Thailand 1 Month Itinerary: 30 Days to Slow Down & Explore

One month in Thailand is the golden ticket. You have enough time to skip the rushed feeling, experience multiple regions deeply, and actually live like a local in some places rather than just passing through.

With 30 days, you can pace yourself: spend 2-4 days per destination without feeling like you're missing something, take rest days, go on spontaneous day trips, or extend your time in a place you fall in love with. This is the length that separates "tourists" from "travelers."

This guide covers a proven 30-day structure with flexibility built in, so you can swap destinations based on what calls to you.

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The 30-Day Master Plan: Four Phases

Phase 1: Central Thailand & Temples (Days 1-7)

Focus: Ancient capital, Bangkok energy, transition to slower pace Route: Bangkok (3) → Ayutthaya (1) → Sukhothai (2) → Return to Bangkok (1)

Why this order: Ease into travel rhythm, spread legs after flight, see Thailand's historical heart before hitting the mountains

Phase 2: North — Mountains & Culture (Days 8-14)

Focus: Hill tribe culture, mountain adventures, temple immersion Route: Chiang Mai (4) → Pai (2) → Chiang Rai (1) OR just Chiang Mai (5)

Why this order: Direct flight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, then explore outward, return to base

Phase 3: Gulf Islands — Island Hopping (Days 15-22)

Focus: Snorkeling, diving, beach time, slower island pace Route: Koh Samui (2) → Koh Phangan (2) → Koh Tao (3) → Koh Samui or back to mainland (1)

Why this order: Ferry-connected loop, best dive sites, increasing isolation as you move through islands

Phase 4: Andaman & Return (Days 23-30)

Focus: Dramatic coastline, second island coast option, wrap-up Route: Phuket (1) → Krabi (2) → Koh Lanta (2) → Phuket (1) → Bangkok (1) → Fly home

Why this order: Geographically efficient, iconic destinations, buffer days for rest or unexpected stays

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Phase 1: Central Thailand (Days 1-7)

Day 1-2: Bangkok Arrival & Orientation

Arrival flow:

• Land Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• Airport train to city (45 min, 45 baht)
• SIM card at airport (AIS/dtac, 99 baht/week 4G)
• Check into Khao San Road area hostel (200-300 baht/night)

Day 1 activities:

• Rest, wander Khao San Road
• Dinner, meet other backpackers
• Early night (jet lag incoming)

Day 2 activities:

• 8:00am: Grand Palace tour (90 baht, 2-3 hours)
• 11:30am: Wat Pho (100 baht, massive reclining Buddha)
• Lunch: Local restaurant near temple
• 2:00pm: Wat Saket (golden stupa, free, great views)
• Evening: Longtail boat through khlongs (canals) in Thonburi (500-800 baht, 2 hours)
• Late dinner: Street food night market

Budget: ~1,500 baht (accommodation, food, transport, entry fees)

Day 3: Bangkok Local Experience

Skip the tourist circuit. Experience Bangkok like locals do:

• 8:00am: Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturdays/Sundays only—15,000 stalls, go early)
• Lunch: Market food court (30-50 baht per dish)
• 2:00pm: Sukhumvit Road exploration (modern Bangkok, cafes, massage)
• 4:00pm: Lumphini Park (green space, tai chi classes at sunrise if you return)
• Evening: Dinner at local soi (alley) restaurant or street food
• Optional: Muay Thai fight at Rajadamnern Stadium (500-3,000 baht)

Budget: ~800 baht

Day 4: Day Trip to Ayutthaya (Ancient Capital)

Transport: Train or minivan from Bangkok

• Train: 15 baht (1.5 hours) from Hua Lamphong Station to Ayutthaya
• Minivan: 100 baht from Northern Bus Terminal (faster, less romantic)

Activities:

