Backpacking Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand has been an incredible place for backpacking for years. The country offers something for everyone. From buzzing night markets, beautiful tropical beaches, world-class diving, delicious Thai food, and crazy parties, Thailand attracts travelers from all over the world. This backpacking Thailand travel guide is for frugal travelers who want to get the most out their trip.

The country is one of the most popular travel destination in Southeast Asia that caters to most budgets and styles. Whether you’re a novice, adventure seeker or experienced backpacker, you can find epic (yet cheap) hostels and guesthouses that won’t cost you a fortune.

Backpacking in Thailand is much easier than you might think. For many years, tourism in Thailand has paved the way. There are plenty of areas and businesses catering solely to international travelers. In busy resort areas, a tourist infrastructure is readily accessible to visitors. After all, many people in Thailand live off tourism and the Thais have adapted in many ways to Western wishes (such as punctuality).

In most places, you will also meet other travelers every day, so you’re never completely alone. Backpacking in Thailand is suitable for people with a bit of thirst for adventure, an interest in South Asian cultures and religions as well as a desire for lazy beach holiday and a little party.

I myself have been to Thailand a number of times. Often just making a layover in Bangkok because some of the cheapest flights to Asia are into this city. Bangkok is an exciting metropolis with great contrasts between the rich and the poor. As well as a number of palaces, temples, markets and shopping opportunities.

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If you’re into culture, religion, and history, spend some time in Bangkok before traveling to northern Thailand. This region features huge Buddha statues, countless temples, world war history and gives the chance to witness everyday Thai life.

In the South, there are the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, the Full Moon Party, and beautiful coral reefs filled with colorful fish, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

While there are still a few gems not yet discovered this easy travel guide to Thailand will help you plan your ultimate trip to the Land of Smiles. It features local advice, insider backpacker routes, and next level travel tips so you can travel Thailand like a pro. No matter what you want to do. Whether it’s taking a trip from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai of the north, visiting the exceptionally beautiful Similan Islands, or simply attending a walking tour to explore Bangkok. This backpacking Thailand travel guide has got you covered.

Where to Go Backpacking in Thailand

If you’re looking for a place to go backpacking in Thailand you’ll spoilt for choice. The country rightfully deserves to be such a popular backpacking destination because you can see so much without any border crossings. While Thailand is home to some of the most stunning beaches and islands in Southeast Asia, Northern and Southern Thailand are very different from each other.

North is traditionally considered more relaxed and what feels like a more authentic experience of Thailand, with areas like the Ayutthaya Temples in Central Thailand. The South much more geared towards partygoers and those on holiday with the focus being on hanging out with friends and relaxing on beaches.

Grab a motorbike and explore Thailand’s countryside far away from the tourist hotspots. Eat and party your way through the pulsating Thailand’s capital. Join a traditional yoga retreat, or get your scuba diving certificate in Koh Tao!

First things first, you want to decide whether you’re heading north or south. You may, however, also want or need to consider a Bangkok based round route if you’re short on time or have a flight in and out of there.

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Because backpacking Thailand can suck up a lot of time you need to know what places you really want to visit. Whatever you do, make sure you soak up the sun on the soft sandy shores. Try Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup), and get to at least one National Park.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Thailand. You can just chill out in a hammock with a Chiang beer, check out the big golden buddhas, do a Buddhist meditation retreat or party all night under the full moon on Koh Phangan. What you can do in Thailand is only limited by your imagination. To give you more insightful ideas about places to visit in Thailand, I’ve put together some backpacking itineraries below.

Travel Itineraries for Backpacking in Thailand

Planning a backpacking trip to Thailand depends entirely on where you really want to go. For example, you might have no desire to visit Phuket or Similan Islands. Your heart is longing for Bangkok or Chiang Mai or Pai. Your travel itinerary will depend on your personal preferences, travel needs, your budget and the time of year.

