Thailand is two very different data environments in one trip: dense, fast, fully-covered Bangkok, and then the islands, where coverage depends a lot on which island and how far off the beaten track you go. A good travel eSIM handles both — here's what to expect and what to buy.
The networks in Thailand
Thailand's two strongest networks are AIS and True. Driftvoy routes over both — Tier-1 carriers, not budget MVNOs — which matters more in Thailand than in most countries, because the gap between the top networks and the cheap ones widens fast once you leave the city.
In Bangkok, coverage is excellent and 5G is widely available. Maps, ride-hailing (Grab, Bolt), translation, and messaging all run without a second thought across the city, the BTS/MRT, and the airport corridors.
On the islands
This is where eSIM choice earns its keep.
- Phuket and Koh Samui are well developed — strong coverage across towns, beaches, and main roads, with 5G in the busier areas.
- Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao have solid coverage in towns and around the main beaches, thinning out in the hillier interiors and quieter coves.
- Ferries and longtail boat crossings will drop signal partway across open water and reconnect as you near land. Download your booking and directions before you board.
On the more remote islands, the difference between a Tier-1 network and a cheap one is the difference between "slow" and "nothing." Routing over AIS and True is the single biggest thing that keeps you connected out there.
Why full-speed beats "unlimited" here
Thailand travel runs on data — Grab for every ride, Google Translate for menus, maps to find a beach the taxi driver hasn't heard of. Plans that throttle to ~1 Mbps after a daily cap turn all of that sluggish exactly when you're relying on it. Driftvoy plans stay at full carrier speed until your total data is used — no daily throttle.
Which plan for a Thailand trip
- Short trip, light use: Thailand 1 GB / 7 Days — $3.99 for a few days of maps and messaging on hotel WiFi at night.
- A week, normal use: Thailand 5 GB / 30 Days — $7.99.
- 7–14 days, the typical choice: Thailand 10 GB / 30 Days — $9.99 — our "Best Choice," with room for maps, rides, and messaging without rationing.
- Long stay or regular hotspot: Thailand 20 GB / 30 Days — $17.99.
- Short trip but heavy data: the launch-only Thailand 50 GB / 10 Days — $9.99 — a capped Launch Deal for the first 100 orders. Ideal for a data-hungry week.
Whatever you pick, you can top up the same eSIM up to ten times without reinstalling — add data before you hit zero, since you'll need a connection to refill.
Driftvoy is launching in September 2026 with full-speed Thailand eSIM plans from $3.99 — no throttling, no daily caps. Join the waitlist for 10% off your first plan.