Backpackers guide: See Thailand on a shoestring budget (yes, really)
Backpacking around Thailand sounds cool and exciting, right?
Asia never really appealed to me because it was so far away and the culture is so different to what I'm used to – but I've realised they should've been the reasons why I wanted to go.
My boyfriend had travelled around the country for three months last year so he was the perfect travel companion – also, he took care of all the boring booking so I had more time to drink Margaritas.
Right, if you have a spare two weeks, are cash-strapped and have a desire to go on an adventure, then read on…
Before we begin, these are some of the essential things to pack:
Sunscreen (It's HOT)
Mosquito spray (I was eaten alive)
Flip-flops – easy to shower in and throw on/off because many restaurants and hostels expect you to be barefoot.
You will also need vaccinations if you haven't gotten them – I got typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, tetnus.
Change your money from Euro to Baht.
Before our flight, we had only booked a hostel with a private room for one night because we knew we'd be jet-lagged – so don't plan too much.
Where to stay
Hostels all the way.
They are cheap AF – like 250 upwards Baht a night (around 7 Euro).
Obviously, make sure they come with air-con or fans included.
The best place we stayed in Bangkok was Pop Art Hostel run by Luca, a cool Italian guy. It's central, bright, clean and we meet other backpackers there in the communal rooms.
You can sit outside, get some local beers from the shop right next door – it's perfect.
We stayed in hostels in Pak Chong and the coastal province of Krabi too.
We later took a boat to the island of Railay where it was a bit more touristy.
We stayed in Rapala Rockwood Resort which cost a tenner for a room and a communal shower.
We also spent a night in Railay Viewpoint Resort with was 14 quid a night and came with a pool.
The cutest place we spent two nights was in Koh Lanta.
They were rows of actual mini huts with a huge double bed and private bathroom and the cutest porch with chairs and a hammock.
It was near the beach where we had an evening swim and pubs/restaurants were a few minutes away.
It came with breakfast and set us back 8 quid a night – like C'MON.
We booked everything online the day before – it was sooo easy.
Food
While you're in Thailand, eat the local food.
Not only is DIRT CHEAP (like 1.50 for a meal) but it tastes unreal.
Who knew fried rice and vegetables could be so delicious?
We are vegetarian so no meat for us, which helped lower the risk of food poisoning.
Ethos restaurant is kinda hidden but such good food and massive portions.
For snacks, we ate sticks of pineapple from street stalls (my boyfriend drank, no joke, four fruit shakes a day at the stalls).
It's easy to eat cheap in Bangkok, but more touristy places like Railay can be a bit pricier and less local.
Be careful of water there are 7-Elevens on every corner so no excuse not to stock up on bottled water.
I also didn't try any scorpions etc but people we met in one of our hostels did and they were fans.
The best Pad Thai is in a place called Thipsamai in Bangkok, there's always a queue but they stay open until 2am – and when you eat it you'll know why it's in such demand.
Transport
First off, you've gotta get a few tuk-tuks.
You can haggle and get them for quite cheap and it's so fun to be whisked around the Bangkok traffic in one.
If you're getting taxis ALWAYS ask for one with a meter so they can't charge you tourist prices.
For a 15-minute drive, it was less than two Euro for us.
Motorbike
If you have a driving license, you can rent a motorbike (well, moped) there.
My boyfriend drove so it was fine – bit f*cking scary the first time we're speeding along the main roads.
By day three, I was as relaxed as the locals…a family of four with a toddler went by us on a bike one day.
Train
We got the train from Bangkok to Pak Chong – it was four hours of gorgeous scenery and no Wi-fi.
Prices were around four quid one way – there are fans and people walking up and down selling soft drinks and bags of rice, of which we devoured.
Night bus
This goes from Bangkok to the coast, for everyone who wants to get to the islands.
It leaves at 7pm and we got to Railay around 10am the next day.
It's not the comfiest (obviously, we slept on recliner chairs) and they put on The Shallows, which was an odd choice for a group of travellers going to the beach for the weekend.
We stopped off for food and drink at around midnight and all in all, it was a long trek but worth it when we arrived at the island.
We got the day bus back to Bangkok and I wouldn't recommend it.
We chose it because we wanted another night in Koh Lanta but we spent our last full day – 12 hours – on a bus…it wasn't fun.
Things to do
Temples
There are millions of temples across Thailand, all of which expect you to be covered up clothes-wise just FYI.
However, the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi is special and is famous for its 1,260 steps to the top, which are ''fun'' to climb.
DO NOT attempt this if you're in any way unfit because I died several times on the way up.
Khao Yai National Park
It was seven Euro entrance fee and then we biked through it, saw waterfalls and slept in a tent next to a river – a dream come true for anyone who loves nature.
That isn't me, it's more my boyfriend so it was tough, but worth it because we saw monkeys, gibbons, porcupines, deer.
We also did many hikes as well as the Night Safari where we went around the park after dark with rangers to see if we could see any wildlife at night.
We rented the tent, sleeping bag and pillow there and it was super cheap.
P.s A deer broke into our tent because my boyfriend stupidly left peanuts in there so don't have any food on you.
Beaches
Thailand has some stunning beaches – and the sea is the perfect temperature for a swim.
We spent the weekend on the island of Railay where we just swam in the sparkling blue sea and sunbathed.
The beaches were busy enough but it was absolutely stunning.
In Koh Lanta and Krabi we biked around different beaches and just swam lazily in the sea for hours – it was perfect (especially after the nights spent on a bus and in the jungle).
For a more touristy vibe, Ao Nang beach in Krabi is the place to be.
Massage
When you're in Thailand, you need to get at least one massage.
We had three – two full body ones and one just neck, back, and shoulders.
Be warned – the therapists are not gentle but you will feel a million dollars after.
An hour costs about five quid.
Nightlife
Bangkok is obviously mad with bars and restaurants and the insane Khaosan road, which everyone should visit.
We went onto the adjoining road and got beers and cocktails in one of the many bars.
Try the local beer – Chang, Leo or Singa and there's always cocktail deals everywhere.
It was a relaxed holiday so we did a few bars, live music and then some nights we had drinks with other backpackers we met.
All in all, we spent 300 Euro each in 12 days backpacking – not bad, right?
So, book those flights and pack your bags because a holiday in Thailand is something you will never regret.
