Backpacking in Thailand

• Backpacking in Thailand
• Budget
• Routen

Thailand is still regarded as the entry level backpacker country in Asia. Even if you are planning your first backpacking trip to Asia, the country is surrounded by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and should be at the top of your list.

You won’t regret it, because in Thailand you can expect an exotic Buddhist culture, dreamlike paradisiacal islands in different seas, seductive culinary delights, always warm weather, many adventure possibilities and an exciting nightlife. Not to forget old cultures on the sea or in the mountains.

You will immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the 8 million metropolis of Krung Thep, also known as Bangkok, and experience for yourself there that you can also travel on motorways with live elephants. Thailand is the Mecca for backpackers. World-famous is not only the party Road Kao San in the heart of the capital, but also the Full Moon Party on the dream island Ko Phan Ka. Or switch off the stress on the shores of the island Ko Phi Phi, where Leonardo de Caprio already shot the Hollywood movie The Beach.

Everywhere in the country friendly hosts with a hearty smile await you, who wouldn’t even like to give you their last shirt to help you. Thailand is not only exciting, varied and exciting, but also ridiculously cheap. No matter where you are, you will find sinfully expensive resorts and hotels that pamper their guests from all over the world with everything Pipapo has to offer.

Three metres further on you will surely find a cheap accommodation that doesn’t cost 5 Euros. Coach with one of the rattling Tuk Tuks through the cities or discover the country with long-distance buses, the airplane or with the train. You can also explore Thailand by ferry or boat on rivers or the oceans. A visit to a floating market is as much a part of your itinerary as the ascent to the rice terraces in northern Thailand, where you will be welcomed by the indigenous people.

If you’re looking for great souvenirs, you’ll certainly find them at the countless night markets in every city. Not to mention the fact that you can get the most delicious treats for little money. Diving or snorkeling in Koh Tao is a must on every Thailand trip. You should also know the nightlife in Phuket. Fight your way into the bushes in Kao Sok National Park and experience a wide variety of species on trekking tours.

You can refresh yourself under cooling waterfalls. Have you exhausted yourself too much during your efforts or are you tense from carrying your heavy backpack? Then lie under a palm tree on a white beach on an island like Koh Samui or on the mainland in the seaside resort of Hua Hin and let yourself be kneaded from top to bottom with a juicy Thai massage.

Tradition and culture in Thailand

Thailand is a very traditional country. You may not notice this at first sight, because the falang – the foreigner – can be found everywhere. But don’t be fooled. To understand the Thai customs and traditions is reserved only for real insiders. Moreover, you hardly get the chance to become a truly accepted part of Thai society. Nevertheless, the land of smiles has its cultural attractions for outsiders as well. You just have to look very closely.

Listening is a bit difficult, because in the country besides the hardly understandable Thai, 73 other hardly understandable languages are spoken. Already the reading is a problem, because the alphabet known to us does not exist in Thailand. Thailand is big, much, much bigger than Germany. 514.000 sqkm are opposite 370000 km2. That brings of course also a large cultural variety with itself. A North Thai in the mountains has little in common with a South Thai on the border to Malaysia. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai belong to Northern Thailand, while Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima lie in Northeast Thailand – the Isan.

In central Thailand Bangkok and the ancient Meropole Ayutthaya dominate. The famous seaside resort of Pattaya and the islands of Koh Chang as well as others are part of the eastern region. The River Kwai Bridge as well as Kanchanaburi belong to the west, while Phuket and Ko Samui can be found in southern Thailand. You should know that the head of state is King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX.), who has been in office since 1946. And he is holy. Beware of letting a bad word fall over the ruler. This can get you into devil’s kitchen.

Backpacker Route in Thailand

Thailand is a real Eldorado for backpackers. From the deepest south to the highest north you will find exciting destinations, which you can discover on a complete Thailand Backpacker Route. Or you can do a section and come back. Thailand is quite big – much bigger than Germany or France. Therefore, different combinations of different backpacker routes are possible.

As always, when planning the backpacker route it is crucial how much time and budget is available. Plan a healthy mix of culture, adventure and relaxation. A few suggested destinations that you should include in your planning. Basically, you can choose from three routes: The south, central Thailand and the north of Thailand.

Thailand may already be known to many backpackers. This also includes the variation of the routes. If you want to relax, then I can only recommend you to enjoy the south with the many islands. The north is full of culture and also very popular with digital nomads. Especially in Chiang Mai there are a lot of them.

