Real prices from 2026. Pick a city, travel style, and trip length — get a daily budget, total estimate, and how much cash to carry. No signup, no fluff.
We built daily price ranges from on-the-ground research across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Pai, then layered in your travel style. Backpacker numbers assume hostels, street food, and public transport. Mid-range covers a 3-star hotel, mix of street food and restaurants, and Grab. Luxury covers 4-5 star hotels, restaurant meals, and private transfers. Group size adjusts shared costs (room, taxis) but keeps per-person costs (food, activities) intact.
The hidden costs aren't in food or hotels — they're in transport. A SuperRich exchange will save you ~3% versus an airport kiosk. ATM fees are ฿220 per withdrawal regardless of amount, so withdraw larger sums less often. Most US-issued debit cards charge 1-3% foreign transaction fees on top of that. Compare exchange rates on GetBaht.com →
Bangkok and Phuket: 60% card, 40% cash works. Chiang Mai, Pai, smaller islands: closer to 70% cash, 30% card. Street food, songthaews, motorbike taxis, and most markets are cash-only. 7-Eleven, Family Mart, malls, and most restaurants take cards.
Get baht in Thailand. Currency exchanges in Bangkok (SuperRich, Vasu, Twelve Victory) consistently beat US bank rates by 2-4%. Bring crisp, unmarked USD bills — torn or marked notes are often refused or discounted.
Now that you have a number, lock in the timing and the route.