Backpacking in Thailand? Don’t miss these spots
Your guide to the must-visit destinations in Thailand that are usually off the beaten path
The Thaiger key takeaways:
- Thailand offers diverse backpacking experiences. From bustling Bangkok and historical capitals to quiet northern towns and stunning southern islands.
- Affordable, accessible, and easy to explore. Reliable transport, budget hostels, and cheap food make long-term travel simple and flexible.
- Travel safely with insurance. Unexpected events like accidents or illness can happen, so plans that SafetyWing offers help backpackers explore worry-free.
Thailand has been accused of losing its backpacker soul, but the numbers tell a different story. Last year, nearly 40 million tourists passed through the country, and while many crowded into Bangkok’s bars or the beaches of Phuket, thousands more disappeared into mountain villages, national parks, or quieter islands. That’s Thailand’s trick: it can be everything at once.
It remains one of the easiest countries in Asia to explore. The transport network is reliable, the hostels are affordable, and a plate of noodles will often cost less than the price of bottled water back home. Beyond the well-trodden paths lie places that feel nearly undiscovered, ancient capitals, jungle lakes, and fishing villages where life follows the tide.
Seasonality shapes the journey. The cooler, dry months between November and February are ideal for trekking in the north, while the southern coasts trade off their monsoons, keeping at least one side sunny year-round. Even the wet season has its rewards, short, sharp showers that leave behind landscapes at their most vivid.
So where should you go?
These are the destinations that define backpacking in Thailand, famous stops and less-visited corners alike.
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| Region (Click to jump) | Short Summary | Destinations in the region |
|---|---|---|
| Central Thailand | Known for its cultural heritage and easy access from Bangkok, it offers a mix of history, temples, and natural beauty. | Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai |
| Northern Thailand | A region of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, including mountains, forests, and serene towns. | Chiang Mai, Pai, Khao Yai National Park, Mae Hong Son Loop, Nan Province |
| Southern Thailand | Known for stunning beaches, islands, national parks, and diverse coastal experiences, perfect for relaxation or adventure. | Khao Sok National Park, Koh Lanta, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Phuket, Trang Islands, Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai |
Central Thailand
Bangkok
Bangkok is where almost every journey begins. The Thai capital is chaotic, humid, and overwhelming at first glance, but it’s also endlessly rewarding. Yes, Khao San Road is still the classic first stop, a jumble of hostels, bars, and market stalls, but the city has far more to offer than cheap buckets and neon signs.
Spend mornings exploring temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, or hop on a river ferry to see the city from the Chao Phraya. Bangkok’s food scene is unmatched, from 40-baht bowls of noodles on the street to Michelin-starred street vendors. When the pace becomes too much, cross the river to Bang Krachao, a pocket of canals and greenery known as the city’s “green lung.” Just a short ferry ride away, it feels like stepping into another world.
Just as you embark to Bangkok or to anywhere else in Thailand, having the international coverage of insurance plans from SafetyWing will help you with emergencies or any interruptions that may occur during your travels.
Also: Things to do and see around Chinatown, Bangkok
Ayutthaya
A short train ride from Bangkok lies Ayutthaya, once the glittering capital of Siam and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins tell the story of centuries past: crumbling stupas, giant Buddha statues, and tree roots enveloping ancient stonework.
Renting a bike is the easiest way to explore, pedalling between temple complexes and stopping at riverside cafes. While many visit as a day trip, staying overnight lets you see the ruins at their quietest, early in the morning, when the sun hits the brickwork in shades of gold.
Kanchanaburi
West of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi blends natural beauty with history. It’s here you’ll find the Bridge over the River Kwai and the remains of the Death Railway, stark reminders of World War II. Museums and memorials make this an essential stop for those who want to understand the past.
But the area is also known for its scenery. Erawan National Park is filled with turquoise waterfalls, and floating guesthouses on the River Kwai offer the chance to spend a night surrounded by nature. The combination of reflection and relaxation is what makes Kanchanaburi memorable.
