It is not as impossible as it seems to plan a Thailand trip under INR 60,000 in 2025-26. Indian tourists can enjoy the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other places without draining their wallets by planning and making their arrangements in advance. It is a step-by-step plan, a factual Thailand tour guide, some real cost estimates, some itineraries, packing tips, and money-saving hacks, all in an envelope of INR 60,000. 

Can You Really Do Thailand on INR 60,000?

Expense Category	Typical Cost	Practical Tips / What It Really Means
Flights (Return from India)	INR 12,000 – 30,000	Book early for the best rates; flights from smaller cities may cost more. Some package sites offer bundles under 20k for short stays.
Accommodation (per night)	THB 800 – 2,000 (dorm/hostel/budget private)	Cheapest rates in backpacker districts; mid-market hotels can cost double.
Local Transportation	THB 100 – 1,000/day (public/local), THB 400 – 800/day (scooter)	Night trains or buses can save a night’s accommodation; book short-hop flights in advance.
Food (per meal)	THB 150 – 450	Street food is affordable, fast, and everywhere; choose busy stalls for freshness.
Activities & Entry Fees	THB 125 – 1,250	Temples and beaches are often free; organised tours and island trips add to costs.
SIM / Data	Starting at THB 50; typical THB 200 – 500	Local providers: AIS, DTAC, TrueMove. Airport kiosks are convenient.
Package Option Example	3-night packages from INR 19,133	Bundles may include hotels and transfers; compare inclusions vs DIY options.
Budget Buffer	8 – 15% of the total budget	For upgrades, detours, or unexpected expenses.

Pro Tip: Always use live exchange rates (Investing.com, ICICI, Axis) when converting THB to INR. High season (Nov-Feb) inflates all numbers. Book flights and at least one city transfer early.

Planning Tips for Thailand on a Budget

• 

Booking Timeline:

• Flights: 6–12 weeks in advance; set alerts. Wednesday mornings often show the best fares.
• Hostels/Guesthouses: 4–8 weeks ahead for peak months; last-minute deals possible in low season.
• Domestic Travel (Bus/Train/Flights): 3–6 weeks ahead; night buses/trains save a hotel night.

Visa Basics for Indians:

• A Thailand e‑Visa is mandatory. Use the official portal: Thailand e-Visa Details
• Keep print/digital copy, passport valid 6+ months, and hotel proof ready.

Insurance & Health:

• Travel insurance for medical emergencies and evacuation is essential.
• Carry or store digitally: bookings, insurance, passport, and emergency contacts.
• Consult your doctor for vaccinations: Hep A/B, Typhoid, Rabies.

Flights:

• Budget airlines may exclude baggage and factor in extra charges.
• Stick to the route and trip unless visiting multiple cities.

Cost Profiles by City & Travel Style

Travel Style	Accommodation	Food	Activities	Notes
Hostel & Street-Food Ninja	THB 800–2,000	THB 150–450	Free temples, beaches	Cheapest option, mostly DIY
Comfortable Explorer	Mix budget & private rooms	Mix street & cheap restaurants	Paid tours selectively	Balance comfort and cost
Part-Time Splurger	Better hotels	Restaurants & cafes	Paid tours & island trips	Higher budget, more convenience

Savings Hotspots:

• Accommodation: Backpacker districts (Bangkok: Khao San, Chiang Mai: Old City, Phuket: Patong).
• Transport: Night buses/trains + mass transit instead of taxis.
• Activities: Temples, walking markets, DIY beaches.

Peak Season Alert: Nov–Feb can inflate costs 10–40%.

Sample Itineraries & Daily Costs

Trip	Daily Budget (THB)	Highlights	Money-Saving Tips
3-Day Bangkok	4,200–7,300	Khao San, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya River, Chatuchak	Street food, city trains/boats, avoid malls
5-Day Chiang Mai	6,300–12,200	Old City temples/markets, Doi Suthep, cooking class, songthaews	Overnight train saves hotel; book domestic flights early
7-Day Phuket/Krabi	9,300–20,000	Beaches, shared snorkelling tours	Limit inter-island trips; use public boats

Note: Packaged 3-night deals starting INR 19,133. Compare each inclusion against DIY. Include e-Visa and SIM costs in the spreadsheet.

