“Tourists went on holidays while travellers did something else. They travelled.”
Alex Garland, The Beach
Thailand is a first trip for many backpackers. It’s a destination that’s gotten a bad reputation for being overcrowded & touristy but if you know where to go, Thailand is still the crowning gem of Asia.
Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world for good reason. The beaches are white-sanded & turquoise watered, Bangkok is a city I could easily spend the rest of my life in, & don’t even get me started on the food…
Thailand Travel Guide
Recommended Cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai, Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta, Ayutthaya, Koh Kood, Koh Mook
Minimum Recommended Trip Length: 4 weeks.
One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. Celebrate Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai. Drive the Mae Hong Son Motorbike Loop.
Things to Consider Before You Go: Chiang Mai police regularly stop travelers & charge you $15 if you don’t have a motorbike license. In the rest of the country, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Estimated Backpacker Budget
On a Shoestring: $35/day
Flashpacker: $45/day
Backpacker Luxury: $55/day
Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.
Thailand is perfect for travelers looking for ancient temples, idyllic beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, wildlife experiences, & adventurous hiking.
Thailand Blog Posts
3 Underrated Thai Islands: Complete Guide to Koh Libong, Koh Mook, & Koh Kradan
We’re talking underrated Thai islands. Incredible breathtaking beaches with little to no intruders on…
The Ultimate Koh Kood Guide: Thailand’s Pirate Paradise
If I had to pick one single island in Thailand to recommend to travelers…
The Biggest Off-the-Beaten-Path Backpacker Guide to Thailand (Maps & Insider Tips)
Let’s lose the crowds & get off-the-beaten-path. This massive guide covers everything you need…
28 Thailand Street Foods You Cannot Miss
Thailand is where I first fell in love with street food. They may not…
Happy Elephants: Your Guide to Visiting Truly Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries
With all the misinformation spread about elephant tourism, finding truly ethical elephant sanctuaries isn’t…