Thailand, with its silky white sands and sparkling cerulean waters is one of the most favored destinations for backpackers. Backpacking Thailand can be for any given duration that you fancy. It could be for a week, three weeks, six weeks – anything that is comfortable to you. When you are in Thailand backpacking with your friends and family, you can make it a memorable event by reading our tips. It would help you be prepared for your vacation.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a famous destination for visitors and you must include it in your itinerary when you are on a backpacking tour. Pattaya is believed to be the premier destination of Asia and has an appeal and charm unique to it. Apart from the world famous beautiful Coral Island, Pattaya is also famous for its Tiffany Show, Sriracha Tiger Show, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Mini Siam Pattaya, Alangkarn Show and the half day tour of Ripley’s “Believe It or not” is a must visit. Other places that you must visit at Pattaya are Koh Lan, an island near Pattaya Bay; Pattaya Hills, located between Pattaya Tai and Had Chom Thian and from where you can see the entire city; Pattaya Tai, a busy place that tourists can enjoy and Ao Wong Phra Chan, a beautiful crescent shaped beach.

Bangkok

No vacation in Thailand is complete without an in depth exploration of Bangkok, the capital city of the country. Not only is Bangkok the seat of administration and government, but you can also enjoy a kaleidoscopic view of a lifestyle that encompasses both old and new here. The rich cultural heritage of Bangkok is evident in the well-maintained museums and other places of historical interest. Thailand craft is famous for its indigenous geniuses and you can enjoy them by visiting the Art & cultural centre of mon bangkradee, Brass workshop, pha tamnak suan kularb school for adults, Bronze craft centre, Centre of khon mask making at saphan mai community, Centre of wood carving at pracha-naruemit lane and premjai house. Plan your itinerary in such a way that you visit the parks, temples, museums, fish farms and other places of interest there. This would give you glimpse of the slice of life of Thailand.

Wat Phra Kaew

The Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew is a destination you must visit when you are backpacking to Bangkok. This temple is believed to be one of the most important temples in the entire country and a visit would give you the opportunity to admire the intricate architecture of the stunning interiors. The meditative pose of the seated Buddha would let you contemplate on the benefits of meditation and you will be struck by the beauty of silence. You cannot touch the Buddha or go near it as it is placed on raised platforms. Nevertheless, the gentle sense of peace that prevails in the area will wash over you. One of the main attractions of Wat Phra Kaew is its Angor Vat model, built by King Rama IV.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a city located 80 kilometers from Bangkok. Also called Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, it had been the Thai capital for 417 years. You can arrange for a day trip to Ayutthaya if you are coming from Bangkok. Hence, the historical city of Ayutthaya is a major tourism spot for backpackers. Ayutthaya is just 80 kilometers from Bangkok, and you will need to dedicate a day if you want to explore its full glory. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, the main reason being its strategic positioning near three rivers. Things to see in Ayutthaya are Wat Chaiwattanarm ruins, Wat Phra Mahthat (capital of Ayutthaya), WatPanan Choeng (place of worship), Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Lokayasutharam). You can also visit Ayutthaya Historical Park if you are interested in a bit of history and would like to explore the ancient temples, palaces, monasteries and statues

Chiang Rai

Located in the northernmost part of Thailand, Chiang Rai is an excellent destination for backpacking. With its diversity in attraction, rich history and culture, you will have plenty of sights to see and activities to do. There are museums, temples, ancient caves, hiking and trekking trails and plenty more for you to do at Chiang Rai. You can visit the exquisite painting at Wat Phra Singh, the beautiful paintings at Wat Chedi Luang and the architectural wonder known as Wat Phan Tao. Additionally, there are plenty of places to shop and some really good places to eat (Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, 71celsius Grill&Salad, Jatujak Gallery & Restaurant, The Bistro at Chiang Rai Condotel).

Phuket Town

It is every backpacker’s dream to visit Phuket Town in Thailand – the town where you can witness a mélange of cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. Do not miss an opportunity to spend time in Phuket because if you miss it, you cannot consider your vacation in Thailand complete. It is a very famous and crowded tourism destination, but is worth it. Phuket is an island filled with glorious mountains and beaches and you have a plethora of resorts, spas, restaurants, nightclubs, discos and bars dotted all over the island. With its blissful look (probably because it is an island) which you would soon see is a deception for all the fun it hides within its fold, it is no wonder why Phuket is branded “the pearl of the Andaman”. You can go on a half-day safari on the back of an elephant, go surfing on the beaches, indulge in a foot-body massage at one of the spas, learn to cook at one of the cooking schools or partake in exciting hiking adventures.

Pai

Pai is another famous backpacking destination. You can do plenty of things including visiting the waterfalls (they are amazing), exploring the stunning canyons located just outside of Pai, indulge n a refreshing spa center or get some stunning, cute looking tattoos. Sitting on the canyons and watching the sun starting to set is one of the favorite activities of backpackers. You can stroll down the Thai river, pass through the hanging rivers and indulge in a rafting expedition if the water level is low.

Ko Tao

Ko Tao was initially a backpacker’s paradise, but now families, sports junkies and flash packers find this island equally fascinating. The main attraction of this island is diving. There are 35 dive sites, making it the “diving mecca”. Ko Tao had functioned as a prison during the 1943-1944 period after which it became inhabited. Then slowly people started coming in to live here and then western travelers stumbled in. Development has been explosive in Ko Tao after that. You must visit this place if you can.

Surin

Surin is a famous destination in Thailand and located 457 kilometers from Bangkok. Surin is famous for its Elephant Round up and the rich variety of handicrafts that would blow your mind. You have a number of tourist attractions as well, like the Prasat Ban Phlai, which is a Ban Phlai sanctuary at Tambon Chua Phloeng, Wat Burapharam with its sacred Buddha image, Prasat Muang Thi to see the pagodas, Prasat Phumpon, Prasat Yai Ngao and Prasat Si Khoraphum are khymer sanctuaries and a elephant village situated at Ban Ta Klang on Highway No. 214

Songkhla

Songkhla is a backpacker’s paradise, thanks to its enchanting beaches and mesmerizing waterfalls. You can walk through the province of Songkhla and savor the historical flavor and get a glimpse of the local architecture. Bull fighting and dove singing contest are the two major festivals of the province. When you go shopping, you must buy Sapodilla fruit, a ripe fruit oval in shape and with sweet, soft flesh, Nang Talung, a shadow puppet, Ko Yo Hand-woven Fabric, a typical folk product of the area and savor the seafood products. Major attractions of the area include Hat Yai, which a gateway to Malaysia and Singapore, Hat Yai Municipal Park, Namtok Ton Nga Chang, a wildlife sanctuary, Khao Noi for hiking and Khao Kao Seng, a fishing village.