Sukhothai
Older than Ayutthaya, Sukhothai was Thailand’s first capital and remains one of its most atmospheric historical sites. The UNESCO-listed historical park is scattered with temples, Buddha statues, and lotus-filled ponds.
Cycling at sunrise is the best way to experience it, when the mist is lifting and the visitors have yet to arrive. Compared with Ayutthaya, Sukhothai receives fewer people, which means the ruins retain a sense of quiet grandeur.
Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand’s cultural capital. Within its Old City walls are dozens of temples, while just outside are markets, cooking schools, and cafés that attract both backpackers and digital nomads. The atmosphere is relaxed, but there’s no shortage of things to do.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain overlooking the city, is a must-see. Treks into the surrounding hills offer a glimpse of rural life, while night markets are perfect for sampling northern Thai specialities. Time your visit for November to catch Yi Peng, the lantern festival that lights up the night sky.
Pai
Three hours north of Chiang Mai, Pai has grown from a quiet mountain town into a staple on the travel circuit. Its appeal lies in its easygoing pace: hot springs, rice fields, and sunset views from Pai Canyon.
The countryside is best explored on a motorbike, with waterfalls and small villages scattered along the winding roads. Evenings shift the focus back to town, where the walking street fills with food stalls and music.
Khao Yai National Park
Just a few hours from Bangkok, Khao Yai is one of the country’s most accessible national parks. It’s also one of the best places to see wildlife: elephants, gibbons, and hornbills all live here.
Trails lead to waterfalls like Haew Suwat, made famous by the film The Beach, and campsites inside the park make it easy to stay overnight. Khao Yai offers a taste of Thailand’s wild side without the need for a long detour north.
Mae Hong Son Loop
For adventures on two wheels, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a classic. Starting from Chiang Mai, the route winds through mountains, valleys, and remote towns across 1,800-plus metre bends in the road.
Stops include Mae Hong Son itself, with its Burmese-style temples, and Ban Rak Thai, a village known for tea plantations near the Myanmar border. The ride demands both time and confidence, but the reward is access to landscapes and communities far from the usual trail.
Riding on a motorcycle as part of your backpacking journey can be pretty risky. Accidents can happen and being the best rider will not exempt you from an unlucky crash. To keep yourself covered, you should get a plan from SafetyWing as they also cover motorcycle insurance.
Nan Province
Nan offers a quieter version of northern Thailand. The province is dotted with ornate temples and surrounded by mountain scenery that rivals more popular areas.
Country roads twist through teak forests and along winding rivers, passing small villages where daily life continues much as it always has. For those willing to make the trip, Nan provides a perspective that feels far removed from Thailand’s main tourist hubs.
Also: A guide to the places around the mountains of Northern Thailand
Southern Thailand
Khao Sok National Park
In southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is a striking change of pace from the islands. Its centrepiece is Cheow Lan Lake, with limestone cliffs above emerald-green water. Floating bungalows let guests spend the night surrounded by the jungle.
Activities include trekking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, with the chance to see hornbills, langurs, and even wild elephants. It’s one of Thailand’s most distinctive landscapes, and a worthwhile stop between the coasts.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta, off the Andaman coast, is known for its long, quiet beaches and slower rhythm. Beyond the main beaches are mangroves, fishing villages, and wide stretches of coast with hardly a footprint. It’s the kind of place where a two-night stop often turns into a much longer stay.
Koh Tao
Known worldwide as one of the most affordable places to learn diving, Koh Tao has been a rite of passage for many. The island is compact but filled with dive schools, beach bars, and coves where snorkelling is just as rewarding.
Those who stay dry can still find plenty to do: viewpoints like John-Suwan reveal sweeping panoramas, while forest trails crisscross the island’s rugged interior.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is synonymous with the Full Moon Party, a monthly beach celebration that draws thousands. But focusing only on Haad Rin would be a mistake. Elsewhere, the island is dotted with yoga retreats, serene bays in the north, and jungle paths leading to waterfalls.
