Best eSIM for Thailand: Real Saily Speed Tests from Bangkok to the Islands
- Nico Dudli
- Jun 24
- 13 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
I've now spent two separate trips connected to Thailand with a Saily eSIM: once while island-hopping through the south in early 2025, and again on a longer Bangkok-to-the-islands route in November and December 2025 while working remotely along the way.
This guide is built on my own data: real speed tests, real locations and real travel situations. No theoretical "should work fine" guessing.
After two trips testing it everywhere from Bangkok to remote islands, I’m convinced Saily is one of the best eSIM options for Thailand if you want a connection that just works.
Quick answer:
Based on my own tests in Bangkok, Koh Chang and Koh Yao Noi, Saily is a strong eSIM choice for Thailand, especially for city travel, island hopping and remote work on larger islands. I measured up to 246 Mbps download on Koh Chang. On smaller islands such as Koh Yao Noi, browsing still worked well, but latency was much higher. Saily also includes useful travel features such as web protection, ad blocking, virtual location, in-app top-ups, hotspot support, usage notifications and an optional US phone number add-on. My recommended code is TECH, which gives 15% off Saily plans, including Thailand eSIMs and Saily Ultra.
Affiliate transparency: I am a Saily affiliate partner and may earn a commission if you buy a Saily eSIM using my links or code TECH. This does not cost you anything extra. All tests in this article were done by me during my own travels, and I only recommend Saily because I use it myself and stand behind the product.
Use code TECH at checkout for 15% off Saily plans, including Thailand eSIMs and Saily Ultra. You need to enter the code manually at checkout.
Saily Thailand: Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Strong real-world performance in my Thailand tests, including 246 Mbps on Koh Chang | No local Thai phone number included |
Easy setup before arrival, no need to queue at a SIM counter after landing | Optional Saily phone number add-on is a US +1 number, not a Thai number |
Good fit for Bangkok, island hopping, maps, Grab, WhatsApp and remote-work backup | Latency can be higher on smaller islands |
Unlimited plans cost more than fixed-data plans | |
Easy in-app top-ups if you run out of data during the trip | A local Thai SIM may still be better for long stays or local calls |
Works across 200+ countries, useful if Thailand is part of a longer Asia trip | Requires an eSIM-compatible phone |
Code TECH gives 15% off Thailand eSIMs and Saily Ultra | Coverage can still vary on small islands, boats and rural routes |
For most Thailand travellers, the pros outweigh the cons. If you mainly need mobile data for Google Maps, Grab, WhatsApp, hotel messages, translation apps, social media, remote-work backup and staying reachable between cities and islands, Saily is one of the easiest Thailand eSIM options I have tested.
Saily Features That Matter in Thailand
Feature | Why it matters in Thailand | My take |
|---|---|---|
Built-in web protection | Useful on hotel Wi-Fi, café Wi-Fi, airport Wi-Fi and public networks while travelling | A strong extra benefit, especially because Saily comes from the Nord Security team |
Ad blocker | Helps reduce ads, trackers and unnecessary data usage while browsing | Useful when researching hotels, ferries, routes, restaurants and transport options |
Virtual location | Lets you browse more privately and choose from 115+ virtual locations | Helpful if you want more privacy or need access to home content while abroad |
Optional US phone number add-on | Useful if you want a separate number for calls, texts, OTPs or app sign-ups | Good extra feature, but it is a +1 US number, not a local Thai number |
Top-ups in the app | You can add more data without visiting a local SIM shop | Very practical in Thailand, especially if you use Grab, maps, hotspot or social media every day |
80% data usage notification | Saily notifies you before your plan runs out, so you still have time to top up | Useful on longer Thailand routes where you may not want to troubleshoot data while moving between places |
Hotspot support | Lets you share your eSIM connection with a laptop or tablet | Important for remote workers, digital nomads and travellers who need backup internet |
Easy setup before arrival | You can install the eSIM before flying to Thailand and connect after arrival | Much easier than comparing SIM counters after a long flight |
One eSIM for multiple trips | You can keep using the same Saily eSIM and simply add new plans | Convenient if Thailand is part of a bigger Southeast Asia trip |
Global and regional plans | Saily offers country, regional and global options | Useful if you continue from Thailand to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia or Singapore |
Works in 200+ countries | Helpful if Thailand is only one stop on a longer travel route | One of Saily's biggest advantages over local prepaid SIMs |
24/7 support | Support is available if something goes wrong during setup or connection | Important for travellers who do not want to solve eSIM issues alone abroad |
Saily Ultra option | Adds global data, airport lounge access, fast-track service and Nord Security tools | Best for frequent travellers or multi-country trips rather than basic one-country Thailand holidays |
In short: I would not recommend Saily for Thailand only because of one strong speed test. The bigger advantage is that Saily combines travel data, security features, easy top-ups, usage notifications, hotspot support, optional US phone-number functionality and 24/7 support in one app.
