From the crystal waters of Koh Tao, the riveting jungles in Pai, the nightlife of Bangkok, and the temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand is a playground for all ages. Eat what the locals eat at the many markets that take over cities across the country, learn Muay Thai at one of the many matches that happen every weekend, observe and walk among monks at any of the many monasteries or temples, and swim with fish you have never seen before in crystal clear water next to some of the most breathtaking beaches you have ever seen.

Why Travel To Thailand

Thailand has a very interesting position on the spectrum of Southeast Asia, it’s both wild and crazy and surprisingly organized. It’s a great first taste of Asia where you can ease into the bustle of traffic and street food in Chiang Mai, travel down Khao San Road to experience the nightlife in the electric capital Bangkok, and retreat to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the south near Phuket. We love Thailand for the people, the food, the history, and for the never ending access to all sorts of landscapes and activities that fit a tight budget. Thailand is an easy country to travel within and is one of the most accessible countries in Southeast Asia.

The Nitty Gritty Facts

68 million people live in Thailand, 5 million of them live in Bangkok, the capital

Thailand’s national language is Thai.

The world’s largest golden Buddha is in Bangkok.

Thailand shares a border with four countries: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

The National currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB)

Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by an European country.

Our Route

Phuket — Ao Nang — Koh Tao — Bangkok — Chiang Mai — Pai — Chiang Ria

Flying, like in most places for Southeast Asia, is relatively affordable between major destinations. You can usually get away with not checking a bag either which will cut down your ticket price.

Thailand Airlines include:

Budget Airlines include:

A fun and popular way to explore the country is by bus. You’ll get to see more of the diverse countryside or you’ll save on a nights accommodation by taking an overnight bus. We found that 12go Asia was a trusted site to start our research, get prices and eventually purchase tickets.
The main mode of transportation down south around the islands is by boat. You’ll either take the speed boats during the day that seem to stop running around 3pm or you’ll have to take the slow overnight boats that depart around 10pm. Between some of the closer islands (Railay Beach, Phi Phi, James Bond island etc.) the main transport is the long-tail boat.

There’s also a train that mainly runs from Bangkok to Chiang Mai that is worth checking out if you prefer a bit of extra comfort on the overnight journey between the two cities. The train, though a much longer journey than by bus, can be the cheapest option if you plan far enough in advance. The views are supposed to be magnificent, especially during sunrise.

The Rugged Budget

Thailand’s currency is the Baht 33 THB = $1 USD

Accommodation in an 8 bed mixed dorm: $8.40/night

Private room in a 4 star hotel start at: $30/night

Beer at a bar: 80 THB ($2.40 USD)

Beer from a shop: 50 THB ($1.50 USD)

Street food (like Pad Thai): 30 THB ($0.90 USD)

Sit down restaurant: 100 THB ($3 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes: 80 THB ($2.40 USD)

What our specific route of travel cost:

Phuket— Krabi in a minibus: 140 THB ($4 USD)

Krabi Town — Ao Nang local truck: 60 THB ($1.80 USD)

Krabi Town — Suratthani in a minibus: 180 THB ($5.80 USD)

Suratthani — Koh Tao on a boat: 600 THB ($18 USD)

Koh Tao — Bangkok combined boat/bus: 950 THB ($28 USD)

Bangkok — Chiang Mai on an overnight bus: 534 THB ($16 USD)

Chiang Mai — Pai by minibus: 150 THB ($4.50 USD)

Chiang Mai — Chiang Rai: 129 THB ($3.90 USD)

Thailand From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Helpful Hints For Traveling In Thailand

Flying domestic in Thailand is cheapest when flying from the south to north rather than flying from north to south. We found that international flights into the islands were cheap and then we could work our way north by either busing or flying.

Depending on the city, the method to finding a bus is different. Taking transportation out of Bangkok we found that we could buy tickets easily online. From the islands the the best option was to buy tickets from a tour company that pick you up directly from your hotel or hostel. In other major cities the cheapest way to book transportation was by heading directly to the bus station.

Buses from Chiang Mai to Pai don’t run in the evening because the mountainous three hour journey is dangerous at night. The latest we found a bus was at 6pm leaving Chiang Mai the earliest was 7am.

Renting a motorbike in Thailand requires that you leave your passport upon renting. Technically you’re also supposed to have either a motorcycle license or international driver’s license, but most companies will rent to you regardless. Police however will randomly set up checkpoints to check and fine tourists illegally. *Important note - There is a scam going on in some of the cities regarding your passport and motorbike rental. The scam happens upon the return of the motorbike you rented. They will find damage on the bike (that was already there) and claim you did it. They will then try to charge you money to fix it. Make sure you take lots of pictures or a video of the bike and all its components the moment you rent it (let them see you do this). This will protect you from getting scammed and protect your wallet from having to pay for damage that was already there.

7/11 is the hot spot for cheap food. They often have discounted "buy 2 deals" on snacks, water and food. Surprisingly, they have good frozen meals and their toasties are probably the most iconic Thai meal among backpackers. Only 25 THB ($ .75USD) for a ham and cheese toastie.

In smaller parts of Thailand it’s easier to specify that you require a meal with no meat rather than requesting a vegetarian meal. Buddhist vegetarianism often includes abstaining from eating onions, garlic, leeks and chives, because they may distract one’s path to mediation because of the potent smell.

Travel with bug spray and sunscreen. It will come in handy more times than you think.

