Can I Travel Thailand on a Budget in My 50s?
Short answer: yes, and you’ll be shocked how affordable it can be.
Long answer: let’s break it down; with real numbers, no backpacker nonsense, and no 12-bed dorms full of snorers named Jerry.
I’ve just booked a one-stop flight to Bangkok in May for £383.53 through Booking.com. It includes:
- 25kg checked baggage
- 7kg carry-on
- And enough comfort to avoid spinal regrets
My accommodation averages £22 per night, and I eat like royalty on about £10 a day. I usually plan one proper activity or tour per week, averaging £35 a go.
Of course, I stay for two months because I like to linger—but here’s a realistic budget for a 2-week trip.

🧾 Estimated Costs: 2-Week Solo Trip (Mid-Range Budget, Over 50s Style)
| Item | Estimated Cost (2 Weeks) |
|---|---|
| Flights (return) | £383.53 (based on May) |
| Accommodation (14 nights) | £308 (£22 x 14) |
| Food & drink | £140 (£10/day) |
| Activities/tours | £70 (2 tours @ £35 each) |
| Local transport | £30 (taxis, Grab, songthaews) |
| Mobile data/SIM | £28 (monthly with unlimited data) |
| Travel insurance | ~£70 (varies by policy/age) |
| Extras/miscellaneous | £40 (massages, snacks, laundry) |
| Total Estimated Spend | ~£1,069.53 |
- 💡 That’s roughly £76 per day for a comfortable, fun, stress-free experience.

Where to Save vs. Splurge
SAVE:
- Eat at local restaurants (delicious and dirt cheap)
- Use public transport or Grab for short hops
- Travel during shoulder season for flight/accom deals
SPLURGE (just a little):
- Treat yourself to a pool villa for a night or two
- Book ethical tours or unique experiences (elephants, cooking classes, temples at dawn)
- Get a decent travel insurance policy—your back will thank you
🧳 Want the full daily cost breakdown? I’ve covered it all in the main post:
👉 Thailand Solo Travel Over 50: What You Need to Know

🛠️ Smart Travel Tools for Budget-Minded Legends
- ✈️ Track cheap flights with Going.com or Booking.com
- 🏨 Find accommodation deals
- 🧳 Find safe, clean hostels with private rooms
- 🛡️ Sort your travel insurance before you fly
- 📱 Stay connected to friends and family – eSIMs and Travel apps
- 🛒 Last minute travel essentails – Head to Amazon
Related Solo Travel Quick Reads
- What Month Is the Cheapest to Fly to Thailand Over 50?
- Best Time of Year to Visit Thailand for Over 50s
- Least Touristy Beaches in Phuket for Solo Travellers Over 50
- Where to Stay in Phuket on Your First Solo Trip Over 50
- Safest Places in Thailand for Solo Female Travellers Over 50
- Is Thailand Good for Solo Travellers Over 50? Here’s the Truth
Don’t miss the full survival guide:
👉 Thailand Solo Travel Over 50: What You Need to Know
🧳 Final Thought
Travelling to Thailand on a budget in your 50s isn’t about living off noodles and regrets—it’s about knowing what’s worth your money. Spend smart, enjoy the luxuries that matter, and still come home with a few quid left over (or, more likely, spent on mango sticky rice).
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of these links earn me a small commission—think beer money, not yacht deposits. It won’t buy me a beachfront bungalow in Koh Lanta, but it does help keep the Wi-Fi on and the sarcasm well-fuelled. If you click and book through my links, you’re officially a legend.
🌐 Helpful Travel Advisory & Visa Links
Whether you’re preparing your documents, triple-checking visa rules, or just having a “do I need a photo for this?” moment, these official links will steer you in the right direction. Below are reliable resources for travel advisories and visa applications—perfect for solo travellers over 50 who prefer peace of mind with their passport stamps.
Travel Advice for Most English-Speaking Countries Including EU
- 🇺🇸 U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisories
Safety updates and travel alerts for U.S. citizens. - 🇬🇧 UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Travel Advice
Destination-specific advice for British nationals. - 🇨🇦 Government of Canada – Travel Advice and Advisories
Travel guidance and emergency info for Canadians. - 🇦🇺 Australian Government – Smartraveller
Travel safety tips and alerts for Australians abroad. - 🇪🇺 European Commission – Travel Advice Portal
Travel updates and border info for EU travellers.
Visa Information for Asian Countries
- 🇱🇦 Laos – Official E-Visa Website
- 🇹🇭 Thailand – Official Thai E-Visa Website (TDAC)
- 🇮🇩 Indonesia – Official e-Visa Website
- 🇸🇬 Singapore Visa Services (via VFS Global)
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam – Official e-Visa Application Portal
- 🇵🇭 Philippines – Bureau of Immigration (Visa Info)
- 🇰🇭 Cambodia – Official E-Visa Application Site
- 🇮🇳 India – Official Visa Application Portal
- 🇪🇬 Egypt – E-Visa Application Portal
Thanks for exploring The Road to Timbuktu — and here’s to many more stamps in your passport! 🌎✈️