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Thailand

What can you expect from Thailand

Thailand is a blend of bustling cities, serene temples, tropical beaches, and warm-hearted locals. From the chaos of Bangkok to the mountains of Chiang Mai and the warm waters of the southern islands, the country offers everything you’re looking for in a tropical destination. Expect tuk-tuks zipping through alleyways, ornate temples adorned with golden spires, and street markets full of sizzling aromas and colors.

Whether you’re into cultural immersion, adventurous trekking, island-hopping, or even surfing remote beaches, Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible and rewarding destinations. Its affordable travel costs, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite for both first-time backpackers and experienced explorers.

Things to See and Do in Thailand

Wander the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in Bangkok
Visit the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
Island hop through Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands
Explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya
Go surfing in Phuket or catch waves in Khao Lak
Trek through the hills and villages of Pai
Attend a traditional lantern festival in northern Thailand
Snorkel or dive in the Similan or Surin Islands
Relax on the laid-back beaches of Koh Lanta

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: Budget hostels can start from €5–€12 / $6–$13 per night, while mid-range guesthouses or boutique hotels cost from €20–€50 / $22–$55. Beach resorts and luxury stays can go well above that.

Food: Street food is extremely affordable and delicious, with meals as low as €1–€2 / $1–$2.5. Dining at restaurants can cost €3–€8 / $3.5–$9, depending on the location and type.

Transportation: Local buses and songthaews are budget-friendly, with fares under €1 / $1. Long-distance buses and trains cost €10–€30 / $11–$33. Domestic flights are inexpensive and also an option if booked early.

Suggested Daily Budget

€25–€45 / $27–$49

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Following the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Eat like a local Stick to street food stalls and local markets for authentic Thai meals at unbeatable prices.
2
Use overnight transport Night buses or trains save you a night’s accommodation while covering long distances.
3
Travel off-season Visit during the shoulder months (May or October) for better deals on everything from tours to hotels.
4
Avoid tourist traps Skip overpriced tuk-tuk rides in tourist zones and use apps like Grab or public transport instead.

Travel Tools & Resources for Thailand

To stay connected while traveling, use an eSIM from Holafly (-5%). It will give you easy and instant mobile data access.

For booking transportation across Thailand, 12Go Asia is a reliable platform to compare buses, trains, and ferries.

Protect your trip with Heymondo travel insurance (-5%) especially if you’re an adventure traveler.

Accommodation can be easily booked through Booking.com or Hostelworld, especially for budget-friendly stays.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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05/28/2025

Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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