Thai Food Guide: What to Eat & Where (Backpacker Edition)

Eating is the best-value part of a Thailand trip — a great meal costs a dollar or two. These guides cover what to order, where to find it, and how to eat safely.

16 guides in this collection

A street-food vendor cooking at a stall in Rayong, Thailand

Best Thai Dishes by Region: North, South, Central, Isaan

Thailand's regional cuisines: signature dishes from Northern, Southern, Central and Isaan kitchens with prices, where to eat and what to order.

30 min readRead guide →
The porcelain-clad central prang of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, on the Chao Phraya riverbank in Bangkok

Best Night Markets in Thailand

Thailand's best night markets: what to eat, what to buy, prices in baht and how to get there, across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and beyond.

32 min readRead guide →
Big metal pots of curries and stir-fries at a Thai market food stall

Thai Cooking Classes Compared by City and Price

Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and the islands compared: prices, dishes you learn, market tours, group sizes and which is worth it.

12 min readRead guide →
A street-food vendor cooking at a stall in Rayong, Thailand

Authentic vs Tourist Trap Restaurants in Thailand

Spot authentic Thai restaurants vs overpriced tourist traps. Price comparisons, Bangkok and Chiang Mai neighborhood guides, and insider tips.

13 min readRead guide →
Trays of colourful Thai sweets and desserts at a market stall

Best Street Food in Bangkok, Neighborhood by Neighborhood

Bangkok street food guide by neighborhood: stalls, prices in baht, night markets, and how to eat all day on a small budget.

28 min readRead guide →
Grilled sausages and fish-ball skewers on a Thai street-food grill

Chiang Mai on a Budget: Eating Under 100 Baht

Named stalls, food courts and restaurants where a full meal stays under 100 baht, listed by neighbourhood across Chiang Mai.

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

Food Poisoning in Thailand: Prevention & Recovery (2026)

Food poisoning risk in Thailand. Prevention tips (street food is safe!). Symptoms, self-treatment with ORS, when to see doctor, recovery timeline.

7 min readRead guide →
Big metal pots of curries and stir-fries at a Thai market food stall

Night Market Safety in Thailand: Protect Your Stuff

Night market safety in Thailand: pickpockets, common scams, food safety, drink spiking awareness and tips for Chatuchak and Rot Fai.

11 min readRead guide →
Crowds browsing food stalls at a street market in Yasothon, Thailand

How to Order Street Food in Thailand Without Thai

Order Thai street food without speaking Thai: essential phrases with Thai script, payment tips, spice levels and stall types.

15 min readRead guide →
The gilded spires and ornate rooftops of Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace, Bangkok

Thailand Street Food Safety: Eat Without Getting Sick

Thailand street food safety: how to pick safe stalls, ice myths debunked, what to avoid, pharmacy remedies and when to see a doctor.

22 min readRead guide →
Big metal pots of curries and stir-fries at a Thai market food stall

Thai Cooking Classes: Are They Worth It?

Thai cooking classes across Thailand compared: prices, what you learn, best schools by city, and whether they're worth the money for backpackers.

24 min readRead guide →
Big metal pots of curries and stir-fries at a Thai market food stall

Thai Desserts Guide: Sweets to Try in Thailand

Thai desserts with Thai names, pronunciation, prices, where to find them and how to order, from mango sticky rice to hidden gems.

28 min readRead guide →
Trays of colourful Thai sweets and desserts at a market stall

Thai Food Allergens: Dish-by-Dish Guide + Cards

Allergen tables for 30+ Thai dishes, the Thai phrases that get understood, and printable allergy cards to hand to a kitchen.

14 min readRead guide →
The gilded spires and ornate rooftops of Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace, Bangkok

Thai Food Guide for Beginners: Essential Dishes

Must-try Thai dishes ranked from mild to adventurous: Thai names, spice levels, prices, flavors and what to order your first time.

26 min readRead guide →
Crowds browsing food stalls at a street market in Yasothon, Thailand

Vegetarian & Vegan Thailand: Where to Eat Plant-Based

Eating vegetarian and vegan in Thailand: jay food, safe dishes, Thai phrases, city ratings, restaurant picks and 7-Eleven options.

24 min readRead guide →
Skewers of grilled baby octopus at a Bangkok street-food stall

Thai Street Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes for Backpackers

Must-try Thai street food dishes for backpackers, with safety tips, ordering hacks, costs and where to find the best street food.

11 min readRead guide →

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