How much does a trip to Thailand cost? A 2026 daily budget

Daily costs in Thailand in 2026 for backpackers, mid-range and comfortable trips: rooms, street food, islands and transport, plus phone data tips.

Thailand is one of the best-value trips in Asia. Bangkok and the north are cheaper than the islands, where boats and resorts add up.

Rough daily budget per person (flights not included)

Budget: about $30 to $50. Guesthouses, street food, buses and shared vans.

Mid-range: about $80 to $150. Hotels with a pool, restaurants, a few tours.

Comfortable: $200 and up. Beach resorts, private transfers, island-hopping trips.

What drives the cost

Islands: Phuket, Koh Samui and the Phi Phi islands cost more than Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

Transport: ride apps are cheap in cities; boats and domestic flights cost more.

Season: December to February is high season, with higher room prices.

Phone and data

Ride apps, maps and messages need data everywhere. 1 to 3 GB a week covers light use; social media and video calls need more. Try our data calculator, then see Thailand eSIM plans.

Bottom line

Thailand can be very cheap; the islands and high season are where budgets stretch. See Thailand eSIM plans.

eSIM plans for Thailand