Why is Thailand so cheap?

Thailand is an attractive destination for many reasons, not the least of which in these times of crisis is the cheap prices.

Of course, for the old-timers who have experienced a very low baht, everything has gone up, but the cost of living is still low compared to most western countries.

But why? We have listed some reasons here.

An unforgettable trip at a low price

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn in Bangkok. Photo: CarinaHofi

Prices in Thailand are reasonable for the average tourist.

Living expenses and daily purchases are significantly lower than in Western countries.

This means you can see sights, eat delicious food and stay in friendly hotels for a fraction of the price of other popular tourist destinations.

We will review the costs and expenses of travelling to Thailand to help you budget for your trip.

Where in Thailand is the cheapest?

Tourists take pictures in front of the famous Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai.Photo: Dusida Worrachaddejchai

Thailand has many towns, villages and islands that are inexpensive to visit.

In general, resorts and tourist destinations are more expensive in terms of travel costs.

But don't be discouraged; it is still possible to travel on a budget to these places.

Bangkok is one of the most affordable destinations for travellers in major cities.

There are high-end hotels, restaurants and shops, but there are many low-cost options.

You can stay in dormitories for a few euros, eat snacks on the street and buy cheap souvenirs.

Bangkok has also been named the best city in the world for a luxury budget holiday.

Chiang Mailocated in the north of Thailand, is known as a cheap destination.

As a popular stop on the backpacker route, this city has many hostels with rooms for less than 5 euros per night.

Here there are no beaches, but beautiful mountains, contact with the mountain tribes and a very lively town in the evening.

Head to Krabi to enjoy the beach without having to deal with overpriced resorts and restaurants.

You can still enjoy the relaxed, tropical atmosphere without breaking the bank.

If island hopping is part of your itinerary, there are some cheaper options where your money will go further.

For example, Koh Lanta and Koh Chang are ideal for those who want to experience island life without the inflated prices and crowds of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui.

Average cost of a trip to Thailand

Villa Paradiso in Phuket. Photo: trulyclassy.com

Thailand is a country that welcomes all types of visitors.

You could easily spend thousands of euros if you want a luxurious holiday.

However, Thailand is also a great option if you want to save money and still have a good holiday.

You can easily spend 20 to 30 euros per day if you have a backpacker's budget.

This includes accommodation, food and free activities such as public beaches or walking tours.

Travellers on a medium budget should budget between 50 and 75 euros per day.

You will have enough money for activities, drinks and transport in addition to a private room in a hotel.

Finally, luxury travellers are expected to spend 200 to 300 euros per day.

You can spend this money on a beautiful resort, fine dining or private tours and excursions.

Accommodation costs

Balcony of the Rawai Palm Beach Resort.

If you are on a tight budget, you can easily find accommodation in Thailand for a few euros per night.

A bed in a youth hostel will cost you between 5 and 10 euros, while a private room will cost you between 10 and 20 euros.

It should be noted that there are many rooms for less than 10 euros which are extremely comfortable.

First-time travellers to Thailand are often surprised by the quality of low-cost accommodation.

You can also stay in a private room in a mid-range hotel for between 20 and 40 euros per night.

Remember that accommodation is more expensive in more exclusive holiday areas.

PhuketKoh Samui and Koh Phi Phi are among them.

Tourists flock to these resorts.

Therefore, the price of beach bungalows and five-star resorts can vary from 200 to 400 euros.

Cost of food

Chicken satay skewers. Photo: Huahom

Thai food is known all over the world, and it doesn't get much better (or cheaper) than here in Thailand.

Street food reigns supreme wherever you go.

At all hours of the day, vendors offer drinks, snacks and meals.

And in most cases, it's as good as, if not better than, what you would get in a restaurant.

Prices vary depending on the dish, but you should expect 1 euro for desserts or snacks, 3 euros for noodles or soup, and 5 euros for fish or fresh meat.

If you prefer to eat out, you can also eat like a king on a budget.

Most of the vegetarian dishes in a family restaurant will cost between 3 and 5 euros, while meat or fish dishes can cost up to 7 or 8 euros.

Of course, you can pay Western prices if you eat in high-end restaurants in big cities like Bangkok or Phuket.

Although alcohol is cheap by Western standards, it can cost almost as much as a meal when consumed in a restaurant.

This is due to the exorbitant tax rate on alcohol.

For example, a large bottle of beer is likely to cost between €1 and €2, while a glass of wine may cost €3 or €4.

Cocktails with imported liquors are expensive, ranging from 6 to 10 euros in a bar.

See also : Recognise Thai dishes and order them in Thai in restaurants

Entertainment costs

Attractions based on the characters from the film 'Hotel Transylvania' in the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse

Setting aside money for fun activities will allow you to take advantage of Thailand's offerings.

If you are in town, you can take a cooking class or watch a football match. Thai boxing live.

Outdoor excursions such as snorkelling, diving and boating are also available to visitors near the beach.

Prices and quality of tours and excursions vary considerably depending on where you are.

Sometimes the cheapest is the best, but sometimes scams happen.

See : Scams in Thailand: know them and protect yourself

Read reviews or do research beforehand to make sure you are getting a good deal.

Many free activities are also available during your stay.

Spend the day on a public beach, hike to the top of a mountain or take a free guided tour of the city.

Many of the temples in Thailand are also free of charge and offer an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture.

Transport costs

Bus at a bus station in Thailand. Photo: Calflier

If you are planning to travel around the country, you will be relieved to know that transport is reasonably priced.

Thailand has a well-connected rail network that can take you to various cities.

The Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, for example, costs only 15 to 30 euros (depending on the type and class of ticket).

Long-distance buses are also available.

Although they are not as comfortable as trains, they are cheaper and serve more cities.

Most people in the cities travel by taxi, motorbike or tuk-tuk.

Taxis are the most expensive option, but they are still relatively cheap compared to Western prices.

A ride in the city will cost you between 3 and 8 dollars.

Bangkok has both an underground and an overhead metro with lines running across the city.

A single ticket costs about 50 cents, while an all-day pass costs 4 euros.

See : Transport in Thailand, getting around in the land of smiles

Source: The Thaiger