Keep in mind, these Thailand itineraries cover some of the country’s highlights. Of course, there are loads of destinations off the beaten path to explore too! Obviously, the more time you have the more options available. A week or two roll by quickly so don’t be surprised if you end up coming back for more!

1. Northern Thailand Backpacking Itinerary

1. This Northern Thailand backpacking route starts in Bangkok. Spend 2-3 days exploring the bustling capital before heading up north.
2. If you’re serious about your exploration, stop off at Sukhothai in order to catch a spectacular sunset. Thailand’s ancient capital deserves a day or two of your time.
3. Arrive in Chiang Mai and spend a few days visiting the city’s best temples and immersing yourself in a country’s culture. If you can allocate more time and want to explore the countryside, why not hit the trail that will take you through stunning nature, alongside hidden waterfalls, and beneath jungle canopies.
4. Head three hours west to Pai, a town with a unique hippie atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
5. Head further west to Mae Hong Son, a beautiful lakeside town featuring lots of nature, outdoor activities, a laid-back vibe, and interesting local culture.
6. Spend a night in the mountain town of Mae Sariang, a sleepy town where most businesses are closed in the evening.
7. Head the summit of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand.
8. Head back to Chiang Mai.
9. Go north three hours to Chiang Rai to visit Wat Rong Khun aka White Temple.
10. Continue to Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border, where you can start your backpacking adventure in Laos! Or fly back to Bangkok from Chiang Mai (the flight takes around one hour).

Why You Should Explore Northern Thailand:

It’s dirt cheap. Those backpacking Thailand alone on a shoestring budget should love this region. Don’t think twice, a plate of noodles in Chiang Mai will set you back 40 Baht, while the same bowl will cost you 70 Baht in the South.

It’s an outdoor paradise. From rugged mountains, lush jungles to diverse peoples, Thailand’s north has an endless supply of stunning scenery that’s just calling out to be explored on a road trip.

Northern Thailand is still less touristy than the south and offers a real local experience for travelers.

2. Southern Thailand Backpacking Itinerary

1. I suggest you start this Thailand backpacking route in Bangkok as well. Spend a couple of days in the capital before hopping on an overnight train down south to Chumphon.
2. Catch a ferry to the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. This is a popular destination for scuba divers and beginners looking to start their love affair with diving. Spend a few days getting your Open Water Course (PADI or SSI), try snorkeling or just chill on the island’s beautiful beaches.
3. After a day or two of scuba diving, take a one hour ferry ride to Koh Phangan where you can experience the Full Moon Party (if the timing is right) or attend a few yoga classes. Yoga Retreat is in Haad Salad is one of the best here.
4. Head back to the mainland to pay majestic Khao Sok National Park a visit. Here you can enjoy Thailand’s largest protected area, go rainforest trekking, learn how to cook Thai food and spot some elephants.
5. Catch a minibus to Krabi and head to the stunningly beautiful Railay Beach. Learn to rock climb, trek to a lagoon, or even visit Phra Nang Cave (for more info on that see check out these unmissable things to do in Ao Nang!).
6. Hop on a boat to Koh Lanta for some serious snorkeling and cooking classes. If you have some extra time to spare, pick an island of your choice in the Andaman Sea to indulge in your own tropical paradise.
7. From here, you can head to the island of Koh Lipe and onward to Langkawi or fly back to Bangkok from nearby Krabi Airport (KBV).

Why You Should Explore Southern Thailand:

It’s a no-brainer for backpackers to visit Southern Thailand. This part of the country features the most beautiful beaches in the world, while my Southern Thailand backpacking itinerary takes in some of the best!

