Backpacking in Thailand

Thailand is visited by more travellers than any other country in Southeast Asia and, for many people, backpacking in Thailand is an essential part of the gap year experience. Backpacking in Thailand has been made famous in recent years by the best-selling cult novel ‘The Beach', which was also adapted in to a feature film starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Backpacking in Thailand is a fantastic thing to do on your gap year for many reasons. You are almost certain to meet loads of other like-minded backpackers, it is extremely easy to get about, accommodation is plentiful and inexpensive, the food is tasty and it is generally hot and sunny year round. What really makes backpacking in Thailand such a great thing to do, however, is its unique culture and the wide variety of things to see and do there - from the exciting metropolis of Bangkok to its stunning beaches and beautiful jungle locations.

If you plan to do some backpacking in Thailand then your first port of call will be its capital city, Bangkok. Bangkok is one of the liveliest cities in Asia and is a great place to spend at least a few days exploring before you start backpacking. One of the ‘must see' sights for anyone backpacking in Thailand is Bangkok's beautiful Grand Palace and you should also make sure you soak up the atmosphere of at least one market while you are enjoying a Bangkok gap year.

If you are backpacking in Thailand, the big decision to make when you leave Bangkok is whether to head north or south. To the north of Bangkok is the ‘Golden Triangle' area of Chiang Mai, while south of Bangkok is the direction for anyone backpacking in Thailand to head to if they want to hit the beaches. While the beaches tempt many people who are backpacking in Thailand straight away, travellers who make the effort to visit Chiang Mai are rewarded with some of the best scenery in Thailand and the opportunity to go jungle trekking. If you want to visit the north when you are backpacking in Thailand, one of the best ways to do so is with Real Gap's ‘Thailand Discovery Volunteer.' This programme includes flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and the activities it covers include just about everything you could possibly wish to do when you're backpacking in Thailand. From Chiang Mai travellers on the programme trek through the jungles of the ‘Golden Triangle', visit hill-tribe villages, raft along the Mae Klong River, relax by hot springs and waterfalls and visit a wildlife sanctuary. For full details on this comprehensive ‘Backpacking in Thailand' programme - which also includes the opportunity to volunteer while you're backpacking in Thailand - check out the programme details.    

Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country and backpacking in Thailand gives you the opportunity to visit many beautiful Buddhist temples. If you would like to explore this aspect of the Thai culture in greater depth when you are backpacking in Thailand then Real Gap's ‘Thailand Experience Programme' is ideal. The programme includes the rare opportunity to spend three days in a Buddhist temple and monastery - a privilege very few people backpacking in Thailand ever get to experience. Travellers staying at the temple learn all about Buddhism and the art of meditation.

If you are interested in backpacking in Thailand, and have any questions, then give one of our travel advisers a call. Many of them have spent time backpacking in Thailand themselves and will be happy to answer any queries you may have.


Back to Advice on Travelling Abroad Page

Back to Gap Year Advice Main Menu