Backpacking Thailand: The Ultimate Travel Guide

In this guide to backpacking Thailand, you will learn everything you need to know about travelling this beautiful country on a budget, including things that you’ll never find in your Guide Book. *This post has been updated February, 2018*

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Ahh Thailand…heaven for budget backpackers. A place we return to. A place that somehow feels like home, despite being thousands of miles away. Stunning white sand traces 445 km of palm fringed coastline. Locals that smile, food that satisfies, beaches that shimmer and parties that last until sunrise, this is what easy travel is all about. On top of all of that, there are endless incredible places to visit in Thailand, and things to do in Thailand – you’ll never be bored here.

Thailand tends to cater to western visitors and much of its ancient culture and customs suffer from destructive tourism. You may hear mixed reviews before coming here but one thing is for certain… everyone has fun in Thailand! Check out this backpacking Thailand guide and start planning your trip.

How Much Will Backpacking Thailand Cost?

$50/day for 2 people.

This is a pretty comfortable Thailand backpacking budget. You’ll be able to pay for your transportation, snorkel, jungle or river tours, accommodation in cheap double rooms and still have some money left over for beers. Thailand is a cheap country to visit. You may have heard tales of $2 huts and 5 cent buses but you better come here in a time machine if you expect to find prices like that. But, backpacking Thailand is still pretty cheap.

Budget Accommodation: ($10-$30/night)

Accommodation in Thailand has definitely gone up in price since the hippy days, but with the price increase has come a step up in comfort and style. You will never find a hut for less than $8 in Thailand and if you’re staying in Bangkok or an expensive island, expect to pay around $20 for a decent double room. Prices often include breakfast. Check out these places to stay in Thailand for travellers:

☞ Click Here to compare prices for the best hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Thailand on Booking.com

Eating: ($1-$3/meal)

There are still amazing deals to be had while backpacking through Thailand. You can usually find tasty Pad Thai, Massuman curry, green curry, and soups to fill your stomach for just over a dollar. If you’re in a touristy area outside of Bangkok, you may have to pay the escalated prices in the farang (foreigner) restaurants, where a cheap meal will be at least $3 – $5.

Entrance Fees: (Average $5/person)

There are some good sites to be seen in Thailand including many amazing temples, the Grand Palace, and Ayutthaya: The Ancient City of Siam. Some sites are free while others, like the Grand Palace in Bangkok, will cost 400 THB ($12). If you visit Ayutthaya expect to pay around 50 THB ($1.25) for each temple you enter.

Alcohol: ($2 Beer, $4 Cocktails)

Alcohol will most likely be part of your budget while backpacking Thailand. There are ways to save some serious baht for those on a shoestring budget.

Pre-drinking can be your wallet’s best friend in Thailand and you can buy big beers at 7-11 for around 55 THB ($1.50). Hit up 7-11 or the local market and avoid drinking beers in bars where drinks are double or triple the price.

Cocktails in bars are usually around $3, but they are often made with cheap local spirits. A bottle of Mekhong whiskey only costs about $2 in a store, so keep that in mind when you’re ordering expensive cocktails at the beach bar. You’re definitely paying for the ambiance, but when the sun sets over the sparkling sea, you’ll wonder if you can put a price on that sundowner experience.

Tipping:

Don’t Tip! If you’re like us, born and raised in North America, then this is likely a hard concept to grasp. Thais don’t tip and neither should you.

If you’re backpacking Thailand on a budget, then the fact that there’s no tipping probably comes as good news.

By doing so you are influencing the locals to expect gratuity from tourists. Tips are not expected from locals and tipping may annoy locals, expats and long-term travellers alike because it just makes the services more expensive for them. Don’t tip in Thailand!

**Update 2018: It is much more commonplace to tip these days in Thailand. If eating at a street stall, there’s no need to leave a tip. If you’re eating at a restaurant, at least leave the coins, or up to 10%. In a fancier restaurant, definitely leave 10%. For hotel cleaners, it’s nice to leave 20 – 50 baht under the pillow (depending on where you’re staying). Gauge the situation and decide whether leaving without tipping is appropriate, but in Thai culture, it’s expected that you at least leave the coins…in order to “save face”.

