7 Awesome Things to Do in Pilok, Thailand - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Pilok

7 Awesome Things to Do in Pilok, Thailand

A Complete Guide to Backpacking Pilok
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
Updated on

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Have you ever heard of a village called Pilok in Thailand before? I have not, and I'm Thai. I only knew about this place when someone I know from Kanchanaburi recommended me to visit Pilok after I ran out of things to do in Sangklaburi, and I'm glad I did!

Pilok (Ban I-tong) is a small, old mining village tucked away in the rolling hills and mountains of the Tenasserim Hills, which create a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar.

The town was established in 1940 to accommodate the workers who were working in the old tin and tungsten mines nearby. The mining operations continued until the market crash in 1985 that sent the price of tin down to the ground before all mining operations ceased in the early 90s.

Since then, Pilok has seen a surge in local tourism, probably due to its proximity to nature, the cooler weather because of the high elevation, and the easy-going vibe that the villagers have cultivated over the years. It is an easy place for Bangkokians to escape from the heat and bustle of Bangkok.

Why are Thais so attracted to Pilok? Well, let's find out together with this guide. Here is a complete backpacking guide on incredible things to do in Pilok for solo travelers and why this is a great place to travel to for those who are looking to stay off the usual Thailand tourist track. Let's begin with an itinerary map of things to do in Pilok:

One Week Itinerary for Kanchanaburi, ThailandOne Week Itinerary for Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Pilok Itinerary Map

Pilok, Thailand Backpacking Itinerary Map

7 Best Things to Do in Pilok

1. Visit Chokkradin Waterfall

A person standing in front of Chokkradin Waterfall in Pilok, Thailand.

The highlight of visiting Pilok is to see Chokkradin Waterfall, a 30m-high mighty waterfall where the water flows all year round. It is located 8km away from Baan I-Tong, where you will be staying, and it is best to visit with a trip on a songtaew.

Chokkradin Waterfall and a clear water pool at Pilok, Thailand

By that point in my journey in Kanchanaburi, I had already seen quite a few waterfalls, from the Erawan Falls to the Kering Kawia waterfalls in Sangkhlaburi. However, even then, I was still blown away by the sight of Chokkradin Waterfall.

A traveler standing in front of Chokkradin Waterfall as the waterfall sprays behind him in Pilok, Thailand

The waterfall itself is around a 2-minute walk away from the parking lot, and you can almost feel it in the air the moment the waterfall comes into view. The steam in the air, which is being generated from the water dropping straight down a 30m high cliff, can cool down even the hottest day.

Planning to visit soon?
🛌 Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. Love Pilok Homestay 2 (Budget)
  2. Etong Homestay (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
  3. PilokMyhome (High-End)
🏄 Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
  1. From Kanchanaburi: Erawan Waterfalls and Hellfire Pass (8 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
  2. From Kanchanaburi: Erawan National Park Half Day (4 hours)
  3. From Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi City Tour Half Day (3 hours)
🚘 Renting a car: Discover Cars.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

A woman standing in front of Chokkradin Waterfall for scale in Pilok, Thailand

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, swimming is not allowed, and it doesn't seem like they are going to allow it anytime soon. To enter Chokkradin Waterfall, you will have to pay an entrance fee of 200 THB if you are a foreigner (40 THB for Thais). If you are there with your own vehicle, you will have to pay extra for parking (20 THB for a motorcycle and 30 THB for the rest).

The waterfall opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM. You can try walking, but you will be walking on the road for 8 km round trip, so it might not be as fun as it sounds.

A traveler standing in front of the Chokkradin Waterfall sign in Pilok, Thailand

To take the songtaew, there will be a guy with a gray/blue songtaew waiting for you at the entrance of Baan I-Tong village, and you can ask the guy how much it will cost to take you to the waterfall.

The going rate for a songtaew tour around Chokkradin Waterfall, Noen Chang Suek Hill, and the Friendship Pass (closed during COVID-19) is 100 THB per person, but they will only leave if there are at least 5 people on the songtaew.

A closeup of a man standing in front of the Chokkradin Waterfall in Pilok, Thailand

Most people who visit Pilok often have their own vehicle, so you might have to wait a while. What you can do is tell the guy to reserve you a spot, give the guy your number, and they will call you when the songtaew is ready to leave.

2. Hike or Get a songtaew to the top of Noen Chang Suek Hill

A traveler standing on a ledge overlooking Baan I-Tong of Pilok at Noen Chang Suek Hill in Thailand.