Are you a culture junkie? If so, you should know that the Southern provinces are predominantly Muslim. Therefore, the foods here bear closest similarities to Indian food. Here you’ll find bread, in the form of Pan-fried Muslim Bread roti, which sometimes is stuffed with a curried meat and vegetable mixture, or comes with a curry sauce to dip in. A rich and fragrant massaman curry is a delicious complement. Unlike popular Thai curries in which fresh Thai herbs and spices like fingerroot, galangal, and lemongrass are the primary ingredients, many Muslim-influenced Southern curries boast roasted fragrance of dry spices more familiar in Indian cooking. There’s also plenty of vegetarian options that can be enjoyed only in Southern Thailand.

3. Combine Both the North and South of Thailand

As I said, the north and the south are completely different from one another, which is what makes this itinerary so special.

1. Start in Thailand’s capital, explore Bangkok for a few days, taking a day trip to the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya.
2. Take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Surrounded by scenic mountains and dotted with Buddhist temples of cultural importance, Chiang Mai is the best place to see the contrast between the South and North. Because of its laid-back vibe, moderate temperatures, diverse culture and great value-for-money in food and accommodation, it was the place I enjoyed the most. Not to mention the immense array of cultural activities like Thai massage, cooking classes, and feeding and bathing elephants at the sanctuary.
3. Rent a motorbike or catch a minibus three hours west to the backpacker paradise of Pai with its mind-blowing mountain scenery and buzzing nightlife.
4. Complete the Mae Hong Son Loop over a few days, or simply head back to Chiang Mai.
5. Hop on a plane at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) and take yourself to Krabi where your Southern Thailand adventure begins.
6. Start in Railay, a picturesque bay that boasts some of the best rock climbing in Thailand.
7. Catch a ferry to Koh Lanta for astounding beaches, snorkeling, caving and waterfall adventures. From here, you can take a day trip to one of the smaller islands in the Andaman Sea.
8. Head back to the mainland where you can visit the beautiful Khao Sok National Park and indulge yourself in elephant trekking, cycling and jungle camping.
9. While there are multiple options for getting to Surat Thani from Khao Sok, the easiest is still taking a minibus. From Surat Thani, you can easily reach.
10. From Khao Sok, take a minibus to Surat Thani, jumping-off point for Koh Phangan, Thailand’s largest beach venue to celebrate. If that’s not your thing, spend some time doing yoga, meditation at any of the yoga retreats in Koh Phangan.
11. Take a ferry just one hour to Koh Tao where diving is taken very seriously. Attend the open water diving course at Koh Tao or just snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

Travelling to Thailand for 2 weeks? Here’s my suggested travel itinerary for 14 days in Thailand!

When to Go Backpacking in Thailand

In a nutshell, the best time to visit Thailand is generally during the cooler, dryer months. The high season runs from November to around Mid-February and you can expect pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures. During the summer months from June to August, the heat quickly becomes suffocating in the south of the country, making it hard to do anything mid-day.

The rainy season (monsoon) (occurs roughly between June and October) isn’t all bad as you can escape the peak season crowds and enjoy a lush green Thailand that few people see. In fact, the rainy season can be one of the best times to visit Thailand. The prices for accommodation and tours are at their lowest. There are fewer people and the land is lush and beautiful. Occasional showers often comes all at once in a short burst of time in the afternoons, leaving the mornings bright, fresh and cool. Therefore, waking up earlier gives you plenty of time to explore. In addition, watching monsoon rains is an experience in itself.

To help you find the perfect time to visit Thailand during your backpacking adventure, check out my in-depth article on when to go backpacking in Thailand. Give it a quick look!

Backpacker Accommodation in Thailand

The streets and islands of Thailand are full of kickass hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels and finding a decent option is easier than you think. A bed in a dorm room is readily available for only a few dollars. While a private room in a guesthouse will set you back $10-15 per night. In general, accommodation in the north of Thailand tend to be cheaper than in Bangkok or the southern islands, where prices are usually higher (but still comparably low). Generally, you’ll find affordable options and get great value for money everywhere in Thailand.

