So, you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and wondering, “How much money do I need to visit this vibrant city?” We’ve written this post to help you come up with a budget that meets your needs and sets the scene for your trip by creating realistic expectations.
Regardless of whether you’ll be cruising through the street-markets on a shoestring budget, living it up in moderate luxury, or indulging in the finest Bangkok has to offer, we have you covered.
Budget-wise, what kind of traveler do you see yourself as?
Based on our own extensive visits to Bangkok over the years, we’ve compiled realistic comparisons for amounts that budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers can expect to spend, complete with Thai Baht and USD estimates.
Vacation Cost Breakdown
Let’s use 5 days in Bangkok as an example to figure out how much money you’ll need. This guide will give you estimated costs for the full range of budget, mid-range, and luxury vacations..
A budget traveler can expect to pay roughly 850-1900 THB or $26-57 USD per day.
A mid-range traveler can expect to spend about 2400-5400 THB or $72-162 USD per day.
A luxury traveler can expect to spend in the range of 8,000-24,000 THB or about $250-700 USD per day.
Budget Vacation
As a budget traveler, you’re keen on making the most of your time in Bangkok without breaking the bank. Street food, cheap accommodations, public transportation, and free or low-cost attractions are your go-to choices. Here’s a rough estimate of the costs for a budget traveler:
| Expense Category | Thai Baht (THB) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 600-1000 | 18-30 |
| Food | 150-400 | 5-12 |
| Transportation | 100-200 | 3-6 |
| Attractions | 0-300 | 0-9 |
| Total per day | 850-1900 | 26-57 |
Remember that time you spent five days in Barcelona for a fraction of what other folks were spending? Who knew, finding a cozy hostel and opting for authentic tapas would give you such great memories without hurting your wallet? Apply that same mindset to Bangkok!
Mid-Range Vacation
If you’re a mid-range traveler, you may opt for some comfort but still want to keep a moderate budget. You’ll choose decent accommodations, dine in more comfortable settings, explore popular attractions, and use convenient transport options. Here’s what it might cost:
| Expense Category | Thai Baht (THB) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1500-3000 | 45-90 |
| Food | 400-900 | 12-27 |
| Transportation | 200-500 | 6-15 |
| Attractions | 300-1000 | 9-30 |
| Total per day | 2400-5400 | 72-162 |
Just like your trip to New York City, where staying in a boutique hotel and splurging on that Broadway show didn’t leave you penniless, Bangkok offers you plenty of opportunities for affordable indulgences. You can easily opt for some exciting city tours, such as an amazing canal trip to take you off the beaten path.
Luxury Vacation
As a luxury traveler, your expectations are high, and you’re willing to spare no expense for a memorable and comfortable trip. Think fine dining, 5-star hotels, private tours, and chauffeured transportation.
You might be looking for a romantic get-away to that perfect beach! Or pampering yourself at one of the city’s finest spas.
Here’s the estimated cost breakdown:
| Expense Category | Thai Baht (THB) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 5000-15000 | 150-450 |
| Food | 1200-4000 | 36-120 |
| Transportation | 1000-2500 | 30-75 |
| Attractions | 1000-2000 | 30-60 |
| Total | 8200-23,500 | 250-700 |
Comparing Vacation Costs
Now that you’ve got an idea of what to expect while traveling to Bangkok, it’s time for a side-by-side comparison of the costs for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. Let’s break down the expenses in both Thai Baht and USD, so you can visualize your perfect Bangkok vacation without any surprises.
Budget Traveler: You’re no stranger to stretching your dollars (or baht) as far as they can go. Street food is your best friend, and you’re always up for taking public transportation. Your overall daily expenses will be around 1,000 – 1,500 THB ($30 – $45 USD), amounting to 5,000 – 7,500 THB ($150 – $225 USD) for a 5-day trip.
Mid-range Traveler: You prefer a healthy balance between indulgence and thriftiness. You won’t shy away from trying exotic dishes at nicer restaurants, but you also won’t splurge on five-star experiences. Plan on spending about 3,000 – 4,000 THB ($90 – $120 USD) per day, which totals to 15,000 – 20,000 THB ($450 – $600 USD) for your five days in Bangkok.
Luxury Traveler: You’re all about living life to the fullest with experiences that pamper and inspire. High-end hotels, fine dining, and VIP treatments are your travel goals. Expect daily costs to range from 10,000 – 23,000 THB ($300 – $700 USD), equaling 50,000 – 100,000 THB ($1,500 – $3,500 USD) for your stay.
