Tips for Backpacking in Thailand

Planning a backpacking expedition in Thailand? You already know to pack light with half the stuff and twice the cash, so here's a list of some of the finer points that the guide books may have left out, or only included in the fine print. The pointers listed below all originate from first-hand experience and stand out as significant lessons learned.

Administrative Tips:

-Carry your passport on your person at all times. It's a law in Thailand, but one rarely taken seriously. Police checkpoints line many major roads and stop traffic headed in either direction. Policemen board busses, trains, and vans to check passenger identity. You'll want your passport at hand, not stowed away with your backpack under the bus. Some guesthouses hold your passport while registered. Be sure to get it back for the day if you're taking a day-trip to another town.

-Want to extend your 30-day visa? Your best bet is to walk across the border to Cambodia, Laos, or Myanmar (Burma). Border crossing and re-entry requires an extra passport sized photo, a photocopy of your passport, and $10-30 depending on your point of exit / re-entry. This extension grants you another 30 days of Thai-time. An alternative, and greatly inferior method of gaining an extension, is to use the Immigration Office in Bangkok. You'll still need the photo and copy of your passport, but this method requires 1,900 Baht (~$60) and only yields an extension of 7 days.

Budget Tips:

-Patronize your local street vendors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All the large cities and most of the smaller towns boast daily food markets and excellent night markets. This is where you'll find the best and cheapest authentic Thai food. If played correctly, you can score a complete delicious meal for less than 30 Baht ($1). Restaurants, on the other hand, charge two to three times as much as street vendors and rarely provide better quality.

-Use Non-AC buses opposed to AC-buses while traveling the countryside. While "AC Bus" sounds much more comfortable than "Non-AC Bus," you'll generally end up paying more to be hotter. The air circulation on AC buses is often times ill equipped or stuck on "low." The less expensive non-AC buses, on the other hand, have windows that roll down and provide a constant and blissful breeze.

-The south has the beaches, but the north has the culture and lower prices. If you're going to Thailand to bask in the breath-taking and pristine beaches, then there's no avoiding the south. However, if you're more into mountains, culture, and a less touristy atmosphere, Thailand's northern towns will satisfy your expectations and your budget. Guesthouses tend to be about half the price and fewer tourist restaurants allow you to find cheap local spots. But be warned: there are still plenty of tourist-saturated towns in the north (read: Pai), but the north is generally less touristy than the south. Try Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang, and the north-east region before it's too late!

-Be sure to haggle for that gizmo or trinket. Street market vendors will almost always quote a ridiculously high price for your item of interest. Unless a set price is displayed, haggling is generally expected as part of the process. Don't get worried when the salesman quotes 500 Baht for the scarf / handbag / necklace / t-shirt! Be cool, make a counter-offer, and don't let on how bad you really want it. If the vendor won't lower the price to a reasonable amount, simply walk away. They'll often yell or run after you to re-negotiate.

Thailand is quickly developing with the booming tourist industry, but is still an excellent backpacking location. For even cheaper prices and a less touristy environment, however, be sure to check out neighboring Laos and Cambodia. Hope these tips come in handy and enjoy your trip!