Thailand may be the epicenter of backpacking in Southeast Asia with the capital city of Bangkok serving as the hub of travel for the rest of the country.
From beaches and islands to jungles and mountains, Thailand has something for backpackers of all types.
I personally crossed the border from Laos into Chiang Rai where I saw the blue, black, and white temples. Chiang Mai was the next stop, and finally an overnight train down to Bangkok completed my month in Thailand.
Why Should You Travel to Thailand?
The average backpacker can expect to spend around $40/day in Thailand. If you’re super budget-conscious, you can backpack Thailand for well under $20/day thanks to hostel prices bottoming out at $3/night and street food being super cheap.
If you fly into Bangkok, you have a common dilemma… should you go north or south?
The north has endless jungles with hotspots including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and hippie-haven Pai.
On the contrary, the south of Thailand is lined with over 2,000 miles of coastline and nearly 1,500 islands with some of the most beautiful beaches. While Phuket may be on your radar, Ko Samui and Ko Tao are other popular islands to consider.
Whatever choice you make, you really can’t go wrong.