Find your Perfect Stay at Hostelworld.com
Backpacking is one of the coolest things you can do in Thailand. You get to explore the country without having to worry about restaurants, hotels, or any other type of expense. Plus, traveling on your own allows for a much more authentic experience than if you were with a tour group. If you’re thinking of backpacking Thailand, this is the guide for you. In it, you will find everything you need to know about planning your trip, packing your bag, and surviving the Thai jungle. By the time you finish reading it, you will have everything you need to make your dream trip a reality.
Visit Hostelworld.com
What are the best places to backpack in Thailand?
Thailand is a country filled with amazing natural beauty, cultural treasures and some of the most welcoming people in the world. It’s no wonder that backpackers are drawn to this country like moths to a flame – there’s something for everyone here, whether you want to explore rural villages and yoga retreats or party hard in bustling cities.
So where should you go on your next backpacking trip to Thailand? Here are five of our favorite places:
1. Ko Tao 
Ko Tao is known as an isolated paradise with crystal clear water, white sand beaches and lush green jungles. With over 100km of pristine coastline, it's no wonder this island has become a popular spot for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Ko Tao offers plenty of activities to keep you busy, like diving, snorkeling and kayaking. The island also boasts some world-renowned restaurants and nightlife. If you're looking to relax, Ko Tao has plenty of spots perfect for that, too – from hammocks on the beach to secluded rainforest hikes.
No matter what you do on Ko Tao, remember to take care of your surroundings. Don't litter or leave anything behind that could be harmful to the environment – and always be respectful to the locals who call this island home.
Visit Hostelworld.com
Budget friendly accommodations:
Ko Tao is a great place to backpack, and while it's not cheap by any means, there are a number of budget-friendly options available. Hostels can be as cheap as 50 baht per night, while guesthouses and campsites can cost anywhere from 100 to 300 baht per night.
Additionally, many restaurants and bars will offer discounted food menus if you're dining in group. And last but not least, the island is well-connected by bus and ferry, so getting around shouldn't be too difficult.
Whatever your budget, there's sure to be an accommodation option on Ko Tao that fits it. Just be wary of the high season—October through March—as prices can spike dramatically during these times.
How to Reach Ko Tao:
To get to Ko Tao, you can fly into Phuket or Krabi. From there, you can take a local bus or boat to the island. The journey will take around four hours and cost around 100 baht. Once on the island, you'll want to head to Nang Na Beach for some swimming and snorkeling. Alternatively, hike up the mountain to see the beautiful Ko Tao Bay.
2. Pai
If you're planning a backpacking trip through Thailand, Pai is definitely a destination you should add to your list. Located in the far northeast corner of the country, this rural province is home to some of Thailand's most stunning and diverse scenery. From snow-capped mountains to tropical jungles, there's something for everyone here.
Pai is also well known for its Pai culture, which revolves around traditional handicrafts like basketry and pottery. If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating heritage, be sure to check out some of the local museums. And if hiking is your thing, Pai is definitely the place to go. The province features dozens of stunning trails that wind their way through dense forests and lush valleys.
So whether you're looking for an exhilarating hiking adventure or simply want to soak up some breathtaking natural beauty, Pai is definitely worth a visit.
Hurry Up! Book Now
Budget friendly accommodations:
Finding budget-friendly accommodations for backpackers in Pai can be difficult, but there are a few options. Most backpackers prefer to stay in guesthouses, though there are also a few options for budget Hostel. Guesthouses typically cost around 20 baht per night and offer clean rooms, shared bathrooms, and breakfast. Some guesthouses also have their own restaurants or bars that serve inexpensive food.
For budget hotels, try searching online deals or visiting the town's main street where many small hotels line the sidewalks. Expect to pay around 50 baht per night for a room with shared bathrooms and no breakfast. Many of these hotels do not have air conditioning and can get quite hot during the day.
How to Reach Pai:
There are several ways to get to Pai from Bangkok, but the easiest way is by bus. Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal every few hours throughout the day and take about four hours to reach Pai. Alternatively, you can fly into Chiang Mai Airport and then take a minibus or taxi to Pai.
3. Chiang Mai
If you're thinking of a Thailand backpacking trip, Chiang Mai is the place to be. This city has a host of attractions that will leave you feeling inspired and eager to revisit again and again.
Chiang Mai is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Thailand, with influences from India, Laos, China and Burma. It's easy to get lost in this vibrant and colorful cityscape, filled with traditional Buddhist temples and bustling streets lined with souvenir shops.
There are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai if you're looking for something adrenaline-pumping – from climbing mountains to white water rafting on the Ping River. If you're feeling more relaxed, take a wander through the ancient ruins at Wat Phra Singh or relax at one of Chiang Mai's many swimming pools. Whatever your interests are, there's sure to be something here that will captivate you.
Visit Hostelworld.com
Budget friendly accommodations:
Looking for budget-friendly accommodations in Chiang Mai? Here are five great options that won’t break the bank.
1. The Old City Guesthouse: This guesthouse is perfect for backpackers on a tight budget. Rooms cost only 700 baht per night, and there are a variety of discounts available depending on your stay length. The location can’t be beat – just steps away from the famous Wat Phra Singh and close to all the other attractions in town.
2. Uncle Boon's Place: Another great option for budget-minded travelers, Uncle Boon's Place offers dorm beds starting at only 20 baht per person per night. The place is located right in the heart of the city, so there's no need to spend extra money on transportation. In addition, the staff is always willing to provide helpful advice on where to go and what to see during your stay in Chiang Mai.
3. Nimmanhaemin Guesthouse: This guesthouse has something for everyone – from family-friendly rooms to air-conditioned suites perfect for summertime travel. Plus, facilities like a pool and free WiFi make it an ideal choice for those looking for a bit of luxury while staying on a budget.
