Jungles, crazy parties, delicious food and fantastic beaches: In recent years, Thailand has become very popular for young backpackers. This is particularly because it’s easy and cheap to travel around the country. You can also experience a lot in Thailand: you can visit temples, try yoga, learn to dive, visit the famous Full Moon Party, explore the north on a motorbike, visit national parks, learn Muay Thai or go on a boat tour.

I travelled through Thailand for four weeks in 2022 and another four weeks in 2023. During this time I was able to experience a lot of the thai culture and gain many new experiences.

You also want to explore Thailand, but don’t know how to get there? When is the best time to visit the country? How you get to all these beautiful destinations? Or what you can experience in the country? Then I would like to help you to plan your adventure in Thailand in detail with this ultimate Travel Guide.

Article Overview

• Which visa do you need
• How to get there
• How long will you need
• Best time to visit
• How to get around
• What is the local currency?
• What is the national language?
• Safety Tipps
• Must see Places & Top Things to do in Thailand

Which visa do you need

If you travel to Thailand as a tourist or backpacker, you have to get a tourist visa. You cannot apply for the tourist visa in advance, you will get it when you enter Thailand. The visa is free and valid for 30 days. However, if 30 days in Thailand are not enough for you, you can easily have your visa extended to a total of 60 days. The extension of the visa costs 1900 Baht.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Thailand is by plane. Thailand has several international airports, but the most popular airports are the ones in Phuket, Bangkok or Chiang Mai, as it is easiest to start a tour through Thailand from there.

If you are traveling through Southeast Asia and are coming from Malaysia, Laos or Cambodia, you can easily enter Thailand by bus. The buses to Thailand run daily. Crossing the border into Thailand is uncomplicated in most cases.

If you come from Laos, the alternative to the bus or plane is the slowboat. Many backpackers take the slowboat across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang in Laos to the border in Ban Houayxay in the north of Laos to Thailand. The slowboat is particularly suitable for solo travelers to make their first friends for their upcoming trip in Thailand.

When you travel with the slowboat you will NOT cross the border into Thailand with the slowboat. You’ll hop on the slowboat in Luang Prabang and then travel two days up the Mekong River to Ban Houayxay. Then you will cross the border from Laos to Thailand by bus. After the border control you will continue your journey to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai by bus. The slowboat therefore only serves as a transportation to get to the border from Luang Prabang. I myself didn’t travel by slowboat, but by bus. Since the bus journey is very long and tiring and not faster than traveling by boat, I would subsequently recommend the slowboat.

How long will you need

How much time you want to take for your travels through Thailand is up to you. Three to four weeks are enough to get a good impression of the country and its culture. However, there are an incredible number of places and islands to visit in Thailand, so you can definitely take more than four weeks to travel and experience the country intensively. Since you can extend your visa without much hassle, a longer stay in Thailand is also highly recommended.

Best time to visit

The best time to travel Thailand is between November and April. There is little to no rain falls during these months. Temperatures are also warm. The rainy season in Thailand runs from May to October. During these months heavy rains can occur several times a day.

However, it is not a problem to visit Thailand during the rainy season. Because rainy season does not mean that it only rains for six months in a row. It can happen that it rains three days in a row. In most cases, however, it does not rain at all or only rains for a few hours a day. But remember when you spend time at the beach and it rains for a couple of days, there is probably not much to do and the the water doesn’t shine as beautifully as it does when the sky is clear.

But the rainy season also has a great advantage for travelers: since there are not as many tourists in Thailand during this time, accommodations, tours and similar activities are usually cheaper. In addition, you don’t have to expect fully booked buses or hostels, so you don’t have to plan and book anything too far in advance.

How to get around

The best way to get from one place to the next place in Thailand is by bus or mini van. Depending on the distance there are also luxurious night busses with comfortable seats you can take for a low price. In addition to the overnight buses, there are also overnight trains. While taking an overnight train you safe money for one night at a hostel and you cover a lot of distance while you can sleep in a comfortable bed in the train. To reach the islands you usually have to take the ferry.

