Tropical beaches, captivating culture, moreish food, cheap and cheerful. Welcome to Thailand!
Thailand is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in Asia. It’s not hard to understand why with such a variety of scenery, activities and history within this country. Thailand’s ancient temples and vast landscapes will leave you craving to travel more.
Thailand acts as the perfect travel hub to continue your journey throughout South-East Asia and allowing multiple travel options to any place in the country for a very reasonable price.
The locals are friendly and always willing to help with directions or recommendations. Thailand is not scarce of markets and has an incomprehensible variety of sorts including floating, railway, night and local fresh markets where you can buy just about any Thai produce.
Thailand is stunning all year round, although, try to avoid the monsoon season which varies year to year but usually occurs June to October.
With Thailand being more than two times as big as the United Kingdom, the amount to see and do of course all depends on how long you are able to stay. In this post we will highlight the places you must visit in Thailand based on travel times of 2, 4 or 8 weeks.
2 weeks in Thailand
If you only have 2 weeks in Thailand we recommend choosing either the North or the South. With limited time we suggest planning your trip in advance establishing your priorities. We also advise travelling by air instead of using public transport because of the limited time. This is very achievable especially if you book cheap flights in advance. Budget in for souvenirs which can be purchased from one of the many markets, supporting the locals and providing you with physical memories. Finally, remember to relax, you’re on holiday, don’t cram in too many places and activities which will exhaust your holiday.
4-8 weeks in Thailand
When travelling for 4 weeks or more we would recommend not planning too far ahead. This will provide you with more freedom to travel off the beaten track and explore unforeseen destinations suggested by other travellers and locals. Meeting different people along the way, especially if staying in hostels, will impact where you travel next. This being said, remember to treat yourself every so often with a nice hotel for some respite, these are not as expensive as you would think. This will enhance and rejuvenate your travelling experience. You really can find some amazing places to stay throughout Thailand. Here’s where we would chill out in the evening at a hostel in Phuket whilst watching the sun set.
In the table below you will find our recommendations on where to go with the amount of time you choose to spend in Thailand. Take into account that these estimations include the travel times. On that note, we recommend to consider travelling during the night to help you achieve the most with your valuable time and will also save money on accommodation!
|
14 days |
30 days |
60 days |
||
|
North |
South |
|||
|
Bangkok |
2 days |
3 days |
3 days |
3 days |
|
Surat Thani |
– |
– |
1 days |
3 days |
|
Koh Samui |
– |
– |
– |
4 days |
|
Koh Tao |
– |
3 days |
3 days |
6 days (incl. PADI) |
|
Koh Pha Ngan |
– |
3 days |
3 days |
5 days |
|
Khao Sok |
– |
– |
4 days (incl.2-day tour) |
5 days (incl.3-day tour) |
|
Krabi |
– |
2 days |
4 days |
|
|
Koh Phi Phi |
– |
1 day (layover day) |
4 days |
6 days |
|
Phuket |
– |
4 days |
– |
4 days |
|
Phang Nga |
– |
– |
– |
2 days |
|
Bangkok |
– |
1 day |
1 day (travel day) |
1 day (travel day) |
|
Ayutthaya |
2 days |
– |
1 day |
2 days |
|
Kanchanaburi |
2 days |
– |
1 day |
3 days |
|
Chiang Mai |
4 days |
– |
3 days |
5 days |
|
Pai |
3 days |
– |
3 days |
4 days |
|
Bangkok |
1 day |
– |
1 day |
– |
|
Chiang Rai |
– |
– |
– |
3 days |
To find out more about each destination, read more of our blog posts in Thailand.
Helpful Tips
- Flights into Bangkok are some of the cheapest you will find in Asia. It is sometimes advantageous to pit stop in Bangkok and continue your journey through Suvarnabhumi airport. To find out how to book the cheapest flights read our blog ‘Everything you need to know about booking flights’.
- Depending on where you visit in Thailand you will more than likely want to rent a scooter. This is one of the highlights of both of our travels, complete freedom. Waking up one morning and deciding to drive around the entire 50km island of Koh Samui is such a surreal feeling. If you are unsure of how you would feel riding a scooter in Thailand, DON’T PANIC. We have covered all you need to know in our blog ‘Everything you need to know about renting a scooter in Asia’.
- Overnight buses and trains are a good way to save money on accommodation and travel long distances. This is the case when travelling South from Bangkok. We must admit, it feels like a right of passage as a backpacker to have seen and experienced such long journeys. They make for great talking points over a beer in the hostel later!
- Asian transport is rarely on time. That being said do not be late! The buses and trains will not wait for you. It really is a hit and miss situation!
Our favourite 5 Thai foods you must try!
1) Khao Pad (fried rice) – Often enjoyed as a light lunch, you can easily bulk up this simple dish of rice with extra ingredients. Check out this fried rice eaten directly out of a pineapple in a street food restaurant.
2) Kai pad med ma muang (stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts) – When it comes to Thai food this was on our favourites. The fresh peppers and cashews mixed in a moreish sauce. Perfect accompanied by some fried rice!
3) Pad Thai or Phad Thai (Thai-style fried noodles) – This is one of Thailand’s most recognised dishes. We are not into fancy dining but no matter where you eat this dish the plate always looks so appetising. Crunchy beansprouts, onion and egg are stir fried in a wok along with noodles, your choice of size. We would always choose fried pork or chicken to accompany our Pad Thai with chilli for that extra kick. This stir fried dish is accompanied with a slice of lime wedge, crushed roasted peanuts, bean sprouts and fresh herbs. When served the arrangement of the food on the plate is exquisite.
4) Gaeng keow wan kai (green chicken curry) – A Thai classic, Thai chicken curry. We tend to opt for the green chicken curry over the red but both are delicious. This classic dish can vary in spiciness but matched against the creamy coconut milk you will be left wanting more.
5) Pad Ga Prao (Basil Pork Stir-fry) – Fried crispy pork mixed with Thai basil, chillies and rice. Usually served with a fried egg, as is many dishes in Thailand.
All dishes can and should be accompanied by a Chang, Singha, Leo or Tiger beer!
We could go on forever talking about our love for Thai cuisine but we’re afraid we would bore you! Here are some facts you might enjoy about Thailand!
Fun Facts
- In Thailand, it is illegal to leave your house without underwear on.
- The word ‘Thailand’ means ‘land of the free’.
- Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice and orchids.
- It is illegal to step on any Thai currency.
- Thai people must always keep their head lower than that of anyone older or more important than them.
- It is illegal to drive shirtless in Thailand.
Travelling Translated
