Backpack Thailand- Best Budget Backpacking Guide To Thailand 2023

Backpackers flock to Thailand in search of new experiences, breathtaking scenery, and mouthwatering cuisine. Thailand has a wide variety of attractions, from the hectic streets of Bangkok to the peaceful beaches in the south. When planning a trip to Thailand, one of the most crucial things to consider is how much does it cost to backpack Thailand.

How much money should you set aside for lodging, meals, transportation, and entertainment? Backpacking in Thailand can be expensive, but we’ll break it down below so you can plan your trip without breaking the bank. This post will help you make the most of your time in Thailand, regardless of whether you are a seasoned backpacker or a first-time traveler.

Accommodation Costs -Backpack Thailand

Backpackers’ accommodation rates in Thailand can be high, yet the country offers a wide variety of affordable options. There is a wide range of accommodations available, from cheap hostels and guesthouses to Airbnbs and five-star hotels.

Backpackers often choose to stay in hostels since they are inexpensive and provide the chance to meet other travelers. Hostel dorm beds cost as little as ฿150 a night in Bangkok, but can cost anywhere from ฿200 and ฿600 on popular islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. Hostels also often have private rooms available for roughly ฿500-฿1000 per night.

In rural areas of Thailand, guesthouses offer another affordable accommodation choice. Private rooms are available, and guests have access to shared bathrooms and standard conveniences like a fan or air conditioning. Depending on the amenities and location, the cost each night might be anywhere from ฿300 to ฿1,000+.

Airbnbs are a great option for those seeking more space and seclusion. Shared rooms, private apartments, and even full villas are all on the table. Hotel rooms can cost anything from ฿800 to ฿2,000 per night, with the higher end of the price range reflecting higher levels of luxury.

Thailand also has opulent lodging options for individuals with deeper pockets. The nightly rate at a five-star hotel can cost anywhere from ฿3,000 to ฿10,000, depending on the property’s location and the amenities offered.

If you want to save money on accommodations , plan ahead of time or choose a location that is less likely to attract tourists. Don’t be hesitant to haggle over the cost of your stay, especially during off-peak times or for an extended period.

Overall, the price you’ll pay for a place to sleep when you backpack Thailand will rely heavily on your preferences in terms of lodging type, location, and luxury. The cheapest places to stay are hostels and guesthouses, while the most expensive are Airbnbs and five-star hotels. Finding the ideal alternative for your backpacking trip in Thailand is possible if you take into account your tastes and budget.

Food and Drink Costs- When you Backpack Thailand

It’s no secret that people in Thailand are known for their love of great and economical food. There is a wide variety of inexpensive ways to fulfil your hunger, from fast food to fine dining.

One of the most common and inexpensive meal choices in Thailand is street food. Noodle meals, grilled meats and seafood, and more may all be found at affordable prices from street sellers. The food and culture of the area can be fully appreciated this manner.

You can also eat in restaurants, which offer meals that, while more expensive than street food, are nonetheless within your budget. Depending on where you are and what you choose, a mid-range restaurant lunch can cost anywhere from ฿100 to ฿300 per dish.

If you’re trying to save money on food, a good option is to shop at your neighborhood’s farmer’s market. During the warmer months, many farmers’ markets also have stands offering fresh fruit and smoothies.

Alcoholic beverages can quickly mount up in price, especially in high-traffic locations. Beers in bars and restaurants often cost between ฿80 and ฿120, while specialty drinks cost anywhere from ฿150 and ฿300. You might save money by drinking in your room with alcohol purchased from local convenience stores or supermarkets.

In general, the prices of food and drink in Thailand are low, and there is a wide variety of options available to suit any budget. You may save money on food and drink when travelling in Thailand by dining at street vendors, shopping at local markets, and avoiding tourist traps.

Transportation Costs – When You Backpack Thailand

In Thailand, transport prices might change according on where you go and what you use to get there. If you’re trying to figure out how much everything will cost, here are a few possibilities:

• Tuk-tuks and taxis: The term “taxi” is a slang term for a person who drives a taxi, and the term “taxi cab” is a slang term for a taxi. The problem is that drivers frequently try to rip off visitors by charging them exorbitant rates. The cost of a taxi ride can range from roughly ฿100 to ฿200 for a short distance, and up to ฿500 or more for a lengthy journey. Taxis are more convenient and comfortable, although they can be pricey, especially in Bangkok with its high traffic. Taxis might cost anything from ฿300 to ฿500 from the airport to the heart of the city.
• Motorbikes and scooters: Renting a motorbike or scooter is a common and inexpensive way to see rural and island areas of Thailand. You should expect to pay anywhere from ฿100 to ฿300 per day, plus petrol, for a motorcycle rental in the UK. While the roads in Thailand are generally safe, tourists should take precautions by always carrying insurance and wearing helmets.
• Public transportation: Cheap and convenient public transit options in Thailand include buses and railways. One-way fares on the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway in Bangkok range from about ฿20 to ฿50, depending on the distance travelled. Buses are another inexpensive mode of transportation, with costs between ฿10 and ฿50, depending on the route taken.
• Domestic flights: if you need to cover a lot of ground within Thailand, flying can be the best alternative. AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air are three low-cost airlines to consider; their costs range from ฿500 to ฿3,000, depending on where you go and when you book.

If you plan ahead and select the appropriate form of transportation, travelling across Thailand need not break the bank. You may enjoy a pleasant backpacking experience in Thailand without breaking the bank if you take use of the public transit system, rent motorbikes or scooters, and avoid expensive tuk-tuks and cabs.

Activity and Sightseeing When You Backpack Thailand

Backpackers in Thailand can choose from a wide variety of activities and attractions, from seeing ancient temples to lounging on the country’s stunning beaches. For the sake of budgeting, here are some widely-chosen alternatives and their approximate prices:

• Temples And Historical Sites: Thailand is home to numerous beautiful temples and historical places that can be visited for a modest cost or gift. The Grand Palace in Bangkok costs 500 baht, whereas each temple in the historic city of Ayutthaya costs 50 baht to visit. It’s a good idea to research entrance rates ahead of time, as some historical sites and temples may charge more than others.
• Beaches And Water Activities: Crystal clear waters and powdery white dunes make Thailand’s beaches a top destination for budget travelers. Access to most beaches is free, however beach equipment like chairs and umbrellas may cost money. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking are all examples of water activities that can be arranged for a cost, with fees ranging anywhere from ฿600 to ฿2,000, depending on the specifics of the excursion and the area.
• National Parks And Wildlife Reserves: There are many national parks and wildlife reserves in Thailand where you can observe rare species and beautiful landscapes. Costs to enter Thailand’s national parks vary from 100 baht to 400 baht per foreigner or Thai citizen.
• Nightlife And Entertainment: Thailand’s entertainment and nightlife industry is well-known for its electric energy and low rates. Every major city and tourist hub has at least a few bars and clubs where you may spend anywhere from 100 to 500 on a drink. Tickets to cultural activities like traditional dance performances can cost anywhere from 500 to 1000, while Muay Thai boxing matches can cost upwards of 1000.

There is a wide range of prices for tourist activities and attractions in Thailand. Travelers that take the time to plan ahead and investigate their alternatives will be rewarded with the finest of what Thailand has to offer.

Miscellaneous Expenses- When You Backpack Thailand

Backpackers visiting Thailand should plan for a variety of smaller expenses in addition to the obvious ones like lodging, food, transportation, and activities. Some examples of random costs to budget for are as follows:

• Visas And Travel Insurance: Planning ahead for visas and insurance is essential if you intend to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, the visa fee may vary. Backpackers should also purchase some sort of travel insurance in case something unforeseen happens on their trip, like becoming sick or having an accident.
• SIM Card And Data Plan: SIM card and data plan: Buying a local SIM card and data package might be a cost-effective way to stay connected while travelling. Depending on the carrier and the amount of data included, the cost of a SIM card and monthly data plan can range from ฿200 to ฿1,000.
• Laundry: Laundry services may be available all-around Thailand, and the going rate per kilogram of laundry varies from ฿30 to ฿100.
• Souvenirs And Gifts: Thailand is known for its unique handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs. Prices for souvenirs can vary widely depending on the item and location, but it’s a good idea to budget at least ฿500 to ฿1000 for gifts and keepsakes.
• Tips And Gratuities: Tipping is not expected in Thai culture, but is greatly valued in service industries like restaurants and spas. A small tip of ฿20 to ฿50 per individual is customarily appreciated.
• ATM Fees: Most Thai banks will charge you a fee for using your card abroad, so withdrawing a large sum of money at once is preferable. The average fee for using an ATM in Thailand is between ฿200 and ฿220.

Overall, random expenses can rapidly pile up on a Thailand backpacking trip. You may enjoy your trip without financial worries if you plan ahead for these costs and keep track of your expenditures.

Summary

In sum, budget tourists can have a pleasant and fulfilling time when travelling in Thailand. Backpackers may experience the best that Thailand has to offer without spending a fortune if they plan ahead and allocate a reasonable amount of money for essentials like lodging, meals, transportation, activities, and incidentals.

Backpackers from all over the world go to Thailand because of its warm attitude, diverse culture, and breathtaking scenery. Thailand is a fantastic travel destination since it offers a wide range of activities, from seeing historic temples and museums to lounging on beautiful beaches and experiencing the exciting nightlife.

You can make the most of your budget while still having a fantastic time on your backpacking trip to Thailand if you follow these suggestions. You can see the best of Thailand without breaking the bank with little forward planning and a healthy dose of curiosity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average daily budget when you backpack Thailand?

Depending on your travel preferences and itinerary, you can expect to spend anywhere from ฿800 to ฿1500 a day while backpacking in Thailand. In most cases, these costs cover lodging, meals, transportation, and entertainment.

How much does accommodation cost in Thailand?

Budget guesthouses in Thailand can cost anywhere from ฿200 to ฿500 per night, while mid-range hotels and hostels can cost anywhere from ฿500 to ฿1000 per night. A night at a high-end hotel might easily set you back ฿3,000.

What is the cost of food and drink in Thailand?

Meals from Thailand’s street vendors often cost anywhere from ฿40 to ฿100. Meals in restaurants and cafés can cost anywhere from ฿100 to ฿300, while drinks can cost anywhere from ฿30 to ฿100. Tourist hotspots may have slightly higher prices.

How much does transportation cost in Thailand?

The price of getting from one place to another in Thailand might change based on the distance travelled and the type of vehicle used. Costs for riding the local bus or rail often range from ฿10 to ฿100. Fares in taxis and tuk-tuks can be significantly higher, anywhere from ฿50 to ฿300. One-way domestic flight tickets might cost between ฿1,000 and ฿2,000.

What are some popular activities and sightseeing options in Thailand and how much do they cost?

Temple and historical site visits, island hopping, and partying are all popular ways to spend a vacation in Thailand. Temple and museum entrance fees can cost anywhere from 50 to 500 baht, while tours and activities on the lake might cost anywhere from 500 to 2000 baht. The cost of a night out might vary anywhere from 100 to 3000 baht.

What are some miscellaneous costs to consider when backpacking in Thailand?

Visas and travel insurance, SIM cards and data plans, laundry, souvenirs and gifts, tips and gratuities, and ATM fees are all extra expenses to budget for when backpacking in Thailand.

Is it safe to backpack in Thailand?

Backpacking in Thailand is typically risk-free, so long as you exercise common sense and stay alert. It’s crucial to keep your stuff safe and not carry around too much cash in tourist locations due to the increased risk of petty theft and scams. It’s also wise to read up on local customs and etiquette before you go.