4. Maenam Mansion: If you're looking for something with a bit more oomph than Uncle Boon's Place or Nimmanhaemin Guesthouse, Maenam Mansion is perfect for you. Rooms here start at 800 baht per night, and there are a variety of additional amenities available, like a fitness centre and spa. Plus, the location can't be beat – just steps away from the famous Night Market and the lively city centre.
How to Reach Chiang Mai:
There are several ways to reach Chiang Mai from Bangkok, but the easiest way is by train. Trains depart every hour and take around six hours to reach Chiang Mai. Alternatively, you can fly into Chiang Mai International Airport, which is about two hours away by car.
4. Ko Phangan
Ko Phangan is a stunning island located off the coast of mainland Thailand. Measuring just over 30 square kilometers, this remote and undeveloped paradise is perfect for nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Known for its clear waters, white-sand beaches, lush jungles and amazing snorkeling opportunities, Ko Phangan offers something for everyone. There are plenty of accommodation options available on the island, from Budget Hostels to luxurious resorts. Whether you're looking to explore the lush jungle or take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters, there's something for everyone on Ko Phangan.
Find your Perfect Stay at Hostelworld.com
Budget friendly accommodations:
Ko Phangan is a great place to backpack if you're on a budget. You can find affordable places to stay all throughout the island, and many of them don't require any advance reservations. Whether you're looking for a single room in a hostel or an entire villa shared by several people, Ko Phangan has something for everyone.
Some popular budget-friendly places to stay on Ko Phangan include resorts like Lamai Beach Resort, which offers dorm beds from THB1,000 per night and private rooms from THB3,000 per night. The resort also includes a beachfront restaurant, dive shop, and bar. You can also consider staying in one of the town's guesthouses or bungalows. Prices start at around 100 baht per night for a standard room, but prices can range up to 600 baht for a high-end bungalow. The standard room will likely have a fan and shared bathroom, while the more expensive bungalows will have air conditioning and private bathrooms.
How to reach Ko Phangan:
The island can be reached by ferry from Nakhon Si Thammarat or Surat Thani, or by air from Bangkok. To reach the island by air, visitors can fly into Pakse Airport on the mainland and then take a taxi or bus to Ko Phangan. Alternatively, visitors can book a tour with one of the many travel agencies that operate tours to Ko Phangan.
5. Bangkok
Bangkok is a huge city with plenty of things to see and do. If you're only here for a short while, there are several key areas that you should focus on: the historic districts of Sukhumvit and Klong Toey, the shopping district of Siam Square, and the Royal Palace. Elsewhere in Bangkok, head to Silom for nightlife or Nana for artsy neighborhoods. If you're looking to get out of the city, consider trips to Ayutthaya or Ko Phi Phi.
When planning your trip, make sure to research what's available in each area. Bangkok has dozens of activities ranging from relaxing at a Thai tea house to zip lining through the jungle. And if you're looking for nightlife, Bangkok has something for everyone – from high-end clubs to beer bars favored by locals.
Budget friendly accommodations:
Bangkok is a budget-friendly city for backpackers, but it's not always easy to find affordable lodging. If you're looking for an affordable place to sleep while in Bangkok, try staying in a hostel or guesthouse. Alternatively, you could stay with friends or family in their home.
If money is tight, consider staying in a dorm room at a hostel or guesthouse. Prices for dorm rooms range from around 100 baht per night up to 500 baht per night. Remember to bring your own bedding and towels!
If you're willing to look beyond the mainstream tourist areas, you can find some great deals on accommodation in Bangkok. Try checking out online booking services like Hostelworld and Backpacker's Hostel Network (BPN). These services allow you to search for budget-friendly properties all over Bangkok.
Finally, don't forget about the numerous temples and Buddhist shrines scattered throughout Bangkok that offer free accommodation to visitors. Many of these places offer simple beds and shared bathrooms, but they're usually very clean and comfortable.
How to reach Bangkok:
There are many ways to reach Bangkok, but the easiest way is by air. The main international airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport in Chonburi Province. It's about an hour from downtown Bangkok and there are frequent shuttle buses that run between the airport and the city. You can also take a train or a bus to the city proper.
Backpackers rejoice! Thailand is one of the best places in the world to backpack. The country is stunning, varied and filled with friendly people. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to decide where to start your journey.
What's the best time to visit?
Backpacking in Thailand is a great way to explore the country and experience the local culture. There are a variety of times of year that are best for backpackers in Thailand, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some tips to help you decide when is the best time to travel to Thailand:
The rainy season (May-October) is generally more humid and less hot than other times of year, making it a good time to visit if you're looking for a relaxing trip. The temperatures range from around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day to around 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. This is also a good time to see Monsoon rainfalls in full force!
The cool season (November-April) is also a good time to visit because it's generally less humid than the rainy season and temperatures rarely exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). However, this is also when Typhoons can come through, so be prepared for possible heavy rain and strong wind gusts.
The peak tourist season (May-November) tends to be busiest, but there's usually less congestion and more availability of accommodation. Prices are also higher during this time, but this doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality – many places in Bangkok and other major tourist destinations offer excellent value for money during the peak season.
If you're flexible with your itinerary or prefer quieter towns and villages over bustling cities, then any time of year is a good option. Thailand is a country with many different landscapes and attractions, so there's always something to explore!
Conclusion
Backpacking in Thailand is one of the most popular activities there is, and for good reason. The country has a wide variety of landscapes and attractions that make for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking to hike through stunning rainforest or catch views of the infamous limestone cliffs overlooking the ocean, Thailand has something to offer everyone who visits. In this guide, we'll provide everything you need to know about planning your trip and getting the most out of your time in Thailand as a backpacker. So whether you're ready to hit the trails or just want some tips on where to stay and what to do, read on!
