Travelers get more for their money in Thailand, no matter their budget. Indulge in a mouthwatering street food dinner for less than a buck, or splash hundreds of dollars on a Michelin-starred rooftop tasting menu. Rub shoulders with backpackers at beachy hostels or indulge in a world-class wellness retreat. Hail tuk-tuks and catch trains to get from A to B, or hire private transfers complete with Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Wondering how much to budget for two weeks in Thailand? Whether they are traveling Thailand on a budget, or have plenty of cash to splash, this stunning Southeast Asian nation contains a multitude of adventures for budgets of every size.
Read on for recommended itineraries for two weeks in Thailand on a shoestring, mid-range, and luxury budget.
Traveling on a Shoestring Budget In Thailand
Two weeks in Thailand cost however much the traveler can spare, with different levels of luxury and service available. This is a country that can be explored on a shoestring budget, although it’s prudent to have emergency funds available. Here’s how to see Thailand on a budget.
Bangkok: Three nights
Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it can easily be explored on a budget. Noisy, sweltering, and woven together by a special kind of magic, contrasts lie at every turn. Street food stalls buzz in the shade of glittering high-rises, as motorbikes and tuk-tuks weave between luxury cars on the roads. As the sun descends behind the city’s temples, well-heeled travelers and locals flock to sky bars, luminous cocktails are served in thronging side streets, and Thai bands belt classic rock in the backpacker district.
Where to stay in Bangkok on a budget
The tourist district around Khaosan Road is a solid option for those on a shoestring budget. Staying here is almost a backpacker rite of passage, but luxury travel this is not. Over the years, this district has gained a reputation as being a little tacky, slightly stressful–and a lot of fun.
Cheap bars, restaurants and street food stalls line the roads, alongside very affordable hostels and hotels. While it’s possible to find slightly cheaper hostels and cuisine elsewhere in Bangkok, Khaosan is close to many of Bangkok’s major attractions, meaning significant savings on transport and tours.
Budget accommodation options include:
- Oh Bangkok Hostel – from approximately $7 per night
- The LOL Elephant Hostel – from around $9 per night
- Khaosan Art Hotel – from around $13 per night
What to do in Bangkok on a budget
- Phra Nakhon Amulet Market – free
- Pak Khlong Talat flower market – free
- Wat Pho – 200 baht ($5.40)
- Wat Arun – 100 baht ($2.70)
- Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market – 100 baht ($2.70)
Kanchanaburi: Two nights
Take the train to the quiet town of Kanchanaburi and watch the breathtaking scenery pass as the old carriages wend their way through rice fields. It costs just 100 baht ($2.70), and takes 2.5 hours.
What to do in Kanchanaburi on a budget
- Visit the bridge over the River Kwai, made famous by Pierre Boulle’s book The Bridge Over the River Kwai and the subsequent film – free
- Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn the heartbreaking story of its construction – 80 baht ($2.17)
- Hike around the seven-tiered Erawan Falls and its emerald pools in the stunning Erawan National Park – a single bus ticket from Kanchanaburi costs 60 baht ($1.62).
Where to stay in Kanchanaburi on a budget
- Asleep Hostel – from approximately $4 per night
- Canaan Guesthouse – from approximately $7 per night
- Vawa Guesthouse – from approximately $13 per night
Koh Samui: Four nights
It’s time to embrace island life. Head back to Bangkok and make the journey to the Gulf island of Koh Samui. If flying would bust the budget (approximately $122 return), bus and ferry transfers can be arranged through local travel agents for around $33-$45 one way. Be warned, this journey takes close to 14 hours – but it’s worth it.
Koh Samui is a beachy island, beloved by adventurers, sunseekers, and the wellness crowd—and it’s very possible to enjoy it on a budget.
What to do on Koh Samui on a budget
- Embrace beach life: Chaweng Beach is a bustling, lively option, while Lamai Beach is a smaller alternative and Maenam Beach offers more chilled vibes – free
- Hike to the famous Na Muang Waterfalls – free
- Wat Phra Yai – tourists flock to the modern golden Buddha statue at this temple around sunset – free
- Visit the lively night market at Fisherman’s Village – free
Where to stay in Koh Samui on a budget
- Chill Inn Lamai Hostel & Beach Cafe – from approximately $11 per night
- Three Trees Samui Resort – from approximately $34 per night
- Samui Zenity – from approximately $27 per night
Koh Phangan: Four nights
Catch a 30-minute ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. Single tickets start at around 190 baht ($5.14). This lively island is famous for its iconic Full Moon Parties–but it offers far more than that. Think pristine white sand beaches, serene temples, and unmissable sunsets.