Thailand supports all power plugs, but for countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America, you’ll need a voltage adapter.

Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Walking Bangla Road, Phuket: Free

A lively and surprising strip off of Patong Beach that offers everything from tourist t-shirts to Ping Pong shows. It’s a spectacle to sit and people watch just around sunset when the lights come on and the dancers come out. Visit side streets for the best beer deals (60 THB for a Chang Beer) and crazy shot deals (6 tequila shots for 100 THB - that's only $3USD).

Thai Boxing Match, Bangkok: Free

On Sunday afternoons you can visit a Thai Boxing match for free at the Chatuchak Market, that usually start around 2pm. It’s best to get there early to get a spot ringside. Otherwise a match will cost you around $15-$30USD any other time, anywhere else.

Karon Big Buddha, Phuket: Free

You can walk up the hill (6km) or rent a motorbike to visit the Buddha following signs off of Chao Fa Road East near Chalong. It’s a great place to watch the sunset.

Monkey Hill, Ao Nang: Free

Heading down the beach with the ocean on your right, you’ll come across a path leading over Monkey Hill. The entrance is kind of tucked away, but ask anyone and they’ll point you in the right direction. It’s roughly a ten minute hike up and over the hill on some rickety bamboo steps. The best part is it leads to a resort beach that’s private looking but anyone can swim at. At the end of this beach is the best place to spot wild monkeys playing along the coast.

Mor Paeng Waterfall, Pai: Free

This is a set of waterfalls and is free to visit. There’s even a part of the rocks that visitors can slide down into the water.

Chatuchak Market, Bangkok: Free

The largest market in Thailand with over 15,000 stalls is an exciting weekend activity. With live music, good food, and great souvenirs it’s a cool place to people watch and get to see a more local side of Bangkok.

Wat Saket, Bangkok: 10 THB ($.30USD)

It’s over 200 stairs to the top, but the whole way up is beautiful with lots of forestry, statues, bells, all leading to the impressive Wat at the top. There’s an amazing view of Bangkok and it’s an experience to hear all the bells chime in the wind at the very top.

Sea Kayak Riley Beach, Ao Nang: 50 THB/hr ($1.50USD)

Awesome way to experience the amazing limestone landscapes in southern Thailand is from the water. You can easily sea kayak from some of the smaller islands or from popular Railay Beach, which doesn’t charge visitors a national park entrance fee. Getting to Railay Beach is 200 THB round trip for a long-tail boat.

Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai: 50 THB ($1.50USD)

The white temple in Chiang Rai is a rather unconventional temple built as an art exhibition that replicates a Buddhist temple. It’s both eerie and beautiful, where every element of its structure reflects on the Buddhist teachings of reaching enlightenment. A cool element to the temple are the hundreds of hands before the bridge. The hands represent desire and are all reaching for you.

Island Hopping, Ao Nang: 370 THB ($11USD)

Traveling from the main port of Ao Nang you have the opportunity to visit 5 different islands by chartering a boat for the day with 6 people (If you don't fill the boat and have less than 6 people, the price will obviously be more per person than listed above). This breaks down to 370 THB/person, before the national park fee of 200 THB. It can get pricey to visit the different beaches, but this is the best way to see a whole range of beaches in one day.

Snorkeling, Koh Tao: 500 THB ($15USD)

Koh Tao is known for diving and snorkeling naturally because the water is so incredibly clear and warm. You can rent your own snorkeling gear or sign on to a day tour that includes five stops around the island, lunch, water, tea and coffee for 500 THB.

Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai: 1,800 - 2,400 THB ($53-$71USD)

Definitely the most expensive tour we’ve done, but we put a lot of work into ensuring that we visited a sanctuary that didn’t abuse their elephants in anyway (no riding, no chains, no loud noises, forced poses, or tying up at night) and we paid a bit more for that. You can hang with the elephants and do a day trip for 1,500— 2,800 THB depending on the company.

Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Pop In Hostel, Ao Nang $8/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

We loved the atmosphere of the hostel because it was in a relatively calm part of Ao Nang, but the staff and residents were always lively. The beds were comfortable and we enjoyed that each bed had a curtain. This hostel also provides a free bbq every night. Big upside is Sam, the gigantic and lovable puppy that lives in the hostel.

iSanook Hostel, Bangkok $7/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

This hostel is in a remote part of town, but it’s really comfortable, clean, and cozy. They have a kitchen which is a huge upside for a hostel in Southeast Asia. They staff was more than helpful here and willing to provide very detailed instructions for off the beaten activities in town. It’s in a more local neighborhood which means cheaper and more authentic street food. There’s a small coffee cart around the corner that sells their homemade iced Thai coffee for only 15 THB and a restaurant down the road that has amazing meals for 30 THB. The hostel is about ten minutes walk from the nearest metro station and just a hop away from a 7/11.

Fundee Hostel, Chiang Mai $7/night in a 7 bed mixed dorm

We enjoyed that this hostel was in a good location inside the walled old city. It had a nice outside seating area, clean and cozy rooms, as well as free coffee and tea throughout the day. It was very quiet, but not too far from the lively parts of town.

Happy House Backpackers, Pai $6/night for a 10 bed mixed dorm

We loved the atmosphere at this hostel. It was very relaxed and open, a bit of a party hostel, but not too overwhelming that it was hard to sleep. The rooms are pretty basic, but they have nice open bathrooms. The hip family that runs the hostel is very welcoming and knowledgable about things to do in town.