Travel Insurance:

It’s important to have travel insurance before embarking on your backpacking adventure! It’s the one thing you should always pack. World Nomads is a popular choice for backpackers and travellers. Enter in your details below to get a free quote:

Must-See Places in Thailand

There are too many must-see places to visit in Thailand to list here. We’ve spent 7 months here on 8 different visits and we still have much to see. Thailand is jam-packed with great backpacking highlights, many of which you can find on your own, with no help of the guidebook. You just have to really dig to find them!

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The Mainland

Bangkok:

The hustle and bustle of the most vibrant city in Asia will force you to love it or hate it. Bangkok is the perfect first step (or plunge) into the world of Southeast Asia, and as you wander around on sensory overload, you’ll probably love the shock that comes with your entry stamp to Thailand.

Most likely, you’ll spend a crazy night partying on Khaosan Road (which generally involves bucket drinks and insect eating!), but once you’ve got that out-of-the-way, make sure to venture to other areas of this bustling city.

If you’re looking for more authentic things to do in Bangkok, make sure to check out the Ari Neighbourhood, go on a cycle tour, visit Chinatown, check out the airplane cemetery, explore the Chatuchak Market…and so much more.

☞ Click Here to compare prices and see the top-rated hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Bangkok on Booking.com

Chiang Mai:

This ancient walled city has plenty to offer backpackers. Cheap accommodation (especially apartment rentals), delicious restaurants and lots to keep you busy. Make sure to visit the local markets and sign up for a Thai cooking class!

There are tour agencies that can arrange visits to Burmese Long Neck Tribes, jungle zip lining, zorb ball, paintballing, and loads more strange / non-Thai experiences.

For more authentic things to do in Chiang Mai, rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding countryside. Trips to the Mae Sa Waterfall and driving the Mae Hon Song Loop are popular (and gorgeous) excursions in the area. You can also visit nearby cities and towns – don’t miss the awesome things to do in Chiang Rai.

READ MORE: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Chiang Mai

☞ Click Here to compare prices and see the top-rated hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Chiang Mai on Booking

Pai:

Thailand’s hippy hangout. A beautiful little village set on the Pai River in the Mae Hong Song province, Pai is a pretty cool place. You can arrange jungle treks and river trips here as well as visits to the stunning Pai Canyon, Santichon (Chinese village) and tours to the infamous Bridge Over The River Kwai.

After each day of adventure, you can return to the hammock that dangles from your riverside bungalow for a little bit of relaxation. For such a small town, there are numerous things to do in Pai, and its surroundings.

**Update 2018: These days, Pai itself is packed with tourists, and rather than finding Thai food, you’re more likely to see Italian and American favourites on the menu. However, it is possible to find local food, you just have to look al little harder. Make sure to leave the actual town of Pai and explore the beautiful surroundings.

☞ Click Here to compare prices and see the top-rated hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Pai Mai on Booking

The Best Backpacker Islands, Thailand

Railay:

Okay so Railay is not technically an island, it’s just a set of beaches south of Krabi town, but it’s only accessible by boat so it retains an island-like vibe. Railay is breathtaking. Huge limestone cliffs jut out of shimmering turquoise waters.

Here you can do some rock climbing, jungle treks, hikes or just float in the warm sea and look up at the massive, jagged Goliaths that soar above the white sand coves. These shores include some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.

Railay is a must-see for beach bums and adventure backpackers!

☞ Click Here to compare prices for the best hotels and guesthouses on Railay Beach on Booking

Koh Chang (North):

There are two Koh Chang islands in Thailand. One near the northern coasts of the gulf of Thailand, the other is on the Andaman Sea (see below). The north Koh Chang is a stunning place that is deserted outside of peak seasons (when it receives more rain than anywhere else in Thailand).

A long white sand beach fringes its north-western shore, where there is a wide variety of accommodation with everything from cheap huts to stunning resorts. Luckily the two financial extremes are separated so the different vibes can remain intact.

**GOAT NOTE – White Sands Beach is one of the nicest stretches of sand in Thailand, and it’s less crowded than most.

☞ Click Here to compare prices on the best hotels and guesthoues in Koh Chang on Booking

Koh Phangan:

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Koh Phangan is only for drunk party animals trancing out on the beach during full moon parties. If you want to experience one of Thailand’s most dazzling specs in the sea, then you should come to Koh Phangan outside of the optimal lunar cycle.

Aside from those 3-5 days a month, the island is left deserted, wild and untouched. There are good roads connecting all of the best beaches so renting a motorbike and touring the island is easy. Haad Rin (the full moon party beach) is also one of the most stunning beach in all of Thailand. Don’t make the mistake of skipping this island, there are numerous things to do in Koh Phangan!

