With Thailand gaining popularity as a tourist destination, many are left wondering — can you visit Thailand on a budget? The answer — Absolutely. A 6-night and 7-day trip to Thailand can comfortably be completed for INR 35,000 to INR 45,000 per person (including flights, stay, food, and sightseeing). Here is an affordable, unstumbled guide to Thailand!
Do Indians Need A Visa For Thailand?
What makes the trip even more appealing is that Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry up to 30 days. However, travelers must keep in mind that they are required to fill out and submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online 72 hours prior to the departure date. Rest assured that the process is completely free.
How Much Will A Trip To Thailand On A Budget Cost?
| Expense Head | Budget Range (INR) | Equivalent (THB) | Money-Saving Tip |
| Return Flights | INR 14,000 to INR 18,000 | Around 5,800 to 7,500 THB | Book six to eight weeks early via low-cost carriers (AirAsia, IndiGo). |
| Accommodation (Six Nights) | INR 6,000 to INR 9,000 | Around 2,500 to 3,750 THB | Opt for boutique hostels or budget hotels near BTS/MRT stations. |
| Food and Drinks | INR 4,500 to INR 6,500 | Around 1,850 to 2,700 THB | Eat at Michelin-recommended street stalls & night markets. |
| Internal Transport | INR 2,500 to INR 3,500 | Around 1,000 to 1,450 THB | Use BTS Skytrain, MRT, and the Bolt app (cheaper than taxis). |
| Sightseeing & Entry Fees | INR 3,000 to INR 4,500 | Around 1,250 to 1,850 THB | Pre-book attraction tickets online via Klook/Traveloka. |
| Total Estimated Budget | INR 30,000 to INR 41,500 | Around 12,400 to 17,200 THB | Excluding personal shopping. |
How To Plan The Trip For Maximum Savings
Here are a few tips so you can save some money even before you board the flight to Thailand:
- Flight Hacks: Fly into Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) rather than Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for cheaper budget airline fares. You should also travel with carry-on luggage (seven kg) to avoid checked-bag fees.
- Currency Exchange Strategy: Avoid exchanging INR to THB at Indian airports or Thai airports as they have terrible exchange rates. Carry a multi-currency Forex card (like Niyo, Fi, or Scapia) or withdraw cash from Thai ATMs using zero-forex cards (fee around 220 THB or INR 627 per ATM withdrawal, so withdraw in bulk).
- SIM Card Secret: Don’t buy airport SIM cards (300 THB to 500 THB or INR 850 to INR 1,500). Buy an e-SIM online beforehand or pick up a local AIS/DTAC Tourist SIM at a 7-Eleven in town.
7-Day Thailand Budget Itinerary
Day One To Three: The Vibrant Energy Of Bangkok
- First Day: Arrival And Riverside Evening
Land in Bangkok, pass through immigration using your free TDAC. Take the A1/A2 Airport Bus or MRT/BTS into the city. Check into a budget stay in Pratunam or Sukhumvit. Evening stroll through Jodd Fairs Night Market or Asiatique The Riverfront.
- Second Day: Culture, Temples And Chao Phraya River Boat
Visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) (entry around 100 THB) and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) (around 200 THB or INR 570). Skip expensive private longtail boat tours; take the public Chao Phraya Express Hop-On Boat (30 THB or INR 85 per ride). Explore Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) at night for famous budget street food.
- Third Day: Shopping And Modern Bangkok
Explore MBK Center, Platinum Fashion Mall, or Chatuchak Weekend Market (if visiting between Friday and Sunday) for bargain shopping. Grab lunch at Pier 21 Food Court (Terminal 21), famous for hygienic, authentic meals starting as low as 35 THB to 50 THB (INR 100 to INR 142.57)
Day Four To Six: Coastal Escape to Pattaya or Hua Hin
- Fourth Day: Bus to Pattaya
Take a public AC bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Pattaya (Around 130 THB or INR 300, 2.5 hours). Avoid private taxis costing more than INR 3,000. Check into a beachside hotel near North or Central Pattaya. Spend the evening walking along Pattaya Beach Road or visiting Pattaya Night Bazaar.
- Fifth Day: Coral Island (Koh Larn) Day Trip
Take the public ferry from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn (30 THB or INR 70 each way). Skip high-priced private speedboats. Relax at Tawaen Beach or Tien Beach; enjoy swimming and water activities.
- Sixth Day: Sanctuary Of Truth And Return to Bangkok
Visit the stunning all-wooden Sanctuary of Truth temple. Take an evening bus back to Bangkok.
- Seventh Day: Last-Minute Souvenirs And Flight Back to India
Stock up on Thai snacks, 7-Eleven treats, and souvenirs. Head to the airport via BTS pr Airport Rail Link.
Food, Transport And Safety Hacks For Indians
While Thailand is generally an amazing country for tourists, it is important to be aware of the various scams that tourists are often entrapped in.
- Vegetarian And Indian Food Options: Finding pure veg/Jain food on a budget in Thailand is easy in Bangkok’s Little India (Phahurat) and Pratunam area. Look for “Jay” (เจ) yellow flags on street food stalls denoting vegan/vegetarian Thai dishes. 7-Eleven stores offer ready-to-eat veg cheese toasts, rice bowls, and coconut water for under INR 100.
- Local Commute Hacks: Use the Bolt or InDrive ride-hailing apps instead of Grab or Tuk-Tuks (which overcharge tourists). Utilize the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway to bypass Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams.
- Common Scams To Avoid: Ignore tuk-tuk drivers claiming temples are “closed today” to redirect you to gem stores. Always ensure taxi meters are turned on.
Also Read: Is Vietnam Cheaper Than Thailand For Indians? Cost Comparison Guide
Summing Up
Thailand continues to be one of the best-value international destinations for Indian travellers, especially with the current visa-free entry policy for short visits. With smart planning, a 6-night, 7-day trip covering Bangkok and Pattaya (or Hua Hin) can be completed within INR 35,000 to INR 45,000 per person, including flights, accommodation, food, local transport, and sightseeing. Booking flights early, using public transport, eating at local markets, and avoiding common tourist traps can help you stretch your budget further without compromising on the experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, Thailand offers a mix of culture, beaches, shopping, and nightlife that remains accessible even on a modest budget.