Saily Thailand speed test summary
Location | Date | Network | Download | Upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Koh Chang | Dec 7, 2025 | 3BB | 246 Mbps | 221 Mbps | 64 ms |
Koh Yao Noi | Jan 26, 2025 | TrueMove H 5G | 56.5 Mbps | 1.95 Mbps | 533 ms |
In my own Saily Thailand tests, the fastest result was 246 Mbps download on Koh Chang. The weakest point was latency on smaller islands like Koh Yao Noi, where I measured 533 ms with NordVPN active. That means Saily can be very fast in Thailand, but the experience depends heavily on where you are.
Bangkok: chaotic markets, zero connectivity drama
Bangkok is where most Thailand trips start, and it's also one of the easiest places to judge a travel eSIM. The city is dense, mobile coverage is usually strong, and there's nowhere for a weak connection to hide.
This isn't the first time Saily has gotten me through Bangkok, either. Back in December 2024, on an earlier Thailand trip, I was already running it from a table at The Yard hostel, getting some work done between sightseeing.
More recently, I tested Saily while walking through Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of Bangkok's busiest and most chaotic places. With thousands of stalls, narrow alleys and crowds everywhere, losing your data connection even for a few minutes can quickly become annoying, especially if you're trying to find your friend, use Google Maps or translate something on the go.
Saily held up the entire time. Maps stayed loaded, messages went through instantly, and I didn't notice any drops while moving through the market.
For a city like Bangkok, that's exactly what I want from an eSIM: it should just work in the background without becoming another thing to think about. Pair it with a solid maps and translation setup — see our best travel apps for Thailand — and Bangkok becomes a lot easier to navigate.
Working remotely from Koh Chang: the real test
Koh Chang was where I properly tested Saily for remote work, not just travel browsing. I used the connection for normal workdays: video calls, file uploads, research, messaging and general laptop work.
On my last day there, while working from the resort, I ran a speed test to see what was actually happening behind the scenes.
Location | Date | Network | Download | Upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Koh Chang | Dec 7, 2025 | 3BB | 246 Mbps | 221 Mbps | 64 ms |
Working from the resort on Koh Chang and running a Speedtest over my Saily connection. Tested with NordVPN active, as I usually use a VPN on public and hotel networks while travelling.
That's a genuinely fast result. In practice, it matched the experience: no lag on calls, no waiting forever on uploads and no feeling that the connection was holding me back.
If you're planning to work from Koh Chang like I did, for example exploring in the morning and working in the afternoon to overlap with European or US time zones, connectivity should not be your bottleneck. For the longer story of how I ended up testing eSIMs across three continents while working remotely, see my full Saily eSIM travel experience.
The honest downside: small islands and latency
Not every Thai island performs the same, and many eSIM reviews only show the best result. Back in January 2025, I tested Saily on Koh Yao Noi, a small, quiet island between Phuket and Krabi:
Location | Date | Network | Download | Upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Koh Yao Noi | Jan 26, 2025 | TrueMove H 5G | 56.5 Mbps | 1.95 Mbps | 533 ms |
Tested on Koh Yao Noi with NordVPN active over Saily's 5G connection. Download speed was still usable at 56.5 Mbps, but latency was high at 533 ms.
The download number looks fine — browsing, maps, email and light streaming all worked. The issue was latency, partly from the VPN tunnel I usually keep active, partly just thinner backhaul infrastructure on smaller islands. My takeaway: browsing and messaging are fine on small islands, but video calls and anything real-time can feel laggier.
That said, it's not a blanket rule. On Koh Kood, for example, I took several Google Meet calls from a floating restaurant, and they stayed smooth the whole time — no lag, no dropped frames.
So Koh Yao Noi is the one place I'd test the connection before scheduling something time-sensitive — not every small island behaves the same way. If you do run into bigger connectivity issues, our Saily eSIM problems guide covers the most common fixes.
Saily Thailand pricing
Saily's Thailand data plans are primarily for mobile data. They are enough for most travellers using maps, Grab, WhatsApp, Telegram, email, social media, translation apps and work tools. Saily also offers an optional US phone number add-on inside the app, but this is not a local Thai number and not the same as buying a local Thai SIM card.
