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Skyline view of Bangkok highlighting traditional Thai architecture amidst modern buildings.

Southeast Asia

Backpacking Thailand

Thailand is a classic first stop for backpackers, with a mature hostel scene in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands and good transport links between them.

Photo: Sai zainalin ZN / Pexels

Hostel destinations in Thailand

Skyline view of Bangkok highlighting traditional Thai architecture amidst modern buildings.

Bangkok

Street food, riverside temples and the backpacker hub of Khao San RoadBeautiful ornate temple facade with sunburst at Wat Chiang Man, showcasing traditional Thai architecture.

Chiang Mai

Lanna temples, a moated Old City and mountains on the doorstepTranquil riverside village nestled in lush mountains under a clear blue sky.

Pai

A small mountain town of canyon sunsets, hot springs and a nightly walking streetA breathtaking view of the intricate Wat Rong Khun temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand, with vibrant gardens and serene water features.

Chiang Rai

Northern Thailand's temple city, with the White Temple and the Golden Triangle nearbyScenic tropical beach with palm trees and villas in Ko Pha-ngan, Thailand.

Koh Phangan

Full Moon Party beaches at Haad Rin and quieter coves elsewhere on the islandMan admiring breathtaking sunset view of Koh Nang Yuan Island in Thailand.

Koh Tao

A small Gulf island known for learning to dive and for its clear seasWooden longtail boats docked under clear skies at Ao Nang Beach, Thailand.

Ao Nang

Limestone cliffs, longtail boats and the easiest base on the Krabi coastCharming colonial street in Phuket Town at dusk with vibrant architecture and atmospheric lighting.

Phuket

Thailand's biggest island, from Patong nightlife to Old Town shophousesA breathtaking aerial shot of the picturesque Phi Phi Islands' coastline, showcasing crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Koh Phi Phi

Viewpoints, snorkelling and a lively beach strip on a car-free islandStunning aerial view of a tropical beach and lush green landscape in Koh Lanta, Thailand.

Koh Lanta

A calm, long-beach island with an old town, mangroves and Ko Rok boat trips

Hostels and backpacking in Thailand

Thailand has long been a starting point for backpacking trips in Southeast Asia. Bangkok is a regional transport hub, the north offers mountain towns such as Chiang Mai and Pai, and the south has island chains on both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Overnight trains, long-distance buses, ferries and domestic flights connect most traveller destinations.

Hostels are found in every major hub, from sleek dorms near Bangkok's train lines to garden hostels in Chiang Mai's Old City and beach hostels on the islands. Social events such as pub crawls, cooking classes and day trips are common, but so are quieter, design-led hostels. Reading the listing for signs of the atmosphere helps you choose.