Are you looking for a well balanced Thailand itinerary with a mix of beach, jungle, and city? With these Thailand travel tips, we bring you that and much more. Thailand is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer. Is a great place to see wildlife, vibrant city life and laid down on some unbelievable beaches.
Here we bring you the very best Thailand travel tips you need to make the most of your adventure in Thailand!
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For more inspiration check our travel video to Thailand below, which will take you through all the places on this guide.
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The best time to go to Thailand is during the months of November to April. These are the coolest months and rain is less frequent, which is perfect for your Thailand itinerary. The temperature during these months is around 29º which is still hot.
Thailand is generally a pretty safe country. There are some places in the very south which are not recommended to be visited. In any case, check here for travel advice about the current safety in Thailand.
If you stick to budget hotels and street food, you can easily live in Thailand for under $28 per day with all the expenses.
Alternatively, if you stay in hotels and spend more in restaurants expect to pay at least $40 per day.
At a Glance | On a Budget | Where to Go | Things to Do | Where to Stay | Where to Eat
Essential Thailand Travel Tips
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Avoid peak seasons on popular spots
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Get the required vaccinations.
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Bring a water filtered bottle.
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Research average price of transports to avoid being scammed.
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Beware with monkeys! They do not only steal your stuff but can also transmit rabies.
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Choose your food wisely. Nothing raw or uncooked.
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Bring sunscreen. You will need it and is one of the few expensive things in Thailand.
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Avoid mosquito bites with long sleeve clothes and repellents.
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Download maps.me to know where you are even if you don’t have data.
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Grab taxi and 12GoAsia might be your best friends to move around.
These Thailand travel tips, are just to give you a quick idea about what to expect and some recommendations. Everything in this list is explained in detail along with this post.
Thailand At a Glance
Weather: Hot and humid for the whole year. During the rainy season, the temperature gets higher and the rain is heavy and unpredictable.
Visa: Most tourists do not apply for anything in advance, because Thailand stamps you in under its visa exemption. Since 15 September 2026 that exemption is worth 30 days, down from the 60 days granted before that date. If you want to stay longer you extend it by another 30 days at a Thai Immigration office (not at an embassy) for 1,900 THB in cash, with your passport and a TM.7 form. The old paper TM6 card is gone: every foreign traveller now files the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online in the 72 hours before landing. You can check here if you need a Visa.
Currency: THB
Language: Thai
Safety: Thailand is generally a pretty safe country. There are some places in the very south which are not recommended to be visited. In any case, check here for travel advice about the current safety in Thailand.
In our case, we explored it over two months being in all around the country and never had an issue.
Also, for the best medical advice is worth to check TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC).You should seek medical advice on vaccinations and any other advice a professional can provide you with. As it is a dengue area, we recommend you to have mosquito repellent with a high concentration of DEET.
One of the most important Thailand travel tips is that you should have good travel insurance to have all the travel essentials covered.
What to pack: Thailand is in general quite hot so we recommend you to wear light and breathable clothes. Bear in mind that to enter the temples you must wear appropriate attire to show respect, that is: cover your arms, and your knees. In some of the temples, flip-flops are not allowed.
How to move around: Moving around Thailand is easy and not expensive at all. 12GoAsia is by far the best platform/app to use when moving around Asia. They offer plenty of trains and buses at a cheap and reasonable price and are really comfy.
Thailand On a Budget
How much cost travel to Thailand?
We spent an average of 28$ per day in our Thailand itinerary, all included. We found easy to keep this budget and we could even have done it for less money saving in accommodation by sharing room in hostels, although we did a mix of budget hotels and hostels. If you want to save even more, keep reading some of our Thailand travel tips below which can save you more money.
How is the average price calculated?
It is the total of all our expenses in Thailand divided by 30 days, which is the time we spent there. That is taking into account:
- What kind of accommodation? We mainly stayed at budget hotels and some hostels spending a minimum of 5$ per person and a maximum of 15 per person in a double room. As you will find out, the price in the islands is slightly higher without meaning more quality.
- How did you move around? 95% of the time by bus, and a train. Buses in Thailand are great, good price and comfy. We also used tuk-tuk for shorter distances.
- What kind of food did you eat? Most of the time we went for local food. And that means mostly street food, which is cheaper and also delicious (most of the time)
- What do you consider entertainment? Alcohol, tickets for attractions, renting scooters in some places…
Where to Go in Thailand
Bangkok
The capital city of Thailand Bangkok has gained a well-deserved reputation for offering its visitors all they’ve ever wanted. Try the exquisite local gastronomy, visit its magnificent temples, don’t miss out on the opportunity of hanging out in some of the most picturesque places, get lost in the massive shopping malls, experience Bangkok’s wild nightlife … and much much more.