Route 1: The classic (15-20 days)

• 1 day Ayutthaya – historic capital city
• 5 Days and more Culture and Nighlife in Bangkok
• 1 day Chanthaburi
• 3 days Chiang Mai – largest city in the north
• 2 days Chiang Rai – starting mountain tours from there
• 2 day Nakhon Ratchasima – Getting to know Thailand inland
• 2 days Hua Hin bathing paradise
• 2 days Pattaya carnival join in
• 2-4 days Phuket with dream beaches and partylife experience
• 2 Day Ko Phi Phi
• 1 day Kanchanaburi the bridge at Kwai
• 1 week island hopping from Ko Samui to Ko Phran Gan (with Fullmoon Party) and to Ko Tao for snorkeling and diving.

Route 2: All or Nothing ( 32-42 days)

• 1 day Ayutthaya – historic capital city
• 5 Days and more Culture and Nighlife in Bangkok
• 1 day Chanthaburi
• 3 days Chiang Mai – largest city in the north
• 2 Days ChiangRai – Mountain tours from there
• 2 day Nakhon Ratchasima – Getting to know Thailand inland
• 2 days Hua Hin bathing paradise
• 2 days Pattaya carnival join in
• 2-4 days Phuket with dream beaches and partylife experience
• 1 day Ko Phi Phi
• 1 day Kanchanaburi the bridge at Kwai
• 1 week island hopping from Ko Samui to Ko Phran Gan (with Fullmoon Party) and to KoTao for snorkeling and diving.
• 1 day Ko Chang experience
• 2 days Ko Lipe in Tarutao National Park – great beaches, great reefs.
• 1 day Ko Samet the first beach to Bangkok
• 1 day Khao Lak – from there to the Similan Islands
• 3 days Khao Sok National Park – wild, rustic and exciting – pure nature in Thailand
• 2 Days Khao Yai National Park – Explore Waterfalls and Jungle
• 1 week island hopping in the Krabi Province on Ao Nang, Rai Leh, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta
• 3 days in Pai – from Backpacker Paradise in the north many trekking routes lead into the bush.
• 2 days Mae Hong Son – quiet and contemplative
• One week to explore the Golden Triangle where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet. Descend here in Chiang Saen.

Travel times in Thailand

You shouldn’t worry too much about the best time to travel in Thailand. When Thai people talk about the cold season, they mean that the temperatures are five degrees colder than usual. So instead of 33 degrees in summer “only” 28 degrees… -brrrrrrrrrr- … freezing cold! Also the topic rainy season is constantly overrated. It is pouring, that is right. But such a casting can be very pleasant. And then it still doesn’t get cold. If you want it hot and dry, then you should go in the months of March, April and May.

A visit to the capital Bangkok during this time is not necessarily very pleasant. The fewest hours of sunshine are in the European summer and autumn months from June to October. It is a bit “cooler” from the end of November to February. In September and October it likes to piss. The best travel time with bearable temperatures and less rain is usually seen from December to February. Also in the north.

Backpacker Budget in Thailand

Thailand may not be the cheapest country to visit, but it is still a good place to stay. Especially if you’re looking for accommodation, you can choose from a huge range of accommodation, from the most expensive luxury hostels with spa and wellness to good mid-range hotels close to the beach and the simplest bamboo huts. The same applies to the procurement of food.

You get the most delicious delicacies at prices of one euro at the street markets. The night markets, where it sizzles and cooks at every corner, have an incredible flair. Somewhat more expensive is the alcohol. Better you supply yourselves before the penetration into the quite very varied night life in Bangkok or Pattaya with material from the supermarket. You should calculate a good budget for the entry into the absolute sights of the country. Thus the entrance costs in the

• Grand Palace 12 Euro
• Wat Pho 2 Euro
• Wat Arun 1 Euro
• Jim Thompson House 2 Euro
• National Museum 4 Euro

The transport prices in Bangkok are approximately as follows:

• Taxi airport to the city 10 Euro
• Airport Train to the City 2 Euro
• 3 km Tuk-Tuk Bangkok 2 Euro
• Skytrain 0.5 Euro
• 3km Taxi ride Bangkok 2 Euro

Cost of living in Thailand

As you can imagine, Thailand is not the same as Thailand. In the south, on the beaches where there is a lot of tourism, the prices are much higher than in the Isan, in the interior of the country. This applies to all costs from accommodation to food. Cheap cabins on the beach even in KoSamui you get in the low season for a handful of euros.

Breakfast at the roadside: For 3 Euro you almost get restaurant level.
Similar to dinner: Similar to breakfast.
Beer: That depends on the brand. Local Chang beer is cheap, but makes a lot of money. Better import beer. That costs however then also times 3 euro. 7 Eleven is the supermarket chain where you can buy beer.
McDonalds Big Mac 3 Euro.
Pizza is also available for 3 to 10 Euro.

