Written by Hollie Broadhead
Posted, 11th February 2021
So you’re ready to start planning that Thailand Backpacking Route? You have limited time because of.. Annual leave? A break from studying? Backpacking South-East Asia? Or even an around the world trip? Whatever the reason, you’ve decided on travelling Thailand and before we go any further… what an EPIC choice you’ve made!
With its diverse landscapes, mouthwatering foods and some of the world friendliest of locals, it really is easy to see why backpacking in Thailand is so popular for young travellers.
But what’s next?
You’ve done some research on Thailand Backpacking Route’s online no doubt, looked at the map and thought to yourself “where do I even start?” Without realising, that excitement of travelling Thailand has been dampened by the thought of having to stress and plan this adventure which you know has so much potential….“How do I see everything Thailand has to offer in just two weeks” I hear you say?
Well believe me when I say it’s more than possible and I am about to make it easy for you…
Follow this 2 week backpacking route and I promise, pinky promise in fact, you’ll experience all the epic variety this beautiful country has to offer you!
Day 1-3: Explore the Capital City (Bangkok)
You’re going to want to fly into Bangkok for two reasons;
1. Great international airport
2. No better place to immerse yourself into the South East Asian way of life!
For someone who doesn’t claim to be a city gal.. Bangkok is genuinely one of my favourite places to come back to. With literally something for everyone, no matter the mood and at any time of the day, you’ll be spoilt for choice on how you spend your time in this fascinating city. By day you can be exploring ancient Buddhist temples, cruising the crazy streets in a Tuk Tuk or relaxing after that long-haul flight with a traditional Thai Massage. Then come the evening, be sure to indulge in the local street food before grabbing yourself a cocktail served in a plastic bucket on the famous Khao San Road, for an epic night you may not remember 😉
Day 4: Welcome to the Jungle (Khao Sok National Park)
From crazy city life to the peace and quiet of the jungle (talk about contrast), it’s time you travel off the beaten track and enjoy some of Thailand’s most breathtaking landscapes. Imagine spending the night floating on an emerald green lake in the World’s oldest evergreen rainforest with nothing but the distant sound of wild monkeys; Khao Sok National Park is the perfect place for you to completely relax and unwind. I usually spend my afternoons floating in a tube, daydreaming amongst the most unbelievable scenes with of course, a Chang beer or two in my hand!
This hidden gem is an absolute must and somewhere a little less travelled by the average traveller.
TIP: Travel south by overnight train – an experience in itself!
Day 5-6: Head South to the Beaches (Krabi)
A trip to Thailand is not a trip to Thailand unless you’ve felt the white sand between your toes and swam in the turquoise waters of Southern Thailand, so set aside the next few days to really indulge in the #beachlife of Krabi
Take a long tail boat to the famous Railay Beach (famous for being damn right bloody beautiful) and spend the day working on that tan or get involved in a game of beach volleyball just in time for sunset.
Hit the streets of Ao Nang by evening for live music, more buckets and maybe a Ladyboy Show for those who are keen!
Promise me this… one thing you MUST do while in Krabi is climb the 1,260 steps to the Tiger Cave Temple. The summit of this Buddhist temple offers some of the best 360 views of the Krabi countryside and with a cheeky monkey or two accompanying you on the way up… how can you resist the challenge?
Day 7-8: The True Island Life (Koh Phi Phi)
You’ve seen it on the postcards so how disappointing would it be not to see it for yourself! Often regarded as the favourite amongst backpackers (with every good reason!), Phi Phi truly is a little slice of paradise and the epitome of Island life here in Thailand. From speedboats to sunsets, beach bars to fire shows… this tiny little island packs a lot of punch and will certainly leave you falling in love with this corner of the world. Only a short ferry ride from Krabi you’d be absolutely insane to miss this beauty out of your 2 week itinerary!
Day 9-11: The Jewel of the North (Chiang Mai)
Chiang Mai may be Thailand’s second largest city but with a pace a million times slower than that of Bangkok, the laid back vibes of Northern Thailand gives you a completely different feel to the rest of this already diverse country, and it’s just a short internal flight from Krabi. Surrounded by mountains, this region is thriving with rich culture and epic adventure.
My three absolute musts while exploring Chiang Mai would be;
- Learning to cook like a local with a traditional cooking class
- Shopping & eating until your heart’s content in the most epic of night markets
- Of course the most obvious of all… don’t be leaving until you’ve spent an afternoon with Thailand’s most sacred animal.
Just do your research, with a lot of elephant camps in Northern Thailand you’ll want to make sure you’re visiting an ethical sanctuary.
Day 12-14: The Hippie Capital of Asia (Pai)
This tiny place nestled in the jungle of Northern Thailand is quite possibly my favourite place to adventure. Pai is home to the friendliest of locals, stunning landscapes and often win’s as the travellers favourite place in Thailand – for those who make it this way that is… Consider it the place that only the ‘cool kids’ venture to!
A couple of days here will have you walking the Bamboo Bridge over endless rice terraces, watching the sunset over the insane Pai Canyon or learning the traditional martial art of Muay Thai with ex professionals. “Walking Street” is the place to be on an evening; a narrow street full of delicious Northern flavours and live music bars pumping out a tasteful amount of Bob Marley!
Sounds Insane Right?
So there we have it, 2 epic weeks backpacking Thailand.
Just when you thought it was a little too good to be true… by following this epic route you will tick off all of those #thailandbucketlist dreams and leave you you with the most incredible memories of “The Land of Smiles”
And what’s even better, if this Thailand backpacking route gets you super pumped and you like the sound of hassle free travel with a bunch of absolute legends, we’ve made it even easier for you! Check out our 15 Days in Thailand Trip
