Bangkok is one of the most accessible Asian capitals for European travellers, with an average daily budget of €40/day/person covering comfortable accommodation, three meals and BTS travel. That figure compresses or stretches considerably depending on the chosen level.
A backpacker can live very comfortably on €18-25 a day: a dorm bed in a Banglamphu or Ekkamai hostel (350-600 THB, €9-16), street meals in Chinatown or at night markets (40-120 THB per meal, €1-3), travel by BTS and express boat (20-60 THB per ride). The mid-range traveller — clean air-conditioned double room in a Sukhumvit or Silom hotel (900-2,500 THB/night, €24-66), mid-range restaurants (200-500 THB per meal), Grab taxis — lands between €40 and €80 per day. The luxury traveller in the great Sukhumvit hotels (Marriott, Sofitel, or design boutique hotels at 3,000-8,000 THB/night, €79-210), enjoying spas, rooftop bars and starred restaurants, counts €150-300 per day in Bangkok.
By spending category, here are realistic ranges. Accommodation: dorm 200-500 THB (€5-13), basic double 600-1,200 THB (€16-32), comfort hotel 1,200-3,000 THB (€32-79), luxury hotel 3,000-15,000 THB (€79-395). Food: street meal 40-100 THB (€1-2.60), local restaurant 150-300 THB (€4-8), international restaurant 400-1,000 THB (€10-26). Transport: BTS/MRT 15-59 THB per ride, Grab 80-300 THB by distance, Chao Phraya boat 15-40 THB. Site entries: Grand Palace plus Wat Phra Kaew 500 THB (€13), Wat Pho 200 THB (€5), Wat Arun 100 THB (€2.60). Activities: Thai massage at Wat Pho 260-420 THB (€7-11), cooking class 800-1,500 THB (€21-39), organised Ayutthaya day trip 800-1,200 THB (€21-32).
Budget tips: avoid unmetered tuk-tuks — they charge 3 to 5 times Grab prices on the same route. Beware of drivers who suggest a stop at a "partner gem shop" along the way (classic scam). Grand Palace entry (500 THB) is non-negotiable — don't trust anyone who claims it is closed and proposes an alternative. Buy a RABBIT card for the BTS (discount on multi-tickets) if you are staying several days.
Read also
- Bangkok and the North — the complete region — From the capital to Chiang Mai: itineraries, transport and highlights of Northern Thailand.
- Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North — 300 temples, night markets and trekking in the hills, 1h15 flight from Bangkok.
- Thailand — complete country guide — Formalities, budget, regions and best time to visit Thailand.
- Phuket, the southern beaches — 1h30 flight from Bangkok, the beaches of the Andaman Sea and the Phi Phi Islands.