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Backpacking Thailand: 28 best places to visit

The most rewarding stops for backpackers in Thailand, ranked and mapped. Tap any place to drop it into a free, day-by-day route built around how you actually travel.

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  1. Bangkok, Thailand1

    Bangkok

    Central Thailand

    Temples, street food, nightlife.

  2. Chiang Mai, Thailand2

    Chiang Mai

    Northern Thailand

    Old-city temples and mountains.

  3. Phuket, Thailand3

    Phuket

    Southern Thailand

    Biggest island, beaches and party.

  4. Krabi, Thailand4

    Krabi

    Southern Thailand

    Limestone cliffs and Railay.

  5. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand5

    Ko Phi Phi

    Krabi Province

    Iconic Maya Bay islands.

  6. Ayutthaya, Thailand6

    Ayutthaya

    Central Thailand

    Ruined old royal capital.

  7. Ko Samui, Thailand7

    Ko Samui

    Surat Thani Province

    Palm resorts and beaches.

  8. Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand8

    Ko Pha Ngan

    Surat Thani Province

    Full Moon Party island.

  9. Ko Tao, Thailand9

    Ko Tao

    Surat Thani Province

    Cheap scuba diving.

  10. Pai, Thailand10

    Pai

    Mae Hong Son Province

    Chilled mountain backpacker town.

  11. Chiang Rai, Thailand11

    Chiang Rai

    Northern Thailand

    White Temple and hills.

  12. Sukhothai, Thailand12

    Sukhothai

    Northern Thailand

    First Thai kingdom's ruins.

  13. Kanchanaburi, Thailand13

    Kanchanaburi

    Central Thailand

    Death Railway and waterfalls.

  14. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand14

    Khao Sok National Park

    Surat Thani Province

    Jungle lake and karst.

  15. Ko Lanta, Thailand15

    Ko Lanta

    Krabi Province

    Laid-back long beaches.

  16. Phang Nga Bay, Thailand16

    Phang Nga Bay

    Phang Nga Province

    James Bond limestone stacks.

  17. Hua Hin, Thailand17

    Hua Hin

    Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

    Royal seaside town.

  18. Ko Chang, Thailand18

    Ko Chang

    Trat Province

    Big forested east-coast island.

  19. Pattaya, Thailand19

    Pattaya

    Chonburi Province

    Brash beach resort city.

  20. Erawan National Park, Thailand20

    Erawan National Park

    Kanchanaburi Province

    Turquoise tiered waterfalls.

  21. Khao Yai National Park, Thailand21

    Khao Yai National Park

    Nakhon Ratchasima Province

    Wildlife and wineries.

  22. Mae Hong Son, Thailand22

    Mae Hong Son

    Northern Thailand

    Misty far-north loop town.

  23. Similan Islands, Thailand23

    Similan Islands

    Phang Nga Province

    World-class dive sites.

  24. Doi Inthanon, Thailand24

    Doi Inthanon

    Chiang Mai Province

    Thailand's highest peak.

  25. Ko Samet, Thailand25

    Ko Samet

    Rayong Province

    Weekend beach escape.

  26. Nan, Thailand26

    Nan

    Northern Thailand

    Quiet valley off the trail.

  27. Ko Kood, Thailand27

    Ko Kood

    Trat Province

    Unspoilt far-east island.

  28. Lopburi, Thailand28

    Lopburi

    Central Thailand

    Monkey-temple town.

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