Busses, trains and ferrys can get booked on 12go.asia, a website that allows you to plan your trip quickly and easily. 12go.asia is not only good for your trip in Thailand, but also for many other countries in Southeast Asia.

When you arrive at a destination, the easiest and cheapest way to explore it is by scooter. In most cases you can rent a scooter for around 150 – 300 Baht per day. The traffic in Thailand is (apart from Bangkok) not as chaotic as in Vietnam or Bali, which is why driving in Thailand traffic is not a big problem for less experienced drivers. If you still don’t dare to drive a scooter, you can use the Grab app to call a taxi at reasonable prices in all larger towns and cities or get a TukTuk on the islands.

And if you don’t want to worry about the best way to explore the country, you can also book a guided tour. I recommend the agency INTRO Travel. Together with knowledgeable Group Leaders INTRO Travel offers a 9, 12 and 18 day tour around the country.

What is the local currency?

In Thailand you pay with the local currency Thai Baht. 100 Bath is approximately 2.60€. You can get the Thai Baht at every ATM in Thailand. When traveling through Thailand, you should always have enough cash with you, as card payments are often not accepted.

What is the national language?

The national language of Thailand is Thai. A lot of locals are fluent in English but there are still a lot of people in Thailand who do not speak english. So sometimes it’s really hard for travelers to communicate with taxi drivers or bus drivers in Thailand. To make it easier to communicate with the locals, here are a few helpful words and phrases:

Hello / Goodbye: Sawasdee Krap / Ka
Please: Not used in Thailand best to put a Krap / Ka at the end of a sentence.
Thank you: Kop Khun Krap / Ka
Yes: Chai
No: Mai Chai
Can I get the bill: Chek bin

One: Nueng
Two: Song
Three: Sam
Four: See
Five: Ha
Six: Hok
Seven: Jet
Eight: Baet
Nine: Gow
Ten: Sip

Safety Tipps:

• Never drink water from the tap. Always buy fresh water.
• Always wear sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy.
• Always spray yourself with mosquito spray to avoid diseases like malaria or dengue fever.
• Be careful where you eat and what you eat as there is a risk of food poisoning in Asia if food is not prepared properly.
• Never leave your valuables unattended.
• Always cover your knees and shoulders when visiting a temple.
• Take care and pay attention when crossing the streets.
• When using ATMs don`t forget to collect your card (Do not use the orange ones, some of them swallow your card).
• Make sure you know the way back to your accommodation at night.

Must see Places & Top Things to do in Thailand

The activities listed here are listed in an order I recommend for a possible itinerary through Thailand. Starting point is Chiang Rai (Chiang Mai).

Get impressed by the famous temples in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is home to what I consider the two most stunning temples in all of Thailand: the Blue Temple and the White Temple. True to their names, the Blue Temple is entirely bathed in vibrant shades of blue, both inside and out, while the White Temple dazzles in pure white, sparkling majestically under the sunlight. From a distance, the White Temple appears as if it were crafted from shimmering porcelain. It’s no wonder that it ranks among the most visited attractions in Chiang Rai.

Discover the Majestic Wat Huay Pla Kang

Just a short drive from the White and Blue Temples lies Wat Huay Pla Kang — a temple unlike any other. Dominating the landscape is a towering 69-meter-tall statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, often mistaken for a Buddha. Visible from afar, the statue is reached via a grand white staircase flanked by intricately carved dragon heads. For just 40 Baht, you can explore the interior and take an elevator ride up to the top, where you’ll find yourself inside the statue’s head with a unique panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Experience Interactive Art at the Black House Museum

Another must-see in Chiang Rai is the Black House Museum, also known as Baan Dam. What makes this place truly unique is its blend of traditional architecture with modern, interactive art. One of the highlights is the augmented reality experience: by scanning QR codes with your phone, the artwork on the walls comes to life. Animals suddenly move, growl, or leap out of their frames, offering a surprising and immersive encounter. The Black House Museum redefines how we experience art — blending the eerie, the beautiful, and the unexpected.

