"How much will Thailand cost?" is the first question most travellers ask us. The honest answer: it depends on when you go, where you stay and how you like to travel. But it's easy to estimate once you break it down.
Here's a realistic cost guide for Indian travellers, with figures per person unless stated.
All prices are indicative at the time of writing and will vary with season, availability and exchange rates. As a rule of thumb, 1 Thai baht has been worth roughly Rs 2.4 to 2.7 recently; check the live rate before you travel.
1. Flights from India
Return economy flights to Bangkok or Phuket from Indian metros typically cost:
- Off-peak (June to September, excluding holidays): Rs 15,000 to 25,000
- Shoulder season: Rs 22,000 to 32,000
- Peak (Diwali, Christmas, New Year, May holidays): Rs 30,000 to 50,000+
Add Rs 4,000 to 8,000 for each domestic flight inside Thailand (for example Bangkok to Phuket), depending on baggage.
Saving tip: Book 6 to 10 weeks ahead for normal dates and 3 to 4 months ahead for holidays.
2. Hotels
Per room per night, twin sharing:
| Category | Bangkok | Phuket / Krabi |
|---|---|---|
| Budget 3-star | Rs 2,500 to 4,000 | Rs 3,000 to 5,000 |
| Comfortable 4-star | Rs 4,500 to 8,000 | Rs 5,500 to 10,000 |
| Luxury 5-star | Rs 10,000 to 20,000 | Rs 12,000 to 25,000 |
| Private pool villa | n/a | Rs 15,000 to 40,000+ |
Beach hotels cost more from December to February and much less in the green season.
3. Food
Thailand is wonderfully affordable for food:
- Street food and local cafés: 60 to 150 baht per dish
- Mid-range Thai restaurant: 300 to 600 baht per person
- Indian restaurant: 400 to 800 baht per person
- Hotel or fine dining: 1,500 baht and above per person
Typical daily food budget: Rs 1,500 to 3,000 for a comfortable mix. Vegetarian? Read our vegetarian and Indian food guide.
4. Tours and activities
Approximate prices per adult:
- Phi Phi Islands speedboat day trip: 1,800 to 3,500 baht (plus national park fees)
- Krabi Four Islands tour: 1,000 to 1,800 baht
- James Bond Island tour: 1,800 to 3,000 baht
- Coral Island from Pattaya: 800 to 1,500 baht
- Grand Palace entry: around 500 baht
- Cabaret or cultural show: 800 to 2,500 baht
- Thai massage (1 hour): 300 to 600 baht at a local spa
Budget around Rs 8,000 to 15,000 for activities on a 5 to 7 night trip. Read our Phi Phi Islands guide to choose the right tour.
5. Local transport
- Airport transfers: 800 to 1,500 baht per car in Bangkok or Phuket
- Bangkok Skytrain or metro: 20 to 60 baht per trip
- Grab taxis: 100 to 400 baht for most city journeys
- Phuket to Krabi transfer: 2,000 to 3,500 baht per private car
6. Entry, insurance and forex
- Visa: visa-exempt entry for tourism has applied to Indians in recent years (check our visa guide for the latest)
- Travel insurance: Rs 500 to 1,500 for a week
- Forex card fees and margins: usually 1 to 3 percent
7. Shopping and extras
This is where budgets slip. Set aside a fixed amount for shopping, massages, drinks and tips. Rs 5,000 to 15,000 is typical.
Total trip cost: three examples
Per person, twin sharing, including flights from a metro city:
Budget: 5 nights Bangkok and Pattaya
3-star hotels, shared transfers, two group tours, street food: Rs 45,000 to 60,000
Mid-range: 6 nights Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi
4-star hotels, private transfers, island tours, restaurants: Rs 75,000 to 1,10,000
Luxury: 7 nights Phuket and Krabi
5-star resorts and pool villas, private tours, fine dining: Rs 1,60,000+ (popular for honeymoons)
Hidden costs to watch for
- National park fees on island tours, often paid in cash on the day.
- Resort charges for airport transfers booked through the hotel.
- Checked baggage fees on budget airlines.
- Peak-season supplements, especially for Christmas and New Year gala dinners.
- Tourist-trap restaurants right on the beachfront.
How to save money
- Travel in the green season (June to September) for up to 40 percent off hotels.
- Pick two bases instead of four to cut transfers and flights.
- Eat where locals eat at least once a day.
- Book island tours in advance with reputable operators to avoid inflated beach prices.
- Book a package, which bundles transfers and tours at lower rates than booking separately.
Is a package cheaper than booking yourself?
Often, yes, especially for beach destinations. Specialists like us get contract rates on hotels, transfers and tours, and you avoid paying tourist prices on arrival. Compare routes in our Thailand packages guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rs 50,000 enough for Thailand? Yes, for a 4 to 5 night budget trip to Bangkok and Pattaya in the off-season, with 3-star hotels and shared tours, if you book flights early.
How much cash should I carry? Carry around 3,000 to 5,000 baht per person for the first couple of days, plus a forex card for the rest. Islands, markets and park fees often need cash.
Is a forex card or cash better? Use both. A forex card gives good rates and security; cash is essential for small vendors and boat tours. Avoid exchanging rupees at Thai airports, where rates are poorest.
Do I need to tip in Thailand? Tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated: 20 to 100 baht for guides, drivers and spa staff is common.
Want an exact price? Tell us your dates, hotel style and departure city, and we'll send a detailed quote within 24 hours. Send an enquiry.