"The first I heard of the beach was in Bangkok, on the Khao San Road."
– Alex Garland, The Beach.
Sawadee Krap.
Thailand, a country located in the center of mainland Southeast Asia is a world-renowned destination for its fantastic beaches, mountains, tropical jungle, culture, and culinary. Combining all the prominences, making Thailand a perfect getaway for holidaymakers drawing 39 million tourist arrivals every year.
It's not hard to see why this "Land of Smiles" is at the top of most traveler's bucket lists. Perhaps there is something wanderlust behind the "Amazing Thailand" slogan that has been used to promote their tourism over the years, scoring more reasons to consider Thailand as one of the best classic destinations for your next backpacking adventure.
Photo by |sumit Chinchane | Puwanai | Florian Wehde
Thailand could offer an exceptional all-rounder traveling experience; If you decide to spend a few days in Bangkok, head to Koh San Road to experience the Thai way's nightlife. If you're looking to party hard, don't miss the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan.
Discover the beauty of the Andaman Sea in Koh Phi Phi and head to Phuket to explore more. Whatever written in your plan, don't miss trekking in the northern regions of Chiang Mai. This area is rich in culture and one of the best places to experiment with Thai food.
April will always be the wettest month of the year. It's time to get very, very wet in Thailand! Keep reading to know more.
Being timid about the idea of backpacking for the first time in Southeast Asia is completely fine, especially when it's far from home and you don't speak the lingo. But if you are up for a challenge, this shouldn't discourage you from planning your routes, just pack your backpack, and we are ready to go!.
I remember this one quote saying,
"in life, if you feel scared and excited at the same time, you are probably doing the right thing."
This could be an adventure of a lifetime that marks the beginning of your backpacking trails in Asia.
To help mark that, here are some reasons to consider Thailand as the first pick for your backpacking destination in Southeast Asia. (or maybe Asia)
Before we begin, let's spare a Pisan zapra to watch the official video of "Amazing Thailand" to give you a sneak peek over this unique country.
Done intro, let's get down to the deals.
Paved trails by former Travelers - Tourism Heaven!
Leave your worries at home and step onboard because the number of resources related to Thailand is unlimited (thanks to the internet of things). There are too many travel videos and blogs talking about Thailand specifically. Not enough with that? Thousands of printed materials, news, and publications actively promoting Thailand as their leading destination.
Still not convinced? Check out this page on Bangkok being ranked the most internationally visited city in the world.
With all that readily available information, It's easy to be convinced and empowered to take over your journey. Very few stones (places) left unturned in this country make it super easy to get around, but not necessarily "the road not taken." Gather tips and tricks to manage your expectations, though it also helps to iron out your plans and ease unnecessary travel concerns.
Land of Smiles - Friendly Thai People
There must be a reason why this phrase "Land of Smiles" is over the top when we talk about Thailand. While it may sound cliché, it also happens to be quite true, since both Thai and travelers amicably coexist by a magnetic tourism force. Thailand is a very welcoming, friendly country, especially when you travel outside the bustling tourist area like Bangkok and Phuket.
You'll notice right away that most Thai people will engage in spontaneous conversation with you and take a natural interest in hearing about your travel plans.
Now, Place your hands together centered in front of your chest with fingertips pointing up toward the chin, say Sawadika(p), and don't forget to smile while you are doing it.
You see how this simple greeting act can change the whole vibe of the country.
I remember an instance when my friend and I got stuck on a remote beach in Koh Phangan. Water taxis suspended their service due to rough waves, and we were left with no option but to climb back over the rocky hills in the dark to get to our moped. There was another way to get out of the beach by 4WD that crossed the jungle's dirt paths (owned by a private resort). Unfortunately, it was fully booked because of the Full Moon Party.
So, long story short, a Thai guy in a restaurant helped us by making almost 10 phone calls to find an empty spot on the 4WD to bring us out to the nearest town. Luckily, after a long conversation, the driver allowed us to squeeze in. I wanted to give him something for his help, but he just gave me a big smile and waved goodbye instead!
Best Beach Getaway - Tropical heaven
Thailand is an undeniably picturesque paradise for its tropical beaches and islands. A perfect beachgoers getaway for sunset chill and rustic island vibe that transforms into progressive nightlife in the evening. It's also home to some of the world's best dive sites in the Andaman Sea. From Phuket to Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Lipe, Koh Tao to Koh Chang, you name it.
This year one of the islands in Thailand, Koh Phangan, has been voted the third best island in Asia, according to the readers' choice awards by travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. It validated the points that the island had more to offer than just the full moon party, boasting a blend of nightlife and beautiful natural scenery.
Although the backpacker's party culture has influenced most of the islands and beaches in Thailand, you can always find your sweet spot if you know where to look.
Check out the Full Moon Party Guide Here
Relatively Cheap Travels
Yeah, you read that right! Traveling in Thailand doesn't have to be expensive because it can cost as little or as much as you want it to be. Reality check, if you manage your budget properly and do some research beforehand, you will be surprised by how far you could stretch your money. There are plenty of options in this country to match all types of traveling styles. On Hostelworld, for instance, the lowest price for a dorm hostel in Bangkok could cost ฿91 ($3) per night, while a private room starts from ฿245 ($8). The average hotel room price in Thailand for a couple is ฿745 ($24).
So on that note, how much money will you need to cover your trip to Thailand? According to budgetyourtrip.com, you should plan to spend around ฿780 ($25) per day (could be less). So, a trip to Thailand for a solo traveler one-week costs, on average, ฿5,362 ($175). All of these estimated travel prices have been collected from a few travelers to help you plan your own travel budget. Thailand is an affordable country to live in and to travel around.
Amazing Thai Culture
Thailand lies between Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Malaysia, with the Gulf of Thailand to its south opposite the Andaman Sea. Its unique culture mixes Indian influences, Chinese traditions, and elements that are absolutely Thai.
There are more than 40,000 temples in Thailand and more than three-quarters of them remain active today. Understand Thailand is a Buddhist country; temples here play a significant part in everyday Thai's life.
Experience in Thailand won't be complete without the dazzling festivals that play an elemental part in Thai culture.
What a way to celebrate new year, Get really really wet!
Songkran festival is celebrated every year on 13th April, also known as the Thai New year. Splashing water is one of the main rituals that symbolize the purification of all of one's sins in the past year. Now you know why April is the wettest month :P!
Be amazed in the city of Chiang Mai by the most spectacular scenes during the Lantern Festival. The dark sky illuminates with golden fire while people release paper lanterns as a symbol of a new beginning and good luck.
Culinary Paradise
The food in Thailand is unquestionably delicious and rich in flavors even sometimes can overwhelm people's palates. Some popular cuisines such as Tom Yam, Phad Thai, Massaman Curry, and Mango sticky rice are a must-try in Thailand. The best place to enjoy the authentic Thai food experience is at the night market, where you will be spoiled with varieties of mouth-watering choices. Worry-free about the prices because, on average, travelers spent around ฿184 ($5.90) on meals for a day.
Its staples include noodles and rice, and it is often made from a few types of curry, coconut, meat, and seafood. If you are a vegetarian, use this phrase when ordering your meals, "gin jay," which literally means vegetarian. Since tofu is gaining much popularity across the country, it won't be hard to find good food according to your preferences.
If you like the food, say "Aroi mak mak" before heads off. It means very delicious in Thai btw.
Thailand is the type of place that is always tingling your senses to come back, and all the great memories will stay vividly in your mind. The only cure? Book a trip!
What else can I say? Is it time to book your next Thailand adventure?
See you on the other side! Thanks for reading.
Kap Khun Krap!
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