Thailand destinations by cost
Four regions, four price levels and two opposite rainy seasons. Here is how to choose.
Thailand splits neatly into four areas for budget planning. The north is cheapest, Bangkok sits in the middle, and the two island coasts cost the most. They also have different weather, so the right choice depends on when you go.
Bangkok and the central plains
Everyday backpacker spend: ฿740 ($22). Dorms cost ฿250–400, the BTS and MRT ฿16–60 a ride, and street food is everywhere. The big temples are the main expense: Grand Palace ฿500, Wat Pho ฿300, Wat Arun ฿200. Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi make cheap day trips by train.
Chiang Mai, Pai and the north
Everyday backpacker spend: ฿610 ($18). Old City dorms cost ฿200–350, red songthaews charge a flat ฿30 around town, and a bowl of khao soi costs $1.50–2.50. Pai, a winding minibus ride away (฿150–250), has the cheapest dorms in the country at about $5. Best from November to February, when it is cool and dry.
Chiang Mai on a budget · Pai on a budget
The Andaman coast: Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta
Everyday backpacker spend: ฿1,130 ($34). The limestone scenery is famous and boats are the main cost: ferries from ฿490, the Phi Phi park fee ฿400, group longtail tours ฿1,600–1,900. Go between November and April. From May to October the sea is rougher and some boats stop.
Phuket · Krabi · Koh Phi Phi
The Gulf islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
Everyday backpacker spend: about ฿1,130. Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive (Open Water ฿12,000–14,000). Koh Phangan has the Full Moon Party, Samui the most comfort. The Gulf has its rainy season later than the Andaman side, roughly October to December, so it is the better pick in July and August.
Side by side
| Region | Dorm bed | Backpacker day | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | ฿250–400 | ฿740 | Nov–Feb |
| Chiang Mai & north | ฿200–350 | ฿610 | Nov–Feb |
| Andaman coast | ฿300–700 | ฿1,130 | Nov–Apr |
| Gulf islands | ฿300–500 | ฿1,130 | Feb–Aug |
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