Bus fares and domestic fares in Thailand

The cheapest way to bridge long distances is by bus. A 700 km trip costs 20 -25 Euro. There are better buses, but also worse ones. Domestic flights are not exactly cheap. A flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok costs between 90 and 120 euros. The bus a third. The train the same. Check the websites of Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways / Siam Reap Airways for the latest deals. Information about the buses with departure times etc The Transport Company and Sawasdee’s bus timetables.

Train in Thailand

Rail travel is a bit more expensive than bus travel, but much cooler and more comfortable. In the long-distance trains from Surat Thani to Bangkok, the backpackers travel in large departments with beds. There was already some beer tipped and some friendship closed. The 1st class with its own compartment is by far more elegant, but does not cost the world either. 700 km about 30 Euro. You can take bicycles with you and always have clean bed linen, no matter in which class. Timetables on the homepage of State Railway of Thailand.

Backpacker accommodations in Thailand

In Thailand you will find every kind of accommodation at real dream locations. To hang out in a hammock in front of a straw hut at the sea costs sometimes only 5-10 Euro. Also in the cities you get cheap accommodation. Hostels however you find less, just because there are so many cheap accommodations in Thailand in all regions. Look around for low budget resorts. There you get a simple cabin with a bed and some accessories. You don’t need more for a simple life.

Even cheaper are the accommodations, no matter which kind, in the low season, which is equal to the European one. So never during the holidays. But from May to August prices often fall. Because of the weather. Christmas is high season. German winter too. In the cities you look less for hostels like in Europe or South America, but for Guesthouses. For 5-10 Euro you should get a room in Bangkok and other cities or villages. Depending on the price with bath in the corridor or in the room. Fan or Aircondition. Wifi or WLan are now included in many prices.

Prices for hostels in Bangkok

Despite the fact that hostels in Thailand are not necessarily at the top of the list of backpackers, you should at least know what the bed costs in the respective cities.

• Bangkok 8 Euro
• Chiang Mai 3 Euro
• Koh Phangan 9 Euro
• Phuket 7 Euro
• Koh Phi Phi 13 Euro
• Koh Samui 8 Euro
• Krabi 7 Euro
• Koh Tao 9 Euro
• Pai 6 Euro
• Krabi Ao Nang 7 Euro

What the prices in the cities of Chiang Khong, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chumphon, Hatyai, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Khao Lak and many other places look like, you should have a look at Hostelworld.

Hotels in Thailand

Also in some hotels, especially in the Low Season, it is worth asking the prices on the spot. Some hotel operators, especially if they are private, offer super cheap overnight stays just to get something in the till. Also here, the more budget, the more comfort. You can also negotiate long term rent deals. There are then always strong discounts.

Rent three weeks or even one month, it’s often worth it. Check out the WWW for offers in the big cities or tourist resorts. And ask locally also in the smaller houses. You can get a night in a better hotel for 30 Euro. It’s worth it as a last night before the return flight.

Backpacker Trips, Tips & Highlights in Thailand

From the north to the south, from the west to the east, from the mountains to the beaches, you will find a geographical, cultural and species-rich diversity in Thailand. Whether exciting nightlife in Bangkok or diving safaris around the Thai dream islands, everything is possible. Visit the King Rama II Memorial Park in Samut Songkhram, about 63 km from the capital, and experience the Amphawa Floating Market.

Only 80 km away from Bangkok is the former capital Ayutthaya, which is part of the cultural heritage. A visit to the Bang Pa-in palace and the Bang Sai Folk Arts craft market is obligatory. As well as a side trip to Kanchanaburi, where you will be immersed in a fairytale-like nature. There you will also find the death train and the River Kwai bridge. In Lop Buri you will meet the famous Khmer temples and the enchanting sunflower fields. The highest Buddha statue can be found in Nakhon Pathom.

And there’s the supposedly biggest elephant show in the world. Wonderful beaches await you not only around Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, but also in Phetchaburi at Cha-amBeach. The royal family knows why they moved their summer residence to Prachuap Khiri Khan. She resides in the sophisticated KlaiKangwon Palace. A multifaceted nightlife and great beaches await you in HuaHin.

And in the National Parks Khao Samroi Yot National Park and the Khao Sok National Park you will encounter the Thai wildlife. Take a trip to the north and start a round trip through the famous Golden Triangle from Chiang Rai. The most beautiful Thai women are said to come from Lamphun. A side trip to the Full Moon Party in Ko Phan Gan or to the species-rich dive sites around Ko Tao should not be missing on your agenda.

Backpacker Highlights in Thailand

You have to try the delicious fresh fruit juices and the spicy exotic food. Afterwards you should treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage under a palm tree by the sea. Do a good deed in the temple Wat Hua Lamphong to secure a better starting position for your rebirth. Meditating in a Thai temple also helps. Take a look at how the poison is milked from the teeth on a snake farm. And you should also have seen a Muai Thai boxing match. The hall is cooking. Leonardo de Caprio fans have to go to the dream beaches on Ko Phi Phi, where he shot the movie “The Beach”.