What to do on Koh Phangan on a budget
- Lounge on a beautiful beach: popular options include Haad Khuat/Bottle Beach and Haad Rin/Full Moon Beach, but it’s also worth visiting the hidden gem Hat Khuat, and Hat Than Sadet, which features boulders signed by Thai kings – free
- Hike to the stunning Nam Tok Phaeng waterfall, located in Than Sadet National Park – 100 baht ($2.70)
- Visit Ko Pha-Ngan’s tallest Yang Na Yai tree, 54 meters high and over 400 years old – free
- Visit Wat Phu Khao Noi–the oldest temple on the island, founded by Buddhist monks in the 15th century – free
- Meditate at Wat Khao Tham, which is inhabited by female monks
Where to stay on Koh Phangan on a budget
- Sarana Bungalows – from approximately $8 per person per night
- Hideout Hostel – from approximately $9 per person per night
- Yang Yai Garden Lodge – from approximately $22 per room per ni
Bangkok: One night
Return to Bangkok via bus and ferry (from around $32) for a final night in the Thai capital before departing The Land of Smiles.
Traveling on a Mid-Range Budget in Thailand
When considering how much money to bring to Thailand, remember a mid-range budget will stretch much further here than back home. Mid-range travelers can choose their own adventure: opt for cheaper rooms at upscale resorts to mingle with the well-heeled crowd, or follow the well-trodden backpacker route, but with a touch more luxury.
Bangkok: Two nights
A mid-range budget in Bangkok is an exciting proposition, with luxury accommodation and fine dining within the realms of possibility.
What to do in Bangkok on a mid-range budget
- Embark on a private tour of Bangkok’s top attractions, including its Grand Palace, temples, old city and markets – from around $40 per person
- Take a dinner cruise along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River as a live band plays – from around $25 per person
- Indulge in a sixteen-course Michelin-starred dinner at Thai fine dining restaurant SRA BUA BY KIIN KIIN – £118 per person
- Enjoy a spectacular cocktail and live music at Maggie Choo’s, Bangkok’s famous speakeasy – ‘golden hour’ serves up two-for-one cocktails between 6pm and 8pm
- Pick up some souvenirs at Chatuchak Weekend Market. The most famous market in Thailand, it boasts some 8,000 stalls and attracts tourists and locals alike.
Where to stay in Bangkok on a mid-range budget
- The Fig Lobby – from around $79 per night
- Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai – from around $129 per night
- Chakrabongse Villas – from around $144 per night
Chiang Mai: Four nights
Relax and embrace Thai culture in Chiang Mai, a leafy northern city dotted with temples and surrounded by jungle. This is the starting point for many tours of Thailand’s breathtaking Golden Triangle, during which adventurers can hike and sleep in the jungle, learn about local customs, and visit an elephant sanctuary. Take an internal one-hour flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, with single fares starting at around $23.
What to do in Chiang Mai on a mid-range budget
- Take a Golden Triangle day tour to explore the temple highlights in the area – starting at around $65 per person
- Embark on a multi-day jungle trek, incorporating bamboo rafting and visiting an elephant sanctuary – prices vary depending on trek length
- Visit Elephant Nature Park, an ethical elephant sanctuary – $68 for an adult day pass, $34 for children
- Take a guided half-day tour of Chiang Mai city and its temples – from around $28 per person
- Learn how to whip up Thai food like a local at Smile Organic Farm’s half-day cooking course – from around $22 per person
Where to stay in Chiang Mai on a mid-range budget
- Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel And Spa – from around $74 per night
- Aksara Heritage – from around $93 per night
- Thai Akara – Lanna Boutique Hotel – from around $143 per night
Koh Lanta: Six nights
Embrace the beachy Thai paradise of Koh Lanta for lazy days lounging on the sands, cocktails at bohemian bars and luxury hospitality. While Koh Lanta more than fits the bill for the sun, sea, and sand section of a vacation, there are plenty of incredible natural attractions to keep adventurers happy too. Fly from Chiang Mai to Krabi for approximately $45 and arrange a hotel transfer to Koh Lanta.
