When most people think of Thailand, they picture luxury resorts, expensive beach clubs, and fancy restaurants. But here’s the truth: Thailand can be one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia — if you travel smart.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to explore Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket in just ₹7,000 total for 6–7 days, including stay, food, local travel, intercity buses, and even sightseeing.
Flights are not included in this budget, so this is the on-ground expense plan for travelers already reaching Bangkok.
Best Time to Visit for Budget Travel
If you want to make the most out of your ₹30K trip, timing is everything. The shoulder seasons — February to April and September to early November — are perfect. Flight prices are lower, hotel rates drop, and the weather is still pleasant enough to explore without being too hot or rainy. Avoid peak tourist months like December and January when prices for both stay and activities can nearly double. Booking flights at least 2–3 months in advance can shave off ₹5,000–₹8,000 from your total cost.
How to Save on Internal Transport
While buses and trains are already affordable in Thailand, there’s still room for saving more. In Bangkok, use the BTS Skytrain for quick and cheap travel across the city. For Pattaya, tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are the cheapest way to get around — fares can be as low as ₹40–₹60 if you share rides. In Phuket, instead of booking private taxis, opt for local blue buses or shared minivans from the airport and ferry terminal. This not only reduces costs but also gives you a more local experience.
Packing Tips for a Smooth Trip
Since you’re traveling on a budget, pack light and smart. Airlines often charge extra for check-in baggage, so try to fit everything into a 7–10 kg cabin bag. Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and sunscreen are must-haves. Bring a small travel adapter because Thailand uses Type A, B, and C plugs. Also, keep some snacks from India for long bus journeys — it will save you from buying expensive food at tourist spots.
🗺 Trip Overview
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Cities: Bangkok → Pattaya → Bangkok → Phuket
Budget: ₹7,000 (THB 3,000 approx.)
Stay: Budget hostels/guesthouses
Transport: Public buses, shared vans, overnight buses
Food: Street food & local markets
Season: Avoid December & New Year (prices spike)
💰 Budget Split (₹7,000 Plan)
| Expense Head | Cost (₹) |
| Stay (6 Nights) | 2,100 |
| Food (7 Days) | 1,800 |
| Local Transport | 700 |
| Intercity Travel | 1,600 |
| Sightseeing & Entry | 500 |
| Miscellaneous | 300 |
| Total | 7,000 |
🏨 Stay – Budget Hostels & Guesthouses
Thailand has some of the best budget hostels in Asia. Dorm beds start from ₹300/night (THB 130), and most include free Wi-Fi, lockers, and sometimes even breakfast.
Suggested Stay Plan:
- Bangkok: 2 Nights – Near Khao San Road or Pratunam (₹350/night)
- Pattaya: 2 Nights – Near Beach Road or Walking Street (₹300/night)
- Phuket: 2 Nights – Patong Beach (₹400/night)
🍜 Food – Street Food is the Key
Street food in Thailand is cheap, fresh, and delicious. Skip expensive restaurants and stick to local markets and food stalls.
Average Costs:
- Pad Thai / Fried Rice – ₹60–₹80 (THB 25–35)
- Mango Sticky Rice – ₹80 (THB 35)
- Satay (5 sticks) – ₹100 (THB 40)
- Noodle Soup – ₹70–₹90 (THB 30–40)
Daily Food Budget: ₹250–₹300
🚌 Intercity Travel – Bus Routes & Costs
Here’s the exact bus route plan for the ₹7,000 itinerary:
1️⃣ Bangkok → Pattaya
- Bus From: Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal
- Fare: ₹250 (THB 100)
- Time: 2 hours
- Frequency: Every 30–40 mins
2️⃣ Pattaya → Bangkok (Return)
- Bus From: Pattaya Bus Terminal to Ekkamai/Mo Chit
- Fare: ₹250 (THB 100)
- Time: 2 hours
3️⃣ Bangkok → Phuket (Overnight Bus)
- Bus From: Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
- Fare: ₹1,100–₹1,200 (THB 450–500) – Ordinary AC Bus (cheaper than flights)
- Time: 13–14 hours (overnight saves one night’s stay)
4️⃣ Phuket → Bangkok (If Returning)
- Same as above, or choose overnight bus again (₹1,200)
🚶 Local Transport
- Bangkok: Use BTS Skytrain (₹60/trip), buses (₹20), or walk
- Pattaya: Songthaew shared taxis (₹20–₹50 per ride)
- Phuket: Use local buses (₹40–₹50) instead of tuk-tuks
🗓 Detailed 7-Day Itinerary Under ₹7,000
Day 1 – Arrive in Bangkok
- Check into hostel (₹350).
- Evening: Explore Khao San Road and street food night market.
- Dinner: Pad Thai (₹70) + Mango Sticky Rice (₹80).
- Spend: ₹500
Day 2 – Bangkok Temples & Markets
- Breakfast: Banana Pancake (₹60).
- Visit: Wat Pho (₹100), Wat Arun (₹50).
- Lunch: Noodle Soup (₹70).
- Evening: Chatuchak Market or MBK Mall (free to explore).
- Spend: ₹350
Day 3 – Bangkok to Pattaya
- Morning bus to Pattaya (₹250).
- Check into hostel (₹300).
- Afternoon: Pattaya Beach (free).
- Evening: Walking Street (free to walk around).
- Dinner: Satay (₹100) + Fried Rice (₹70).
- Spend: ₹720
Day 4 – Pattaya Exploration
- Breakfast: Poached Egg & Toast (₹70).
- Day trip to Koh Larn Island (Ferry ₹100 round trip).
- Lunch on island (₹120).
- Evening: Street market dinner (₹100).
- Spend: ₹400
Day 5 – Pattaya to Bangkok to Phuket
- Morning bus to Bangkok (₹250).
- Evening overnight bus to Phuket (₹1,200).
- Meals during travel: ₹150.
- Spend: ₹1,600 (saves one night stay)
Day 6 – Phuket Beaches
- Check into hostel (₹400).
- Visit Patong Beach & Kata Beach (free).
- Lunch: Pad Thai (₹70).
- Evening: Explore Bangla Road nightlife (free to walk around).
- Spend: ₹600
Day 7 – Phuket Markets & Departure
- Breakfast: Pancake (₹60).
- Visit Phuket Weekend Market (free to browse).
- Lunch: Noodles (₹70).
- Local bus to airport/bus terminal (₹50).
- Spend: ₹250
✅ Total Expense Recap
| Expense | Cost (₹) |
| Stay (6 Nights) | 2,100 |
| Food (7 Days) | 1,800 |
| Local Transport | 700 |
| Intercity Buses | 1,600 |
| Entry Fees | 300 |
| Miscellaneous | 500 |
| Total | 7,000 |
🛠 Money-Saving Hacks
- Travel Overnight – Saves 1 night’s hostel cost per city change.
- Eat Street Food – Healthier and cheaper than tourist restaurants.
- Use Public Buses – Avoid tuk-tuks and tourist taxis.
- Free Attractions First – Beaches, markets, and temples with no entry fee.
- Stay in Hostels with Free Breakfast – Saves ₹60–₹100 daily.
🏝 Final Word
Thailand doesn’t have to be a luxury holiday. With smart travel choices — like overnight buses, budget hostels, and street food — you can enjoy Bangkok’s temples, Pattaya’s beaches, and Phuket’s island vibes for just ₹7,000 on-ground expenses.
The bonus? You’ll experience the real Thailand, meet locals, and enjoy authentic flavors — all without breaking the bank.
