How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day

October 15, 2025

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How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day

The Thaiger key takeaways

Staying in budget hostels or guesthouses and eating street food keeps daily expenses low.
Mixing buses, trains, and budget flights allows affordable travel between cities and islands.
Free or cheap activities, such as temples, markets, parks, and festivals, offer cultural experiences without overspending

Travelling around Thailand on a budget of just US$30 (under 1,000 baht or 974 baht to be more specific) a day is easier than many think. Even with rising travel costs, Thailand remains one of the few places where you can enjoy great experiences without spending much. Affordable guesthouses, tasty street food, and low-cost public transport make it possible to explore busy cities, peaceful beaches, and green mountains while keeping expenses low.

By living like the locals and planning smartly, travellers can enjoy memorable adventures without breaking the bank. Having flexible travel insurance, such as the plans offered by SafetyWing, also gives extra peace of mind throughout the journey.

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SECTION (CLICK TO JUMP) SUMMARY Budget accommodation Cheap hostels and guesthouses can cost US$5 to US$16 per night. Booking apps help, but walking in may save money. Longer stays or off-season visits often get discounts. Affordable local food Street food is tasty and cheap (US$1 to US$2). Try Pad Thai, Som Tum, Moo Ping, Khao Soi, or mango sticky rice at markets in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Transportation on a budget City buses, Songthaews, tuk-tuks, BTS/MRT, budget airlines, and overnight buses offer cheap travel. Mix options for convenience and cost savings. Free or low-cost activities Temples, markets, parks, hiking trails, cycling, and festivals provide cultural experiences without breaking the budget. Travel smartly with SafetyWing insurance Flexible insurance plans cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more, giving peace of mind while staying within a US$30/day budget. When to travel & other money-saving tips Visit in shoulder seasons, shop at local markets, slow down trips, and stay longer in fewer places to reduce costs and maximise savings.

Budget accommodation

Image via Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Finding a cheap place to stay is the first step to keeping travel costs in Thailand under US$30 a day. In 2025, it’s possible to find clean and comfortable rooms for a small price, especially if you plan wisely.

Hostel dorm beds: Around US$5 to US$10 per night. These usually come with air-conditioning, shared kitchens, and the chance to meet other travellers.
Basic guesthouses: Slightly higher rates but still affordable. They offer simple private rooms and are often family-run.

Booking apps help find good deals, but walking in directly can sometimes get you a better price, especially in smaller towns.

Cities like Chiang Mai and Pattaya have the cheapest options, while islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Tao are a bit more expensive, usually US$7 to US$16 per night.

Some hostels and guesthouses offer discounts for:

Longer stays
Off-season bookings

Choosing places with a shared kitchen can also save money, as you can cook your own meals instead of eating out every time.

With smart choices, travellers can easily stay within the US$5 to US$10 range for accommodation while enjoying safe and comfortable rooms across Thailand.

Affordable local food

Pad Thai | Photo by Markus Winkler taken from Pexels

Street food is one of the best things about travelling in Thailand and helps keep costs low. In 2025, tasty meals from food stalls usually cost between US$1 to US$2 (about 30 to 70 Thai baht), making it easy to eat well on a small budget.

Some popular and affordable choices include:

Pad Thai – Sweet, sour, and savoury noodles for about US$1.10 to US$1.65
Som Tum – Spicy green papaya salad for US$0.80 to US$1.40
Moo Ping – Grilled pork skewers for US$0.30 to US$0.55 each, often with sticky rice
Khao Soi – Northern Thai coconut curry noodles for US$1.40 to US$2.20
Mango sticky rice – A seasonal dessert favourite for US$1.40 to US$2.20

Top places for cheap street food include:

Bangkok – Yaowarat, Victory Monument
Chiang Mai – Chang Phuak Night Market
Phuket – Naka Market

To save money and avoid problems:

Pay with small notes or coins
Ask for the price before ordering, especially in touristy areas
You could also compare prices first and buy something second

With so many delicious options, eating like a local makes it easy to stay on budget and enjoy authentic Thai flavours every day.

