Essential Tips for Backpacking in Thailand

If you're planning a backpacking trip to Thailand, consider these helpful guidelines below

Walking into Thailand from Vietnam

Upon exiting the airport gate, travelers should follow the arrow straight ahead and then turn left to reach the immigration checkpoint. Entering immigration in Bangkok during the tourist season can be exhausting due to long queues, but the processing time is usually quick. They typically ask travelers how many days they plan to stay and then stamp the passport.

Proceed to retrieve checked baggage. Travelers follow the arrow leading outside, turning left from the baggage claim area. As they exit, walking along this area, there will be a large touchscreen information board (with information in English). Additionally, there are food stalls, mobile carrier booths, and a family supermarket. Travelers can purchase a phone SIM card in this area.

1. Exploring Bangkok

Travelers can head to the first floor, take a taxi, or go down to the basement to catch the Airport Link. It's advisable to get a map beforehand to know the area and station. The Airport Link is easy to use, no need to exchange coins, and ticket machines are available. Simply choose the destination station, insert paper money, and the machine will dispense small coins. Upon arrival, tap the card at the designated area, keep the card to use when arriving at the destination station, and insert it to pass through the gate. You can use the Airport Link within the city to reach locations near this station. It operates similarly to the electric train (BTS).

If taking the BTS, coins are required for purchase, but there are exchange counters at these stations. The fare is around 15 THB/trip. The station to alight will be announced on the train, but it might be challenging to hear, so feel free to ask those around you.

Pay attention when passing through the gate; you must find the correct path, as many stations have two train lines going in different directions. The final station in that direction is usually indicated. For example, taking the BTS to Victory Monument station, which is part of the line with Mochit as the final station. After passing through the gate, look for the staircase with a sign saying To Mochit to go up.

The Airport Link will transfer to the BTS at Phaya Thai station, and if heading perpendicular to the BTS, you need to go to this station. Since the BTS can be crowded, count the stops carefully to avoid missing the train.

Thailand's BTS has 2 lines with a transfer point at Siam area. Therefore, when arriving at the airport, request a map for easy navigation. This map will guide you to dining places, shopping stores, and more.

In Pattaya and some suburban areas, tuk-tuks are the primary mode of transportation, and there are also taxis in Pattaya, but they might charge higher prices. In Bangkok, you can take a taxi if traveling with 3-4 people, use the meter, and choose taxis with meters to avoid complications. However, during peak hours, taxis may charge extra for traffic congestion.

2. Heading to Pattaya

From the Arrival area (2nd floor), travelers descend to the 1st floor, locate the Food Court, and find a counter selling tickets to Pattaya/Hua Hin here. The cost is approximately 120 baht per person/one way, with one trip every hour.

While waiting for the bus, travelers can dine in the Food Court, exchange vouchers, and shop as in the Megastar Food Court. The journey lasts about 2 hours. It's advisable to check hotels on North Road, Center Road, Pattaya Tai, or Southern Road in advance to alight at the correct location. Upon arrival, travelers can hire a tuk-tuk to reach their hotel.

For the return trip from Pattaya to Bangkok, travelers can go to the bus station (Pattaya Bus), purchase a ticket for around 135 THB. The bus will head to Ekamai station on the east side of the city or Mochit station.

Recommended Hotel Locations

Depends on purpose and budget, but it's best to choose hotels near BTS or Airport Link stations. A suitable budget for 2 people over 3 nights is from 1 to 2 million VND.

Some budget hotels in Thailand may not have a kettle or hairdryer, but Seven Eleven and Family Mart are available everywhere.

You can find a hotel near the Airport Link Ratchaprarop station, close to the Platinum Mall, and the Pratunam area offers comfortable dining options. From this station, take the Airport Link to Phaya Thai and transfer to the BTS.

Another area to consider is staying near the BTS Phaya Thai station. Phaya Thai is the interchange point between the Airport Link and BTS, making it easy for shopping, sightseeing, and airport transfers.

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Source: Travel guide from Mytour – Follow duonglnt.tumblr.com