A 7-day budget Thailand trip costs ₹35,000-₹50,000 per person, covering Bangkok’s temples and night markets (2 nights), Chiang Mai’s cultural experiences (2 nights), and Phuket’s stunning beaches and Phi Phi Islands (3 nights). This itinerary includes flights from India, budget accommodation, street food, local transport, and essential activities.
Thailand stands as one of the most rewarding and budget-friendly destinations for Indian travelers, offering an incredible blend of ancient temples, tropical beaches, vibrant street food culture, and unforgettable experiences. This comprehensive 7-day itinerary balances must-see attractions with budget-conscious choices, ensuring you experience Thailand’s highlights without breaking the bank.
Budget Breakdown: What Does a 7-Day Thailand Trip Really Cost?
Budget Traveler (₹35,000 – ₹50,000 per person)
Flights from India: ₹20,000 – ₹28,000
Accommodation: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 (₹1,000-1,500/night)
Food: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 (₹500-700/day)
Local Transportation: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Activities & Sightseeing: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500
Miscellaneous: ₹500 – ₹1,000
Mid-Range Traveler (₹55,000 – ₹85,000 per person)
Flights: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000
Accommodation: ₹17,500 – ₹28,000 (₹2,500-4,000/night)
Food: ₹7,000 – ₹10,500 (₹1,000-1,500/day)
Transportation: ₹3,500 – ₹5,500
Activities: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
Miscellaneous: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
For couples planning a romantic getaway, expect to budget ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh for two people, while families might spend ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 for a group of 3-4 people.
Day-by-Day 7-Day Thailand Budget Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok – Temple Hopping and Cultural Immersion
Morning Arrival (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
- Take the Airport Rail Link to city center (₹150)
- Check into budget accommodation in Khao San Road area (₹800-1,200/night)
- Budget Stay Options: Mad Monkey Hostel, Lub D Bangkok Silom, or The Overstay
Afternoon Adventures
Start your Thailand journey with Bangkok’s most iconic attractions:
- Grand Palace Complex (Entry: ₹1,500) – Thailand’s most sacred temple featuring the Emerald Buddha
- Wat Pho Temple (Entry: ₹300) – Home to the magnificent 46-meter Reclining Buddha
- Wat Arun (Entry: ₹150) – The stunning Temple of Dawn across the Chao Phraya River
Evening Exploration
- Take a longtail boat ride along Bangkok’s historic canals (₹200-300)
- Explore Khao San Road for budget dinner and nightlife
- Try authentic Thai street food: Pad Thai (₹100), Tom Yum soup (₹150), Mango Sticky Rice (₹120)
Daily Budget: ₹2,500-3,500
Day 2: Bangkok Markets and Modern Attractions
Morning Market Adventures
- Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market (if weekend) – Asia’s largest weekend market with over 15,000 stalls
- Alternative: Pratunam Market for shopping and local experiences
- Breakfast: Traditional Thai breakfast at market stalls (₹150-200)
Afternoon Cultural Experiences
- Jim Thompson House Museum (Entry: ₹500) – Learn about Thai silk heritage
- Lumpini Park – Free relaxation space in the heart of Bangkok
- MBK Center – Budget shopping for souvenirs and local products
Evening Sky-High Views
- Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower – Panoramic city views (drinks from ₹800)
- Alternative budget option: Baiyoke Sky Tower observation deck (₹400)
- Dinner at Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Famous for authentic Chinese-Thai cuisine
Daily Budget: ₹2,000-3,000
Day 3: Travel to Chiang Mai – Northern Culture Hub
Morning Departure
- Budget flight Bangkok to Chiang Mai (₹3,000-5,000) – 1.5 hours
- Alternative: Overnight train (₹1,500-2,500) – 12 hours, saves accommodation cost
- Check into Old City area accommodation
