The Best Way to Travel Thailand on a Tight Budget

Thailand is a legendarily cheap backpacker destination — except when it’s not. 

I started my full-time travels in Bangkok and burst my budget within the first three weeks. I messed up, so you don’t have to. 

While there are plenty of luxurious options, the best way to see Thailand is the cheap way. I figured that out during my second, third, and fourth visits. Read on to find out how to see all the wonders of Thailand on a budget.    

Figuring out your budget for Thailand   

Thailand is definitely affordable for anyone with a little bit of savings tucked away, but this is also why a budget is a necessity.    

The affordability is overwhelming compared to the West, so it’s easy to lose your way with the budget. It seems like everything is so inexpensive, so you buy or do it all, and before you know it, your savings are gone.   

Figuring out how much spending money for Thailand is necessary requires identifying your budget tier. Are you a budget backpacker or a flashpacker?    

A backpacker budget of 800-1058 baht ($20-$30) a day is perfect for ultra-savers. This will cover basic accommodation, street food dinners, budget transportation, and free or cheaper activities.    

For a little more luxury, like a few drinks or some shopping, a daily budget of 1058-1764 baht ($30-$50) will cover regular massages, slightly nicer accommodation or a private room, alcohol, and more expensive attractions, like elephant sanctuaries or adventure parks.    

Long-term explorers should save up enough to cover at least $30 per day, adding extra for incidentals like insurance and bigger excursions. For example, a budget for two months in Thailand would work out to $2000.    

Pro tip: Download an exchange rate app to keep track of exchange rates; it’ll help keep prices in perspective. Or figure out how much $10 is in Thailand (352 baht) and memorize that. 

Traveling to Thailand on a budget    

Flights are always the largest part of any budget. Book as far in advance as possible.

Avoid traveling during the school holidays for cheaper seats, or visit in Thailand’s off-peak season between May and October.     

I arrived for the first time in the wet season. While the rainy days were intense, I fell in love with the atmosphere. The weather dictates everything, and plans follow the mood of the sky, making everything magically unpredictable.      

If you’re a student, scour student travel sites for deals and discounts. Be flexible with your dates to find cheaper flights.   

Thailand’s best affordable transportation    

Buses   

Bus routes spread throughout the country like a spiderweb, connecting nearly every town and city with double-decker sleeper buses. So, tackling Thailand on a low budget means getting familiar with buses. 

Although often a little less comfortable for long-haul journeys than the trains, there is no cheaper way to get around the country unless you want to drive on a moped for days on end.      

Pay a small premium to travel on cozier sleeper buses with large reclining seats and free snacks. Trust me, your back will thank you for it. 

Pro tip: Booking overnight trains and buses when changing cities will save you a night’s accommodation.      

Trains    

Thailand’s train networks center around the major cities, connecting town to city to town on long tracks that run throughout the day and night.     

Thanks to the option of seats that convert into beds, overnight trains are a backpacker favorite for overnight travel.    

To travel from Bangkok to the north or south, I recommend opting for an overnight train instead of a bus. Yes, the bus is cheaper, but it’s also less comfortable. Book the lower bunk for peak comfort and unforgettable views of the jungle whizzing past as the sun rises.      

Seating       

Dedicated budget travelers can opt for third-class and the upright seats that come with it. I won’t deny it’s an undeniable bargain; however, I’ve never been brave enough on a long-haul journey because they don’t come with air conditioning.    

Pay a little extra for a second-class sleeper carriage to enjoy a small modicum of luxury on your journey. The first-class cabins could be a nice treat if there is some wiggle room in the daily budget.   

Bangkok’s Subway (MRT) and BTS Sky Train   

Bangkok is very pedestrian-friendly, so prioritize walking to keep your daily budget low. On sweltering days or for longer hauls, hop onto Bangkok’s subway system or the BTS Sky Train.    

With fixed prices for single journeys and air conditioning, the well-connected network is the most convenient way to zip around Bangkok on a budget.    