• Arrive 11:00am, check into guesthouse (300-400 baht)
• Rent bicycle (50 baht/day) for temple exploring
• Temples to see (all free or 20 baht entry):
  • Wat Mahathat (iconic ruins with Buddha head in tree roots)
  • Wat Ratchaburana (climbing allowed, views)
  • Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (still-active temple, less crowded)
• Sunset at riverside, dinner with local food
• Evening: Return to Bangkok train (15 baht, night train if staying overnight)

Budget: ~1,000 baht (accommodation, bike, temples, food, transport)

Day 5: Sukhothai Side Trip (Optional) OR Stay Bangkok

If extending central Thailand (4-day variant):

Transport: Ayutthaya → Sukhothai minivan (3 hours, 120 baht) OR Bangkok → Sukhothai direct (5 hours, 200 baht)

Activities:

• Arrive afternoon, check in (200-300 baht)
• Explore Sukhothai Historical Park (100 baht entry, rent bicycle, 4-5 hours)
• Ancient capital ruins, oldest Thai temples
• Dinner: Local noodle specialties
• Rest and sleep

If skipping Sukhothai:

• Stay Bangkok Day 5
• Explore Dusit district (palaces, museums, royal sights)
• OR rest day: spa, laundry, internet

Budget: ~1,000 baht if doing Sukhothai; ~600 baht if staying Bangkok

Day 6-7: Return to Bangkok, Prepare for North

• Day 6: Return from Ayutthaya or Sukhothai (morning train/minivan back to Bangkok)
• Afternoon: Hostel rest, laundry, plan next phase
• Evening: Last Bangkok dinner with friends made, pack light
• Day 7: Sleep in, final market wander, late flight to Chiang Mai (evening departure)

Budget: ~1,000 baht (accommodation, food, transport, misc)

Phase 1 Total Budget: ~6,500-7,500 baht (~$185-210 for 7 days)

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Phase 2: North — Mountains & Culture (Days 8-14)

Transport: Bangkok → Chiang Mai

Options:

• Flight: Bangkok Airways/Thai Lion/Nok Air (1 hour, 600-1,500 baht)
• Overnight train: Sleeper train (13 hours, 1,200-2,000 baht, includes breakfast)
• Bus: VIP bus (10 hours, 500-800 baht)

Recommendation: Book flights 2+ weeks ahead (cheapest), or sleeper train if you want experience.

Days 8-11: Chiang Mai Base (4 Days)

Arrival flow:

• Arrive morning, check into Old City hostel (250-350 baht/night)
• Breakfast at hostel
• Day-of options:

Day 8 itinerary (Arrival Day):

• Rest from transport
• Walk Old City walls (free, 4km loop)
• Lunch: Khao soi (local curry noodle—must-try)
• Afternoon: Visit one temple (Wat Chedi Luang, free)
• Evening: Walking Street night market (Sundays only) or street food at Nimmanhaemin Road

Day 9 itinerary (Activity Day):

Option A: Elephant Sanctuary (Full-Day, Best Ethical)

• Book night before at hostel (avoid direct from street tours)
• Cost: 1,500-2,000 baht
• Departure: 7:00am, return 4:00pm
• Activities: Walk with elephants, bathe in river, feed, learn history
• Lunch included
• Reality check: No performing elephants, visiting only (ethical approach)

Option B: Jungle Zip-Lining or Trekking

• Zip-line: 1,500-2,000 baht (3-4 hours)
• Hiking: Join hostel trek to hill tribe village (1,200-1,500 baht, 6-8 hours)
• Both include transport and lunch

Day 10 itinerary (Explore Day):

• 7:00am: Sunrise at Doi Suthep temple (take songthaew up at 5:30am, 40 baht)
• 9:00am: Explore temple, walk forest trails
• Descent by foot (3km downhill, 45 min) or songthaew back
• Lunch: Chiang Mai specialty restaurant
• Afternoon: Cooking class (400-600 baht, 4 hours, cook 4-5 dishes, eat lunch you make)
• Evening: Night bazaar exploration, shopping for crafts

Day 11 itinerary (Free Day or Half-Day):

