mai Overnight Train $50

Most beautiful places to visit in Thailand

Budget Thailand FAQ

How much should I budget for a trip to Thailand?

If you are staying in hostels, eating local food, and sticking to free attractions in Bangkok and Thailand, you can plan to spend ฿2000 a day; $64 or £45. 

Is Thailand a cheap place to visit?

Thailand is a much cheaper destination than places in Europe and North America but visiting in the high season is expensive (compared to other Asia destinations) when visiting the islands. 

How much does it cost for 10 days in Thailand?

When sticking to these budget Thailand trips, you can expect to spend around ฿28,000 for 10 days in Thailand (or $900). It is possible to spend as little as $600 if you are staying in hostels in Northern Thailand or the less touristy beaches. 

What is the cheapest month to fly to Thailand?

September, October, and April are cheaper months to fly to Thailand with January, November and December being the most expensive time to fly to Thailand. 

What is the best airline to fly to Thailand?

Depending on where you are flying from, there are lots of different airlines to choose from when flying to Thailand. Via the UK, you can use British Airways whilst Eva Air have affordable rates throughout the year.