Koh Phi Phi
One of the most developed islands in Thailand and one of the favorite destinations for people looking for stunning white sand and turquoise beaches and feeling like letting their hair down at night. Famous for the endless tours going out from this island to hidden spots, and for its vivid atmosphere all year round, Koh Phi Phi is without any doubt one of the places people visit when backpacking Thailand.
Koh Tao
Are you into diving or thinking about getting a diving qualification? If so, this is the place. In Koh Tao, prices are generally low compared to any other place due to the high number of diving centers on the island. Thus, most of the people backpacking Thailand will end up here. People come over to see the whale shark and explore the underwater world due to the stunning reefs.
Krabi
Krabi, on southern Thailand’s west coast, is a province characterized by craggy, sheer limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests, and more than a hundred offshore islands. Railay Beach is its most popular beach destination and is accessible only by boat
If what you are after is to chill at the beach, it is a great choice, although is becoming really popular
Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand will surprise you with the greenery scenario surrounded by mountains, where you will be able to meet its vibrant hill tribes, and where you will find some unique temples with years of history and stories to tell. In terms of gastronomy, this place is also famous for its northern Thai recipes that shouldn’t be missed out on.
Chiang Mai has everything you need to make this trip an unforgettable experience.
Khao Sok
Discover one of the most amazing National Parks in Thailand. Get immersed in the lush nature, spot unique species cohabiting in the freedom of the jungle, live the adventure by taking part in amazing trekkings, kayaking down the river, and much more! If you are into adventure, outdoors, and you want to live an unforgettable experience, Khao Sok National Park is the place.
Thailand Itinerary
Choosing the right itinerary to travel through Thailand is not easy since there is lots of stuff to do an see in many different areas of the country.
Normally the easiest way to do it is by separating the 3 main areas: North, Central, and South. The time and visits will depend on what you are after:
- North is great for nature, jungle, trekking, and wildlife
- Central is great for culture, vibrant city life, history, and temples, having even some beautiful natural parks nearby
- South is best for beaches. There are so many islands to choose with breathtaking beaches where to spend your day.
In the interest of time, we really recommend not to rush it. If you want to visit all of them you should plan at least a two weeks itinerary. Although we think it is not enough to cover the 3 main areas.
If you happen to have less time, we recommend you to follow our Thailand travel tips to plan your itinerary carefully and stay a minimum of two days at each place considering also the time you will have to spend traveling.
We spent more than a month in Thailand (in 2 different times), and we don’t think it was enough to visit all these places properly but we know vacations are limited!
If you have little time, one of our top Thailand travel tips would be to use the plane to cover long distances to save you extra time.
You can take a look in detail in this infographic with our suggested Thailand itinerary.
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Things to do in Thailand
When it comes to options about things to do in Thailand the offer is massive!
Go Temple Hopping: Temples not only represent a touristic attraction but also an important part of local people lives. There is not a complete Thailand itinerary if you miss the temples. The best time to visit them is early in the morning when the temperatures are still bearable. Dress properly when visiting the temples, covering your shoulders and your knee.s You might need to wear closed shoes as well, in some of them. Wat Arun also was known as the temple of Dawn as it offers a perfect picture at sunset from the other shore of the river. The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew was also known as Temple of Emerald Buddha Wat Pho and the Golden Temple are some of the must visit in the city.
Find out what nightlife at Khao San Road looks like. One of the most emblematic places in Bangkok for its vivid atmosphere. Khao San Road is famous for its wild nightlife. Every day of the week, when the sun is gone and the darkness embraces Bangkok, the music begins and the streets display colorful lights all around. Khao San Road is a place full of life, pubs and loud music flows down the road…Even if you are not into nightlife, you can still enjoy cheap street food, try the insects (only tourists do it, but it’s okay) and feel the vibe.
Visit Chinatown. One of the most crowded and unchanged districts, where there is always something going on. It is not just a touristic attraction but also, the place where local people shop and find bargains in the Chinese market. There you will find all kind of shops, mostly Chinese, with all you can imagine. Food is also one of the main reasons people visit Chinatown.
