Flight: The Cost of Travel
The most economical flight to Thailand from Moscow will cost approximately $412 USD with one connection. From Kiev, you can find flights starting at around $715 USD with one connection.
Lodging in Thailand
The cost of simple accommodations such as hostels, bungalows, and guesthouses can start as low as $3 USD per night.
The cost of three-star hotels in Thailand varies depending on the location. In popular resorts, the average nightly rate for a room is around $150 USD, while in less popular resorts, it can be as low as $50 USD.
Even five-star hotels in the heart of the country may cost around $1000 USD per night, whereas in less popular provinces, you can find them for approximately $30 USD.
Transportation in Thailand
Transportation within the Country
Fares vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose and the resort city:
- Songteo (pickup shuttle bus) costs an average of 10 THB in less popular resorts, twice as much in Phuket, five times as much in Samui, and in Pha Ngan, fares start at 100 THB.
- Mototaxi costs from 15 THB.
- Tuk-tuk costs from 30 THB.
Tourist Tips
Consider these factors when planning a budget vacation:
- Bus can take you to almost anywhere in the country.
- Where you can't get to by bus, a ferry can help you get there.
- The best combination of price, speed, and comfort for northern Thailand is the train.
- It is best to book bus and train tickets online in advance.
- In most cases, using planes is more convenient than trains and not much more expensive.
Flights within Thailand
A plane is a quick and comfortable way to not only cover a considerable distance but also get a bird's eye view of Thailand (a window seat is the best way to do this). Of course, there are some particularly popular destinations for which there are no cheap flights (for example, from Bangkok to Samui Island). To choose the cheapest and most convenient flights from those offered by local airlines, keep these rules in mind:
- Book your ticket in advance (then its price starts from 15 EUR, otherwise from 150 EUR).
- Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts.
- Familiarize yourself with the conditions of luggage transportation (for weight over 25 kg, you will have to pay double the ticket price).
Cost of Food
In any city, you can find plenty of dining establishments of different levels and cuisines. Even in Bangkok, you can dine at a French restaurant for 50 USD or a local restaurant for 10 USD. But in general, eating out in public places in Thailand is inexpensive:
- Breakfast starts from 2 EUR in a local cafe and from 6 EUR in a tourist-oriented restaurant.
- Lunch costs from 5 EUR at a modest Thai-friendly establishment and from 13 EUR at a respectable restaurant for visitors.
- A bottle of low-alcoholic drink in a supermarket costs from 1.6 EUR, while in a café, a glass of beer may cost from 3 EUR.
Excursions: The Best Way to See the Sights
Thailand offers a wide range of excursions, including those available directly from your hotel. However, these hotel-arranged trips can be more expensive with potentially lower-quality local guides.
For cultural and natural attractions, it's advisable to plan ahead and book tours online for better quality and potentially lower costs.
Other Expense Items
Medical Insurance
Travelers who have arranged their accommodation and dining separately in Thailand should purchase health insurance. It's advisable to obtain this insurance online before entering the country.
Transportation
For tourists who are visiting Thailand independently, without the assistance of travel agents, transportation should also be considered separately. Booking airport transfers to the hotel on arrival and return transfers on the departure day is recommended and can be arranged online in advance.
Price of a Vacation in Thailand
The prices of tours to Thailand depend on the duration of the vacation and the chosen accommodation, including the hotel's level.
- The average cost of a two-week tour to Thailand, including flights, insurance, and accommodation with breakfast, starts at from 1100 EUR per person.
- Booking a package tour through an agency for two adults for a 14-day vacation in Thailand can cost from 2900 EUR.
- A two-week summer vacation for a family with two children typically starts at from 4700 EUR.
For budget-conscious travelers, hot tours to Thailand often offer the lowest prices. On promotional offers, you can find 14-day vacation packages starting from 780 EUR for one adult.
Thailand is a popular tourist destination offering a wide range of budget-friendly vacation options, but there are also opportunities for more luxurious and expensive experiences.
