Backpacking in Thailand: The Ultimate 2024 Travel Guide

Thailand is incredibly diverse, with famous and “must-see” sights all over the country. While this ensures you have plenty to do on your trip to Thailand, it does make it incredibly challenging to plan an itinerary that takes in everything. To make it just that little bit easier, we’ve rounded up the best places to travel in Thailand – everything else should be planned around these. 

The capital of the land of smiles, you can’t have a Thailand itinerary without including Bangkok. It’s a fantastically varied city, full of soaring skyscrapers and modern architecture nestled next to floating markets, historical cultural sights, traditional architecture, and some of the best museums you’ll find across the country.

Bangkok also has some of the best nightlife in Thailand. With a number of nightclubs, cocktail bars, rooftop bars, traditional Muay Thai fights and more, there’s enough to keep you occupied from 6 pm right through until 6 am

Sometimes referred to as Thailand’s northern capital, Chiang Mai exhibits a seamless blend of culture and nature. It’s home to over 500 temples, all fantastically built into the idyllic environment that is characterised by lush jungles and fast-moving rivers.

It’s here that avid hikers will find the Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest point, and there’s also an ethical sanctuary where travellers can interact with beautiful elephants knowing they’re not contributing to animal brutality. On a tour of Doi Inthanon, you will get to explore the serene corners of the park and can visit the tranquil waterfalls as you explore the verdant landscape.

The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is any backpacker’s dream destination. With the endless sandy beaches at Patong, the hedonistic nightlife, water sports, world-class shows and food so fabulous even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy themselves. What’s more, Phuket has some of the most famous cultural sites in the world, so it’s not one to be missed.

While here, make sure to check out Wat Chalong and the big Buddha, and set aside some time to marvel at the colonial buildings in Phuket Town.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s many ancient cities, full of sweeping ruins that date back to Siam’s golden age. These sights include Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon where visitors can climb the tall stupas, as well as Wat Mahathat with the famous stone statue of a head fully enshrined with the roots of a tree. 

You can visit the sweeping site by yourself but if you want to dive into the history and learn the intimate details of this majestic site, a guided tour is the best option. You can find a variety of tours to Ayutthaya, many of which will include transport from Bangkok. Both half-day and full-day tours are available, meaning you can fit Ayutthaya into any Thailand itinerary.

Anyone who’s a fan of Bridge Over the River Kwai should add Kanchanaburi to their bucket list, as it’s here that the famous bridge can be found – and travellers can even take a ride on the infamous Death Railway. The area is a combination of natural wonders coupled with wartime monuments, and there are several museums dedicated to wartime history – including several wartime cemeteries.

Nature lovers should head to Erawan National Park where you can spot the Erawan Falls and the Phra That Cave, while Sai Yok National Park is perfect for an afternoon picnic surrounded by mini waterfalls.

Thailand is one of those countries that has something for everyone. Incredibly diverse, with a history and culture that spans the ages, it’s no wonder the country is full of exceptional sights, fantastic national parks, and intriguing traditions to get involved with.

Backpacking in Thailand gives you an excellent opportunity to explore this rich cultural offering and undertake unique experiences. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve got some top suggestions for what to do in Thailand.

Thai food is some of the best in the world, and it turns out it’s actually incredibly easy to cook – once you know how, and where better to learn than with genuine Thai chefs in Thailand?

There are a number of places to spend an afternoon learning how to cook traditional Thai dishes across the country, but the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. The Chiang Mai Kitchen Cooking School is one of the best, with courses starting from just £20. You can also combine a cooking class with a farm visit, for extra cultural immersion.

An absolute must-do in Thailand is getting a soothing massage which offers blissful relaxation as well as a glimpse into the country’s long-lived heritage. This therapeutic practice is known as ‘Nuad Thai’ in Thailand and combines aspects of acupressure, yoga and energy balancing. 

This holistic approach provides welcome relief and is a great way to loosen up tension after a long day of exploration. Upon arrival for your massage, you will be calmed by the serene atmosphere and can enjoy a peaceful footbath. The best part about a Thai massage is that you can be fully clothed for the entire experience, so you won’t feel embarrassed. 

