Pack your backpack and let's discover the magic of Thailand's most beautiful regions together! In 23 days, we will explore the megacity of Bangkok, enjoy the dream beaches on Thailand's most beautiful islands, hike through idyllic rice fields in the mountains and cycle through the UNESCO temple ruins of the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai. XXL itinerary through Thailand: Bangkok 🏙️ -> Koh Tao 🏝️ -> Koh Phangan 🏝️ -> Krabi 🏞️ -> Koh Phi Phi 🏝️ -> Phuket 🏄🏼 -> Chiang Mai 🍜 -> Pai 🌿 -> Chiang Mai 🍜 -> Sukhothai 🏯 -> Bangkok ✈️ Your tripmates: Timo - 🙋🏻♂️🇩🇪 - Tripleader (Thailand part 1 & 2) Nenad - 🙋🏻♂️🇩🇪 - Tripmate (Thailand part 1 & 2) David - 🙋🏻♂️🇩🇪 - Tripmate (Thailand part 1 & 2) Anja - 🙋♀️🇩🇪 - Tripmate (Thailand part 1 & 2) Luisa - 🙋♀️🇩🇪 - Tripmate (Thailand part 1) Sebastian - 🙋🏻♂️🇩🇪 - Tripmate (Thailand part 1) ‼️Achtung: This trip is already full. But there is still a free place for the second part (Northern Thailand). _____________________________________________ ℹ️ OVERVIEW: Day 1-3: Arrival in Bangkok 🏙️ We all meet in Bangkok for dinner at the latest, get to know each other personally and discuss the next few days. I will be happy to give you helpful tips in advance on the easiest and cheapest way to get from the airport to your accommodation in Bangkok. If you are arriving in Bangkok a few days early, please let me know and I will be happy to give you tips on how to make the most of the time until your trip. If it's your first time in Bangkok, I'll show you some of the typical (but worth seeing) highlights of the Thai capital. But we also like to visit the less touristy corners of my new hometown. Decide what you want to focus on: - Street food 🍜 - Shopping 🛍️ - Culture 🏯 - History 🏛️ - Nightlife 🍻 Day 4-7: Koh Tao - the diving paradise 🏝️ The island of Koh Tao is a comparatively small island and offers a relaxed start to our Thailand round trip. Koh Tao is particularly famous for its underwater world. There is a really wide range of diving schools and prices are low due to the high level of competition. If you're planning to do a diving course, this is the place for you (costs: €250-300, ❌ not included). You can decide spontaneously on the island, but please let us talk about it in advance, as we may have to change the schedule. Day 7-10: Koh Phangan - the modern hippie island 🏝️ Koh Phangan used to be an insider tip many years ago, when backpackers and hippies from all over the world celebrated a big party once a month on the beach of Haad Rin. Nowadays, the Fullmoon Party attracts thousands of guests every month to drink cocktails from beach buckets in colorful neon shirts and dance in the sand to electronic music. But the island has much more to offer than just this one party night, let yourself be surprised! Day 10-11: Krabi - The outdoor paradise 🏞️ Krabi is the gateway to the islands on Thailand's west coast, so cozy Krabi will be our next stopover before we continue on to the islands on Thailand's west coast. We will spend the afternoon exploring this small provincial town and sampling all kinds of street food at the cozy night market. Krabi is particularly popular with climbers and outdoor fans. If we agree as a group, we can also spend an extra night here and spend one night less on the islands before or after. Day 11-13: Koh Phi Phi - the picture-book island 🌴 Hardly any other island in Thailand is more synonymous with a dream island than Koh Phi Phi. Ever since Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Beach", the region around the tranquil island of Koh Phi Phi has become a magnet for visitors from all over the world. There is always something going on on Koh Phi Phi, from morning to morning. Day 13-15: Phuket - Thailand's largest island 🏄 Our next and last stop in the south is the largest (and most touristy) island in Thailand, Phuket. As this stop should not be missed on a round trip to Thailand, we will pick out the most beautiful beaches here, which offer the perfect conditions for surfing beginners and bodyboarding. The island's capital Phuket Town also attracts visitors with its beautiful old town and offers interesting options for shopping enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans. Day 15-17: Chiang Mai - the culinary heart of Thailand 🍲 From Krabi, we will take a direct flight to Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand (❌checked baggage not included!). We will spend several days here and explore the charming and traditional city and its surroundings. The local cuisine here is really excellent (also veggie & vegan friendly) and a highlight for all foodies. 🍜 🍍 Day 17-20: Pai - Koh Phi Phi in the mountains of Thailand 🏞️ Afterwards, the picturesque mountain village of Pai awaits us. The village, which is very popular with backpackers and hippies, has something for everyone. There is plenty of party and action here, but also relaxation in hot springs, beautiful rice terraces and bizarre natural wonders such as the "Pai Canyon". We will explore the very scenic and relaxed landscape on our own by scooter. 