How to manage with the Thailand backpacker guide?
Essential to remember
The Routard remains a reference paper guide for Thailand, but it is less up-to-date than a specialized blog. To prepare your trip, combine the Routard (must-see sites) with a recent blog (updated prices) and Google Maps (real-time routes).
In 2011, I went on a world tour and I went to Thailand twice! Quite a few people asked me how did you manage? I wouldn’t have been able to do it!
In this article, I will quickly explain why it is very easy to travel in backpacker mode in Thailand without fear and it is very easy to manage on your own and that is what makes the charm of Thailand.
I will list several times and give you advice to be a true backpacker in Thailand!
  ;The Thai language
Most Thais can get by in English and know a few phrases in French! Don’t worry if you are not good at English, the Thai often have their calculator to negotiate so it quickly becomes easier!
Did you know?
The Routard Guide on Thailand has been published since 1973, one of the oldest travel guides in French. Its latest version has more than 700 pages of addresses, including about a hundred on Bangkok alone.
Accommodation in Thailand
You should know that accommodation is very easy to find in Thailand, there is something for all tastes and they even solicit you at the port exits if you go to an island to offer you a room.
  ;Here is a brief overview of the techniques.
- When you want to go to the islands, there is always someone on the boat who offers you a room in a hotel! It is necessarily more expensive than if you know where you want to go!
- Similarly, at the train stations, I remember arriving at midnight in Chiang Mai, I got into a Tuk Tuk and the driver helped me find a room! Go up with other people who try to find a room and negotiate the price because they will try to extort you once you have found one. He will get his commission from the hotel.
- In some cities, know where you want to stay, for example in Bangkok either in Chinatown or on Kao San Road (backpackers’ district). Another example is Koh Phangan (on Haad Rin) or Koh Tao (Sairee Beach), etc., because even if the room is cheap, it is better to find an active place if you are traveling alone and want to meet people! On the other hand, if you are traveling as a couple, prefer a quiet place.
- It is very easy to find accommodation for backpackers in Thailand
My experience
I often took a Routard guide on trips, especially for historical anecdotes. But in practice, I use my phone more (Google Maps, blogs, MAPS.ME) for concrete addresses. Paper remains useful in case of outages, or for general knowledge.
Transportation in Thailand
| Guide | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Le Routard Thailand | Paper | ~25€ |
| Lonely Planet Thailand | Paper | ~28€ |
| Guide Évasion Thailand | Paper | ~22€ |
| Petit Futé Thailand | Paper + app | ~20€ |
During my stay in Thailand, I used several possible means of transport: scooter, train, day and night boat, bus for foreigners and locals! If you are short on time, prioritize the plane.
If you travel off the beaten path, take the train, but be careful to watch your belongings as thefts can happen very quickly (especially on night trains). Do not accept any drinks as sometimes people put sleeping pills in them! In neighborhoods with travel agencies, play the competition, you can sometimes save up to 200 baht.
For bus travel, avoid putting valuables in your checked bag as they search your bag; I got a phone stolen like that!
Advantages
- Selected and tested addresses
- Detailed cultural context
- Practical city maps
- Independent of wifi
- Good selection of hotels and restaurants
Weak points
- Prices often outdated
- Some addresses closed between editions
- Heavy to carry
- Paper format less practical than mobile
- Cost (~25€ per guide)
For the scooter, wearing a helmet is mandatory except on the islands, where you can avoid wearing it but I do not recommend doing so! Accidents happen very quickly!
Food in Thailand
The classic trap to avoid
Check the year of publication before buying a Routard. An edition older than 3 years contains outdated prices and addresses that have closed. Thailand has changed a lot post-Covid: prioritize a 2024 or 2025 edition.
Buy bottled water and don’t drink too many ice cubes because you will get diarrhea! Thai food is very spicy so avoid playing with fire! Favor local dishes over Western dishes which are twice as expensive as Thai noodles or rice!
Places to visit or activities:
To delve deeper into the subject, the guide on faq on provides additional practical advice. You will also find interesting leads in our article on best-of 10 best, and if you are preparing the next part of your trip, the one on best-of the 10 is perfect.
For places to visit, I advise you to get information beforehand even though you can get a map with places to visit.
If you liked this article, you will surely like the articles on Southeast Asia of southeast Asia
What is the best paper guide on Thailand?
Le Routard and Lonely Planet are the references. Routard for the French, Lonely Planet for the international community.
Should you buy a paper guide?
Useful for long trips without wifi. But for recent prices and addresses, online blogs are more reliable.
Which edition to buy?
The most recent (2024 or 2025) to have up-to-date post-covid prices.
