Thailand Trip
Overview
Thailand is a beautiful country with great cultural experiences and views and the best part is that traveling within the country is relatively cheap. Boasting beautiful sandy beaches, exotic islands, vibrant cities, and enormous historical and cultural values, Thailand is a favorite tourist destination for millions of tourists. Its famous cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui provide opportunities to discover temples, markets, beaches, and so on.
Thailand trip cost is relatively affordable. The country is well known for tasty street food, so you can taste yummy dishes here such as pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. It also hosts some of the best resorts, lively nightlife, and festivals making it a perfect holiday destination that offers both leisure and excitement. Thailand is for everyone - whether you are looking for some adventure or relaxation. The country's accessibility in terms of the cost of traveling and well-developed tourism facilities make it an ideal country for each type of tourist.
Key Factors Affecting a 6-Day Trip to Thailand
Peak Season
The high season in Thailand is from November to February because the weather is good for tourism and the holiday season. This is usually the time when flight tickets, hotel charges, and bookings for tours are slightly expensive. A large number of tourists often visit these places and hence planning becomes very important.
Off-Peak Season
The low season for tourism is during the period between May to October because it is the rainy season and few people will be interested in any outdoor activities. Some of the attractions are not as crowded and the weather is good, some days bring occasional heavy showers which is not suitable for most outdoor activities. Transportation is cheaper and so is food, and you are offered special rates for the hotels. It’s a good opportunity for the traveler on a tight budget in search of less stressful locations.
Shoulder Season
The shoulder season is between the peak and off-peak season which is between March to May. You can have good weather without the large crowds and high costs of summer. Also, the Thailand Trip Cost will be less as the hotel prices and flights are cheaper than usual making it perfect for a moderate vacation.
Thailand Arrival Cost
From India, the approximate one-way airfare to Thailand is:
- Delhi: ₹10000 (Economy), ₹20000 (Premium Economy), ₹50,000 (Business Class).
- Chennai: ₹9000 (Economy), ₹25000(Premium Economy), ₹51000 (Business Class).
- Kolkata: ₹7000 (Economy), ₹33000 (Premium Economy), ₹43000 (Business Class).
These prices can fluctuate based on the season and how far in advance you book your tickets.
- Visa Fees
- Travel Insurance
The Visa Exemption Rule permits Indian passport holders to visit Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days for tourism purposes. If you need to stay for an extended period, you can apply for a visa on arrival for a charge of around ₹4,800.
On average, travel insurance costs between 5 to 7% of your total trip cost. However, several factors can influence the price. These include the type of coverage you choose and the number of travelers in your group.
Accomodation Costs
Budget Stays
There are cheap accommodation facilities such as hostels and homestays in Thailand. Tentative costs vary from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 a night for a bed in a hostel or a basic room in a homestay. These options are suitable for persons traveling alone or people with limited cash. Most traveler’s destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya have many such budget accommodations that are easily accessible.
Mid-Range Resorts
For those who need more comfort, a mid-range sort of resort is the best solution. These can be anywhere from ₹3,500 to ₹8,000 per night for a double room containing air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Standard resorts usually include additional amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and travel services. Therefore, most preferred by couples or families. Most of the mid-range resorts are available in Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui.
Luxury Resorts
For travelers who are looking for a little more luxury, Thailand has many luxury hotels and resorts that cost between ₹10,000 and ₹30,000 per night. These resorts offer exclusive facilities like a private swimming pool, spa facilities, and many food options. Places such as Phuket, Phi Phi Island, and Koh Samui have many luxury resorts.
Transportation Costs to Travel Within Thailand
Transportation costs are relatively low in Thailand, and there are many ways of moving around the country.
Train
Thailand has a well-developed railway system. A first-class AC sleeper ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs around ₹4000 Thai Baht, while a second-class AC sleeper ticket costs about ₹2000. Trains are well-equipped, and travel allows enjoying the beautiful countryside landscapes.
Buses
Buses are one of the cheapest means of transport. The local buses within cities like Bangkok cost between ₹20 to ₹50. Intercity travel fares range from ₹500 to ₹1,500 for Bangkok to Pattaya or from Bangkok to Phuket. They are cheap and can easily be hired from specific stops. Thus, making them ideal for local transport.
Taxis
Taxis in Thailand have meter fare rates that range between ₹70 to ₹100 with the first 2 kilometers. After that, the fare varies between ₹10 to ₹20 for every kilometer traveled. Here, if a person hires a taxi daily, the charges are between ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 depending on the number of hours and distance.
Rental Vehicles
It is possible to rent a car or Scooter to travel around Thailand since it’s one of the preferred means of transport. The car rentals range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 for a day, and scooters can be hired for a price starting from ₹300 to ₹700 per day. While rental vehicles have the advantage of flexibility, there is added insurance cost and also the cost of fuel.
Food & Drink Costs
Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages widely depend on the choice of restaurant in Thailand. Thai food is famous worldwide, especially the street food, and the price can vary from ₹100 to ₹300 per dish. You can taste various Thai dishes, starting with Pad Thai and Som Tum, as well as many types of curry from sellers in markets and on the streets. Mid-range restaurants are more casual – prices for full meals with drinks are between ₹ 500 to ₹ 1,200 per person.
