Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is a tropical paradise that has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years. With stunning beaches, rich culture, and a low cost of travel, Thailand is an amazing destination for budget backpackers, solo travellers, and families looking for an amazing experience.
In this Thailand Budget Travel Guide for Backpackers, we have explained how to make your trip to Thailand, from arriving to leaving stress free, and provide you with all our best tips on how to make your Thailand adventure unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Arriving in Thailand
Airport:
Thailand has several major airports, including Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang in Bangkok, and Chiang Mai International Airport in the North. These choices are the most popular to start your trip and will be made depending on where you start your Thailand journey. Many airlines offer flights direct to Thailand from Cities around the world.
Always recommended to book flights in advance to find the best deals as flying can get expensive around peak season.
Visa:
Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality, but most visitors can enter Thailand and stay for up to 30 days with a Visa on Arrival. There are two options for this:
In-person – To apply for a visa you need to prepare the necessary documents such as your passport, flight tickets, and proof of accommodation. There will be a fee of around $30-60 USD that is paid at the immigration checkpoints service counter.
Online – https://www.thaievisa.go.th/
Most nationalities can apply for their Thailand tourist Visa online beforehand. Once an account has been created, all the required documents submitted, and payment completed await an email for your Visa confirmation. This email will include instructions on where to present the visa upon arrival in Thailand.
Transportation in Thailand
Thailand has a wide range of transportation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best transportation options to get around from short city trips to long-distance travel around the country.
Domestic flights:
Flying domestically is a quick and practical way to get from one part of Thailand to another. Bangkok Airlines, Thai Airways, and AirAsia are just a few of Thailand’s local carriers that frequently fly to popular towns and tourist locations.
Trains:
Major cities and tourist hotspots are connected by a robust rail network in Thailand. In Thailand, taking the train is a cheap method to see the beautiful sights and landscapes of the country.
Buses:
Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel around Thailand, with many companies offering routes to major cities and tourist destinations. There are several types of buses available, including local buses, VIP buses, and overnight sleeper buses.
Taxis and tuk-tuks:
A practical transportation option in Thailand’s cities and towns. Three-wheeled tuk-tuks are common in most cities, while taxis are regularly seen in airports and other significant transportation hubs.
Motorbikes and scooters
A Common forms of transportation in Thailand, especially in major tourist areas like Phuket and Koh Samui. Rentals are generally accessible, but you should drive carefully and wear a helmet because traffic accidents are common in Thailand.
Generally, Thailand has a variety of transportation choices to suit various needs and interests. There is a mode of transportation in Thailand that will meet your demands, whether you’re searching for comfort, cost, or a special trip experience.
Best time of year to visit
The best time to visit Thailand depends on your interests and travel plans. The high season runs from November to February, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. The rainy season is from May to October, but it can still be a great time to visit, with fewer tourists and lush green landscapes.
North Thailand
The northern region of Thailand is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural scenery, including winding mountain roads and national parks like no other.
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular destinations for their Buddhist temples and vibrant night markets. The surrounding mountains offer a range of outdoor activities, including trekking, zip-lining, and white-water rafting.
Head a little bit west and find Pai. A small town with an incredible atmosphere tucked away in the mountains.
South Thailand
Southern Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, palm-lined shorelines, water sports, and buzzing nightlife. Hua Hin, Krabi Town, and the Phi Phi Islands are popular destinations, offering a range of accommodation options and activities. Koh Samui, the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its modern amenities and easy access to nearby islands.
To Check out the best locations in Thailand Read here
Exploring Thailands islands
Thailand is famous for its stunning islands, including Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, and Koh Lanta. These small islands offer white sand beaches, rare scuba diving opportunities, Incredible nature, and young backpackers looking for the best parties in Thailand.
Thailand’s Islands are home to some of the best places in Thailand that any backpacker will find. With incredibly cheap accommodation, food, drinks, and activities. Every budget backpacker must not miss these destinations.
Sim cards
Travelers can purchase SIM cards in Thailand from several mobile phone companies. Here are a few of the top Thai SIM cards to take into account:
AIS: Prepaid, postpaid, and tourist plans are just a few of the many plans that AIS provides. They offer alternatives for data-only, call-only, or mixed data and call bundles in their well-liked prepaid plans, which are popular among travelers. Also, their tourist SIM card offers free calls and SMS messages as well as unlimited data for up to 15 days.
DTAC: DTAC offers a range of plans as well, including prepaid and tourist SIM cards. Their Happy Tourist SIM card offers free calls, SMS messages, and unlimited bandwidth for up to 15 days.
When choosing a Thai SIM card, consider the coverage area, network speed, and price. It’s also a good idea to check if your phone is compatible with the provider’s network, and whether you need a standard, micro, or nano SIM card. Ultimately, the best Thai SIM card for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
When purchasing a sim card in Thailand, make sure to bring your passport as it is required for registration. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or any mobile network operator’s kiosk or store across Thailand. Just make sure to check the data works before you leave the store
Thai Currency
The Thai baht is used as money in Thailand (THB). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 baht as well as 25 and 50 satangs, while banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht.
