Planning a trip on a budget? Here’s a full guide to one of Asia’s cheapest travel destinations.
If you’re looking for the cheapest country to travel to from Malaysia, Thailand should be at the top of your list! Read our previous article to see the top 5 cheapest places to travel for Malaysians in 2025. With its stunning beaches, bustling cities, delicious street food, and budget-friendly prices, Thailand travel offers an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Bangkok, relaxing on the beaches of Phuket, or indulging in authentic Thai cuisine, this travel guide will help you plan your visit to Thailand in 2025 with ease.
Why Visit Thailand in 2025?
Thailand is not only affordable for Malaysian travellers, but it is also a country filled with cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting nightlife. With flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai available for as low as RM200–RM400 round trip on budget airlines, Thailand is the perfect budget-friendly getaway for Malaysians. To travel with peace of mind, Tune Protect Travel Insurance provides coverage for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies.
Cost of Traveling in Thailand for Malaysians
Here’s a breakdown of how much you need to budget for a Thailand trip in 2025:
- ✈️ Flight (round trip KL to Thailand): RM500 – RM800
- 🏨 Accommodation (per night in budget hotels/hostels): RM40 – RM100
- 🍔 Food (street food & local restaurants per meal): RM5 – RM20
- 🚗 Transportation (local transport per trip): RM2 – RM10
- 🛍 Attractions & sightseeing (entry fees & tours per day): RM10 – RM80
- 🛡 Travel insurance with Tune Protect: RM36
Total estimated daily budget: RM100 – RM250 per day (excluding flights).
Total budget for 7 days: Approximately RM1980
Get Protected with Tune Protect!
Tune Protect is a leading digital insurer offering affordable and innovative insurance solutions designed for today’s travelers. As part of the AirAsia family, Tune Protect specializes in comprehensive travel coverage, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and more. With a strong presence across Asia and beyond, we ensure you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected from unexpected disruptions.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or adventure, Tune Protect has you covered at a budget-friendly price. Get insured before you go and enjoy a worry-free journey!
🏨 Where to Stay in Thailand
Accommodation in Thailand is incredibly affordable, especially for budget travellers. Here are some recommended options:
Budget Hotels & Hostels 💲
Mid-Range Hotels 💲💲
Luxury Hotels 💲💲💲
🚗 Getting Around Cambodia
Transportation in Thailand is cheap and convenient. Here are the best options:
Local Transport
- Tuk-Tuk: RM5 – RM15 per ride (great for short distances)
- Motorbike Rental: RM25 – RM50 per day
- Buses & BTS Skytrain (Bangkok): RM2 – RM10 per trip
Ride-Hailing Apps
- Grab & Bolt: Affordable and safer than traditional tuk-tuks
- Private Drivers: RM120 – RM180 per day for a full-day tour
🍔 What to Eat in Thailand
Food is one of the highlights of a visit to Thailand. Malaysian travellers will love the local dishes, which are flavorful and affordable.
Must-Try Thai Dishes:
- Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles) – RM8 – RM15
- Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) – RM10 – RM18
- Som Tam (Papaya Salad) – RM5 – RM12
- Mango Sticky Rice – RM8 – RM15
- Thai BBQ & Hot Pot – RM20 – RM50
Street Food Prices
- Grilled Satay – RM3 – RM6
- Coconut Ice Cream – RM5 – RM8
- Thai Milk Tea – RM3 – RM6
🛍 Top Places to Visit in Thailand
1. The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Bangkok) – RM50 entry fee
Explore Thailand’s most iconic landmark and its stunning architecture.
2. Phi Phi Islands (Phuket) – RM100 for an island-hopping tour
Relax on crystal-clear beaches and enjoy snorkeling adventures.
3. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – Free entry (shopping budget RM20+)
Experience a lively night market with unique souvenirs and delicious street food.
4. Floating Markets (Bangkok & Pattaya) – RM20 for a boat ride
Enjoy a traditional Thai shopping experience on the water.
5. Railay Beach (Krabi) – Free entry (boat ride RM30)
A hidden paradise with stunning limestone cliffs and pristine beaches.
💸 Thailand Currency & Exchange Rate
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
- Exchange Rate: 1 MYR = 8 THB
It is advisable to exchange currency in Malaysia for better rates or use money changers in major cities like Bangkok and Phuket. ATMs are widely available, but international withdrawal fees may apply.
📱 SIM Cards & Connectivity
Staying connected is essential while traveling. Here are the best options for Malaysian travelers:
- AIS Traveller SIM – Starts from RM20 for 5GB data (valid for 7 days)
- TrueMove Tourist SIM – Starts from RM25 for 8GB data (valid for 8 days)
- Dtac Happy Tourist SIM – Starts from RM30 for 10GB data (valid for 10 days)
These SIM cards can be purchased at airports, convenience stores, or mobile shops in Thailand.
🛡 The Importance of Travel Insurance
While Thailand is an exciting and affordable destination, unexpected situations can occur during your trip. You might face flight delays, lost luggage, or even medical emergencies due to food poisoning or accidents while sightseeing. Additionally, island-hopping tours and adventurous activities like hiking or snorkeling come with risks of injury or theft.
A good travel insurance plan covers:
💊 Medical emergencies
🧳 Lost luggage & personal belongings
❌ Trip cancellations
🚑 Accidents & injuries
A good option for travel insurance is Tune Protect Travel Insurance. With Tune Protect, you’ll have comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and emergency assistance, ensuring a worry-free journey. For a small price, you can enjoy your Thailand trip with complete peace of mind!
💡 Final Tips for Malaysians Traveling to Thailand
✅ Visa: Malaysians can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days.
✅ Best Time to Visit: November to April (cool & dry season).
✅ Language: Thai (but English is widely spoken in tourist areas).
✅ Packing Tips: Lightweight clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a power adapter.
With its affordability, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse attractions, Thailand is the best budget-friendly destination for Malaysians in 2025. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family looking for an exciting vacation, Thailand travel has something for everyone.
Start planning your trip today and experience Thailand like never before. Don’t forget to get travel insurance with Tune Protect for a worry-free trip!