Here’s a quick comparison table to sum it all up:
| Traveler Type | Daily Budget (THB) | Daily Budget (USD) | 5-Day Total (THB) | 5-Day Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 1,000 – 1,500 | $30 – $45 | 5,000 – 7,500 | $150 – $225 |
| Mid-range | 3,000 – 4,000 | $90 – $120 | 15,000 – 20,000 | $450 – $600 |
| Luxury | 10,000 – 23,000 | $300 – $700 | 50,000 – 100,000 | $1,500 – $3,500 |
How To Stretch Your Dollars While Visiting Bangkok
Here are some suggestions on how you can have an amazing time in Bangkok without breaking the bank.
Accommodation:
For travelers on a tight budget, Bangkok offers a variety of lodging options. For travelers trying to cut costs on housing, hostels and guesthouses are excellent options. For as little as $10–$15 USD per night, you can find accommodations that are both clean and comfortable.
Renting an Airbnb can also be a good deal if you’re travelling in a group.
Transportation:
Many affordable and practical transit options are available in Bangkok. Both the MRT metro system and the BTS Skytrain are inexpensive and effective methods to get around the city.
A one-day pass costs as little as $2 to $3 USD. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also available, but to avoid overpaying, be sure to bargain the price up front.
Meals:
Bangkok’s street food scene, which is not only amazing but also relatively inexpensive, is one of its greatest features. A variety of foods are available for as little as $1–$2 USD every meal.
There are other inexpensive options if you’re seeking for a sit-down restaurant. Local restaurants that serve traditional Thai food are frequently less expensive than those that serve food in a Western style.
Entertainment:
In Bangkok, there are many free or inexpensive things to do. You can explore the history and culture of the city without spending a lot of money by visiting temples and cultural attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Additionally, you can visit the city’s marketplaces, like Chatuchak Weekend Market, which sells a wide range of items at reasonable costs. Check out the city’s numerous rooftop bars for nightlife; they provide beautiful views of the skyline without breaking the budget.
Overall, a $50–$70 USD per day budget will allow you to have a rewarding and memorable trip to Bangkok.
Related Questions You Might Have
How much money should you Plan on Spending in Bangkok?
The amount of money you’ll need to have available in Bangkok will largely depend on your travel style and the type of vacation you want to have. As covered in the table of comparison, budget travelers should plan to have access to around 5,000 – 7,500 THB ($150 – $225 USD), mid-range travelers between 15,000 – 20,000 THB ($450 – $600 USD), and luxury travelers about 50,000 – 100,000 THB ($1,500 – $3,500 USD) for a five-day trip.
How much cash should I bring to Thailand?
It’s a good idea to bring a mix of cash and an ATM/debit card. Cash is king for small purchases like street food, markets, and some public transportation.
Consider bringing enough cash to cover those daily essentials, and use your card for larger expenses like hotel accommodations or expensive excursions. A fair starting point is at least 3,000 – 5,000 THB ($90 – $150 USD) in cash and a reliable bank card to withdraw additional funds as needed.
is it easy to withdraw money from ATMs in Thailand?
Yes, it is generally easy to withdraw money from ATMs in Thailand.
ATMs are widely available in most cities and tourist areas, and they accept most major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
However, it’s important to note that some ATMs may charge a fee for international transactions, so it’s a good idea to check with your bank before you travel to Thailand to see if there are any additional fees or charges.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans before you leave, so they don’t flag your transactions as suspicious and block your card.
It is important to always have some cash with you, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas where ATMs may be less common.
Is it better to use currency exchanges or ATMs in Thailand?
Both currency exchanges and ATMs are widely available in Thailand, and which one is better to use depends on your specific situation and preferences.
Currency exchange booths are often located in tourist areas and at the airport, and they offer a convenient way to exchange your currency for Thai Baht. However, they may charge higher fees and offer less favorable exchange rates than ATMs.
Additionally, it’s important to be cautious when using currency exchange booths, as some may try to scam you by offering a lower exchange rate or charging hidden fees.
ATMs typically offer more favorable exchange rates than currency exchange booths, but they may charge fees for international transactions. It’s a good idea to check with your bank before you travel to Thailand to see what fees they charge for international transactions.
