Planning a Thailand trip under ₹40,000 sounds impossible until you learn how Indian backpackers are doing it with smart flight timing, hostel hacks, and island-to-island ferries. This guide gives you a realistic, practical, and tested plan that hundreds of Indian travellers use when visiting Phuket, Krabi, or Bangkok on a tight budget.
Flight Hacks: How to Get Return Tickets Under ₹18,000
Return flights are the biggest worry, but you can easily get them under ₹18,000 if you choose the right timing and airports.
Best low-cost routes:
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Kolkata → Bangkok (₹9,000–₹13,000 return)
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Bengaluru → Phuket (₹14,000–₹18,000 return)
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Delhi → Bangkok (₹15,500–₹19,000 return during sales)
Best booking timing:
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Tuesdays and Wednesdays
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40–50 days before travel
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Red-eye (late night/early morning) flights are the cheapest
Travellers consistently find deals on AirAsia, Indigo, Thai Lion Air, and VietJet using these timings.
Stay Under ₹1,000–₹1,200 Per Night: Real Hostels Loved by Indians
Hostels in Thailand are clean, social, and perfect for solo or group travellers.
Phuket Budget Picks:
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Lub d Phuket Patong – ₹1,100/night
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Bodega Party Hostel – ₹900/night
Bangkok Budget Picks:
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Here Hostel Bangkok – ₹850/night
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Once Again Hostel – ₹900/night
Krabi Budget Picks:
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Slumber Party Hostel – ₹1,000/night
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Nonze Hostel – ₹800/night
Most hostels include:
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Free WiFi
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Locker
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AC dorm rooms
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Social events (pub crawls, walking tours)
Staying 5 nights will cost around ₹4,500–₹6,000.
5–6 Day Itinerary Under ₹40,000 (Realistic, Practical & Tested)
Day 1 – Arrival + Local Markets
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Check-in
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Explore night markets in Phuket/Bangkok
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Try pad thai, mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream
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Budget: ₹400–₹600
Day 2 – Phi Phi Island Day Trip (₹1,200–₹1,800)
A MUST-do. The budget tour includes:
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Boat ride
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Snorkelling gear
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Lunch
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Monkey Beach + Maya Bay View
Choose speedboat only if you have extra budget.
Day 3 – Phuket → Krabi Ferry (₹900–₹1,200)
The ferry ride is scenic and cheaper than flights.
Evening at Ao Nang Beach.
Day 4 – Krabi Four-Island Tour (₹900–₹1,200)
The famous 4-island hop includes:
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Chicken Island
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Tup Island
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Poda Island
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Phra Nang Cave Beach
Great for photos, snorkelling and long-tail boat experience.
Day 5 – Tiger Cave Temple + Local Bus Travel
Tiger Cave Temple has 1,260 steps and a stunning sunrise viewpoint.
Local transport is cheap: ₹40–₹60 per ride.
Day 6 – Return Flight
Collect souvenirs (elephant pants, coconut soap, Thai magnets).
Budget: ₹300–₹500
Food Budget for 6 Days (₹2,500–₹3,500)
Thailand street food is extremely backpacker-friendly.
Affordable meals:
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Pad Thai – ₹120
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Garlic chicken rice – ₹150
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Coconut smoothie – ₹80
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Pancake Nutella – ₹100
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Thai curry with rice – ₹160
Avoid Indian restaurants as they cost 4–5× more.
Total Trip Cost Calculation
Here’s the realistic breakdown Indian travellers follow:
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Return Flights | ₹14,000–₹18,000 |
| 5 Nights Hostel | ₹4,500–₹6,000 |
| Food | ₹2,500–₹3,500 |
| Local Transport | ₹800–₹1,200 |
| Activities (2 tours) | ₹2,000–₹3,000 |
| Ferry/Transfers | ₹900–₹1,200 |
| Misc | ₹1,000 |
Total: ₹32,000–₹38,000 (comfortably under ₹40,000)
Essential Tips to Stay Under Budget
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Convert INR to THB at Indian airports—not in Thailand.
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Use Grab app for taxis—it is cheaper and safer.
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Carry a refillable bottle.
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Shop only at weekend markets — Chatuchak (Bangkok) or Phuket Weekend Market.
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Take hostel group tours instead of private ones.
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Always check SIM plans at airport counters; AIS and Dtac offer ₹350–₹450 7-day packs.
FAQs
How many days are enough for Thailand on a budget?
Five to six days are perfect for covering Phuket, Krabi and one major island trip without overspending.
Can couples travel to Thailand under ₹40,000 each?
Yes. Hostels offer private rooms for ₹1,800–₹2,200/night, and activities remain the same price.
Which is the cheapest month to travel?
June, July, September and early December offer the lowest flight prices.
Is Thailand safe for solo Indians?
Yes. Hostels are friendly, tourist zones are well-lit, and Grab taxis are reliable.
Can vegetarians manage in Thailand?
Absolutely. Look for “Jay Food” stalls (Thai vegetarian). Pad Thai veg, tofu rice bowls and smoothies are widely available.
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