Is Thailand Worth It on a Budget?
- Shweta Bhosale
- 42 minutes ago
- 3 min read
An Honest Trip Story from India
Yes, 100%. But only if you travel with clarity, not FOMO.
Thailand is one of those rare countries where:
You can control your expenses
Choose when to splurge and when to save
And still come back feeling like you actually travelled, not just survived a trip
Pookie things we saw in Thailand
What Worked in Our Favour
1. Flights within budget: We planned early, used the right credit cards, and avoided unnecessary routes. Direct Pune–Bangkok flights saved money and energy.
2. Smart hotel mix: We didn’t chase luxury every night.
Budget hotels for sleeping and showering
One resort where we actually stayed in and enjoyed. That balance matters.
Street food: Survived on Fruits!
Apps to Download Before Visiting Thailand (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
These apps genuinely made our Thailand trip smoother. Fewer arguments, fewer wrong turns, and much less panic when plans went off-track.
Must have Apps | Why I Used It |
Klook | To book Space & Time Cube tickets and eSIMs in advance. Very reliable and instant confirmation. |
12Go | To book Bangkok–Krabi–Bangkok bus tickets. Great for checking timings and comparing transport options. |
Bolt | For booking budget-friendly cabs, especially useful in Krabi and Ao Nang. Often cheaper than Grab. |
Grab | For booking cabs in Bangkok and airports. Works just like Uber/Ola back home. |
Google Translate | Lifesaver for communicating with locals and cab drivers who didn’t understand English. The camera translation feature helped a lot too. |
To shortlist hotels, compare prices, check real reviews, and sometimes get last-minute deals. | |
Airbnb | For staying in local neighbourhoods like Khao San Road area and having more space and flexibility than hotels. |
3. Public transport + app cabs: Airport Rail Link, metros, Bolt, Grab, all reliable and much cheaper than tourist taxis.
4. Food that didn’t burn a hole in the pocket7-Eleven, street fruits, mango sticky rice, local meals, and occasional Indian food when needed. Eating simple keeps the budget sane.
5. Experiences over checklists. We didn’t do everything. And that’s why we enjoyed what we did.
What You Need to Be Mentally Prepared For
Things can go wrong (we missed our bus from Bangkok to Krabi!)
You might have to spend extra suddenly
Some days will be chaotic, some slow, some magical
Budget travel doesn’t mean problem-free travel. It means problem-solving without panic.
The Real Answer
Thailand on a budget is worth it if:
You’re okay with not doing everything
You plan, but stay flexible
You spend where it matters to you
You value experiences over perfection
Ganesha Shrine in Bangkok
We did this trip in around ₹56,000 per person, and came back with stories, confidence, and the feeling that we lived those days fully.
So yes. Thailand is worth it on a budget.
Just don’t try to make it luxury on a budget. That’s where disappointment lives.
What to Do Before Leaving India (Must-Do Checklist)
If I had to highlight one thing from this trip, it would be this: preparation saves money, time, and panic. Here’s a simple checklist you should complete before flying to Thailand.
Absolute Must-Dos Before Your Thailand Trip
Download all essential apps(Klook, 12Go, Grab, Bolt, Google Translate, Booking.com, Airbnb)
Download offline maps on Google Maps: Extremely helpful when network drops or directions get confusing.
Keep your power bank fully charged and ready: You’ll rely heavily on maps, cabs, photos, and translations.
Sort your currency exchange in advance: Carry sufficient Thai Baht in cash. Don’t depend only on cards.
Book your eSIM in advance: Buying or activating a SIM in Thailand is costlier and wastes time. eSIM before travel is smooth and stress-free.
Book intercity transport in advance: Especially long routes like Bangkok–Krabi. Last-minute bookings are expensive and limited.
Buy beachwear and footwear from India: Swimwear, slippers, and flip-flops are surprisingly expensive in Krabi compared to India.
Small Prep = Big Relief
Doing these things before leaving India meant:
No last-minute scrambling
No overpaying
No standing cluelessly at airports or stations
A little planning upfront made the entire trip calmer and far more enjoyable.
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