Backpacking in Thailand

Backpacking Overview

One of the most common stop offs for travellers on backpacker tours around Asia is the Kingdom of Thailand, located right in the heart of South East Asia. Thailand is known as the land of smiles, and rightfully so with the hospitality of the locals as well as the considerably cheap living which can be found in the backpacker enclave of Khao San Road, Bangkok.

Thailand has been a favourite for backpackers all over the world for a number of decades.

Backpacker tours to Thailand mostly depart from the Khao San Road, where budget holidaymakers can find a cheap place to stay right in the thick of it. The whole strip is full of bars and nightclubs, and backpackers can find many watering holes offering the Red Bull and local whiskey for about 200 baht for a bucket.

Although Bangkok is great for a few days relax and play before heading on to the adventure sites located around the country. Those travelling on an adventure tour of Thailand will find a complete range of activities that are guaranteed to get the heart-rate going, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, hiking, and a whole heap more.

Backpackers taking a ride in a tuk tuk: an iconic form of transport in Bangkok.

An hour’s flight out of Bangkok will bring travellers to the tropical paradise of Phuket, the largest island of Thailand located in the south of Thailand. Phuket is a favourite for backpackers and adventure travellers alike, with its chilled white-sand beaches, great surf, and happening nightlife in the Patong area.

Perhaps one of the biggest events for young people visiting Thailand is the full moon party on Koh Phangan, an hour’s boat trip from the southern city of Surat Thani. Here, partygoers can stay up all night and sleep on the beach to some of the hottest dance tracks in one of the most unique outdoor dance parties in the world.

Adventure travellers to Thailand generally head up north to the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The north of Thailand is considered to be a cultural hub for the country, and there are a significant number of temples, nature walks and even white water rafting on offer for the thrill-seeking traveller.