Get lost at Chatuchak market. One of the biggest markets in Asia. Chatuchak is a great place to hang out during the weekends to do some shopping and mingle with friends. It is like a maze divided into sections, from handbags to the weird pet section. It also includes a huge food court with many different dishes.
Go for a walk at Lumpini Park. A green space in the middle of the city jungle, Lumpini Park is the perfect place to go for a run or simply walking around. You can also rent a swan-shaped pedal board in the lake or suddenly bump into a curious lizard. There is a gym area where people go to exercise.
Day trip to Ayutthaya. Take a day trip to visit the temples of the ancient capital of Siam. Ayutthaya is only 80km north from Bangkok so you visit it on the same day and then go back to Bangkok. Remember the dress code is the same as for the rest of the temples, cover your shoulders and your knees. The best way to visit the different temples is by renting a bike or hiring a tuk-tuk for the day.
Delight yourself with some street food. One of the highlights of this country is without any doubt, its mouth-watering gastronomy. You can find a delicious bite in almost every corner in Bangkok. Try the most traditional dishes cooked at the moment. The best way to see what they offer if you are not sure is by checking all the ingredients and how they cook it, as the names are normally in Thai. To be honest, even if you don’t know what you are eating exactly, it will be delicious anyway.
Explore the canals. Bangkok has been named after the Venice of the East. Back in the years, there used to be more canals than now, but there are still some of them. Get on a boat and find out some of the traditional houses and remains of the old Bangkok. Moving around by boat will give a different sight of a most authentic Bangkok. It depends on how you do it: the public river boats are the cheap way to do it, and the tourist boats and private long-tails cost a good deal more.
Shopping at Terminal 21: If you are looking for a different shopping mall this is the place. Each floor is decorated as one emblematic city, from Tokyo to Istanbul, to Rome, to Paris, to San Francisco. Walk around the most famous streets in London. Shop the most original clothes designs in the streets of Tokyo… Get a bite in San Franciso. This shopping mall is not particularly cheap, and might not be on the mind of a backpacker, but there are sales during the year. Apart from the different shopping options, there is a big food court where you can eat far cheaper than in the restaurants upstairs, and also you can go to the cinema.
Get to the hights of this city by visiting a rooftop. Get a view of the city Skyline from one of the most emblematic rooftops in Bangkok.
Watch Muay Thai combat. The national sport of Thailand brings visitors from all around the world. One of the best places to enjoy some combats is at GMM Grammy Studio. It takes place every Friday at around 9 pm. The entrance is Free.
Wander around the Night market: One of our favorite night markets is Ratchada Rot Fai Night Market. Try to put this one in your Thailand itinerary. This train market offers a wide range of food possibilities, being seafood one of the highlights but not what we liked the most. There is also an area with the trendiest pubs where people hang out after dinner to grab a drink. It has easy access by MRT, only 7 min walking from the Thai Cultural Centre Station, just behind the Parade mall.
Take a cooking class. One of the most unique experiences is to learn how to cook Thai food. We learned some traditional Thai recipes using all fresh ingredients cooked in a traditional way. It was delicious.
Live an unforgettable experience at the Elephant Sanctuary. We had the chance to meet one rescued elephant. We cooked for him, we fed him and then we washed him. It was an unforgettable experience, being with such an awesome animal.
Enjoy an Overnight at Cheow Lan Lake. Stay overnight at one of the most stunning places in Thailand. You will be sleeping in huts in the middle of the lake, swimming, and kayaking and also you will be taken on a night safari to watch some local species. This was one of the highlights in our Thailand itinerary
Book a Night Safari. At night you will be taken to taken to the jungle to discover some wild species that live there. You will be provided with torches and an expert guide. We really liked it and we got to see many different animals.
Trekk in the immense jungle. If you go with a local guide (the ones hired by the National Park) it won’t be just a jungle trek, it will become much more interesting. There you can spot lizards, snakes, monkeys, spiders, sloths… Keep your eyes wide open if you want to see these amazing creatures in their habitat.
Tube down the river. We had so much fun doing this one, we were a group of 4. We were supposed to only try the tubes around the accommodation but we got overexcited and kept going down for hours. We went through small waterfalls, spotted some monkeys on the way and found ourselves in the peace of nature.
Take a kayak. We went to a different part of the park and got a kayak for 2 people and one local person paddling. It was so relaxing and beautiful at the same time, going down the river, through the immense lush, spotting lots of birds, snakes, lizards…
Chill out at the stunning beaches. Lay down on the beach, sunbathe, walk along the sea, snorkel in the turquoise waters to spot some rare fish species… our recommendation is to find your spot at Long Beach, for us one of the most beautiful parts of Koh Phi Phi.