• Sleep in, hostel breakfast
• Explore Nimman neighborhood (young vibe, coffee, design shops)
• Thai massage (200 baht/hour)
• Afternoon: Motorbike ride (200 baht rental) to Pa Pae Village—waterfalls, mountain views
• OR: Just chill at hostel, rest before travel

Accommodation: Dorm bed in Old City hostel (budget-friendly, social, good location)

Food Budget: 150-200 baht/day (street food + local restaurants, khao soi ~50 baht)

Days 12-13: Pai (Mountain Town Escape) OR Extra Chiang Mai

Option A: Add Pai (Hilly Backpacker Town)

Transport: Chiang Mai → Pai (3 hours by minivan, 150 baht)

Day 12: Pai Arrival

• Arrive mid-morning
• Check into hostel (250 baht)
• Walk Main Street (cheap eats, craft shops)
• Lunch: Local noodles or Western food (Pai is very traveler-friendly)
• Afternoon: Waterfall hike (Baan Pam Waterfall, 2km trek, free)
• Sunset: Mountain views from any hilltop
• Evening: Pai Walking Street night market

Day 13: Pai Adventure Day

• Full-day motorbike ride (rent 250 baht/day):
  • Tham Lot Cave (local cave, spelunking, 600 baht)
  • Land split waterfall (Baan Hom Mae Sui, beautiful, free)
  • Baan Chang Elephant Camp (ethical, 1,000 baht half-day)
  • Drive scenic mountain roads
• OR: Stay in Pai doing nothing (this is the vibe—no pressure)
• Evening: Chill at hostel, friend bonfire on beach area

Return to Chiang Mai: Evening minivan (150 baht)

Option B: Stay Extra Days in Chiang Mai Instead

• Day 12-13: Motorbike loop to Doi Inthanon National Park (highest peak, 2,565m)
• Rent motorbike (200 baht), follow road up with panoramic views
• Stop at viewpoints, twin waterfalls
• Picnic lunch
• Visit Karen village (ethical, not touristy—ask hostel for recommendations)

Budget for Pai 2 days: ~1,500 baht (accommodation, motorbike, food, activities)

Day 14: Return to Bangkok or Optional Chiang Rai

Option A: Return Bangkok → Fly Out From Bangkok (Day 15)

• Minivan Chiang Mai → Bangkok (11 hours overnight, 500-800 baht) OR fly (1 hour, 800-1,500 baht)
• Overnight arrival morning in Bangkok
• Day to rest, pack, prepare for flight

Option B: Quick Chiang Rai (1 Day)

• Minivan Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai (3 hours, 150 baht)
• Arrive early afternoon
• Visit White Temple (Wat Rong Khun, stunning, 50 baht)
• Black Temple (Baan Sai—traditional Thai artist's house, interesting, 100 baht)
• Lunch: Khao soi (Chiang Rai specializes)
• Overnight train back to Bangkok (1,200 baht) or fly next morning

Phase 2 Total Budget: ~6,000-7,500 baht (~$170-215 for 7 days)

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Phase 3: Gulf Islands (Days 15-22)

Transport: Bangkok → Gulf Islands

From Bangkok (or Chiang Mai):

• Fly Bangkok → Surat Thani, then ferry (fastest): 1,500-2,500 baht
• Bus + ferry combo from Bangkok (12 hours, 1,000-1,200 baht): Arrive next day
• Direct ferry from Chumphon Port (port is 8 hours from Bangkok by bus)

Book route: 12Go Asia app or hostel staff (7-10 days ahead)

Island Positioning: The Perfect Loop

The three main islands form a tight ferry triangle. The route below is geographically efficient:

Koh Samui → Koh Phangan → Koh Tao → Back to Samui or Mainland

Days 15-16: Koh Samui (Biggest, Most Comfortable)

Arrival & Settling In:

• Check into Chaweng Beach hostel or bungalow (300-400 baht)
• Grab dinner on main strip
• Meet other island hoppers

