Backpacking Thailand is like enrolling in “Backpacking 101”!
It’s the absolute perfect destination for new backpackers and travelers, because it’s an amazing country with a little something to offer everyone! With that being said, going to any new destination can be a little intimidating. So hopefully these 25 tips will help you along your travels through Thailand.
You could also check out my 3-Week Thailand Itinerary to help out! It’s a great post that’ll go over a ton of awesome destinations, hostels, and tips for your Thailand vacation!
1. Practice and Hone Your Bargaining Skills.
Almost everything is negotiable in Thailand. You will most definitely get ripped off at least once or twice, but the more you do it — the better you’ll get. I always recommend the “walk-away” method. Figure out what you want to pay, and if they won’t agree then start to leave and see if they will accept then.
2. Book in Advance for Big Holidays or festivals.
If you’re planning on going to a Full-Moon party, a music festival, or a famous holiday celebration like Songkran — then you need to take care of your accommodation in advance. Places book up quick, and I’d recommend using Hostelworld.
I’ve actually written about what I think are the 9 Hostels All Thailand Backpackers Should Stay at Once!
Check out my video I made of Songkran 2015 in Chiang Mai.
3. Shop Around & Compare Prices
When booking anything, check prices at least 3 or 4 different travel agencies. This goes for island hopping tours, bus + ferry tickets, and hostels / guesthouses. You can definitely get a better deal and bargain with them to get the best deal.
4. Join Facebook Groups with like-minded travelers.
I’m a member of multiple different Facebook groups for travel throughout South-East Asia. You can post travel questions, share cool photos, make new friends, etc.
These are all groups that can be helpful and entertaining.
- South-East Asia 2014-15-16 & Beyond
- Backpacking Thailand
- Thailand Backpacker Group
- Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam Backpackers
- Reddit Backpackers South-East Asia
There’s honestly tons more if you just search in Facebook
5. Bring an Unlocked Smartphone and get a local SIM
Purchase a one-month unlimited data plan. You have no idea how much it will come in handy. This goes for directions, looking up information, booking last-minute places, making calls, etc.
You can also tether it to your laptop or tablet, and use it on long bus journeys, train rides, or ferries.
I personally recommend getting a SIM through the company AIS. I always used them in Thailand, and it worked perfectly.
6. Street Food. Eat it often.
Thailand is the street food capital of the world (in my opinion).
It’s very delicious, and also budget friendly to save you much some baht.
If you’re looking for the best cheap places to travel, then coming to Thailand and eating the street food is definitely a solid option.
7. Take a Sleeper Train
It’s actually a comfortable train, you save on a night of accommodation, and it’s a good experience.
I’ve taken two, and thoroughly enjoyed it both times.
A popular route is between Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
8. Debit & Credit Cards
These tips are great for anyone planning on traveling a lot in the future.
Try and plan ahead and have a debit card that refunds all ATM Fees. I know it’s not very common, but to use any ATM in Thailand cost 180 Baht (Approx $5).
The U.S best bank for this would be Charles Schwab
The same goes for Credit Cards without a foreign transaction fee.
9. Avoid Phuket & Koh Samui
They are extremely touristy, expensive, and there are much better places to be spending your time. I know some people have had some good times there, but I wouldn’t bother.
Just skip them.
10. Fresh Coconut Water & Fruit Smoothies
It’s very important to keep yourself hydrated while traveling through Thailand.
The fresh coconut water is delicious, healthy, and great for curing hangovers.
There are also fruit juice & smoothie stands all over the place. They are cheap and tasty.
Drink them often, and stay healthy while traveling.
11. Pack Light
You’re traveling through Thailand, and there really isn’t that much need for a wide-variety of clothes.
Everything you’ll pretty much need can be bought for cheap while traveling as well.
You’ll just need some basic clothes that can be worn in a lot of different settings.
If you’re anything like me though, you’ll spend a lot of time on beaches and islands, and won’t need much.