**GOAT NOTE – We stayed at Lighthouse Bungalows near Leela Beach. With bungalows that cling to the cliffside overlooking the sparkling sea, this is the best rustic guesthouse on the island. Far enough away from the crowds, yet close enough to walk there in 10 minutes, Lighthouse Bungalows is in the perfect spot.

☞ Click here to compare prices on the best hotels and guesthouses on Koh Phangan

Koh Tao:

Koh Tao (meaning “Turtle Island”) is Thailand’s scuba diving mecca and they dish out more PADI certificates than anywhere else on the planet. The diving here is world-class (although there is much better diving elsewhere in Thailand), but it’s the vibe that really makes Koh Tao what it is.

Funky beach bars, tasty restaurants, street stalls, sandy beaches, movie nights and great diving and snorkelling all add up to make Koh Tao one of the funkiest islands in Thailand.

**GOAT NOTE: Getting PADI in Koh Tao is highly recommended!

☞ Click here to compare prices for the best hotels and guesthouses on Koh Tao on Booking

Koh Phi Phi:

There are two Koh Phi Phi’s that float as neighbours in the aquamarine waters of the Andaman sea. Both of these islands are stunning and both of them are overrun with tourists.

If you’re looking for an authentic Thai experience, look elsewhere. But if you want to see a beautiful beach, snorkel some nice reefs and see the place where the movie “The Beach” was filmed, then Koh Phi Phi is worth a visit. Keep in mind that prices here are jacked up in comparison to the rest of Thailand.

**GOAT NOTE – The beaches on both Koh Phi Phi Islands are very shallow and pretty much unswimmable for most of the day.

☞ Click here for the best hotels and guesthouses on Koh Phi Phi on Booking

Koh Samui:

This island is more of a hangout for couples and families. We had avoided it during our younger backpacking years, but found ourselves actually spending 1.5 months there in 2017. Lamai beach is one of the nicest we’ve seen in Thailand with soft sand and clear water – plus, the water gets deep quickly meaning you don’t have to swim too far out. There are some great markets, quieter beaches in the north, pristine waterfalls and some really good restaurants.

Check out our Guide to Living in Koh Samui for more information. We don’t have a Koh Samui backpackers guide, as we feel it’s more of a mid-range island. However, as with everywhere in Thailand, it is possible to travel here on a budget.

We didn’t stay here, but saw some really colourful, funky huts right on beautiful Lamai beach! Travellers recommended it to us, and the place was full of backpackers when we stopped by. It’s called New Hut Bungalows – click here to see the latest price on Booking.com.

Must-have Experiences in Thailand

There are so many awesome things to do in Thailand, here are some of our favourites:

Cocktails At Sunset:

When the sun begins to dip into the sea and illuminate the sky with pinks, reds and oranges, you’ll be drawn to the beach like a fly to a lamp. Head to one of the many funky beach-side bars and enjoy a delicious sundowner while swinging in a hammock or lounging in a bean bag chair.

These moments are what a vacation in Thailand is all about. And that’s what it is. Even if you’re backpacking Thailand, you can take time to have a vacation from travel and just watch the beauty of this enchanting land unfold at sunset.

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Learn Some Thai:

Thai people are often thrilled to hear you speak a little bit of their language. Not only will it win you some friends, but it will also save you some money while bargaining in markets. Thai isn’t the easiest language to learn, but it’s definitely possible to pick some up whilst in the country.

Play Football (Soccer) With Locals:

As the day comes to a close in Thailand, young people take to the beaches and parks to have a game of football under the evening sun. We highly recommend joining one of these games, even if you suck at playing! The Thais are always willing to have a farang join their games and it will give you a chance to mingle with the locals.

See a Muy Thai Kickboxing Match:

This is an essential part of any visit to Thailand. The Thais are crazy about kickboxing and if you get a chance to see a match, you’ll see why. There are often promotional trucks driving around during the days leading up to a match, so just grab a flyer or buy a ticket!

Ride In A Tuk-Tuk:

These cool little 3-wheeled rickshaws are pretty much the mascot for Thailand, so don’t miss the opportunity to hop in one and go for a ride. Just beware that in Bangkok they are usually in cahoots with shops and will take you to family owned jewelery stores and pushy tailors. Make sure your tuk-tuk driver knows you aren’t interested and just want to get to your destination.

