How much spending money do you need for two weeks in Thailand?

For a two-week trip to Thailand, a sensible amount of spending money is roughly £300 to £600 per person — assuming your flights, hotels and main transport are already booked as part of a tour. Thailand is wonderfully good value: the pound stretches a long way, so meals, drinks, taxis, massages and everyday treats cost a fraction of UK prices, and your money goes further than almost anywhere else you might travel long-haul.

That range covers the meals that aren't included, drinks, tips, souvenirs, the odd massage or spa treatment, and optional extras — with room to enjoy yourself. Spend less if you're happy with street food and simple pleasures; budget more if you like smart dinners, cocktails by the beach and plenty of shopping.

Here's what everyday things cost, what to tip, and how to handle cash and cards. (Figures are approximate, in pounds; the local currency is the Thai baht, and exchange rates move over time.)

The quick answer

• Budget roughly £300–£600 per person as spending money for two weeks, on top of a pre-booked tour.
• Thailand is excellent value — street food, taxis and massages cost very little.
• Cash (baht) is king for markets, street food and small places; cards work in hotels and malls.
• Tipping is modest and not obligatory — round up, and tip a little for good service.
• A street-food meal is often £1–£3; a restaurant meal £4–£10; an hour's massage £6–£10.
• ATMs charge a fee (around £4–£5 per withdrawal) — take out larger amounts less often.
• Tell your bank you're travelling, and keep a contingency of £100 or so.
• Set a separate shopping budget — Thailand's markets are very tempting.

On an organised trip, the costly things are already covered, which keeps daily spending very low. Typically included: your flights, hotels, internal flights or trains, transfers, guided sightseeing and often breakfast.

What you'll usually pay for yourself: lunches and dinners outside the hotel, drinks, tips, massages and spa treatments, souvenirs and market shopping, and optional excursions (a cookery class, an island boat trip, an elephant sanctuary visit). Because Thailand is so cheap, even these add up slowly — you can eat superbly for a few pounds. Always check exactly which meals your itinerary includes, as that's the biggest factor in how much cash you'll get through.

Thailand's value shows up in the everyday prices (approximate, in pounds):

• Street-food meal: £1–£3
• Meal at a good local restaurant: £4–£10
• A smarter dinner or a cocktail bar: £15–£30
• A large beer or fresh fruit shake: £1.50–£3
• An hour's Thai massage: £6–£10 — a daily treat for many visitors
• Short tuk-tuk or Grab ride: £1.50–£4
• A market souvenir: a few pounds

Put together, if you're covering your own meals and enjoying a massage or two, a comfortable £20–£35 a day per person goes a long way — often with change to spare. Over two weeks that's roughly £300–£500, plus tips and any serious shopping, which lands you in the £300–£600 range. Few destinations let your holiday money stretch this far.

Tipping. Tipping is not deeply ingrained in Thailand and is never obligatory, but it's appreciated for good service:

• Restaurants: round up the bill, or leave around 10% at nicer places if service isn't added.
• Massages and spas: a small tip (the equivalent of £1–£2) is customary.
• Tour guides and drivers: a few pounds per person per day is a kind gesture on a longer trip.
• Hotel porters: a small note per bag.

Cash and cards.

• Thailand is largely a cash economy for day-to-day spending — carry baht for street food, markets, tuk-tuks and small towns.
• Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and smarter restaurants, less so elsewhere.
• ATMs are everywhere but charge a fixed fee (around £4–£5) per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often.
• Tell your bank you're travelling, and keep cash and a spare card in the hotel safe.

How our experience helps

On our trips the big costs are handled, and your guide can point you to the best-value restaurants and markets, advise on fair tuk-tuk fares, and help you avoid the tourist-price traps. Because Thailand is so affordable and so much is arranged in advance, most travellers are pleasantly surprised by how little spending money they need — and how far it goes.

Frequently asked questions

Is Thailand cheap for UK tourists? Very — it's one of the best-value long-haul destinations. Street food, local restaurants, taxis and massages all cost a fraction of UK prices, so your spending money stretches a long way.

Should I take baht, pounds or dollars? Draw baht from ATMs on arrival for day-to-day spending, and use cards in hotels and malls. You don't need to bring much foreign cash from home, though clean US dollars can be a handy backup.

How much should I budget for tips in Thailand? Not much — tipping is modest and optional. Rounding up bills and small tips for massages, guides and porters across two weeks might total £20–£40 per person.

Can I use my UK card in Thailand? In hotels, malls and smarter restaurants, yes; street food, markets and small places are cash-only. ATMs are widely available but charge a per-withdrawal fee.

How much cash should I carry? Enough baht for the day's meals, transport and small purchases, topped up from ATMs as you go. Keep the rest and a spare card in the hotel safe.

Why do Thai ATMs charge a fee? Thai banks add a fixed fee (around £4–£5) to foreign-card withdrawals on top of your own bank's charges — so it's cheaper to withdraw larger sums less frequently.

Related reading

• How many days do you need in Thailand?
• Is Thailand safe for travellers over 60?
• The best time to visit Thailand