Angela Killian

I feel like the old expats I used to mock… “Thailand isn’t what it used to be” and “It’s so expensive here now”. 15-years after living in Thailand and returning as a tourist… I agreed at first.

I read old journals and realized that the prices haven’t changed that much in 15-years. It feels more expensive because I’m on the AUD now instead of the USD.

Tourism has increased so accommodation prices have blown up in some places. I used to rent a decent private room with bathroom in Phi Phi or Railay for $30 per night… some places are charging that for a bunk bed in a shared dorm or TENT outside now. 🤯 it’s really unbelievable.

Is Thailand a cheap holiday destination? I wouldn’t call it “cheap” anymore. It’s affordable compared to western standards, but there are other Asian countries that I think are better suited to budget travelers. I share them at the end of this post.

I’ve captured some prices on basics from chain stores like 7-11 etc. Others not listed-

Local beer (small can) from 7-11: 40 – 50 THB

Local beer (small can) from a beach bar / restaurant: 90 – 120 THB

750ml bottle of local whisky 300 THB

I always size up a restaurant’s prices based on their spring rolls. 80 – 100 THB = not an expensive place

Curry with rice on the beach: 200+ THB

Fried rice in the beach: 150+ THB

Local places off the beach are around 80 – 150 THB per dish

If you’re looking for a “cheap” place to live as a digital nomad, sadly… Thailand is missing the mark these days because of accommodation prices. Food and drinks are reasonable but on the high side when compared to Vietnam.

I personally loved Vietnam…accommodation costs half of what they charge in Thailand. Food and drinks are cheaper too. Plus, they allow 90-day tourist multiple entry visas for many nationalities, making it a more attractive location for long term travelers or digital nomads.

Cambodia accommodation is also affordable but many places we went were flooded with western food making it not that affordable. Koh Rong Sanloem was very expensive for food and drinks compared to Siem Reap. Surprisingly, most people spoke basic English and they were the friendliest compared to Thailand and Vietnam. Beers were cheap and you can win stuff on the beer tabs (see below!)