Rent A Motorbike:

By far the best way to get around in Thailand is on a motorbike or moped. They can be rented just about everywhere for as little as $3 and they will give you a lot of freedom that buses and tuk-tuks lack.

If you’ve never ridden one before, don’t worry, it’s like riding a bike. Just take a spin around the block a couple of times to get used to it and you’ll be fine. It would be a shame not to rent a motorbike on every island and zip around to different beaches and villages – you’d miss out on so much. Hiring a scooter is definitely something you should do when backpacking Thailand.

Visit A Monastery:

There are a ton of monasteries in Thailand, many of which are frequented by tourists. If you can’t enter without having a “monk” ask you for money, then you know you’re in the wrong place. Stay away from the touristy places where fake monks patrol the gates to beg from tourists. Find one off the beaten path (perhaps on your motorbike) and you’ll be rewarded with a truly authentic Thai experience.

Note: Make sure to dress appropriately when entering into a monastery, temple, or sacred place.

Do A Thai Cooking Class:

Thai food is delicious and relatively easy to make. You can find Thai cooking classes in most cities and on many islands. You shop for your ingredients at the local market first and then spend the day cooking the delicious foods. The best part? You get to eat everything you make.

Off The Beaten Path In Thailand

Sure Thailand isn’t an off the beaten path destination, but there are still plenty of places you can go to avoid the crowds.

If you’re like us and you like finding places that aren’t in the guide-book, then you’ll appreciate this section.

Although it’s not easy, you can still find a little piece of paradise all to yourself. Regardless of which island you’re on, or city you’re in, you can always get away from the crowds by renting a motorbike and zipping off to explore.

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Ko Kood:

Although this island is becoming more popular with each passing year, it is still deserted every evening, even in the peak season. Consider spending a couple of nights here, exploring the waterfalls and monasteries that dot the jungle-clad interior and witness Thai people who are surprised to see a foreign face. A treat that’s hard to come by in Thailand.

Koh Chang (Andaman Sea):

This tiny little island shouldn’t be confused with the increasingly popular Koh Chang on the other side of the peninsula. This Koh Chang is truly off the beaten path and it boasts some stunning beaches, flourishing coral reefs and cool fishing villages. If you want to get away from the crowds, then this is the island for you.

Koh Lanta:

This place seems like a honeymooner’s paradise, but even in the peak season it’s pretty empty. You can get some great value bungalows here set right on the beach and if you rent a motorbike and cruise the island, you can find some beautiful coves with nobody around for miles.

Pros Of Backpacking Thailand

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s backpacking mecca, and for good reason. There is so much to do here and almost everything is affordable.

If you don’t get involved in anything illegal, you’ll be safe when backpacking Thailand. You never have to worry too much about crime and the beaches are among the most stunning in the entire region. There’s a reason so many people return to Thailand year after year and after one trip to this enchanting land, you’ll see why.

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The Vibe:

We don’t know how to explain it, but there is a certain vibration that resonates along these coastlines that is as addictive as it is palpable. From the moment you land in Bangkok you’ll feel Thailand’s incredible energy and when you return home you’ll crave it so much that you’ll be booking your flight back the following year (or month).

The People:

Known as the land of smiles. When backpacking Thailand you’ll be greeted politely by all the locals in the country. They are extremely friendly but it’s not always easy to make friends with Thai people. (see cons below)

The Costs:

Despite a constant increase in pricing, Thailand is still a very cheap place to visit. There’s a lot to do and almost everything can fall inside of a backpacker’s budget.

The Ease Of Travel:

This country is a place that is well scripted in the art of tourism. Everything here is set up for backpackers, from Thailand backpacking tours and transport, to hotels and holiday packages. You never have to worry about figuring out how to get somewhere if you don’t want to. Just be weary of travel agency rip-offs.

The Food:

Thailand is home to the most famous food in Southeast Asia. Malay, Indo and Thai spices combine to create some of the world’s most flavourful dishes. Surely you’ve heard of Pad Thai (a delicious fried noodle dish) but there is so much more to Thai food then this one national dish.

There are spicy Massaman curries, green coconut curries, spring rolls and spicy seafood dishes. Your taste buds will thank you after a visit to Thailand.

