Backpacking Bangkok: A 3-Day EPIC Itinerary

3 Days Bangkok Itinerary

Day 1: Admire The Beauty Of The Grand Palace

On your first day, I recommend you spend your time in the Old Town area where all the pretty architecture and temples are located, and one of the most stunning architectures of all is the crown jewel of the city, the Grand Palace, home to some of the most stunning Thai architecture in the country and a great spot to start your journey in Bangkok.

The Grand Palace is a complex of beautiful buildings and has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since the 80s. The palace consists of stunning pagodas and architecture, all covered in either gold or incredibly intricate sculptures and patterns that will make your jaw drop.

The Grand Palace has a very strict dress code, and you won't be allowed to enter without your shoulders and legs covered. So, no tank tops and shorts for you here. Be sure to dress properly if you plan to visit the Grand Palace.

They used to let you rent long pants, but not anymore. So, if you don't have any, you will be forced to buy one from the shops across the street. However, they aren't expensive, and it should cost you around 150 THB for one of those elephant pants.

Once inside, you will enter the Grand Palace courtyard, where you will be surrounded by massive golden pagodas, ordination halls, and structures that are covered in stunning and intricately designed Thai traditional patterns and carvings. It is quite a sight to behold.

There are two sections in the Grand Palace: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where you can walk around and go inside all the beautiful temples there, and the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, a stunning piece of architecture that blends the European colonial architectural style with the Thais perfectly.

For the second section of the Grand Palace, you won't be able to enter, but you can still appreciate its beauty from the outside. The structure is built with a colonial architectural style from the base up, whereas the roofs are of Thai architectural style, which is a sight you don't see every day.

The Grand Palace's admission fee is 500 THB, and the opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM every day. Do not listen to tuk-tuk drivers who claim that the Palace is closed. The place is never closed, even on public holidays, unless it's during a renovation.

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

If you plan to stay one night in Bangkok before you move on to other places, here are some of the best accommodations in Bangkok that I highly recommend. They are modern, clean, and centrally located, which is essential for you as you have limited time in Bangkok.

Budget

Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel

Dorm | $

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel

Double Room | $$

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High-End

Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok

Double Room | $$$

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View More Hotels

Looking for the best places to stay in Bangkok outside of the Old City? Check out:7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok

Day 1: Be Amazed At Wat Pho's Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho is another great temple you should visit when you are in the Old Town area. It is right next to the Grand Palace, and you will be able to see one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the country here.

Wat Pho is a little less busy than the Grand Palace and offers you a closer look at the stunning Thai architecture within the temple courtyard. From the giant Reclining Buddha image to lines and lines of Buddha statues, there is no shortage of great photo ops here at Wat Pho.

Not to mention, Wat Pho is the place where you will find these stunningly detailed and colorful pagodas, where many travelers from all over the world come to Bangkok just to take photos with these magnificent architectures.

Wat Pho courtyard is quite large, and you will need to spend at least 30 minutes to see all that the temple has to offer. In my opinion, I prefer Wat Pho over the Grand Palace.

Wat Pho has a cheaper admission fee; it has no shortage of stunning architecture for photos, and it is way less crowded than the Grand Palace, allowing me to enjoy the beauty of the temples a little bit more.

Wat Pho's opening hours are from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, and the entrance fee for foreigners is 200 THB. I prefer this temple more than the Grand Palace because it is way less crowded, and you can actually sit and enjoy the place at your own leisure.

Looking for the best temples to visit in Thailand? Check out:10 BEST Temples to Visit in Bangkok

Day 1: Learn The History Of Thailand At Bangkok National Museum

Thailand is rich in history that not many know about. From the popular ancient cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya to the lesser-known kingdoms of Lamphun and Lopburi, there is a ton of history to be learned here for those who are interested.

And there is no better way to learn about these cities and the rich history of ancient Siam than at the Bangkok National Museum. The National Museum consists of several exhibitions highlighting each prominent period of Thailand.

Within Bangkok National Museum, you will find a huge collection of curious artifacts and Buddhist art dating back to the founding years of Siam from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya periods. Not only from Siam, but the artifacts and Buddhist art displayed here also come from all over Asia, from Indian Gandhara to Indonesian Java.

There are three permanent exhibitions spread across over 15 exhibition halls, so you will need at least an hour or two to walk through them all. They are all interesting, in my opinion, and should provide you with loads of interesting facts and stories about how we came to be.

Bangkok National Museum's opening hours are from 9 AM to 4 PM every day except Monday and Tuesday. The admission fee for the national museum is 200 THB for foreigners, 30 THB for Thais, and free for children and monks.

