Thailand
Bangkok: how much to budget
Plan €1256 for 7 nights in Bangkok, return flight from London included, or €637 travelling cheap. On the ground that works out at €123 per person per day.
A buzzing capital of street food and temples. See what to budget before you fly.
- From
- €43/day
- vs. London
- 50%
- Best month
- Sep
Your trip to Bangkok
Set the length, the number of travellers and the comfort level: the figures recompute here.
€1,256
per person, flight included
- on the ground
- €861
- flight from London
- €395
- per person per day, on the ground
- €123
InstantTripCost estimate
Full 7-night budget breakdown
Per-person estimate including flights from London, split across the six expense categories.
per person · Comfort
| Category | Budget | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | €336 | €395 | €593 |
| Hotel | €84 | €280 | €1050 |
| Food | €168 | €378 | €1050 |
| Transport | €21 | €56 | €140 |
| Activities | €14 | €84 | €336 |
| Misc | €14 | €63 | €308 |
| 7-night total | €637 | €1256 | €3477 |
Flight from London (annual median).
Unit prices
comfort
Enough to check the total yourself, line by line, at the comfort level you picked.
- €8
- Breakfast
- €15
- Lunch
- €31
- Dinner
- €3
- City ride
- €12
- Site admission
- €123
- A full day
Orders of magnitude derived from our measured ranges, not surveyed venue by venue. Prices vary by neighbourhood and season.
Why go
Why visit Bangkok
Bangkok stands out as a remarkably affordable destination for international travelers, with 5.7M inhabitants and an urban character that reveals itself in a matter of days.
Bangkok is one of the rare destinations whose winter average stays above 18 °C, making it a credible escape during the grayest European months.
Real budget
What a trip to Bangkok actually costs
Let's break it down. Lodging: a hostel dorm or entry-level hotel runs around €12 per night, a well-rated 3-star around €40, and 4 to 5-star around €150. Food: around €8 a day eating local, €18 mixing canteens and restaurants, €50 if you sit down for dinner every evening.
Local transport: roughly €3 a day on public transit, €8 adding a few taxi rides. Activities: about €15 a day at a normal sightseeing pace, €40 if you stack paid entries and day trips.
On a 5-to-7-day trip, lodging accounts for roughly 35-45 % of total budget, food 15-20 %, flights 20-30 % depending on the booking window, with the remainder split between local transport, activities, and miscellaneous (visa, insurance, tipping, SIM card). A Bangkok trip that goes over budget is almost always because the hotel is oversized for the rest, rarely because of activities.
Seasonality
When to go and what it costs
The best price-weather compromise is September: temperatures in the 18-25 °C sweet spot, crowds still manageable, and airfares near the annual median. If budget is the priority, February delivers the cheapest flight of the year (€360 round-trip from London in median), at the cost of generally less pleasant weather.
Money saving
How to cut the Bangkok budget
The single most profitable lever in Bangkok is the date. Shifting departure to a shoulder-season month recovers up to 29 % on the flight alone. Booking timing comes next: the 6-to-8-weeks-out window consistently beats both last-minute and booking a year ahead for hotel rates.
On lodging, moving 1 or 2 metro stops out of the hyper-center often halves the bill at equal comfort, with no real commute penalty. As for activities, one standout experience per day is enough. Stacking 3 or 4 paid tickets daily inflates the budget without making the trip noticeably better.
Practical info
Language, currency, and logistics in Bangkok
Language: Thai, English is understood in most hotels and restaurants in tourist areas. Currency: Baht (฿) - plan €50-100 in cash for the first days and use a fee-free card for the rest.
The three tiers
What a budget traveller, a comfort traveller and a premium traveller typically spend.
Budget
€39
per day, approx
- Hotel / night
- €12
- Meal
- €8
- Transit / day
- €3
Comfort
€102
per day, approx
- Hotel / night
- €40
- Meal
- €18
- Transit / day
- €8
Luxury
€320
per day, approx
- Hotel / night
- €150
- Meal
- €50
- Transit / day
- €20
Weather & best time to visit
Average temperatures and conditions by month in Bangkok.
Best month to visitSeptember
Where to sleep in Bangkok
The hotels we measured
Accommodation picks by price range.
Capsule Hostel and Thai Traditional Bath Bangkok
Hostel, decent (7.5/10) from 82 reviews.
Sukhum Ban Songthai
Hotel, decent (7.5/10) from 90 reviews.
Sukhum Charoen Krung Tak-Sin bridge guest house
Hotel, standard (5.8/10) from 38 reviews.
Ralph Poshtel Sukhumvit
Hotel, very well rated (8.6/10) from 200 reviews.
