Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always drink bottled, filtered, or boiled water. Use filtered water even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.

Do I need to book hostels in advance?

During the high season (November–February), book at least 3-4 days ahead. In the off-season, you can usually book 24 hours in advance via apps like Hostelworld.

How to Backpack Thailand for the First Time

Backpacking Thailand is best done by flying into Bangkok, using overnight trains or buses to move between regions, and sticking to a mix of hostels and guesthouses. Budget $40–$50 per day to cover social hostels, street food, and regional transport comfortably.

Start in Bangkok for 3 days. Use the capital to get your bearings. Stay near the Khao San Road area if you want to meet other travelers, or Sukhumvit for easier access to the BTS Skytrain system.
Move north by train. Take the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Book your lower bunk berth at least 7 days in advance via the D-Ticket website to ensure you get a bed, not just a seat.
Navigate local transport. Download the Grab app (the local Uber) to avoid being overcharged by street taxis. For short distances in cities, use 'songthaews' (shared pickup trucks) which are significantly cheaper than private tuk-tuks.
Island hop with caution. Don't try to see too many islands. Pick one region—the Andaman Sea (Krabi/Koh Lanta) or the Gulf (Koh Phangan/Koh Tao)—to save time and money on ferries.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Always drink bottled, filtered, or boiled water. Use filtered water even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Do I need to book hostels in advance?: During the high season (November–February), book at least 3-4 days ahead. In the off-season, you can usually book 24 hours in advance via apps like Hostelworld.