Thailand
Backpacking Guide
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Things to do in Thailand
There is always something exciting to do when backpacking Thailand. To get you inspired, I have provided some suggestions below.
LEARN TO DIVE
Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Look no further than scuba diving in Thailand. Thailand offers some of the best diving spots in the world so if you want to discover the underwater world this is the place to do it! Places like Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta offer diving experiences for divers of all levels.
EXPLORE THE TEMPLES
A must do activity when in Thailand is a Temple Run, Spend the day walking around Thailands most exquisite temples, learning more about the culture, religion and history. My recommended temples to visit include: Wat Arun, The Grand Palace, Wat. Doi Suthep, Wat Rong Khun and The Tiger Cave Temple
MEET THE ELEPHANTS
Helping out at an elephant sanctuary was by far one of the highlights of my trip to Thailand. Sanctuaries offer the experience of getting up close to the elephants, taking part in the daily washing, feeding and walking activities. When choosing a sanctuary to visit, make sure to check that the elephants are the priority - places that allow elephant riding are not ethical and are frowned upon.
COOK THAI FOOD
Taking part in an authentic Thai cooking class is a great way to learn how some of the country's most traditional dishes are made. You are introduced to some amazing new ingredients picked out at a local market before cooking up a storm in the kitchen!
PARTY PARTY PARTY
Going to a Full Moon party is a bucket list moment when travelling Thailand. Beaches light up with fire dancers, music is blasted from all angles and the cost of alcohol is at an all time low! It is the party of all party's, make sure not to miss out!
TAKE A HIKE
Some of Thailands most magnificent views can be found only by taking part in a hike. A favourite choice is the Dragon Crest Trail in Krabi that delivers the most magical view once you get to the top. Be sure to check the terrain and weather forecast before you set off!
GO ISLAND HOPPING
Thailand has some of the most beautiful islands on offer visit. Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi are popular islands to hop across from one to the other, full of backpackers living the idylic beach party life. Other islands like Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Yai are less explored and follow a more laid back and relaxed approach.
EAT CHEAP
Don’t be afraid to try some street food in Thailand! Food stalls often have the most fresh, delicious and nutritious meals on offer and start at only 25 Baht. Night markets are a great way of trying new flavours and foods with a large variety of dishes on offer.
INDULGE & RELAX
If you fancy treating yourself to abit of pampering, then Thailand is one of the cheapest places to do so. Spa treatments, particularly massages, cost as little as £5 for 30 minutes and manicures and pedicures start at around £7.50.
Getting Around Thailand
Bus
Getting a bus in Thailand is one of the cheapest methods of transport, especially when travelling long distances. They are relatively comfortable with air con and reclining seats and cost anywhere between 600-800THB (£13-18). This is a popular choice for journeys such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Local buses are much cheaper starting from 8THB, however travel shorter distances, often do not have air con and are more squashed. They do however go to more off the beaten track towns and villages. A week bus pass in Bangkok starts at 120THB and in Chiang Mai a day pass is 180THB.
Train
Trains in Thailand are slow but offer a more scenic option of getting around. They are clean, modern and tickets are pretty cheap! When booking an overnight train, all passengers get their own bed and privacy curtain, however make sure to bring a jumper as the AC makes the carriages freezing!
The train is also a convenient way of travelling between countries. Destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Laos are available to travel to from Bangkok.
Local Transport
Tuk Tuks are Thailands most iconic method of transport. However, once you have experienced this a couple of times the novelty soon wears off. They are not particularly comfortable and are incredibly noisy. They are also more expensive than getting a Grab or Taxi.
Songthaews are red vans that drive around cities operating on a ‘hop on hop off’ basis. These cost 20THB no matter how long the journey so it can be a cheap option, however, journeys are often cramped and uncomfortable with lots of stops adding to the journey time.
Plane
Hopping on a plane is the quickest option for travelling around Thailand if you are in a rush. Whilst this method is more expensive than travelling by bus or train, you can still find affordable plane fares.
Bare in mind when booking flights that tickets are often more expensive when flying from the mainland to islands like Koh Samui and Phuket compared to flying between two mainland destinations. Some budget friendly airlines include AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air.
Taxi
Taxis are available in major cities and run on a meter. Some drivers will offer a ‘set’ price and then try to haggle with you, so to avoid getting ripped off make sure you ask for a meter before agreeing to get into the car.
Alternatively, I would recommend downloading the app ‘Grab’ which is essentially Asia’s version of Uber. I have found this to be way more reliable and cheaper, with the option of paying through the app rather than cash. I regularly use it when travelling around Asia and would encourage other backpackers to do so!
Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore a city or rural area once you have arrived in a certain destination. It gives you the freedom to plan activities without relying on the schedule of public transport. They are also great for getting to areas that are not accessible by public transport.