Where To Stay in Thailand

Below are a few of my favourite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking Thailand:

Smile Society Boutique Hostel, Bangkok
NapPark Hostel, Bangkok
Counting Sheeps at CNX, Chiang Mai
The Entaneer Poshtel, Chiang Mai
BUSKET HOSTEL, Chiang Rai
Juno Hostel Pai, Pai
THE PORT HOSTEL BY SUWATCHAI, Suratthani
Book a Bed Poshtel, Phuket
Mini Boxtel Aonang Hostel, Krabi
Link Hostel Aonang, Krabi
@The Pier 519 Hostel, Koh Phi Phi
Na-tub Hostel, Koh Phangan
At Hostel Samui, Koh Samui
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel, Koh Tao
Asleep Hostel, Koh Lanta
The Bedrooms Hostel, Pattaya
Busaba, Ayutthaya

Cost of Backpacking Thailand

In comparison to Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, backpacking Thailand is quite affordable but it isn’t as cheap as Cambodia or Laos. Traveling in Thailand doesn’t have to be expensive. With some insider backpacker tips, hopefully, you won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

This backpacking Thailand travel guide also outlines some wallet-friendly budget accommodation options and other money-saving tips to help you keep your travel costs down.

Monthly Budget for Thailand

If you plan on spending a good amount of backpacking Thailand, then expect to pay around $950-$1200. Of course, this all depends on how you plan out your trip and if you honor your budget you should be able to meet it. Following these tips to backpacking Thailand will help you reduce your travel costs.

Daily Budget for Thailand

Plan to spend from $35 anywhere near to $47 with accommodation.

Let me not forget the important detail of booking a flight. Thankfully, finding cheap airfare isn’t too difficult if you know how to find insanely cheap airline tickets.

The big question that’s on everyone’s mind is: How much is this going to cost to go backpacking Thailand?

Accommodation

Bangkok is arguably one of Thailand’s most expensive cities. On average, hostels in Thailand cost about $9-12 for a dorm bed. Private Airbnb apartments are around $22 in Bangkok.

Food in Thailand

Fruits are especially affordable in Thailand, and a great way to save money. Street vendors and restaurants are extremely affordable too by Western standards. An average meal may cost $3-8. Beers from 7-Eleven stores like Singha, Leo, and Chang are about $2 for 330ml.

Transport

Motorbikes go for $5-16 and up depending on the type of bike and where. The north is generally cheaper. Helmets are not an option and tickets can run you $8-17 per infringement/depending which officer pulls you over. Thailand’s helmet law is not strictly enforced, especially in provinces and among tourist riders.

Long-distance buses are around $15 and more. Especially if it’s an overnight bus and depend heavily on which class you are in during the trip.

Trains are $23-50 depending on what class you get and for long distances. Prices can be as low as $0.50 for an hour or two ride.

Songthaews (large taxi truck things) are the cheapest public transport and can get you anywhere for $1.50.

If you’re a first-timer and not familiar with the route, ask a taxi driver to use the meter. Avoid getting in taxi if the diver refuses to use it. A taxi ride normally costs under $3. Tuk Tuks are great fun but you have to haggle, they tend to be more expensive at around $5 a ride.

Grab is available in Thailand too! This app is great for getting around big cities because it’s a bit more regulated and makes you feel more secure. Be sure to download the app in advance!

Activities

There are so many incredible attractions and cool activities in Thailand that won’t cost you a fortune. That’s exactly what makes Thailand so special – the incredible diversity at affordable prices. Even if you only have a week in Thailand, you can gather as many different impressions and experiences here as in just a few other travel destinations in the region. And with its strong tourism infrastructure, Thailand is also the perfect “gateway” for travelers and backpackers in Southeast Asia.

Many temples and museums are for free, and others like the Grand Palace and Wat Poh in Bangkok are very affordable. At the same time, the boat trips around the islands like Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Tao were the most expensive attractions.

