Top Spots To Visit in Thailand
From untouched beaches to small mountain villages there are all different cities to see when backpacking Thailand.There are my favorite islands, cities, and villages to visit when backpacking Thailand.
Bangkok
When I think of travel in Thailand my mind always goes to Bangkok I immediately think of hectic traffic, large malls, tiny tuk tuks, street full of drunken tourist, and massive temples. Bangkok isn’t my favorite city in Southeast Asia although it is fun.
Although, it is most likely Bangkok is your hub for you Thailand travels.
My advice is to not spend the entire time in Bangkok partying.
Rather than party the while time you should instead wander off the regular tourist track, and beaten the drunken tourist, loud noises, and hectic atmosphere you will discover a city full of culture and life.
Where to stay – I’ve been to Bangkok over 12 times, and I highly recommend either Lub’d
They are hands down the best hotels in Bangkok and a couple of my favorite places to stay in the entire world.
Things to See in Bangkok
Royal Palace – Over 300 years old, this extravagant palace is the main tourist attraction in Bangkok.
Cost to visit the Royal Palace: Thai people get free. Everyone else it cost 500 Baht ($15)
Visit Bangkok’s other Temples- You might get templed out if you attempt to visit all of these in a couple of days, but here are some other.popular temples in Bangkok.
• Wat Kalayanamit
• Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
• Wat Benchamabophit
• Wat Traimit
Don’t have a lot of time, not to worry. Here is the perfect way to spend 3 days in Bangkok.
Shop Till You Drop – Downtown Bangkok is filled with massive malls. Many of them are all right next to each other. Take the BTS (Sky train) to the Siam stop, and you will be surrounded by shopping centers.
Party– Nightlife in Bangkok never ends. The city is wild, and I have had more than one morning I woke up and felt like I had just reenacted the movie Hangover 2.
The Main party streets in Bangkok are Koh San Rd and Soi Cowboy.
Markets – The weekly markets in Bangkok are ok. However, they are nothing compared to the massive Chatuchak Weekend Market. This market has over 8,000 stalls and shops. Some of the shops are price, but many of them are also very affordable.
How to get to Chatuchak Weekend Market – Take the BTS to Mo Chit station. The market is open Friday through Sunday.
CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai is a second home to me. I love the city so much that I have lived there 3 different times. The city is cheap, fun, has amazing food, elephant nature park, and awesome day trips.
A lot of travelers only stop in Chiang Mai for a few days. However, when planning your backpacking Thailand itinerary I would at least plan for 5 days in Chiang Mai, It is one of the most highly recommend cities in the entire country.
Things to See in Chiang Mai
Doi Sup Thep – The famous temple in Chaing Mai. Full of gold statues, and has some fantastic views of the city.
Other famous temples to visit in Chaing Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep,
Wat Chedi Luang,
Wat Chiang Man
Wat Suan Dok
Get a Sak Yant – What is a Sak Yant? A Magic protection tattoo given to you by a monk. This bamboo tradition started over 700 years ago in Chiang Mai area.
I recommend this private tour for a Sak Yant because they take you to an Ajram (master) whose family has been giving Sak Yant for over 300 years.
Eat a ton of Khao Soi – One of the best foods in Thailand. Khao Soi is known as the food of the North.
However, Khao Soi is the tourist food of the north. If you want the local food also try Kà•nŏm jeen nám ngée•o. It is tasty (though I like Khoa Soi better) and it is what the locals eat.
(Note: Kà•nŏm jeen nám ngée•o contains blood)
The best Khao Soi in town is Khao Soi Mae Sai. You can also get Kà•nŏm jeen nám ngée•o here as well. See it on Google Maps
Bus Bar Wednesday – A bunch of couch surfers meet every Wednesday at Bus Bar to talk, hang out, and share cheap drinks. When I am in Chiang Mai, I never miss it. It is an insanely fun night and a great way to meet locals and fellow travelers when backpacking Thailand.
Road Trip to Pai – A beautiful city on the mountain. Rent a bike and head on a road trip. The mountain road is full of thousands of twist and turns and some fantastic views.
Chiang Mai has one of the lowest cost of living in Thailand. It is an amazing place!
Things to See in Chiang Mai
Pai – a Beautiful city in the mountains
Chiang Rai – The two main attractions of Chiang Rai are the famous White and Black Temples
Phuket – Party town and where you will want to fly if you are going to Phi Phi or Koh Lak.
Pattaya – On the east coast of Thailand. Pattaya is known for its beautiful beaches, big resorts, and never-ending parties.
Thai Islands
Of course, we have to talk about the Thai Islands. Many of these islands are picture perfect with soft sandy beaches, warm water, and thick jungle. Most people backpacking through Thailand flock to the islands for partying. (the parties are out of control) but there are some quite Islands for people just wanting to lounge on the beach.
Koh Tao – Famous for Scuba Diving. Kho Tao has some epic places to stay and has a mix of nightlife and adventures. It is my favorite personal island in Thailand.
Koh Phangan– Famous for the epic full moon party that draws crowds of up to 20,000 each month. Koh Samui – The biggest island in the area. This is where most honeymooners and families spend their time. However, there are still some epic things to do on Koh Samui.
It is not really a party island. It is also a little more expensive than the other islands, but the quality of the resorts on Koh Samui is much higher.
Phi Phi – Known for snorkeling, scuba, party, and tattoos. Oh yes, and the fantastic views.
FUN ADVENTURES WHEN BACKPACKING THAILAND
Learn to Scuba Dive- Thailand is famous for having amazing dive spots. It is also one of the cheapest places to learn in the world. (Maybe even scuba dive in a tropical storm)
Visit the Floating Markets – These boat markets are more of a tourist trap but are still cool to see if you have the time.
Song Kran – Thai New Years turns into a wild and wet festival. With entire cities turning into a massive water fight.
To discover more about Thailand check out these post.
I hope you enjoyed these backpacking Thailand travel tips. Feel free to tell more your Thailand travels in the comments below..
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