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 UK

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).

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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.