🛵 ⛰️ Day 20-21: Chiang Mai - buffer day From Pai we head back to Chiang Mai, where we have the chance to see more highlights of this temple city. However, we can also use this day to stay longer in Pai or to explore the area between Chiang Mai and Pai. Day 21-23: Sukhothai - the most beautiful temple ruins in Thailand 🏯 From Chiang Mai, continue by bus to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai. The former kingdom of Sukhothai was once the origin of the country and is still considered the cradle of Thai culture. Here we will explore the ancient ruins by bike, picturesquely nestled between palm trees and lakes. 🛤️🏯 Day 23: Bangkok - return to the megacity At the end of our Thailand backpacking round trip, we take the train from Sukhothai via Phitsanulok back to Bangkok. If you are staying longer in Thailand or traveling in Southeast Asia, I have a few more hot tips for you. ✈️🏙️ _____________________________________________ What can you expect on this trip? ➕ 100% backpacking feeling 🎒 ➕ Get to know all facets of Thailand 🌿🏯🌴 ➕ Enjoy the most beautiful islands in Thailand 🏝️ ➕ Get your diving license spontaneously and dive with the turtles of Koh Tao 🐢🐟 ➕ A cool international travel group that's up for islands, partying and traveling 🌏🤗 ➕ Enough flexibility to be able to adapt our travel plans spontaneously What is included in the price? ✅ All transfers (night bus, train, flight, cab, speedboat, ferry, bus, minivan) ✅ Accommodations (in shared double rooms/bungalows) ✅ Thai SIM Card with 20GB 4G/5G Internet ✅ Sightseeing Tour (incl. entrance fees) - Bangkok ✅ Snorkeling boattrip full day incl. lunch - Koh Tao ✅ Scooter rental 2 days - Koh Phangan Entrance fee national park - Koh Phi Phi ✅ Scooter rental 1 day - Phuket ✅ Sightseeing tour (incl. entrance fees) - Chiang Mai ✅ 1x lunch (authentic thai noodlesoup) - Chiang Mai ✅ Scooter rental 1 day - Pai Entrance fee + bicycle Sukhothai Historical Park - Sukhothai ✅ 24/7 Customer Service and Support. ✅ Travel Insurance for Trip Mates coming from Austria and Germany. What is not included in the tour price? ❌ (International) Flights to/from Bangkok ❌ Daily Meals, Snacks & Drinks (approx. 5€-15€ per day) ❌ Scooter fuel (approx. 2€ per day) ❌ Optional: Check In luggage on flight Phuket - Chiang Mai ❌ Optional: single room upgrade (approx. 10-20€ per day) ❌ Everything else which is marked with ❌ or not listed _____________________________________________ ℹ️ TIME OF TRAVEL: Low season 🌦️ We will be traveling in the off-season. It is no longer as hot as in spring and the climate is generally more bearable. The rainy season has already started in some parts of the country. This means that there may be heavy showers in the evening or afternoon, but continuous rain is very rare. For me, the low season is the best time to visit Thailand. Everything is green and in bloom, 🌺🌳 the air is clean and the tourist crowds take a short break. _____________________________________________
ABOUT YOUR TRIPLEADER: I've been exploring the world for 10 years now and have lost my heart to Thailand. In 2024, I moved from Germany to Bangkok together with my girlfriend Hannah. From here, I regularly travel to new and old regions in Southeast Asia. Since Hannah can only travel with me during school vacations, I look forward to meeting cool tripmates from all over the world so that I don't have to discover the most amazing places in Southeast Asia alone. _____________________________________________ HOW DO I TRAVEL? I'm a fan of the simple life, live a vegetarian lifestyle and prefer a cheap and sustainable backpacking travel style. That means: - (hand luggage) backpack 🎒 instead of a suitcase 🧳🚫 - Simple, clean rooms in local guesthouses 🏡 or sociable hostels 🏠 - Good and cheap local food 🍲 - Beer 🍺 and cocktails 🍹 preferably at happy hour instead of fancy drinks at the rooftop bar 🍸 - Travel like the locals, slower but 100% authentic 🚂 - Sightseeing on your own 🛵 instead of organized tourist groups 🚐 _____________________________________________ MY EXPECTATIONS: My ideal tripmates share a passion for simple and authentic backpacking travel. On our Thailand round trip, we will travel to very different areas, some very touristy and some so idyllic and relaxed that you won't want to leave. It is therefore important to me that you are open to the different places and that you can motivate yourself to hike through rice fields and visit a temple complex after a week's beach vacation. 🤗 IMPORTANT❗We are going on a BACKPACKING trip. 😉 On this trip, we are traveling with many different means of transport and suitcases are sometimes really impractical. I therefore prefer tripmates who swap their suitcase for a backpack. 🧳🚫 _____________________________________________
