The Ultimate Guide for Slow Traveling in Thailand

Young backpackers often fly through this magical country’s hotspots on a shoestring budget, but sometimes, the best way to see Thailand is to slow travel your way through it.

Stopping the frantic rush immerses you in the culture of Thailand. It allows you to see corners too often missed by fleeting visitors. With so many idyllic places to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out your itinerary. 

But not after delving into this post. 

So, keep reading for our guide to slow traveling through Thailand.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Ideally placed as the transport hub of Southeast Asia, slow travelers may feel a little overwhelmed by Bangkok, but just give it time to acclimatize to the chaotic beauty of this city.

Spend some time exploring Bangkok’s winding streets. 

Marvel at the city’s countless magnificent temples. 

Eat sumptuous food everywhere, from street corners to rooftop restaurants, and cool off with a bargain massage in a spa blessed with cold air conditioning. 

Then, catch a 1-hour train ride to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, just north of Bangkok, for a day or three immersed in the country’s rich history.

Once ready for a quieter environment, prepare for your first long train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. 

The mountainous city is famous for its hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. But don’t forget to get a taste of wilderness with a day trip to one of the many elephant sanctuaries around the outskirts.

Chiang Mai to Pai

When you’ve enjoyed enough delicious northern Thai food and seen everything this city offers, book a bus from Chiang Mai to Pai. 

Pai is well-known for its picturesque scenery, waterfalls, and spiritual scene. Party lovers will also find plenty to entertain them. Still, time in Pai is best spent driving through the mountains, eating delicious northern Thai cuisine, and taking yoga classes.

When you’re ready, head back to Chiang Mai to catch a ride to your next stop.

Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen

After a few weeks (or months) of traversing northern Thailand’s rich culture and natural beauty, take an overnight bus from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen. 

Visiting this medium-sized city in the east of Thailand will give slow travelers a chance to see a different side of Thailand, one less dominated by Western tourists. Few travelers bother seeing the eastern treasures of this backpacker haven, so get off the beaten track and soak up some authentic Thai culture.

Explore the city’s temples, enjoy delicious food at one of the night markets, and visit the nearby Phu Pha Maan National Park. Trek deep into the jungle, swim in stunning waterfalls to cool off from the sweltering heat and then go cave-exploring.

Khon Kaen to Bangkok to Koh Tao

The next stage of the journey is perfect for slow travelers in Thailand who want to avoid traveling thousands of kilometers in one day because we broke it up with a stop in the capital. 

After taking an overnight bus from Khon Kaen to Bangkok, take a day to rest up in Bangkok while enjoying some delicious street food.

Squeeze in a visit to Bang Krachao, a striking pocket of land in the heart of the city nicknamed the “Green Lung.” Hire a bicycle and circumnavigate the park to see monitor lizards in the water. 

Then, grab an overnight train from Bangkok to Chumphon and a ferry to Koh Tao, the smallest of three islands off the coast in the Gulf of Thailand. 

While its neighbor Koh Phangan is globally famous for its monthly Full Moon Parties, Koh Tao is a slice of heaven. Walking along its shores feels like a fantasy thanks to its serene white sand beaches and friendly, small-town atmosphere. It’s also one of the best places in the world to learn how to scuba dive.

Spend a few weeks perfecting your skills and securing certificates that will allow you to go deeper with each dive. You will see vibrant coral reefs, countless colorful fish species, sea snakes, and green turtles. Lucky divers exploring the underwater world around Koh Tao in April and May may catch a glimpse of the elusive whale shark.

Koh Tao to Koh Phangan

The famed party island is just 44.6 kilometers (27.3 miles) away, so it’s a no-brainer for Thailand slow travelers to hop from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan on their way back to the mainland. If you want a more serene experience, avoid visiting during the full moon.

Aside from the infamous party, Koh Phangan has a thriving spiritual scene, particularly in the form of welcoming yoga centers that offer classes on everything from breathwork to writing. 

Challenge yourself by attending an ecstatic dance event where all substances are banned to push people outside their comfort zone. If that’s not for you, hike to the highest point on the island to take in the panoramic views.

