Do many people travel to Thailand alone?
Yes, many travellers—both male and female—travel alone throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport, you will meet your travel mates and the adventure begins.
Yes, many travellers—both male and female—travel alone throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport, you will meet your travel mates and the adventure begins.
Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour a few weeks before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have
Yes, all of the accommodation on our tour offers wi-fi as well as most cafes and restaurants. You also have the option to purchase a sim card for about £7 ($10USD) upon arrival.
Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that often live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.
We have spent more than 10 years travelling Thailand in order to find you the best possible experience at the absolute lowest price! We also sell our tour directly to you through our website, not through a travel agency, which cuts out a major expense incurred by other tour companies.
Yes, please arrange an appointment with your local physician and explain your travel plans. Most hospitals have travel clinics with helpful information and vaccinations on site. We suggest doing this well before your trip is to begin to ensure there are no unexpected waiting periods during this process! Please visit here for more information: CDC
Yes, please! There are many laundry services in Thailand that offer washing services at very reasonable prices. Just hand your laundry to the staff, and you can usually pick it up the following morning. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go for the bucket wash—the price is right.
Not much is needed! We suggest at least £10 GBP / $15 USD (or equivalent) for spending money each day. The non-included meals are very cheap in Thailand and all of your excursions, transport, and accommodation is included in the cost of the tour. If you plan to bring home a lot of gifts for friends or family (or yourself) or like a big night out then we suggest budgeting a bit more than the amounts listed above. You can get away with spending even less than this if you are on a tight budget but this average seems to work best for most group members.
Both! There are ATM machines throughout the tour in nearly every location we visit. There is usually a currency exchange fee and most banks will charge a processing fee. For this reason, we suggest withdrawing however much you feel you will need on tour (explained above) when using the machines. The more you use the ATMs the more fees you will pay. For currency exchange, there are kiosks throughout the airport when you land and also opportunities in Bangkok once you arrive at the hotel. These kiosks accept all major currencies from Western countries. You can also exchange at home before you arrive but the exchange fee is usually higher. The cheaper option is to use an ATM card but currency exchange is also readily available. Just make sure to let your bank know you plan to travel abroad so they do not lock your account when they see a sudden overseas withdrawal.
Are there any age restrictions for this tour? We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
Call your group leader using the number sent in your welcome email. They will assist you.
We have an official tour operator license in every country that we operate in.
We operate our tours, unlike most other tour companies that use another agency to operate their tours.
Target Age: Our group tours are mostly aimed at 18-45
Travel Experts: We are a multi-national business based in the heart of Southeast Asia, Bangkok.
We use local tour guides with local knowledge that stay with you 24/7.
We also offer volunteer programs without admin fees and private tour bookings at honest and transparent rates.
You will eat mostly Thai food, which is usually rice or noodle-based dishes. They also happen to be some of our favorite meal selections on the planet! Breakfasts are typically Western dishes. If you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger, we get that! Western food is usually available everywhere on the tour. As the tour explores different areas of Thailand, you will have the opportunity to taste the various styles of cuisine from around the country. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options will also be provided.
Vegetarians will be happy to know that Thailand is very accommodating for vegetarians. Your tour guide can instruct any kitchen to create a Thai dish without meat which they will often substitute with freshly-made tofu.
Yes and so delicious! If you see Thai locals eating it then that’s the best indication that the food is safe. Tip: Eat where the locals eat; the longer the queue the more delicious you can assume the food will be. Sharing a meal is a celebrated part of Thai culture and we recommend giving it a try with your new mates. But as with anything, use caution. If something looks or smells suspect, better to leave it alone. And never drink from the tap! We thought we had to mention this in case the idea ever crosses your mind!
We recommend arriving before 16.00 on day 1 of your tour. Check in at the hotel on day 1 is at 2 pm with early check in available subject to hotel vacancy. You are free to use the hotel facilities - including the pool - and leave your bags in a secure place if you arrive early before checking in. On departure, we suggest leaving after 12:00 in order to enjoy a final breakfast with everyone but if you can find a cheaper flight early in the day, that's no problem at all! Just let us know your flight details in the ‘Login’ area. If your flight arrives before the starting date, we can arrange extra accommodation which includes hotel transfer and breakfast. Please let us know if you want us to arrange this for you.
