Asia
Thailand travel guide for backpackers
Thailand: quick facts, a map and notes from my own trips in 2022, 2023, 2026.
My route in Thailand
My experience
I first landed in Bangkok in 2022 knowing almost nothing about Thailand. I bought a SIM card at the airport, took a night bus from Khao San Road to the Gulf islands, and two days later I was on Ko Phangan, where I stayed three weeks.
Thailand became home. I lived in Asia for two years from 2023, mostly in Thailand and Bali, and in 2026 I live in Thailand again. Ko Phangan is the island I have returned to most often, and I have also been to Ko Tao and Ko Samui.
Practical notes from my trips: in many Thai toilets you cannot flush toilet paper, scooters are everywhere, and long night buses with ferry connections are a cheap way to reach the islands.
Places I went in Thailand
- Bangkok
- Ko Tao
- Ko Phangan
- Ko Samui
- Surat Thani
- Hat Yai
Guides for Thailand
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Thailand?
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok.
What currency is used in Thailand?
Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB).
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to February is the cool, dry season for most of the country; the Gulf islands such as Ko Phangan are best from about January to August. This is general guidance, so check current conditions before you travel.
When did Francis travel in Thailand?
Francis travelled in Thailand in 2022, 2023, 2026.