What budget for activities and outings Thailand?

Entrance fees for the main temples (Wat Pho, Wat Arun) are around 200 Baht, and up to 500 Baht for Bangkok's Royal Palace. Museum entrance fees range from 40 to 200 Baht. There are always discounts for children (under-12s almost always benefit from a 50% discount), and sometimes for senior citizens. Entrance fees to National Parks vary from 100 to 400 Baht per day. Show tickets, on the other hand, can be quite expensive, and can quickly add to the budget when traveling with the family; expect to pay between 500 and 2,000 Baht per person to attend a Muay Thai evening at a stadium, and from 1,300 Baht for a show such as Fantasea or Siam Niramit).

Entrance to certain temples and historic parks (such as Ayutthaya or Sukhothai) is often free during major religious festivals (Loy Krathong, Songkran).

It's impossible to visit Thailand without trying out the local specialty: massage! You'll find them starting at 300 Baht, but the price can rise quickly if you go to a luxury spa. Thai massage is quite "sporty" and traditionally done over clothing; for gentler massages, opt for oil or aloe vera massages.

Diving club fees are relatively high, but much lower than in France, yet the services are of excellent quality.

Full-day boat trips, which usually include a meal and activities, cost around 2,000 Baht per person.

The cost of living is significantly lower in Thailand, and bargains are available, particularly in electronics, telephony and clothing. The government has set up a VAT refund system (7%) for all travelers to encourage shopping in the country. The refund applies to items costing more than 2,000 baht purchased in a store displaying the words "VAT refund for tourists". The total amount must be over 5,000 baht and the purchase must be made at least 60 days before departure. Ask the shopkeeper for a form to fill in, then present this form at the airport (allow extra time for this).

Bar entry is free, while club entry can cost up to B500 or more if an internationally renowned DJ is performing. Bangkok's rooftop bars require proper attire (no open shoes or shorts). While entry is often free, drink prices are often exorbitant...

What budget to eat Thailand?

Found in every city in the country, the night markets offer cheap evening meals, often with a wide choice of dishes. Small restaurants frequented by locals are also often inexpensive, but you'll have to choose a dish "blind" or by showing a photo of the menu, as the latter is very rarely translated into English. Payment is made in cash in the smaller establishments, and by credit card in the more upscale ones.

Don't forget to check out the "Where to stay" sections to find a good place to eat, as most hotels and guesthouses have their own restaurant, and some are well worth a visit.

Prices for an espresso or cappuccino in the big city stores are much the same as in France. Prices are considerably lower in street stalls and some small shops.

Prices for alcoholic beverages vary according to the type of establishment and the location. A large local-brand beer costs less than 50 baht in a store, and between 70 and 120 baht in bars and restaurants.

What is the budget for accommodation Thailand?

Thailand's hotel clientele can be divided into several categories: on the one hand, foreign tourists - bearing in mind that Westerners and Asians do not express the same needs - and on the other, locals who travel to their country for professional reasons or vacations, just like Europeans. Of course, not all these travelers have the same budget, nor are they looking for the same type of accommodation. Asian customers account for around 60% of foreign tourism to Thailand. They include Japanese, Koreans, Malaysians, Chinese, Singaporeans and Taiwanese. Here is a general classification of hotel establishments:

Low-end. From 200 to 900 B, ventilation or air-conditioning; shower with hot water. These are often mini-hotels, mostly in the provinces, with comfortable rooms, but small in size, simple in decoration and not necessarily including breakfast. Lower-end hotels with mainly local clientele are not recommended for foreign tourists, due to their lack of comfort or upkeep.

Mid-range. From 1,000 to 1,900 B; air-conditioned; private shower (hot water); minibar; cable TV (some international channels); restaurant or coffee-shop available. In this category, some opulent hotels catering to Asian businessmen - of fairly old construction and usually run by local Chinese families - offer Westerners an advantageous option thanks to their relative comfort and reasonable rates. These establishments can be found in all the country's cities of any commercial importance.

Top of the range. More than 2,000 B. All modern comforts of international category; several restaurants, bars or nightclubs available; massage salon or spa. International hotels are classified by star rating. Expect to pay between B5,000 and B30,000 for a 5-star hotel, between B3,000 and B5,000 for a 4-star hotel, and between B1,000 and B2,000 for a 3-star hotel. As these luxury establishments are often half-empty, substantial discounts or upgrades are spontaneously granted during the low tourist season.

The rates given in this guide apply to a double room, except in dormitories, where it's a single bed.

Camping. Because of, or thanks to, inexpensive hotel accommodation, camping has never really developed in Thailand, except in national parks, of course, and in northern Phuket. It has to be said that even outside the monsoon season, a thunderstorm is a sobering experience. And the humid heat soon turns a tent into a sauna. Nevertheless, don't forget a light sleeping bag or, better still, a meat bag, and a mosquito net if you're a keen hiker. When trekking in the northern region, accommodation is often in ethnic villages, and tents are not necessary.

Travel budget Thailand and cost of living

This is one of Thailand's great advantages: the standard of living is considerably lower than in France, by 50% on average. You can easily eat for €1.50 in the street and between €5 and €10 in restaurants. Outside Bangkok and the major tourist cities in the south, you can sleep in guesthouses for €8-10 a night, and in a hotel for €15 or more. Activities are also cheaper: bike hire for €2 a day, 1-day trek for €25 (transport, food, guide and visits included), etc. Generally speaking, the South is more expensive than the North, and the islands and Bangkok hold the monopoly on the highest prices. In some cases, you could end up with excursions costing almost €50 a day and rustic beachside bungalows for €40.

Minimum budget for a budget traveler: B10,000 per week.

A low-end hotel room: 150 to 700 B.

A mid-range hotel room: 700 to 1,500 B.

Rent for a furnished room (for a Thai): 3,000 - 4,000 B per month.

Minimum salary for a Thai civil servant: B6,000 per month.

A meal in a popular Thai restaurant: B40 to B100.

Street food (night market): B30 to B50.

A bottle of water: 15 B to 20 B.

A large beer at the corner store: 70 B.

An average motorcycle cab ride: 50 to 80 B.

An average meter cab ride in Bangkok: 50 to 100 B.

A liter of gasoline at the pump: about 35 B.

A metro/BTS ticket in Bangkok: B15 to B42, depending on the route.

Car rental by the day: 1,000 to 2,000 B.

Scooter rental per day: B200 to B400.

A locally-made shirt: 250 B.

T-shirt: B150 to B400, depending on quality.

One hour of traditional massage: B300 to B950.