ℹ️ ACCOMODATION: On our Thailand round trip we will stay in simple but clean and well-kept hostels 🏠 or in family-run homestays and bungalow resorts 🏡. The whole thing is planned as a backpacking trip, so the accommodation is generally functional and does not meet the expectations of a 4* all-inclusive hotel ;) Two people always stay in a twin room (separate beds, of course), usually with their own bathroom, sometimes with a shared bathroom if necessary (depending on the size of the group and local availability). It is almost always possible to upgrade to a private room. The costs must then be paid on site (€10-20 extra per night, not included ❌). _____________________________________________ ℹ️ Travel safely as a woman ♀ and LGBTQ 🏳️🌈: I am aware that it can be a big hurdle to embark on a travel adventure with unknown male travel partners from different cultural backgrounds. However, to take away as many worries as possible right from the start and create more security, you can rely on the following measures: 1) Separate rooms 🚪 If no other woman is taking part in this trip alongside you, I will book you your own single room or bed in a dormitory of the same sex at your request. This means you always have a place to retreat to and a safe space, at no extra cost! 2) Woman to woman 🙋🏻♀️ On all my trips that start in Bangkok, there is the possibility that you can get to know my partner Hannah personally at our first dinner together. Should a situation arise during the trip where you feel uncomfortable and prefer to have a woman as your contact person, you can contact her or my co-tripleader Lama from JMT. 3) You always have a choice ⛔ If you realize during the first few days that the chemistry just isn't right or you feel uncomfortable in the presence of other tripmates and we can't improve the situation through a confidential conversation, you can cancel the trip as a last resort even after the trip has started. And without having to pay the full cost of the trip. I will refund you the full amount of your trip price in the local currency, minus - Costs already incurred for activities, accommodation and transportation - JoinMyTrip commission (10-15% of the trip price, JMT may refund you the fees afterwards) - Costs for future bookings that can no longer be canceled (e.g. flights, train/bus or accommodation) As a rule, you should receive at least 60-70% of your travel price back. Money should therefore not be a motive that prevents you from listening to your gut feeling! _____________________________________________ If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas, please send me a message and let's chat in advance. It is also possible to shorten the trip and return to Bangkok earlier.
What's included?
All accomodations (shared rooms)
All transfers (Flight, Bus, Ferry, Taxi)
Sightseeing Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai
Scooter Rentals Koh Phangan, Phuket, Pai
Entrance Fee Phi Phi National Park
Entrance Fee UNESCO Historical Sukhothai
Thailand SIM Card 20GB 4G/5G Internet
This ship has sailed!
Unfortunately this trip has commenced or been completed already. But don't worry! We have a lot more similar trips that you could check out.
Hi! I’m Timo 👋 I travel a lot and I'm always happy to meet new people. I am a passionate frugalist and try to live a sustainable life. 🫶🌏
4.89 based on 18 reviews
Katrin
5/5
Our trip with Timo was truly extraordinary—honestly, the best trip I’ve ever taken 🥥. Timo is an incredibly empathetic and attentive tour guide ☺️. Communication was consistently clear, reliable, and detailed, both before and during the trip. He always took the time to explain everything calmly and was available for any question, which gave us a very secure feeling right from the start👌🏼. I was particularly impressed by how much he catered to the individual needs of each group member. He always thought ahead, tried to make wishes come true, and never lost sight of the big picture. Even when the weather wasn’t on our side, we always found a solution. His calm, pleasant demeanor made the whole trip very relaxed. He places great importance on introducing the country’s culture with respect. You can tell that this is truly important to him 🇹🇭. We also got to learn a few words of Thai from him. We got to experience authentic food 🥬🍍🍉🍠🍜, and he made sure there were always suitable vegetarian options, which I really appreciated 😉. Another thing I really appreciated: He truly takes the time for everyone. If someone has never ridden a scooter before, he calmly explains everything, demonstrates the basics, and lets you practice in a safe spot until you feel comfortable 🛵💨. Overall, you can just tell how knowledgeable he is. Even after the trip, he remained helpful and, for example, assisted me with finding a hotel in Bangkok—that’s definitely not something you can take for granted. Especially as a woman, you can travel with him without any reservations and really don’t have to worry about a thing. I felt safe at all times 🤝🏽. I highly recommend traveling with Timo to everyone 🧳.
