Best Budget Accommodation in Thailand

The land of smiles, delicious food, and idyllic beaches, Thailand is the best country in Southeast Asia for travelling on a budget. As a backpacker or budget traveller, Thailand is a great country to travel through because it is so cheap to eat, drink, and sleep there. Sure, there are luxury resorts to be found all over the country, but for every 5-star resort, there are hundreds of budget-friendly beach huts and guesthouses where you can check in for as little as £5 per night. Here’s my guide to the best budget accommodation in Thailand.

Budget accommodation in Thailand usually means mosquito nets, cold(ish) showers, bucket-flush toilets, and basic facilities. We have no problem staying in places like this, but some of the lower-priced properties below are most likely unsuited for the high-maintenance or luxury traveller. They’re for medium to long-term budget backpackers or travellers who want somewhere cheap, in a great location, that’s comfortable and at a really cheap price. Those are the things I have kept in mind when writing my Best Budget Accommodation in Thailand post!

We’ve stayed at a lot of these places on at least one occasion and will happily return when we go back to Thailand, so if you’re looking for cheap-as-chips, no-frills places to stay then keep on reading to find out our favorite and best budget accommodation in Thailand.

*Just one thing to note: prices in all of these budget accommodations will vary depending on whether you’re booking in low, shoulder, or high season; the prices I’ve given here are what we paid during our stays at varying points in the year. I’ve included links so that you can check prices.

Budget Accommodation Thailand – Under £10 per night

Beach huts, double rooms and hostel dorms under £10 for the budget-conscious traveller.

Lanta Just Come Hotel, Koh Lanta

From £5 per night for a dorm bed.

A 5-minute walk from the beautiful Khlong Khong Beach and close to restaurants, this budget-friendly hostel/hotel has a great location on the island. The accommodation is basic, but for budget travellers, it has everything you will need. There are also spacious double rooms with ensuite bathrooms and air-con for an extra cost.

Complimentary tea, coffee, and water are included, and breakfast is available for an additional £4 fee. Lanta Just Come Hotel also offers free use of their kitchen – for those who prefer to prepare their own meals.

Location and staff set this place apart; the owners offer a Thai cooking class, which is a must if you are coming to Thailand. It is worth noting that the beach closest to Lanta Just Come Hotel is not a great swimming beach; however, there are some beautiful beaches nearby to explore! If you want to rent a scooter, the owners here can help you with this, too.

Note on Koh Lanta:

Koh Lanta is a stunning island but can get crowded during the high season. If you want to escape this and have a unique experience, check out the sunrise gondola tour through the mangroves. It would be perfect for a special occasion or if you just wanted something a little different to do here!

Island Hut, Koh Mak

From £7 per night per hut

20 Best Budget Resorts For A Cheap Trip To Thailand - Koh Mak

This is our go-to budget accommodation on our favourite Thai island, Koh Mak. Set on the most beautiful and idyllic beach on the island, Ao Kao, Island Hut is rustic, charming, and cheap as chips. A world away from the full moon parties in Koh Phangan and the hordes of tourists in Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, this is the place to go for an authentic Thai island experience.

There are around 30 huts at this resort, ranging from very basic £7-a-night tiny wooden huts with a thin mattress, mosquito net, a fan, and shared bathroom to newly added air-conditioned rooms right on the beach, which cost a little more. Rooms are basic, and all have a small porch with chairs and sometimes a hammock. The bungalows are set apart from each other with tree-lined paths between each, so it feels quite peaceful here – especially if you get a beachside hut where you wake up to the sound of the sea lapping outside your window.

There’s a shared restaurant on site that serves delicious Thai food for as little as £1 per meal and a selection of Western foods too. We spend most of our time on Koh Mak lounging around the restaurant area, chatting to other visitors or chilling out on the beach out front. At Island Hut, everything is tallied up as you order, and you pay at the end of your stay. It’s also within walking distance of other restaurants, and you can rent a scooter or bicycle here to get around.

How To Book

My favourite thing about Island Hut is reserving a room – it feels like returning to pre-internet days! You can’t book online, and they don’t have a website so you need to call them up and give them the dates you would like to stay and whether you want an air-con or fan room. Their contact number is (087) 139 5537/(086) 835 3195. You can also find them on Facebook under ”Island Hut Resort, Koh Mak, Trat” and you can message them here. Alternatively, you can show up, and they’ll find you something! For more information about Koh Mak, plus other accommodation options, read my travel guide for the island.

Bananas Resort & Restaurant, Krabi

From £8 per bed in a mixed dorm, £22 for a double room bungalow with a fan and private bathroom

Banana’s Resort is in Ban Huai Phai Yai, Krabi, about a 30-minute drive from the busy tourist town of Ao Nang.

