Thailand is the country where my adventures as a backpacker and travel blogger first began. Thailand is the best place for a baby backpacker to cut their teeth, so to speak.
So what makes Thailand such an amazing place to backpack? It’s pretty simple really, it was one of the first places to really become popular with backpackers, so the routs are well-trodden and there is ample information out there to help you get from A-B. When I knew I wanted to backpack in South America I decided to do a trial run in Thailand to see how I coped first.
I’m so glad I choose backpacking in Thailand as my first trip. It was incredible. From temples to Thai Massages it is one of the most culturally fascinating countries I have visited. And don’t even get me started on the Thai Food, I ate for under $7 a day most days so it’s super budget-friendly too.
In this Thailand Travel Guide, I have covered everything you need to know to start planning your trip to Thailand. I’ve linked all of my Thailand Itineraries and detailed blog posts to it so you can easily navigate through all of my Thailand content.
As always, have an amazing trip and feel free to shoot me a message if you have any specific questions!
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything!
The Insurance companies I personally recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover.
Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here where I go into detail about the companies.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Thailand Tours: Click here to check out the top Thailand tours
Best Thailand Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Thailand
Best Thailand Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Thailand
You can’t visit Thailand and not visit Bangkok right? It’s where most Thai adventures start and end. I’d recommend spending at least 4 days in Bangkok at the end of your trip if you can, to avoid hating it as I did haha.
Koh Phi Phi is a gateway island for doing lots of cool tours in the water and it should be part of your Thailand island hopping itinerary. Including visiting Maya Bay (when it opens back up). It’s one of the more expensive islands to stay on. But you can find some great deals.
Ayutthaya is somewhere you should plan to visit for at least a day trip. If you are planning on heading north from Bangkok to Chiang Mai then stop here on the way to wander around the ancient temples in the capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
You may be tempted to skip Chiang Mai in favor of more beach time and island hopping, don’t. You can make time up by Flying from Chiang Mai to Phuket or Krabi. Chaing Mai is the Digital Nomad capital of the world for good reason. It’s cheap, beautiful, there is a tone of things to do, and the weather is much fresher so make sure you bring your jumper. After you have finished eating your way around Chiang Mai and getting all the Thai Massages you can then it’s time to head to Pai. It’s the place to come for outdoor activities, meditation, and to emerge yourself in nature.
Koh Lip is one of the smaller more underdeveloped islands on the southern tip of Thailand. Come here to relax, eat fresh fish, and go snorkeling.
If you have to choose between Phuket and Krabi as your base for island hopping, choose Krabi. There are awesome night markets, and so many tours and activities to choose from. If you are just stopping over then stay in Krabi town for a few days, but if you have a bit more time then head out to Railay Beach.
Many people skill this little island. I get it, the beaches aren’t all that beautiful and it’s pretty small. But they do have an awesome yoga retreat place where you can just drop in and stay for a few days. Staying there was one of the best decisions I made on my Thailand trip and it really helped to ground me among all the backpacking madness.
There are three islands close together, Koh Samui, Koh Phanang, and Koh Tao. Although it’s worth visiting all three if you have time, if you don’t, head straight to Koh Tao. It’s the smallest of the islands and has a super laid back small island vibe to it. Plus it is the cheapest place to get scuba diving certified!
Another place many skip. I spent Christmas here zipping around the island on a scooter (no cars) and drinking banana milkshakes. It’s super chill and is a great place to relax for a few days.
This is the next island from Koh Jum so you just get back on the boat and keep going. It’s an incredible island you likely won’t want to leave! You can also do a lot of water tours from here if you don’t want to go from Koh Phi Phi.
The Jim Thompson House in Bangkok is a private collection of Asian art. The collection belonged to the “Thai Silk King” James H.W. Thompson. The museum is open from 9 am until 6 pm each day and the entrance fee is 100 baht. This fee includes a guided tour. You can not enter without a guide.