Our journey begins in the classic way in Bangkok near the legendary Khao San Road, the perfect starting point for backpackers in Bangkok. We meet here in the evening for our first dinner together. Afterwards, you can experience the legendary nightlife up close and get in the mood for the coming days. The culture shock is at its lowest in this area and you quickly get used to Thai street life. The next day, we explore the magnificent temples of Wat Arun and Wat Saket (✅ entrance fee included). These historical sites are not only a must-see for every visitor, but also offer breathtaking photo opportunities. Please remember to wear appropriate clothing (shoulders and knees must be covered). Afterwards, we will take a short boat tour on Thailand's largest river and immerse ourselves in the bustling and crazy hustle and bustle of China Town. We will stroll through the streets, try all kinds of crazy street food creations and be fascinated by the countless small stores. In the evening, a visit to one of the many night markets awaits us, where there is a huge selection of street food. The next day is free for shopping in Bangkok's most modern malls or relaxing in Bangkok's largest parks, Lumphini and Benjakitti Park, and watching monitor lizards and turtles. After dinner, we will then take a comfortable night bus to the south and catch a ferry to our first dream island. We will then arrive on Koh Tao early in the morning and have the day at leisure. ℹ️ If you have been to Bangkok and Khao San Road before, we can also set up camp in the heart of Bangkok around Sukhumvit Road and immerse ourselves in the daily life of modern Bangkok.
2
Ko Tao
Day 4-7
To recover from the long journey, it's time to relax on the beach. If you are interested in a diving course (or a trial dive), we will be happy to look for a suitable diving school together. It is important to pay attention to criteria such as course language, PADI/SSI certification, diving instructor, group size, pool and condition of the equipment. As an experienced diver, I am happy to help you choose the right diving school. In the evening, we get in the mood for the coming days at a pub crawl or in one of the beach bars (❌ drinks not included). The next day, a snorkeling trip to various bays around the island awaits those who don't want to dive (✅ included in the tour price). If you want to experience even more action, there are numerous other activities that can be booked spontaneously on site (❌ not included in the tour price). The most popular activities include - Island exploration by scooter - (Trial) diving - Muai Thai boxing - Thai cooking class etc.
3
Ko Pha-ngan District
Day 7-10
transport method map marker Ko Pha-ngan District calendar Day 7-10 Slide 1 of 7 Previous Next Edit images After a few relaxing days on Koh Tao, we move on to the larger neighboring island of Koh Phangan. The biggest beach party in Southeast Asia takes place here every month, but we will miss it. But there are plenty of other half-moon, black moon, jungle and beach parties here, so don't worry ;) We will rent a scooter here (✅ included) to discover the various beaches, waterfalls, view points, coconut plantations and hidden spots.
4
Krabi
Day 10-11
After just under a week on the islands, we will leave the Gulf of Thailand and travel by ferry and bus to the west coast. The journey will take at least half a day. Once we arrive in Krabi, we will use the late afternoon and evening to explore the relaxed city and eat together at the local street food night market. ℹ️ If you would like to spend more time in Krabi, for example climbing, kayaking, visiting temples or hiking, there is also the option of spending a night on the islands and then staying in Krabi. However, we can decide this relatively spontaneously.
5
Phi Phi Islands
Day 11-13
From Krabi, we continue by ferry to Koh Phi Phi. A small island nestled in the middle of two mountains with two beautiful beaches. As we are traveling in the low season, luckily it is not that busy. So we probably won't have the great beaches to ourselves. If Koh Phi Phi isn't perfect enough for you, I can recommend a half-day trip to nearby Maya Bay (❌ not included in the tour price). This island is uninhabited and only boats with day trippers visit this beautiful bay. In addition to some scenes on Khao San Road, "The Beach" was filmed here in 2000, with Leonardo DiCaprio and a handful of hippies living on this beautiful beach before they all got island fever. The film paved the way for today's backpacking scene and made Thailand known worldwide as a dream destination. Unfortunately, it's no longer as idyllic as it was back then, but it's still worth a visit. Otherwise, Koh Phi Phi has an outstanding nightlife, with numerous bars, fire shows on the beach and a vibe all of its own.
6
Phuket
Day 13-15
After the smallest island on our Thailand round trip, we are now heading to Thailand's largest island for 3 days. Phuket is the destination of choice for package tourists and all-inclusive tourists from all over the world. However, this has not yet detracted from the beauty of the extensive beaches. The waves on the long, gently sloping beaches are perfect, especially for surfers or anyone who wants to give it a try. We will hire a scooter here for a day (✅ included) and explore the most beautiful beaches and view points. As an alternative to the beach (or in bad weather), Phuket Town offers a good contrast. Old restored colonial architecture, many beautiful boutiques, hip cafes and, for Harry Potter fans, the opportunity to drink a Butterbeer in the Hog's Head Pub.