When renting a motorbike, do your research first! Ensure you are renting from are reliable place and that they provide you with a helmet. Also make sure you have appropriate travel insurance!
Travel Tip
DO NOT give your passport as a deposit - always give cash!! I have first hand experience of returning a motorbike and finding out they have lost my passport. Disaster.
Best Time To Visit Thailand
Thailand is considered to be a ‘tropical’ country and experiences three distinct seasons: cool, hot and rainy.
Generally, the best time to visit Thailand is during its dry season - from November to February. This is when temperatures are coolest averaging at 25 degrees. On the flip side, prices for accommodation and activities during this time are higher due to the increase in tourists, especially around Christmas and New Years Eve.
Thailands hot season is between March and May with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees. There can sometimes be storms during this period, however they tend to be in short bursts and if you don’t mind the rain, it can add some extra excitement to the trip! Accommodation and tour companies can start offering discounts towards mid May as monsoon season begins.
The rainy season occurs between June and October, however in recent years, this window has proven temperamental. Whilst the downpours can be heavy, they are often short and only last a few hours in the afternoon. If you want to avoid large crowds, this is the time to go! You will be rewarded with cheaper prices and lush green countryside. Just remember to pack a raincoat!
Travel Tips
Thai New Year takes place on 13th April attracting busy crowds and a rise in prices. If you are in Thailand during this week, don’t miss the ‘Songkran’ festival where the whole country takes part in a giant water fight!
If you are planning on visiting the islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan) be aware that they have their own monsoon season during October and November! ~ I was caught out in several storms on all of these islands during November.
If you plan to explore Northern Thailand in the dry season, I recommend taking a jumper as it can get quite cold at night!
Best months to travel for…
WEATHER
November
December
January
February
SMALLER BUDGET
DIVING
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
ISLAND HOPPING
December
January
February
March
April
Visa Requirements (updated 2025)
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY. THE FOLLOWING ADVICE IS FOR UK CITIZENS
As of July 15, 2024, Thailand extended its visa exemption policy to include citizens of 93 countries, allowing stays of up to 60 days without a visa.
British citizens are eligible for this 60-day visa exemption. You can apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office, bringing your total stay to 90 days.
Visa Requirements
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Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Thailand.
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Proof of Funds: You must have equivalent to at least 20,000 Baht (around £465) in your bank.
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Proof of Onward Travel: Have a return ticket or onward travel arrangements. If you want some of freedom here, consider purchasing a cheap plane ticket through Onward Ticket.
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Health Insurance: While not always mandatory, it’s advisable to have travel insurance covering medical expenses during your stay. I recommend backpackers to purchase insurance through either SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Important: The 60-day visa exemption is a single-entry allowance. If you leave Thailand and decide to re-enter, you may not be granted a new 60-day exemption.
Thailand Visa Resources:
Thailand E-Visa Official Website
Travel Vaccinations
Before setting off on your backpacking adventure, I would highly recommend speaking to your GP or visiting a travel vaccine clinic to get the latest information on what vaccines to get. Make sure to leave plenty of time as some vaccines require multiple jabs over several months. If you plan on doing certain activities that may increase the risk of disease, such as jungle trekking, make sure to mention this to your health advisor. I have listed below the vaccinations I was advised to get. Remember to check your vaccination record as you may have had some as an infant or during secondary school.
Recommended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio
Typhoid
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Rabies
Japanese Encephalitis
A Yellow Fever vaccine is not essential for travelling Thailand. However, if you are planning on traveling to South or Central America, Africa or the Caribbean, be sure to get this vaccine - this map shows where yellow fever is found around the world.
Dengue Fever
A common illness contracted by backpackers is dengue fever and cases in Thailand have increased over 300% in the last year. Dengue fever is contracted through mosquito bites and I can assure you now, there are A LOT of mosquitos in Thailand. Whilst most people who contract the illness don’t know they have it, symptoms can include a high fever (hence the name dengue fever), severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, a rash and swollen glands. Sounds nasty right?! Don’t make the mistake I made and make sure you pack a bottle of insect repellent before you arrive in Thailand.
The best products are chemical based repellents like DEET, Picaridin and Permethrin. I have also used natural repellents such as lemongrass, which to my surprise, did work, however its effectiveness was not as good as the chemical products.
Malaria Tablets
It is generally not recommended to take malaria tablets before backpacking Thailand as the disease is very rare in this country. However, some travel clinics argue that if you are travelling close to bordering countries where the risk is higher (e.g. Cambodia), it is worth getting that extra protection. Here is a map of the malaria risk in Thailand.