Koh Phangan to Krabi 

When you are finally ready to leave the wondrous Koh Phangan, which may take far longer than planned, book a ferry and minivan travel from Koh Phangan to Krabi, a Thai province known for its sheer limestone cliffs.

Book a few climbing trips to learn how to clamber up the stunning scenery on the shores of Krabi. 

Take a few days off from activities to enjoy a much-deserved spa day, shop for bargains and souvenirs in the local markets, and meet some fellow travelers in one of the many party hostels. 

Lastly, organize a tour of Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. The idyllic park is famous for its coral reefs and cliffs, as well as for being the filming location for the Leonardo Decaprio movie The Beach. 

Krabi to Phi Phi Islands

Once you’ve clambered all over Krabi, head offshore to the Phi Phi Islands, a small cluster of six islands nestled between Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. 

The beaches on these islands are like something from a fantastical dream. Maya Bay and Monkey Beach are by far the most popular, but the secluded Nui Beach is an excellent backup if you want to avoid the crowds.

It’s easy to get lost in the spectacular beauty of these islands, especially because five out of six have a strict ban on cars and motorbikes. The serenity of a no-engine environment is addictive. 

Slow travelers in Thailand may never want to leave the Phi Phi Islands paradise.

Island hopping from the Phi Phi Islands

Southwards from the Phi Phi Islands are over a dozen idyllic islands in Thailand for slow travelers to explore. Take your time and ferry hop between them on your way to the southern regions.

You might like Koh Lanta, a famous party island with countless spectacular natural sights. The large island is perfect for slow-paced travelers who want to get a taste of long-term island life. Tour the gorgeous Emerald Cave, swim through crystal-clear waters on Bamboo Beach, and explore all the corners of Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

Alternatively, step outside of the classic backpacker route and visit Koh Libong, a tranquil island south of Koh Lanta. The smaller islands attract fewer tourists, but their untouched beauty is incomparable, and there are a few incredible diving sites to enjoy, too.

Feel like exploring more? 

It’s also possible to island-hop all the way to Langkawi Island in Malaysia — a top tourist destination. From there, you can head south through and into the sprawling island nation of Indonesia.

Map of Thailand’s slow travel spots

This map of Thailand will point you in the right direction, quite literally. You can see how sprawling the countryside is, making it perfect for slow-travel addicts.

How to survive Thailand’s transport

Trains

Even laidback travelers may struggle to survive on the eternally late and excruciatingly slow trains in Thailand, so here is everything you need to know about how to survive.

Bring plenty of stuff to do. An overnight train journey in Bangkok can last anywhere from eight to sixteen hours, so you will need something to pass the time. My Kindle kept me sane on every train I took in Thailand.

Book a bottom bunk whenever you can. The top bunks on Thailand’s trains are often slimmer, and they can be terrifying on rougher parts of the tracks, with each turn rocking you from side to side. They do come with a safety harness, but it’s still a little daunting. Plus, the bottom bunk has a window to watch the sunset and sunrise.

Pack plenty of snacks. While vendors hop on and off the trains constantly, the train does not have any services available for food and drink. When I took my first overnight train from Bangkok to Suratthani, the train did not even have water, so I bought three massive bottles at the station to stay hydrated for the whole journey.

Don’t forget your earplugs or earphones.

Although people generally respect people’s need to sleep, a train is rarely a quiet place. The only way to get any sleep is with blocked ears, so come prepared. 

Pro tips: Curate playlists to soothe yourself to sleep with songs just loud enough to block out the worst of the noise. That saved me on those long journeys.

If you’re traveling alone, keep a close eye on any valuables. Train guards monitor the carriages regularly, so there is little chance of anything happening. Still, it’s critical to be aware of your surroundings.

Carriage options

There are three class options when traveling on Thai trains: first, second, and third class. And they are extremely different.

First class

The first-class sleeper is for the traveler with a slightly higher budget or one with back problems, like me. 