7
Chiang Mai International Airport
Day 15-17
The next day, we head to the airport and take the plane to Chiang Mai (❌ checked baggage not included, only hand luggage). The city in the north of Thailand is pretty much the opposite of Phuket. We will visit two of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai (✅ entrance fee included) and enjoy a typical northern Thai noodle soup for lunch (✅ included). In the evening, you can sample more Thai specialties at the night market or plunge into the nightlife. The next day is at leisure. It is ideal for a shopping tour (there are many good 2nd hand shops) or an excursion into the surrounding area. ℹ️ I only ever travel with hand luggage myself. It saves me time before the flight, at check-in and after landing. If you're worried that you won't have enough clothes for the trip, I can reassure you. Especially in Thailand, you can have your clothes washed anywhere for little money. Please note that only one hand luggage backpack is included on this flight (7kg, 56 x 36 x 23cm), whereby 95% of flights do not weigh or measure anything. Otherwise there are also a few tricks ;-). If you need checked baggage, please let me know immediately after booking so that I can book an additional piece of baggage for you (❌ not included in the travel price).
8
Pai Walking Street
Day 17-20
The next morning, we set off from Chiang Mai to Pai. The journey by minivan is a bit of an adventure - the winding roads (there are exactly 762 bends!) are not for sensitive stomachs and the drivers get the most out of their Toyotas on the route. The atmosphere in Pai is super relaxed and the landscape is simply beautiful. You'll meet great people in the evening on the small party mile and can decide which activities you want to do the next day. (no more temples, unless explicitly requested 😉) We then rent a scooter again (✅ included) and explore the surroundings of Pai on our own. The second day is at leisure. The following Pai highlights are already included in the tour price (✅ included): - White Buddha (huge Buddha statue on a hill, great view) - Pai Canyon (natural phenomenon that is difficult to describe) - Yun Lai Viewpoint (beautiful view of the valley from a Chinese temple, if you like you can enjoy a cup of tea) - Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge (very beautiful bamboo bridge through rice terraces to a small temple) - Hot spring, geyser that spews out boiling hot water (NOT suitable for bathing) - Relaxed scooter ride through a very beautiful and varied landscape However, there are other highlights around Pai that you can visit on your own the next day. (❌ not included in the tour price): - Pham bok waterfalls - Susa waterfall - Lod cave - Hot springs for bathing - Nam bor pee sink hole - Doi jik jong National Park - Rafting and tubing tours - Reforestation project with visit of forest elephants
9
Chiang Mai
Day 20-21
We can use this buffer day to get to know Chiang Mai better or to explore the area around Chiang Mai by scooter (❌scooter hire not included). There is also the option of staying a day longer in the mountains and traveling directly from Pai to Sukhothai the next day.
10
Sukhothai Historical Park
Day 21-23
The last day in Pai has dawned and our Thailand round trip is slowly coming to an end. After breakfast, we will take the minivan back to Chiang Mai and from here continue by bus to Sukhothai, the last highlight of our Thailand trip. The next morning we will visit the Historical Park in Sukhothai, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will hire bicycles (✅ included) and explore the truly impressive ruins of ancient temples and monuments. The entire complex stretches over several kilometers and gives a good impression of the glorious past of the kingdom of Sukhothai. The tranquil atmosphere makes this place perfect for unique photos and a relaxing break by the water under the palm trees. We will spend our last evening together here at a lovely street food night market before our return journey to Bangkok the next morning.
11
Bangkok
Day 23
On our last day of travel, we will travel back to Bangkok by bus and train. The leisurely train ride is another little experience, as the old Thai railroad is gradually being modernized and replaced by Chinese high-speed trains. Once we arrive in Bangkok, I will be happy to give you tips for your onward journey or your last days in Thailand's capital.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hostel & Bed & Breakfast & Hotel
23 days trip
Bangkok, Ko Tao & 9 more
Transportation
Boat, Other, Plane, Car, Train
Questions and Answers
Moin Timo, would it be possible to have a WA conversation, as I have a few questions for you? LG
Hi Nenad, Unfortunately, I can't give out a cell phone number until you've made a reservation. But we can write via private chat where we can clarify all the details. I'll send you a message right awa... Read More
What's excluded?
International Flights to/from Bangkok
Personal expenses (Meals/Drinks/Party)
Activities which are not listed
Check in luggage Phuket - Chiang Mai
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