.png)
A travel blog itinerary packed with must-visit destinations, local tips, and everything you need to plan your perfect backpack travel adventure in Thailand.
Thailand, also known as the land of a thousand smiles, is a dream destination for any travel planner. Finally arriving felt surreal. From the buzzing streets of Bangkok to the laid-back charm of Pai, Thailand travel is packed with unforgettable experiences, incredible food, and some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.Whether you're embracing backpack travel, exploring bustling cities, or relaxing on paradise islands, Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.
With just two months to fit in Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali, we couldn’t see everything this time. But we know we’ll be back soon once we’re based in Australia.
If you're searching for the best time to visit Thailand, need a solid travel guide, or looking for the perfect travel buddy to share the adventure, this blog has got you covered.
Important Note: Before travelling to Thailand, make sure to check what vaccinations you need. Some are essential depending on the areas you visit. You can find official advice here.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
One of the first things any travel planner should consider is the best time to visit Thailand. While the country is a year-round destination, the ideal time depends on where you're going:
November to February – This is the absolute best time to visit Thailand, as the weather is cooler and dry. Perfect for backpack travel, island hopping, and sightseeing without extreme heat.
March to May – The hottest months, great for beach lovers but tough for city explorations.
June to October – Monsoon season, which means fewer crowds and cheaper prices. Some islands may be rainy, but northern Thailand remains a great option.
If you’re planning an itinerary, keeping the best time to visit Thailand in mind will help you make the most of your trip.
Essential Thailand Travel Tips
Before setting off on your Thailand travel adventure, here are some key tips:
Skip the tuk-tuks – They might seem fun, but they’re notoriously overpriced. Definitely try them once while you're here, but instead, use Bolt or Grab for reliable and much cheaper taxis
Try the local dishes – Thai cuisine is legendary, and there are some must-try dishes. These include:
Khao Soi - a Northern Thai curry that’s packed with flavour
Tom Yum Soup – A spicy and tangy soup with lemongrass, and chilli
Tom Kha Gai Soup – A creamy coconut soup with chicken, lemongrass, and galangal
Papaya Salad (Som Tam) – A crunchy, spicy, and zesty salad with shredded green papaya
Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet coconut-infused sticky rice with fresh mango
Panang Curry – A rich and creamy peanut-based Thai curry
Pad Thai – Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind sauce, peanuts, and lime
Pick up some essentials – While you’re here, grab some Tiger Balm for mosquito bites and headaches – it’s a miracle cream. If you’re into textiles, Thailand is famous for its high-quality silk
Whether you're backpacking solo or with a travel buddy, these tips will make your experience smoother.
Thailand Travel Itinerary
Stop 1: Bangkok
Bangkok is loud, chaotic, and bursting with life. From the moment you step onto its bustling streets, you’re hit with a sensory overload—neon lights, the sizzle of street food stalls, the hum of tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, and the rich aroma of spices in the air. It’s a city that never stops, blending centuries-old traditions with modern skyscrapers, world-class shopping, and some of the best eats worldwide. It's the perfect place to start your Thailand travel journey.
We only spent two days here, which was the perfect amount of time to soak up the energy and see some highlights.
Things to do in Bangkok:
Visit The Grand Palace
Try the best Panang curry at Tossakan Thai Curry House
Explore the Jim Thompson House
Eat mango sticky rice from a street food stall
Try spring rolls, papaya salad, and a cold Chang beer
Snack on coconut and banana pancakes
Eat crispy pork belly and Tom Kha Kai soup
Visit and eat street food in China Town
Stop 2: Pai
After the madness of Bangkok, Pai was a breath of fresh air. It’s a small, chilled-out town surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs. This makes it the perfect destination for backpack travel lovers. The drive from Chiang Mai to Pai is famous for its 720 hairpin bends, so motion sickness tablets are a must.
Things to do in Pai:
Walk the Bamboo Bridge
Swim in the hot springs
Hike Pai Canyon (best at sunset)
Grab a sunset drink at Two Huts
Visit Mor Paeng Waterfall
Try tipsy tubing down the river (sadly, the weather cancelled our trip, but its supposed to be great fun)
Eat a smoothie bowl at Soul Café
Stop 3: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is often described as a smaller, more relaxed version of Bangkok. It’s a university town with a great food scene, lively markets, and beautiful temples. It’s surrounded by nature, making it the ideal base for trekking, visiting elephant sanctuaries, and exploring waterfalls. The city itself is also home to amazing shopping, especially in the trendy Nimman area. This makes it one of the best stops in any Thailand travel guide. It’s also a popular base for digital nomads thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and affordable living.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
Hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden jungle temple
Visit a local food market
Take the lift to the rooftop of Maya Shopping Centre for views over the city
Get a traditional Thai massage (we went to Chinola Massage, but most places are great)
Explore Nimman, Chiang Mai’s artsy, hipster district
Experience Ploen Ruedee Night Market for food and drinks, then shop at the Night Bazaar
Take a Thai cooking class at Zabb E Lee cooking school
Stop 4: Phuket
Phuket is known for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're looking for budget travel or a luxurious stay, there’s something for everyone. For those with a travel buddy, Phuket is a great place to enjoy beach bars and island-hopping tours. We stayed in Karon, a quieter area with a fantastic beach and some incredible restaurants. Old Phuket Town is a must-visit for its colourful architecture and rich cultural history.
Things to do in Phuket:
Visit an ethical Elephant sanctuary
Watch a ladyboy show at Simon Cabaret
See the Big Buddha
Explore Karon Night Market
Stop 5: Phi phi islands
And, of course, a Thailand travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Phi Phi Islands. These famous islands are perfect for backpack travel, solo trips, or romantic getaways.
These islands, accessible from both Phuket and Krabi, are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches.
Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach, is the highlight. The beach was closed for a few years to allow the ecosystem to recover from over-tourism, but it has now reopened with restrictions in place to protect the environment.
The best way to experience the islands is by boat tour, which usually includes stops for snorkelling, monkey spotting, and swimming in the crystal-clear lagoons. The best time to visit Thailand for island hopping is from November to February, when the sea is calm and the skies are clear.
Final Thoughts on Backpacking Thailand
Thailand was everything I hoped for and more, and this trip only scratched the surface. There’s so much left to see, from the islands in the south to hidden gems in the north. We know we’ll be back again soon. Whether you're planning a short visit or a long-term stay, this travel blog should help kick-start your adventure. If you’ve been to Thailand before, let me know your top recommendations! And if you’re planning a trip, I hope this travel guide helps make your journey unforgettable.
Happy travels! ✈️
Leash x
Comments