Roof View Place
Hotel, very well rated (8.8/10) from 1,578 reviews.
Bangkok Saran Poshtel
Hotel, rated excellent (9.2/10) from 5,754 reviews.
Villa Mungkala
guesthouse, rated excellent (9.3/10) from 1,630 reviews.
Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok
Hotel, decent (7.8/10) from 10,173 reviews.
Somerset Ekamai Bangkok
Hotel, very well rated (8.6/10) from 1,112 reviews.
All observed hotels in Bangkok
24 properties, nightly rate for a 2-night stay arriving 15 October 2026.
| Hotel | Category | Rating | From / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule Hostel and Thai Traditional Bath Bangkok | Budget | ★ 7.5 | €3 |
| Sukhum Ban Songthai | Budget | ★ 7.5 | €3 |
| Sukhum Charoen Krung Tak-Sin bridge guest house | Budget | ★ 5.8 | €3 |
| Bangkok Group Bunk Hotel Khaosan | Budget | ★ 7.8 | €4 |
| PLOY Hostel | Budget | ★ 4.9 | €4 |
| Sukhum Khaosan Au Bon Hostel | Budget | ★ 6.9 | €4 |
| Sukhum Huai Khwang Guest House | Budget | ★ 7 | €4 |
| Siam Serene Hostel Khaosan | Budget | ★ 7 | €4 |
| Ralph Poshtel Sukhumvit | Mid-range | ★ 8.6 | €10 |
| Roof View Place | Mid-range | ★ 8.8 | €13 |
| Bangkok Saran Poshtel | Mid-range | ★ 9.2 | €17 |
| Regent Ramkhamhaeng 22 | Mid-range | ★ 8.5 | €20 |
| Siam Palace Hotel | Mid-range | ★ 8 | €21 |
| Villa Mungkala | Luxury | ★ 9.3 | €22 |
| Rambuttri Village Plaza | Mid-range | ★ 7.9 | €23 |
| Korbua House | Mid-range | ★ 8.8 | €23 |
| Thana Wisut Hotel | Mid-range | ★ 8.3 | €24 |
| Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok | Luxury | ★ 7.8 | €31 |
| Somerset Ekamai Bangkok | Luxury | ★ 8.6 | €35 |
| SQ Boutique Hotel | Luxury | ★ 8.9 | €47 |
| Golden Tulip Mandison Suites | Luxury | ★ 8.7 | €52 |
| Somerset Sukhumvit 71 Bangkok | Luxury | ★ 8.5 | €54 |
| Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok | Luxury | ★ 8.2 | €54 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bangkok Central Pier by IHG | Luxury | ★ 8.7 | €55 |
Things to do in Bangkok
Recommended activities and tours.
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, RTGS: Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang, pronounced [pʰrá bɔ̄ː.rōm má.hǎː râːt.tɕʰá wāŋ] lit. 'The Supreme Grand Palace') is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782.
Archaeological site
Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum (Thai: พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พระนคร, RTGS: Phiphitthaphanthasathan Haeng Chat Phra Nakhon) is the main branch museum of the National museums in Thailand and also one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia. It features exhibits of Thai art and history.
Museum
Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park (Thai: สวนลุมพินี, RTGS: Suan Lumphini, pronounced [sǔan lūm.pʰī.nīː]), also Lumpini or Lumpinee, is a 360 rai (57.6-hectare (142-acre)) park in Bangkok, Thailand. The park offers rare open public space, trees and playgrounds in the Thai capital and contains an artificial lake where visitors can rent boats.
Park
Democracy Monument
The Democracy Monument (Thai: อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย, romanized: Anusawari Prachathipatai) is a public monument in the city centre of Bangkok, capital of Thailand. It occupies a traffic circle on the wide east - west Ratchadamnoen Avenue, at the intersection of Dinso Road.
Monument
Vimanmek Mansion
The Vimanmek Mansion (Thai: พระที่นั่งวิมานเมฆ, RTGS: phra thi nang wimanmek) is a former royal villa in Bangkok, Thailand. It is in the Dusit Palace complex in Dusit District.
Museum
Sanam Luang
Sanam Luang (Thai: สนามหลวง, pronounced [sā.nǎːm lǔa̯ŋ]; lit. 'royal turf'), officially Thong Sanam Luang (Thai: ท้องสนามหลวง), is a 74.5 rai (119,200 m2) open field and public square in front of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand. Sanam Luang is in the Phra Nakhon District, the historic center of Bangkok.
Square
Chitralada Royal Villa
Chitralada Royal Villa (Thai: พระตำหนักจิตรลดารโหฐาน; RTGS: Chit Lada Raho-than) is a royal villa located within Dusit Palace. This villa was permanent-residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the longest-serving monarch of Thailand and Queen Sirikit.