The secret for saving some money on the tours is to check the price with different tour operators and haggle. There are plenty of things to do and see in Thailand, so if choose to pay for a tour it will cost between $15 and $35 a day. Trekking with a guide costs between $30 and $50 a day. A PADI dive certification course costs around $360.

How to Get Around Backpacking Thailand

Flights in Thailand

I definitely love the fact the fact that Thailand like Europe has a number of budget airlines. Flying is probably the quickest way to get around Thailand and reach the neighbouring countries like China, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. AirAsia is one the most popular low-cost airline and you can get some pretty good deals when booking in advance.

Also consider flying with Nok, Thai Smile and Thai Lion that can get you from Chiang Mai to Krabi in just a couple of hours including your time at the airport. They too offer some great deals and routings. If you’re flying to Thailand or plan to take short flights within the country, try using a few different flight comparison search engines. Kiwi and Skyscanner are the two best engines for finding the cheapest flights to Thailand.

Train Travel in Thailand

Thailand’s train system connects all the distant corners. The extensive rail network covers all major towns with the noticeable exception of Phuket which is reachable by bus. Overnight sleeper trains provide a much nicer way to travel long distances and all passengers get their own bed with a privacy curtain. Carriages are comfortable and clean and there is no shortage of food on trains regardless of class you are traveling on. Fares are generally quite cheap and tickets must be purchased directly from the train station or online.

Spending a night on a sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a quintessential Thailand experience. Basically, Thai trains have three classes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. 1st class includes fancy private air-con sleeping-cars with double beds on overnight trains. 2nd class comes in seat and sleeper versions has both A/C and non-A/C carriages, and is very comfortable particularly on sleeper trains and the A/C express railcars. Even the 3rd class is surprisingly clean and is a pleasant way to travel for many shorter trips. Since Thailand introduced stricter smoking laws all trains are now non-smoking. After my recent train journey, I tend to choose the second class because the beds are just as comfy as the 1st class with enough room for a backpack.

Bus travel in Thailand

No trip to Thailand is complete without taking a bus ride at least once.

Local buses are cheap and convenientю But once you need to find a bus stop you often should ask locals first. Sometimes, buses like open-air buses in Phuket do not necessarily stop at bus stops. They only stop when they see passengers waving at them saying, “Hey, stop, I want in!” If you need to wave the bus down, signal to the driver with a wave and stand back away from the road. Buses may or may not have ticket inspectors to collect the fare. If there is no bus inspector, the driver leaves his cabin every time there are new passengers to collect the fare.

Local buses are generally slower than trains and planes. But they offer an excellent opportunity to meet other travelers and locals, chat with them and enjoy the scenery passing by. While so many travelers out there opt for VIP buses, a ride on a local bus offers the feeling of the fresh air on your face and the wind blowing through your hair. Planning on visiting Sangkhlaburi in Kanchanaburi province? You MUST ride a local bus!

There are also many VIP buses across Thailand. These specifically cater to tourists and run the most popular routes. Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or Bangkok to Surat Thani, for example.

No, you don’t have to be a Very Important Person to use VIP buses in Thailand (obviously!). While, the acronym does represent a higher level of comfort than you will find on local buses, not to mention minibusses, traveling on a VIP bus offers a safe, fast, comfortable experience. Yup, they are affordable too compared to transport in Western countries. They are offer incredibly good value for money.

Drive Around Thailand in a Tuk-Tuk

I’m not telling you to explore the entire country in these three-wheeled vehicles because they are noisy, and uncomfortable for journeys longer than 10 minutes. However, these small open-air taxis with two-stroke engine is an extremely fun way to get around Thailand for short distances. Thais drive their tuk-tuks like crazy, cutting everyone up. Moreover, they charge a lot more than a regular motorcycle taxi or Songthaew. If haggling is your thing and you like speed driving, riding a tuk-tuk is something you’ll love.

Best Food to Try While Backpacking Thailand

Thailand’s cuisine is arguably one of the best in the world! That alone was reason enough for me to visit Thailand as a backpacker. Here, you can get a tasty Pad Thai or Khao Soi for only $1-2. Do not miss the tasty street food though. It’s nutritious and is bound to be a highlight of your backpacking Thailand adventure. Do not worry, the hygiene, because the food is prepared right in front of you.

For lunch, most Thais eat noodle soup, which contains noodles, a type of meat (chicken, pork, beef, fish or meatballs) and a sprinkling of vegetables in a tasty broth. A bowl of wholesome goyteow costs between 30-50 Baht ($1-$1.5 USD) depending on where you are and how posh the restaurant is. Other Thai street food dishes that are cheap are rice and noodle-based dishes range from Pad Krapow to Pad See Yew.

Western food like pizza and burgers is more expensive than local food, as you’d imagine. You can get a pizza or a burger for around 250 Baht $7-8 USD. There are many decent Western restaurants across the country that offer familiar foods you got used to.

Check out this article on best Thai dishes to try for more inspiration!

How To Visit Thailand on a Budget

To keep your spending as low as possible whilst travelling in Thailand I recommend utilising a few tried and tested methods of budget adventuring.

Buy Alcohol at Convenience Stores

It’s a no-brainer that buying beer and wine at bars can cost three times as much as buying at convenience store. Expect to pay around about 100-150 Baht per bottle in a pub, while buying a local beer at a convenience store will only cost you about 45-50 THB. Stick to drinking Singha, Chang or Leo because imported drinks quickly drain your wallet. Imported beers will cost you anywhere between 180-200 THB.

Shop at a Weekend Market

Hit local markets for pretty much anything. You’ll get great deals on goods like the famous hippie trousers, foods, trinkets, and more. It doesn’t really matter in which city you’re visiting the market. In general, they offer deals that you can’t get in the stores or from daily vendors. Don’t get too carried away though. You need to know exactly how much you want to spend before entering, because you could blow your daily budget, or more.

Haggle for the Best Bargain

You should know that there are two types of costs in Thailand. Thai local’s prices and prices for everyone who looks like a foreigner, or farang in Thai. Always negotiate a price especially while in local markets. You can always get a better price for things, services and activities. In tourist hot spots like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Samui or Phuket, negotiate the fare before you take the ride. Make sure you exactly know the price before arriving and being stuck with the fare they say.

Eat Street Food

Thai food is definitely a highlight you don’t want to miss. I think you’ll agree with me when I say, there’s no better way to experience Thai food than eating from street stalls. It’s safe. It’s cheap and it’s an experience. Pick the busiest stall since their food has quicker turnaround times and fresher food. Delicious street food won’t put a stop on your spending, and you can point at a random dishes as many times as you want without blowing your budget.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand

You have probably realized by now that Thailand is one of the most budget-friendly countries in the world. That said, the Land of Smiles is filled with unbelievable natural scenery, beautiful islands, culture, history, wildlife, and delicious food. To make things easier for you, I’ve put together this list of the best places in Thailand that are still worth visiting, crowded or not.

Backpacking Bangkok

It is very common to hear that so many people set up a base in Bangkok. With an absolute ton of cheap hostels, arguably the most delicious food in Southeast Asia and vibrant nightlife, BKK is fantastic city to explore. However, the hectic heart of the backpacker scene isn’t a place one immediately falls in love with. Many travellers, hate it when they first arrive, but explore it a little further and you will come to love it. Check out these things you should know before traveling to Bangkok.

Backpacking Khao Sok National Park

The lowland rainforest of Khao Sok National Park is arguably the most beautiful place to enjoy in southern Thailand. Here you’ll find multiple waterfall trails, unspoiled jungle, staggering biodiversity and a clear blue jade lake of Cheow Lan with its floating bungalows. Khao Sok NP offers a plethora of different accommodation options to suite everyone’s travel style. These range from budget guesthouses to treehouse bungalows. Khao Sok is home to world’s largest flower too. Rafflesia flower typically blooms for 4 days and then begins to wither and smell attracting a lot of flies. You need to be there to see it with your own eyes.

Backpacking Chiang Rai

The charming city of Chiang Rai is a convenient base for exploring the scenic countryside as well as the Golden Triangle (Saam Liam Thong Kham). Chiang Rai is still much undiscovered and often overlooked by travellers for it’s larger neigbour – Chiang Mai.

I heard about Chiang Rai for the first time from my school teacher who was an avid globetrotter. Chiang Rai is just a little bit further north than Chiang Mai with plenty of affordable backpacker-style accommodation. You can also visit it on a day trip from Chiang Mai. Among the most popular attractions in Chiang Rai are the unique temples, particularly the Fish Tail Cave or Wat Tham Pla and the incredible White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) glistening in the sun.

Backpacking Sukhothai

The ancient capital of Thailand, Sukhothai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that makes a great stopover on the way from Chiang Mai to Bangkok or vice versa. The Old Sukhothai (meuang gòw) is a must for anyone seeking some real Thai culture and craving insight into Thailand’s fascinating history.

Rent a cheap bicycle and ride by ancient temples and impressive Buddha statues. Sukhothai Historical Park is broken up into several parts and makes it a relaxing place to explore. You can see most things of interest in a day. I’d recommend visiting at least one set of ruins when backpacking in Thailand. I’d probably say Ayutthaya is the best but Lopburi and Sukhothai are unmissable too. If you’re planning on renting a bike consider getting one at your accommodation (if you’re staying for more than a day). Keep in mind, rentals close to the park are much more expensive.

Backpacking Chiang Mai

This is the largest city in Thailand’s north and is like no other in country. Once a former seat of the Lanna Kingdom, it now has become a haven for backpackers, partyers and digital nomads escaping the frenzied buzz of the metropolitan cities. Chiang Mai is the most culturally significant city in the region. Its northern location makes the city a desirable destination for everyone willing to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

Chiang Mai boasts a well-preserved Old City with a moat and dozens of ancient temples neighboring the busy markets. I can’t recommend wandering the Old City and hitting the night markets along Wualai Street and Ratchadamnoen Road highly enough. A lot of travelers end up staying longer than they anticipated because once you immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s markets and temples, you won’t want to leave.

Backpacking Pai

Situated in the hills of Mai Hong Son, the tiny town of Pai is like a magnet for backpackers, outdoor enthusiasts, and travellers who are into trekking with hill tribes. Just 15 very few people heard about this town and even fewer people had any idea where it’s on the map. But for those who do know and who do travel to Pai, there are Mo Paeng and Pam Bok waterfalls, the Pai Canyon and what they call the Land Split. I originally came to Pai for three days and ended up staying for additional 20 days. I definitely recommend renting a motorbike to explore the area at your own pace.

Backpacking the Thai Islands

Thailand has a plethora of jaw-dropping gorgeous islands. Many of them are large enough to offer accommodation, but some are part of a national reserve and thus only accessible by day trips. As I said before, southern islands tend to be more expensive than the northern areas. But this shouldn’t keep you from visiting the area though.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are some smaller tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand that are pretty much uninhabited. Some other islands are very popular (read crowded) and some only have just a few bungalows on them. If you’re planning your perfect Thailand island-hopping adventure take a closer look at Koh Samet, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tarutao, Koh Chang, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and the Similan Islands. To get more off the beaten track while backpacking Thailand, head on over to Koh Lipe.

Many of the lesser-known islands offer a charming and laid-back atmosphere. For a bit secluded treehouse experience – head to Koh Yao Noi. Catch a boat from Phuket heading to Koh Yao Noi, a fairly chilled out island where I spent seven days living in an amazing treehouse in the forest. This can be your best bet if you’re yearning for a hassle-free getaway in search of tranquility and relaxation, all in one.