Including within the songtaew tour is a ride up to the top of Noen Chang Suek Hill, which is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Pilok. Here, you can see both Myanmar and Thailand at the same time.

4 people sitting by the bunker at the top of  Noen Chang Suek Hill in Pilok, Thailand.

At the top of Noen Chang Suek Hill, you will find a military bunker where Thai soldiers are stationed to protect the border. From the border, you will have a 360° view of the mountainous landscapes around Pilok. It was certainly quite a sight to behold.

A traveler looking at the green hill that signifies the border between Thailand and Myanmar seen from Noen Chang Suek Hill in Pilok, Thailand

In the photo above, behind this green hill is the sovereign land of Myanmar. As part of the Tenasserim Hills, a mountain range that stretches across most of South and Central Thailand, these hills create a natural border between the two countries. There are no fences or border walls, hence why you are seeing such tight security at the viewpoint.

The trail from Baan I-Tong to the top of Noen Chang Suek hill in Pilok, Thailand

You can also hike up to the top of Noen Chang Suek Hill from Baan I-Tong village, if you wish. The trail is mostly gravel and rocks, and can be hiked in around 30 minutes to an hour. It is a steep hike, so prepare accordingly.

The mountainous landscapes of Pilok seen from Noen Chang Suek hill in Thailand.

From the viewpoint, you can also see the highest mountain in Kanchanaburi, the Chang Phueak mountain, which is a 1,249-meter-high mountain. You can summit it if you are lucky, as they only allow 60 people to summit per day, possibly due to security reasons.

2 women walking at Chang Suek Hill in Pilok, Thailand

The view from Noen Chang Suek Hill, especially during the rainy season, is straight out of the famous Windows XP wallpaper. You will see rolling green hills stretching across the horizon as far as the eye can see. It definitely is worth the climb.

3. Hike Up to Wat Mueang Pilok

Wat Mueang Pilok on a misty morning in Pilok, Thailand.

While you wait for the songtaew tour to be filled up, you can spend the morning climbing up to the top of Wat Mueang Pilok, the main temple of Baan I'Tong village.

The red Buddha image at the top of Wat Mueang Pilok in Thailand

Towering over the entire village is a red Buddha statue with 7 nagas protruding from the back, which you can hike to. The stair leading up to the top is a little hard to find, but if you follow the toilet sign once you are in the temple ground, you should be able to find it.

The stair going up to the top of Wat Mueang Pilok in Thailand

For your convenience, here is the exact location of where the stairs are located. It is an easy climb that you can do in about 10 minutes and since the temple is always open, you can climb anytime you want. However, it can be quite creepy at night, especially with all the statues of giants and mythical animals around the temple ground 😱.

Several Buddha statues along the stairs in Wat Mueang Pilok in Thailand

The view from up there may not be as high as from Noen Chang Suek, but it should be able to give you a glimpse of the landscape around Baan I'Tong village. If only the clouds had subsided in time for me to see it!

Tours & Tickets You Might Like

If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:

  1. From Kanchanaburi: Erawan Waterfalls and Hellfire Pass (8 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
  2. From Kanchanaburi: Erawan National Park Half Day (4 hours)
  3. From Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi City Tour Half Day (3 hours)

4. Stroll Around the Old Pilok Mine

A traveler standing in front of an old car at the Old Pilok Mine entrane sign in Thailand.

The Old Pilok Mine, located right by Baan I-Tong village, is an old mining factory that has been turned into a guesthouse. However, you can still find some old pieces of machinery left lying around in the area.

The golden carp fish in a koi pond at the Old Pilok Mine in Thailand

They also have a beautiful Koi pond with crystal clear water filled with several stunning, colorful fancy carp fish that you can stroll around. The colors on these carp fish are unbelievably vivid.

The Koi Pond at the Old Pilok Mine in Thailand.

You are free to enter the place. It is a great place to stroll around while you wait for the songtaew to the waterfall and Noen Chang Suek hill to fill up.

5. Buy Some Souvenirs at Pilok Market

The name badges at the Pilok Mine Bridge near Pilok Market in Thailand.

Pilok Market is the main market in the village where you can find cheap souvenirs like Mon's clothes, as well as snacks and teas from Myanmar. It is rather small, with only a few stalls open, all concentrated in one shaded area next to the Pilok pool. However, it is still a fun experience to browse through their items.

The Pilok Mine Bridge near Pilok Market in Thailand.

You can also buy a badge, write your name and your partner's name on it, and tie it to a Pilok Mine wooden bridge. I never understood why Thai people are so into this, but hey, whatever floats their boats 😉.