Cons Of Backpacking Thailand

If you only stay in Thailand for a couple of weeks, then you probably won’t really notice any cons. At first glance Thailand appears to be all smiles and sunshine. And for the most part it is. But underneath all of the happy welcomes and beach parties, there are some cons to be aware of.

Just like anywhere in the world, there are cons to backpacking Thailand. We recommend going to Thailand aware of this, but open to your own experiences. Many people have probably spent years in Thailand and had nothing but good experiences.

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Being A Farang:

Sure the Thai people are very friendly, and will smile and wave as you pass by, but unfortunately (in our experience) it’s very hard to get past the superficial customer-salesman relationship with the Thais.

Tourists have been coming to Thailand for a long time and this has employed thousands of Thai people. Most of them are genuinely friendly and kind, but as you spend more time here you will notice that there tends to be underlying reasons for almost every interaction.

It’s nothing to be upset about, but don’t go to Thailand expecting to make lifetime friends (within a week or two) like you can in places like the Philippines and Indonesia.

Tourist Pricing:

Get ready to be ripped off. It’s really not a big deal, a few baht here and there. But even savvy travellers will be taken advantage of at one point when backpacking Thailand. Con artists are called artists for a reason and in Thailand they have truly mastered their trade, so be cautious and bargain for everything.

Sex Tourism:

Perverts tend to congregate in countries where the laws are more relaxed and corruption is rife, and Thailand is no exception. Girly bars, ping-pong shows and prostitution rings all exploit the less fortunate women of Southeast Asian countries.

You’ll often see old men with teenage women on their arms and it can be a conflict of morality for many. Standing by and doing nothing doesn’t help, while reporting it to the police will probably end up with the girl being punished more than the pedophile farang.

Either way, if you’re not a part of the problem then you’re more a part of the solution, so avoid bars where women are hired for sex. Many of them are sex slaves that cater to a multi-million dollar industry in Asia.

The Crowds:

If you’re a person that likes to find your way off the beaten track, then backpacking Thailand is not the place for you. There are a few places that remain “less touristy” but for the most part, Thailand is overrun with young party tourists that come here for 2 weeks on a bucket drink and hallucination binge-a-thon.

Over Westernization:

7-11’s, Subways, Starbucks and Burger Kings, Thailand is fully westernized and unfortunately they cater to Western visitors. This does take away from the authentic feel, but you can help retain what culture they have left by covering up, learning from the locals, eating Thai food, and respecting their religion.

The People In Thailand

The people you encounter while backpacking Thailand can have a profound impact on the way you view a destination. Not only the local people, but the types of other travellers as well.

Types Of Other Travellers:

There is a huge variety of travellers that make their way to Thailand each year. From all-inclusive resort goers, to shoestring travellers and everything in between. You’ll meet some people on long, round the world trips, and some who are just here on a two-week getaway.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, there’s something for everyone in Thailand and there’s a little bit of everyone to share it with. You’ll meet plenty of like-minded people and some that you don’t like being around.

There are so many other travellers that you can take your pick & meet some cool people.

The Locals:

Thais are very friendly and they will definitely make a good first impression on you. They have a good sense of humor and often joke about farangs without them even knowing!

If you learn a little Thai, you’ll be able to joke back when you hear them, as well as gain some respect with the local population.

Thai people love their kickboxing (muy Thai) and are very proud of their country. They speak highly of their king and political system and will always try to make you feel like a welcomed guest.

Communication In Thailand

The massive number of tourists who visit Thailand each year ensure that the Thais get plenty of practice speaking English. Almost everyone you meet here will know at least the basics of English and you will almost never find yourself in a place where you can’t communicate.

Getting Around In Thailand:

Thailand has an excellent network of local and international buses and trains, as well as great bus and boat connections so that can get you to most islands with one ticket. Buying tickets is easy everywhere, but easiest (and usually cheaper) if you buy them in Bangkok.

You can get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan for around 550 THB (only $18!). Other island destinations are of similar value. Once you’re at your destination, getting around is also quite easy. Local taxis and tuk-tuks are the norm in city centers, while songthaews (pick-up trucks) will usually transport passengers in between towns, or from the pier to their hotel.

Be sure to bargain for your rides where ever possible, but be aware that the local songhthaew mafia will often have fixed prices and won’t budge for farangs. The best way to get around islands and towns is to rent your own motorbike (see above).