Day 15 activities:

• Breakfast, swim in Chaweng (main beach)
• Massage or rest (plane/transport fatigue)
• Sunset beer watching other travelers
• Dinner: Fresh seafood grilled at beach shack (200 baht)

Day 16 activities:

• Option A: Snorkeling day trip

  • Angthong Marine National Park (900 baht full-day, 7am-4pm)
  • Kayak through lagoons, snorkel reefs, limestone islands
  • Lunch on beach included
  • Incredible experience, worth the early morning

• Option B: Relax in Samui

  • Swim, massage (200 baht/hour)
  • Explore Lamai Beach (opposite side, slightly quieter)
  • Thai cooking class at hostel (500 baht)

Food: ~150-200 baht/day (night market, cheap restaurants)

Days 17-18: Koh Phangan (Party Island, but More to Explore)

Transport: Ferry Koh Samui → Koh Phangan (30-45 min, 100-150 baht, multiple companies)

Arrival & Settling:

• Check into hostel in Thong Sala port area or Hat Rin beach (250-350 baht)
• Phangan is known for Full Moon Party (monthly rave on beach)
• Reality check: Full Moon is touristy, expensive, packed. Equally fun alternative: quiet beaches elsewhere on island

Day 17 activities:

• Settle into island rhythm
• Afternoon: Jungle waterfall hike (Phaeng Waterfall, 2km, free)
• Evening: Street food at Thong Sala market
• Swim if water is calm

Day 18 activities:

• Option A: If Full Moon Week

  • Prep for party: Sleep during day, charge up
  • Evening: Head to Had Rin Beach
  • Night: Full Moon Party (body paint, glow sticks, beach rave, 300-500 baht entry fee + drinks)
  • Reality: Deafening music, crowded, sweaty, but iconic experience

• Option B: If Not Full Moon Week

  • Better option: Explore quiet beaches (Bottle Beach, Haad Khom)
  • Motorbike rental (200 baht), scenic rides
  • Snorkeling off Koh Phangan's quieter east coast (free)
  • Sunset dinner at beachfront restaurant

Budget: ~1,200-1,500 baht/day (accommodation, food, activities)

Days 19-21: Koh Tao (Best Diving, Most Backpackery)

Transport: Ferry Koh Phangan → Koh Tao (2 hours, 200 baht)

Why Koh Tao:

• Cheapest scuba diving in Thailand (~3,500-4,500 baht per dive)
• Best dive sites for beginners
• Most social hostel scene (everyone is learning or has just learned to dive)
• Small island = easy navigation

Accommodation:

• Hostel on Sairee Beach (300-400 baht)
• Budget dive resort bungalows (same price)
• Excellent food scene for backpackers

Day 19: Arrival & Snorkeling Intro

• Arrive morning or afternoon
• Check in, explore Sairee Beach
• Optional: Snorkeling half-day or sunset boat trip (400-500 baht)
• Hostel dinner (meet divers)
• Early night (busy schedule ahead if diving)

Days 20-21: Diving or Deep Snorkeling

Option A: PADI Certification (3 Days Total)

• If you commit 2-3 days: Open Water Cert (10,000-12,000 baht)
• Days 19-21 all-in on diving
• Become certified diver
• See Nang Yuan Island, Japanese Gardens, Hin Wong Reef
• Social bonding with dive instructors and fellow divers
• Cost is worth it: Cheapest cert in SE Asia, excellent instruction

Option B: Discover Scuba or Snorkeling

• 1-2 day intro dives without commitment (3,500 baht per dive)
• Day 20: Hin Wong & Hin Sam reef dive (best beginner site)
• Day 21: Snorkeling day trip or second dive
• Nang Yuan Island snorkel: 400 baht
• OR: Just swim and relax, reef diving can be done without cert

Koh Tao Food: Best pasta, pizza, veggie options on island (Western cooks, backpacker crowd)

