Hey there, fellow off-the-beaten path travelers! If you’re planning your Thailand trip, you may be confused at the cost of one month in Thailand. Every person travels differently and likes to splurge on different things. I would classify myself as a mid-range traveler, which means I always have a private room and prefer to have nice meals and splurge on outdoor activities / boat rides.

Having lived in Thailand for over two years and journeyed extensively across the country, I’ve picked up plenty of insider tips about how much things actually cost in the Land of Smiles. So let me walk you through a laid-back budget for a one-month adventure in this incredible country. And if you’re ready to dive right in, be sure to check out my one month Thailand itinerary for extra planning inspo!

I know it can feel intimidating to start, so take a look at your general route to get an idea of how long you’ll stay in each place. As a rule of thumb, the south of Thailand is 2x as expensive as the north. Remember that when planning your route. Also, the more places you go, the more transportation costs will add up. Just some things to keep in mind. Let’s go!

Days 1-3: Bangkok

• Accommodation: Start your trip in the buzzing streets of Bangkok. I’ve managed to snag a few free nights at Hyatt hotels using credit card points—my favorite is the Hyatt Place Sukhumvit because of the free breakfast and amazing rooftop pool. If that isn’t an option, no more than $50 per night will get you into a really nice hotel.
• Food: Trust me, the street food here is a game-changer. Budget ~$30 per day, with meals typically around 100-200 baht each.
• Transportation: The city is super accessible with Grab or Bolt. Just plan for about 100-300 baht per day. Or take the BTS for an easy 20 baht all around the city.
• Shopping & Misc: You’ll definitely be tempted to buy all sorts of gifts and clothes in Bangkok, so set aside ~$100 for extra treats along the way. Also, save 500-1000 baht for spa treatments like this Yunomori Onsen & Spa Sathorn 10 and massage!

Aside: Bangkok is super overwhelming at first, but lean into it and you’ll have the best few days in this bustling, dazzling city.

Days 4-7: Chiang Mai

• Accommodation: Head up north to Chiang Mai and settle into the charm of the Old City with a beautiful Lanna-style hotel at $50-60 per night.
• Food: Explore local markets and enjoy northern dishes like Khao Soi (my fav Thai dish). Meals usually won’t cost more than 100 baht each. Check out my favorite restaurants in Chiang Mai for some solid recommendations.
• Transportation:
  • Grabs/Bolts: 100-300 baht per day
  • Motorbike rental: 500 baht per day (if you’re feeling adventurous, which I highly recommend you do)
• Activities: Whether you’re marveling at waterfalls or visiting temples, budget around 100 baht per day for entrance fees.

Enjoying my one month Thailand itinerary? Check out hidden spots in Thailand for even more off-the-grid places.

Days 8-9: Doi Inthanon National Park

• Transportation: For this nature escape, consider renting a car for 1,000 baht per day or a motorbike for 500 baht per day. It’s around 2 hrs from Chiang Mai.
• National Park Entrance: It’s a must-see, so plan for a 300 baht entrance fee per person.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a peaceful night in a mountain village at Chadaporn Rentroom  for roughly ~$30 per night.
• Food: Dine on local markets in the national park at about 100 baht per meal.

Days 10-11: Chiang Dao

• Accommodation: Treat yourself with a splurge at  Villa De View  ($70-90 per night), nestled among rice fields and jungles.
• Food: Enjoy farm-to-table meals for 100-200 baht each. The food here is next level, check out my Chiang Dao guide for restaurant recs.
• Activities: Explore local temples and national parks for around 100 baht per day. The Doi Lhung Chiang Dao Viewpoint  has a 200 baht national park entrance fee but is super worth it for the scenic drive through the mountains.

Days 12-17: Krabi / Railay Beach

• Accommodation: Enjoy the islands with a cozy stay costing $50-70 per night. I liked Railay Princess Resort & Spa at Railay and Serene Lanta Resort in Koh Lanta for a really nice mid-range stay.
• Transportation:
  • Plan for 100-300 baht for ferry rides and tips to get around the islands.
• Food: Island dining can be pricier, around 200-300 baht per meal.
• Excursions: Whether it’s a boat day or island-hopping adventure, budget about 1,000-3,000 baht for a memorable experience.

Days 18-20: Khao Sok National Park

• Tour: You have to book a tour for this national park. For an affordable option, book a tour with Coco Hostel for ~$100 total. This covers three days of food, lodging in floating bungalows, and activities—an unbeatable deal.

Days 21-26: Koh Chang / Koh Kood

• Accommodation: Unwind and splurge at a nice beachside resort with $80-100 per night, complete with a pool for some refreshing dips in from the ocean. I don’t know about you but having a pool in a beach resort is a huge perk. I hate feeling sandy and dipping off is the perfect remedy!
• Food: Meals hover around 200-300 baht.
• Transportation:
  • Motorbike rental: 500 baht per day
  • Ferry rides/tips: 100-300 baht

Flights & transportation

• Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: ~$30
• Flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi: ~$50
• Bus/Ferry to Khao Sok & Koh Chang: $30-50 each

Extras & tips

• Activities: Don’t forget to budget a couple hundred dollars for fun extras like cooking classes, Muay Thai lessons, or picking up unique gifts. There are so many beautiful handicraft and artisan shops, especially up north. It’s worth it to splurge on beautiful jewelry or a unique Thai collectable.
• Free breakfast: Try to book hotels that include free breakfast—it’s a simple way to save and you’ll be fueled up for a few hours.
• Coffee, desserts, & drinks: Thailand has amazing coffee, smoothies, desserts, and more. Budget a few extra hundred baht per day for each of these. You can treat yourself everyday in Thailand! I could eat mango sticky rice every day for real lol.

Total estimated budget for one month in Thailand:

💰 $1,800 – $2,500

I hope this budget was helpful in your Thailand planning journey. It is way more affordable then other places around the world, and for a unique cultural experience, it’s worth it all. Enjoy your travels, thanks for reading!

xx Gracie

Did you enjoy my one month Thailand itinerary? Chances are you’ll enjoy these next:

Top 5 Chiang Mai Province Hidden Spots

Guide to Doi Inthanon National Park

Guide to Doi Khun Tan National Park in Northern Thailand