Thailand Destinations

From the chaos of Bangkok to the chill vibes of Pai, from party islands to ancient ruins — find your perfect Thai adventure.

17 destination guides

A stone Buddha head entwined in the roots of a bodhi tree at Wat Mahathat, AyutthayaCentral Thailand

Ayutthaya: Ancient Temples & UNESCO Ruins Guide

Thailand's ancient capital: UNESCO temple ruins, Buddha statues and 400 years of history. How to visit Ayutthaya from Bangkok.

11 min readRead guide →
The gilded spires and ornate rooftops of Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace, BangkokCentral Thailand

Bangkok for First-Time Backpackers: Complete 2026 Guide

Everything first-time backpackers need to know about Bangkok: where to stay, what to see, how to stay safe, and how to do it all on $30-45/day.

12 min readRead guide →
The massive weathered-brick chedi of Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai's old cityNorthern Thailand

Chiang Mai Guide for Backpackers & Digital Nomads

Chiang Mai for backpackers and digital nomads: temples, night markets, coworking spaces, Muay Thai, trekking and what daily life costs.

14 min readRead guide →
The all-white, mirror-encrusted Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) near Chiang RaiNorthern Thailand

Chiang Rai: White Temple, Golden Triangle & Black House

Chiang Rai for backpackers: White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House, Golden Triangle, hill tribe trekking and the art scene beyond Chiang Mai.

9 min readRead guide →
Wooden fishing boats drawn up on the wide sandy beach at Hua HinCentral Thailand

Hua Hin: Chill Beach Town on a Budget

Hua Hin is where Thais go to the beach. Night markets, kitesurfing, national parks and a budget-friendly, uncrowded Thai beach town.

8 min readRead guide →
The wooden Death Railway viaduct hugging the cliff above the River Kwai near KanchanaburiCentral Thailand

Kanchanaburi: River Kwai, Waterfalls & WWII History

Kanchanaburi for backpackers: the bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan Falls, the Death Railway, the tiger temple controversy and floating raft houses.

9 min readRead guide →
A forested hillside above a long beach on Ko Chang, TratEastern Thailand

Koh Chang: Jungle Island Guide for Backpackers

Koh Chang guide: waterfalls, jungle trekking, ethical elephant sanctuaries, diving and the best backpacker beaches. Less developed, more adventure.

15 min readRead guide →
A longtail boat silhouetted against the sunset off Klong Khong beach, Ko LantaAndaman Coast

Koh Lanta: Chill Island Guide for Backpackers

Koh Lanta for backpackers who want beaches without the party scene: laid-back vibes, snorkeling, Old Town and fewer crowds.

9 min readRead guide →
Palms leaning over the sand at Ban Tai beach, Ko Pha-ngan, at duskGulf Islands

Koh Phangan & the Full Moon Party: Complete Guide

Koh Phangan's Full Moon Party, plus non-party beaches, yoga retreats and survival tips for Thailand's party island.

14 min readRead guide →
A leaning palm silhouetted against a golden sunset over Lipa Noi beach, Ko SamuiGulf Islands

Koh Samui on a Budget: Backpacker's Guide (2026)

Koh Samui on a budget: best beaches, nightlife, Ang Thong day trips, and how to enjoy Thailand's party island without breaking the bank.

10 min readRead guide →
The twin curving bays seen from John-Suwan Viewpoint, Ko TaoGulf Islands

Koh Tao: Diving & PADI Certification Guide

Diving in Koh Tao: PADI Open Water certification, best dive sites, budget breakdown, and where to stay on Thailand's diving island.

14 min readRead guide →
Limestone cliffs rising from turquoise water at Railay, KrabiSouthern Thailand

Krabi: Rock Climbing, Beaches & Island Tours

Krabi's rock climbing on limestone cliffs, beaches like Railay and Ao Nang, island tours and backpacker vibes. Guide for adventure seekers.

13 min readRead guide →
A person paddling a longtail boat on the calm Pai River amid forested hills, Mae Hong SonNorthern Thailand

Pai: Hippie Mountain Town Guide for Backpackers

Pai, the mountain town where backpackers come for a couple of days and stay for weeks. Waterfalls, hot springs, the Pai Loop and the hippie vibe.

13 min readRead guide →
Palms framing Pattaya Bay beach with the city skyline across the waterEastern Thailand

Pattaya Beyond the Reputation: A Backpacker's Guide

Pattaya has more to offer than its reputation suggests: coral islands, water sports, Thai boxing, night markets and day trips on a backpacker budget.

9 min readRead guide →
The white marble Big Buddha statue on a hilltop above PhuketSouthern Thailand

Phuket for Backpackers: Beyond the Resorts (2026 Guide)

Phuket backpacker guide - find the real Phuket beyond luxury resorts. Budget beaches, Old Town culture, island hopping, and doing Phuket on $30-50/day.

11 min readRead guide →
Longtail boats lined up on West Railay beach below limestone cliffsSouthern Thailand

Railay Beach: Rock Climbing Guide

Railay Beach rock climbing on limestone cliffs, boat-access-only beaches and a laid-back backpacker vibe. Climbing, beaches and where to stay.

10 min readRead guide →
Brick chedis of Sukhothai Historical Park reflected in a still lake at duskCentral Thailand

Sukhothai: Ancient Capital & UNESCO Temples Guide

Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand's atmospheric temple ruins and birthplace of Thai civilization. How to visit the ancient capital by bicycle.

12 min readRead guide →
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