Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Recommended Vaccinations for Thailand:Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis (if rural or long-term stay)
Rabies (if close contact with animals)
Tetanus
MMR (if not up-to-date)
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Safe travels!
vaccination requirements When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Thailand, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ThailandCulture & Customs
When in Thailand, always show respect to the monarchy; it’s a serious matter. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples—cover your shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Use your right hand to pass objects and avoid touching anyone’s head; it’s considered sacred.
Avoid public displays of affection; it’s frowned upon. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Thailand is generally welcoming, but discretion is advised in rural areas. Women should be cautious about traveling alone at night, especially in less populated areas.
Show appreciation with a *wai* (a slight bow with palms together) instead of a handshake. Don’t point with your feet or use them to touch things; it’s considered disrespectful.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Thailand.
- Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken, tofu, peanuts, a hint of lime, and tamarind sauce. It’s a street food staple and a perfect intro to Thai flavors.
- Tom Yum Goong: A hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Its bold flavors are a true testament to Thai culinary creativity.
- Som Tum: Also known as green papaya salad. It’s spicy, tangy, and a little sweet, showcasing the balance of flavors Thai cuisine is famous for.
- Massaman Curry: A rich, creamy, and slightly sweet curry with Muslim roots. Made with beef or chicken, potatoes, and peanuts, it’s a milder curry that warms the soul.
- Khao Soi: A Northern Thai specialty, this coconut curry noodle soup is topped with crispy noodles. It’s a must-try if you’re up north, like in Chiang Mai.
Tap water in Thailand is generally **not** considered safe for tourists to drink, and even many locals often opt for bottled or filtered water. It’s recommended to stick with bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, or use a reliable filtration system. Always check the seal on bottled water to ensure it’s not been refilled.
The main language in Thailand is
Thai. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Thai skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Thailand includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Thailand,
English is spoken to varying degrees, primarily in tourist areas, major cities, and among younger generations. In popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, many locals, especially those in the hospitality and service industries, can communicate effectively in English. Signs in English are common in these areas, making navigation easier for travelers.
However, in rural regions and smaller towns, English proficiency decreases significantly. Many locals may understand basic phrases but might struggle with more complex conversations. In such areas, having a translation app or learning a few basic Thai phrases can be very helpful.
Overall, while English is not universally spoken, tourists generally find enough English speakers to navigate their travels comfortably. The willingness of Thais to help and communicate, even with language barriers, adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the country.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Thailand is THB (฿).
ATMs: Thailand is pretty ATM-friendly, with machines everywhere, but watch out for those annoying withdrawal fees. If you can, use an ATM connected to a major bank like Bangkok Bank or Siam Commercial Bank to avoid extra charges.
Cash: Always carry some baht, especially for street food, markets, and smaller towns. Vendors might not take cards, and you’ll get better deals when you’re not swiping plastic.
Currency: Don’t bother with dollars or euros; it’s easier and cheaper to exchange your home currency directly into baht. Keep some cash handy for emergencies, though.
Card Acceptance: Big cities and tourist hotspots are pretty card-friendly, but rural areas? Not so much. Always ask about card fees before paying, as some places add a surcharge.
Exchange: Skip the airport exchange counters unless you’re desperate; their rates are usually lousy. Instead, look for exchange booths in the city or use your bank’s ATM for a fairer deal. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have plenty of options with decent rates.
Tipping in Thailand isn’t obligatory, but it’s appreciated. For good service, leave loose change or round up the bill at casual eateries; in restaurants, a 10% tip is generous. Tipping hotel staff or tour guides 20–50 THB is a nice gesture.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.