It is advised to convert your money into Thai baht before traveling to Thailand. All around the nation, money exchange booths, banks, and hotels offer currency exchange services. Also widespread are ATMs, many of which take foreign debit and credit cards.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that some businesses in Thailand might not accept large banknotes (such as 1,000 baht) for modest transactions, therefore it’s wise to carry smaller bills and coins.
The Thai currency is the baht, and the exchange rate is generally favorable for Western countries. It’s important to manage your money while traveling, but Thailand’s low cost of living makes it a great destination for budget travelers.
Helpfull apps in Thailnad
Google maps
Google maps is a useful app for navigating Thailand, it provides directions and information on public transportation, traffic conditions, and local businesses
Grab
Grab is another ride-hailing app that operates in Thailand and offers similar services like booking a car or motorbike and amazing food and a competitive price. Easy to download and install on Apple and Android phones. A very convenient way to get to the cities.
Wongnai
Wongnai is a popular restaurant and food review app in Thailand. It allows you to search for restaurants and street food stalls based on your location, and read reviews from other users.
Google Translate
Google translate is an amazing app where you can download several languages and translate everywhere you go, another amazing feature of google translate is the camera detector where you can translate any writing or sign.
Weather in Thailand
Thailand experiences high humidity and temperatures all year round due to its tropical environment. There are three distinct seasons in the nation: the hot season, the rainy season, and the cool season.
Hot Season – Temperatures during the hot season, which normally lasts from March through May, range from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. The heat can be extreme, especially in Bangkok and the central region, and it is the driest season.
Rainy Season – May or June marks the start of the rainy season, which lasts until October. The nation sees frequent flooding and strong rain during this time. Nonetheless, the downpours are typically brief, and the sun usually shines again shortly after.
The most pleasant time of the year, the cool season, lasts from November to February. There is less humidity and temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Thousands of tourists are arriving in Thailand during this busy travel period to escape the chilly winters back home.
You should be ready for high temperatures and the risk of rain throughout the year because Thailand’s weather is generally warm and muggy. Before leaving, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and pack appropriately.
Travelling in the rainy season brings the risk of canceled activities but is a much cheaper and less crowded time to visit Thailand. This is helpful for travellers on a tight budget.
Must try Thai Dishes
Thailand is famous for its delicious and unique cuisine, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. Here are some of the best Thai dishes that you should try:
Pad Thai is definitely both of our favourite Thai dishes and we could not recommend it higher. It is a stir-fried rice noodle dish with tofu, eggs, bean sprouts, and peanuts, seasoned with tamarind sauce and fish sauce.
Tom Yum Goong: A hot and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and other herbs and spices.
Som Tum: A spicy and tangy salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
Massaman Curry: A mild and creamy curry made with potatoes, peanuts, and meat (usually beef or chicken).
Green Curry: A spicy curry made with green chilies, coconut milk, and meat (usually chicken or beef).
Khao Soi: A northern Thai dish consisting of egg noodles in a curry-like soup, topped with crispy fried noodles, shallots, and lime wedges.
Tom Kha Gai: A coconut milk-based soup made with chicken, lemongrass, galangal, chili, and lime juice.
Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet dessert made with sticky rice, fresh mango, and sweet coconut milk sauce.
Thai Cuisine is unbeatable in our opinion for the price you pay for all of the beautiful fresh flavors that come with every meal.
Thailand Travel cost Breakdown
The cost of living in Thailand is generally low, making it a popular destination for budget travelers. Average daily expenses can range from around $20 for budget travelers to over $100 for luxury travelers.
Cost Breakdown
Accommodation
- Hostels: 150-500 THB / $5-17 USD per night
- Budget hotels: 500-1500 THB / $17-50 USD per night
- Mid-range hotels: 1500-3000 THB / $50-100 USD per night
- Luxury hotels: 3000+ THB / $100+ USD per night
Food and Drink:
- Street food and local restaurants: 30-100 THB / $1-3 USD per meal
- Mid-range restaurants: 150-400 THB / $5-13 USD per meal
- Western-style restaurants: 400+ THB / $13+ USD per meal
- Local beer: 50-100 THB / $1-3 USD per bottle/can
- Imported beer: 100+ THB / $3+ USD per bottle/can
Transportation:
- Local buses and trains: 10-100 THB / $0.30-3 USD per journey
- Tuk-tuks: 20-200 THB / $0.60-6.50 USD per journey
- Metered taxis: 50-200+ THB / $1.60-6.50+ USD per journey
Activities:
- Temples and museums: 50-500 THB / $1.60-16.50 USD per entry
- Beach activities: 100-500 THB / $3-16.50 USD per hour
- Island-hopping tours: 1000-3000+ THB / $33-100+ USD per day
- Spa and wellness treatments: 500-3000+ THB / $16.50-100+ USD per session
enjoy your adventure!
Thailand is an incredibly enjoyable destination for backpackers of every kind. Arriving to leaving Thailand can be a stress-free experience if you have a bit of knowledge of the country. We hope with the tips found in this Best Thailand Travel Guide, you now have insight into how to make your Thailand journey as cheap and easy as can be. For the Best locations in Thailand Click here
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