Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, a beautiful gem of a country nestled in the very heart of Southeast Asia. Millions of people flock to Thailand each year to taste the delicious cuisine, take in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, or lie out on a white sandy beach on one of its incredible islands. With so much to entice visitors to this country, there is little wonder that it is so popular among tourists today.
Many consider it the best option for both price and value for money, but for all the beauty and excitement that you can find here, is it truly the cheapest place to visit in the region? And are there better holiday spots to be found? Read on to find out…
Is Thailand cheaper or more expensive than Bali?
Bali, an island in Indonesia, is another hugely popular destination for expats and travellers looking to live in or visit paradise. One glimpse of the idyllic beaches, limestone cliffs, and luscious jungle would have anyone applying for a visa. You can learn to surf, experience the ceremonies and celebrations that occur here all year around, or visit a yoga retreat, all on one remarkable island.
Although Bali is an impressive and enticing destination, far cheaper than most places in the West, it is still more expensive than Thailand. Thailand offers a greater range of transportation, accommodation, and eateries all for a lower cost than Bali. Island life often means spending a bit more, with fewer options meaning that you have to stay, eat, and travel however you can.
Is Thailand cheaper or more expensive than Vietnam?
While Thailand is considered an incredible value compared to most of the countries in the world, Vietnam tends to have it beaten for price. Across the board, you can spend less in Vietnam, from accommodation to groceries to travel.
Vietnam shares more than the Gulf of Thailand and some of the same neighbours with Thailand. It is also a stunning country with breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and friendly and welcoming people. Both Vietnam and Thailand are well worth a visit, and travel between the two is quick, easy, and cheap, making spending time in both the best choice you can make.
Is Thailand cheaper or more expensive than the Philippines?
The Philippines comprises more than 7000 islands and is located over 1300 miles away from Thailand. Here you can head out diving in some of the richest spots for biodiversity in the world. You can visit world-famous natural wonders, try the unique delicacies available, and soak up the local flavour all at the same time.
When it comes to determining which is cheaper, there are many criteria to consider here. You can find many options in both that are cheaper than the other. For example, you can spend more, less, or similar rental prices depending on where you live, the size you are looking for, and so on.
In general, the Philippines may be slightly cheaper, and yet you can perhaps get greater value for your money in Thailand. In the main, you can travel more easily and cheaply from Thailand than you could from the Philippines as it is miles away from anywhere else.
Is Thailand cheaper or more expensive than Malaysia?
Once again, depending on the criteria that you use you could claim that each of these countries is cheaper than the other. Certain food and drink can be cheaper in Malaysia, and yet Thailand is set up to be much more of a tourist-centric destination. There are seemingly endless options here for eating, drinking, and anything else that you may wish to do. Among all these options, you are sure to find ones to suit every budget.
Malaysia has a fascinating culture, with a mix of religions, of the old and the new, and of glorious cities and gorgeous scenery. This, again, is a wonderful place to visit and is easy to get to from Bangkok. You can simply store your extra possessions safely and securely in Keep It Luggage Storage in Bangkok, jump on a plane, and be there in less than 2 hours.
Is Thailand cheaper or more expensive than Hong Kong?
While many of the places being compared to Thailand on this list could be called similar in price, Hong Kong is measurably more expensive than the others. Indeed, it is twice as expensive to eat out, visit, and stay in Hong Kong as in Thailand today.
Hong Kong is over 1300 miles from Vietnam, a multi-cultural hub blending all the best elements of the East and the West. You can take in the majestic temples, experience the exciting nightlife, or indulge in the world-famous shopping on offer here.
Hong Kong may be pricier than the other countries on this list, but it does have many benefits that other places in the world do not. It is easier to migrate here than it is to other countries like Australia, for example. And if you do have the money to be able to afford it, you can live very well indeed in this incredible place.
Is Thailand cheaper or more expensive than Cambodia?
Cambodia, Thailand’s neighbour to the east, sits between Vietnam and Thailand both geographically, and often in price. Travelling to and from Cambodia can be much cheaper than in Thailand, though once again Thailand’s abundance of options can play a big role.
If, for example, you travel to Siem Reap airport which is located 20-30 minutes outside of town by car, you don’t have many options to reach your hotel. You cannot really walk the distance, there are no buses available, and the taxis there have set an agreed-upon price that you must pay. In contrast, if you arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can choose any of a variety of cheaper options to get where you need to go.
The sheer number of eating and drinking options, the variety of excellent tourist destinations, and the modes of transport available mean that you can still save money by choosing Thailand over Cambodia. From the unbeatable beauty of the temples in Siem Reap to the modern history of this country, Cambodia is another unmissable country that is easily visited by Thailand.
Cambodian people are known to be the friendliest in an already overwhelmingly welcoming region, while the food is known to be delicious, and the scenery unmatched. So while it may cost you a little more in certain areas than in Thailand to get here, don’t miss out on visiting this spectacular country if you get the chance.
Is Thailand cheaper or more expensive than Laos?
Laos is a paradise for those who enjoy adventure, tasty food, and an intriguing and interesting culture. You can visit this country to hike, rock climb, kayak, and more, all for a similar price to do the same in Thailand. Food tends to be pricier here, but beer is often cheaper. Overall, they are fairly similarly ranked among the cheapest countries in the world.
You can visit Laos for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Wat Phou temple complex, head to Luang Prabang, and take in all of the unforgettable views that are waiting for you here. You may be able to travel from Laos to Thailand in just a few hours, and yet the two countries have as many differences as they do similarities.
Thailand has a much larger population, more places to visit, and attracts more tourists each year. All of this means that you can choose the kind of time you want to have far more in Thailand than in Laos. When you visit Laos, you may be a little more restricted in the kind of places you can visit and the food and accommodation provided, which can add to the price.
Overall, the cost of living and travelling in these two countries can be a little cheaper in either depending on what it is you choose to do there.
Final thoughts
Thailand is known as being a country where most things are cheap, and where you are more or less guaranteed great value for money. Between its almost unending options for eating out, staying, and getting around, you can live life here to any budget you choose, and live very well indeed.
The price of everything from accommodation to a meal in a restaurant to a bus ticket all factors into the overall cost of travel in a country. And by choosing cheaper options, you can prolong your visit, save money, and maybe even visit more than one place. In Thailand, you can choose the way that you experience life here, where you stay, and what you do while you are here.
Perhaps one of the benefits of visiting Thailand that provides the most value is that you don’t have to just stay here. Thailand’s location and excellent storage facilities like Keep It Luggage Storage in Bangkok mean that you don’t have to settle for one country in this amazing region. You can visit them all.