Stand at the Gateway to Three Countries: The Golden Triangle

Have you ever been in three countries at once? In northern Thailand, you can come surprisingly close. Just about an hour from Chiang Rai lies the Golden Triangle — the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. From a scenic viewpoint, you can gaze across the Mekong River and see all three countries at once.

For an even closer look, consider taking a boat tour across the river to Laos. There, you can step ashore and explore a small local market. Unfortunately, visiting the mainland of Myanmar is not possible. So, I only recommend the boat tour if you don’t plan to visit Laos during your Southeast Asia trip.

Hike the Jungle Trak in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is surrounded by lush, unspoiled nature — and it’s absolutely worth exploring. One of the best ways to experience it is on a jungle trek through the region’s dense forests. Along the way, you might spot native wildlife, swim beneath cascading waterfalls, and fully immerse yourself in Thailand’s natural beauty.

For a truly memorable adventure, spend a night at a rustic camp right next to a waterfall. The local guides will cook a delicious traditional meal for you, and you can relax by a campfire under the stars before hiking back to a nearby village the next morning. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, tranquility, and authentic local hospitality.

Visit the Temples in Chiang Mai

Not only is there exciting nature to discover around Chiang Mai, but the city center itself is also home to several temples that are well worth visiting. These include Wat Sri Suphan, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man.

Wat Sri Suphan is also known as the Silver Temple of Chiang Mai, as it is built from silver, aluminum, and nickel. The temple’s silver facade is truly impressive and definitely worth seeing. Wat Phra Singh is a Buddhist temple complex especially known for its many golden spires. Inside, you’ll also find a large golden Buddha statue and five wax monks that look incredibly lifelike. Wat Chiang Man, too, features an impressive temple complex that is well worth a visit.

Spend some days in Pai

Anyone traveling through Thailand will quickly hear about a small northern town called Pai. It’s a favorite among backpackers, many of them end up staying much longer than planned — people also call it the “Pai Hole,” because the place tends to pull you in. I personally spent three days in Pai. While it’s a charming town with plenty to do, like exploring the Pai Canyon, three days were enough for me. But who knows — maybe you’ll get pulled into the “Pai Hole” too 😉

Cycle around the Historical Park of Sukhothai

The Sukhothai Historical Park is located about 14 kilometers outside of Sukhothai. But there are accomodations right next to the Historical Park and the busses also stop right infront of the Park.

The Historical Park encompasses the ruins of the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom from the 13th and 14th centuries, where you can visit numerous beautiful ancient temples today. The park is divided into five different zones that travelers can explore: the Central Zone, which you must visit as it contains the most impressive temples, as well as the North Zone, West Zone, East Zone, and South Zone. Entrance fees for the Central, North, and West Zones are 100 Baht each. Since the different areas are quite large, it’s best to rent a bicycle to explore the temple complexes comfortably.

Take a River Tour in Bangkok

A great and affordable way to explore Bangkok is by taking a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River. From the boat, you can see a wide variety of parts of the city. Alongside residential houses and diverse animals on land and in the water, you’ll also get impressive views of major temples like Wat Arun.

Explore the Famous Temples in Bangkok

In Thailand, you’ll find a temple on almost every corner, and Bangkok is no exception with numerous fascinating temples worth visiting. Some of the most notable temples in Bangkok include Wat Benchamabophit, the Golden Mount Temple, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho.

The Golden Mount Temple is famous for its golden spire, which you reach after climbing a series of steps. Once at the top, you can admire not only the impressive temple but also enjoy panoramic views over Bangkok. Wat Pho is especially known for its massive reclining Buddha statue.

Visit the Grand Palace, the home of the Kings

The Grand Palace, located in the heart of Bangkok, served as the official residence of the kings from the 18th century until the mid-20th century. Today, it is open daily to visitors eager to admire its stunning temple architecture. However, the entrance fee is relatively high (500 Baht). As a backpacker on a budget, you might prefer to skip the palace and spend your money on other experiences instead.

Immerse Yourself in Chinese Culture in Bangkok’s Chinatown

Chinatown is one of Bangkok’s most exciting neighborhoods: located within a chaotic maze of narrow alleys and bustling streets, you’ll find a variety of Chinese markets, shops, and a wide range of restaurants. Especially in the evening, Chinatown comes alive with colorful lights and delicious street food, making it a must-visit destination.

