Budget Trip for Thailand: A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers

This news will definitely brighten up your day: Thailand has allowed visa-free entry for Indian tourists for stays of up to 60 days. The only rule is that you must complete the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card online at least 72 hours before the travel date. (Source: Times of India).

If you are planning to explore Thailand on your next trip, this budget trip guide will provide you with minute details on how to go about exploring the country on a budget. But remember to purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance. It is not an added cost but a gateway to your secure and safe trip.

Budget Trip for Thailand

The cost of a 7-day trip to Thailand from India on a budget will be around ₹35,000 and ₹60,000. This amount is for paying for flights, accommodation, food, local transport, and sightseeing. If you think this amount is too little to truly explore the beautiful country of Thailand, then read on, and you will be surprised to know how you can experience the beauty and culture of Thailand to the fullest without overspending.

Deciding on the Best Time to Travel to Thailand

The off-season, from the months of May – October, is when the flight tickets and accommodation costs are the lowest. They literally drop by up to 50%.

Decoding Flight Costs

Flight prices to Thailand are dependent on the season and month you travel and the city from which you depart.

The cheapest months to fly to Thailand are in July and September. Also, if you depart from cities like Kolkata and Chennai as compared to Mumbai and Delhi, the plane costs are relatively lower. Booking in advance also helps as you will get the best deals if you book 2-3 months in advance.

The cheapest day to depart is Tuesday while Friday departures are more expensive. Moreover, afternoon flights cost less than evening flights. If you opt for budget airlines likeThai VietJet Air,AirAsia, andIndiGo, they offer low fares, but operate from secondary airports and have limited baggage allowances as compared to major carriers such asAir India,Singapore Airlines, andMalaysia Airlines. Additionally, to secure the lowest fare, use price comparison platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo, which aggregate deals across multiple airlines.

Overall, if you consider the cost of a round trip to Thailand from India, the cost comes to around ₹8,000 to ₹30,000.

Calculating the Cost of Accommodation

Accommodation costs are highest during the months of December and April but can be as low as ₹300 to ₹800 per night for hostels and basic guesthouses in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. If you want more comfort, then mid-range hotels cost between ₹1,200 and ₹3,000 per night. These provide amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, and sometimes breakfast included.

Also, areas where there are fewer tourists like Ari, Old Town, or Silom are more affordable than Sukhumvit.

Cost of Food

Street food is more economical and flavourful as compared to tourist-centric restaurants and meals. The cost of some of the popular dishes is: Pad Thai(₹80–₹150),Khao Man Gai(chicken rice, ₹100–₹150), andBasil Chicken with Rice(₹120–₹180). So if you eat three street meals in a day, it will cost around ₹500–₹800. Another tip is to carry refillable water bottles instead of buying bottled water, as many hostels provide free filtered water.

Exploring the City by Local Transport and Intercity Travel

The BTS Skytrain and MRT are part of the public transportation system available in Thailand. You can download and use apps like Grab, Gojek, and Bolt for cheaper rides, rather than picking random cabs. Regular taxis are metered but travel in them only if the driver agrees to use the meter; else use the apps for booking.

You can travel overnight to long destinations like Krabi or Phuket in overnight buses and save on accommodation for a night.

Also Read: Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Tanzania: A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers

Visiting the Best places in Thailand

Most of Thailand’s attractions, such as Buddhist temples, beaches and seaside, and the local markets, are free to visit.

Activities like snorkelling trips and other adventures cost around ₹1,500 and ₹3,500 per day. You will also need to spend around ₹1,200 when visiting national parks like Erawan National Park or Doi Inthanon, but do visit these places to experience the waterfalls and scenic beauty.

A Few Money-Saving Tips to Keep in Mind

While we have already discussed important ways to go on a budget trip to Thailand, these money saving tips will save your money further.

Avoid tourist traps; buying items at high prices at souvenir shops can be costly. Book tour and activity prices from local travel agencies or market operators, and not through hotels or online platforms for cheaper rates. In markets and during tuk-tuk rides (three-wheeler vehicle ride), bargaining is common as the first quote is way higher than the actual price of the product or the ride.

Also Read: Best Time and Places to Visit in Malaysia

Conclusion

Thailand is a beautiful place to explore on a budget. You can trek through the jungles of Chiang Rai or zipline in the rainforest of Pattaya; these memories are worth it and those you will cherish forever.

But do not forget to purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance as it’s not an extra expense but an essential part of your travel budget to protect your trip from unanticipated situations.

FAQs

1. What is the average budget for a one-week trip to Thailand from India?

A budget-friendly 7-day Thailand trip can cost anywhere between ₹35,000 to ₹60,000, covering flights, accommodation, local transport, food, and sightseeing.

2. Which is the cheapest month to visit Thailand from India?

The off-season between May and October is the most affordable time to visit Thailand.

3. Are hostels in Thailand safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Thailand has a great network of budget-friendly hostels which are safe and offer private lockers and women-only dorms.

4. How can I travel around Thailand on a budget?

Use public transport like BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok, or buses and shared taxis in smaller towns. For long distances, opt for overnight trains or buses to save on accommodation.

5. What are some free or low-cost things to do in Thailand?

Visit Buddhist temples, local floating markets, public beaches, and national parks. You can also explore night bazaars and cultural festivals without spending much.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.