The property is peaceful, budget-friendly, and beautifully located in nature. The on-site restaurant serves tasty, cheap food, and other restaurants are about a 9-minute walk away if you want to explore. The rustic, Thai-style bamboo huts are my favourite, but if you want more space/ luxury, go for the concrete bungalow instead.

The double room features an ensuite and fan, and hammocks are available outside. Bananas Resort has a laid-back atmosphere and can be a great place to meet other travellers or chill out and unwind with a book in one of the hammocks.

Twin Hut, Pai

From £8 per night for a bungalow

Brave the winding roads from Chiang Mai to Pai, and you will find the beautifully rustic Twin Hut. It offers Thai-style bamboo huts for under ten pounds per night, including breakfast. All rooms have a balcony, and the property has a shared lounge and an outdoor fireplace. Bungalows are simple, as the price suggests, but perfect for a budget backpacker who is used to traditional Thai huts.

Budget & basic, rustic & peaceful – Twin Hut brings you back to nature while also having all you need (including mosquito nets!). Immerse yourself in the unmatched nature of Thailand in this beautiful spot surrounded by lush nature and a view of the mountains.

The property is within walking distance of Pai’s famous night market and many restaurants, so you will have many choices in where to eat, drink and book tours. However, I recommend not staying here during the burning season as the bungalows are not sealed so you won’t have protection from the air.

Sarana Bungalows, Koh Phangan

Starting from £9 per night for a dorm bunk

Sarana Bungalows is set on the stunning Baan Tai beach in the south of Koh Phangan, around 10 minutes from the Full Moon Party beach.

This resort is perfect for the budget traveller who wants to kick back and relax. Sarana Bungalows offers a range of options depending on your budget: mixed air-conditioned dorm bunks, poolside or garden bungalows, and beachfront bungalows (at an extra charge). An infinity pool looks directly out onto the beach, giving you the choice of relaxing poolside or lazing on the quiet, picturesque beach.

The resort offers yoga, a gym, free SUP boards, and volleyball on the beach. Coming to Koh Phangan for the full moon party? Sarana Bungalows is only a 10-minute drive from the famous Haad Rin beach.

Both Thai and Western food (and great cocktails!) are available at their restaurant. Depending on your budget, you could choose to eat here or go to one of the many nearby restaurants.

Pillow & Bread, Bangkok

From £10 per night for a double room

A beautifully run budget guesthouse, just a 12-minute walk from Saphan Khwai BTS Station or a 20-minute walk from Ari BTS, Pillow & Bread offers air-conditioned double or twin rooms with complementary toast & jam in the morning with tea and coffee. There is a common room, board game room, smoking area and garden area, which are all free to use for guests. They also offer free use of their washing machines to guests.

The location is a highlight for travellers who want to stay away from the seedy parts of Bangkok. Ari (Aree) is a low-key hipster area which is a mix of East London and Fitzroy in Melbourne, with a little bit of Brighton thrown in.

Spend your days browsing the many boutiques and second-hand shops nearby. Visit dozens of quirky cafes selling great coffee and tasty food. Pick up a local souvenir at the famous Chatuchak weekend market. Close to that airport and easily accessible from the heart of Bangkok,

Budget Accommodation Thailand – Under £20 per night

For those with a little more cash to spend, check out these options in gorgeous Thailand.

Rub Lom Chom Klong Homestay, Chumphon

From £11 per night for a double room

Chumphon is not on everyone’s itinerary, but it’s a popular stopping point for those travelling to or from Koh Tao. It’s also a great stop if you want to spend some time somewhere unique and experience a different side of Thai culture that’s not always on everyone’s bucket list! If you are planning on getting the ferry over to Koh Tao from here, my advice would be to take an extra day here first.

Rub Lom Chom Klong is a wooden stilted house in a fishing village that gets rave reviews from travellers. The lodgings are very simple – if you opt for the most budget rooms, be prepared for basic rooms and mattresses on the floor. However, breakfast is included, and you can upgrade to air-conditioned, private rooms for an extra cost.

In terms of things to do, Rub Lom Homestay organises activities for their guests – like unique cycle and fishing tours. Jah and his family, who run the guesthouse, go above and beyond for their guests.

The Common Hostel, Chiang Mai

From £13 per night for a dorm bed

The Common Hostel is based right in the heart of Chiang Mai and offers both AC dorm beds and private rooms with breakfast and tea & coffee facilities offered to guests.

Dorm beds come with a private locker to keep your belongings safe, and shared bathrooms offer hairdryers and free toiletries. Private rooms have a TV and private bathroom. There is also a vending machine and microwave available in their common area, along with table tennis! This is quite a social hostel, so it’s great for solo travellers who want to meet people.