Enjoy a Night Out on Khao San Road

Khao San Road, located in the heart of Bangkok, is famous for its many bars and clubs. During the day, the street is relatively quiet, but once the sun sets, the nightlife comes alive as bars and clubs open their doors. In the evening, Khao San Road buzzes with energy. Many young people gather here to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with a cocktail in hand. When it comes to partying, Khao San Road is one of the best and most popular spots in Thailand.

Watch the Train Pass at the Railway Market in Bangkok

Similar to Hanoi, Bangkok also has a Railway Market where locals set up their stalls directly on the train tracks near the station. Whenever a train approaches, the vendors quickly clear their stands to make way. The Railway Market is a real attraction for travelers, and you should definitely visit—ideally when the train is about to pass. You can watch the locals swiftly pack up their stalls in just a few minutes, see the train pass very close by, and then watch as the vendors immediately set their stalls back up once the train has passed.

Take a boat tour across the Floating Market

Not far from the Railway Market is the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, you can cruise by boat past charming traditional stalls and browse a wide variety of goods to see and buy. Some locals even sell their products directly from boats as they navigate the river, creating a lively and authentic shopping experience.

Explore Khao Sok Nationalpark

Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand is the perfect place to enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Although the park is well-known, it still attracts relatively few tourists. The national park offers a variety of tours and accommodations. If you decide not to limit yourself to just a day trip but stay for several days, be sure to spend at least one night in the floating bungalows.

These unique bungalows float directly on the water. At the resort, you can fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings of the park and enjoy activities like tubing, kayaking, or swimming. At night, you can have a breathtaking view of countless stars at the sky.

Hike Up to John-Suwan Viewpoint

The view from John-Suwan Viewpoint on Koh Tao is one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. Surrounded by palm trees and rocky outcrops, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Koh Tao island and its turquoise blue waters. The entrance fee to the viewpoint is 50 baht. The hike can be a bit challenging depending on your fitness level but doesn’t take very long.

Relax at Freedom Beach

Located just below John-Suwan Viewpoint, Freedom Beach is the perfect spot to unwind. You can relax on the sandy shore, swim in the turquoise waters, or explore the underwater world while snorkeling.

Watch the Sunset at Sunset Viewpoint in Koh Tao

If you want to watch the sunset over the island in the evening, the Sunset Viewpoint is the perfect spot. Tucked away in the forest and less crowded by tourists, there’s a small hut where you can buy a drink and settle in comfortably on a cushion. From there, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea as the sun slowly sets on the horizon.

Go Snorkeling on the Islands

In Thailand, you can go snorkeling at almost every beach. Especially on the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Pha-ngan, and Koh Phi Phi, there are many beautiful spots worth exploring beneath the surface. Besides a wide variety of fish and starfish, you’ll discover stunning coral reefs to admire and explore. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a shark or a sea turtle.

Take a Day Trip to Ko Nang Yuan Island: A Tropical Paradise

One of my favorite places in Thailand is Ko Nang Yuan Island. You can easily make a day trip here from Koh Tao. Several boats depart daily from Koh Tao’s beach, taking you to the island and picking you up later. Although Ko Nang Yuan is small, it has a lot to offer: you can spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and of course, visiting the famous viewpoint. The view from the viewpoint is truly breathtaking—I couldn’t get enough of it.

Compared to other places in Thailand, the trip to the island is relatively pricey: the boat ride costs 500 Baht, plus there’s an entrance fee of 250 Baht. But for everything the island offers, it’s definitely worth the investment.

Discover the hidden Secret Beach on Koh Pha-ngan

This relatively small beach will take your breath away with its turquoise-clear water and beautiful palm trees. Here, you can swim, relax in a hammock while soaking up the sun, or snorkel to explore the vibrant underwater world.

