Tempting as it is to throw caution to the wind, it has been proven that many backpackers who do not think their trips through encounter more difficulties than those who have a good itinerary.

When to go?
Thailand is a great backpacking destination all year round. December to the end of April is the warmest and driest time, and also the most popular period. May to August is the build up to the monsoon time, which means it will probably rain from time to time. From September to the end of November is the monsoon season when it rains the most but guesthouse rates are at their lowest.

Bustling Bangkok:

Most backpackers start their journey in the Thai capital Bangkok and are most likely to stay in the tourist hub of Khao San Road. The area is packed with a plethora of bars and guesthouses making it a great hang out spot for backpackers to share travel stories and experiences with one another. It is best to arrange your first night accommodation before you arrive, after a 13 hour flight the last thing you want to be doing is trundling around with your backpack in the tropical heat trying to find a bed for the night! There are a few guesthouses operated by the company Sawasdee offering cheap comfortable rooms in the Khao San Road area - great for settling in to the Thai way of life on your first night in the country!

Be sure to visit the street markets, browsing through the narrow rows of clothes and jewellery stalls, you’re bound to pick up a great bargain ideal for a souvenir. For a spot of sightseeing, head to the golden spires of the ‘Grand Palace’ and the spectacular ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ - Thailand’s most sacred site! Metered taxis are the easiest way to get around the city; each taxi company has their own coloured cars ranging from pink, to orange and blue so they’re easy to spot.

Southern islands
Koh Samui:

The South is mostly about the white sandy beaches and water activities in the warm sea making it the perfect place to relax and top up your tan. The pace of life on the islands is slow, a far cry from the hustle bustle of Bangkok. Fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui, where warm seas and palm trees greet you as you arrive. Bangkok Airways operate frequent flights to the island but the earlier you book, the cheaper the fare.

Ko Pha Ngan:
For you party goers, Ko Samui’s neighbouring island of Ko Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Party which is celebrated on Haad Rin beach each month. There are many guesthouse and beach bungalow accommodation to choose from but the rates are usually higher around the time of the Full Moon Party event and can become crowded during peak season. There are several ferries a day from Ko Samui’s ‘Big Buddha’ pier directly to Haad Rin costing less than 400 Baht.

Culture of the north
Chiang Mai:
To sample a slice of Thai history, travel north to Thailand’s former capital city Chiang Mai. Take a trip to Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple 15 km outside the city. It sits at the top of a 1600m high mountain, from where you have a fantastic panorama view of Chiang Mai and the surrounding mountains. In the evening take a walk to the night market. It’s usually really busy, full of street food stalls serving amazing food, and local crafts stalls, haggle hard for that holiday souvenir.

Pai:
A trip to the north of Thailand would not be complete without a visit to the laid back town of Pai, a location popular with backpackers and a 4 hour bus ride from Chiang Mai. The town has many cheap guesthouses and riverside bungalows, local craft stalls and restaurants serving tasty Thai food and in the proximity of the town are spas and elephant camps. If you choose to venture outside of town, there are several waterfalls and a number of natural hot springs varying in temperature from 80 to 200 degrees Celsius. As Pai lies at the foot of the mountains, many tourists use it as a base for trekking and visiting hill tribes like the Karen and Hmong people. Visit the local tourist information offices for details on tours available in Pai ranging from elephant rides to jungle trekking.

Backpacking activities:
The Thai word for fun is ‘sanook,’ so you’ll never have a dull moment in Thailand! There really is an activity to suit everyone which will make a good story to tell friends about at home! Capture your imagination by listening to the mystical sounds of chanting monks in remote hillside temples, snorkel in the warm turquoise sea, pet tigers at the famous ‘Tiger Temple,’ discover remote mountain villages by elephant back in the lush landscapes of Northern Thailand, float along the river on a handmade bamboo raft, or the more adventurous backpacker can go on a 3 day jungle trek.

Backpacker Travel Insurance:
For those going backpacking, the cheapest option is most likely to be a backpacker travel insurance policy which allows you to choose cover up to a maximum of 18 months. It is important that you remember to check that the backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

When buying your backpacker travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure your travel insurance for backpackers provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your backpacker travel insurance documentation and the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number.