How much should I budget per day for a holiday in Thailand?

It depends a lot on what type of traveller you are and how much travelling you plan to do.

Accommodation
With a couple of exceptions (notably Ko Phi Phi and some parts of Phuket) you should be able to get a basic fan-cooled room for under 300 baht. If you want air-con then you're looking at ther 500-1,000B range. Facilities like swimming pools, business centres and again push the price upwards. Take a look through the various accommodation sections on Travelfish to get an idea of what standard of accommodation works for you.

Food
If you're eating on the street, three meals a day, then 100-150B per day is adequate. If you're eating three staple meals in a backpacker style restaurant, you'll be spending more like 250-400B a day. If you're eating dinner at proper restaurants, then you could easily be spending 300B or more a meal.

Water
Thailand is hot and you'll need to be drinking a lot of water. At least two to three litres of water a day -- that will cost around 40-60B a day.

Alcohol
Booze is generally cheap compared to what you'd pay at home. A large bottle of beer can cost around 50B, a bottle of good gin or vodka around 600B. If you've having a couple of big beers every night with dinner, this will add up quickly.

Transport
Buses, trains and low cost flights are all very affordable. There is no real guideline in this regard as it depends entirely on how far and frequently you are travelling.

Ways to spend less
The following stories on Travelfish may be useful:
Ten ways to save money while travelling
How to manage your money while travelling in Asia
What does it cost to travel in Asia? Costs you face before departure

More Travelfish FAQs

Please find below some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQ) people have about travelling to Thailand. We've tried to answer all the most frequently asked questions, but if you have another query about Thailand, please try our Travelfish messageboard.

Accommodation

Is it possible to rent rooms or dormitories for long periods of time?
Rooms: is a fan room ok, or should I budget for air-con?
Should I take my own padlock for the door of my room while travelling in Thailand?
What should I do if a bag is stolen from my room or dormitory while travelling in Thailand?
What standard of acommodation can I expect for US$5?
Why are there so few dormitories in Thailand?

Bargaining

Should I bargain for everything I want to buy in Thailand?
What is the best way to bargain in Thailand?
What shouldn't I do when bargaining in Thailand?

Cost of travelling

How much should I budget per day for a holiday in Thailand?
What is the bare minimum I could survive on in Thailand?
What is the best way to spend less money in Thailand?

Food glorious food

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
How can I avoid MSG in Thailand?
How do I avoid peanuts in Thailand?
I have a food allergy - will I cope?
Is there good vegetarian food in Thailand?
Is western food available in Thailand?

Getting around

Are the ferries in Thailand safe?
Are the trains in Thailand safe?
Do they trains run on time?
Is it easy to hitch-hike in Thailand?
Is it easy to rent a car or motorcycle in Thailand?
Should I get a tourist minibus in Thailand?
What is Bangkok's bus system like?
Which is the better way to travel around Thailand - train or bus?

Getting there and away

How late do the airport buses run?
What is the best way to get into town from Bangkok airport late at night?

Help Police!

Can I trust the Thai police?
Will I be robbed?

Money madness

Are credit cards accepted in Thailand?
Are there ATMs in Thailand?
How can I have money sent to me in Thailand?
How can I send money out of Thailand?
Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash to Thailand?
Should I tip in Thailand?

Packing purgatory

What should I pack for a holiday in Thailand?
What shouldn't I pack for a holiday in Thailand?

Resources

Scams and warnings

Is it a good idea to buy drugs off a tuk tuk driver?
Should I buy gems I've been offered by a really convincing person I've met/been introduced to?

Security

Can I use drugs in Thailand?
Is Thailand a safe place to travel alone to?
Is Thailand safe?
Why are there so few hostels in Thailand?

Stay healthy

Are leeches a problem in Thailand?
Are legal drugs cheap in Thailand?
Do I need a prescription in Thailand?
Do I need malarial medication in Thailand?
General food and water precautions in Thailand
General health advice for Thailand
HIV/AIDS in Thailand
Is cholera a problem?
Is heatstroke a problem in Thailand?
Is medical care cheap in Thailand?
Is medical care in Thailand good?
Is rabies a problem in Thailand?
Schistosomiasis in Thailand?
Traveller's medical kit for travel in Thailand
What about dengue fever in Thailand?
Will I get diarrhoea in Thailand?

Technology

Are there many internet cafes in Thailand?
Can I travel with a laptop in Thailand?
Is there ADSL internet access in Thailand?
What is mobile phone coverage like in Thailand?
What is the voltage in Thailand?

Things to learn

Where can I learn how to cook authentic Thai food?
Where can I learn Thai massage?
Where can I learn Thai?

Vexed by visas?

What are Thailand's visa requirements?

Weather

What is the weather like in Thailand?