Boats         

The best way to travel between islands in Thailand is by boat. Typically, speedboats are slightly more expensive. Though they’ll get you there slower, booking a slow ferry is a great budget-saver, and there is less risk of seasickness!    

Avoid buying snacks on the boats, though. Vendors and onboard shops increase the prices since you’re a captive audience. Buy everything you need at a 7-11 before boarding.    

Taxis and tuk-tuks    

Unless you want to break the budget on the first day, don’t take a taxi directly from any airport in Thailand. Instead, book a taxi through Grab, Asia’s version of Uber. They offer fixed rates, often working out cheaper than local taxi companies.    

If you need to get around the city or a waterfall is calling your name, hopping in a local taxi or tuk-tuk is doable. Make some friends and book in groups to split a bargain price. And confirm the price before getting in and then again before setting off. 

Don’t be afraid to haggle; it’s the norm. Grab is the exception, though. Like Uber, the price is set once the booking is confirmed.   

Pro tip: If you have to take a metered taxi, double-check that the driver has turned on the meter before starting the journey. Keep a close eye on it while following the Google Maps route.    

Renting cars or mopeds       

Most travelers seeing Thailand on a budget will opt to rent a motorbike or scooter. As long as you drive carefully and wear a helmet, there is no better way to see everything this country offers.    

Try to plan ahead and book it for longer periods to get a lower deal. Most vendors’ daily prices drop dramatically for travelers renting for weeks or months at a time.    

A budget car rental in Thailand is a little harder to find, especially on the islands where cars are less common and more expensive to hire. It’s an affordable option if sharing with friends to split the costs. Rent for longer periods to negotiate the best price.    

Flights

If buses or trains don’t appeal, never fear, you can fly between major cities with Thai budget airlines, like ThaiAirasia or Thai Airways. It’s not unheard of to find flights that are less expensive than trains or buses.

Find bargain accommodation       

Thailand budget hotels can be found across the country.

For the cheapest options, stick to tradition and bunk down in a hostel dorm room. In exchange for cheap drinks, diverse company, and the best travel stories, you’ll come in under budget while forming bonds that last a lifetime.    

Many hostels, particularly those run by ex-travelers and expats, will happily exchange a few hours a day of volunteering for a few nights or weeks of free accommodation and meals.    

Hostel culture can be a little overwhelming, but the warmth of shared experiences makes it easy to adapt. Don’t force yourself if it doesn’t feel natural, though. 

I liked alternating hostel stays with guesthouses, homestays, and bargain AirBnBs, which still accommodate a backpacker’s budget.      

Filter your search parameters to prioritize accommodations further away from the city or town center for lower prices.

Keep an eye on what you consume!

Budget food      

Thailand’s street food is globally famous for a reason. And it’s the cheapest way to eat while backpacking.      

Dodge the risk of food poisoning by sticking to stalls with the longest lines. I also trust any stand where I can see the dish being made in front of me.    

Find the most affordable restaurants by exploring lesser-known parts of each location you visit. The main tourist high streets will always be more expensive. I always found the best spots hidden down side streets or a couple of blocks away from the main tourist sites.    

Also, believe it or not, shopping mall food courts have incredible food at a fraction of the cost of fancier restaurants.    

Pro tip: The only way to visit Thailand on a budget is by adopting the local cuisine. Don’t submit to your stomach’s homesickness. It will slash your budget to ribbons. That’s how I depleted my savings in my first six months of travel.    

Affordable and safe drinking water       

You’ll be drinking plenty of water, so bring a reusable water bottle to avoid spending too much cash on new water bottles every day.    

In my first few weeks in Thailand, I wasted too much of my daily budget on water bottles. Then, I discovered the water machines dotted all over the place where you can fill up a reusable bottle for a few baht each time, which amounts to less than $0.10.    

Pro tip: If you’re staying in one spot for more than a week, grab a couple of big water bottles from 7/11 to refill.    

Alcoholic drinks       

Don’t drink at all if you want to stick to a strict budget. Alcohol is a premium expense in Southeast Asia.      

