Your Ultimate Roadmap to Budget Travel in Thailand: A Journey Across 50 Cities
Welcome to the Thailand Roadmap, where the adventure of a lifetime is about to unfold. If you’re here, you’re as passionate about exploring new destinations as I am. Over the next few months (and years!), I’ll be immersing myself in the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of 50 cities in Thailand—each more unique and vibrant than the last. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the laid-back charm of Pai, every city holds new adventures to discover. And the best part? I’ll be documenting the entire journey through travel writing, stunning photography, and YouTube videos—so you can experience it all with me!
A Roadmap to Research and Discovery
In preparation for my travels, I’ve created a detailed table of 50 top cities in Thailand—each selected based on its unique appeal to travelers like you and me. This table is much more than just a list of places to visit. It serves as my roadmap for pre-trip research, and ultimately, a guide to the real-time experiences I’ll be documenting throughout my journey.
This is how I plan to use the table:
- Pre-Trip Research: Before I pack my bags and take off to each destination, I’ll use the table to gather important details about each city, including its top tourist attractions, local culture, and the best budget-friendly options for food, accommodation, and transportation. The goal is to uncover what makes each city special and how to experience it affordably and authentically.
- Documenting the Journey: Each city will get its own dedicated blog post, filled with my personal insights, photos, and videos. I’ll dive deep into the culture, food, and people, bringing you stories and practical tips that go beyond the usual travel guide. From the historical Ayutthaya ruins to the vibrant Chiang Mai street food scene, I’ll capture every moment in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there with me.
- Interactive City Guides: As I visit each city, I’ll be updating these city guides to provide you with real-time recommendations based on my experiences. From the best spots for budget eats to hidden gems and local traditions, my goal is to give you a comprehensive guide for each city that helps you travel smarter and more cost-effectively.
How the Table Will Evolve
The table above is a dynamic tool that will evolve over time. As I explore each destination, I’ll add new insights, tips, and reflections to the table. Here’s what you can expect as the table grows:
- City Details: The population, visitor statistics, and top attractions will help you understand the scale and significance of each city.
- Top Attractions: While some cities are known for historical landmarks, others shine with natural beauty or a booming food scene. I’ll uncover the best attractions based on my explorations, ensuring you don’t miss out on the must-see spots.
- Budget Travel Tips: I’ll offer practical advice for each city on how to enjoy it without breaking the bank, including where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.
Why This Blog Is for You
Whether you’re planning your own trip to Thailand or you’re simply interested in experiencing the country from afar, this blog is here to provide you with all the tools you need to travel smart. I want to make this a go-to resource for budget travelers who are eager to explore Thailand in an affordable, responsible, and culturally immersive way.
Here’s What You’ll Find on the Blog:
- City Guides: Detailed, up-to-date posts for each of the 50 cities, with links to the interactive table so you can follow along with my progress.
- Travel Writing & Photography: Vivid storytelling and photography that brings each destination to life, so you can almost smell the spices in the air and feel the warm Thai sun on your skin.
- YouTube Videos: From street food tours to cultural experiences, my YouTube channel will feature in-depth travel videos that show you exactly what it’s like to visit each city.
- Budget Travel Tips: Tips and tricks for traveling in Thailand on a budget, including how to find the best deals on accommodations, transportation, and food.
What’s Next?
I’m kicking off this journey soon, and I couldn’t be more excited to take you along with me. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing my very first posts, starting with an in-depth guide to Bangkok, where I’ll dive into the best budget-friendly activities and must-see sights in Thailand’s bustling capital.
In the meantime, feel free to explore the 50 Cities Table above to get a sneak peek of what’s ahead. As the trip unfolds, I’ll be updating the table to reflect my latest findings, with real-time travel advice from each city I visit.
So, whether you’re looking for budget tips, travel inspiration, or just want to follow along as I explore this incredible country, be sure to subscribe to my blog and YouTube channel to stay updated on all the exciting adventures coming your way.
Thank you for being part of this journey—I can’t wait to share all the sights, sounds, and flavors of Thailand with you. Let’s get started!