Enjoy the stunning Views from Apichada Viewpoint

Koh Pha-ngan is home to many viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the island, lush nature, and turquoise waters. But my personal favorite is the Apichada Viewpoint. Here, you can relax on a cozy floor cushion at a small bar, sip a refreshing drink, and gaze out over a sea of palm trees stretching toward the blue ocean. In the evening, this spot is perfect for watching a stunning sunset.

Enjoy a drink at the Amsterdam Bar on Koh Pha-ngan

In the evening, before the sun sets, head to the Amsterdam Bar. Here, you can relax on comfy cushions with a delicious drink in hand while watching the sun dip below the sea. The bar is a popular spot where many travelers gather to unwind and enjoy a laid-back evening.

Catch a stunning Sunset at Zen Beach

You don’t have to go to the Amsterdam Bar to enjoy a beautiful sunset on Koh Pha-ngan — Zen Beach is another fantastic spot. Here, you can sit right on the beach with a tasty drink in hand, watching the sun go down while listening to the music from the beach bar.

Have an unforgettable night at the Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party has been held every full moon night since 1985 on the beach of Haad Rin on Koh Pha-ngan. With numerous bars, loud music, colorful lights, fire shows, and of course plenty of alcohol, it has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s biggest parties. It’s no wonder that thousands of people come to the island every month to celebrate. Even if you’re not someone who usually goes to parties, the Full Moon Party is an event you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Make a Daytrip to Angthong Nationalpark

The best way to visit Ang Thong National Marine Park is from the island of Koh Samui. Access to the park is only permitted through licensed tour operators. A typical day tour costs around 1200 Baht, plus an additional 300 Baht entrance fee to the park.

While the price might seem high, it’s definitely worth it. Even the nearly two-hour boat ride offers stunning views over the water. Once inside the park, you’ll explore several viewpoints, each providing breathtaking panoramas of the untouched natural landscape.

Have a view from Koh Phi Phi View Point

Koh Phi Phi is an exceptionally beautiful island that attracts many travelers. Even more breathtaking, however, is the view from the Koh Phi Phi Lookout Points. There are three lookout points in total: Viewpoint 1, Viewpoint 2, and Viewpoint 3. To reach the highest lookout point, you’ll naturally pass the first two along the way. The path to the final viewpoint isn’t long, but the many steps and steady uphill climb in the heat can be quite exhausting. Still, the effort and sweat are well worth it. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea and the island.

Spot some Monkeys at Monkey Beach

From Koh Phi Phi, you can take a boat to the famous Monkey Beach. When you arrive, you’ll wade through clear turquoise water to reach the shore, where monkeys are already roaming around. Whether on the beach, in the trees, or in the bushes, you’ll encounter monkeys everywhere, and you can get quite close to them. However, be cautious, as the monkeys sometimes attack visitors.

Discover Maya Bay – One of Koh Phi Phi’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Maya Bay is one of the most stunning beaches on Koh Phi Phi. With its turquoise waters, white sand, and breathtaking natural surroundings, it’s truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

But why is Maya Bay so famous? The beach became widely known after the movie „The Beach“ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and since then, it has been visited daily by countless tourists. Due to the high volume of visitors, Maya Bay’s ecosystem was damaged, leading the Thai government to close the beach in June 2018. It reopened to tourists in January 2022 under strict regulations. However, the influx of tourists remains high, causing the bay to occasionally close for several months to allow the ecosystem to recover. Whether you can visit Maya Bay during your trip to Thailand is largely a matter of luck.

Do another hike and have a view from Dragon Crest Mountain in Krabi

If you haven’t done enough hiking during your time in Thailand yet, it’s time to visit another incredible viewpoint: Dragon Crest Mountain in Krabi. To reach the viewpoint, you’ll need to complete a two-hour hike through Thailand’s forests. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the natural landscape – unless, like me, you get unlucky and find yourself surrounded by thick fog due to bad weather.

Hike the Monkey Trail in Krabi

Close to Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, you’ll find the Monkey Trail—a short and easy path through the forest. If you’re lucky, you might encounter some monkeys along the way, so keep your eyes open! 😉 Even if you don’t see any monkeys, the trail still offers beautiful views and a fun, adventurous walk through Thailand’s natural landscape.

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