12. Budget Airlines
While most backpackers prefer to travel overland, sometimes you can find a really cheap flight! This could particularly come in handy if you need to get up to Chiang Mai quickly.
It can also be annoying traveling on bus and trains because you’ll always have to stop in Bangkok for the longer trips. It just depends on your itinerary, but getting a budget flight can save some time, money, and energy.
13. Get Massages
This is probably a no-brainer, but the Thai massages are just so cheap and amazing. If you are an expert for finding the best deal, you can find them for as cheap as 150 Baht for one-hour. These aren’t very common anymore, but you’ll never really pay more than 500 Baht for a solid massage experience. If you’re in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, you could also check out Groupon Thailand.
I always like getting a quick 30-minute foot massage after a long day of walking / sight-seeing.
14. Try the “Toasties” from 7/11
Trust me. Just do it. They are absolutely heavenly.
My personal favorite is the Ham & Cheese Croissant toastie, but there are ton of options.
They only cost 25 Baht, they’re insanely delicious, and perfect for a quick snack.
15. Let’s Talk About Elephant Rides & Tiger Temples.
DON’T DO IT
Elephants aren’t meant to be ridden. Simple as that.
The Tiger Temples are absolutely atrocious, and drug the poor tigers.
Check out this great article for 8 Responsible Alternatives to the Tiger Temple.
I actually made the mistake of doing the typical “tourist elephant ride” once during my first time in Thailand, and I still regret it.
16. Bring a GoPro or Underwater Camera
You’ll definitely be wishing you had one if you don’t bring one. Thailand has some amazing underwater adventures that I’m sure you’ll want to document.
My GoPro Hero 5 is one of my favorite travel accessories, and I never go anywhere without it! The price has dropped down to $250 for the Hero 5, so it could be a fantastic purchase!
If you’re on a budget – I’d recommend getting the Campark Action Camera for $52.99!
17. Play Pool
I’ve seriously never played more pool in my life than my time spent backpacking in Thailand.
It can be a great way to meet people, relax around the hostel, or enjoy while enjoying some beers.
18. Bring Sunscreen
I’m not too sure why, but this essential item can get pretty expensive out in Thailand. I saw one store trying to sell some sunscreen for 1200 Baht ($35!).
If you do purchase this in Thailand (or any other cosmetic), just be careful it doesn’t have the skin whitener added into it.
19. Buy the Lonely Planet Book
While I don’t typically buy travel books, the Lonely Planet Thailand is full of useful information, and great to browse through while in transit. If you don’t buy it, look out for it in hostel book shelves, and check it out. Can definitely be a great asset. Read Reviews & Buy It Now!
20. Get Off The Beaten Path
Make sure you do this at least once or twice. There’s so many amazing places in Thailand, you don’t want to just be on the same tourist path as everyone else. Thailand has become a pretty popular touristy destination, but there are still a few places that aren’t often traveled.
I’d recommend checking out Koh Mook in the Trang province in southern Thailand. People sometimes stop here on an island hopping tour from Koh Lanta, but it’s a beautiful place to spend a few days depending on how long you have.
21. Go to a Music Festival
There are tons of music festivals in South-East Asia, and quite a few are in Thailand.
I’d recommend going to any of the full-moon parties, Songkran Water Festival in April, or Wonderfruit festival in December for an epic weekend experience.
22. Get a Tattoo
If that’s your thing? It’s a pretty popular souvenir, and I’ve seen some pretty cool travel tatoos.
I never got one, but it’s definitely something I want to do when I get back to Thailand.
Just make sure you plan ahead, and don’t do it when you’re planning on doing a lot of swimming.
23. Island Hopping Tours
In my opinion, these are always a great decision. They normally only cost around 500 Baht, and include a full-day of snorkeling / sight-seeing in beautiful places.
Another cool aspect is that you’ll most likely meet some awesome people as well. If you’re traveling solo, this can be a great opportunity to kick it with some fellow travelers.