Cutting Costs on Your Thailand Vacation Without Sacrificing Fun

Accommodation

• Stay in backpacker districts: Bangkok (Khao San), Chiang Mai (Old City), Phuket (Patong/near).
• Book 4-8 weeks ahead; low season may allow last-minute deals.
• Compare package vs DIY costs; factor in airport transfers.

Transport

• Night trains/buses = transport + hotel cost.
• Scooters THB 400-800/day; helmets and insurance mandatory.
• Cheap flights: 3-6 weeks in advance; check fees carefully.

Food & Entertainment

• Eat where locals eat; busy street carts = fresh and safe.
• Street meals THB 150-450.
• Shared tours or free attractions; splurge only for one key highlight.

Seven-Day Budget Example:

• Aim for THB 9,300-12,000 on-ground, plus a return flight on sale = 7-day trip within INR 60,000.

Packing Essentials

• 

• Passport, e-Visa print, travel insurance (digital copy too)
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes; a towel
• Charger + power bank
• Painkillers, sunscreen, bug spray
• Day bag, comfortable shoes
• A helmet when riding scooters

Arrival Tips:

• Keep airport cash for taxi/train.
• Buy a tourist SIM at the airport (~THB 50, data 200–500).

Safety & Money:

• Use the ATM wisely; carry a mix of cash and cards.
• Don’t leave valuables unattended.
• Respect local customs; small tips are appreciated.

7. Google Sheet Budget Template + FAQs

Build a Budget Spreadsheet

1. Enter flight cost in INR.
2. List accommodation, food, transport, activities, and SIM in THB.
3. Add a live exchange rate cell.
4. Multiply THB by the exchange rate for INR total.
5. Add visa, insurance, and 8–15% buffer.
6. Compare against the INR 60,000 target.

Final Takeaway

The Thailand trip under INR 60,000 can be done with proper planning, prior reservations, and prudent expenditures in the streets. Target areas on the backpacker, local transportation, street food, and one luxurious activity per trip. Record every expense in a spreadsheet, add a buffer, and compare packaged deals with DIY expenses. It will be cheap and memorable: just follow the plan and be disciplined, and in 2025, your 3-7-day Thailand adventure will be cheap and memorable.

FAQ: Thailand Trip Under INR 60,000

1. Would I ever visit Thailand, spending less than INR 60,000?

Yes. Through early bookings, staying in a low-cost hostel or a dorm (THB 8002000 a night), street food (THB 150450 a meal), transportation (public), and restricted paid tours, a 37-day trip to Thailand can easily be spent under INR 60,000.

2. What is the best time to make flights between India and Thailand?

The most appropriate time is 6-12 weeks ahead of time. Use fare alerts on Skyscanner, Kayak, or Momondo. Find weekdays (Tuesday- Wednesday) because they are usually cheaper to travel on. Get a budget of INR 12,000 -30,000 in accordance with the city, season, and airline.

3. What are the cheap Thai cities to visit?

• Bangkok: Temples, markets and river tours are cheap.
• Chiang Mai: Old City, Doi Suthep, cooking classes, and street food are very inexpensive.
• Phuket/Krabi: Beaches, combined tours, and local food make the cost low.
• Stay within budget by focusing on one or two of them.

4. Should I have a visa to visit Thailand in India?

Yes. Indian travellers will be able to receive an e-Visa online since January 2025. Make sure that your passport is valid within 6 months, carry hotel documentation, and print or save your approval number.

5. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Medical emergency, evacuation and accidental damage as basic travel insurance are cheap (much less than INR 2531/day in Tata AIG or HDFC ERGO) and should be strongly considered.

6. How much THB should I carry?

Bring the essentials of the first day: transportation, food, and other nominal charges (~THB 1,0002,000). Big purchases should be done using cards, but small things like street food, ferries and small purchases should all be done using cash.