There are many places in Thailand where you can enjoy aromatherapy and massage treatments, so it’s a great activity no matter where you go. From quaint local parlours to high-end wellness centres, there are so many different ways to get a Thai massage. It’s a Chiang Mai must do and there’s no place better than the Fah Lanna Spa to enjoy a fabulous treatment.

Tucked away in the south of the country, Khao Sok National Park is one of the best in the country. Full of hiking and trekking routes, as well as limestone karsts, relaxing rivers, more wildlife than you could spot in a year, and the best sunsets on the island, it’s not one to miss.

The royal palace of Thailand, the Grand Palace was first built during the late 1700s as dictated by King Rama I. Even today, it’s the official residence of Thailand’s king – although it’s no longer his home, but rather it’s just used for official ceremonies. 

The palace itself is incredible, with a number of temples – including the famous Wat Phra Kaew, where travellers can find the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. Extend your trip and visit Wat Pho nearby as well to catch a glimpse of a gigantic, golden, reclining Buddha statue. Many operators offer combined tours of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, meaning you can easily visit both of these Thailand attractions in one day.

One of the most famous cultural festivals in the world, the Full Moon Party is a cornucopia of drinking, dancing, and loud music. If you like the sound of fire dancers putting on a show, booths covering you with glow-in-the-dark face paint, a selection of different music playing on the beach – all equally loud – and stalls of people lining up to sell you alcohol, then get ready for the best night of your life.

The best place in Thailand to experience the Full Moon Party is Koh Phangan, which is reachable from Koh Samui. The island is famous for its spirited nightlife and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the full moon festivities. You can purchase your Full Moon Party tickets in advance, which include ferry services and hotel transfers.

One of the most popular activities in Thailand is scuba diving, and the country is home to some of the best diving spots in the world. The island of Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places to learn, with most of the island catering specifically to diving – it’s one of the only reasons people tend to visit – but if you’re looking for the absolute best spot then head to the Similan Islands.

Here, divers will see the Elephant Head Rock, and a reef that’s home to snappers, rays, fish, and turtles.

One thing you don’t want to do in Thailand is pay anyone any money to ride an elephant. Sure, it looks good on the ‘gram, and it seems to be the thing to do in Thailand, but the reality is that these institutions are incredibly abusive towards the majestic animals.

Instead, head to the Elephant Nature Park and spend some time volunteering at the Elephant Conservation Centre near Chiang Mai. A fantastic centre, it teaches visitors about the elephant tourism trade, educating tourists on why they should never ride elephants in Thailand, while simultaneously offering people the chance to give back and help the community.

If you’re a fan of shopping and unique experiences, then the floating markets of Thailand are an absolute must. Located in various spots throughout the country, the floating markets are a unique way to interact with the community and try some local foods. The best ones can be found in Ratchaburi, or during the Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market in Bangkok.

Just as you’d imagine, the floating markets consist of boats on the water, piled high with colourful goods and things to eat. Among the chatter of vendors and shoppers, you will see exotic fruits of all shades, intricate handicrafts and shining souvenirs. Touring the floating markets in Bangkok is a great way to get situated and experience the charged atmosphere.

One of the most important parts of planning a trip to Thailand is making sure you have a solid itinerary. Backpacking in Thailand is an amazing experience, but having a clear plan and keeping organised will pay tremendous dividends. You can find specific Thailand itineraries on our blog that focus on cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. 

If you need help making up a longer itinerary for Thailand, take a look at our examples below. 

There are several different styles of backpacker accommodation in Thailand, such as hostels, guesthouses, or a bungalow resort. And the great news is that they’re all ridiculously cheap if you don’t mind a basic room. There are so many cheap places to stay in Thailand especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, making it a great destination for backpackers on a budget. 

As little as £1.50 is enough to get you a private, basic room or beach bungalow with a shared bathroom. Expect it to be a little bit tatty and dated, but it will definitely be clean, and as long as you’ve packed correctly you won’t find yourself at a loss for anything.