Each first-class compartment has two beds in a bunk-bed-style set-up. If you are traveling solo, there will be a stranger in the second bunk, so book two beds if complete privacy is a must. During the day, the seats are upright, and then a train conductor will change them into a bed format when the sun goes down.

These carriages have air conditioning, a lockable door, a large window, a sink, personal electric sockets on each bunk, overhead storage space, and comfy bedding. I rode in a first-class carriage returning to Bangkok from Koh Phangan, and it was worth every extra baht. I slept far easier in privacy with my traveling companion, and the journey flew by. 

Second class

Second-class air-conditioned sleeper carriages are the most popular option for travelers. 

The seats offer bargain-priced comfort, and the lower bunks are particularly great for overnight journeys. The first time I took one, I woke up to the sun rising over the jungle in the depths of the Thai countryside — it was unbelievably beautiful. 

You can also find second-class sleeper trains with just fans instead of air conditioning, which are a little cheaper.

Another option is the second-class seated carriages with air conditioning or just fans. I always recommend air conditioning, especially if it’s your first time in such a humid country. 

These carriages don’t have any convertible beds, but they offer airplane-style seating, armrests, and fold-down tray tables.

Third class

Lastly are the third-class seats. 

The least comfortable option, these carriages of low-budget plane-style seats, will keep your budget low, but the impact on your back may be felt for weeks. Bring a pillow to soften the pressure on your tailbone, and try to avoid booking a third-class seat unless it’s a short journey.  

Buses

Buses in Thailand come in two types: first-class and second-class. The main difference between the two is comfort level. A first-class bus will have reclining seats, more legroom, and fewer passengers. Second-class buses usually have upright seats and more passengers. 

While first-class buses are more expensive, the extra cost is worth it. You’ll be grateful for the extra comfort after a nine-hour overnight journey. 

To survive the buses in Thailand, apply everything you’ve learned from traveling by train and add the following tips:

• Use the bathroom before you board! Many buses do not have toilets and stop at the driver’s discretion, not yours. 
• Always bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer because bathrooms at rest stops rarely have any. 
• Bring a blanket or comfy jumper. The air-conditioning can be intense, and buses only sometimes provide complimentary blankets. 
• Bring everything essential in a smaller backpack on board. Larger luggage is stowed beneath the cabin, and it’s impossible to access until the end of the journey. 

Ferries and speedboats

There is no option to upgrade to a higher-class cabin when traveling by ferry or speedboat, so don’t expect luxury. 

On ferries, passengers can sit outside on the deck or inside various cabins throughout. Speedboats usually have one cabin with unassigned seating. 

Most large ferries have air-conditioning inside, but smaller speedboats will not. However, you’re unlikely to need it when riding a speedboat because the wind whipping past keeps passengers cool. 

Bring anti-sea sickness tablets, especially when traveling by speedboat. Ferries cross the waters a little smoother than speed boats do. 

Bring plenty of sunscreen if you plan to sit outside on either type of boat. The sun in Thailand is no joke, and when reflecting off the water, it’s even more intense. Protect your skin to avoid arriving at your destination looking like a lobster. 

Packing list for public transport in Thailand

Aside from your usual backpacking essentials, don’t forget to bring the following on every train journey:

• Warm clothes to survive the intense air conditioning blasting all day and all night.
• A change of clothes for the morning after. Traveling all day gets grimy, so you’ll feel fresher in a clean set of clothes to complete your journey. 
• Hand sanitizer and toilet paper. With limited toilet facilities, it’s crucial to come prepared.
• Portable charger. Charger points are rare on Thailand’s trains, so bring a backup just in case.
• Earplugs. Trust me, you’ll regret forgetting them. 

Slow traveling in Thailand: It’s worth the chaos

Traveling by train and bus in Thailand can be exhausting, especially when so many journeys are taken overnight. Despite the lost sleep and aching back, the chaos is always worth it.

It’s far more affordable to travel by rail or road, and the experience is unforgettable. It’s always fun to meet locals, and public transportation is one of the best ways. 

Although some of my train journeys in Thailand were overly long and distinctly uncomfortable, I loved every chaotic second because they allowed me to see every corner of the magical country of Thailand.

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