Is Maldives Expensive or Thailand? Beach Destination Cost Comparison for Indian Travelers

When you’re planning a beach getaway from India, two names always come up: Maldives and Thailand. Both promise white sand, turquoise water, and sunsets that feel like they were painted just for you. But here’s the real question most travelers ask: Is Maldives expensive or Thailand? The answer isn’t simple - it depends on what you want, how you travel, and how much you’re willing to spend.

Maldives: Luxury at a Premium

The Maldives isn’t just a destination - it’s an experience. Think overwater bungalows, private islands, and diving with manta rays right off your deck. But that luxury comes with a price tag. A mid-range resort in the Maldives starts at around $300 per night, and that’s before taxes, service fees, or meals. Most resorts are all-inclusive, which means your $300 covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and maybe even snorkeling gear. But if you want to go beyond the resort - say, to a local island for dinner - you’ll need to book a speedboat transfer. Those can cost $100-$150 round trip.

Flights from major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai to Maldives usually start at $250-$400 round trip, depending on when you book. Peak season (November to April) pushes prices even higher. A week-long trip for two, including flights, accommodation, and food, can easily hit $4,000-$6,000. For many Indian travelers, that’s a serious splurge.

There are cheaper options - guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi or Thulusdhoo. You can find rooms for $50-$80 a night, and meals cost about $5-$10. But even then, you’re still paying $300+ for flights, and the beaches aren’t as secluded. The real charm of the Maldives - privacy, exclusivity, and crystal-clear water - comes at a cost.

Thailand: Value Without Compromise

Thailand gives you the same turquoise water, palm trees, and coral reefs - but for a fraction of the price. In Phuket, Koh Samui, or Krabi, you can book a beachfront bungalow for $40-$80 a night. Even in high season, you’ll rarely pay more than $120 for a decent room with a view. And unlike the Maldives, you don’t need to pay extra to get off the resort. Street food in Thailand costs $1-$3 per dish. A full meal for two, including beer, might set you back $10.

Flights from India to Thailand are cheaper and more frequent. Round-trip tickets from Delhi or Mumbai to Bangkok or Phuket start at $150-$250, even during peak months. And once you land, domestic flights to islands like Koh Samui or Phangan cost as little as $50-$80. A week-long trip for two, including flights, accommodation, food, and activities, can easily stay under $1,500.

Thailand also gives you more variety. You can snorkel with sea turtles in Koh Tao, hike to waterfalls in Krabi, explore Buddhist temples in Phuket, and party on a full moon beach - all in the same trip. The Maldives doesn’t offer that. It’s designed for relaxation, not exploration.

What You Get for Your Money

Let’s break it down. If you’re spending $5,000 in the Maldives, you’re paying for:

• Private overwater villa with glass floor
• 24/7 butler service
• Exclusive dive sites reserved for resort guests
• Minimal crowds - sometimes you’ll have a whole reef to yourself

For $1,500 in Thailand, you’re getting:

• Beachfront room with ocean view
• Street food markets with 50+ local dishes
• Day trips to hidden caves and waterfalls
• Temples, markets, and nightlife
• More freedom to explore on your own terms

One isn’t better than the other - they’re different. The Maldives is a cocoon. Thailand is a festival.

Hidden Costs That Surprise Travelers

Many people don’t realize how much extra fees add up in the Maldives. Resort taxes can be 20% or more. Service charges? Another 10%. Gratuities? Expected, even if you didn’t ask for them. And if you want to bring alcohol in? It’s banned on local islands, and resort bars charge $12 for a beer.

Thailand doesn’t hide fees. You pay for your room, your food, your boat ride - and that’s it. Tipping isn’t expected, though it’s appreciated. Alcohol is cheap. A bottle of local beer costs $1.50. A cocktail? $3. You can buy wine at a convenience store for less than $10.

Also, don’t forget the visa. Indian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in Thailand. In the Maldives, you get a free 30-day visa too - so no difference there. But in Thailand, you can extend your stay easily. In the Maldives, you’re stuck unless you book another resort.

Who Should Go Where?

If you’re celebrating a honeymoon and want total seclusion - no phones, no crowds, no distractions - the Maldives wins. It’s designed for couples who want to disconnect. The water is so clear you can see fish from your bed. The silence is real.

If you want a beach vacation that also includes culture, food, adventure, and memories you can share with friends - Thailand is the clear choice. You’ll come back with stories, not just photos. You’ll eat mango sticky rice on a beach at sunset, then dance at a beach bar under string lights.

And if you’re traveling with family? Thailand wins again. Kids love the street food, the elephants, the water parks. The Maldives? Most resorts don’t allow children under 12. Even if they do, there’s little to do beyond the pool.

Real Traveler Stories

One couple from Bangalore spent $5,200 on a 7-day Maldives trip last year. They loved the privacy, but said, “We didn’t leave the resort once. We felt like we were in a fancy prison.”

Another group of four friends from Pune spent $1,300 on a 10-day Thailand trip. They stayed in Koh Samui, rented scooters, ate at night markets, and took a boat to Ang Thong Marine Park. “We had more fun, ate better, and still had money left for souvenirs,” one said.

Bottom Line: Maldives Is Expensive. Thailand Is Smart.

Is the Maldives expensive? Yes. Compared to Thailand, it’s nearly 3-4 times more costly for a similar experience. But if your dream is total isolation, luxury, and underwater views from your bedroom - then yes, it’s worth it.

But if you’re looking for value, variety, flavor, and freedom - Thailand delivers everything the Maldives does, plus more, for less than half the price. For most Indian travelers, especially those on a budget or traveling with family or friends, Thailand is the smarter, richer choice.

There’s no shame in choosing Thailand. It’s not a second option. It’s the better option for most people.