24. Stay In Each Destination for at least 4-5 days
This obviously depends on how long you have for your backpacking itinerary in Thailand, but getting from Point A – Point B in Thailand can take much longer than expected.
If you move too quickly, you’ll feel like you’re always in transit instead of enjoying your time in the country.
25. Stay In Hostels
Last but not least. You’re backpacking so you gotta stay at hostels!
Hostels provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow travelers from around the world. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the people you meet and spend time with that make traveling so life-changing.
- Hostelworld — Really easy to use, great hostel reviews, and you can always find a cheap place. However, prices can be a bit more expensive than if you were to book in person.
- Agoda.com — This is easily my favorite site for finding the cheapest deals on hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in Thailand.
- Booking.com — It has tons of options, and is still a great resource for booking a place to sleep. What is nice is you can often pay in full, or just reserve your spot without any credit card needed. This can be great for price comparisons. You never know where you’ll find the cheapest deal.
Any questions? Feel free to shoot me an email or comment down below and I’d be happy to help out.
Great tips! I remember my first few times in the Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand. I bought things on the first price they mentioned. It was until a friend told me otherwise. Haggling still isn’t a normal thing for me but something I’ve learned to do when traveling.
Haha yeah my first time in Bangkok I definitely got ripped off quite a bit, but I think my bargaining skills have improved a lot since I’ve spent nearly a year in South-East Asia. What is wierd is going back home, and having everything be a fixed price. I have to fight the urge to bargain at places for cheaper clothes, lol.
Yeah such a informative blog , Throughout this blog i came to know more tips. I Think Koh Lipe is one of my dream places. It’s the best ferry destination in Thailand. The sea gypsy and make your day with your day with mouth-watering seafood is just amazing. Last year I visited Koh Lipe with my family through the well know ferry shuttle provider “Andaman Ferry Service”. Their services are just fantastic.
I haven’t spent much time on Koh Samui, but I never found it to be that great. I have had some good times on the island, but I always just tell people to avoid it because there are so many amazing places to visit in Thailand that you can get a better experience. With that being said, Samui is obviously touristy because it is amazingly beautiful and can be heaps of fun. :-) Thanks for the comment Rudy! :-)
Haha yeah I know what you mean. Street food is quick and easy, and sooo good. :-) I miss living in Chiang Mai and eating it on a daily basis!
Completely agree. :-) I can’t wait to get back!
I’m not sure what happened…. but when I backpacked Thailand (after a loooong summer of backpacking) I was so looking forward to the massages – but every single massage I got SUCKED! Like, was absolutely horrendous. How did you decide where to get them done? Sadly I wonder if I didn’t accidentally wander into some, you know fake massage places… It was just such a disappointment. And I tried probably 5 or 6 places. All terrible.
Ah so sorry to hear! I’ve definitely had a few mediocre / bad ones, but the majority of mine were really great! In Bangkok, I had one place that I pretty much always went to, and on the islands I would randomnly just kind of decide!
Super helpful tips! I was hoping you would say something against elephant rides and tiger temples, a lot of people sincerely just don’t know the harm the animals go through to get to that point, so thank you!
Hey Bridget. Thanks for the comment, and I completely agree! The world needs to know that it just is not acceptable to do that. So I’m just spreading the knowledge, lol. Hope you’re doing well!
You article on Thailand is very enjoyable because Thailand is very beautiful country. you pint of street food is very must impressive yes food is good for health. http://convien.blogspot.com/2016/11/is-travelocitycom-one-of-leading-travel.html
OMG the Songkran video gave me goosebumps LOL :) I was in Chiang Mai last year during Songkran too and I was incredibly happy that I experienced this celebration.
I never thought local holidays would make your experience of the country that much better, but they do!
Its great to interact with locals that way.
x
How incredible is it!?? Soo much fun! I want to go back soo bad!