Afternoon Exploration
- Wat Phra Singh – Chiang Mai’s most revered temple (Free entry)
- Wat Chedi Luang – Ancient temple with impressive ruins (₹100)
- Walking tour of Chiang Mai Old City – Historic walls and ancient gates
Evening Night Market Experience
- Sunday Walking Street Market (if Sunday) – Stretching along Rachadamnoen Road
- Night Bazaar – Daily market perfect for souvenir shopping
- Chiang Mai Gate Market – Local food paradise
- Try Northern Thai specialties: Khao Soi curry noodles (₹120), Sai Oua sausage (₹100)
Daily Budget: ₹2,500-4,000 (including flight)
Day 4: Chiang Mai Adventures and Cultural Experiences
Morning Temple and Nature
- Doi Suthep Temple – Sacred mountaintop temple with city views (₹100 entry + ₹200 songthaew)
- Bhubing Palace Gardens – Royal winter residence with beautiful flowers (₹150)
Afternoon Unique Experiences
Choose one based on interest:
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (₹2,000-3,000) – Interact with rescued elephants
- Thai Cooking Class (₹1,500-2,500) – Learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes
- Zipline Adventure (₹2,500-4,000) – Jungle canopy experience
Evening Relaxation
- Traditional Thai massage (₹500-800)
- Explore Nimmanhaemin Road – Trendy area with cafes and boutiques
- Saturday Walking Street (if Saturday) – Wualai Road market
Daily Budget: ₹3,000-5,000
Day 5: Flight to Phuket – Island Paradise Begins
Morning Travel
- Flight Chiang Mai to Phuket (₹4,000-6,000) – 2 hours
- Airport transfer to Patong Beach area (₹300-500 via airport bus)
- Check into beachside accommodation
Afternoon Beach Introduction
- Patong Beach – Phuket’s most famous beach with water sports
- Kata Beach – Quieter alternative with great swimming
- Karon Beach – Long stretch perfect for beach walks
- Lunch at beachfront restaurants (₹300-500)
Evening Phuket Experience
- Patong’s Bangla Road – Famous nightlife strip with bars and clubs
- Local seafood dinner at beach restaurants (₹800-1,200)
- Fire shows and street performances (Free entertainment)
Daily Budget: ₹4,500-6,500 (including flight)
Day 6: Phi Phi Islands Day Trip – Tropical Paradise
Full Day Island Hopping Adventure
- Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour (₹2,500-3,500) including:
- Maya Bay – Famous beach from “The Beach” movie
- Monkey Beach – Observe wild monkeys in natural habitat
- Viking Cave – Ancient cave paintings and bird nests
- Bamboo Island – Crystal clear waters perfect for swimming
- Koh Phi Phi Don – Main island with restaurants and shops
Tour Inclusions:
- Round-trip speedboat transfers
- Snorkeling equipment
- Lunch on Phi Phi Don island
- Professional tour guide
- Life jackets and safety equipment
Evening Return
- Return to Phuket around 6 PM
- Relaxed dinner at local restaurant
- Beach walk and sunset viewing
Daily Budget: ₹3,000-4,000
Day 7: Phuket Exploration and Departure
Morning Final Adventures
- Big Buddha – 45-meter marble statue with panoramic views (Free entry)
- Wat Chalong – Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple (Free entry)
- Phuket Old Town – Sino-Portuguese architecture and local markets
Afternoon Shopping and Relaxation
- Weekend Night Market – Local products and street food
- Central Festival Phuket – Modern shopping mall for last-minute purchases
- Thai massage for ultimate relaxation (₹500-800)
Evening Departure
- Transfer to Phuket International Airport (₹300-500)
- Flight to Bangkok connecting to India (₹4,000-6,000)
Daily Budget: ₹2,000-3,500
Transportation Guide for Budget Travelers
Getting to Thailand from India
Direct Flights Available From:
- Delhi to Bangkok: ₹15,000-25,000 (Thai Airways, IndiGo, Air India)
- Mumbai to Bangkok: ₹18,000-28,000
- Kolkata to Bangkok: ₹12,000-20,000
- Chennai to Phuket: ₹20,000-35,000 (Seasonal direct flights)
Budget Airline Options:
- Thai AirAsia
- Scoot Airlines
- IndiGo (direct flights)
Domestic Transportation in Thailand
Budget Options:
- Domestic flights: ₹3,000-6,000 between major cities
- Trains: Overnight sleeper trains save accommodation costs (₹1,500-2,500)