For many, the appeal lies in the mix – party hard one night, then retreat to a hammock the next.
Koh Samui
One of Thailand’s best-known islands, Koh Samui, draws a mix of holidaymakers. Families come for the resorts, long-term travellers for hostels and nightlife, and wellness seekers for yoga retreats and Muay Thai camps.
Although more developed than other islands, Samui offers a variety. Lively beaches sit alongside quiet coves, and day trips make it easy to reach nearby islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The highlight is Ang Thong National Marine Park, a cluster of limestone islands and lagoons that feels worlds away from Samui’s resort strip.
Koh Phi Phi
Few islands are as famous as Koh Phi Phi. Its dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays make it one of Thailand’s most photographed destinations. The atmosphere is lively, parties and nightlife dominate the main village, but the scenery remains the main draw.
Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, has reopened with visitor limits to protect its ecosystem. Hikes to the island’s viewpoints are another highlight, offering panoramic views at sunset. For calm seekers, boat trips to quieter beaches show a different side of Phi Phi.
Krabi
Krabi is defined by its limestone cliffs, clear water, and mix of activity and relaxation. Railay Beach is a highlight, accessible only by boat, and a global destination for rock climbers.
Beyond the beaches, Krabi offers kayaking, snorkelling, and island-hopping tours. The area features relaxed bungalows, beach bars, and quieter spots in contrast with nearby Phi Phi.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is also its most versatile. Patong is known for nightlife and neon lights, while other beaches like Kata and Kamala are far more relaxed. There is also a growing scene of design-led hostels and cafés.
The Old Town has restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses, coffee shops, and street art, making it one of the island’s most affordable and atmospheric bases. Phuket’s advantage is accessibility, frequent flights, extensive accommodation, and easy transport connections.
Trang Islands
South of Krabi, the Trang archipelago is often overlooked despite its beauty. Islands such as Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, and Koh Ngai are home to white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, but without the crowds of better-known destinations.
The highlight is the Emerald Cave on Koh Mook, where swimmers pass through a tunnel that opens into a hidden lagoon. As an alternative to Phi Phi or Phuket, Trang delivers.
Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai
Between Phuket and Krabi, the Koh Yao islands have a slower pace. Fishing villages, rice paddies, and quiet beaches define the landscape, and scooters are the easiest way to get around. These islands attract people who want to be close to the Andaman’s highlights but away from the busiest centres. At night, the loudest sound is usually the sea.
Stay protected while backpacking in Thailand
Backpacking through Thailand, whether you’re navigating bustling cities, relaxing on secluded islands, or conquering the Mae Hong Son Loop on two wheels, is all about the journey. But no matter how prepared you are, things can go wrong. Unexpected illnesses, an injury from a motorbike accident, or even a missed connection can throw off your adventure. That’s where SafetyWing steps in.
SafetyWing is designed specifically for backpackers and long-term travellers, offering flexible and affordable health insurance that keeps up with your unpredictable journey. With coverage in over 180 countries, including Thailand, it’s an easy, reliable choice to keep you safe without getting in the way of your travels. You can sign up in minutes and choose between two plans:
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Essential Plan – Covers emergency medical care, evacuation, and trip protection for those unforeseen moments.
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Complete Plan – Includes everything in the Essential Plan plus routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity care.
Whether you’re on a remote trekking path in Northern Thailand or exploring the wild routes of the Mae Hong Son Loop, SafetyWing ensures you’re covered. Their flexible plans help you travel worry-free, knowing that you’re protected no matter where your adventure takes you.
With no complex policies or hidden costs, SafetyWing gives backpackers the freedom to explore while ensuring they’re always supported.
Thailand is full of places you shouldn’t miss. But the real joy is how easily the country surprises you when you step off the main trail. Or, as Aldous Huxley once wrote…
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”
Also: Thailand travel guide for your trip
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