Thailand

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

November to April is the dry season and the most popular time to visit. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) is best from November to April. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) has a slightly different weather pattern with its own rainy season from October to December. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are good almost year-round, though March to May gets very hot. If you're planning around the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, those happen every month so timing is easy to work around.

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

New Zealand and Australian passport holders get 60 days visa-free in Thailand, which was extended from 30 days in 2024. That's enough for most trips. If you're planning longer, look into the tourist visa or the Thailand Long Term Resident visa. Always check the latest requirements before you travel as these rules do get updated.

How much does backpacking Thailand cost?

Thailand is one of the cheapest countries in South East Asia to travel. A pad thai from a street stall is 60 to 80 baht (roughly $3). A dorm bed in a decent hostel is $10 to $20 a night. Local transport is very cheap. Budget $40 to $60 a day for a comfortable backpacker experience. The islands push costs up slightly, especially Koh Samui and Phuket, but Koh Tao and Koh Lanta stay affordable.

Is Thailand safe for solo travellers?

Thailand is one of the most well-established solo travel destinations in the world. The infrastructure is set up for it: easy transport between cities and islands, backpacker hostels with social common areas everywhere, and a well-worn traveller trail that makes it simple to meet people. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands all have large communities of solo travellers. Standard common sense applies as it does anywhere, but Thailand has a deserved reputation for being very welcoming.

What's the Full Moon Party and is it worth going to?

The Full Moon Party happens on Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan every month on the night of the full moon. It's a massive beach party that runs from sundown to sunrise, with multiple stages, fire shows, and somewhere between 10,000 and 30,000 people depending on the month. Is it worth it? Yes, once. It's genuinely one of those experiences that doesn't translate in photos. Go, stay safe, look after your belongings, and don't make any major decisions after 2am. We can build it into your Thailand itinerary if the timing works.

Can I combine Thailand with other South East Asian countries?

It's one of the most common things people do. Thailand connects naturally to Vietnam and Cambodia via overland or short flights. Bali is an easy flight and a popular pairing. The Philippines is also doable as part of a bigger trip. Talk to our team about putting together a multi-country itinerary that makes geographic sense and doesn't eat your whole budget in flights.