Take a tour to amazing spots. You might not know this but nearby Koh Phi Phi you can find some hidden gems that have been served as scenarios in some Hollywood films. Have the opportunity to find yourself in the middle of this paradises by booking one of these tours. They normally take you to 6 different locations, however, if you want something more personalized you can also book a taxi boat and create your own route. Many people create their special Thailand itinerary by booking some of this private tours. If you do have the money, it can be pretty awesome.
One of those spots is Maya Bay, the beach from the film. It was shut for nearly four years and reopened in January 2022 under much tighter rules: the boats no longer pull up on the sand, you come in through the pontoon at Loh Samah Bay behind it, and the number of visitors a day is capped. The bay also closes for a stretch of every low season so the reef can recover, so check the dates before you book.
Swim with black tip shark. This is a unique experience to live on the island, swimming with these amazing animals. It is worth to mention that you won’t have 100% chance to see them as it depends on the time on the day also. Bear in mind that these are wild animals and you are just a stranger for them. Don’t chase them, don’t try to touch them, don’t make noise and be sensible and respectful if you don’t want to have a really bad experience.
Get your PADI certification. Koh Tao is commonly famous for offering visitors endless diving and snorkelling opportunities. There are many diving centers where you can take courses from beginner level to more advanced qualifications. Koh Tao is one of the diving hot spots due to the fauna and flora living underwater where some rare sea species can be spotted and also. Also is one of the cheapest places in the world where to do it!
Rent a scooter and explore the island. This island has way too many little corners which really worth your time. Yes, Sairee is a nice beach and is great to spend the day. But with a scooter, you can really go to even more stunning places and all by yourself
Do trekking through the jungle. Not many people know about this, but trekking in Koh Tao is really rewarding. The reason is that they are not really tough, the jungle is still amazing, and most likely you will have a beach really close to cool down straight after. DO NOT FORGET MOSQUITO REPELLENT IF YOU ARE DOING THIS THOUGH!
Take a cooking class. One of the most unique experiences is to learn how to cook Thai food. We learned some traditional Thai recipes using all fresh ingredients cooked in a traditional way. It was delicious.
Live an unforgettable experience at the Elephant Sanctuary. We had the chance to meet one rescued elephant. We cooked for him, we fed him and then we washed him. It was an unforgettable experience, being with such an awesome animal.
Overnight at Cheow Lan Lake. Stay overnight at one of the most stunning places in Thailand. You will be sleeping in huts in the middle of the lake, swimming, and kayaking and also you will be taken on a night safari to watch some local species. This was one of the highlights in our Thailand itinerary
Book a Night Safari. At night you will be taken to taken to the jungle to discover some wild species that live there. You will be provided with torches and an expert guide. We really liked it and we got to see many different animals.
Trekk in the immense jungle. If you go with a local guide (the ones hired by the National Park) it won’t be just a jungle trek, it will become much more interesting. There you can spot lizards, snakes, monkeys, spiders, sloths… Keep your eyes wide open if you want to see these amazing creatures in their habitat.
Tube down the river. We had so much fun doing this one, we were a group of 4. We were supposed to only try the tubes around the accommodation but we got overexcited and kept going down for hours. We went through small waterfalls, spotted some monkeys on the way and found ourselves in the peace of nature.
Take a kayak. We went to a different part of the park and got a kayak for 2 people and one local person paddling. It was so relaxing and beautiful at the same time, going down the river, through the immense lush, spotting lots of birds, snakes, lizards…
Explore and chill in Railay Beaches & Caves. Although this area can get crowded, the beauty of Railay it well worth a visit!
Rent a Kayak. One of the best option to escape crowds and find good spots for a snorkel is just to rent your own kayak to explore the area.
Visit Wat Tham Sua temple. If you like views and you are up for a bit of hiking, this temple is different and it offers really stunning views!
Wander around Krabi Night Market. This place is awesome. Is a big market where you can find any kind of local food you can think about at a good price, plus it is really lively
If you are planning on going on high season, you should definitively check Get Your Guide for a complete list with top things to do in every stop of your Thailand itinerary. The advantage of doing it is that you can book any tour in advance. If you have limited time, it might be a good idea to take a look, at least to have an idea of the options.
Where to Stay in Thailand
Thailand has a wide offer of accommodation, depending on your budget.