The decision becomes more of a personal choice, and as someone who has backpacked all over Southeast Asia I am yet to take a malaria tablet (or get malaria). The tablets are often quite expensive and the side effects can be uncomfortable. Therefore given the low risk, many avid travellers don’t bother. However, like I said, it is still worth doing some research and speaking to a medical professional so that you are happy with whatever decision you make.
For more information about travel vaccinations, check your local government travel advice.
UK Travel Vaccination Advice:
Costs and Budgets (updated 2024)
As a backpacker, I know how important it is to keep costs low while still having an amazing travel experience. I have provided a rough idea of what costs look like per day so that you can plan your trip according to your budget. Whilst I have included the basics, try to also factor in a separate budget for emergencies (e.g. unexpected medical costs) and any bucket list activities that may cost a little more.
The currency in Thailand is Thai Baht (THB).
Low Range Budget
Accommodation: 250 - 550 THB (£5.50 - £12) for a dorm bed in a hostel.
Food: 200 - 300 THB (£4.40 - £7) for street food and a few drinks.
Activities: 250 - 650 THB (£5.50 - £14) for cheap activities like beach entry or national park fees.
Transport: 100 - 200 THB (£2.20 - £4.40) for public transport.
Average Daily Spend:
800 - 1500 THB (£18 - £33)
Mid Range Budget
Accommodation: 550 - 950 THB (£12 - £21) for a private room in a hostel or budget hotel/homestay.
Food: 350 - 650 THB (£8 - £14.50) for restaurant meals and alcohol.
Activities: 550 - 1000 THB (£12 - £22) for paid activities like visiting an elephant sanctuary.
Transport: 250 - 450 THB (£2.20 - £10) for scooter rental or Grab ride.
Average Daily Spend:
1700 - 3000 THB (£38 - £65)
High Range Budget
Accommodation: 1000 - 3000 THB (£22 - £66) for a private room in a luxury accommodation.
Food: 900 - 1200 THB (£20 - £26) for any restaurant food and drink.
Activities: 1200 - 2000 THB (£26 - £44) for packaged tours like boat trips or diving.
Transport: 500 - 1000 THB (£11 - £22) for private transfers/taxis.
Average Daily Spend:
3600 - 1000 THB (£80 - £100)
Sim Cards / Wifi
The three carriers in Thailand are: dtac , AIS and True. Each carrier offers similar coverage and packages. However, If you want a reliable one, I would recommend dtac - I have used it when visiting Thailand and it has never failed me.
Option 1: Buy an eSIM
Purchasing an eSIM is a great way to access the internet whilst overseas. Personally, this is the easiest option and the option I choose whenever I am travelling outside of my home country. It is simple, affordable and hassle-free. Instead of finding a store and physically swapping out your home SIM for a travel SIM, you can download a data plan to your phone and instantly connect to a mobile network when you land in the country!
The app I use for buying an eSIM is called Airalo. After downloading the app and choosing the SIM you want, it will walk you through how to install and activate the eSIM. Check out available eSIMs at Airalo.
Option 2: Buy a physical SIM in store
There are numerous stores dotted around Thailand where you can pick up a SIM card, a popular one being 7/11. If you intend on staying for more than two weeks, I would advise heading into the city to find a SIM as the deals offered at the airport tend to be for short-term stay. Bare in mind too that you may be asked to show ID and have a fingerprint scan as part of the registration process, however this is often overlooked for tourists.
Plug Type
Thailand has 3 plug types: A, B and C. Therefore, an invaluable item to pack is a universal travel adaptor that can offer conversion to multiple plug types. If you plan on taking any styling tools (hairdryer/curling tong) a converter is worth taking to avoid power surges.
Pack an extension lead! That way you can plug in one adapter for this and still have multiple plugs available!
DOWNLOAD A VPN!
A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and offers a safer, freer and more secure online experience.
What does a VPN do?
1. It keeps your personal data like passwords, search history, account details and credit card details private.
2. It allows access to home content abroad as well as content from other countries. This is great when you want to watch Netflix shows only available in certain countries.
3. It can be cheaper to book flights and accommodation when connected to a different country.
Click here to give the Surfshark VPN 30 day free trial a go!
Religion
Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, practiced by approximately 92% of the population.
Whilst the culture of Thailand is relatively laid-back and travellers are generally free to wear what they want, there are particular rules to be followed when visiting a Temple.
Both men and women must cover their knees and women must cover their shoulders. Whilst it’s not as important for men to cover their shoulders, they’re still encouraged to wear a top with sleeves. Shoes, hats and sunglasses should be removed before entering the temple and phones should be silenced.
At the end of the day, use common sense and respect when dressing for a Temple.