The Sunday Walking Street, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Lok Moli are 500 metres from the hostel, while Suan Dok Gate is a 15-minute walk away. Chiang Mai International Airport, 4.5 km from the property.

Khun Ying House, Koh Tao

From £16 per night for a double room

Set in a prime location next to Sairee Beach on Koh Tao. Khun Ying House is for those who want to be close to the action but are on a tight budget. Basic western-style fan-cooled rooms start at £16 per night, and AC rooms are £21 per night. Most rooms have a shared bathroom, or you can pay £1-2 extra per night for a private en suite.

Khun Ying is i a great location on the island, close to the main strip with the most popular bars and restaurants, and a 3-minute walk to the popular Sairee Beach. Koh Tao is not the cheapest island, but a shared kitchen is available at the property, and there is a refrigerator in each room.

Want to keep fit while you travel? This resort is close to the local CrossFit gym. There’s a regular gym here which offers day passes for short-term visitors. It’s set over two floors and is really well equipped. They even sell protein powder here so that you can stock up.

Mad Monkey Hostel – Bangkok

From £16 per night for a 4-bed dorm to £43 per night for a private twin room

20 Best Budget Resorts For A Cheap Trip To Thailand - Bangkok

Mad Monkey hostels can be found all around Southeast Asia and are a popular choice for backpackers who are on a budget, want to meet other travellers, and like the familiarity of staying at a hotel chain. They’re cheap, comfortable, and very fun!

The rooms in the Bangkok location are basic but large and have air conditioning. The restaurant is pricey compared with local restaurants, so you may want to venture outside if you’re on a tight budget. Come back for happy hour though!

The outdoor riverside swimming pool is one of the main draws of Mad Monkey Bangkok. That, along with nightly happy hours at the bar! Here, you’ll meet a lot of other backpackers getting ready to head to the infamous Khaosan Road for a night out. This is a great place for solo backpackers or a group who want to have some fun and meet new people. Just don’t stay here if you want an early night because you’ll quickly change your mind!

Baan Jaru, Chiang Rai

£18 per night for a double room

If you’re heading to Chiang Rai to see the famous white temple, consider staying at Baan Jaru. This family-run B&B goes above and beyond to ensure you have a comfortable stay. The staff is super friendly and will help you with maps and information to ensure you get the most out of your time in Chiang Rai.

The property is 500 metres from the Clock Tower and 800 metres from the Saturday Night Walking Street. It offers simple en-suite rooms with breakfast. Each room has a flat-screen TV, balcony and fridge. There is no restaurant on-site, but there are options nearby.

Guests loved the property, rating it 9.4/10 from almost a thousand reviews. They particularly raved about the owner, who can help you plan your activities in the city.

Koi Seahouse, Koh Chang

From £20 per night for a double room.

A 60-minute ferry away from Koh Mak will take you to the busier island of Koh Chang. Fancy staying somewhere different? Spend the night on a Seahouse!

Koi Seahouse is located in the fisherman’s village of Bangbao, where you can experience waking up to unparalleled views of the water. Guests have raved about how quiet and peaceful it is staying here but also being close to the village for everything you may need. You can eat breakfast overlooking the sea, listen to the sound of the water, and watch the day-to-day life of a fisherman’s village, my idea of heaven!

All rooms come with a sea view, balcony, and air conditioning. Koi Seahouse is a wonderfully unique place to stay in Koh Chang.

Budget Accommodation Thailand – £20 – £40 per night

Here are some accommodation options for £20 – £40 per night.

Shunli Hotel, Old Town Phuket

£27 per night for a double or twin room

While many tourists flock to the beaches of Phuket, the Old Town is a great place to spend the night when you’re on the island. This isn’t a large area, so around 2 nights is enough to see everything.

Shunli Hotel is a great place to stay for exploring the Old Town . The property is within walking distance of many historic and cultural sights, including the famous Sunday walking market at Lard Yai. There is a distinct Thai-Chinese culture here, which is interesting and insightful to explore, and the colourful streets are wonderful to wander aimlessly around.

The Shunli offers air-conditioned, en suite private rooms at £27 per night. Rooms include a TV and hairdryer. Breakfast is not included in the room rate but is available at an extra cost. It receives exceptional reviews from travellers.

Annie Meen’s place, Koh Yao Noi

£34 per night for a double room

Annie Meen’s B&B is a family-run bed & breakfast on Koh Yao Noi. It offers double rooms surrounded by nature for £34 per night with breakfast. The property has a garden, terrace, sea views, and free Wi-Fi.

The property is surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views, it is the perfect place to relax. A 30-minute walk on quiet roads to get to the beach, Annie offers the use of bicycles free of charge. Pick-up from the ferry is also offered.

Koh Yao Noi, situated between Phuket and Krabi, is an ideal stop for travellers in search of an upmarket, quiet island retreat. The island is a 45-minute ferry ride from Phuket or a 10-minute ferry ride from its sister island, Koh Yao Yai. It has some stunning, unspoiled beaches, and everything feels laid-back and easy.

Want to explore rice fields, make your own batik painting, or visit a coconut farm? Take the Koh Yao Noi Way of Life tour. It’s a great way to get a unique perspective on this small island.

Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort, Koh Samui

From £35 per night for a double room

Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort is set on the beautiful Choeng Mon beach, a world away from the party scene in Chaweng. If you want to be close to the action of Chaweng but not in it, consider staying here.

Honey Cottages features air-con bungalows with a balcony and terrace. Beachfront swimming pool and onsite restaurant serving fresh seafood, Thai, and European dishes. If you stay here – make sure to visit ”Lost Beach Bar”. Exit the resort by the beach and turn right; walk around the corner of the beach until the end and you will find a rustic beach bar which offers a great happy hour. You can even use their kayaks to paddle around the little island out front.

Choeng Mon Beach has quite a few 5*star resorts and lovely beachfront restaurants and bars, but you are still only a 15-minute scooter ride away from Chaweng if you want to party.

Budget Accommodation Thailand – Over £40 per night

If you feel like spending a little more on your trip, consider adding a night in one of these resorts and guesthouses to your itinerary.

@Aonang Guesthouse, Ao Nang

From £43 per night for a double room

A small town around 30 minutes west of Krabi, Ao Nang is a popular place for backpackers to visit before making their way to the nearby Andaman islands. It’s also a really good base for exploring the natural beauty of the area. Most of the accommodation in Ao Nang is on the loud, touristy, and hectic main strip, but @Aonang Guesthouse is tucked away in a quiet spot, which makes it a really peaceful place to stay. The accommodation is close to a scattering of restaurants and shops, and we often walked to the beach and into the town in the evenings for drinks or dinner.

@Aonang Guesthouse offers a range of options depending on your budget, from 6 private and beautifully furnished rooms to 2 dorm rooms complete with aircon, bathrooms, and balconies. This Guesthouse is a step above in terms of the friendliness of staff and luxury feel on a budget.

There’s a plunge jacuzzi pool on site, which was very clean and quiet while we were there. While there is no on-site restaurant available, you are close to one of the best Thai restaurants in town (Ton Ma Yom) and a 7-11 nearby. The rooms had hot showers flush toilets, and were mosquito-free, with a little balcony outside.

The Moken Eco Village, Ko Phra Thong

From £41 per night for a double room

Do you want to find a slice of untouched paradise in Thailand? Do you picture finding bamboo cabins in a secluded area with nothing to disturb you? Would you love the Thai bamboo hut experience but also enjoy a little luxury on the side? The Moken Eco Village has all of those things on top of being environmentally friendly and conscious of protecting the pristine island of Ko Phra Thong.

Bungalows come with all the essential amenities and an airflow system through the bungalows, which lets in enough sea air to cool down the rooms naturally without relying on the energy needed to run on air conditioning. All the main materials for the hotel have been sourced locally, and the hotel itself runs on solar panels to reduce their emissions.

Moken Eco Village offers transfers to and from the island for added convenience, and they offer beautiful tours to neighbouring islands. Wi-Fi is available at fixed times and only within the restaurant, so bear this in mind if you don’t want to unplug completely.

Lipe Garden Beach Resort, Koh Lipe

From £57 per night for a double room

Lipe Garden Beach Resort is located directly on the beaches of Koh Lipe and offers air-conditioned or fan rooms with a private bathroom and a kettle from £57 per night. You can pay extra for a room with a sea view.

The property is within walking distance of the famous ‘walking street’, where you will find most of the popular restaurants and bars on the island. It’s a short distance from the pier where boats arrive on the island, which is the best beach for running on in the morning FYI.

Take full advantage of this beautiful island by heading out on an island hop/snorkelling day. Spend the day on the water, seeing wildlife and beautiful coral reefs, returning to Lipe Garden in time for sunset at their beach bar.

These are our favourite and best budget accommodations in Thailand! If you have any places you’d like to recommend to other readers, then let us know in the comments below!

A note on renting scooters on Thai Islands

If you rent scooters in Thailand, please wear helmets and have the correct driving licenses. Most importantly, have insurance. It is my one non-negotiable for people who ask what they should get before a backpacking trip.

If you’re planning a trip to SEA, here are some other blog posts which might be helpful: