Thailand can be very good value, but a beach-resort itinerary can cost substantially more than a simple city-and-backpacking trip.
Domestic transport and the number of islands or regions you visit are important parts of the overall budget.
Plan your budget
How much will your trip cost?
Build a personalised estimate for flights, accommodation, food, transport, activities and other major travel costs.
Calculate My Trip →How much should you budget?
Thailand remains flexible for different budgets, with accommodation and food available at many price points. Moving frequently and choosing premium islands or resorts increases the total.
Your final cost will depend on travel dates, booking time, accommodation standard and the experiences you choose. Treat estimated figures as a planning guide and compare live prices before booking.
Accommodation costs
Hostels and simple hotels can be inexpensive, while beachfront resorts and popular islands can be significantly more expensive.
Location can make a major difference, so compare the total value of staying centrally with the cost of travelling in from cheaper areas.
Food and drink
Street food and casual local restaurants can keep daily costs low, while international restaurants, bars and resort dining raise the average.
A useful approach is to mix inexpensive everyday meals with a smaller number of restaurants or experiences you particularly want to try.
Getting around
Include domestic flights, trains, ferries and transfers if you plan to combine Bangkok, northern Thailand and the islands.
Remember to include airport transfers and any longer journeys or day trips rather than budgeting only for short local transport.
Activities and experiences
Island tours, diving, cooking classes, temples and organised excursions should be planned separately from basic daily spending.
List your must-do experiences before travelling so that attraction and tour costs do not become an unexpected addition to your budget.
How to keep the trip cost down
Slow the itinerary down, compare domestic transport early and choose which islands or premium experiences are worth the extra cost.
You can also use the Mystique Getaways travel cost calculator to create a starting estimate for your own route, trip length and travel style.
Keep planning
Explore more before you book
Frequently asked questions
Planning your trip
Is Thailand expensive?
It can suit different budgets, but the biggest variables are usually flights, accommodation, season and travel style. Planning those costs first gives you a much clearer idea of the total trip price.
How much spending money should I take?
That depends on what you have already paid for. Build a daily allowance for food, local transport and activities, then add a buffer for optional purchases and unexpected costs.
How can I get better value?
Compare dates, accommodation areas and transport options before booking. Shoulder periods can sometimes offer a better balance of price, weather and crowds than peak dates.