Preparing a trip to Thailand? Backpacking in Thailand is an extremely popular travel option that will give you the most authentic experience possible. Giving you a chance to chat with the locals, taste authentic and cheap cuisine, and engage in any number of exciting adventures, Thailand is the place to be. Hop on a train or hop on an elephant, there’s so much to see and do. Only backpacking in Thailand can give you the full experience that travel lovers crave. Those looking to backpack in Thailand, however, should be well prepared for the trip, so they end up lost in more ways than one. If you are interested in backpacking in Thailand, check out these most frequently asked questions for some tips!
Having respect for the people of any country you are traveling to is of the utmost importance. It may take some getting used to but developing proper etiquette in Thailand is possible. When going to Thailand you’ll need to be more conscious about what you are doing with your hands and feet. Pointing your feet towards someone for instance, is considered rude and disrespectful. You should also never touch someone’s head as it considered a sacred part of the body.
If you can, staying at a hostel is a great idea. Not only is it cheap, but it will give you a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers that you can spend time with and possibly develop relationships with. You7 can find hostels on websites like Booking.com and Hostelworld.
When it comes to eating food in Thailand, eat everything! Thailand offers some really cheap food that is incredibly delicious, but you’ll need to be brave. Don’t avoid the local joints and street food – it’s yummy. Go where everyone else is going, because there you’ll find the freshest ingredients and the best food. Don’t be afraid to try new things – you won’t regret it.
When you come to Thailand, pack light. There’s no reason to carry around a heavy bag. Everything in Thailand is affordable and cheap, so don’t bring your whole wardrobe and all your bath supplies. If you run out of clothes to wear, just buy some new clothes. Trust us – you’ll be surprised.
In many places around the world, public transportation is just more practical unless you want to be stuck in traffic for hours. Using public transportation will save you time and money. And when you use a sleeper train, you can get a free night of accommodation. If you use a taxi, be sure to agree upon a price before you go anywhere with them. If there is a meter make sure they use it – otherwise you may get hustled.
If you want a genuine, relaxing backpacking trip, avoid Phuket, as well as Koh Samui. These areas are not only extremely touristy and bourgeoise, but moreover, they are a lot more expensive. You’ll notice a difference and your wallet will too.
The best time for backpacking in Thailand for most people is between the months of November and February, when the temperatures are coolest and monsoon season has ended. But if you don’t mind getting wet and want to avoid the crowds, May through October can provide you with a more leisurely stay.
One thing you’ll wat to take advantage of on your trip to Thailand are cheap Thai massages. You’ll get a quality massage experience that will feel great after hours of walking on your feet and carrying your bag. In Thailand a massage will never cost more than 500 Baht, or about $16 in US dollars, but if you know where to look you can get a massage for the equivalent $5.