Backpacking Southeast Asia is on a lot of people’s bucket list and got more and more popular in recent years. The ideal and most popular place to start your trip is Bangkok, Thailand. To avoid any trouble while traveling I’ve collected all of the important travel tips and things you need to keep in mind while traveling Thailand.

Visa:

People with German citizenship are allowed to enter without a visa. One requirement is the proof of an returning or onward flight out of Thailand. If this is not the case you’ll have to get a visa online in advance. This would be the case if you want to leave Thailand into Laos using the popular 2 day slow boat to Luang Prabang. Here you will cross the border by foot.

Applying for a visa could take a few days. Also keep  in mind public holidays, those might lengthen the process. This process is the case for most Europeans. 

Tip: there is also a website where you can book „fake“ flights just to prove you are leaving the country. Another option ist just booking the cheapest flight or bus ticket out of the country before your visa on arrival would expire.

These are the different kinds of visas you can apply for online. Keep in mind you can also choose if you only need one or multiple entries into Thailand.

• Visa-Free Travel: Many nationalities can stay in Thailand visa-free for 30 days if entering by air (or 15 days by land).

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available for citizens of certain countries, allowing a 15-day stay.

• Tourist Visa: For a longer stay (up to 60 days), you can apply for a tourist visa at the embassy.

• Always double-check visa requirements based on your nationality.

Currency:

Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB) as their national currency. While cards are accepted in some places, many markets and street vendors only accept cash.

ATMs are Widely available, but check for withdrawal fees (typically 200 THB).

Transportation:

For transportation there are a lot of options for every price range. Here I would choose wisely depending on how much time you have in general and how much you want to spend. Thailand is quite easy to travel because of its popularity. It’s the perfect country to start your journey our even start your first solo adventure.

Plane:

When changing places you can either fly from and to the different cities for example from Bangkok to Phuket or chiang Mai. This is the fastest but also the most expensive option. 

Bus:

In Thailand almost all popular destinations are connected by bus. These take longer but are definitely most affordable. You can check the schedule and book them through 12Go Asia. There you will also see where and when they depart. On your travel day you arrive at the bus station to pick up your actual ticket. The employees will tell you which platform you’ll need to go to and also advise you about any sudden changes in the schedule. 

Definitely bring snacks on those journeys. Even though you stop at some point to take a break you’ll never know when that is and if that place offers any food or if you trust the food there.

Train:

Another popular option in Thailand is taking the train. Especially popular are the overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I’ve personally not ridden a train in Thailand but I’ve heard good things about it. This can also be booked over 12Go Asia.

Tuk-Tuks: 

Tuk-tuks are a great and fun way to get around in a city. Keep in mind that they often overcharge. Agree on the price beforehand or ask the driver to use the meter.

Public Transport:

Bangkok has an excellent

BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (subway) system. In rural areas, songthaews (shared taxis) are popular

Uber:

Uber is available all over the country and is a great and easy way to get from a to b for shorter distances.

Rent scooters:

The most authentic way to see and explore different places in Thailand is by renting a scooter. They cost around 7-10€ per day. Usually the next rental place is not far from your accommodation, some locals even collaborate with hostels and you can book through them

Accommodation:

When it comes to backpacking, Thailand Hostels are your best bet. I’ve always booked my hostels just a few days in advance and it was perfectly fine and the prices were reasonable. But be aware of public holidays, hostels during Chinese new year for example can be fully booked days in advance or really expensive. 

Because of this you can be very spontaneous while traveling and make the most out of your trip.

I found my hostels through Hostelworld. This is a great option because they are very popular in Southeast Asia and have a lot of hostels you can choose from. Some hostels focus more on partying, some are chill – I’m sure you’ll find something that fits you perfectly.

Street Food:

Thailand is heaven for anyone who loves food. It’s best to spend your evenings at night markets. They are very popular and serve Delicious and Affordable street food. Street food is one of the highlights of Thailand, offering a wide variety of tasty dishes like pad Thai, som tam (green papaya salad), and mango sticky rice.

For Food Safety stick to busy food stalls with high turnover to ensure food freshness.

Weather:

The best time to visit Thailand depends on what you’re looking for, but generally, the most ideal months are from November to February. During this period, the weather is cool and dry, making it comfortable for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and beach vacations.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Thailand’s seasons:

• Cool Season (November to February): This is the peak tourist season, with pleasant temperatures (around 25°C to 30°C) and little rain. It’s ideal for visiting beaches and exploring cities.

• Hot Season (March to May): Temperatures can soar above 35°C, especially in inland areas. This is the time for those who don’t mind the heat and want to take advantage of lower hotel prices or less crowded attractions.

• Rainy Season (June to October): This is the monsoon season, with heavy rains and humidity. However, it’s a good time for fewer tourists, lower prices, and lush landscapes, especially in northern and central Thailand.

If you’re planning to visit islands or beaches, the west coast (Phuket, Krabi) is best visited from November to March, while the east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Tao) is ideal from January to April.

Popular Backpacking Routes:

• Bangkok: The bustling capital with vibrant street markets, temples, and nightlife.

• Chiang Mai: For temples, mountains, and exploring the surrounding countryside.

• Pai: A small town in the mountains, known for its laid-back atmosphere and scenic beauty.

• Krabi & Phuket: Famous for stunning beaches, islands, and water activities like snorkeling and diving.

• Koh Samui & Koh Tao: Tropical paradise islands, great for beach lovers and diving.

Route 2:

• Bangkok: The bustling capital with vibrant street markets, temples, and nightlife.

• Phuket: Famous for stunning beaches, islands, and water activities like snorkeling and diving.

• Khao Sok National Park: incredible nature reserve while staying on remote floating bungalows

• Chiang Mai: For temples, mountains, and exploring the surrounding countryside.

• Chiang Rai: explore the popular white temple and then cross the border into Laos