- Buses: Most economical option (₹500-1,200 between cities)
Local Transportation:
- Tuk-tuks: ₹100-300 for short distances (negotiate prices)
- Songthaews: Shared pickup trucks (₹50-150)
- Grab/Uber: Available in major cities with transparent pricing
- Local buses: Most budget-friendly option (₹30-100)
Accommodation Options by Budget
Budget Accommodations (₹800-1,500/night)
Bangkok:
- Mad Monkey Hostel Khao San
- Lub D Bangkok Silom
- The Overstay Hostel
Chiang Mai:
- Deejai Backpackers
- Julie Guesthouse
- Green Tulip House
Phuket:
- Slumber Party Hostel Patong
- Mad Monkey Hostel Patong
- Phuket Backpacker Hostel
Mid-Range Options (₹2,500-4,000/night)
Bangkok:
- Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom
- Centara Grand Central Plaza
- The Sukosol Hotel
Chiang Mai:
- Le Meridien Chiang Mai
- Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai
- Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai
Phuket:
- Novotel Phuket Resort
- Centara Grand Beach Resort
- Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort
Food Guide: Budget-Friendly Thai Cuisine
Street Food Must-Tries
Essential Dishes (₹80-200 each):
- Pad Thai – Stir-fried noodles with tamarind sauce
- Tom Yum Goong – Spicy and sour shrimp soup
- Green Curry – Creamy coconut curry with vegetables or meat
- Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet dessert perfect for hot weather
- Som Tam – Spicy papaya salad
Street Food Locations:
- Bangkok: Khao San Road, Chinatown, Chatuchak Market
- Chiang Mai: Night Bazaar, Sunday Walking Street
- Phuket: Patong Beach Road, Weekend Night Market
Restaurant Recommendations
Budget Restaurants (₹200-500 per meal):
- Local “khao gaeng” (rice and curry) shops
- Food courts in shopping malls
- Night market food stalls
Mid-Range Dining (₹500-1,200 per meal):
- Traditional Thai restaurants
- Beachfront seafood restaurants
- Hotel restaurants during happy hours
Activities and Attractions Budget Guide
| Activity | Location | Cost (₹) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Palace | Bangkok | 1,500 | 3-4 hours |
| Wat Pho Temple | Bangkok | 300 | 2 hours |
| Phi Phi Islands Tour | Phuket | 2,500-3,500 | Full day |
| Elephant Sanctuary | Chiang Mai | 2,000-3,000 | Half day |
| Thai Cooking Class | Chiang Mai | 1,500-2,500 | 4-5 hours |
| Doi Suthep Temple | Chiang Mai | 300 | Half day |
| Thai Massage | Anywhere | 500-800 | 1-2 hours |
| Tuk-tuk City Tour | Bangkok | 1,000-1,500 | 3-4 hours |
Essential Travel Tips for Budget Travelers
Money-Saving Strategies
Accommodation:
- Book hostels or guesthouses in advance for better rates
- Stay slightly outside main tourist areas for lower prices
- Consider fan rooms instead of air conditioning to save money
Food:
- Eat at local street stalls and markets
- Avoid hotel restaurants except for breakfast
- Buy fruits from local markets for healthy snacks
Transportation:
- Use public transportation whenever possible
- Book flights 2-3 months in advance
- Consider overnight trains to save on accommodation
Cultural Etiquette and Safety
Dress Code:
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples
- Remove shoes before entering temples and some shops
- Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas
Safety Tips:
- Keep copies of important documents
- Use hotel safes for valuables
- Avoid unlicensed tour operators
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen consistently
Seasonal Considerations and Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (November – March)
- Pros: Perfect weather, cool and dry
- Cons: Higher prices, crowded attractions
- Budget Impact: 20-30% more expensive
Shoulder Season (April – June, September – October)
- Pros: Better prices, fewer crowds
- Cons: Hotter weather, occasional rain
- Budget Impact: Moderate pricing
Low Season (July – August)
- Pros: Lowest prices, lush green landscapes
- Cons: Heavy rain, some attractions may close
- Budget Impact: 30-40% cheaper
7-Day Thailand Itinerary Variations
For Couples – Romantic Focus