Riding an elephant through the Khao Sok National Park has something to offer. But you should also have seen the long-necked women at Mae Hong Son. One of the best night markets in Thailand can be found in the Sunday Walking Street in Chiang Mai, but there are some everywhere. In Kanchanaburi you have to go to the legendary bridge at Kwai. A dreamlike island world awaits you on a trip to the AngThongNational Marine Park. Between 13 and 15 April the Songkran Festival takes place. Water battle included. Have a Thai monk make you a Sak Yant tattoo and you will never forget the land again.

Backpacker Insider Tips in Thailand

Starts from Tha Ton with a longtail boat to Chiang Rai. It’s also worth making a detour to the mountain villages of MaeSalak and Ban Ruammit. Rent a moped and take route 1095 from Chiang Mai to Pai, which leads through a dense jungle. In Sangkhom, you’ll experience the Traveller feeling as you sunset over the Mekong from your hammock.

One of the best beaches for adventurers and water sports enthusiasts is Railay Beach. One of the most beautiful temples, but also one of the least visited, is Wat Doi Suthep in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, about 10 km outside Chiang Mai. It is also worth making a detour to the Mae Sa Waterfall and the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. The Pra Mahatad Pagodas and the Vachiratan Waterfall in the north are widely unknown.

Food & Drinks in Thailand

Beach and Thailand, temples and Thailand, these are two things that are inseparable. But one thing stands for Thailand even more – the food. In hardly any other country will you find such a varied and tasty cuisine on your travels as in Thailand. And the best thing is. The dishes are also very cheap.

For 2 to 3 Euros you can fill your stomach with delicacies that you otherwise only get in gourmet temples. The famous Thai curries are the basis for many dishes. Whether with meat, fish, seafood or vegetarian, the sometimes very spicy Thai spices make all ingredients tempting treats. The cooked rice Khao suai belongs to every dish.

If you order Khao phat, then you get pork or chicken on Thai basis. Khao tom, which is a watery porridge, is often eaten for breakfast. In the Isan they rely on Khaoniao – the gluten rice is eaten with grilled pork, chicken or beef. Hot – clear! A real backpacker classic is Phad Thai. Thin white rice noodles are prepared in exotic tamarind sauce.

Tom yamgoong is only available by the sea. Base are among other things crabs, lemongrass and galangal. Tom khagai is a popular chicken soup with mushrooms. A number of different salads can be ordered with it. With some it is quite difficult to find out what comes into it at all.

Also on desserts the Thais stand. The sweeter, the better. Cookies but also exotic fruits like mangos and papaya are served. A very tasty dessert is Kluaybuat-chi. You should try bananas and coconut milk. If you don’t want to eat in kitchens, try the delicacies in the restaurant chains. Especially in the cities this can be an alternative. The best known are Yum Saap, S&P and Kuay tiew Ruea Siam. But also the famous Western fast food chains McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut and others can be found in the urban centers.

Drinking in Thailand

The best thing is to drink the freshly squeezed juices or fresh coconut milk. The Thai beer is not exactly the hammer. At the most it hammers in your head when you drink Chang beer. The most famous beer brand is Singha. The metallic taste won’t let you go. Even wine is cultivated in Thailand. But the result is only “intoxicating”. Attention to the Thai-Wisky, which is anything but a Wisky. Rather, it is a hard alcoholic beamer whose path is paved with corpses. The best known brand is Mae Khong.

Backpacker Visum und Vaccinations in Thailand

According to the Federal Foreign Office, the following entry regulations apply to German nationals

• Passport: Yes
• Provisional passport: Yes
• Identity card: No
• Temporary identity card: No
• Children’s passport: Yes

The travel documents must be valid for at least another six months. Children’s entries in a parent’s passport are no longer valid. Every child needs his or her own identification document when entering Thailand.

Visa Attention!!

It is not necessary to apply for a visa. Attention in case of fraudulent actions in case of extensions of the residence permit. It is better to extend only at the Thai immigration authority (Bureau of Immigration). The violation of the entry duration is problematic. If this period is exceeded, hefty fines will be imposed. Those who cannot pay will go to jail.

Vaccinations and medical advice

A valid vaccination against yellow fever is only required for entries from a yellow fever area. If you come directly from Germany, then no special vaccination regulations apply. However, you should be vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis. Apart from dengue fever, malaria is also known in Thailand. You should pay attention especially in the border region to Myanmar, in the province Ranong and in Yala. In addition in Chumphon, Prachuab, Khiri Khan, Kanchanaburi, Petchaburi, Narathiwat, Songkhla, in Trat, Chantaburi, Ko Chang and Phang Nga.