Budget: ~3,500-5,000 baht/day if diving; ~1,500 if just snorkeling

Day 22: Ferry Back to Samui or Mainland

Options:

• Ferry Koh Tao → Koh Samui (1.5 hours, 150 baht), same-day ferry to Bangkok
• Ferry Koh Tao → Chumphon Port (2 hours, 300 baht), overnight train Bangkok
• Fly direct Samui → Bangkok (if you want to rest in Samui one more night)

Recommendation: Ferry to Samui, overnight minivan or fly to Bangkok

Phase 3 Total Budget: ~9,000-13,000 baht (~$255-370 for 8 days, depends on diving)

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Phase 4: Andaman Coast & Wrap-Up (Days 23-30)

Transport: Bangkok or Samui → Andaman Islands

From Bangkok:

• Fly Bangkok → Phuket (2 hours, 1,200-2,000 baht)

From Koh Samui:

• Ferry to Phuket (5 hours, 600 baht) OR fly direct (20 min, 1,500 baht)

Days 23-24: Phuket (Transit Hub, Not a Destination)

Honest take: Phuket is crowded, touristy, not worth spending full days. Use it as a transport hub only.

Day 23 activities:

• Arrive Phuket
• Check into cheap hotel or hostel in Patong (300-400 baht)
• Walk Patong Beach (understand the scene—busy, party-oriented)
• Dinner, early rest

Day 24 options:

• Option A: Day trip to Phang Nga Bay

  • James Bond Island, limestone karsts, kayaking (1,200-1,500 baht full-day tour)
  • Impressive scenery
  • Return Phuket evening

• Option B: Skip Phuket, ferry direct to Krabi

  • Ferry Phuket → Krabi (2 hours, 350 baht)
  • Spend extra night in Krabi instead

Days 25-26: Krabi (Dramatic Cliffs, Best Rock Climbing)

Transport: Ferry or minivan Phuket → Krabi (2-3 hours, 350-400 baht)

Accommodation: Ao Nang Beach or Old Town (250-400 baht/night)

Day 25 itinerary:

• Arrive afternoon
• Settle into guesthouse
• Explore Ao Nang Beach (main traveler beach, restaurants, bars)
• Sunset, dinner, meet people

Day 26 itinerary:

Option A: Railay Beach Rock Climbing Day

• Ferry Ao Nang → Railay Beach (30 min, 100 baht) or minivan (1 hour, 100 baht)
• Railay = Thailand's rock climbing capital
• Full-day top-rope course: 1,200 baht (beginners welcome, instructor included)
• Stunning rock formations, other climbers, fun community
• Evening: Swimming, dinner at Railay restaurants

Option B: Four Islands Snorkel Tour

• Day tour (8am-5pm): 900-1,200 baht
• Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Phra Nang Island
• Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking
• Lunch included
• Return Ao Nang evening

Budget: ~1,500-2,000 baht/day (accommodation, food, activities)

Days 27-28: Koh Lanta (Quiet Island, Isolation Paradise)

Transport: Krabi → Koh Lanta (2 hours boat, 200-300 baht) OR minivan-ferry (3 hours, 300 baht)

Why Koh Lanta:

• Most developed but still quiet island in Andaman
• Good for diving, snorkeling, cycling
• Fewer backpackers than Koh Tao/Samui
• Slower pace, perfect pre-departure wind-down

Accommodation:

• Island has mix of budget hostels and mid-range bungalows (250-400 baht hostel, 600+ baht private)
• Stay in Long Beach or Khlong Dao area (main tourist strips)

Day 27 itinerary:

• Arrive, check in
• Beach swim, relax
• Bicycle ride or motorbike (200 baht) explore quiet beaches
• Dinner: Local seafood restaurant
• Early night

Day 28 itinerary:

Option A: Diving Day

• Koh Lanta is dive site itself
• Book dive at accommodation (usually on-site or nearby)
• 2-3 dives: 2,500-4,000 baht total
• See rock formations, smaller crowds than Koh Tao

