Few places can boast the sheer variety of incredible travel destinations to explore quite like Thailand can. It is easily one of my favorite countries in the world. Despite having been to Thailand five times already, I still feel like I am only scratching the surface of what this breathtaking country has to offer. Its dramatic landscapes are diverse, from its dense, emerald jungles to the limestone karsts that jut out from its oceans. The Thai culture is extremely rich. The country is littered with many historical sites like ancient temples, and you will likely want to experience its unique traditions like lantern festivals and traditional dances.

Don’t even get me started on the food. I could eat Thai food all day, whether from a street vendor or a luxurious rooftop restaurant. And of course, Thailand’s party scene is absolutely bumping, and there is no shortage of places to have a good time here. It’s no wonder that Thailand is a favorite among young backpackers and solo travelers.

Here are some of the must-visit destinations that you absolutely can not miss while backpacking through Thailand, from its secluded hidden gems to tried-and-true travel hotspots.

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Khao Sok National Park

Lush rainforests cover the epic mountain landscapes of this surprisingly lesser-trafficked national park. Phuket draws the majority of tourists in the area, despite Khao Sok being just a few hours north. Valleys, caves, lakes, mountains, and wild animals populate this beautiful area of Thailand. Some of the wildlife you can hope to see are hornbills, the giant rafflesia flower, and of course, monkeys all over the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. Exploring Khao Sok National Park by boat will be one of the best adventures you’ll ever have.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Although Koh Samui has been a popular destination for years, it has reached a new level of fame as the filming location for the third season of The White Lotus. It is a more luxurious destination than its neighboring islands, and is often seen as more of a quieter, relaxing alternative to backpacker hotspots like Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan. There are many different parts to the island, though, so it can cater to any type of traveler. Wellness, self-care, and tranquility are the name of the game on Koh Samui, but some parts, like Chaweng, are livelier and offer more nightlife options.

Elephant Sanctuary, Chiangmai

What’s a trip to Thailand without elephants? Hopefully, you’re not a douche and opt for something that isn’t on the animal cruelty side. Skip the elephant shows in Phuket and elsewhere and volunteer at a number of elephant sanctuaries in Chiangmai. Do a little research to make sure you’re going with a reputable organization, like Chiangmai Elephant Land, and prepare for a fairy-tale day fit for a Disney princess.

Jungle trekking with elephants, bathing with them in the waterfalls, and giving them a mud bath were just a few of the highlights of my elephant experience. I felt fresh out the Jungle Book.

Before setting off on an epic jungle safari, make sure you have a plan for staying connected. I use Saily eSIM to keep me online during my travels, ensuring that I have internet from the moment I land to the moment I leave. Navigating directions, coordinating travel plans with new hostel friends, booking a ride, and so on – having an eSIM makes life that much easier when you’re on the road. Data packages for Thailand start at just $2, and you can use my code “eli5” for an additional 5% off of your first Saily eSIM.

Koh Lipe

Close to the border of Malaysia, Koh Lipe serves as a secluded paradise for the few travelers that make it to that region. It is much further south than the popular archipelagos near Phuket and a several hour rocky boat ride from the Malaysian tourist island of Langkawi. In short, if you make it there, you’ll be spending a lot less time competing with tourists. Koh Lipe is part of the Tarutao Marine National Park region in Southern Thailand. The entire area is worth exploring.

Chiang Rai’s White Temple

This is one of the newer temples in Thailand and it comes with an interesting story. It isn’t exactly the holiest or most sacred Buddhist temple, as you’ll come to find. While the exterior is extravagant and intricate, the interior comes with a twist. While also stunning on the inside, a closer glimpse at the detail gives you characters from pop culture. Jedi, Pokemon, Saiyans and other popular characters from our favorite cultural phenomena make appearances amidst the traditional Buddhist decorations.

It is well worth the visit while you are in Chiang Rai. The pristine look of the temple is far different than the other temples you will see across Thailand. Pay close attention to the incredible detail and you’ll see why this temple is a must-visit for travelers.

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

One of Thailand’s most iconic destinations, Maya Bay initially gained fame as the title character in Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach. It is literally the beach. Although the movie garnered mixed reviews, you’ll hardly go anywhere in Thailand without either The Beach or Hangover 2 playing in every tourist corner. Anyway, Maya Bay is on the undeveloped island of Koh Phi Phi (there’s two Koh Phi Phi’s next to each other, only one has Maya Bay).

The crystal clear blue waters surrounded by whatever I am not going to finish this sentence because I feel corny trying to be a traditional travel writer. Here’s a picture of Maya Bay.