What better way of really getting to know Bangkok than by heading to one of its rooftop bars to enjoy a few drinks as you watch the sun setting over the city. For some recommendations, check out this Bangkok itinerary I wrote.
There are so many things to do in Chiang Mai. But one of the most popular has to be the festival of light that happens each October 31st. You can learn more about Yi Peng and buy tickets here.
I’m all about the Thai massages. Seriously, the only thing I regret about my visit in Thailand is NOT having more of them… and I had a lot. One of the things they do in Chiang Mai to help to rehabilitate the female inmates of the prison is to teach them Thai Massage. Be sure to check them out while you are there. As told by the beauticians, “Massage therapy is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating beauty therapies.
Another thing I retreat. It’s a tricky one because Tattoos need time out of the sun and sea to heal and if you are on a short trip, it may not work out for you. But if you can, and you are a fan of tattoos be sure to do this!
Many people find their way to Pai to meditate. Pai is well known for its spiritual energy. One of the best ways to experience this energy on your own is to hike up the 353 steps to the white buddha. Once you arrive, find a quiet spot and take a seat for some quiet contemplation.
Thailand is well known for its amazing food. In my opinion, the best food you are going to find in Thailand will be at the night markets. Otherwise known as “walking Streets”. The one in Pai is especially known for its amazing food.
For all my digital nomads, you need to go and work at this place! If you aren’t a digital nomad and are thinking of becoming one this is the place to come to check out the lifestyle.
Ok, I must admit I didn’t do this. I had planned to spend new years eve at the full moon party on Koh Pangan with a friend. But we had had such a chilled time doing yoga and meditating. That we decided to give it a miss… next time I’m 100% going though!
You can’t visit Thailand and not take at least one overnight train. I traveled to Chiang Mai and you can read about it here.
All that traveling can be exhausting. As Thailand is one of the top places in the world for a Yoga retreat, it would be rude not to at least spend a few days relaxing at one! Click here for my guide to the best yoga retreats in Thailand.
If you’d like to know The Best Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand, click here for a comprehensive guide.
the most popular beach on Koh Tao for good reason. Not only is it stunning with its perfect sand and clear waters but there is a lot of things to do if you get tired of working on your tan or sleeping off your hangover. From beach volleyball to Thai Massages on the beach, you will never get bored here. It also has great snorkeling as there is a reef 30 meters from the shore you can easily swim out to.
There are three main beaches on Koh Lip, Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong), Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley), and Pattaya Beach. Of course as a lover of sunsets then Hat Praming gets my vote as one of the best beaches in Thailand every time! It’s a small beach on the west of the island and compared to the others it’s relatively underdeveloped making it much quieter and more peaceful. Plus there is always a lot fewer boats here so it’s better for swimming.
Also known as Haad Son beach on Koh Panang is a must-visit. Although don’t do what I did and try to walk there haha. It’s over on the west and to get there you will need to rent a scooter or take a tuk-tuk. Or do what I did and hitch a ride on the back of some German guys motorbike after they took pity on me trying to walk there in the sun… Anyway, the beach is glorious and because of its location it’s generally quiet. It’s well worth looking for somewhere to stay over here if you want some downtime.
This beach didn’t make the top 1 most beautiful beaches in the world for no reason! But if you want to come here you will have to work for it, as it’s only accessible by boat. Totally worth it though!
Lamai is the second-largest resort on Koh Samui just behind Chaweng. It’s much quieter and has a more laid back atmosphere. Plus the prices are cheaper.
Thailand is an incredible destination with palaces, temples, markets, shopping, spas, friendly people, fine dining, and some of the best hotels in the world. The word ‘Thai’ means freedom, so literally Thailand is the land of freedom and Thailand proudly proclaims that, unlike its neighbors, it has never been colonized. This has allowed the kingdom to retain its unique culture, traditions, and language.
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok.
“Thai” means “free”, therefore, “Thailand” means “Land of the Free.”
