Thailand: Complete Travel Guide
Everything about Thailand: Bangkok, islands, temples, street food, budget and tips for your Southeast Asian adventure.
Why Thailand Is the Perfect Destination
Thailand is Southeast Asia's most visited country for a reason: it has everything. Paradise beaches, spectacular Buddhist temples, incredible food for under 2€ and a welcoming culture. All this with a very low cost of living.
Top Destinations
Bangkok
Chaotic, vibrant and addictive. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, floating markets, Khao San Road and rooftop bars with spectacular views. Bangkok never sleeps.
Daily budget: 25-60€
Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand is completely different. Mountain temples, night markets, cooking classes and ethical elephant sanctuaries.
Daily budget: 20-45€
Southern Islands
- Koh Phi Phi — Famous from "The Beach", crystal-clear waters
- Koh Samui — Luxury resorts and postcard beaches
- Koh Tao — Best for diving (PADI certification from 200€)
- Koh Lanta — Quiet and less touristy
- Krabi/Railay — Rock climbing and hidden beaches
Phuket
The biggest island. It has everything: beaches, temples, Patong nightlife and day trips to Phi Phi and James Bond islands.
Thai Food
Thailand's street food is legendary. A full meal costs 30-80 baht (0.80-2€).
- Pad Thai — Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, peanuts and lime
- Som Tam — Spicy green papaya salad
- Tom Yum Goong — Hot and sour shrimp soup
- Massaman Curry — Mild curry with Persian influence
- Mango Sticky Rice — Mango with glutinous rice dessert
- Pad Kra Pao — Stir-fried meat with Thai basil
- Khao Soi — Northern curry noodle soup, a Chiang Mai must
- Roti — Sweet street crepe with banana and Nutella
Budget
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 5-15€ | 20-50€ | 60-200€ | | Food | 5-10€ | 15-25€ | 30-60€ | | Transport | 3-8€ | 10-20€ | 20-50€ | | Total/day | 13-33€ | 45-95€ | 110-310€ |
Tip
Thailand is one of the cheapest countries to travel. A backpacker can live comfortably on 20-30€ per day.
Getting Around
- Domestic flights: AirAsia and Nok Air from 15€
- Overnight trains: Bangkok-Chiang Mai in 12h, a unique experience
- Ferries: Between southern islands
- Tuk-tuks and songthaews: Local transport. Negotiate the price first
- Grab: Thailand's Uber, widely used in Bangkok
Essential Tips
Warning
Never disrespect the Thai monarchy or Buddha. It's a serious criminal offense in Thailand with prison sentences.
- Bargaining — It's part of the culture in markets. Start at 50% of the asking price
- Temple dress code — Cover knees and shoulders. Keep a sarong in your bag
- Scams — Be wary of anyone telling you a temple is closed and offering alternatives
- Water — Don't drink tap water. Bottles cost 0.20€ everywhere
- Travel insurance — Essential. Healthcare is good and cheap, but a motorbike accident can be costly
- Season — Avoid October-November (monsoons). Best: December-March