| City Name | Population | Visitors per Year | Top Attraction 1 | Top Attraction 2 | Top Attraction 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 10.5 million | 22 million | Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew | Wat Arun | Chatuchak Weekend Market |
| Chiang Mai | 1.6 million | 5 million | Doi Suthep Temple | Chiang Mai Old City | Elephant Nature Park |
| Phuket | 400,000 | 9 million | Patong Beach | Big Buddha | Phi Phi Islands |
| Pattaya | 320,000 | 10 million | Walking Street | Sanctuary of Truth | Nong Nooch Tropical Garden |
| Ayutthaya | 1 million | 3 million | Ayutthaya Historical Park | Wat Mahathat | Wat Chaiwatthanaram |
| Krabi | 470,000 | 4.5 million | Railay Beach | Phra Nang Cave Beach | Ao Nang Beach |
| Hua Hin | 84,000 | 1.5 million | Hua Hin Beach | Cicada Market | Plearnwan Vintage Village |
| Sukhothai | 35,000 | 500,000 | Sukhothai Historical Park | Wat Sri Chum | Ramkhamhaeng National Museum |
| Koh Samui | 65,000 | 2.8 million | Chaweng Beach | Big Buddha | Ang Thong National Marine Park |
| Chiang Rai | 200,000 | 2 million | White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) | Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) | Golden Triangle |
| Koh Phi Phi | 2,500 | 1.5 million | Maya Bay | Phi Phi Viewpoint | Viking Cave |
| Koh Lanta | 23,000 | 300,000 | Kantiang Bay | Lanta Animal Welfare | Mu Koh Lanta National Park |
| Koh Tao | 1,500 | 200,000 | Shark Bay | Ao Leuk Bay | Sai Nuan Beach |
| Koh Chang | 50,000 | 1 million | White Sand Beach | Klong Plu Waterfall | Mu Koh Chang National Park |
| Nakhon Ratchasima | 2.5 million | 1 million | Khao Yai National Park | Phimai Historical Park | Pak Chong Night Market |
| Surat Thani | 130,000 | 1.5 million | Surat Thani Night Market | Ratchaprapha Dam (Cheow Lan Lake) | Ang Thong National Park |
| Songkhla | 700,000 | 800,000 | Samila Beach | Songkhla Old Town | Tang Kuan Hill |
| Pattani | 350,000 | 200,000 | Krue Se Mosque | Pattani Central Mosque | Tinsulanon Park |
| Nakhon Si Thammarat | 120,000 | 400,000 | Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan | Nakhon Si Thammarat Old Town | Khao Luang National Park |
| Chonburi | 1.5 million | 5 million | Nong Nooch Tropical Garden | Pattaya Beach | Khao Kheow Open Zoo |
| Nakhon Pathom | 150,000 | 500,000 | Phra Pathom Chedi | Sanam Chan Palace | Nakhon Pathom National Museum |
| Mae Hong Son | 300,000 | 200,000 | Pai Canyon | Tham Lot Cave | Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu |
| Udon Thani | 500,000 | 600,000 | Ban Chiang Archaeological Site | Phu Phra Bat Historical Park | Nong Prajak Public Park |
| Khon Kaen | 500,000 | 1 million | Kaen Nakhon Lake | Wat Nong Wang | Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum |
| Sukhothai | 35,000 | 500,000 | Sukhothai Historical Park | Wat Sri Chum | Ramkhamhaeng National Museum |
| Trat | 25,000 | 350,000 | Koh Chang | Ao Tan Beach | Trat Night Market |
| Lamphun | 150,000 | 200,000 | Wat Phra That Hariphunchai | Wat Chamthewi | Doi Khun Tan National Park |
| Ratchaburi | 250,000 | 300,000 | Khao Ngu Stone Park | Damnoen Saduak Floating Market | Photharam Railway Station |
| Phitsanulok | 80,000 | 1 million | Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat | Phitsanulok Night Market | Naresuan University Park |
| Phetchaburi | 60,000 | 1 million | Kaeng Krachan National Park | Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park | Puek Tian Beach |
| Lopburi | 150,000 | 500,000 | Phra Prang Sam Yot | Lopburi Monkey Temple | King Narai’s Palace |
| Chachoengsao | 300,000 | 1 million | Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan | Chachoengsao Aquarium | Klong Suan Market |
| Trang | 150,000 | 500,000 | Trang Beach | Khao Chong Wildlife Sanctuary | Hat Chao Mai National Park |
| Satun | 50,000 | 200,000 | Ko Lipe | Ko Tarutao National Park | Ko Adang |
| Sukhothai | 35,000 | 500,000 | Sukhothai Historical Park | Wat Sri Chum | Ramkhamhaeng National Museum |
| Yasothon | 50,000 | 100,000 | Phu Thai Cultural Village | Wat Maha That | National Museum of Yasothon |
| Surin | 100,000 | 300,000 | Surin Elephant Round-up | Wat Burapharam | Surin Old Town |
| Maha Sarakham | 70,000 | 300,000 | Phutthaisawan Temple | Khao Krapuk Reservoir | Taksin Maharat Park |
| Pakkret | 170,000 | 200,000 | Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium | Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market | Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat |
| Phayao | 90,000 | 150,000 | Phayao Lake | Wat Tilok Aram | Phu Langka National Park |
| Nakhon Nayok | 60,000 | 200,000 | Khao Yai National Park | Nakhon Nayok Waterfall | Wang Ta Krai Waterfall |
| Nong Khai | 70,000 | 300,000 | Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge | Phu Phra Bat Historical Park | Nong Khai Walking Street |
| Ranong | 40,000 | 150,000 | Ngao Waterfall | Ranong Hot Springs | Ko Phayam |
| Phang Nga | 80,000 | 500,000 | Phang Nga Bay | James Bond Island | Ao Phang Nga National Park |
| Krabi | 470,000 | 4.5 million | Railay Beach | Phra Nang Cave Beach | Ao Nang Beach |
| Kanchanaburi | 200,000 | 1.2 million | Erawan National Park | Bridge on the River Kwai | Kanchanaburi War Cemetery |
| Pai | 3,000 | 1 million | Pai Canyon | Pai Hot Springs | Tha Pai Memorial Bridge |
| Nakhon Phanom | 70,000 | 150,000 | Phra That Phanom | Nakhon Phanom Riverside | Wat Okat |
Notes:
- Pai: Known for its relaxed atmosphere, scenic nature, and outdoor activities like trekking and hot springs.
- Nakhon Phanom: Famous for its Mekong River views and the sacred Phra That Phanom stupa.
- Bangkok: Bangkok’s rich past and modern energy create a unique cultural experience.