The currency in Thailand is the Thailand Baht (THB)
The dialing code of Thailand is +66
The water is not safe to drink from the tap in Thailand. It is recommended to bring your own bottled water.
Where Sidewalks End is a company started by my friend and fellow blogger Ian. It’s a warm and welcoming travel company created by a traveler for other travelers. All of their tours take you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems that aren’t found in guidebooks.
What I really love about the company though, and why I recommend them is that they focus on connecting with local communities, supporting fair-trade practices, and ensuring the well-being of the places they visit sets them apart. This means that you can enjoy your experience while leaving a meaningful footprint on the lives of those encountered along the way.
If you’re interested in doing the local experience in Thailand, you can explore the options here. One of the most unique experiences that you can find in here are Ajarn Chai Ink Experience.
Backpackers Budget – 1100 Thai Baht ($35 USD)
Accommodation: $14 USD
Food: $8 USD
Activities & Transport: $17 USD
Mid Budget – 2200 Thai Baht ($60 USD)
Accommodation: $24 USD
Food: $20 USD
Activities & Transport: $22 USD
Luxury Budget – 4000 Thai Baht ($108 USD)
Accommodation: $40 USD
Food: $35 USD
Activities & Transport: $57 USD
Don’t even bother to visit Thailand if the thought of eating street food turned your stomach. Seriously. If you want the best, freshest food in Thailand, then the streets are where it’s at.
Yes, of course, there were times when I ate in a restaurant. But most of the time I just grabbed something fresh from a street stall.
If you want to know how I ate in Thailand for under $7 USD a day then take a read of this post.
The best place to eat is always the night markets or walking streets. Go hungry and try as much as you can. If you need a bit of inspiration then check out Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown season 3. In episode 7 he goes to Chiang Mai while visiting Thailand… YUM.
Bangkok – street food, street food, street food. Seriously. Forget the restaurants, eat on the streets.
Chiang Mai – Forest Bake, Beast Burger, and Frosé Café
Pai – The Night Market, Blossom Café, and Witching Well
Koh Phangan – Bubba’s Café, Karma Kafe, and Pantip Market
Koh Samui – The Art Club, Falafel Mor, and Wild Tribe.
Thailand is well known as a budget-friendly destination. That said there are still ways you can easily blow through your budget if you aren’t careful
I ate well in Thailand and I don’t think I cooked for myself once! Why? Because it’s just so cheap to eat out. That said if you eat western food then it’s soon going. to add up. So to save money try and get accommodation with breakfast included and stick to eating cheap local food.
With transport, it is always worth booking ahead if you can. Especially as in high season things will book up fast. I recommend booking with BookAway. If you want to fly then book as far in advance as you can, as you can get some amazing deals with Air Asia. But if you wait until the last minute it can cost you.
Downloading Grab will make your stay (and your life in general) so much easier while traveling in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand. You know in advance exactly how much you’ll pay for the ride and the cars are generally very clean and safe.
If their stall/shop is nearby and it isn’t a scam, you’ll find your way there, don’t worry.
So this is one of the things I learned the hard way. You don’t have to be an asshole and haggle so much that you are ripping the person off. But it is expected that you will haggle. So whatever they tell you, half it and then work from there. Always so it with a smile and don’t be afraid to walk away. I got ripped off so much my first stay in Bangkok as I’m British and therefore allergic to haggling. But I got the hang of it eventually.
I’m not going to go into too much detail here as I wrote this super detailed blog post about what to pack for Thailand. I even made a handy printable checklist, just enter your email on the form below.
Thailand is hot, humid, but conservative. So you are going to need a mix of things that you can wear in the heat but that keeps you covered when needed, beachwear, and some warmer things if you are planning on traveling to Northern Thailand. Plus don’t forget your travel yoga mat if you plan on doing some yoga in Thailand!
Footwear… there is a lot of very cool jungle hiking so having some hiking sandals is a plus. You are also going to want some shoes you can easily take off when you go into temples or on and off boats etc. Flip flops are a must!
