Thailand Travel Guide

A row of longtail boats parked on a stunning beach in Thailand

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia. It’s the region’s most visited country and most backpackers make it their starting point for traveling around the region.

With its lush jungles, postcard perfect beaches, world-class diving, mind-blowing cuisine, and cheap prices, Thailand is actually my favorite country in the world! I’ve been coming to the country since 2005, lived there for 2 years, and always seem to be pulled back. It’s an easy country to travel around and, because of the vibrant backpacker scene, you can meet a lot of other people there (so fear not solo traveler, you will make friends!).

Since the country is such a well-worn destination, everything here is convenient and easy. You won’t have any trouble traveling around here. But, despite the crowds, there are still many off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore. Thailand is just a phenomenal country.

This Thailand travel guide will show you how to travel the country like a pro and help you make the most of your visit.

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Thailand

Skyline of Bangkok, Thailand at night, with low buildings in the foreground, a temple complex in the center, and modern skyscrapers in the background
1. Visit Bangkok

Bangkok is a chaotic, must-see city. Here you can explore temples, royal palaces, amazing markets, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and, of course, eat all the amazing Thai food. Check out Khao San Road to see the backpacker’s haven, Thong Lor/Ekamai for local Thai nightlife, see the Grand Palace’s beautiful artwork and the Emerald Buddha, and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok is an onion that requires time to peel back. There’s a lot to do there, especially when you get off the tourist trail.

2. Adventure around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city filled with lots of temples, incredible food markets, night markets, cafes, and a chill vibe. It’s a good launching pad for multi-day jungle tours, adventure activities, or visits to the nearby elephant sanctuaries where you can volunteer to help rescued elephants. And be sure to head to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Chiang Mai is also considered one of the foodie capitals of the country (which says a lot!) so be sure to get your fill of food. There’s also a big jazz scene here and you can find a lot of jazz bars in the old city.

3. Hike in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park, located about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s best national parks. The park is covered in rainforests, evergreen forests, and grasslands. It’s visually stunning, filled with lush flora and fauna, plus lots of waterfalls and hiking trails. There are a ton of interesting mammals within the park, like northern pig-tailed macaques, sun bears, barking deer, otters, jackals,  and even a few wild elephants. It’s also home to rare birds and fascinating reptiles. It’s an absolute must-visit place. Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.

4. Celebrate Songkran

Every April, Thais celebrate their new year by holding an enormous, three-day water fight. Songkran is meant to wash away the old and begin the year anew. This once-in-a-lifetime water party is the biggest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai so book your hostel ahead of time. In Bangkok, there’s an opening ceremony at Wat Pho temple where they bathe the Buddha. The whole country turns into a big water fight and everyone plays along. If you’re around Songkran, be prepared to get wet everywhere you go those days (so keep your electronics sealed in plastic). Everyone outside is fair game.

5. Go to Ko Lanta

While Ko Lanta has become more developed in recent years, it’s still a paradise compared to its more developed neighbors. Wide, white sand beaches, cheap and delicious food, gorgeous sunsets, great caves, snorkeling, and diving make this one of my favorite spots in the country. It’s a very chill island where you still get a taste of “old Thailand before the resorts came”. For fun day trips, check out the Trang Islands, with their beautiful limestone formations stretching out of the water or head to Ko Rok for kayaking. Ko Lanta is one of the best islands in all of Thailand.

 

Other Things to See and Do in Thailand

1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho

Thailand’s royal palace, built at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, is the official residence of the current monarch (though he doesn’t live there anymore; now it’s just used for ceremonies). It’s a striking place filled with numerous temples, including Wat Pra Kaeo, which houses the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. The architecture here is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend taking a guided tour as the signage here is minimal. Nearby Wat Pho is famous for two things: a 150 foot (46 meters) reclining Buddha statue and a very relaxing massage school. The temple is wonderful and the statue really impressive. Both can be done back-to-back and should not be missed.

2. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best national parks in the country, offering incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. The park offers semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife (including sun bears, elephants, gibbons, and more), walking paths, and incredible sunsets. You can pay for general admission or take a half-day guided trek. Try to spend at least one night sleeping on the lake as the stargazing is top-notch.

3. Hop around the ancient capitals

Thailand’s three ancient capitals — Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya — lie between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Visiting them on your way north is a unique way to head between the cities. Lopburi, which is so old it is mentioned in texts by Marco Polo, was the capital in the mid-17th century while Sukhothai, founded in 1238, was the capital for over 140 years between the 13th and 14th centuries. Lopburi is famous for its monkeys (watch out as they are aggressive) and Sukothai is a massive complex that sees very few tourists! My favorite is Ayutthaya, which is located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train. It was the capital of Siam from 1350-1767 (it was razed in 1767 by the Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War). You can easily visit on a day trip.

4. Relax on the tropical islands

Thailand has tons of beautiful tropical islands. Some are grossly overdeveloped and others are still an undeveloped tropical paradise with few people and cheap accommodation. Some of my favorite spots are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang, Ko Tao, Ko Jum, Ko Lipe, the Similan Islands, and Ko Samui. It’s hard to go wrong here as they all have beautiful beaches but the atmosphere of the islands will decide how much you enjoy it so think about whether you want to prioritize peace, parties, activities, etc. Some of the most chill beaches have fewer activities and accommodation options while more touristy places provide a range of lodging and tons of activities and parties but can sometimes be a bit intense. Be sure to do your research before you select a spot.

5. Hit the Full Moon Party

There’s no better party in the world than the famous Full Moon Party. The Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so you’ll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. Sure, it is super touristy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun if that’s your vibe. Just don’t take part in the fire jump rope — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

6. Go jungle trekking

There are some great multi-day jungle trekking opportunities in northern Thailand. For longer treks, the biggest departure points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You can book these sorts of outings through the hostel or hotel you’re staying in. While day trips are popular and cheap, try to head out for at least 3-4 days as you’ll be able to get to much more remote areas and see some incredible wildlife (there are tons of birds and bats, as well as lizards, monkeys, and even wild boars) as well as some gorgeous waterfalls. If you book online ahead of time, you will pay more. Skip the shorter day hikes that include meeting “authentic” hill tribes; they are exploitative and the visits are usually unethical. The three-day tour is the way to go, but it can be a little spendy.

7. Scuba dive in the Similan Islands

Scuba diving is a popular activity here because of the crystal-clear waters and majestic sea life. While you can dive all over the country, the Similan Islands offer some of the best uncrowded diving. Given the islands’ remote location, most of these dive trips last a few nights. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef there is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. You can find day trips with two dives, that include equipment and park fees.

8. Learn to cook

Thai food is delicious and it’s relatively easy to cook. There are cooking schools all over the country but the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. It’s a fun experience as you’ll get to spend a day making and eating (hopefully delicious) food. I loved being able to go to the market and pick out my fresh ingredients and then learning how to make my own paste for a delicious green curry and a tasty shrimp pad Thai. I recommend taking a half-day cooking class in Bangkok (it also includes a market visit). Chiang Mai also has lots of cooking classes and, if you make it to Ko Lanta, Time for Lime is my favorite cooking school in the country.

9. Explore the Khmer temples in Isaan

There are many temples built throughout the Isaan region, all along the ancient roads connecting Angkor (the capital of the Khmer Empire) to the other villages. The largest of these is Phimai, located at the end of the ancient highway. It dates to the 11th century and is one of the largest Hindu Khmer temples in Thailand (and hardly anyone visits so you’ll get the place mostly to yourself). Two other magnificent Khmer temples (Phanom Rung and Muang Tum) can be found in the Buriram province, only a few kilometers apart. Phanom Rung is built on top of a hill, and Muang Tum is at the base of the hill. While in Isaan, be sure to spend a day or two in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) and visit Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap, two beautiful local temples that I especially love.