What to do in Koh Lanta on a mid-range budget
- Snorkel in Thailand’s marine national parks with an island hopping boat tour – from around $26 per person
- Explore Koh Lanta’s beautiful mangroves with a half-day kayaking tour – from around $21 per person
- Discover scuba diving on a PADI-verified tour of the deep for beginners – from around $180 per adult
- Attend Thai Lanta Cookery School, set in a tropical garden – $47
- Discover local history at Ban Si Raya, Koh Lanta’s original port, which transforms into a bouncing walking street every Saturday afternoon in high season
Where to stay in Ko Lanta on a mid-range budget
- Long Beach Chalet – from around $80 per night
- Twin Lotus Resort and Spa – from around $103 per night
- The Lazy Lodge – from around $126 per night
Bangkok: One night
Arrange a transfer to Krabi and then fly back to Bangkok for a final night amid the high rises of the bustling Thai capital. A one-way journey costs around $20.
Traveling on a Luxury Budget in Thailand
Travelers with a luxury budget can access truly outstanding hospitality in Thailand. From the world-class hotels of the capital and Michelin-starred fine dining to indulgent island wellness spas and exquisite jungle retreats, a luxury budget unlocks once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Bangkok: Three nights
Stay in lavish hotels and indulge in exquisite fine dining in Bangkok. Luxuriate in world-class spas and explore the upscale rooftop bar scene. Luxury travelers are incredibly well catered to in the ‘great city of angels’.
What to do in Bangkok on a luxury budget
- Take a private dinner cruise down the Chao Phraya–‘The River of Kings’–with Manohra Cruises – bespoke pricing
- Dine at the Lebua’s famous two-star Michelin restaurant Chef’s Table – The Chef’s Tasting Menu starts from $253 per person
- Indulge in a spa day at one of Bangkok’s many exceptional spas, with Nitra Serenity Centre, Banyan Tree, and The Oriental Spa at The Mandarin Oriental all highly recommended – prices vary
- Private excursion to the Ayutthaya world heritage site to explore Thai history and culture – from approximately $160
- Blow the budget at one of Bangkok’s luxury malls such as the Siam Paragon or Central Embassy
- Sample the famous afternoon tea in the old world Author’s Lounge of the prestigious Mandarin Oriental – $155 per couple
Where to stay in Bangkok on a luxury budget
- The Lebua’s Tower Club Suite – from around $200 per night upwards
- Shangri-La Bangkok – from around $220 per night upwards
- The Sukhothai Bangkok’s Club Wing – from approximately $227 per night upwards
- RAKxa Wellness and Medical Retreat – from around $446 per night upwards
- The Mandarin Oriental – from around $537 per night upwards
Chiang Rai: Three nights
Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, a relaxed northern city famous for its white temple and the perfect launching pad for many once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Embrace nature with luxury jungle camping, sleep alongside elephants, or explore the city’s stunning temples.
What to do in Chiang Rai on a luxury budget
- Soar on a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride over Chiang Rai’s Singha Park – $826 for a private flight, $247 per person for a sunrise flight, or $275 at sunset
- Walk with gentle giants on a Chiang Rai Elephant Tour at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
- Take a private Ancient City and Golden Triangle tour from Chiang Rai to explore Thailand’s culture and traditions – from $100
- Discover Chiang Rai’s temples with a private tour – from $112
- Explore the countryside of Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong by boat – from $145
Where to stay in Chiang Rai on a luxury budget
- Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort – from around $153 per night
- Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – from $1356 per night
- Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle – from approximately $2341 per night
Koh Samui: Six nights
Fly directly from Chiang Rai to Koh Samui for some serious vacation rejuvenation. A paradise for luxury wellness lovers, this Gulf island is renowned for its idyllic beaches, high-end cuisine and world-class spas.
What to do in Koh Samui on a luxury budget
- Three-hour jet ski safari from Koh Samui to Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum – $208 per group
- Tuck into a private beach picnic on a secluded Koh Samui cove – from $112 per group
- Dine among the treetops in a private Sala at Anantara’s Koh Samui resort
- Taste Thai cuisine at its best at Jahn Restaurant at Conrad Koh Samui
- Embrace the wellness culture on Koh Samui by indulging in spa treatments
- Charter a private sailing yacht for the day – from $961 per group
Where to stay in Koh Samui on a luxury budget
- Anantara Koh Samui Resort – from around $141 per night
- Absolute Sanctuary – from around $181 per night
- Explorar Koh Samui Resort and Spa – from around $264 per night
- Silavadee Pool Spa Resort – from around $278 per night
- Kamalaya Koh Samui wellness sanctuary – from around $396 per night