Check out this guide for more things to do in Koh Phi Phi.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

I went to the Grand Palace straight out of 28+ hours of international travel. I couldn’t check in to my hostel yet so I had to find a way to kill time even though I was exhausted. I went to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew and wowie. Talk about a way to wake up. Aside from competing with thousands of other tourists, this place was utterly jawdropping. It was the first Buddhist temple I had ever seen and practically my first introduction to South East Asia. It set the standard high.

This massive temple complex is insanely intricate, extravagant, and luxurious. Home to the Jade Buddha, which I somehow missed because I didn’t know about it, Wat Phra Kaew is one of Thailand’s most significant temples. I kept thinking of the song Shiny from Moana the entire time I was here. It is a shiny place.

Doi Suthep, Chiangmai

With a stunning temple atop this mountain, this little adventure combines hiking, culture, and scenery. The views from atop give you a killer view of Chiangmai. Everything about the temple is extravagant, starting with the dragons that welcome you to the 300+ stairs to the top of the temple. The architecture, as expected with Buddhist temples, are shiny, golden, and immaculately detailed.

You can also stop by the lesser-trafficked Wat Pha Lat along the way to the top. It shouldn’t be too difficult of a journey as long as the weather holds up.

Koh Phangan

Home to the famous (or infamous) Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan is an island that you cannot miss. It is one of the most laid-back places I have ever been. Despite the abundance of parties, Koh Phangan can be a perfect destination for any type of traveler. With lots of beaches, waterfalls, and hidden coves, Koh Phangan is paradise for adventurers as well. Relax all morning, adventure all day, and party all night. The vibe is what will suck you in.

Pai

Northern Thailand’s hippie commune is an interesting stop for travelers. If Koh Phangan had a sister up in the mountains, it would be Pai. Laid-back, trendy, and full of adventure, Pai is one of those destinations that everyone wishes they had allowed for more time. Waterfalls, mountains, and temples can fill up your day until the night market brings everyone together in the small downtown area. Eventually, the bars start filling up with live musicians drawing crowds. Mushroom shakes, epic sunsets, and chill vibes are the name of the game in Pai. The people you find there will be some of the most unique and interesting you will ever meet.

Ao Nang, Krabi

One of my favorite party destinations in Thailand is the town of Ao Nang. Along with its bumping nightlife, it has beautiful beaches, intricate temples and gorgeous hikes all easily accessible with a scooter or a taxi.

Railay Beach, Krabi

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Krabi might be my favorite place in all of Southern Thailand. It has it all. Hiking, nightlife, and of course, beaches. None of those beaches are as famous as Railay Beach. The pristine white sands and crystal clear blue waters are only ruined by the large number of tourists looking to grab a slice of their own paradise. The beaches in Krabi are unlike any other beaches you’ll find across the world. Limestone karsts, jagged caves, lush jungles, and cute monkeys fill up the space between the white sands.

Ayutthaya

I’ve always geeked out over ancient civilizations and cities ever since I was a kid. Places like Angkor Wat in neighboring Cambodia and the ruins of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka are among my most memorable destinations. They truly give you that feeling that you are an explorer like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft adventuring through ancient tombs and temples. Ayutthaya in Thailand, to a lesser degree, felt like that.

It’s a little more touristy, and less spread out than Angkor Wat, so it is hard to get that off-the-grid feel while exploring Ayutthaya’s many temples. However, if you manage to time it right and avoid the huge tour buses coming from Bangkok, it is possible. I enjoyed the variety of places to explore in Ayutthaya, from its temples, both old and new, to its large buddhas. It’s an excellent day trip from Bangkok, but if you want to avoid the crowds, you might want to stay the night and explore early in the morning.

Mae Klong Train Market

One of the most unique markets to visit in Thailand is the Mae Klong Train Market. This market is famous for the train that passes through every few minutes. The vendors spread their goods out all over the railroad tracks, and when they hear it coming, they pack it all up until it passes by. It’s an excellent spot to catch some one-of-a-kind photos. However, it has become quite touristy and the crowds here were pretty overwhelming, especially in an already cramped space.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Many tour agencies combine a visit to the Mae Klong railway market with a detour to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This is another unique experience, and despite the crowds, I actually really enjoyed this one. You basically hop on a small canoe and paddle along a labyrinth of canals. On each side, there are vendors selling a variety of goods and souvenirs. Some other vendors are floating along selling snacks and desserts and fresh fruits. Although much of the actual market no longer caters to local people and instead gears their offerings towards tourists, it is a nice place to get a glimpse of what Thai local life used to look like.

Koh Tao

And last, but not least, another backpacker-favorite, and one of the best party destinations in the country. Despite its reputation as a dangerous island, Koh Tao continues to attract thousands of backpackers each year. It’s a popular place to get your diving certifications on a budget, and you’ll find many dive shops offering courses. If that’s not your thing, Koh Tao still has plenty to offer. The beaches are stunning, the parties are plentiful, and the vibes are simply immaculate.

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