Quick answer: Thailand runs about $30–50/day for budget travelers, $80–130/day mid-range, and $250+/day for luxury.
Thailand is a backpacker favourite for a reason — superb value, especially outside the pricey island resorts.
Daily budget for Thailand (per person)
| Travel style | Per day | ~1 week (excl. flights) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $30–50 | ~$250–350 |
| Mid-range | $80–130 | ~$560–910 |
| Luxury | $250+ | ~$1,750+ |
What drives the cost
The islands (Phuket, Koh Samui) cost more than the north (Chiang Mai) or Bangkok. Street food is a few dollars; transport and activities are cheap.
How to save
Eat street food, travel by overnight train or bus, base yourself in Chiang Mai, and avoid peak season (Dec–Feb) on the islands.
Plan exact numbers with our trip cost calculator and compare countries in the 2026 travel cost index.
The cost of a trip to Thailand: a budget breakdown
Thailand is famously good value. Rough daily spend per person:
- Budget: $30-45/day — hostels, street food, local transport.
- Mid-range: $70-120/day — good hotels, restaurants, tours.
- Luxury: $200+/day — resorts and fine dining.
A 10-day mid-range trip runs roughly $700-1,200 per person excluding flights. The islands (especially Phuket and Koh Samui) cost more than Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Save money by
Eating street food (cheap and superb), using domestic budget flights and trains, and travelling outside the December-February peak.
Cost Of Trip To Thailand FAQ
How much does a trip to Thailand cost?
Around $70-120/day mid-range, or $700-1,200 per person for 10 days excluding flights.
Is Thailand cheap to travel?
Very — street food, local transport and guesthouses keep costs low, though islands cost more.