Thailand Travel Guide

I spent about 3 weeks solo traveling through Thailand in February of 2024. Every country in Southeast Asia has its highlights and the best parts of Thailand for me are the food and the beaches. It’s affordable, safe, social, and easy to get around making it ideal for young backpackers. This destination is welcoming for all types of travelers, and is the perfect place to literally and figuratively get your feet wet if it’s your first time in Asia. 

Food tour or Cooking Class

Thailand is known for its amazing cuisine and a tour or class focused on the food is one of the best ways to experience the culture and be guaranteed a delicious meal. You won’t be able to get enough of the fresh and comforting flavours of this cuisine. Do this early to enhance your food experience for the rest of your trip.

Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

A country with this many islands is ideal for water lovers. Not to mention Koh Tao is the cheapest place in the world to become scuba certified. If scuba is not your thing you can still snorkel.

Visit Temples

There are beautiful Buddhist temples all over the country and a visit to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without visiting some. The temples are a wonder to look at and necessary to better understand and immerse yourself in Thai culture.

Full Moon Party

This won’t be for everyone, but if you have some level of partier in you I recommend attending at least one party event in Thailand. The well-known full moon party occurs on Ko Pha-Ngan once a month on the night of the full moon as the name suggests. If you are not there over the full moon or are overwhelmed by 30,000 people partying on a beach (I’ll admit it was a little much) try the half moon or a jungle party.

Elephant Tour

This one may be controversial but it is a big draw to Thailand for some. There are a variety and some are more ethical than others. Do your research and ask around to make sure you book a reputable tour. I think a good rule of thumb is the less you touch and interfere with the Elephants the better (ie. not bathing them and obviously not riding them).

Waterfalls

As with much of Southeast Asia, waterfalls are an event on their own. They are stunning to look at while providing a reprieve from the heat. You can also find “sticky waterfalls” here which allow you to climb up the waterfall.

Tipsy Tubing

In Pai you can float down the river in a tube with drinks and get off at a couple stop-off points with games and DJs. It happens every Tuesday and Friday and is a super fun way to spend a day in the heat. Be warned, it’s not a leisurely activity to do with your family, it’s mostly young people drinking to oblivion.

The Islands

Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samui

These 3 islands on the east side of the country are absolutely worth a visit. Ko Tao was my favourite place in all of Thailand and is a popular place to get scuba-certified. Ko Pha Ngan hosts the full moon party but has plenty of nature to see. Ko Samui is supposedly better for families (and was the filming location for White Lotus season 3).

Ko Lanta

This island easily accessible from Krabi is great for any kind of traveller. I will say I felt somewhat limited in what I could see as it’s a decent size and I didn’t drive a motorbike or want to take a tuk-tuk all the time. I mostly hung out by the pool, on the beach, or got massages – poor me. It’s beautiful and chill but there are places to go out at night if you want that as well.

Ko Phi Phi, Phuket

I skipped these as Phuket doesn’t have the greatest reputation anymore but I heard lots of great things about Ko Phi Phi!

Other popular islands to consider are Ko Lipe and Langkawi. 

Chiang Mai & Pai

Two very popular places in the north of the country with Chiang Mai being the second largest city in Thailand. Leave the beaches behind for temples, food markets, waterfalls, and mountain villages. Travellers love Pai so much there is a saying they got stuck in a “Pai-hole” because they kept extending their stay there and couldn’t get themselves to leave. I will say I was there in February during their burning season, and it impacted my time there more than I would like to admit so keep that in mind when deciding to go.

Bangkok

This is likely where you’ll enter or exit. To be honest I spent very little time in Bangkok, which I don’t necessarily regret as I have already been to a lot of major cities in SE Asia and was prioritizing my time in other parts of the country. That being said it’s an iconic city and I will be sure to spend more time there when I go back to Thailand. When I think Bangkok I think rooftop bars, shopping, temples, food hawker stalls, Khao San Road, and magical chaos.

Krabi

This province located on the West coast of the country is a popular destination as it has an airport so it is easy to access and is used to get to other islands/areas from here. You will be wowed by the surrounding mangrove forest and stunning limestone karsts. Stay in Ao Nang and/or Railay depending on how much time you have and what you are looking for.

Khao Sok National Park

Come to this park in the southern part of Thailand to experience floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake lake surrounded by rainforest. Here you can escape the noisy cities and enjoy the serene nature and wildlife the country has to offer. This would be a good place to visit before or after Krabi depending on your route.

 

Pad Thai – this worldwide dish needs no introduction

Khao Soi – coconut curry noodle soup with chicken drumsticks and fried noodles sprinkled on top, only found in the north

Pad See Ew – “stir-fried soy sauce noodles” – YUM

Tom Kha Gai – chicken coconut soup

Green Curry – A sweet, tangy, and spicy curry made with coconut milk and green chili.

Massaman Curry – a fusion of Indian, Malay, and Thai flavours to create a mildly spicy but flavorful dish

Pad Krapow – Thai Basil Chicken served on rice with a fried egg

Mango Sticky Rice – fresh mango with rice in coconut and condensed milk

Thai Pancake – More like a crepe with numerous filling options it makes the perfect late-night street food

Toastie from 7/11 – this is half a joke, as it’s not a Thai food but is a cheap and easy option for some Western comfort

Base Ao Nang Backpackers by Nomad, Krabi (Ao Nang Beach)

This may be the most crude party hostel I’ve ever stayed at. Did I have fun? Yes. Was the hostel comfortable, set up well, and safe? Yes. Would I recommend staying here? Only if you really want to party and aren’t easily offended.

Blanco Hostel, Koh Lanta

This hostel has a nice pool, planned activities, and dorms in little huts around the property, plus it’s just steps away from the beach!

Revolution, Koh Tao

Fun, party vibes in a good location. The rooms weren’t my favourite but nothing was wrong with them and I met some great people.

Nolo Hub, Pai

Good layout, really nice bunks, and social without partying shoved in your face. They do close the place down quite early though so if you want to stay up and mingle it’s best to go into town.

Stamps Backpackers, Chiang Mai

The most unique room layout I’ve ever seen with a private little bed area inside of a dorm instead of bunks. They have many great tours they can book for you and are super helpful with coordinating group transportation to nearby sites. This is another one that’s social without drinks being poured down your throat.

Amaka Bed and Breakfast, Chiang Mai

A very quiet and chill hostel that I look back on fondly. If you are looking for something lively and a way to meet people this wouldn’t be a good fit. But if you are a couple, family, or solo traveler looking for some solace and peace this is a perfect option in a nice area with a wonderful breakfast included. They even packed me breakfast the night before for my early flight.