Thailand! The name says it all. From scenic beaches, islands, buzzing shores, temples, monasteries to exciting water sports, spa and massages; Thailand boasts of everything. And it is needless to say, that with all these, Thailand has become one of the choicest destinations among tourists of all kinds. Not only for family vacations and honeymoons; it is also famous for a soul-stirring experience of backpacking in Thailand alone.
12 Essential Points On Backpacking In Thailand
If you are backpacking in Thailand, route to some of the unexplored and offbeat places here. But makes sure that you plan and prepare well. No matter how popular and traveler-friendly, Thailand is, when it comes to solo travel, here are few tips one should keep in mind before planning a trip to Thailand.
1. Bookings: Advance bookings help budget
When you are planning a trip in Thailand, make sure you fix the budget for backpacking in Thailand for everything. There are many flights for Thailand, but to avoid last-minute surge in terms of airfares, plan well in advance and book one of the best budget airlines for travel. Not only traveling from your home country, but also for internal travel in Thailand, booking in budget airlines like Air Asia and Thai Smile is the most reasonable and the best thing to do.
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2. Accommodation: Stay in hostels
Ditch all the swanky hotels and beach resorts and book at one of the best hostels in Thailand to experience holiday like never before. Not only homelike comfort and amenities, these hostels in Thailand promise you a chance to mix with like minded fellow travellers as well. Some of the famous hostels in Thailand are Dreamcatcher, Siamaze, Old Town Hostel, Hangover Hostel, Blanco Hostel, Southern Fried Rice and Baan Kamala Fantasea Hostel. Book a stay there and explore the city just like locals.
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3. Culture: Learn their etiquettes
Thailand has a long list of social etiquette and the entire country is sensitive towards it. Local people of all age groups adhere to these social norms and expect tourists to do the same. Some of the essential etiquette, which you should know while backpacking in Thailand are:
Head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body so do not touch anyone’s head. Even children find it disrespectful. Similarly, foot is lowest portion of the body, so touching anyone with the same is considered to be most discourteous.
- Do not talk in an impolite manner about the King in public places, as he is loved dearly by all the citizens.
- Wai is a famous Thai gesture. This is a form of folding hands like worship and bowing. Wai is used to greet a person. So, whenever a local person does the same with you, kindly revert similarly.
- Take your shoes off and cover your head with a sarong while entering a sacred place.
- Everyday, at 8 am and 6 pm, National Anthem is played at public places. Like locals, you should also stand where ever you are to pay respect to the country.
4. Food: Enjoy street food
When talking about Thailand backpacking tips, food cannot be ignored. Like many other countries, Thailand also has a wide range of delicious and tasty street food options, which are easy on pocket too. From Pad See Eiw, Kluay Tod, Kha Kha Moo, Sai OOah to varieties of Thai curries and noodles; the streets of Thailand cities have everything. But if you are allergic to something or has any preferences, it is advisable to ask the food vendor to customize the food accordingly in advance.
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5. Luggage: Pack light pack right
The most essential tip for backpacking in Thailand is travelling with light luggage. You should buy a light backpack and keep only essentials for backpacking in thailand , which include ear plugs, eye masks, hand sanitizers, essential medicines, sunscreen slippers, light clothes, shades, hats, a sarong, travel adaptor, torchlight and walking shoes. Thailand enjoys tropical climate round the year. Its hot and humid always. You will never require woolen clothes there. So, do not overload your bag with warm jackets, fancy clothes and matching footwear. Do not forget to carry the underwater camera, as you will get ample scope for underwater photography.
6. Transport: Avail public transport
When you are backpacking in Thailand, try to embrace public transport as much as possible. When exploring a particular city, Tuk Tuk is an excellent option whereas if you are travelling from one city to the other, the best choice is to travel by government run Thai bus service called Baw Khaw Saw. Such bus services are regular, reliable and almost every city has a BKS station. To avoid last moment rush, it is advisable that you book your tickets in advance.
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7. Connecting: Hire a local Sim
Staying on network during backpacking vacation is non-negotiable and in case of Thailand, the best way is to hire a local sim, instead of international roaming plans. Take a one-month local data plan and enjoy hassle-free connectivity, data usage for maps and directions. You can even tither with your tablets and laptops. Just try to stay in touch with your family or friends and keep them informed from time-to-time about your whereabouts.
8. Prices: Bargain hard
Be it Tuk Tuk fair or souvenir shopping, bargaining is the mantra in Thailand. Do not settle for what the shopkeeper is asking and suggest the price that suits you. It is always impactful and better, if you can learn little bit of Thai. This will definitely make the whole bargaining process easy and effective. Bargaining really helps to keep your trip within your budget and also get the best deals.
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9. Nightlife: Adhere to safety tips
Thailand is known for the best nightlife scene and it is one thing that you should not miss while on a backpacking trip to Thailand. Be it Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket; every place has best of lounges, bars, dance clubs and discotheques and exploring these places is the best way to enjoy a memorable nightlife. Firstly, if you are alone, do not explore isolated places at all. Stay in touristy places as these areas have police patrolling all night long. Never get heavily drunk, do not do drugs and never ever let your drink unattended. Also, check with the dress code norms of the place you are planning to visit. Many of the bars and clubs, do not allow casual outfits.
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10. Money: Travel card & cash in hand
Plan for a budget in the beginning and try to stick to that. Use international travel cards instead of debit or credit card during various transactions. International travel cards are issued by leading banks of India, with pre-loaded foreign currency as per your budget and unlike debit and credit cards they waive off the transaction fee, while using it in foreign countries.
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11. Insurance: Get Travel Insurance
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Trave Insurance may seem like a waste of money but it is the wisest decision you can make before backpaking in Thailand. Travel insurance provide you cover fromm theft, accidents, and hospital bills so tahat you don’t have to deal with all these things on you vacation if something happen to you. Before leaving, browse of best travel insurance that cover major mishaps that can happen on a trip.
12. Health: Stay hydrated
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This one is very important. Do not get so engrossed in sightseeing that you forget to keep yourself hydrated. Keep a bottle of clean water always with you and consume enough fluids. Apart from water, have fresh coconut water and juices to replenish your nutrients and fibre. This is specially applicable when are on the beach.
Further Read: Celebrate Christmas In Thailand To Bask In The Joys Of Festivities
This list of essentials tips on backpacking through Thailand can help you travel Thailand on budget-friendly and hassle-free way. If you want to save some hassle then let us help you create a customized vacation in Thailand for you.
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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacking In Thailand
What is the cheapest month to fly to Thailand?
The time between October to February are the cheapest months to fly to Thailand.
How much does a meal cost in Thailand?
An average meal in Thailand costs around 90-150 Baht which means a plate of noodles in a basic restaurant.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