10. Take the day train to Chaing Mai

Taking the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not only cheaper but a much better way to see the countryside than the night train. Sure, you “waste” a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train and can eat from vendors coming on and off at every stop. The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book since the journey is 10-13 hours long! You can also break up the journey by stopping in Lopburi and Sukhothai.

11. Visit Elephant Nature Park

While you can come to Thailand and ride an elephant, once you know how they suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about this unethical activity. An even better way to get up close and personal with the animals is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and letting you help these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will know why you should NEVER ride an elephant.

12. Admire Wat Doi Suthep

This stunning Buddhist temple lies in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, 16 kilometers (10 miles) outside of Chiang Mai. A tram or a trek up 300 steps takes you to the summit of Doi Suthep, where the glittering gold temple spire awaits you. The temple dates back to the 14th century and holds rare relics of Buddha. It’s too beautiful of a view to miss, so don’t leave Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Doi Suthep. Admission is free.

13. Visit the Golden Triangle

The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known as the Golden Triangle. It’s also the meeting point of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Once known for its opium production (which is used to make heroin), today the region thrives on tourism. You can take a boat along the river and visit the Golden Triangle Park, check out some of the many Buddha statues, scenic viewpoints, and markets. It’s just 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Chiang Saen. Golden Triangle day trips from Chiang Mai are an excellent way to visit and learn more along the way. If you’d rather visit solo, you can visit the region from Mae Sai or Chiang Saen via songthaew. Don’t miss the Hall of Opium, one of the most interesting museums in the entire country. It explores the history of opium production, shows how it was made and trafficked around the world, and more.

14. Party on Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi is one of the most popular tourist islands in Thailand. From the infamous Maya Bay (made famous in the 2000 film, The Beach, with Leonardo DiCaprio) to the monkeys on the aptly named Monkey Beach, to the diving and nightlife, there are reasons people flock here. Destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, the island has been rebuilt and developed to an even greater extent than before. While I personally don’t love Ko Phi Phi, it’s nevertheless one of the most popular places in the country. You’ll just have to see for yourself whether it’s for you.

15. Relax on Ko Lipe

Located in southern Thailand, this island is one of my favorite places in the world. Here on Ko Lipe, the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood meals. The beaches are beautiful, the water is warm, and the island is cheap. I came for three days and ended up staying a month. In the last few years, it has become pretty developed and it’s not the sleepy little island it used to be but you’re near a pristine and undeveloped national marine park where you can snorkel and enjoy some beaches to yourself! The area lives up to the hype.

16. Explore Kanchanaburi Province

This region is home to a lush forest perfect for trekking, though the history of this area is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 Southeast Asian civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railway’s construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and is the subject of both a famous film and a book. While visiting is a haunting reminder, it is an essential part of Thailand’s history.

17. Motorbike through Northern Thailand

There are lots of picturesque routes for motorbiking all around the country but especially near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Many people rent bikes and tour the scenery, taking a day trip or a few days. The Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop that you can do starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai. Note: Make sure that if you’re renting a motorbike, you’re comfortable with driving it and never (ever) drink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.

18. Relax in Pai

Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape the crowds and noise of the larger cities. In the last few years, it’s become a big center for yoga and holistic living. Located in Northern Thailand, it’s nestled in rolling green mountains, surrounded by waterfalls and incredible hiking trails. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Pai itself, I loved the area. I spent a lot of time hiking and swimming. Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves, where you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way there. It’s an awesome experience.

19. Bounce around Phuket province

Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach and the surrounding area, you can avoid most of the over-development, seedy nightlife, high prices, and crowds. The more north you go, the more relaxed the island is and the more empty the beaches are. Plus, there’s some great hiking here too. Don’t miss visiting Wat Chalong, hiking to the Karon Viewpoint, and visiting the weekend Night Market.

 

For more information on specific cities in Thailand, check out these guides:

(Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book!)

How to Stay Safe in Thailand

Thailand is a safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks against tourists are uncommon. People who get in trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism, so if you avoid those activities you’ll likely not have any serious issues. I’ve been coming to Thailand for close to twenty years and have never felt unsafe, even if I’m walking along at night. Every story I hear about issues in Thailand resolves around someone doing something they shouldn’t.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here (Thais are very respectful). However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and follow standard safety precautions like never leaving your drink unattended at the bar, walking in unlit places alone at night, etc. If you want specific safety information about Thailand, there are several incredible solo female travel blogs that can provide tips that I can’t.

When it comes to cannabis, Thailand changed some of its regulations on marijuana in June 2022. This means that there are licensed weed stores, cafes, vendors with cannabis-infused beverages, etc., where you’re allowed to buy it within that space to smoke it. However, while it is technically legal for people over 20 to smoke weed in ‘your residence’ or certain areas, doing so in public can still land you a 25,000 baht fine. If you want to take part, follow the laws and use common sense. Regarding other drugs, avoid them. The penalties are harsh (and include the death penalty).

Petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur around major tourist areas so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking crowded public transportation. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your body and not over one shoulder so it’s hard for someone to take.

Scams in Thailand, unfortunately, are very, very common (though they are rarely violent). The most common scam involves unmetered taxis and tuk-tuks. For that reason, always make sure the taxi driver is using the meter. For tuk-tuk drivers, make sure you know the price in advance so you don’t get ripped off while haggling.

For more information on common scams and how to avoid them, read this post that I wrote.

It’s illegal to defame or talk ill of the monarchy so avoid doing so (avoid talking politics in general if you can). The penalty can be prison (or worse) so do not talk about the monarchy while you are in Thailand! I can’t emphasize this enough. Do not do it.

Anti-government protests are common around the country, but chiefly in large cities. If they occur when you visit, avoid them. They don’t usually turn violent but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance (112 from a mobile device).

Always trust your gut instinct and make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

The widget below can help you pick the right policy for your trip:

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand has every type of accommodation you can think of at any budget you want. Here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Thailand:

For more specific recommendations, visit the city and island destination guides. I have more suggestions for each location there.

Thailand Travel Costs

One of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s many stunning historic Buddhist temples

Accommodation

  • Hostel Dorms – 275-550 THB per night
  • Hostel private rooms – 1,035-2,070 THB per night
  • Budget hotels/guesthouses – 420-1,200 THB per night
  • Luxury Hotels – 2,000+ THB per night
  • Airbnb private rooms – 200-600 THB per night
  • Airbnb apartments – 1,380-2,750 THB per night

Expect to spend at least 20% more in popular areas, on the islands, and during high season. Prices can easily double if you don’t book early.

Food

  • Street food – 30-100 THB per dish
  • Casual restaurants – 100-175 THB per dish
  • Western food – 175-350 THB per dish
  • Sushi – 1,000-1,200 THB per meal
  • Beer – 60-120 THB
  • Glass of wine – 180 THB
  • Cocktails – 300-450 THB
  • Groceries for a week – 600-800 THB

Expect prices to be 20-30% higher on the islands.

Thailand Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 1,750 THB Per Day

If you’re backpacking Thailand, you’ll stay in a hostel dorm, eat from the street vendors, enjoy a couple of drinks per day, and use public transportation. You’ll want to stick to mostly free or cheap activities like swimming, hiking, and relaxing on the beach.

Midrange – 3,100 THB Per Day

On a midrange budget, you can stay in a budget hotel or guesthouse with air-conditioning, eat a few Western meals, have some good cocktails, rent a motorbike or scooter, and do paid activities like jungle treks or diving.

Upscale – 5,000+ THB Per Day

On an upscale budget, you can do anything you want. Luxury in Thailand knows no limits so if you’re spending this much or more per day, the sky is really the limit!

Thailand Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Thailand is an inexpensive country and it’s hard to overspend here unless you’re trying to splash out on high-end meals, imported alcohol, and fancy resorts. If you stick to traveling like how Thais live (street food, public transportation, etc), you’re going to spend very little. To save money when you visit, here’s my tips on cutting costs in Thailand:

Go local – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on less than 7,750 THB per month in Bangkok and on even less in the countryside. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.

Eat street food – Thailand’s best food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant meal. Stick to street food if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of delicious curries and rice, fresh juices, and meat skewers. Eating around the markets is a must-do in Thailand. Really that’s where you’ll find the best food anyway.

Use public transportation – Locals use the extensive bus systems to get wherever they need to go in Bangkok and other parts of the country. To save money, do the same. A 20-minute taxi ride might cost you 120 THB, while the same ride on a bus might only cost 10 THB.

Make sure your taxi turns on the meter – All taxis are required to use a meter when they have passengers. However, most want to charge a higher flat rate instead of using the meter — especially if there’s traffic. If this happens, just walk away and see if a different taxi will turn on their meter for you.

Save money on rideshares – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber, which is no longer available in Thailand. It works the same way: you hire a local to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting scammed.

Negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers – Unlike taxis, the tuk-tuk drivers do not have meters, so be sure to set the fixed price before you take off. They are very friendly, but if you act like a naive tourist, you will get taken advantage of!

Bargain hard – When shopping at the markets, use your negotiation skills. The rule of thumb is the more you buy, the cheaper the prices will be. So shop in packs for the best deals.

Take advantage of happy hour – Thailand’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials. If you want to hit the bar, stick to drinking during happy hours. If you visit the areas frequented by backpackers, you’ll find even more drink specials.

Buy beer at 7-Eleven – Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab. While you can’t get wrecked on the street, you can take drinks with you to sit outside your guesthouse or while on the beach. These places are usually 50% cheaper than drinking at the bar and they have tons of snacks.

Don’t book tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get into Thailand to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. While you’re able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, you’ll be paying a lot more that way. Instead, book when you arrive so you can haggle for a better deal.

Book group excursions – When booking your day tours, multi-day tours, cooking classes, etc., try to book it as a group so the price per person gets reduced. Traveling alone? Make friends and book a tour with your hostel.

Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours help you get oriented within a city while picking up some interesting facts and history in the process. To see all the highlights and connect with a local guide, check out Bangkok Walking Tours or Free Bangkok Walks. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

Get a sightseeing pass – The TAGTHAi pass is available for multiple cities in Thailand. It bundles together many of the most popular attractions for a price that’s lower than paying for each entrance separately. These can be purchased in one-day or three-day options, depending on the city.

Reedeem hotel points – Get a hotel credit card and use the points to pay for accommodations on your trip. You’ll get a few free nights because hotel redemptions are great value here! Here’s a post that will help you get started so you can earn points right away and have plenty by the time you leave.

Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay, who can introduce you to all the great places to see. Just make sure to send your requests early!

Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia as the tap water isn’t potable. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw, which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too).

(Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book!)

How to Get Around in Thailand

A hiking path going through the lush forest with a turquoise bay in the background on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand at sunset over the ocean

Public transportation – Local buses cost as little as 8 THB per trip (for buses with no AC) and start at 12 THB for buses with AC. A week-long pass in Bangkok costs between 120-255 THB, depending on whether you want buses with AC or no AC. The Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 16-52 THB per trip or 150 THB for a one-day pass.

In Chiang Mai, the buses have AC and cost around 20 THB per ticket. An unlimited day pass is 180 THB.

In many places, songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation. These converted pick-up trucks don’t follow set stops, simply going wherever their riders ask. They generally cost 30-50 THB for a ride, depending on how far you want to go.

Taxi – Metered taxi rides are usually 60-100 THB each. Always stick to the metered taxis, otherwise, you’ll get charged an overpriced ride. If you notice your driver not using the meter, get out and find a driver who will.

Tuk-tuks are unmetered and generally more expensive, costing 100-235 THB per ride. Be sure to agree on a price before you take off. I generally try to avoid tuk-tuks, but for very short distances they can be fun.

Motorbike taxis (in orange vests) are available all over the country with short trips costing about 35-80 THB, but you need to negotiate the price.

Bus – Buses in Thailand are incredibly cheap and a great way to get around the country. For intercity travel, you’ll pay more for better services like sleeper buses and air-conditioning. A bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 10 hours and costs about 620-750 THB, while a first-class ticket for the same journey costs 997 THB. Bangkok to Trat (where you can then change to a ferry taking you to Ko Chang) takes 5 hours and costs about 275-350 THB. A two-hour bus journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just 137-200 THB.

Train – Trains in Thailand tend to be slow, but they’re an incredibly scenic option for getting around. Taking the train is a genuine experience, making the journey as much a part of your trip as the destination. Day trains cost as little as 35-50 THB, and night trains start at 690 THB for second class with air-conditioning. By the way, the air-conditioned night trains can be freezing so be prepared. A train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 11-13 hours and costs 690-930 THB, while Bangkok to Pattaya takes 4 hours and costs 170 THB.

There is a semi-new Bangkok–Vientiane train for getting to Laos, which takes 11-13 hours and costs around 1,030 THB. There’s also a multi-day train between Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore (it’s a fun experience and you can stop along the way).

Flying – Flights are a quick and affordable way to travel around the country, with prices ranging between 350-3,450 THB. Flights to the islands tend to be higher in price than flying between large cities or popular destinations. For example, Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Krabi all cost 750-1,135 THB for a one-way ticket, while a one-way from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be found for around 2,235 THB.

Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber and is found all over the country. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting cheated on the price. I prefer to use this app than hail a taxi.

Ferry – Travel between islands and beaches is best done by long-tail boat, which costs around 150-275 THB per person for shorter trips. Bigger cities like Bangkok have regular ferries, costing 14-33 THB per ride.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Thailand is perfectly safe, though it’s not that common here. Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through rural areas. Hitchwiki is a great resource for more hitchhiking tips.

Motorbikes – Renting a motorbike is super popular in rural areas and on the islands, either for day trips or for road trips. Just make sure you wear a helmet and have insurance (and ideally have experience on a bike or scooter). I’ve seen a ton of backpackers with road rash who wrecked their bikes because they just weren’t experienced enough.

Car rental – If you want to rent a car in Thailand, an IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. That said, unless you’re an adventurous traveler with experience driving in rugged conditions, I don’t recommend renting a car here as traffic in the cities is sluggish and the roads in rural areas can be unreliable.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars. Prices start around 600-800 THB per day for multi-day rentals. You can get a free quote using this widget:

When to Go to Thailand

Overall, the best time of year to visit Thailand is between November to March. The high season (cool/dry) is from November to March. Temperatures during this time are usually 30°C (86°F) or higher (yes, that is “cool” in Thailand). The islands are much hotter and more humid, though the entire country is very humid during this time. This is also the busiest time of the year so expect higher prices and lots of tourists, especially around Christmas/New Year’s.

If you plan on being in the north during this time, temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings so bring warm clothing. It gets cold at night, especially out in the mountains.

The shoulder season is from April to June, and it is HOT, with temps regularly over 40 C. It’s the hottest time of the year! The country is still really busy this time of year, though crowds begin to shrink after mid-April.

Monsoon hits the northern area at the end of May, bringing daily bouts of rain (though the weather is still warm). The low season is the rainy season, from July to October. Rainfall can be dramatic, ranging from light showers to major flooding. June and August have the heaviest rains, but things wind down during October. You might still get some afternoon showers, but October is also generally a good time to visit.

(Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Thailand filled with even more detailed information as well as itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! So, if you want to go into more depth, click here for more about the book!)

Thailand Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

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My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more!  Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Thailand Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip: