The Ultimate Guide to Thai Food: What to Eat & Where

Street Food Gems

The real magic of Thai cuisine happens on the streets. Here’s what you absolutely can’t miss:

• Roti (Thai pancakes) – but skip the cheese version! The banana and Nutella combination is heavenly
• Fresh mango sticky rice ($60 baht) – best found at local markets
• Thai Tea ($25-35 baht) – the perfect afternoon pick-me-up
• Yellow noodles – a simple but delicious street food staple
• Khao Soi in Chiang Mai ($50 baht at Kat’s Kitchen) – a northern Thai curry soup that will blow your mind

Must-Try Restaurants

• Gemini Dumplings & Noodles (Koh Tao) – The vegan dumplings in mysterious but amazing broth ($120 baht)
• Fern Cafe (Chiang Mai) – Their pesto chicken bagel sandwich is worth a repeat visit
• Common Grounds Cafe (Koh Phangan) – Amazing avocado salmon egg toast ($375 baht)
• Bussaba (Khao Lak) – Best Tom Kha Kai (coconut soup) of the entire trip
• It’s Good Kitchen (Chiang Mai) – Authentic pad thai that lives up to its name

Budget-Friendly Finds

• 7-11 is your best friend! Stock up on:
  
  • Yakult (probiotic drinks) – a lifesaver for your gut
  • Vitamin C shots
  • Banana muffins
  • Fresh fruit

• Night markets offer the best value:
  
  • Chicken kebabs ($80-100 baht)
  • Fresh fruit smoothies ($40-60 baht)
  • Veggie dumplings ($45 baht)
  • Sushi rolls ($100-160 baht)

Cooking Experiences

Don’t leave Thailand without taking a cooking class! Zabb-E-Lee Thai Cooking School in Chiang Mai ($34 USD) was a highlight where you’ll learn to make:

• Fresh spring rolls
• Coconut chicken soup
• Panang curry
• Pineapple fried rice
• Mango sticky rice

Transportation Guide: Getting Around Thailand

Island Hopping

• Ferries between islands range from $17-20 USD
• Book through your accommodation for the best deals
• Always arrive early – Thai ferry schedules are… flexible
• Pack motion sickness pills – some routes can be rough!

Local Transport

• Grab (Southeast Asian Uber) – Usually the most reliable option
• Tuk-tuks – Fun but negotiate prices beforehand
• Scooter rentals ($200-300 baht/day) – Best way to explore islands
  
  • Warning: Check for red/white curbs when parking!
  • Take photos of any existing damage before renting
  • Only rent if you’re confident riding – those hill climbs can be intense

Inter-City Travel

• Domestic flights (like Surat Thani to Chiang Mai) – Efficient but book in advance
• Minivans between cities – Cheaper but can be adventurous
• Combined tickets (ferry + bus) – Usually the best value for island hopping

Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly Gems

• Hidden Garden Hostel (Chiang Mai) – Free ice cream pops! But request a room away from the street
• Slackline Hostel (Koh Lanta) – Great vibes in forest bungalows
• Lub D (Phuket) – Modern hostel with excellent location

Mid-Range Excellence

• Sunrise Hotel (Koh Tao) – Beachfront location
• Sarana Bungalows (Koh Phangan) – Beautiful property with ocean access
• Varin Beach Resort (Koh Lipe) – Great pool and beach access

Unique Experiences

• Smiley Bungalows (Khao Sok National Park) – Floating bungalows on the lake
• Dome Village (Khao Sok) – Novel dome accommodation (though hot bathrooms!)

Money-Saving Tips

Currency Exchange

• Exchange rates vary significantly between islands
• Always keep some USD for emergencies
• Current rates (as of 2025):
  
  • $100 USD ≈ 3,440 Thai Baht
  • Best to exchange in larger cities for better rates

Daily Budget Breakdown

• Accommodation: $15-50 USD/night
• Food: $10-20 USD/day (street food and local restaurants)
• Activities:
  
  • Cooking classes: $34 USD
  • Snorkeling tours: $20-35 USD
  • Ethical elephant sanctuaries: $70-100 USD
  • Beach entrance fees: 100-200 baht
  • Massages: 400-600 baht

Money-Saving Hacks

• Book activities through hostels/hotels for better rates
• Eat at night markets instead of restaurants
• Use Grab instead of tuk-tuks for better prices
• Stock up on breakfast items at 7-11
• Consider longer stays in each location to reduce transport costs

Essential Packing Tips

Must-Brings

• Reef-safe sunscreen (and lots of it!)
• Aloe vera (you’ll need it)
• Ear plugs (essential for light sleepers)
• Water shoes for beach rocks
• Light rain jacket (for unexpected showers)
• Power bank (long travel days)

What to Buy There

• Beach clothes (cheaper and better suited to climate)
• Thai pants (comfortable and culturally appropriate)
• Basic toiletries (available everywhere at 7-11)

Remember, Thailand is a country where you can travel on $30 a day or $300 a day – it’s all about choosing your priorities and being smart with your spending!