Thailand is a country with everything so it's no wonder it's popularity has gone through the roof. From it's stunning beach islands in the south and incredible jungles in the north, to its Palaces and fantastic food, Thailand is a place every backpacker has to visit.
Recommended time in Thailand is one month but depending on your route you my want to do 2 weeks ish in the south leave to Cambodia and come back in the north from Laos and do another 2 weeks.
Estimated cost £250 per week
The locations are in order so you can go down the page in the order you travel it. When going Koh Tao to Chiang Mai you will need to stop back in Bangkok
Bangkok | Phuket | Ko Phi Phi | Krabi | Koh Samui | Koh Pha Ngan | Koh Toa |
Chiang Mai | Pai | Chiang Rai
Entry: Free visas on arrival (land and air)
Accommodation: Starting from £5 a night, it's easy to find a place to stay, if you want to book beforehand use check out the booking page for suggestions.
Getting round: Buses, boats and trains in these places are easily accessible. Within a place you can rent a bike or get in a tuck tuck to go and see the sights.
Food: Loads of fantastic local food to try and western food is always accessible if you'd prefer it.
TOP TIP: Keep your valuables safe while traveling, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Bangkok
Phuket
Phuket is a very large area, the most popular beach is Patong full of tourists and activities. If you want to get around and see more of the area you can rent bikes to go and see any of the many beaches, waterfalls and animals in the area.
Top things: Beaches | Bang Pae Waterfall | Big Budda | Tiger Kingdom
Bangkok is aways full of tourists, with most flight connections passing through. Being such a busy place there is so much to do. Khao San Road is the most popular of the tourist streets offering a wide range of shops, food and alcohol. Get out and see the Grand Palace, tour down the river or go and see a ping-pong show but be careful some things you can never un-see.
Top things: City exploring (Grand palace etc) | Khao San Road | Boat tour | Shopping
Ko Phi Phi
Known for having access to Maya bay the beach used in the Leonardo Dicaprio movie The Beach, Ko Phi Phi is beautiful. Unfortunately I only had a short stop here but I wish it had been longer. If you want beautiful beaches and great night life this is the place to be.
Top things: Maya bay | Beaches | Snorkelling | Nightlife
Krabi
Back on the mainland Krabi also has beautiful beaches. Have a walk round and see the restaurants and beaches. To see the best beaches get a boat tour round some of small offshore islands.
Top things: Island Boat tour | Beaches
Koh Samui
The biggest of the 3 islands off the east coast and the only one with an airport Koh Samui has a lot going on. You can find a beach which suits you. The main beaches are full of hostels, bars and entertainment. If you make your way round the island you can find much quieter places. If you want to Snorkel you can get all kinds of trips and tours.
(Photos from Google)
Top things: Night life | Boat tours | Beaches
Koh Pha Ngan
Home of the Full Moon party Koh Pha Ngan becomes the biggest party place in Thailand once a month. Haad Rid beach hosts the event and it's taken over by partying backpackers. If you want cheap accommodation around this time try to book in advance. Other parts of the island are apparently much quieter and more beautiful, although I was only there for the full moon party.
(Photos from Google)
Top things: Full Moon Party | Night life | Beaches | Scuba Diving
Koh Tao
The smallest of the 3 islands and my personal favourite this is one of the cheapest places to scuba dive in the world. Tour the beautiful island views quickly by motorbike and see the incredible islands just off the shore. This island still has some night life but don't drink too much if you want to dive.
Top things: Scuba Diving/Snorkelling | Island Explore | Beaches | Night life
Chiang Mai
North Thailand has a completely different feel to the islands in the south. Packed with culture you can visit the markets, temples and elephant sanctuaries. This is also a great place to do jungle trekking from which I fully recommend.
Top things: Jungle Trekking | Elephant Sanctuaries | Day/Night Markets | Zip lining
Pai
This lovely little town is a great place to relax and go and see some nice waterfalls. If you have time to visit this place has a great vibe.
Top things: Waterfalls | Relaxing
Chiang Rai
There are many other places in Thailand to check out if you have time. This are the places that I would suggest.
Want to book accommodation in Thailand visit our accommodation page.
Sadly I didn't make it to Chiang Rai because I ran out of time. Loved by the people that visit it, it is known for Wat Rong Khun A.K.A the White Temple.
(Photos from Google)
Top things: White Temple | Blue Temple