Thailand Travel Guide

Khao Phing Kan

Thailand is one of the most popular and well-known destinations in Southeast Asia.
In one week, you can go from city, to beach, to jungle. Thailand has it all, from the luxurious metropolitan of Bangkok to the many beautiful beaches and temples.

If that doesn’t have you sold, just think: $5 massages every day and unlimited pad thai.

Destination Guides

Bangkok

Phuket

Chiang Mai

Thailand

Planning your budget

Currency

$1 USD is ≈ 30 THB (Thai Baht)

For 30 Baht ($1) you can buy…

1 beer
1 meal
1 train ticket

*All exchange rates are approximate. Try the XE Currency app for the latest rates.

Accomodation

Accommodation in Thailand is very cheap. You can book your stay for as low as $4/night for budget travel, or splurge on the most luxurious 5 star hotel. The city and beach towns tend to be more expensive, while northern areas such as Chiang Mai are extremely reasonable. The cost of accommodation on average is outlined below:

Hostel ≈ $10
Guest House ≈ $30
Beach Bungalow ≈ $40
Hotel ≈ $50
5 Star Luxury ≈ $200

Recommend booking via Agoda, Sawadee, or Airbnb

Transportation

As with everything else, transportation is also cheap…*however* beware of the tourist trap. Use metered taxis only, and if the driver refuses – get out and find another. Many accommodations offer airport pick up and drop off for a fixed fee, which I highly recommend.

Metro ≈ $1
Taxi ≈ $3 local; $25 airport (up to 1 hr drive)
Tuk Tuk ≈ $3
Overnight train ≈ $20
Private driver ≈ $30/day

For getting around in Bangkok, the metro is extremely easy to use. For longer day trips outside the city, consider hiring a private driver and agreeing upon a flat rate for the day. Often you will get a driver and tour guide in one!

Food

Thai cuisine is cheap and delicious. For the budget traveler, cheap eats are as little as $5 a day. On average, you can enjoy a 3 course meal for less than $20.

Street food ≈ $1
Alcohol ≈ $2/drink
Thai dish ≈ $5
Western dish ≈ $10

*Tipping is not required. A 10% service charge may be added to your bill.

Activities

Planned activities are great in Thailand, as they often include transportation, meals, and a tour guide. There are several adventure activities unique to Thailand that you can experience for a low cost and at great value.