Local food in normal restaurants is roughly between ₹100 to ₹300. The cost of local beers is from ₹100 to ₹300. Cocktails or imported beers in bars or lounges cost ₹300 to ₹800. Those who want to cook by themselves can spend from ₹1000 to ₹2000 a week for aggregates of rice, veggies and fruits, meats and snacks, etc.
Network & Communication Cost (Sim card & internet costs)
As for Thailand, the costs of network and communications are not extremely high. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport, or any nearby store at between ₹300 to ₹1000, depending on the package chosen. All plans come with a data bundle starting from 1GB for ₹100 to 10GB for ₹500 with a validity ranging from 3 days to one month. Some of the most used and easily accessible companies include AIS, TrueMove, and the DTAC which provide their services in all the regions. They also come with talk-time and text messaging services. Prepaid SIM cards also include talk-time and text messaging services. Also, free Wi-Fi connection is common in hotels, restaurants and cafés.
Popular Activities & Attractions Fee in Thailand
Free Activities (Beaches, Parks, Streets & Landmarks)
There are countless free things to do in Thailand. The famous beaches of Thailand are Patong and Railay Beach which are sunny and ideal for resting and swimming. Most national parks such as Khao Yai and Erawan provide beautiful sights and trekking possibilities for free. Walking down the local streets such as Old Phuket Town or Bangkok’s Chinatown is equally a cultural exercise that doesn’t cost travelers anything. Some of the public parks include Lumphini Park which is also important in providing shades of tranquility in the cities.
Paid Activities (Water Sports, Tours, Shows)
Thailand features a wide list of paid activities that make the trip even more exciting. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing are the activities available at many beach resorts for as low as ₹1500. Day trips to such places as Phi Phi Islands and or Ayutthaya, which will cost anything between ₹ 2,000/- and ₹ 4,000. For a ticket price of ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, individuals can watch an awesome music and dance show, which is generally a cultural show. These include Phuket Fantasea Show and Alcazar Cabaret. You can also go to wildlife sanctuaries which you can find in Chiang Mai like the Elephant Nature Park.
Ideal 6-Day Itinerary for a Thailand Trip Cost
(Day-by-Day Breakdown of Activities and Accommodation)
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok and Leisure Day
After arriving in Bangkok, you will be taken to your hotel. After checking in, spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You may shop for souvenirs and learn about the local culture in Amphawa Floating Market and Chatuchak Weekend Market, respectively.
Day 2: Bangkok City Tour with the Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise
In the morning, take a Bangkok City Tour, stopping by famous locations like Gems Gallery and Golden Buddha Temple, among others. In the evening, join the Chao Phraya Princess supper Cruise to enjoy a buffet and views of the Chao Phraya River.
Day 3 Arrival in Phuket
After checking out, you will be taken to Bangkok Airport for your journey to Phuket. On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the day relaxing.
Day 4: Excursion to Phi Phi Island
Get transferred to the Phuket pier for your trip to Phi Phi Island. Take a speedboat tour around Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Viking Caves, and Monkey Island. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Day 5: Half-Day City Tour in Phuket
A half-day city trip will allow you to explore Phuket. Explore the Souvenir Market, Karon Viewpoint, Kata Noi, Kata Yai, Karon Beaches, and Wat Chalong Temple.
Day 6: Leisure day in Krabi and departure
Spend the day at leisure, whether relaxing or visiting Krabi. Later, check out and travel to Krabi International Airport for your trip home.
The estimated cost for a 6-day trip ranges from ₹52,000 to ₹70,000 (depending on accommodations, activities, and dining preferences).
Budgeting Tips to Plan Your Thailand Trip
Off-Peak Travel
- It’s cheaper to travel during shoulder months, which include May, June, September, and October.
- A smaller number of tourists result in cheap prices of attractions and less traffic in crowded places.
- It is also important to note that there is usually a large number of low tariffs and special offers at this time.
Budget Accommodations
- Instead of going for the expensive hotels, resorts, or motels, go for the cheaper hotels, guest houses, or hostels.
- Making a reservation in advance will ensure that you find a better deal.
- One should look for accommodation that is close to means of transport to reduce transport costs within cities.
Affordable Dining Options
- Thai street food is probably one of the most delicious ways to taste delicious meals at restaurant prices.
- Various food shops and booths in the market sell food for homes and restaurants for ₹150 to ₹200 per dish.
- Street fruits and vegetables, chips, sandwiches, and cooked meals from vendors are relatively cheap and will make you feel like a local.
Use Public Transportation
- Your Thailand trip cost will be relatively less if you choose Thailand’s public transport.
- In Bangkok, you can use the Skytrain or subway to move quickly and without spending much money.
- For the local transport tuk-tuks and songthaews which are cheaper than taxis, it is advisable to negotiate the fare before using the service.
Keep Negotiation
- Negotiation is very prevalent in markets, like Bangkok, Chatuchak, or Phuket local markets.
- Negotiate the prices for everything including local trinkets and other items.
- Haggling should be polite and it can cut the prices by up to 10-30% of the original price set by the vendor.
Plan Free Activities
- Opt for affordable or no-cost attractions such as enjoying Thailand’s beautiful beaches, and visiting parks and temples where entry is now free.
- Love night markets, shopping around the shops, and walking around at night.
- Going to temples or trekking in the natural parks there usually costs no charges at all or they are very cheap.