Thailand street food is some of the best in the world Dave! Absolutely love hitting the stalls when we arrive in Chiang Mai, Phuket or anywhere in the Land of Smiles. All dead on tips bro.
Ryan
Ahh I know! I’m obsessed with the street food in Thailand. I’m moving back to Asia at the end of the year, and can’t wait to eat it all the time.
Nice post. This trip looks so epic! Such a beautiful part of the world. Fantastic list of things to do which I will be adding to my list of things to do when I go there someday! You shared awesome places and pictures also.
Thanks for all the info! I’m headed next month and wondering about safety regarding my backpack at hotels and hostels. I can always be assured if lockers are an option, but if not what should I do?
Thailand is considered as one of the best destinations in Southeast Asia and also in the world. Millions of tourists visit this destination every year. When you are traveling to Thailand, make sure you have gone through this post that provides useful tips on backpacking to Thailand.
Yes I love the idea of getting a travel tattoo whenever you’re travelling to different places!
Awesome!! If you come back to Phuket again. Don’t miss L’Atelier Poshtel Phuket
A brand new luxury hostel in Phuket Town. Stylish designed and decoration in theme of art gallery. L’atelier Poshtel Phuket provides comfortable private rooms and dorm rooms with different styles.
located on one of prime locations of Phuket Town which is surrounded by big shopping malls such as Central Phuket, Tesco Lotus Extra, BigC Supermarket and etc.
Also, access to Phuket Old Town is easy as it takes only 5 minutes by car.
See you : )
Excellent blog post, and thank you for sharing some very helpful thoughts!!! Best of luck with your travels.
I’ve heard to avoid Phuket too.
I’ve visited Phuket when I was 12!
Few tourists and nice weather.
Heading to Chiang Rai next year, but we’ve started looking for new luggages.
may grab ones from here – http://www.pirt.org/best-lightweight-luggage/
Pack light is a key!!
Great tips there!
Although I’ll have to say Phuket is highly recommended. I understand it’s touristy and packed all the time, but then so are most places in Thailand.
My Right Sock
Go to Nai Yang, just south of the Phuket airport, plenty of cheaper accommodation, great little restaurants right on the beach and it doesn’t get crazily busy! My partner and I stay here for one or two months every year and volunteer with the Soi Dog Foundation, where we walk and socialize dogs and meet lots of amazing and interesting people!
We spend a lot of time in Nai Yang Phuket , volunteering with the Soi Dog Foundation, which looks after 1000 rescue dogs and cats at any one time. A lot of the dogs have been rescued from the illegal dog meat trade, many were abused, run over by cars, neglected etc.
They are a fantastic organization, that runs off donations and sponsorships and they manage to adopt a lot of these dogs and cats out in Thailand and to Europe, UK, USA and Canada
Then there is the Phuket Government Pound in Mai Khao in Phuket, where about 600 to 700 dogs live and they also need volunteers desperately, as they have a very small staff and only a few volunteers that keep the place ticking over.
Volunteering with the dogs is the most amazing rewarding experience, you meet many people from all around the world and make instant and lasting friends.
Many volunteers that come for a week, have ended up staying for months and some even years!!
Both these organizations are also looking for travelers who are flying back home and are willing to be a flight volunteer to assist with getting some dogs to their forever home, at no cost what so ever.
If there is anything else you want to know, let me know and I’ll do my best to answer any questions.
If you decide to volunteer or want to find out more, please look up soidog.org or Toni for the Animals on Facebook.
Wow, such awesome tips. This post is very helpful to me as I am planning a trip with my family to Thailand and I am glad that you have share the hotel booking sites as they are helpful to me. Keep posting such interesting articles.
The picture itself speaks how the fascinating places are they and thank you for posting it.
I have never been to Thailand it has always been one of my dream destinations, after reading this article I can’t wait to visit it. Thanks for sharing all these very useful tips, I hope that soon I will be able to put them into practice. great post !!
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I plan to visit Thailand next year, thank you so much for the advice!
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