Here is the Saily Thailand plan lineup I found when checking the official Saily website on June 24, 2026:
Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
1 GB | 7 days | $2.99 |
3 GB | 30 days | $5.99 |
5 GB | 30 days | $7.99 |
10 GB | 30 days | $10.99 |
20 GB | 30 days | $19.99 |
Unlimited | 15 days | $48.99 |
For most one-to-two week Thailand trips, I would choose the 10 GB plan. It gives you enough data for maps, messaging, social media and normal browsing without constantly checking your usage.
If you work remotely, upload content or use your phone as a hotspot, the 20 GB plan is the safer choice. The unlimited plan only makes sense if you know you will use a lot of mobile data and don't want to think about limits. For the full breakdown of plan sizes and pricing across other destinations, see our Saily eSIM plans overview.
Prices are non-binding and were pulled directly from the official Saily website on June 24, 2026. Saily may adjust pricing at any time, so always confirm the current rate at checkout before buying.
Saily discount codes for Thailand
My recommended Saily discount code is TECH. It gives 15% off Saily plans, including Thailand eSIMs and Saily Ultra.
Code | Discount | Works for |
|---|---|---|
TECH | 15% off | Saily Thailand eSIMs, other Saily eSIM plans and Saily Ultra |
Again, full transparency: I am a Saily affiliate partner and may earn a commission if you buy through my link or use code TECH. You pay the same or less, never more. These commissions help support TechNovice and allow me to keep testing travel eSIMs in real situations. For a full breakdown of every active code across all our guides, check our Saily coupon codes hub.
Who should use Saily in Thailand?
Saily is a good fit for Thailand if you want a simple eSIM that works before you land, especially if your trip includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Chang or other popular travel areas.
I would especially recommend Saily for:
Traveller type | My recommendation |
|---|---|
First-time Thailand visitors | Yes — easy setup before arrival and no need to queue at a SIM counter after landing |
Bangkok city travellers | Yes — useful for maps, Grab, messaging, translation apps and navigating busy areas |
Island hoppers | Yes — good for larger islands, but expect weaker latency or coverage gaps on smaller islands |
Remote workers | Yes — especially in Bangkok and on larger islands such as Koh Chang |
Short holiday travellers | Yes — 5 GB or 10 GB is usually enough for maps, messaging and normal browsing |
Heavy data users | Yes, but consider 20 GB or unlimited and use top-ups if needed |
Travellers visiting several Asian countries | Yes — Saily's regional and global plans make sense if Thailand is part of a longer route |
Travellers who care about privacy | Yes — web protection, ad blocking and virtual location features are useful when travelling |
People who need a local Thai phone number | No — Saily offers an optional US phone number add-on, but not a local Thai number |
Long-stay travellers needing local calls or local registration | Maybe not — a local Thai SIM may be more practical |
The biggest benefit is convenience. You don't have to queue at a SIM counter, swap physical SIM cards or figure out local mobile plans after a long flight. You install the eSIM before departure — see our step-by-step guides for iPhone and Android — activate it when you arrive, and you're online.
Why I Recommend Saily Over Other Thailand eSIMs
There are several good eSIM providers for Thailand, including Airalo, Holafly and Nomad. But based on my own trips through Bangkok, Koh Chang, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Kood, Saily is the one I would personally choose again.
Provider | Best for | Thailand pricing style | Security features | Hotspot | Phone number | My verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saily | Most travellers who want flexible data, easy setup and good value | Fixed-data plans plus unlimited options | Built-in web protection, ad blocker and virtual location | Yes | Optional US phone number add-on available in the Saily app | My first choice for most Thailand trips |
Airalo | Travellers who want a simple fixed-data eSIM | Fixed-data plans | No major built-in security suite | Usually yes | Usually data-only, depending on plan | Good alternative, but less feature-rich |
Holafly | Heavy data users who want unlimited data | Unlimited-focused | No comparable built-in Nord Security bundle | Often limited depending on plan | Usually data-only for travel eSIMs | Better for unlimited data, usually less flexible on price |
Nomad | Travellers comparing simple app-based eSIM options | Fixed-data plans | No comparable built-in security suite | Usually yes | Usually data-only | Solid option, but Saily feels like the more complete travel package |
Local Thai SIM | Long-stay travellers who need local calls or a Thai number | Local prepaid pricing | Depends on provider and setup | Usually yes | Yes, local number possible | Useful for long stays, but less convenient than installing Saily before arrival |
Saily vs Airalo: Airalo is well known and easy to use, but I personally prefer Saily for Thailand because it combines flexible data plans with built-in web protection, ad blocking, virtual location features, top-ups and an optional US phone number add-on inside the same app.