6. Hike Up the Neon Sao Tong Hill at the Friendship Pass

The bunker at the Friendship Pass in Pilok, Thailand

Another place for you to hike is the Neon Sao Tong Hill at the Friendship Pass where one can cross from Thailand to Myanmar. At the top, you will get a similar view as Noen Chang Suek Hill, but you can converse with the Burmese soldier stationed at the top instead.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the pass and the hill are closed. If there are any changes to the situation there, feel free to let me know in the comments below.

7. Buy A Lamp and Explore the Misty Pilok at Night

A traveler holding a lamp walking along the pool at Pilok on a misty night in Thailand

Last but not least, when night comes, fog often rolls in, covering the streets of Pilok, making it quite photogenic, especially with all the artificial lights from the guesthouses by the water.

A lit Mon traditional lamp on a misty night in Pilok, Thailand

Add an old Mon's lamp to the picture, and you can capture some very beautiful atmospheric photos here at Baan I'Tong. One of the Thai tourists gave me their lamp as they were done with it, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take this photo above 😂.

A traveler holding a lit lamp over the name badges at the Pilok Mine Bridge in Thailand

You can buy the traditional Mon's lamp from the Pilok Market for 25 THB and an extra 10 THB for a candle. Apparently, it is a popular photo spot for Thais at the Pilok Mine bridge with all the name tags, so I just had to do it 😅.

Where to Eat and Drink in Pilok?

Try the Homemade Mi at Chang Gae Classic Home Cafe (ช้างแก่คลาสสิคโฮม)

The vintage interior of Chang Gae Classic Home Cafe in Pilok, Thailand

One of the most beautifully decorated cafes in Pilok is Chang Gae Classic Home Cafe, a family-run vintage cafe that serves Thai traditional coffee and tea, as well as light meals like fried wontons and their famous homemade Mi, which was quite tasty.

The homemade Mi at Chang Gae Classic Home Cafe in Pilok, Thailand

You can also ask the owner for some suggestions on things to do around Pilok, as he was raised here in the village and used to visit all these places on foot back when there was no paved road. He's a pretty chill guy to talk to, nonetheless, so be sure to drop by there and say hi.

15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

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When to Visit Pilok, Thailand?

A cloud forming above the mountains of Pilok in Thailand

The best time to visit Pilok is from November to January when you are less likely to encounter rain and have a better chance of clear skies, which doesn't happen often. The weather will also be quite cool and pleasant, especially at night, so be sure to bring a jacket or two when visiting Pilok during this period.

I highly recommend you visit during the weekdays if you can to avoid the tourist crowds, as Pilok gets a ton of visitors on weekends, and all the good accommodations by the water are often booked out for days (even on weekdays sometimes).

Another thing to consider is that Thailand, in recent years, has suffered a lot from air pollution due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler during that time, 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 are going to be hot and humid during the day, and thanks to the elevation, it is a little bit more bearable at night. So, if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, though 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, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain. Since Pilok is in the mountains, cloudy days with fog descending at night are common sights when visiting during this time.

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.

The Best Time To Visit ThailandThe Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Pilok, Thailand?

The pool in Pilok mining village in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Even though Pilok is in Kanchanaburi, which is a province adjacent to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, it is located right at the far end of the province in the north, at the border between Myanmar and Thailand.

In order to get to Pilok, you will have to travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi City, switch to another bus to Thong Pha Phum, and from the Thong Pha Phum market, you can get a songtaew to Pilok. More instructions for each leg will be shown in greater detail below.

But first and foremost, you will have to get yourself to Bangkok from where you live. Thankfully, Bangkok is a large hub in the region, so you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang International Airport (budget airlines only), in Thailand.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also choose to go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering numerous routes from various hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Bangkok. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

Vans parking at the Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Thailand.

From Bangkok, you will then have to get to Kanchanaburi City first so that you can take another bus into the mountains. The easiest way to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi without driving yourself is to take a minivan from the Mini-Bus stand across the road from the Morchit Bus Terminal.

Morchit Bus Terminal exterior in Bangkok, Thailand.

You can reach Morchit Terminal from almost anywhere in Bangkok via either MRT station Kamphaeng Phet or BTS Morchit station, and then from there, you can take a taxi to Morchit Bus Terminal. The taxi should cost no more than 50 THB.

The bus ticket kiosk for Kanchanaburi at Morchit Van Terminal in Bangkok, Thailand.

Once you arrive at the Morchit bus terminal, cross the road to the mini-bus stand with the footbridge and go to Building D to buy your ticket at either kiosk #8 or #11. Once you arrive at Building D, you can also ask around, and they will direct you to the right kiosk.

A person holding a paper van ticket of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi at Morchit Bus Terminal, Bangkok, Thailand

The mini-bus and vans from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi leave every hour from 5 AM to 8 PM every day. The journey will take around 3 hours, and the ticket will cost about 120 THB. When you buy your ticket, they will ask you where you want to get dropped off.

If you want to go to Pilok directly from Kanchanaburi, tell your driver to drop you off at Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal, and then you can get a mini-bus to Thong Pha Phum from there.

You usually do not have to reserve your ticket beforehand, but since Kanchanaburi is quite popular among locals, it might be worthwhile to book one if you decide to travel on the weekends.

Book a Minivan from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

17 Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand17 Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Getting from Kanchanaburi to Thong Pha Phum

The new microbus operated by Asia Saiyok Express Bus Company that connects Kanchanaburi to Sangklaburi.

Once you are at Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal, walk across the road to the Asia Saiyok Express Bus Company office located right behind the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal, and from there, you can buy a ticket to Thong Pha Phum.

The Asia Saiyok Express Bus Company operates several microbuses a day connecting Kanchanaburi City to the Three Pagoda Pass at the Thailand-Myanmar border, passing through Thong Pha Phum.

The microbus from Kanchanaburi to Thong Pha Phum runs from 5 AM - 7 PM, every 45 minutes or so. The journey takes around 3 hours and should cost you around 140 THB per person.

Getting from Thong Pha Phum to Pilok

The place where the bus from Kanchanaburi will drop you off along the road at Thong Pha Phum, Thailand.

Once the bus arrives in Thong Pha Phum, they will drop you off at a bus stop along the road near Thong Pha Phum town. This is not the bus stop to get to Pilok. The actual bus stop to get to Pilok is located at Thong Pha Phum Food Market and you will need to get a moto-taxi to take you there for 20 THB.

Thong Pha Phum Food Market where you can get the songtaew to Pilok, Thailand.

Once you arrive at Thong Pha Phum Food Market, you will see several yellow songtaews parked in the parking lot at the entrance of the market. Simply go there and ask the guy which songtaew goes to Pilok, and they will direct you to the right one.

Be very careful with your timing here, especially if you are coming from Bangkok directly, since it will take you almost 6 hours to get from Bangkok to Thong Pha Phum and the last songtaew to Pilok is at 1:30 PM. Therefore, you will have to start as early as 6 AM to get here on time.

The yellow songtaew time table and official schedule from Thong Pha Phum to Pilok and vice versa in Thailand.

The official schedule for songtaew between Thong Pha Phum and Pilok is 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM. However, don't expect them to stick to the schedule as they will leave when the songtaew is full. Also, due to COVID-19, they are doing fewer trips nowadays. So, your safest bet is to be at Thong Pha Phum between 10:30 - 1 PM.

When I was there, they were only making 2 trips - one at 11 PM and another at 1 PM. I arrived at the songtaew stop at 8 AM, so I had to wait for 3 hours just to get on the songtaew. Thankfully, there's a ton of food to eat at the market, so I took the opportunity to have breakfast there while I waited for the songtaew to come.

Once you get on the songtaew, it will take around 2 hours to reach Pilok. The road is 20% good and the rest is horrendous, so prepare for a bumpy ride. The songtaew to Pilok should cost you 70 THB per person.

Apparently, Baan I'Tong, which is the name of the village you are staying in, also has another name: the "399 turns" village, and you will find out why they name it that soon 🤣.

Getting from Sangklaburi to Pilok, Thailand

An aerial shot of the Mon Bridge at Sangklaburi, Thailand

If you are like me and are doing Pilok as a side trip from Sangklaburi, getting to Pilok is pretty much the same. All you have to do is go to Sangklaburi Bus Stop and get a minibus to Thong Pha Phum.

The minibus from Sangklaburi to Thong Pha Phum runs every 30 minutes to an hour from 7 AM to 4 PM. The ticket should cost about 80 THB, and it should take you about 1 hour to get to Thong Pha Phum.

Once you arrive in Thong Pha Phum, simply follow the instructions I gave under the "Getting from Thong Pha Phum to Pilok" section, and you should be on your way. Remember, the last songtaew to Pilok is at around 1 PM, so be sure to leave Sangklaburi before 11:30 AM.

Top 10 Things to Do in SangklaburiTop 10 Things to Do in Sangklaburi

Getting Back from Pilok to Bangkok

The yellow songtaew time table and official schedule from Thong Pha Phum to Pilok and vice versa in Thailand.

To get back from Pilok to Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi, and eventually Bangkok, there will be a songtaew leaving Pilok from the road near Pilok Market 4 times per day at 6:30 AM, 7 AM, 7:30 AM, and 8 AM. Again, there might be fewer trips depending on the day, but thankfully, they all leave on time. So, you should be safe if you are at the market before 8 AM.

Once you arrive at Thong Pha Phum, you can catch a local bus bound for Kanchanaburi from the entrance of Thong Pha Phum Food Market right at the corner near the 7-11 store. They come every 30 minutes, and it will cost you around 60 - 100 THB and take 2 hours to get to Kanchanaburi.

From Kanchanaburi, you should have no trouble finding a bus going to Bangkok. You can also take a train, but you will have to tell the bus driver from Thong Pha Phum to drop you off at the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall where you can then walk to the Nam Tok Train Station to catch the 12:55 PM train back to Bangkok.

A traveler looking out from a train on the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

The train will travel on the Death Railway, so you will get to see some stunning scenery along the way as well. The journey will take about 5-6 hours, and the train will stop at Thonburi Train Station in Bangkok. The ticket should cost around 100 THB for foreigners and 39 THB for Thais.

How to Get Around Pilok, Thailand?

A traveler holding a lamp exploring Pilok village on a misty night in Thailand

By Walking: Most of the places I recommend here can be reached by walking. Pilok is very small and there isn't a whole lot to do around the area outside Baan I'Tong village, as it is quite remote. Additionally, due to its proximity to the border, security is pretty tight.

By Song-Taew: The only attraction that you might not be able to walk to (you can, but it's gonna take a few hours to get there) is the Chokkradin Waterfall which is 8 km away from the village.

To reach the Chokkradin Waterfall, you will have to pay 100 THB per person to go on a shared songtaew that travels to the waterfall, as well as the summit of Chang Suek Hill. Unfortunately, you will have to wait for other tourists to join you before making the trip, which could take a while. But I can assure you, the waterfall is going to be well worth the wait.

How Many Days to Spend in Pilok?

Layers of mountains with a tree at the center in Pilok, Thailand

There isn't a whole lot to do in Pilok as it is small, remote, and way too close to the border for one to wander around willy-nilly, so 2 nights or one full day should be enough to cover this itinerary.

Day 1: Walk around Pilok Mine, then climb up to Wat Mueang Pilok before coming down to the village to shop for some souvenirs and relax by Pilok's pool. In the afternoon, take the songtaew to Chokkradin Waterfall and Noen Chang Suek before ending your day by visiting Sao Thong Hill Viewpoint.

How Much Money Do I Need For Pilok?

Based on the 2-night itinerary above, we can roughly calculate how much we will be spending for one full day in Pilok as follows:

Accommodation: Two nights of accommodation will cost you at least 44 USD.

Food: Food in Pilok should cost around 40 - 60 THB per meal, so you can expect to pay around 150 THB for one day in Pilok.

Transportation: For the round trip from Bangkok to Pilok, it should cost you around 660 THB (330 THB per trip) and a songtaew to the waterfall and Chang Suek hill will cost you 100 THB. In total, you will spend around 760 THB for transportation in Pilok.

Activities: For activities, you will only have to pay the entrance fee for Chokkradin Waterfall, which is 200 THB for foreigners and 40 THB for Thais. So, in total, you will pay 200 THB for activities.

Total Budget for one day in Pilok: 2,493 THB (79.32 USD)

Is it Safe in Pilok, Thailand?

It is very safe in Pilok. The people are nice, and you won't find any annoying touters all the way up here. However, since it is near the border between Thailand and Myanmar, you won't be able to go astray and explore as you wish.

Also, you can't fly a drone here. 😞

Other than that, traveling to Pilok should be quite a breeze for you.

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 Pilok, 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 Pilok, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and 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 in case you need more 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 Pilok, Thailand?

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 Pilok, 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.
  • Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
  • 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.
  • 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.

What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing ListWhat to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Central Thailand

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

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Categories DestinationsThailandSoutheast AsiaAsiaCentral Thailand

2 Comments


Pete's profile picutre
Pete

Great :) Thanks for this and Sangklaburi.... heading up there tomorrow for the week.


Pete Rojwongsuriya's profile picutre
Great :) Thanks for this and Sangklaburi.... heading up there tomorrow for the week.

Hey Pete,

Thank you for the comment! I hope you found the guide useful and enjoyed Sangkhlaburi as much as I did. Enjoy Pilok also! Travel safe!


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