Thailand has a reputation for being cheap, and on the ground it absolutely can be — but the flights and the hotels are where the real budget decisions happen.
The headline numbers
For a comfortable two-week trip with decent hotels, internal flights and a few tours, most of our customers spend roughly £1,600–£2,500 per person all-in. That covers flights, hotels, transfers and the experiences that make the trip. Backpackers can do it for far less; five-star honeymooners can spend far more.
Flights
Return flights from London to Bangkok currently run about £550–£850 per person in economy, depending on season and how early you book. Direct flights sit at the top of that range; one-stop options save money. We always book flights as part of our packages, which protects you with ATOL-style protection if anything goes wrong.
Hotels
- Budget — £15–£40 a night for a clean guesthouse.
- Mid-range — £50–£90 a night for a solid 4★ with a pool.
- Premium — £120–£400 a night for beachfront resorts and boutiques.
Our packages sit in the mid-to-premium band, because we've found it's where the quality jump is most dramatic — and where couples and families get the most for their money.
Food, drink and getting around
Street food is still gloriously cheap: a plate of pad thai costs £1.50–£2, and a full meal at a decent restaurant is £8–£15 a head. Internal flights (Bangkok to Chiang Mai, say) run £25–£60 one-way. Taxis and tuk-tuks are cheap; private transfers between regions are the splurge that saves your sanity — and they're included in our packages.
A daily budget guide
- Comfortable couple — £60–£120 a day for food, drinks and the odd tour.
- Family of four — £100–£180 a day, with a bit more on tour days.
- Premium travellers — £150–£300 a day when you factor in nicer restaurants and experiences.
What the extras cost
- Island-hopping day trip — £25–£50pp on a group boat, £150–£300 for a private one.
- Elephant sanctuary visit — £40–£70pp including lunch.
- Cooking class — £20–£40pp.
- Thai massage — £8–£20 an hour.
- Grand Palace entry — about £12pp.
What our packages cost
Rather than leave you to build it yourself, we sell curated packages with everything already costed in — and selected upgrades available if you want them. Our Bangkok to Chiang Mai family trip starts at £1,650 per person, and the Phuket & Krabi honeymoon from £1,895 — flights, hotels, transfers and tours included. No hidden extras, no surprises at checkout, because there isn't one — we book it all over the phone. Call 020 7946 0958 for a firm price for your dates.
Quick questions, answered
How much spending money should I budget?
Roughly £60–£120 a day for a couple, covering food, drinks and the odd tour — more if you're dining at nicer restaurants. A family of four might allow £100–£180 a day.
Is Thailand still cheap?
On the ground, yes — street food and transport are genuinely inexpensive. It's the flights and the nicer hotels where the budget is really decided, which is why our packages bundle them transparently.
Are there hidden costs I should watch for?
Our packages include flights, hotels, transfers and the stated tours, so the only extras are meals not included, optional tours and your spending money. We flag any additions upfront.
When's the cheapest time to go?
The green season, roughly May to October, when prices drop and the crowds thin. You'll trade a daily shower for meaningful savings. See our best time to visit guide for the full picture.