Garden
Victory Monument
Victory Monument (Thai: อนุสาวรีย์ชัยสมรภูมิ, RTGS: Anusawari Chai Samoraphum; lit. 'victorious battleground monument') is a military monument in Bangkok, Thailand. The monument was erected in June 1941 to commemorate the Thai victory in the Franco-Thai War.
Monument
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC; Thai: หอศิลปวัฒนธรรมแห่งกรุงเทพมหานคร) is a contemporary arts centre in Siam area, Bangkok, Thailand. Art, music, theatre, film, design and cultural/educational events take place in its exhibition and performance spaces.
Art museum
Sao Chingcha
The Giant Swing, also known as Sao Chingcha or Sao Ching Cha (Thai: เสาชิงช้า, RTGS: Sao Chingcha, pronounced [sǎw t͡ɕʰīŋ.t͡ɕʰáː] ), is a 21.15 m (69.4 ft)-tall, swing-shaped religious structure and a prominent landmark in the Sao Chingcha Subdistrict of Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. Located in front of Wat Suthat, it was formerly used in a traditional Brahmin ceremony and is now one of Bangkok's notable tourist attractions.
Architectural landmark
Places referenced on Wikidata. Admission prices vary by season - check each venue's official site.
Paying less in Bangkok
What moves the needle
What each decision takes off the €1276 total, strongest lever first.
- − €560
Travel cheap rather than mid-range
Hostel or entry-level hotel, local canteens, public transport. Accommodation is where the gap opens up.
- − €246
Stay five nights instead of seven
Two fewer nights also removes two days of meals, transport and sightseeing.
- − €140
Travel as a pair
The room is shared, nothing else is. Travellers themselves name this as the strongest lever.
Differences computed from our own measurements, for a 7-night mid-range stay, excluding flights.
FAQ
FAQ - Bangkok
- How much should I budget for a trip to Bangkok?
- For a 7-day trip to Bangkok, expect roughly €637 - €3477 per person depending on your travel style, flights included. The budget profile (hostels, local food, public transit) sits at the lower end ; mid-range comfort sits in the middle ; luxury (premium hotel, fine dining) approaches the top.
- When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
- The best value is in September, with pleasant temperatures and usually cheaper flights than during peak tourist season. This window combines moderate crowds and lower airfare.
- How do I get around in Bangkok?
- Local transport (metro, bus, taxi) costs an average of €3 - €20 per day depending on your style. Public transit stays the cheapest option ; a day or weekly pass usually pays off after just two rides per day.
- How can I do Bangkok on a budget?
- For a cheap trip to Bangkok, target around €43 - €123 per day per person excluding flights: a hostel or budget hotel, meals at local eateries, public transit, and 1-2 free activities per day. Across a week, plan to land below the lower bound of the global range.
- What's the budget for a weekend in Bangkok?
- For a 3-day / 2-night weekend in Bangkok, plan around €482 - €784 per person, flights included. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead and flying out Thursday evening / back Sunday evening cuts the total by 10-20 % on average.
- Is Bangkok an expensive or affordable destination?
- At 41 % of our reference index, Bangkok ranks among the most affordable destinations we track. In practice, a daily budget about 59 % below the average destination we track.
- How many days do you need in Bangkok?
- Plan 4 days for the essentials. A full week lets you add the surroundings without rushing, for roughly €369 more per person. Beyond ten days the cost grows linearly: each extra night adds about €123, lodging and daily spending included.
- Do you need a car in Bangkok?
- Our estimates assume public transport, which covers the centre and its near surroundings. Rental, fuel, parking and tolls are not included: if your route leaves the served area, add them as a separate line.
- How much cash should you bring to Bangkok?
- Bring €50 to €100 for the first days, until you see where cards work. When paying or withdrawing, decline the conversion into your home currency that terminals offer: it applies its own rate, consistently worse than your bank's.
At a glance
Wikidata, Wikipedia and Open-Meteo data
- Population
- 5.7M
- Area
- 1,569 km²
- Elevation
- 2 m
- Language
- Thai
- Currency
- ฿
- Time zone
- UTC+07:00
- Founded
- 1782
- Avg. July temp.
- 28°
- Avg. Jan. temp.
- 26°
- Rainy days / year
- 168
inhabitants
Baht
26° - 32°
22° - 31°
About
Bangkok in brief
Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estimated population of 9.1 million people as of 2024, 15.9% of the country's population. Over 17.4 million people live within the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region as of the 2021 estimate, making Bangkok a megacity and an extreme primate city, dwarfing Thailand's other urban centres in both size and importance to the national economy.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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