Option B: Just Rest

• Sleep in, massage (200 baht/hour)
• Explore island by bicycle (free)
• Swim, read, journal
• This is vacation mode now

Budget: ~1,500 baht/day (accommodation, food, leisure)

Days 29-30: Return to Bangkok, Depart

Transport: Koh Lanta → Bangkok

Option A: Minivan-Ferry-Bus Combo (Cheapest)

• Ferry Lanta → Phuket (2 hours, 300 baht)
• Minivan Phuket → Bangkok (12 hours, 500-800 baht)
• Arrive Bangkok early morning Day 30
• Rest at airport hostel (200 baht, 5-hour nap)
• Evening flight home

Option B: Fly (More Comfortable)

• Minivan Lanta → Phuket Airport (2-3 hours, 300 baht)
• Fly Phuket → Bangkok (2 hours, 1,500-2,000 baht)
• Arrive Bangkok afternoon Day 29
• Spend final night in Bangkok (300 baht hostel)
• Flight Day 30

Day 29-30 activities:

• Arrive Bangkok midday
• Final meal at restaurant (splurge a bit, celebrate)
• Laundry, pack, shower
• Evening flight home

Phase 4 Total Budget: ~7,000-9,000 baht (~$200-255 for 8 days)

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The 30-Day Budget Summary

Budget Traveler ($30-35/day)

| Item | Cost | Notes | |------|------|-------| | Accommodation | 250-350/night | Hostel dorms, basic bungalows = ~9,000 baht | | Food | 150-200/day | Street food, markets, cheap restaurants = ~5,500 baht | | Transport | 3,500-4,500 | Flights, trains, ferries, local = ~3,500 baht | | Activities | 2,500-3,500 | Temples (free-100), snorkeling (900), tours (1,000-1,500) = ~3,000 baht | | SIM + misc | 500-1,000 | Data plan, toiletries, tips = ~1,000 baht | | TOTAL | ~22,500-27,500 baht ($640-780 USD) | ~$21-26/day |

Note: If adding diving (10,000 baht) → budget increases to ~$35-40/day

Comfort Traveler ($50-60/day)

| Item | Cost | Notes | |------|------|-------| | Accommodation | 700-900/night | Private rooms, nice hostels = ~22,500 baht | | Food | 300-400/day | Mix street food + good restaurants = ~10,500 baht | | Transport | 4,000-6,000 | Flights, comfortable buses/ferries = ~4,500 baht | | Activities | 4,000-6,000 | Diving, tours, spa, nicer experiences = ~5,000 baht | | SIM + misc | 1,500-2,000 | Data, shopping, tips = ~2,000 baht | | TOTAL | ~44,500-55,500 baht ($1,270-1,585 USD) | ~$42-52/day |

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Visa and Border Info

30-Day Exemption:

• US, UK, EU citizens: 30-day visa exemption on arrival
• You get exactly 30 days—landing Day 1, must leave by Day 30
• No paperwork needed

Staying Longer (31-60 Days):

• Tourist visa (60 days): Apply at Thai embassy before travel (~40 USD)
• OR: Border run to Malaysia/Cambodia, re-enter for another 30 days (not recommended, exhausting)

At Immigration:

• Have return flight confirmation and accommodation booking
• Officer may ask "How long staying?"—answer "30 days" or planned duration
• Usually waved through for tourists

Overstay Penalty:

• 500 baht per day (100% not worth it, just leave on time or apply for extension)

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Pacing Advice (Critical)

Too Fast (7-8 Days)

• Koh Samui 1 night, Koh Phangan 1 night, Koh Tao 1 night = exhausting
• Travel becomes more important than experiences
• Meet fewer people (always leaving)

Sweet Spot (2-4 Days per Place)

• Koh Samui 2 days (settle, snorkel)
• Koh Phangan 2 days (Full Moon or exploring)
• Koh Tao 3 days (maybe get certified, definitely make friends)
• Krabi 2 days (climbing or snorkeling)
• Koh Lanta 2 days (rest, digest)

Too Slow (5+ Days per Place)

• You run out of destinations
• Risk getting bored
• Miss other islands/regions

Recommendation: 2-4 days per destination. Move when you're ready, but not always on the last day.