For those who are backpacking Thailand on larger budgets, flights are also extremely cheap here. Try AirAsia.com for some amazing deals, but for the budget conscious, you can’t beat the cheap trains and buses in Thailand. There are endless ways to get around Thailand, some a bit more glamorous than others. For a unique experience, make sure to ride in a tuk-tuk and songthaew …and hire a scooter for the day 😀 Check out these travel tips to Thailand for more information on moving around the country, including the big city of Bangkok.

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Visa Regulations For Backpacking Thailand

The visa situation in Thailand changed in late 2011. Free 30 day visas are still granted to nationals of commonwealth countries upon arrival to all Thai airports, but if you’re coming by land then you will only be given a 2 week stamp that can be extended at visa centers in most major cities. The fine for over staying your visa is 500 THB ($17) / day. You can acquire 3 month visas at some Thai embassies before arrival into Thailand but these regulations change frequently. If you plan on extending a visa or purchasing one before arrival, your best bet is to visit the bureau or consulate’s website in which you plan on applying.

**UPDATE: As of November 1, 2013 travellers holding UK, US, Japanese, German, French, Canadian and Italian passports are now eligible for a 30-day visa-free entry when entering Thailand by a land crossing.

**Please Note: Visa regulations change very frequently. It is best to check appropriate government websites before visiting any country. Click here to see more on Wikipedia.

Entry Requirements To Thailand

You will need to have at least one blank page in your passport which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Thailand is a very easy place to visit and there aren’t too many regulations to follow before arrival.

We haven’t received any hassle, or been asked to show proof of vaccination when entering Thailand by land or air. However, click here to learn more about the required Yellow Fever vaccination.

Health In Thailand

The biggest health risk in Thailand is probably food poisoning and traveller’s diarrhea. There is a risk of Dengue Fever. Sleep under a mosquito net and wear repellent. The risk of malaria is low in most parts of Thailand so anti-malarial pills really aren’t necessary because the side effects of the pills (even the good ones) aren’t worth the risk of malaria (which is easily treatable despite common misconceptions). We would suggest packing a medical kit that includes some antibiotics for travellers diarrhea, Peptol Bismol for upset stomachs and Tylenol for hangover headaches.

*Update, 2018: You can find medicine in all of the major islands and cities in Thailand. Antibiotics, birth control pills and pain medication are all available over the counter. If you’re looking to do some Medical Tourism, Thailand is a great place to do so! Head to Bangkok for dental work and any annual women’s health check-ups.

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Phone & Internet In Thailand

Internet is everywhere in Thailand. Pretty much all hotels and guesthouses will have wi-fi in the lobby, in your room, or at the very least, a computer you can use to check your emails and access the web.

Phones are also cheap in Thailand and handy to have. If you have an unlocked cell phone, you can pick up a SIM card for a few bucks and airtime is also very cheap. If you land at the international airport in Bangkok, you can get a SIM and data for just a few dollars.

You can use a cell phone to book rooms if you’re arriving to your destination with a boat/busload of backpackers all hoping to find a beachside bungalow (get first dibs by calling!), or better yet, book your rooms online to avoid disappointment.

Backpacking Thailand, When is The Best Time to Visit?

The best time to go backpacking in Thailand is generally during the cooler, dryer months from November to around Mid-February. During the summer months from June to August, the temperatures can be unpleasantly hot making it hard to do anything mid-day. The weather in Thailand varies on either side of the peninsula, as well as in the northern ends of the country, so if you’re planning a trip here you should keep the climate in mind. Thailand is a hot, tropical place so you’ll be sweating a lot. If you think you can handle the heat then you can attempt a visit in the summer months.

The rainy season (April-June & September-October) isn’t all bad as you can escape the peak season crowds and enjoy a lush green Thailand that few people see. If the forecast is bad on the Andaman Sea (the rainiest part) then plan to head over to the Gulf (or vice versa). Thailand is narrow so you can easily find some sunshine with a few boat and bus rides. Peak season runs right from November to March, with December and early January being the busiest.

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Ready For Backpacking Thailand?!

Thailand deserves a visit based on its vibe alone, but there are many other things that contribute to an amazing experience there. Tasty food, stunning beaches, great diving and snorkelling, smiling locals and stunning temples. Thailand is like a home on the road for most backpackers and is one of the most backpacker friendly place on the planet.

Pack your bags and head to Thailand. It’ll probably be a place you return to a dozen times.

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