Days 1-2: Bangkok luxury hotels, river cruise dinner
Days 3-4: Chiang Mai spa resorts, couples cooking class
Days 5-7: Koh Samui or Krabi beaches, private island tours
Budget Increase: Add ₹15,000-25,000 for romantic upgrades
For Families with Kids
Days 1-2: Bangkok child-friendly attractions (Safari World, Siam Ocean World)
Days 3-4: Chiang Mai elephant sanctuaries, zip-lining
Days 5-7: Phuket beach activities, water parks
Considerations: Add ₹20,000-30,000 for family-friendly accommodations and activities
For Backpackers – Ultra Budget
Focus: Hostels, street food, public transport, free activities
Budget Range: ₹25,000-35,000 per person
Key Changes: Overnight buses instead of flights, dormitory accommodation throughout
Visa and Travel Requirements
Indian Passport Holders:
- Visa on Arrival: Available for stays up to 15 days (₹2,000)
- Tourist Visa: 30-60 days validity (₹1,500-3,000)
- Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), return ticket proof, accommodation booking
Documentation Needed:
- Passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of onward/return travel
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Key Takeaways
- A 7-day Thailand budget trip costs ₹35,000-50,000 per person including flights, accommodation, food, and activities
- The classic route covers Bangkok (culture/temples), Chiang Mai (mountains/adventure), and Phuket (beaches/islands)
- Street food and local transportation can significantly reduce daily expenses
- Book flights 2-3 months in advance for best deals from India
- Shoulder seasons offer better value with reasonable weather
- Budget accommodation ranges from ₹800-1,500/night in hostels to ₹2,500-4,000/night for hotels
- Essential experiences like Phi Phi Islands and temple visits fit within budget constraints
- Cultural sensitivity and modest dressing enhance local interactions and temple visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best 7-day Thailand itinerary for first-time visitors from India?
A1: The ideal first-timer itinerary covers Bangkok (2 nights) for temples and culture, Chiang Mai (2 nights) for northern experiences and elephants, and Phuket (3 nights) for beaches and Phi Phi Islands. This provides a balanced mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation within budget constraints.
Q2: How much does a 7-day Thailand trip cost from India for a couple?
A2: A Thailand trip for couples costs ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh depending on travel style. Budget couples can manage ₹80,000-1,00,000 with hostels and street food, while mid-range couples spending ₹1,20,000-1,50,000 enjoy private rooms and restaurant meals. Luxury experiences cost ₹2,00,000+.
Q3: Is 7 days enough for Thailand, and what should I prioritize?
A3: Seven days is sufficient for Thailand highlights if well-planned. Focus on 2-3 destinations maximum to avoid travel fatigue. Prioritize Bangkok for culture, one northern city (Chiang Mai) for mountains/adventure, and one southern destination (Phuket/Krabi) for beaches. Don’t attempt to cover too many locations.
Q4: What are the best budget accommodation options in Thailand?
A4: Budget travelers should consider hostels (₹800-1,500/night) like Mad Monkey, Lub D, or local guesthouses. Mid-range options (₹2,500-4,000/night) include Novotel, Centara, or boutique hotels. Book in advance, consider fan rooms over AC, and stay slightly outside main tourist areas for better rates.
Q5: How can I create a Thailand itinerary that includes both beaches and cultural experiences on a budget?
A5: Allocate 2 days for Bangkok’s temples and culture, 2 days for Chiang Mai’s northern experiences, and 3 days for Phuket’s beaches and islands. Use budget airlines for domestic flights (₹3,000-5,000), stay in hostels, eat street food, and book group tours for activities like Phi Phi Islands to reduce costs.
Sources
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- YouTube – Thailand Travel Ultimate Guide 2025
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