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Best Time for 30-Day Trip

| Season | Vibe | Weather | Crowds | Cost | |--------|------|---------|--------|------| | Nov-Feb (Cool season) | Perfect | Sunny, 25-30°C | HIGH | HIGH | | Mar-May (Hot) | Doable | 35-40°C, sunny | MEDIUM | MEDIUM | | Jun-Oct (Monsoon) | Budget travel | Rainy, humid, 28-32°C | LOW | LOW |

Recommendation: November-February is ideal (cool, dry, sunny). Book transport 3-4 weeks ahead. June-October is cheaper and less crowded (occasional rain, humidity higher).

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Pro Tips for 30 Days

Luggage:

• Keep it light: 5-7kg max
• You'll do laundry every 7 days, not carry a month's clothes
• Sarong is most useful item (temple, beach, pillow, privacy)

Money Management:

• Withdraw cash at first ATM in Bangkok (no fee usually)
• Carry 2,000-5,000 baht daily
• ATM fees are 220 baht—minimize withdrawals
• Tell bank you're traveling

Apps to Download:

• 12Go Asia (booking transport)
• Grab (safe transport)
• Google Maps offline
• WhatsApp (Thai people use this)
• XE Currency Converter

Social Strategy:

• Stay in social hostels first 1-2 weeks (easy friends)
• After that, you have contacts, don't need as much socializing
• Traveling solo? Day 2-3 you'll know 10 people

Email Backup:

• Scan and email copies of: passport, travel insurance, cards
• You'll never need it, but critical if lost

Learning Thai:

• Learn 5-10 phrases (hello, thank you, how much, sorry)
• Thai people appreciate effort
• Download Duolingo, practice on transport

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What Makes 30 Days Different Than 2 Weeks

✅ Rest days are possible (no guilt) ✅ You can slow-travel (4 days one island instead of rushing) ✅ Side trips feel spontaneous (you have buffer time) ✅ You process experiences (not just collecting photos) ✅ Making real friends (time for deep conversations) ✅ Better deals (stay longer = better price negotiation) ✅ Less anxiety (missing things matters less) ✅ You feel like a traveler, not a tourist (this is the difference)

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FAQ for 30-Day Trips

Do I need multiple visas? No. 30-day exemption covers the whole month. If staying 31-60 days, get tourist visa beforehand.

Is one month enough to see everything? No. Thailand is huge. But you'll see the best parts and have favorites to return to.

Should I add Cambodia/Laos? Not recommended in 30 days. Pick Thailand or add Laos. Cambodia makes it rushed.

What if I fall in love with a place? Stay longer. This itinerary is flexible. Can't leaving? Change flight, extend visa if needed.

Do I need activities planned in advance? Most day tours book same-day or day-before at hostel (except diving). Book major transport (flights, trains) 2-4 weeks ahead.

Will I get bored? Unlikely. 30 days in Thailand is still action-packed.

Best area to spend extra time? Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai) if you like culture. Gulf Islands if you like beaches. Both rewarding.

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Checklist Before You Leave

• [ ] Book flights (flexible return date)
• [ ] Book first hostel (3-5 nights Bangkok)
• [ ] Get travel insurance
• [ ] Notify bank of travel
• [ ] Download offline maps (maps.me)
• [ ] Charge all devices
• [ ] Pack light (5-7kg max)
• [ ] Make digital copies of passport
• [ ] Tell family your itinerary
• [ ] Check COVID requirements (if any)
• [ ] Download WhatsApp

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Have you done a month in Thailand? What would you change about this itinerary? Drop a comment or join our Thailand backpackers Facebook community to share your favorite 30-day route.