Day 1: Have Lunch At Phra Atthit Road

If you are looking for a place to eat lunch within the Old City area of Bangkok, you can't go wrong with the Phra Atthit Road. It is a strip of road located not too far from Bangkok National Museum, where you will find a ton of delicious local restaurants all lined up in one street for you to explore.

I highly recommend you drop by Karim Roti Mataba and try their delicious Beef Pa Naeng stew with yellow rice and their mataba, which is what they are known for. You will also find plenty of other local restaurants along Phra Atthit Road, so be sure to keep an eye out when you are here.

Day 1: Climb Up Wat Arun For Sunset (Temple Of Dawn)

Across the Chao Phraya River, you will find Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, an old temple that is home to the stunning white pagoda featured prominently on the 10 Thai baht coin.

Wat Arun is probably one of the most recognized landmarks in Bangkok due to its stunning location right on the riverside of the Chao Phraya. It serves as a great point of interest for travelers to watch the sunset at one of the many riverside restaurants nearby.

The temple is located right opposite Wat Pho, across the Chao Phraya River, and you can get there by getting on the river-crossing ferry, which will take you across for only around 4 THB.

Once you are at Wat Arun, you can climb up the newly renovated pagoda to the upper section and watch the beautiful sunset over the city of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River from the top.

If you are looking for a riverside restaurant to enjoy the view of Wat Arun at sunset instead of climbing it, I recommend you check out The Deck, located right across the river from Wat Arun. They offer an unobstructed view of Wat Arun and the river. Although the food is expensive, we are paying for the exclusive view of the temple during the golden hours, which I think is well worth the price.

Wat Arun is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day, and the admission fee for foreigners is 100 THB, while Thais can enter for free.

Day 1: Eat Street Food at Yaowarat Night Market

For dinner, you can never go wrong with Yaowarat or Bangkok's Chinatown, a foodie haven in Bangkok. Every evening, all sorts of street food stalls and carts flock to the roadside of Yaowarat Road and start selling street food and snacks for you to indulge in.

From the affordable seafood dishes served at one of the 2 red/green apron roadside restaurants to Chinese-style meals and snacks, there is no shortage of delicious food here.

Yaowarat Street Food Market's opening hours are between 6 PM and 10 PM, and the food can cost as low as 35 THB to 200 THB or more per dish. Essentially, Yaowarat has all kinds of food for everyone.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

Day 1: Check Out Khaosan Road But Don't Stay Too Long

Khaosan Road, the trashy backpacker strip full of parties, bars, and all kinds of weird characters, is still as trashy as it used to be before COVID-19, and it looks like it will remain that way for many years to come.

Although, Khaosan Road is not a place I would hang out at often as a local, it is still a good place for you to drop by and see just how out-of-this-world the place is. And if you are looking for a place to go out at night with fellow backpackers, this is still the best place to be.

Plus, you will also find plenty of cheap street food stalls right by the next street, where the locals usually hang out. So, even if you do not enjoy the trashy nightlife of Khaosan Road, you can at least enjoy the delicious street food there.

Day 2: Go on a Shopping Spree at the Chatuchak Weekend Market

On your second day in Bangkok, if it is Saturday or Sunday, I highly recommend you go and visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest flea markets in the city where you will be able to find all sorts of things to buy for cheap.

From rare plants to old books to trendy clothes, you will find almost anything at Chatuchak Weekend Market, all at very affordable prices. There are also plenty of street food carts here at Chatuchak if you are looking for a nice place to have lunch in the area.

The market is located outside of the Old City Area, and you would need to take the MRT from Sanam Chai Station to Chatuchak Station or Kamphaeng Phet Station. From there, you can walk straight to the market.

Chatuchak Weekend Market's opening hours are between 9 AM and 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays only, so plan your visit accordingly.

Day 2: Shop Your Way Through Siam Paragon Shopping Center

For a more high-end shopping experience, Siam Paragon Shopping Center is one of the most prestigious shopping malls in Bangkok, and it is located right at the center of the shopping mall cluster in the commercial center of Siam District in Bangkok.

Siam Paragon is located in an area that locals refer to as Siam, a trendy and hip meeting point for young people to spend their weekends and hang out with friends. Therefore, you will find some very interesting people here, unlike elsewhere in Bangkok.

The stores and restaurants here are also some of the most expensive and highest-quality places Bangkok can offer, so if you are looking for high-end products to buy, Siam Paragon and the surrounding area are the places to be. Siam Paragon opens from 10 AM to 10 PM every day.

Day 2: Visit Wat Ratchabophit

After spending the morning in the city center, it's time to head back to the Old Town once again and spend the afternoon exploring the tourist attractions that are further away from the Old Town. One of these tourist attractions is Wat Ratchabophit. Not many know about this temple, but Wat Ratchabophit is home to some of the most stunning architecture around, and best of all, it is free to enter.

Wat Ratchabophit was built in the 19th Century with a mixture of Thai and Western architectural styles. The exterior is clearly Thai, but once you get inside, you will notice the interior design and decor reminiscent of those you find in chapels and churches in Europe, which is quite unique.

Another unique thing about Wat Ratchabophit is its layout. With the 43-meter-high pagoda at the center, the ordination halls of the temple were joined by a circular courtyard, all covered in highly detailed Thai patterns.

Since the halls are built in a circular layout, you can walk around it both inside and outside the courtyard and admire the beauty of Wat Ratchabophit from every angle. As it is a small temple, it should take you around 30 minutes to visit.

Wat Ratchabophit's opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, with absolutely no admission fee!

Day 2: Watch The Sunset At The Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

One of the highest points in the Old City area of Bangkok is at Wat Saket, or as it is known, the Golden Mountain. It is one of the best sunset spots in the area, as it offers a stunning 360° panoramic view over the city.

Wat Saket itself was built in the 18th century during the Ayutthaya era around the ground level of the modern-day Golden Mountain, and it was not until the mid-19th century that the 80m-high hill was artificially constructed to support the golden pagoda atop. Hence, the name, the Golden Mountain.

At the foot of the Golden Mountain, you will have to climb up the 318-step stairway that goes around the hill and up to the top of the temple, where you will find a large golden pagoda at the top and a platform surrounding it.

The climb is rather easy with only 318 very small steps, and it should take you less than 5 minutes to reach the top. Once you're there, you'll be able to see Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, the Rama 8 bridge, and all the skyscrapers in Bangkok's city center. It's a great spot to witness the contrast between the old and new parts of the city.

The Golden Temple's opening hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM every day, and you do not have to pay to enter the temple. However, a donation is greatly appreciated. I highly recommend visiting the temple during these golden hours and timing your visit to reach the top in time for the sunset.

Day 2: Take Photos of The Lights At Loha Prasat (Metal Castle)

Another lesser-known temple that is located not too far from the Golden Temple is Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, home to Loha Prasat, or the Metal Castle, one of the most unique structures in Bangkok's Old City.

Loha Prasat is a stunning structure made out of metal. It consists of 37 black spires symbolizing the 37 virtues of enlightenment on a 3-level platform. The first level has 24 spires, the second level has 12 spires, and there is 1 large spire at the center that goes up to around 36 meters in height.

The structure is so unique that the moment you are up at the top of Golden Mountain, you will notice it right away, especially after sunset when they start turning on the lights on top of all 37 spires, illuminating the surrounding area.

I highly recommend you drop by Loha Prasat right after you watch the sunset at the top of Golden Mountain and get some photos of the illuminated Loha Prasat as the sky turns purple. I was there during that time, and it was quite a sight to behold.

You will also be able to see the illuminated Golden Mountain from Loha Prasat temple ground, which is another good spot if you wish to take a photo of Wat Saket and the golden pagoda at the top of the Golden Mountain.

Loha Prasat's opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 6 PM, and you do not have to pay to enter Loha Prasat.

Day 2: Dress Up For Drinks at the Red Sky Rooftop Bar

Before ending your second day in Bangkok, it is time to go up, and I mean really up, to one of the many rooftop bars in Bangkok and check out the city skyline at night. The place I recommend and often frequent myself is Red Sky, a rooftop bar located by the Chit Lom BTS Station, one station away from Siam where we were in the morning.

Set on the 56th floor, the view of Red Sky at night is exceptional. Since Red Sky is a pretty fancy place, the price of the food is rather expensive, and there is a dress code (no flip-flops) you have to follow. But once you see the view, you will know why it is worth it.

There are also plenty of rooftop bars across Bangkok that you can choose from, such as Nest in Sukhumvit or Wanderlust in Thonglor, so be sure to look around and check them out.

Day 3: Visit the Ancient City of Ayutthaya (Optional)

For the third day, I highly recommend you go on a day trip somewhere near Bangkok for a little change of scenery. One of the most popular places that I recommend you visit is Ayutthaya, the previous capital city of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom, where you will find a slew of old stunning architectures similar to those of ancient cities like Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, but leaning more towards Thai architecture instead of Khmer.

To get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, I highly recommend you book a day trip a day prior. This will save you money and time, allowing you to see all the greatest sights Ayutthaya has to offer, all in one day.

While you are in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the tour should take you to see all the important sites and tourist attractions all in one day, as well as a visit to the Ayutthaya Floating Market and other places around the ancient capital. Some of my favorite temples in Ayutthaya are Wat Chai Watthanaram, the vast temple complex of Wat Maha That, and the white pagodas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, so be sure to drop by there when you are in Ayutthaya.

Looking for a complete travel guide for Ayutthaya?12 Best Things To Do In Ayutthaya For Backpackers

Day 3: Visit the Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market (Optional)

Now, if ancient cities and old structures do not seem that interesting to you, you can also opt for a day trip to the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market to see and get on the long tail boat as it travels along a maze of canals instead.

Personally, I think the floating market is more or less a tourist trap nowadays, with everything becoming way WAY too overpriced for my liking. What I would recommend you to do instead is to visit the Maeklong Railway Market and witness the market that folds into itself to let the train pass.

The Mae Klong Market is way more authentic and locally-oriented in my opinion, and witnessing how the locals are able to fold the market so fast as the train approaches the station is pretty damn impressive.

Getting to these places is pretty difficult without renting a car, so to make life easier for you, I highly recommend you book the GetYourGuide tour that will take you to BOTH the floating market and the train market, all in one day.

That way, you can experience both places all in one go, and then you can make up your mind about which one is better. The tour is really affordable, costing only 700 THB per person, and you will have a chance to travel on a local train as well as a long-tail boat, which is a win-win, in my opinion.

Looking for a complete travel guide for Bangkok?16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

When to Visit Bangkok?

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid, making it much more enjoyable to explore Bangkok.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March-April is the hottest and most humid period of the year, so if you can't handle the heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be slightly better during this period, but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain that might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How To Get From Bangkok's Airports to your Accommodation?

By Bus: If you are staying near Khaosan Road or the Old Town area, I recommend taking the bus as it goes directly to your location without the need for transit.

If you fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can take the S1 bus, and it will take you to Khaosan Road for 60 THB. Depending on the traffic, the journey should take around 1.5 hours, and the bus runs between 6 AM and 8 PM every 30 minutes.

If you fly into Don Muang International Airport, you can take the A4 bus that will take you to Khaosan Road for 50 THB. From Don Muang Airport to Khaosan Road, you can expect a journey of around 1 hour. The A4 bus runs between 7 AM and 10 PM, with buses departing every 30 minutes.

By Sky Trains: If you are staying elsewhere in Bangkok, you can take the sky train instead. Just make sure that you know which sky train station to get off at.

If you fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station. From there, you will be able to connect to the main Sukhumvit Line and take the train to the nearest station near your accommodation.

The Airport Link runs every 20 minutes and the trip from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai will cost you 45 THB and take around one hour. From Phaya Thai, the price varies depending on how far your accommodation is. The sky train price starts at 15 THB. The train operates from 6 AM to 12 AM.

If you fly into Don Muang International Airport, you will first have to take the A1 bus, which will take you to Morchit BTS Station. The A1 bus comes every 5 minutes, and it should cost you 30 THB.

From Morchit BTS Station, you can then take the train to the BTS Station near your accommodation. The sky train price starts at 15 THB and goes up to 70 THB, depending on how far your journey is. The train operates from 6 AM to 12 AM.

By Taxi: Taking a taxi is a comfortable way to reach your accommodation, but it can be expensive due to the additional airport fee of 50 THB that will be added on top of the metered price. Therefore, you can expect to pay around 300 THB if you are coming from Suvarnabhumi Airport or around 150+ THB from Don Muang Airport.

One tip for taking taxis in Bangkok: if they don't turn on their meters, get out and get a new one. Do not tolerate this kind of behavior!

How to Get Around Bangkok?

Bangkok is home to over 10 million people, and the city has grown so much that it had to incorporate neighboring provinces into Greater Bangkok. Due to the city's size, there are several ways you can get around Bangkok, but for this itinerary, speed is of the utmost importance.

By Walk: All the attractions I listed here are concentrated within the Old City area, which is within walking distance of one another. Therefore, you should be able to reach most of them on foot. That said, Bangkok can get blazingly hot, so if you prefer seeing more things in less time and don't mind paying a bit more, other modes of transportation might be better for you.

By Taxi: Taxis are cheap in Bangkok, starting at 35 THB for a quick trip, and they are an affordable way to get around Bangkok as long as they turn on the meter. If they refuse or claim that the taxi meter is broken, get out of the taxi and get another one. There are no shortages of taxis in Bangkok that are willing to take you somewhere without scamming you.

By Grab: Grab is a popular taxi-hailing app here in Thailand. If you do not wish to deal with scammy taxi drivers, you can hail a taxi via the app, and the price and distance will be calculated beforehand. This way, you know how much you are supposed to be paying for the ride, reducing the chance that the taxi drivers will scam you.

By Sky Trains/Metros: Sky Trains (BTS) and Metros (MRT) are great ways to get around Bangkok, but since we won't be traveling out of the Old City Area, you will only likely be using the MRT for traveling short distances. The MRT price starts at 14 THB and goes up depending on the distance you are traveling.

When you arrive at the MRT station, you can either buy it from the ticket office or get change to be used at the ticket machines nearby. To enter the station platforms, just tap the token on the sensor and enter. On your way out, drop your token in the machine (MRT) and exit the platform. Easy peasy.

By Bus: You can also travel by bus if you don't mind waiting around a lot, as the traffic jam is horrible. However, for this itinerary, we won't be using it, as speed is not what Thai buses are known for.

By Tuk-Tuk: I would avoid taking a tuk-tuk at all costs in Bangkok. Scams often take place with them as they do not run on meters like taxis do. Additionally, they often partner with shady businesses that offer commissions for bringing clueless tourists to their stores. Do not support this kind of behavior!

How Much Money Do I Need For Bangkok?

With the 3 days in Bangkok, we can calculate approximately how much you will spend in Bangkok as follows:

Accommodation: For 4 nights, you can expect to pay around 44 USD (1350.80 THB) for accommodation.

Food: Food costs about 50 THB minimum in Bangkok on average, so you can expect to pay around 600 THB for 4 days' worth of meals.

Transportation: For this itinerary, you will be using a combination of taxis and the sky train to go from one area to another, so you can expect to pay around 500 THB for transportation.

Activities: For the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Bangkok National Museum, and Wat Arun admission fees, as well as a one-day tour to Ayutthaya or a floating market, you can expect to pay around 3,000 THB for activities.

Total budget for 3 days in Bangkok: 5,450.8 THB (174.67 USD)

Is it Safe in Bangkok?

Although Bangkok is generally safe and the people are friendly, it is always a good idea to second-guess people who approach you and try to offer you something that is too good to be true because it probably is. That is a sure way to avoid any scam attempts from tuk-tuk/taxi drivers or other scammers who might approach you.

When you get in the taxi, ask the taxi driver to use the meter. If they don't, get out and find another cab. Otherwise, use the taxi-hailing app Grab to get a taxi, to avoid getting scammed by unfavorable taxi drivers.

Scams in Bangkok often involve tuk-tuks, and with so many other ways to get around Bangkok, I would recommend avoiding taking the tuk-tuk altogether if you can. They are not metered, and they often partner with scammy businesses to earn a commission.

A common scam in Bangkok is the claim that the Grand Palace is closed, which is often not true. The Grand Palace rarely closes and if a tuk-tuk tells you that, ignore them.

If they offer a trip around Bangkok for a very cheap price, say 40 THB, don't get on the tuk-tuk and ignore them. I guarantee you, the moment you get on the tuk-tuk, they will take you to some sketchy tailor stores, and they will leave you there while they earn commissions for taking you there.

And, as always, please exercise precautions like you would when traveling in any foreign country. Do not leave your belongings unattended and watch out for your belongings at all times.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Bangkok, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Bangkok, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer pretty similar ranges of traveler's packages and coverages. Personally, I have been with AIS since my first phone as they have a lot of support centers around Thailand. Their coverage hasn't failed me yet, so if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fit your itinerary the most.

With these 3 packages, you can top-up more if you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Bangkok?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Bangkok, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Bangkok, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
• Thailand is incredibly rich in history, with ancient cities scattered across its landscapes. If you’re looking to explore some of the country’s most remarkable historical sites, don’t miss this guide: Discover Thailand's Rich History: 12 Best Historical Sites to Visit.
• Looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Hidden Gems to Visit in Thailand.
• Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to make sure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
• Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
• Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
• Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
• Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok. Here is a One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• For more things to do in Bangkok, check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Wondering which temples are worth visiting in Bangkok? Check out: 10 BEST Temples to Visit in Bangkok.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai, according to the locals.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and 10-day itinerary for Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Central Thailand, or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about you continue on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.