However, if you want to treat yourself now and then, buy beers from 7-11 to drink on a budget. Opt for local beers for the cheapest drinks.      

Avoid major tourist party spots in Bangkok (and most destinations) if you want to reduce spending. Locations targeted at tourists always have higher prices.    

Many bars have happy hours, so plan a pub crawl around the best deals for a bargain-priced night out.     

Pro tip: Some bars offer free drinks in exchange for a few hours of leafleting on the streets. Your best chance is to find a bar run by an expat who was once in your shoes. 

Choose affordable activities in Thailand.    

The perfect way to make the most of Thailand on a budget is to choose free or low-budget activities.    

Yes, there are lots of options for expensive snorkeling, scuba diving, and jungle excursions, but these aren’t a necessity to enjoy yourself.      

In bigger cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there are free walking tours to see wondrous sites without breaking the bank.    

Avoid or limit major tourist attractions, such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok, because the ticket prices can be astronomical. But if visiting the Grand Palace is your dream, then do it. Just stick to free activities for the rest of the week.  

Visit local markets, parks, beaches, and monasteries for other free days out. Other low-cost options include temples, waterfalls, and national parks. This country is a treasure trove of affordable activities.    

All my favorite memories in Thailand involve spending zero money.      

Volunteer or work your way through Thailand    

To extend your travels for longer, supplement your budget by volunteering in Thailand. International HQ and Workaway offer hundreds of volunteer opportunities. 

You can also try asking at hostels or elephant sanctuaries. Many places offer free room and board in exchange for your services.      

Volunteering is also a great way of embracing slow travel. You get to soak up the atmosphere and culture of your environment before heading off to see the rest of the country.    

Alternatively, there are tons of jobs available all over Thailand.   

Gain a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification, and the world is your oyster. Many jobs teaching English in Thailand pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per month — plenty to live life to the fullest.

A Thailand budget itinerary 

Start in Bangkok to enjoy the magical chaos of Thailand’s capital. You can find bargain prices on hostel dorm rooms while enjoying some of the most delicious street food on the planet.   

Visit parks and temples on a tight budget before checking out the incredible sprawling street markets, like the Chatuchak weekend market.    

Once you’ve had your fill of Bangkok, hop on an overnight train to Chiang Mai in the north. With lower prices and, in my opinion, the best food in Thailand, the north is a budget backpacker’s best friend.      

Go from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and Pai on a shoestring budget before heading south.    

Skip the famous party islands and regions like Phuket, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui to stay on budget. Compared to the north, these regions charge far more for accommodation, food, and alcohol.    

Instead, check out Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, or some of the other less popular island destinations in southern Thailand. Each one is equally beautiful, but it’s easier to relax when you aren’t overspending.      

Once you’ve finished island-hopping, hop on a bus to Malaysia for another bargain trip.    

Last-minute tips to stay on budget in Thailand

• Track all of your spending in Thai Baht and in your home currency.    
• Always haggle when purchasing from street markets, securing group tours, and booking tuk-tuks. The first price is rarely the fairest, and booking in groups will always lower the price.      
• Avoid extra trips to the ATM by getting out larger sums of money. Also, never accept the conversation rates offered by the bank. They will never be better than your home banks.    
• Buy a local SIM card so you don’t overspend when using an international one.       
• Eat at 7-11 for ultra-bargain days. This iconic convenience store always has treats on offer. You could eat here every day for a fraction of the cost of a restaurant.      
• The slower you travel, the cheaper the trip will be. Dashing from town to town is exciting, but you’ll spend far more on transportation. Sink into the Thai lifestyle by slowing it down.      

A budget trip doesn’t mean a bad one   

Luxury travel looks lovely, and maybe it is, but it’s unnecessary. A budget trip is absolutely the best way to see this magical destination. You’ll meet more locals, sample delectable local dishes, and make memories that last a lifetime. 

Seeing Thailand on a budget is an unforgettable experience. I’ll treasure the memories until I do it all again with the money I saved the last time. 

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