Also remember to ALWAYS carry a scarf with you in Thailand, especially if you plan on visiting any temples. You will oftern be asked to cover up.
Quick Tip: View my full Thailand packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Thailand Essentials shopping list here.
Accommodation in Thailand is easy to find but often hard to choose from. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries (e.g. Cambodia or Vietnam), Thailand’s approach is rather modern and caters to every need of the typical Western traveler, both appearance and service-wise.
Depending on your budget, you can enjoy your stay at a party hostel, a chic yet affordable boutique hotel, or even at a luxurious beach resort. I did this a few times as a treat to myself, you would be amazed at what $30 a night can get you!
Both booking.com and agoda.com are great tools for finding and booking accommodations. Booking through one of these sites will most likely get you a pretty sweet deal on the best accommodations available around Thailand. I actually checked a few times and it was cheaper to book through booking.com than in-person direct with the hotel.
Also, the best part is that many places offer free cancellation on your booking, so it’s totally fine to change your mind if you spontaneously want to change your plans.
Be aware that you’ll almost always be asked to pay for your bill upfront in Thailand.
QUICK TIP: For a more authentic experience in Thailand look at doing more boutique tours with companies who are embedded in the local community and offer interesting opportunities to meet. local people. My favorite tour company in Thailand Where Sidewalks End does exactly that.
Traveling around Thailand is easy and cheap. In the past you had to ook everything in person through a travel agent.
Thankfully things have progressed since then and almost all of your travel can now be booked online through BookAway. Unless you want to fly then its best to check on Skyscanner or Google flights and book via Air Asia.
Booking tickets in advance can save you both money and time, and it’s relatively easy to do so even without speaking Thai, as most websites have an English translation.
If you want to travel from one corner of the country to the other? The best options are to take the overnight train or a bus. Or if you can also fly, if you book in advance flights can be as low as $15 USD!
If you are feeling adventurous then you could rent a motorcycle and travel across the country. Many people do this and it looks great fun!
When you just need to get from A-B in a city then use Grab or a Tuk Tuk. In Chiang Mai, I rented a bike. On the islands, it can get expensive to travel by Tuk Tuk or Grab all the time so it’s best to rent a scooter. Do be careful though, insist on a helmet and get them to show you around the bike. I was just given the keys and sent off, I didn’t even know how to start the thing let alone know how to drive it, needless to say, it didn’t end well!
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Thailand?
Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Thailand which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Thailand on Amazon here.
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance. I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go to flight searching platforms.
🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?
I strongly recommend using 12Go or Bookaway. There are many transport options available such as train, bus, and ferry.
I would strongly advice against driving a car in Thailand but you can easily rent a scooter locally.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Thailand?
First and foremost check out all of the amazing Thailand tours Where Sidewalks End has. They are a small local company and they have some really special experiences.
For everything else I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals. However, Agoda is highly recommended in Thailand and it has the most selection.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Thailand has a pretty epic rainy season so it’s best to try and avoid that as all costs as the rains will make traveling so much more difficult.
Therefore the best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season between November and February when the climate is relatively cool and dry (25-32°C).
I visited in December and was there over Christmas and New year. During this time you will see prices rise and flights can double. So, if you are on a budget then avoided traveling in December.
There are some things I love Lonely Planet for, like routes and finding cool places to visit. Just pay no attention to their accommodation of food recommendations ade you’ll be fine! Lonely Planet’s Thailand is no different.
If you want to go one better than Lonely Planet and you are al woman traveling solo then ditch the generic guide books and get this instead. It’s written by a woman who has traveled extensively and lived in Thailand for women. You really couldn’t find a better companion. Than The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide.
You may not want this before your trip. But trust me, when you get back from Thailand all you are going to be thinking about is Thai food. I love this book and use it to try and recreate some of my favorite recipes whenever I get the craving!