A lot of places will offer you the chance to upgrade for £1 a night, which gives you a room with a mosquito net over the bed. In Thailand, this is always a good idea so try and budget for this – or at least bring your own net. There’s nothing worse than trying to hike for hours with itchy bites rubbing against your boots and clothes.

Below you will find a helpful breakdown of accommodation in Thailand. For each major destination in Thailand, we’ve provided recommendations for places to stay that will suit a range of budgets. So if you’ve been wondering where to stay in Thailand, we’ve got you covered.

Transportation in Thailand is incredibly cheap, which means any backpacker can get around the country on a limited budget and see all the incredible sights. One of the cheapest ways to travel around Thailand is via a local bus. These can easily get you from town to town and cost as little as 8 THB per trip (£0.21).

There is also the Metro and BTS Skytrain for when you’re in Bangkok, which costs between 15-50 THB (£0.39 – £1.30), as well as metered taxi rides which cost between 60-100 THB (£1.56 – £2.60).

Tuk-tuks are the most popular form of transport for tourists, which means they tend to be more expensive – but definitely worth the experience, if you travel in one at least once. A single ride will set you back 100-235 THB (£2.60 – £6.10).

The trains across Thailand aren’t the most reliable, and they tend to be pretty slow, but they’re a great option if you’re travelling long distances and want to take the scenic route. Plus, it’s fairly cheap, with a day train costing just 50 THB (£1.30). A night train will cost 575 THB (£14.95) for a second-class ticket that doesn’t have air conditioning, which works great if you want to reach a different part of the country but not waste a whole day travelling.

Thailand is a diverse country, so the long and short of it is that the best time to visit will differ depending on where it is that you’re going. The islands on one side of the country, for example, have a slightly rainier climate than the other side, and the two sides will often be the exact opposites in terms of weather.

The Best Time to Visit Thailand for Good Weather

December through to March is Thailand’s driest season, making it the best time to visit if you want to avoid getting too wet – although bear in mind that, like any tropical country, there will always be short rain showers no matter when you visit.

This is the best time to visit Thailand if you want cooler temperatures and clear skies. The average temperature in Thailand in the dry season ranges from 25°C to 32°C and this can drop to a comfortable 15°C to 20°C in the evenings. The mild days are perfect for temple hopping and hiking in national parks. 

The Cheapest Time to Visit Thailand

April to June is great for cheaper prices but because it’s the shoulder season in Thailand, a lot of local businesses and ferry services on the smaller islands will shut down. It’s best to plan what you want to do first, and then if you can still do everything during the shoulder season go for it – you’ll at least save a few bucks.

This is also when the highest temperatures in Thailand can be experienced, with daytime averages ranging from 30°C to 35°C. It is also worth noting that March to April is when the smoke season in Thailand occurs. Farmers burn crops in their fields to prepare for the next growing cycle and this causes higher rates of air pollution and could have some impact on your Thailand travel plans. 

Festivals and Events in Thailand 

In terms of key events and festivals, February sees the Buddhist celebration of Makha Bucha, as well as the Krabi Naga Fest along the southern coast, bringing music directly to the beaches. There’s also the Phi Ta Khon Festival in June which sees people dressed in elaborate ghost costumes, as well as the Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music in September.

A daily backpacking budget through Thailand would be between 825-1150 THB, which converts to roughly £20-£40, which covers staying in a private room with a shared bathroom, street food, drinks, a few tours, and transport.

Typical costs while backpacking across Thailand:

Thailand is easy to visit on a budget – all you have to do is live like a local. There are a variety of ways to avoid spending money in Thailand, like eating at street food vendors, drinking local beer, and taking buses rather than cabs.

The average Thai lives on the equivalent of £188 a month in Bangkok – and that’s even less in the countryside. In fact, if you’re staying in local guesthouses and eating street food – which is completely safe, often safer than the restaurants – then you could spend less than £10 a day.

Take advantage of the happy hours in many of the bars, which include half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials, and it’s possible to find beer for less than £1 in the 7-11s.

