Is Thailand Safe To Travel To And Good For Backpackers? Everything That First Time Visitors Need To Know

Thailand is a must-adventure place for backpackers on a budget who are interested in lush nature, rich culture, and warm people. As I sit in a hotel in China and reflect back on my month in Thailand (which just came to an end no less than 10 hours ago), I already want to return. The lights of the night markets, rich savory food, and vibrancy of the beyond human world of Thailand’s stunning landscapes won’t leave my mind.

What To Know About Traveling & Backpacking Thailand

Going to a new country can seem tricky, and I’ll be the first to admit that I get nervous the two weeks before traveling to any new place. There are a few tips that you may find helpful if you’re visiting Thailand for the first time (or are doing your research 24 hours before your trip like I often do). Let’s start at the beginning:

1. Daily Budget And Transportation Costs For Thailand

So many people want to know, is Thailand expensive? Things in Thailand seem “affordable” to most of the middle and lower class travelers from the U.S. that I have met, including myself. When budgeting for this trip, if you decide to, consider that most meals can be anywhere from 30 to 250 baht (or 1 to 8 USD), hostels  are 100+ baht a night ($3.25+), and transportation varies.

Not sure where to stay in Thailand on a budget? Check out Hostel World!

The Cheapest Ways To Travel Small Distances In Thailand

The most common ways to travel small distances are by moped or tuk-tuks. Mopeds can usually be rented for 100+ baht per day ($3.25), and tuk-tucks are small motorized vehicles that can be found almost everywhere. Be sure to bargain with the driver before starting your ride, and finalize your set price before you get moving. Ask a local hostel or hotel how much rides should cost so that you have a general idea and don’t get ripped off.

Are Tuk-Tuks Safe In Thailand?

I took tuk-tuks constantly during my month of backpacking Thailand and had no issues. I took them alone as a solo female traveler as well as in a group with others. All of the drivers were courteous even if they didn’t speak much English, and I always got where I needed to go in once piece.

The Cheapest Ways To Travel Long Distances In Thailand

The most common ways to travel larger distances are by plane, bus, train, and boat. It’s hard to say which one of these options is the cheapest because it depends on where you are going and at what time. An easy site to use to book tickets and figure out your ride is 12GO. Be sure to check prices through each mode of transportation and compare before buying. Even though the two airports in Bangkok are great ways to access the rest of the country with cheap flights, if you have a bag that must be checked while flying, a night train will often be your cheapest way to travel because you save on accommodations for the night, and don’t have to pay the extra fee of a checked bag.

2. Entry Requirements For Thailand

If you’re coming from outside the country, a passport is most defiantly needed to get in. The necessity of visas vary from country to country, but a quick Google search can often tell you if you need one or not, and how many days you are allowed to stay in the country. Make sure to check various sources to make sure that you have the correct information before leaving.

Do US Travelers Need A Visa For Thailand?

The US Department of State states that: “U.S. citizen tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa. We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Thailand to avoid possible denied entry. Thai immigration officials or airline staff may ask for your onward/return ticket.” Be sure to check their website before your trip for updated information.

3. Are Vaccines Required In Thailand?

I am no expert on vaccines, so this section does not constitute as medical advice, but a reminder that some people get vaccines before traveling to try and lessen the effects of positional illness, sickness, or disease caused by insects, infections, and other outside influences that they may not be exposed to in their home country. I met a handful of people that were traveling Thailand for one month or less and didn’t worry about vaccines, and others that decided to get them regardless of the amount of time spent in the country.

The CDC currently says that there are no vaccines required to enter Thailand, but be sure to check out their website for updated information before your next trip.

4. Money and Currency In Thailand 

The monetary system in Thailand is run through baht. There are two optimal ways to convert your currency to Thai baht: take out money from your bank beforehand and exchange it there, or take baht directly out of an ATM. This is another one where it’s tricky to say which one is cheaper, as there is almost always a fee to withdraw money, but there is also a fee at the exchange counter. This one is up to you! A great (and free) app for understanding the relationship between your current money system and baht is called Valuta+.

5. Climate And Weather In Thailand

We’ll keep this one simple. As our Thai guide at Elephant Nature Park told us, there are two temperatures in Thailand: “hot, and f*cking hot.” Listen to our podcast episode on our stay at the park here. Bringing a light jacket or hoodie is a great idea for airport time, or just after a rainstorm, but the rest of the time you’ll most likely be sweating… a lot.

6. Avoid Getting Ripped Off In Bangkok, Thailand

Landing in Bangkok can be loud and confusing if you haven’t been there before. As soon as you step onto the street, a million and one people are trying to get you to buy something or use their service, and this theme continues throughout the rest of Thailand. At first it can be overwhelming, but after you start to understand how things work, it’s not as scary as it seems. A great tip while buying goods, food, or services it to ask for a lower price, or at least a fair one. If the seller denies you the requested price, stay firm in your decision and walk away. They will often come after you to accept your offer if it’s a reasonable one.

If you know someone that has been to Thailand or lives there, be sure to check with them before to get a feel of what the normal prices are for goods, foods, and services. On my first day in Bangkok I was pressured into a 1 hour boat ride that costed 1,000 baht, which is almost equal to $30. I got scammed because I didn’t say “no” and didn’t know how to strike a deal. Multiple others people got tricked into this boat ride as well, so always be aware and know how to stand your ground, or simply walk away.

7. Is Thailand Safe For Female Travelers?

I can’t speak for every single traveler that has set foot in Thailand, but I can say that I felt pretty safe for my whole month there while traveling alone or with a group of other female travelers. I’m a white, female traveler who is often perceived as a straight cis woman. Of course, general precaution is needed in any part of the world, and different cautions are more necessary for people with different experiences and privileges.

Make sure that you always know where your passport is, travel with someone else if you can, be aware of your surroundings at night, and let a trusted person know where you are and where you plan to go if you’re traveling solo. All in all I felt extremely safe in Thailand (even in the really rural areas) as a female traveler.

8. Respect The Dress Codes For Temples In Thailand

Temples, temples, temples. They’re all over Thailand! They’re beautiful and tourists flock to them by the hundreds. Be sure to bring clothes to cover your shoulders, knees, and belly to enter the temples. Respect the rules and be sure to remove your shoes before entering.

9. Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries & Animal Tourism In Thailand

Elephants, elephants, elephants. Another thing that draws people to Thailand. They’re also beautiful, and people also flock to them by the hundreds, but often times it’s not for the right reasons. Be sure to only visit elephant sanctuaries that take a hands-off approach with elephants. No riding, no training, no work, and no tricks. I stayed at Elephant Nature Park for a week and left with dirty hands, new friends, and so much knowledge. Be sure to visit their site for a list of approved elephant related activities. Behind every item made out of elephant body or parts, and behind riding treks and elephant shows, lies an immense amount of elephant cruelty and heartbreak.

10. Enjoy that #IslandLife, and Don’t Do This

People are often drawn to Thailand after seeing pictures of beautiful beaches with white sand and clear waters. While this is how the Phi Phi Islands really are, they are quickly filling with pollution, trash, and plastic. There are many other ways to harm the wildlife that resides on the islands, so be sure to be a part of the solution, not the problem. Before going, make sure to check out this article on what to do in the Phi Phi Islands, revealing the hidden day life activities. The tips given not only apply to Phi Phi, but the other islands as well. And oh, for those who are easily spooked, don’t watch The Beach until you’re back in the comfort of your own bed!

11. Best Places To Visit In Thailand

This guide wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t let you in on some of my favorite places in Thailand. Yes, I loved Bangkok for the hustle and bustle as well as the incredible plant-based food, but staying at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai for a week really stole the show for me. Additionally, I had a blast visiting the Phi Phi Islands and discovering the unique and funky town of Pai.