Travelling to Thailand
🇹🇭 Thailand Travel Tips: Save Money, Travel Smoothly & Soak Up Every Moment
Thailand is one of my favourite countries to visit, whether you’re island-hopping in the south, exploring vibrant Bangkok, or wandering temples in Chiang Mai. It’s easy to travel around, but a few smart apps and tips will help you save money, stay organised, and experience the country like a local.
Here are my top travel tips for Thailand:
✅ Grab for affordable taxis and food delivery (it’s like Uber for Southeast Asia). Save money, avoid haggling, and it’s safer than random street taxis.
✅ 12Go is perfect for booking ferries, buses, and trains between islands and cities. It’s reliable and saves you the stress of booking in person.
✅ Klook is where I booked most of my day trips, excursions, and transfers. It’s super affordable and you can check reviews before you go.
✅ Airalo eSIM helps you stay connected with fast data as soon as you land, avoiding expensive roaming charges.
✅ Wanderlog is my go-to itinerary planner, syncing with Google Maps so you can plan your days easily and navigate offline.
✅ Monzo is ideal for using your card abroad with no bank fees and great exchange rates, plus you can organise your travel spending using pots.
✈️ Domestic Travel
Flights, buses, and trains are budget-friendly if you book in advance, especially during peak months (Dec–April). I used Booking.com for my domestic flights (£45 with Thai Airways incl. 30kg luggage), making it easy and stress-free to explore different regions.
🍜 Food Tips
Bangkok is a foodie’s paradise, but in Phuket, finding authentic spots can be trickier. I found using Grab for restaurant reviews more reliable than Google, helping avoid tourist traps and discover hidden gems.
👗 Packing & Sizing
If you’re tall or above a UK 12, clothing shopping can be tricky (especially for bottoms). Dresses and tops are easier to find, but pack what you love wearing. Don’t overpack toiletries—Thailand has pharmacies everywhere for essentials when you arrive.
🛒 7-Eleven Convenience
There’s a 7-Eleven on nearly every corner, with cheap snacks, iced coffees, and alcohol (priced like duty-free). Note: alcohol sales are restricted to certain hours, so check times to avoid surprises.
💦 Songkran – Thailand’s Water Festival
Every April (typically 13–15th), Thailand celebrates Songkran, the Thai New Year, with streets turning into joyful water fight arenas. It’s a cultural celebration of renewal and respect, with the hottest weather making it perfect for water play. It’s an amazing time to visit, especially with kids, but be prepared to get wet everywhere you go!
🛍️ Shopping in Bangkok
Bangkok’s malls double as cool escapes with food courts, cafes, and shops for every budget. My favourites include:
Siam Paragon
ICONSIAM
CentralWorld
MBK Center
Terminal 21
EmQuartier
Central Embassy
Platinum Fashion Mall
Emsphere – which has lovely dining options inside and a rooftop club with amazing views, making it perfect for both day and night visits.
Don’t miss Chinatown Market (Yaowarat) for cheap, unique gifts, local snacks, and handmade jewellery you won’t find in the malls.
🛒 Visit Big C Supermarket, open until around 2am, perfect for cosmetics, snacks, drinks, cupboard foods, and essentials at amazing prices.
💄 For beauty lovers, EVEANDBOY is a must-visit for cosmetics, makeup, haircare, skincare, and beauty tools from Thai and international brands.
✨ Check out Siam Square for local brands, Korean and Chinese shops, trendy boutiques, and street food. It’s a lively area with entertainment and performances often happening, making it a fun place to hang out and shop.
🌙 Bangkok has countless night markets. My top pick is Chatuchak Market (Fri–Sun), offering clothes, jewellery, homeware, art, and unique one-off finds at unbeatable prices. Plan your visit over a weekend so you don’t miss it.
🛍️ Shopping in Phuket
Check out Kata and Karon for beachwear, handmade crafts, and souvenirs while enjoying the relaxed coastal vibe.
✨ I loved Karon Night Market for local Thai food, sweets, and snacks, perfect for affordable gifts while trying something new.
In Phuket Old Town, you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, and cosy cafes. Don’t miss the Phuket Old Town Sunday Market, filled with local food, jewellery, clothes, art, and live music for a relaxed evening stroll.
🛒 Be sure to visit Super Cheap in Phuket, a Thai version of Savers and Home Bargains, packed with snacks, fruit, noodles, sauces, spices, and local goodies at amazing prices. I stocked up on spices like turmeric to bring back to the UK (sealed packets are fine to take home). It’s the perfect spot for affordable local snacks, fresh fruit, and unique treats during your trip or to take a taste of Thailand home with you.
✨ Thailand is an incredible destination for every traveller, from backpackers to luxury lovers.
These practical tips will help you stay on budget, travel smoothly, and discover experiences while exploring this beautiful, respectful country.