To avoid overspending on public transport in Thailand, you may want to consider renting a bike or scooter. This is a much cheaper option for travelling around Thailand and means you can explore as much as you’d like whenever you like. Just be sure to wear your helmet at all times and be cautious while on busy roads. 

A great way to reduce spending on food and other items is to shop at local markets in Thailand and avoid convenience stores. Not only will you be able to haggle for fresh fruit and stunning handmade clothing, but you’ll save yourself a good chunk of your spending money in Thailand as well. 

A great way to reduce your budget for Thailand is by partaking in free activities. There are so many things to do in Thailand that are entirely free or very inexpensive. Many temples are completely open to the public and have an optional donation fee. Likewise, you can explore the idyllic nature parks and beaches completely free of charge. 

Backpackers in Thailand should also consider getting a local SIM card. This means you won’t have to worry about purchasing extra data for your trip to Thailand. Plus, it will allow you to keep in touch with your loved ones and stay connected as you travel across this gorgeous country.

Knowing what to pack for a new destination is always daunting – especially when you’re backpacking, and you’re relying on whatever you can fit inside a backpack. Thailand especially can be difficult, as it’s humid and muggy, but also gloriously sunny with frequent rain showers. Below you can find some helpful suggestions for things to take to Thailand. 

The essentials for any backpacking trip are, of course: swimsuit, long sleeve tops, t-shirts, leggings, stretchy jeans that dry easily, underwear, shorts, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel and a towel – unless you’re staying in a hotel, typical backpacker accommodation doesn’t come with a towel.

In keeping with the hostel theme, a pair of flip-flops is handy for the showers, as is a refillable water bottle to carry around with you during the day. If you’re planning to go on a lot of hikes and walks then make sure you have comfortable shoes, and bring a rain jacket to protect from the random outbursts of rain Thailand is prone to.

Other good things to pack, if you have space, include; bug spray, eco-friendly wet wipes, a first aid kit – as much as you can, but definitely band-aids and antibacterial cream – a universal charger, and a lock for your backpack.

Thai food is popular all over the world, but you’ve never had anything like it until you’ve tried traditional Thai from a Thai restaurant, in Thailand! Vegetarian travellers will have a variety of options and so will vegans, but just watch out for fish oil as it’s a common ingredient in many dishes. 

Known for its incredible flavours and fresh ingredients, without being too heavy, Thai food is perfect for the heat and humidity you can find here. Specialities include Tom Yung Goong, which is a soup blended with lemongrass, chilli, lime, shallots, prawns and mushrooms, and of course, there’s the famous red and green Thai curries made with coconut milk. 

Almost every street food cart will serve a delicious Pad Thai, consisting of thick noodles and a myriad of vegetables. While you’re backpacking, you absolutely have to try the Pad Krapow Moo which is chicken or pork served on top of white rice with a fried egg, as well as the Som Tum: shredded papaya with green beans, garlic, and chilli, topped with peanuts and typically served as a side salad.

Thailand is a veritable backpacker’s dream; a remote paradise full of extraordinary cultural elements, tropical beauty, lively cities and more – all just waiting to be explored by adventurous travellers. 

For a place so far reserved from the western world, it’s no surprise that there a number of social norms that travellers should become accustomed to if they want to avoid an embarrassing encounter. 

• Don’t talk about the king – Thai’s are sensitive to anything that could be seen as a sign of disrespect against their king
• Cover your shoulders and knees when entering Thai temples and royal palaces
• Don’t point, but gesture with all four fingers extended and thumb flat against the palm
• Don’t put your feet up on anything that’s not meant for feet
• Don’t touch anyone’s head – it’s the most important part of the body
• Eat with your spoon – eating directly off your fork is considered crude 
• Women must never touch a monk or their robe
• The national anthem is played out loud every day at 8am and 6pm – if you’re in a public space, it’s customary to show respect by stopping and standing still until it’s over

A massive part of travelling is picking up handy phrases so that you can communicate with the locals – often leading to great deals, cheaper prices, and hidden activities off the beaten track.