From our experience, the average budget accommodation works great in terms of comfort and price. However, and it happens everywhere, the price in the islands is always higher than on the mainland, but you can still find amazing deals if you know where to look.
We have been in places for around 5$ each in a private room(10$ in total for both of us). And the highest price we paid was 28$ per night in a private room.
If you want a pro travel trip in Thailand, book in advance! It is a very visited country so the best deals don’t last.
Where to Eat in Thailand
Street food. You haven’t been backpacking Thailand truly if you do not have any street food!. Bangkok has probably one of the best street food in the world. Eating street food is one of the best ways of trying traditional Thai food for the cheapest price. Street food in Bangkok is normally safe (Sometimes it’s even safer than some restaurants). Most of the local people normally opt for having street food as it is quick and cheap, that is why you will see long queues. (That will ensure you that you won’t be eating any leftovers, but freshly cooked)
Ratchada Rot Fai Night Market. If you want to go for a hip night, this is the place. The first part of the market displays what seems to be endless options for dinner. Seafood seemed to be the favorite though there was mostly any kind of food. At the back of the food market, there are lots of pubs with different styles, from sports bars, to live music pubs, to more hipster atmosphere…
Khao San Road. There are so many street food options as well as traditional and international restaurants. Here there are good options to eat on a budget
Rafflesia Cafe. In a pleasant location by the riverside, this restaurant was our favourite. WIth really fresh and tasty traditional Thai food, being the curry one of the highlights of the menu
Khao Sok Bistro & Bar. If what you want is scenic views while enjoying a delicious meal, this is your place. They also prepare nice cocktails
Aroy Kaffeine. They don’t only have amazing Thai food at a reasonable price, they also look after the details and how food is presented in a fashioned way. The place to go if you don’t want to fail
Oasis bar & restaurant. For a mix of good food and something different, try Oasis bar. It is on a great spot and they have a great variety of dishes on the menu
Efe Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant. We read about this one since we wanted to try something different around the island. Although al the dishes look awesome, the kebab is the tasty winner. To end with something sweet and good try the kunefe
The Gallery. We went to many places in Koh Tao, but the clear winner was The Gallery. From the service to incredibly tasteful and well-prepared meals and the carefully elaborated dishes. It was outstanding.
995 Duck. When a small place like this is always fully packed, it can only mean one thing. Their product is good! And on this occasion, is all about the duck! Go and try the many different ways they prepare it.
David’s Kitchen. If you are not in a budget and are looking for a gastronomic experience more than a normal meal, you should give a try to David’s Kitchen. This restaurant offers a sophisticated cuisine in a well-organized environment and exquisite service, not to mention the food
Eat Is Life. Come here for a delicious chef quality food together with a warm welcome. Being less pretentious than the other one still offers a really great quality food and service.
Chao Fah Night Market. There is no better place since in a single area you’ll have access to the best choices for local food at their cheapest.
Sa-ing Restaurant & Bar. If what you look is a spot by the beach with good food and great vibes, this might be a good choice. Good value for money for exceptional Thai food.
The food in Thailand is really good. To find the best deals, street food can be found almost everywhere.
Some of the well known Thailand travel tips have to do with food. Make sure everything you order is properly cooked and avoid salads or fruits washed with local water to avoid food poisoning.
Before you go- Get good travel insurance.
Because things can go wrong even in such an amazing destination like Thailand, we always recommend buying good travel insurance before leaving.
A missed fly connection, lost baggage, stolen travel gear, any accident you may have in destination, etc. These are some examples of some things that could easily happen to anyone.
So is always worth to have good travel insurance for peace of mind and also to be covered in case you have any of these issues or need medical attention.
Bear in mind that if you travel to some of the remote areas of Thailand they might not have enough resources to treat you in case of an accident such a monkey bite (rabies) or anything else.
The one we always use and can recommend you for their price, coverage, but overall service, is World Nomads. Any time we have had any issue while traveling they have been very responsive and make things easy.
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Thailand Travel Tips- Conclusion
There are many cool places to visit in Thailand. In our experience, it is safe to travel and easy to move around, since there are many transport options. Doing a Thailand itinerary it not easy because this country is really gorgeous and we all want to see as much as possible, but is hard to fail.
One of the main issues now is that tourism is growing a lot, and it is not the more sustainable one. Places like Ko Phi Phi, Phuket and some others, can be completely packed by tourists.
On the other hand, there are still plenty of hidden gems to discover if you go out of the beaten track. So our advice is to go now before is all completely spoiled and avoid the high season.
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