Saily vs Holafly: Holafly is attractive if you mainly want unlimited data and do not want to track usage. For a normal one-to-two week Thailand trip, I still prefer Saily because the fixed-data plans are usually more practical, hotspot is supported, top-ups are simple, code TECH gives 15% off, and Saily includes stronger travel-security features.
Saily vs local Thai SIM: A local SIM can make sense if you need a Thai phone number, local calls or a long-term local setup. For most short-term travellers, Saily is easier because you can install it before arrival, avoid SIM counters, and stay connected as soon as you land.
Continuing your trip beyond Thailand?
If Thailand is just one stop on a longer Southeast Asia route — which is exactly how I traveled in 2024/2025, continuing on from Thailand into Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia — buying a separate single-country eSIM at every border gets tedious fast. Saily covers the whole region individually:
Heading into Vietnam next? See my Best eSIM for Vietnam review for my travel test from Hanoi to Con Dao.
If your route isn't fixed yet, the Asia & Oceania regional package covers 22 countries from $4.99 and saves you from buying a new plan at every border.
Worth considering: Saily Ultra. If you're stacking multiple flights around the region, Ultra's airport lounge access and fast-track security are a genuinely nice perk on top of the data plan itself — more on that in our Saily Ultra review.
Prices are non-binding and were pulled directly from the official Saily website on June 24, 2026.
Final verdict: is Saily the best eSIM for Thailand?
Yes. Based on my own tests, Saily is the eSIM I would personally choose again for Thailand.
Bangkok and larger islands like Koh Chang delivered fast and reliable connections that were good enough for navigation, messaging, browsing and even remote work. My best speed test reached 246 Mbps download on Koh Chang, which is more than enough for most travellers.
The main weakness is latency on smaller islands. Places like Koh Yao Noi can still offer decent download speeds, but real-time tasks like video calls may feel laggier, especially if you also use a VPN.
For most Thailand travellers, that trade-off is completely acceptable. Saily gives you a simple setup, good coverage in the places most visitors actually go, flexible data plans, easy top-ups, hotspot support, built-in security features and no need to search for a physical SIM card after landing.
If you want to try Saily, my recommended code is TECH. It gives 15% off Saily plans, including Thailand eSIMs and Saily Ultra.
Don't forget to enter code TECH at checkout for your 15% discount.
FAQ
Does Saily eSIM work well in Thailand?
Yes. Based on my own tests, Saily works well across Thailand's main cities and larger islands, including Bangkok and Koh Chang. I measured up to 246 Mbps download on Koh Chang.
Is there a Saily discount code for Thailand?
Yes. My recommended Saily discount code is TECH. It gives 15% off Saily plans, including Thailand eSIMs and Saily Ultra.
How much data do I need for one week in Thailand?
For a normal one-week Thailand trip, I would choose the 10 GB plan. It should comfortably cover maps, messaging, social media and normal browsing for one traveller. If you work remotely or use hotspot often, consider 20 GB.
Does Saily work on small Thai islands?
Yes, but performance can vary. On Koh Yao Noi, I measured 56.5 Mbps download, but latency was high at 533 ms with NordVPN active. Browsing and messaging worked, but video calls felt less responsive than on bigger islands.
Do I need a physical SIM card in Thailand?
No. With Saily, you can install the eSIM digitally before you travel and activate it when you arrive. There's no need to buy a physical SIM card at the airport or in a shop.
Is Saily good for remote work in Thailand?
Yes, especially in Bangkok and on larger islands like Koh Chang. In my Koh Chang test, Saily was fast enough for video calls, uploads and normal remote work. On smaller islands, I would test the connection before scheduling important calls.
Is Saily data-only in Thailand?
Saily's Thailand data plans are primarily for mobile data. They do not include a local Thai phone number, SMS or voice line. However, Saily now offers an optional US phone number add-on inside the app, which can be useful for calls, texts, OTPs and app sign-ups while travelling.
Which network does Saily use in Thailand?
In my own tests, Saily connected through TrueMove H in Thailand, including on Koh Yao Noi. Coverage maps from nPerf also show broad TrueMove H coverage across the country. Depending on location and roaming setup, available partner networks may vary.
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About the Author
Nico Dudli is a lecturer, digital consultant and tech author based in St. Gallen, Switzerland. For TechNovice, he personally tests eSIMs, AI tools and digital products in real-world situations. His Saily reviews are based on his own travel tests across countries including Thailand, Portugal, France and Switzerland.
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