Language
The official language in Thailand is Thai. Here are some useful phrases that I found came in handy when backpacking Thailand. Men should finish their sentence with ‘krap’ and women with ‘ka’.
Hello / Goodbye - Sawasdee krap / ka
Thank you - Kop khun krap / ka
How are you? - Sabaidee
Yes - Chy
No - My Chy
How much? - Towry krap / ka?
I don’t want it spicy - Mai ped krap / ka
It’s too expensive! - Paeng mak!
I don’t understand - My kowjai krap / ka
I don’t know - My roo krap / ka
Cheers! - Chorn!
Staying Safe
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
POLICE: 191
FIRE: 199
AMBULANCE: 1669
SCAMS
Many Tuk Tuk drivers in Bangkok will offer cheap prices as low as 10THB to ‘show you all the sightseeing spots’. This is a scam so do not fall for it! They will take you to specific shops that reward them for bringing you there. Also make sure that any taxi you get into is metered to avoid drivers ripping you off once you arrive at your destination.
CRIME
Thailand is incredibly safe to travel. Whilst backpackers should always keep their wits about them and an eye on their belongings, it is reassuring that crime rates here are significantly lower than Western countries. In general, it is safe to wander the streets after dark however if you are intoxicated make sure to walk home with someone. As a female traveller, I have always felt safe in Thailand.
INSURANCE
Accidents can and do happen when backpacking and as someone who has crashed their motorbike, I can say that it’s not pretty, especially when you’re in shorts and a Tshirt. Therefore, make sure you have all the correct protective gear when taking part in any hazardous activities AND most importantly, get yourself covered with travel insurance. I recommend SafteyWing as the best backpacker travel insurance. You will also need to get yourself an International Driving Permit in order to legally drive here. Insurance will not cover you if you don’t have this, and places such as Chiang Mai have lots of traffic police pulling backpackers over and fining them. I have had this happen to me.
FOOD AND WATER
Street food in Thailand is generally safe to eat. However, backpackers can become sick due to the change in diet or because of poorly prepared/cooked food. It is up to you what you decide to eat, however if you’re handed pink chicken on a stick, I suggest you don’t eat it. Tap water is NOT SAFE to drink. I would advise drinking bottled water or taking a filter water bottle with you. When drinking water in restaurants always check that the bottle is sealed (some places will refill bottles with tap water).
ALCOHOL
A popular drink in Thailand is the ‘Bucket’. This is a bucket filled with a mix of cheap spirits, cheap energy drinks and a mixer. Whilst getting a bucket can be fun and a cheap way of getting drunk, it can also be easy to spike. It is needless to say: never leave your drink unattended.
LGBTQ+ BACKPACKERS
Thailand is considered a safe country to backpack for those part of the LGBTQ+ community and has been welcoming LGBTQ+ tourists for decades. However, as Thailand is a more conservative country, travellers should be cautious with public displays of affection. For more advice check your local government travel advice.
UK Government LGBTQ+ Travel Advice
For Up to Date UK Government Safety Advice: Click Here
Insider Tips
A great way to save money when backpacking is to eat local food. Street food in Thailand is a great alternative to a restaurant meal. You can find delicious food including curry, rice, noodles and fresh fruit at half the price. I was hesitant to try food from street stalls at stalls, however, don’t always judge a book by its cover! Some of these places sell some of the best food in Thailand!
If you are going to Thailand for a ‘backpacking’ experience, then make sure to do it properly! Book into hostels instead of hotels - this is a much better way to meet likeminded travellers and keeps to a lower budget. Not all hostels are party party party - if you want some down time to chill out, there are tons of more relaxed hostels to stay in. If you want more privacy but also want to socialise, booking a private room in a hostel is a good option!
When packing for Thailand, you will need less than you think. Don’t bother buying multiple long skirts, baggy trousers and expensive swimwear; you can get these and more in Thailand for as little as £2. Save your money for cool adventures like learning to dive or jungle trekking!
Whilst it is a great idea to have a plan of the kinds of activities you want to do, don’t tie yourself down to anything. With this I mean try not to book anything in advance - as a backpacker plans change ALL THE TIME. Travel agencies and tour companies are dotted all over Thailand so wait until you arrive to book anything. Activities are often cheaper when booking in person!
Almost every bar in Thailand offers a ‘Happy hour’ where certain deals are offered on alcohol. This is a great way to save money when drinking so make sure to check their happy hour times before going out.
Whilst having a phone full of photos is a great way to remember your time backpacking, I would highly reccommend packing a notepad and pen. Writing as little as a sentence a day is really good way of noting down what you got up too, how you felt, any friends you made etc. Putting the photos together with the diary makes an invaluable book to look back on years down the line.
Thailand Travel Videos
Follow my travels on Instagram for fun and exciting reels!