Transportation on a budget

Image via anuchit kamsongmueang from ภาพของAnuchit Kamsongmueang from Canva

Getting around Thailand doesn’t have to cost much. There are many cheap ways to travel within cities and between destinations.

City buses and Songthaews: Fares are usually under US$1 (about 30 Thai baht). Songthaews are shared pickup trucks with set routes.
Bangkok MRT and BTS Skytrain: Fares range from US$0.50 to US$1.80 (about 17 to 62 Thai baht) depending on distance. The 20-baht flat fare for locals ended in October 2025, so standard fares apply again.
Tuk-tuks: Always agree on the price before getting in and it can be a lot more expensive depending on how well you haggle.
Grab: More reliable transportation to use for clear pricing and discounts. Can usually be more expensive than taxis and tuk-tuks but less prone to overcharging and scams.

For longer journeys:

Overnight buses: Cost about US$15–US$30, save on both travel and accommodation, and come with reclining seats.
Budget airlines: Carriers like AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air offer flights between major cities for US$20–US$50 when booked early.

By mixing buses, trains, and budget flights, travellers can see the country easily while keeping costs low.

Free or low-cost activities

Image via Anurak Sirithep from Getty Images

Thailand has plenty of free or cheap activities that make travel fun without breaking the budget.

Visit temples: Many temples, like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Srisuphan in Chiang Mai, have no entrance fee. Some famous ones, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, charge only about US$1.
Explore markets: Places like Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok and Chang Phuak Night Market in Chiang Mai offer a lively atmosphere for browsing, people-watching, and enjoying the culture.
Enjoy nature: Public parks and hiking trails, such as the path up Doi Suthep, provide fresh air and great views at no cost.
Walk or cycle: Walking is free, and bike rentals cost about US$1.40–US$2.80 per day, letting you discover hidden corners at your own pace.
Join festivals: Events like Songkran (water festival) and Loi Krathong (lantern festival) are free to watch and give a real taste of Thai culture.

With so many options, travellers can enjoy Thailand’s culture, scenery, and traditions without spending much.

Travel smartly with SafetyWing insurance

Image via SafetyWing

Travelling on a budget does not mean ignoring safety. Having good travel insurance helps protect you from unexpected costs, and SafetyWing offers flexible, affordable plans for travellers and remote workers.

Essential Plan: Starts at about US$56 for four weeks. Covers emergency medical care, hospital stays, trip delays, and lost luggage.
Complete Plan: Includes full health coverage with routine care, mental health support, maternity care, and complete travel protection. Ideal for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

SafetyWing covers over 175 countries and lets you buy or renew the plan even while abroad. This gives travellers peace of mind without going over their US$30 daily budget.

When to travel & other money-saving tips

Image via lemaret pierrick’s Images

Budget travellers can save more in Thailand by planning wisely and making smart choices.

Travel in shoulder seasons: May–early July and September–November have fewer tourists, lower prices, and pleasant weather with short afternoon showers. Flights and hotels often cost less than during the busy November–February period.
Shop at local markets: Places like Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, and Phuket Weekend Market offer cheaper souvenirs and snacks than tourist malls. Bargaining is normal, so don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Slow down your trip: Staying longer in one place reduces transport costs and gives time to enjoy local culture, explore neighbourhoods, and try street food at your own pace.

By travelling slowly, shopping smartly, and choosing the right time to visit, you can enjoy Thailand on a small budget. Adding SafetyWing travel insurance keeps you protected without spending too much.

Travelling in Thailand on US$30 a day is possible with a bit of planning. Stay in cheap hostels or guesthouses, eat street food for US$1 to US$2, use buses, trains, or low-cost airlines, and enjoy free or cheap activities like temples, markets, and festivals. Travel in the shoulder seasons, shop at local markets, and spend more days in fewer places to save even more. Adding SafetyWing travel insurance gives peace of mind for medical and travel problems without spending too much. For more tips, see our guide on the most affordable places to visit in Thailand.