Backpacking Thailand: The Basics You Need to Know Before You Go

Backpacking Thailand: The Basics You Need to Know Before You Go

Quick Overview

Thailand, the Land of Smiles, offers an incredible mix of beaches, culture, nature, food, nightlife, and backpackers' scene! 

Few Facts

  • Capital: Bangkok
  • Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
  • Language: Thai
  • Population: 72 million
  • Power Socket: Type A and B (220V)

Why Visit

  • The kindest, most fun and outgoing people in this world
  • World-class islands and beaches
  • Food scene that's out of this world 
  • The craziest and most buzzing nightlife
  • Endless things to do

Best Time to Go

  • November to February: Cool & dry (best time)
  • March to May: Hot Season
  • June to October: Rainy/monsoon season

Rough Budget Idea

  • Shoestring: €30/day (hostels, street food, local buses)
  • Mid-Range: €50 (hostels, guesthouses, local & western food, some activities)
  • Comfortable: €75+/day

Top/Popular Places

  • Bangkok: Street food, culture, nightlife
  • Chiang Mai: Mountains, elephants, temples
  • Pai: Chill town, nature, hippie vibe
  • Phuket/Krabi/Phi-Phi: Beaches and islands
  • Koh Tao: Scuba diving paradise
  • Koh Pha Ngan: Hippie island, full moon parties

Top Activities

  • Partying
  • Visiting temples and palaces
  • Island hopping 
  • Snorkeling & scuba diving
  • Cooking classes, Thai massages, street food tours

Major Festivals & Events

  • Songkran (April 13 - 15): Thai New Year celebrated with massive water fights
  • Loy Krathong (November): Lantern and floating offerings festival, especially beautiful in Chiang Mai
  • Full Moon Partu: Monthly beach party in Koh Pha Ngan, famous among backpackers (especially younger ones)

Backpacker Tips & Tricks

  • Use 7-eleven for snacks & drinks
  • Eat local, food is amazing and way more affordable
  • Download Grab app (The uber of Southeast Asia)

Packing Tips

Don't overpack, most essentials are easy to find locally.

Check our [Ultimate Backpacker Checklist] to make sure you have what you need.

Recommended Routes

Each one of us is different but we are all connected via two things - love for exploration and living out of a backpack. One route and certain activities can be awesome for one backpacker and awful for another. Complete the Itinerary Planner Questionnaire to get your personalized itinerary suggestions for free and even dive deeper to the specifics!