💶 Thailand without overpaying: what tourists save on and where not to spend

A vacation in Thailand often scares people off with the price tag even at the planning stage. The flight takes the lion's share of the budget, and once you're there, money disappears faster than you expect. The good news is that almost every expense category can be controlled.

A ride on the local songthaew buses in Pattaya costs 15-20 baht (as of 04/2026, Pattaya Mail). A taxi driver will ask for several times more for the same trip. Below we've gathered tips that lower the cost of a trip and shown where to get current figures.

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Plan your budget before you fly

💡 In short:

Split expenses into essential and optional. Savings start with the optional ones.
The flight, accommodation, and food have the biggest impact on the final total.

Any trip consists of two parts of expenses. Essential ones you cover no matter what: flight, lodging, food. Optional ones come up once you're there: hotel services, paid beaches, clubs, vehicle rental. It's the second list that determines how much your vacation will cost you.

Start with priorities. Write down what you're willing to give up and move those items to the end of the list. Experienced travelers optimize food first. Cooking yourself is cheaper than eating at cafes every day.

Next comes reconnaissance. At the market, groceries are cheaper than at branded stores, and fruit is best bought from morning vendors. Stock up once and cook at home for several days ahead.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok at sunset

Another big savings category is accommodation. We'll talk about it below, but for now remember a simple rule. Booking on the spot is almost always more expensive than booking online in advance.

For those planning a trip to Thailand on their own, we have a ready-made itinerary with prices, descriptions, and a map.

How to save on a hotel

Book in advance, not on the day you arrive. Look at both the pros and cons of a place, read guest reviews. Even in a cheap hotel you'll rest comfortably, because the room is only for sleeping.

Three budget options worth checking:

The Famous House in Pattaya.
The Little Moon Residence in Phuket.
Happio Guesthouse in Bangkok, 300 m from Khao San Road.

It's convenient to compare all three cities at once: Find a hotel on Trip.com. Price and area filters save time on searching.

How to save on transportation

Skipping taxis cuts expenses noticeably. Rides are expensive, and drivers are happy to earn extra from inexperienced tourists on top of the meter. You'll quickly feel how much this habit drains your wallet.

Night street with a songthaew outside a hotel

A good alternative to taxis is a motorbike. You can rent one from a specialized company, but don't get your hopes up. Show an international license with category A, riding skills, and insurance that covers injuries. Without these, you'll be turned down.

It's more convenient to compare bike or car rentals online: Car and motorbike rental on DiscoverCars. This way you see the price upfront, without haggling on the spot.

Public transport saves even more. In Pattaya and Phuket, you get on a songthaew bus and pay by distance. Learn the route, and getting to the beach will cost you little.

Shopping specifics

A large share of the vacation budget goes to shopping. Here too there are a few rules that reduce expenses. We've put together a review of the best gifts separately: What to bring from Thailand.

Interior aisle of Chatuchak Market with stalls and goods

Make it a rule not to buy anything on the beach or during excursions. On the beach, food is sold at a huge markup, and on excursions you'll be offered trinkets at inflated prices. Bring food with you or buy it at the nearest store. At Makro, vegetables, meat, and pasta are sold at low prices.

In any deal, haggle. Bargaining is normal here, and there's no need to be shy. The seller is often willing to give in on souvenirs and other goods. If you know how to bargain, the item you like will cost several times less than the first price.

And lastly: stay away from tourist restaurants. They have the highest prices in town.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much money do you need per day in Thailand?

It all depends on your travel style. A budget traveler spends noticeably less on lodging, food, and transport than those who choose mid-range hotels. Put the main amount toward the flight and accommodation, and calculate daily expenses separately. Check current transport prices using Pattaya Mail data.

Can you save on accommodation in high season?

Yes, if you book in advance and compare options. Look not only at the price but also at reviews: a budget hotel usually has everything you need for sleeping. We gave examples of cheap options above. Book directly online, not on the spot.

Should you buy excursions from street guides?

No, take them one at a time and only for a specific program. A package from one guide is almost always more expensive. You can see many attractions on your own and spend money on entry, not on a middleman.

Where is the cheapest place to buy food?

At the market, not at branded stores. Buy fruit from morning vendors, vegetables and grains at Makro. Cook yourself at least some of the days, that's how food expenses drop the most. Don't buy food on the beach, the markup there is the highest.

Do you need to haggle at markets?

Yes, bargaining is the norm here, not rudeness. Sellers build a cushion into the price, so calmly offer less and don't agree right away. On souvenirs, the discount can be several times over, while supermarkets have fixed prices and no bargaining.

In short: what to book

If you're flying for the first time: book accommodation in advance and get around on songthaew buses.

If you want beach and nightlife: choose Pattaya or Phuket.

If you're going for two weeks or more: compare bike or car rentals, otherwise transport will eat your budget.

The rest is up to booking. Compare hotels and tours in advance so you don't overpay on the spot: Find a hotel on Trip.com and excursions on GetYourGuide.

How to vacation cheaply in Thailand: tricks that lower expenses