The key with Thai is to know that there are slightly different rules to the language depending on whether you’re male or female. If you’re male, you have to end every sentence with the word “khrup/krap”, while females have to end their sentences with “ka/kap”.

One of the many reasons why Thailand is a great destination for backpackers is the Visa Exemption Scheme. Under this scheme, tourists from 64 approved countries are allowed to visit Thailand without applying for a visa beforehand. 

In order to qualify for the scheme, there are certain conditions which must be met. In short:

• You must be visiting Thailand from an approved country
• Your trip to Thailand must be purely for tourism purposes
• You hold a valid passport that is in date, at least six months before expiry
• You must have a valid address for where you will be staying in Thailand, hostels and hotels are fine
• You need to have a confirmed outbound flight departing up to 30 days after your arrival, open return tickets are not valid.
• You must provide proof of funds at a minimum of 10,000 THB for single travellers

If you are looking to stay for longer than 30 days, you can apply for a tourist visa in any Thai embassy before you travel, which gives you 60 days straight away. You can find more information about visa requirements on the Thai Embassy website. Likewise, travellers from the UK, USA and Australia can find more information from the links below.

UK Entry Requirements for Thailand

USA Entry Requirements for Thailand

Australian Entry Requirements for Thailand

Thailand is one of those amazing places for backpackers to visit because it’s so incredibly safe – even if you’re travelling on your own.

The main type of crime it’s best to look out for is petty theft, such as bag snatching, which is common in major cities across the world and isn’t specific to Thailand. Another common scam is unmetered taxis, but aside from that it’s a very safe country to travel in, with helpful, friendly locals.

If you are worried, just remember to trust your instincts: don’t ride with a taxi driver who seems shady, and don’t be afraid to change hotels if you’re not happy. You can also make copies of your passport and ID and forward your itinerary to your friends and family back home, so they know where you are.

Early archaeological sites put Thailand’s history back roughly 5000 years, showing evidence of rice cultivation and even bronze casting. During the early years of civilisation, Thailand was controlled by tribal groups, such as the mon and Khmer peoples who both equally established large kingdoms in different areas of the country.

After meeting with other South Asian populations, these kingdoms absorbed the religious, cultural, and political ideas from other countries which influenced the development of Thailand’s national identity as we know it today.

Between then 10th and 14th centuries, Thailand was largely ruled by the Khmer kingdom. However, as the empire weakened, city states across the country became to claim independence, until the 1500s saw most of the country fall to the Burmese.

In roughly 1768, General Taksin liberated the city-states from Burmese control, reuniting them under what was known as Siam. Through diplomatic means, Thailand entered into various treaties with western nations – notably Britain and France, which is one of the main reasons they managed to escape imperial colonisation.

In 1932, a Siamese Revolution ended the absolute monarchy of the Ayutthaya Kingdom that had been ruling for centuries, establishing a constitutional monarchy largely overseen by military personnel. For 60 years the military ruled the country until in 1992 a government was established.

• Thailand is the only country in South-East Asia that was never colonised by a European power
• There is an annual festival dedicated entirely to monkeys where over 600 monkeys are invited to a buffet of over 2 tonnes of food prepared by locals
• All men used to become Buddhist monks 
• It’s home to fish that can walk on land, using two front and two back fins that propel the fish up waterfalls
• There are over 1,430 islands in Thailand
• The first known Siamese twins were born in Thailand
• It’s illegal to drive a car shirtless
• According to local belief, sneezing means that someone is missing you or talking about you

If you really want to make the most of your time in Thailand, then check out these useful resources. When you’re backpacking, it’s always better to be safe and prepared than winging it.

https://www.skyscanner.net/routes/lond/th/london-to-thailand.html 

https://www.hostelworld.com/blog/backpacking-thailand/

https://www.worldpackers.com/articles/hidden-gems-in-thailand

https://www.allianz-assistance.co.uk/travel-insurance/destinations/thailand-travel-insurance.html

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/world/thailand

https://www.tourismthailand.org/home