Bali vs Thailand – Budget Breakdown for Indian Travellers (2026)

Expense Category

Bali (INR approx.)

Thailand (INR approx.)

Conclusion

FLIGHTS & VISA

Flights from India

₹18,000 – ₹35,000(return, per person)

₹12,000 – ₹25,000(return, per person)

Thailand: Direct and cheaper flights from India with better connectivity

Bali: Usually requires connecting flights, making travel longer and costlier

Visa cost

₹3500 –₹3800 (free on arrival, 30 days)

₹0 (visa-free for Indians, 30 days)

Thailand: Visa-free entry for Indians makes travel simple and hassle-free

Bali: The visa-on-arrival process is easy and convenient for Indian travellers

ACCOMMODATION

Budget hotel / hostel

₹1,200 – ₹2,500/night

₹1200 – ₹2,000/night

Thailand: Slightly cheaper stays, especially in Chiang Mai and Pattaya

Bali: Good budget hostels are available in Kuta and other tourist areas

Mid-range hotel

₹3,000 – ₹7,000/night

₹2,500 – ₹6,000/night

Thailand: Mid-range hotels are comfortable but feel more standard and corporate

Bali: Better room experience with private pools, garden views, and Balinese-style stays

Luxury resort

₹12,000 – ₹50,000+/night

₹10,000 – ₹45,000+/night

Thailand: Strong luxury resorts and premium stays across islands and cities

Bali: Luxury resorts in Ubud and Seminyak offer a more unique and scenic experience

FOOD & DAILY EXPENSES

Daily food budget (local food)

₹600 – ₹1,200/day

₹400 – ₹900/day

Thailand: Cheaper and more filling street food with plenty of variety

Bali: Tasty local warung food, but slightly more expensive

Indian food availability

Limited (tourist areas only)

Very common (Bangkok, Phuket)

Thailand: Better availability of Indian food, especially in Bangkok and major tourist areas

Bali: Indian restaurants are limited mainly to Seminyak and Kuta

Vegetarian food

Easily available (Hindu culture helps)

Available but tricky (fish sauce in most dishes)

Thailand: Vegetarian food is available, but many dishes include fish sauce or shrimp paste

Bali: Better vegetarian-friendly options with easier access to pure veg meals

Meal at mid-range restaurant

₹500 – ₹1,200/person

₹350 – ₹1,000/person

Thailand: Better value for money in tourist restaurants and cafés

Bali: Tourist areas like Seminyak can be more expensive for similar quality

GETTING AROUND

Local transport

Scooter rental: ₹400–₹600/day Grab/Gojek available

Tuk-tuk, Grab, songthaewBTS in Bangkok

Thailand: Better public transport and easier city travel, especially in Bangkok

Bali: Heavy traffic in tourist areas makes travel slower and less convenient

Airport transfer

₹900 – ₹1,800 one way

₹400 – ₹1,200 one way(BTS link in Bangkok ₹150)

Thailand: Cheap and fast airport connectivity with good public transport options

Bali: Airport transfer costs vary based on the destination and distance

SIM card / internet

₹400 – ₹700 (10–30 days)

₹300 – ₹600(DTAC, AIS, TrueMove)

Thailand: Slightly cheaper tourist SIMs with reliable coverage in major areas

Bali: Good airport SIM options with decent speed and connectivity

ACTIVITIES & SHOPPING

Sightseeing (temples, entry fees)

₹200 – ₹800 per site

₹100 – ₹500 per site

Thailand: Major temples and attractions are usually cheaper or free to enter

Bali: Temple entry fees and additional charges can increase overall sightseeing costs

Water activities

₹1,500 – ₹4,000/activity

₹1,200 – ₹3,500/activity

Thailand: More island-hopping options with popular spots like Phi Phi and Similan Islands

Bali: Better surfing experience and stronger beach culture

Shopping budget

Moderate(handicrafts, clothing, art)

Better for bargains(Chatuchak, night markets)

Thailand: Better budget shopping with famous night markets and street shopping spots

Bali: Great for handmade crafts and souvenirs, but prices are higher now

Nightlife expense

₹2,000 – ₹5,000/night(Seminyak, Kuta)

₹1,500 – ₹6,000/night(Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya)

Thailand: More energetic and diverse nightlife with clubs, bars, and party areas

Bali: Great beach clubs in Seminyak, but nightlife depends heavily on the location

TRIP BUDGETS

Couple trip (5 days)

₹70,000 – ₹1,10,000(mid-range, incl. flights)

₹55,000 – ₹90,000(mid-range, incl. flights)

Thailand: More affordable for couples planning a budget-friendly trip

Bali: Better luxury experience with private pool villas and honeymoon-style stays

Family trip (4 people, 7 days)

₹2,20,000 – ₹3,50,000

₹1,80,000 – ₹2,80,000

Thailand: Easier and more affordable for families with better transport and food options

Bali: Family travel can be less convenient due to traffic and scooter-based transport

Honeymoon (7 days)

₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000/couple

₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000/couple

Thailand: More affordable honeymoon options, especially in islands like Koh Samui

Bali: More romantic villa stays and a stronger honeymoon atmosphere for couples

5-day trip (per person, budget)

₹35,000 – ₹55,000

₹28,000 – ₹45,000

Thailand: More affordable for backpackers with lower overall travel costs

Bali: Slightly more expensive when including activities and local transport

7-day trip (per person, mid-range)

₹65,000 – ₹1,00,000

₹55,000 – ₹85,000

Thailand: Better value for money with comfortable hotels, food, and activities

Bali: Offers a more unique and premium travel experience overall

OVERALL VERDICT

Best for budget travellers

Decent, not the cheapest

Clearly better

Thailand: Cheaper for flights, food, transport, shopping, and overall budget travel

Bali: Better suited for travellers looking for a more premium experience

Best experience per rupee

Very high (luxury stays)

High (street experiences)

Thailand: Better for daily spending like food, transport, and shopping

Bali: Exceptional value for luxury stays, especially private pool villas in Ubud