Please book your flights to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok.
Backpacking Thailand: Classic – the trip finishes in Phuket, so please book your return flight from Phuket.
Backpacking Thailand: Island Paradise – the trip finishes in Phuket, so please book your return flight from Phuket.
Backpacking Thailand: Expedition – the trip finishes in Chiang Mai, so please book your return flight from Chiang Mai
For all tours, if you plan to book your international return flight from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), we recommend choosing an evening flight, as you’ll need to fly back from either Phuket or Chiang Mai to Bangkok first.
Once your tour is confirmed, book your flight and input flight details in your account under 'Flight Details'. Airport transfer is included in the cost of the tour and is available from 6 am - 8 pm. We will pick you up from the airport from the meeting point mentioned in your tour confirmation document, and take you to your hotel. Please be aware that your room may not be ready until 12 pm. If you require extra accommodation before or after your tour, you can book this from your account and it will include airport transfer and breakfast.
No, you will not need a pre-arranged visa to enter Thialand before your arrival. Most all countries will be granted a 45 day visa upon arrival. If you have any questions about the process, we’re always here to help!
Please wait for a confirmation email; this will provide information about when we recommend arriving and to depart. We recommend using Sky Scanner to arrange your flights.
We will provide you with airport transfer information 1-week before the tour/program begins.
International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.
Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. If you’re arriving early, we can still arrange your airport transfer. If you also need extra nights of accommodation, let us know early so we can confirm availability and pricing.
Yes, you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arriving. You must register within 3 days before your arrival in Thailand. It’s quick and easy. You can apply here: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
Please let us know as soon as possible. If you are already en route and a connecting flight changes, contact your group leader or email us so we can still meet you at the airport.
Yes, just give us at least 60 days notice in order to allow another traveller to take your spot.
Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in installments of your choosing and at your convenience. The final remaining balance is due at least 60 days before your tour is set to begin.
Nope! A small deposit will confirm your place on the tour. We ask that you please provide the remaining balance no less than 60 days before your tour begins.
For group tours, your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour.
For volunteer or private bookings, please wait 2-3 working days.
We will refund you the total amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, group tours are confirmed six months before departure.
Backpacks are preferred and will be more convenient for you for when we are catching a sleeper train but suitcases work, too. Normal suitcase or luggage is also acceptable. You’ll never have to carry your luggage for too long at any one time. Try to find something that’s easily accessible and waterproof if possible. Bring a smaller daypack for short trips throughout the tour.
We recommend the following: 1 pair of long trousers, 1 light but waterproof jacket (Nothing too thick!), Simple padlock to lock up your belongings, 1 long sleeved top, 1 electrical converter (to avoid blowing out that hairdryer or beard trimmer), Shoes that are suitable for hiking, Waterproof shoes if you have them, Shoes that are easily removed. (Upon entering temples and many buildings you will be expected to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. The easier, the better.), Swimwear, A camera is highly suggested to remember your experience, Insect repellent, Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen And of course, the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity, positive attitude, etc
No problem at all - just make sure to arrive at the hotel for the starting date of the tour! We can arrange early night’s accommodation at the hotel and airport transfer or provide easy-to-use directions for getting from the airport in Bangkok to Khao San Road - including our hotel - where most of the accommodation is located.
Backpacking Thailand: Classic
Finishes in Phuket. We’ll arrange your airport transfer or take you back to the hotel once we have your flight details. Luggage storage is available if you're exploring before departure.
Backpacking Thailand: Island Paradise
Also ends in Phuket. Airport transfer or return to the hotel is included. Just send us your flight details. Luggage storage is available.
Backpacking Thailand: Expedition
Ends in Chiang Mai. You’ll need to make your own way to the airport, but your tour leader will help arrange transport.
Yes. This is your own time to explore Thailand as you please. If you want to stay back at the hotel to relax or want to explore a bit on your own, just let the tour guide know.
Your accommodation will be clean, comfortable and offer western toilets at all times - though experiencing a squat toilet is something everyone who visits Thailand should experience at least once! You will be sleeping in twin, triple and dormitory rooms, paired up randomly. We attempt to put people in same sex rooms as much as possible and can accommodate that in each location upon request. Couples will be always paired together. Hot showers and AC is provided on most days.
The trip starts in Bangkok and finishes in Phuket.
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