Backpacking in Thailand - Hire Or Buy a Motorbike?

Here's a simple shortcut to exploring more of your environment when you've got a week or 4 to spare, and you're even thinking that you might stop the backpacking thing through Thailand and just live somewhere for a while to get a taste of what Thailand is precisely about.

In a nutshell then, probably the best way to eye is by getting yourself a small bike (110-150cc). But should you buy or should you rent? Well, it all depends on you and what you are planning to do. Sometimes renting works out well and other times, buying is the way to go.

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Often westerners who are new to a Thai town will rent a small bike for the first month or so. Renting a zippy wee motor like this will cost you about Us or so a month, and it costs about to fill your tank with gas (benzine). Renting allows you to explore, get a feel for the Thai traffic (!), and check out places to live if that's your agenda.

Backpacking in Thailand - Hire Or Buy a Motorbike?

On the other hand, if you eye you love Thailand way too much and there's no way in the world you'll ever leave, then buying a snappy wee motor is probably a good call. To buy one of these motos you'd need about Us0 or so, depending on the model you choose, and the cost method.

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Fortunately, and especially if you've got a Thai friend to help you, you can organize to pay off your bike on a per month basis. In this case you'd put some dollars down (say about 0) and then every month pay about or so to the bike shop you acquired your bike from.

Either way, it's an easy process. You'll need your passport and some sort of proof of who you are etc. You'll also need to wear a helmet nearby and to carry a license of some sort. Once that's all sorted, you're ready to roll!

Backpacking in Thailand - Hire Or Buy a Motorbike?

Backpacking in Thailand - The Best Gear to travel With

What is the best gear to tour with if you're planning to backpack straight through Thailand (or tour on a budget)? Well, it depends of course on where you're heading. If you go north, then pack for cool nights and mountain climbing. If you head south, then get ready for magnificent ocean adventures.

Firstly, if your plans consist of Chiang Mai or north then keep in mind it gets kind of chilly and you'll need warm gear and the right kit (ie. Strong walk boots) for doing some trekking or exploring. However if you're going to hit the oceans on your Thai journey, then let's look at what you'll need.

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Ok, first up, the ever trusty waterproof 'sea' bag. These colorful little creatures will save your bacon in more ways than one, especially if you're a water baby and you love to be immersed in the sea all day. With your important belongings safely enclosed in one of these you can discover Any remote beach and still pull out a camera to capture the fun. An important piece of ocean tour kit.

Backpacking in Thailand - The Best Gear to travel With

Next up is the go-anywhere sea sandals. You know the type - they embrace your feet and let you walk on sharp rocks and swim without worrying about what's down there. Then wear them down the street to get your Pad Thai. A good capability pair of these will last you forever and are important for a good and safe Thailand adventure.

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You'll need a capability jacket too, for the odd storm that steals in out of nowhere. Heaps of choices available, so get something that's lightweight and strong that'll cope with the wear and tear of being stuffed in your backpack and used frequently. It's Thailand, so it won't need to be too warm. In fact, the more breathable, the better.

Well, that's it in a nutshell. There's other gear that'll you want to bring but having those three pieces of kit will keep a smile on your face as you backpack straight through Thailand and have the adventure of your life!

Backpacking in Thailand - The Best Gear to travel With

Backpacking in Thailand - What You Can Get Out of It

Backpacking in Thailand - What You Can Get Out of It

Take a look at any list of the top voyage destinations in the world, and you'll see Thailand right on top (or at least, close to it) - and for good reason. Either you're a seasoned traveler, or a newbie to backpacking, Thailand has something good in store for you.

1. Smiles.

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Over the years, Thailand has aptly earned the moniker: the Land of Smiles. The people of Thailand are known to be among the nicest, friendliest, and most helpful folks on Earth, and you're sure to be greeted with warm smiles and friendly banter wherever you go. If you're new to backpacking, Thailand is without fail the place to go because you can rely on help from the locals anytime, with a smile.

2. Sun.

Without a doubt, Thailand has among the most ideal climates in the world; hence, why visitors from the colder regions of the west visit the country in droves. Thailand enjoys sunshine all year round, even throughout the so-called rainy season. So do pack the right stuff while backpacking - Thailand gives you the opening to show some skin!

3. Sand and Sea.

For most people, beaches are a must in backpacking. Thailand is probably best known for its numerous marvelous white sand beaches and virtually untouched aquatic wildlife, so it's a match made in heaven!

Of course, the 'different strokes for different folks' adage apply. The many beaches of Thailand each has their own unavoidable personalities that cater to the discrete preferences of their discerning visitors. For example, scuba divers and snorkelers seeing to enjoy an unspoiled water world frequent Koh Tao and the Similan Islands. Ravers can't get adequate of the full moon parties of Koh Phangan, or the regular beach parties at neighboring Koh Samui. The nature-tripper will have much to gush about in Krabi's Phi Phi Islands and Trat's Koh Chang. The pleasure-seeker will never want to leave Patong or Pattaya Beach. And if you just want to spend the day baking under the sun, well, take your pick and go visit one - or all!

4. Sex.

Possibly the main think why most travelers (men, to be entirely accurate) frequent Thailand is the country's preponderant sex industry. In Bangkok alone, a farang (Western) man - and in some cases, woman - can indulge in forbidden pleasures by naturally visiting areas like Patpong, Nana, and the infamous Soi Cowboy. Such pleasures can also be found in the go-go and coyote bars that litter Pattaya's preponderant Walking street and Phuket's Patong Beach. Tastes ranging from the approved to the slightly askew to the downright sleazy are sure to be satisfied in any of the sex areas that can be found in most of the country's traveler haunts. Either you're into skinny, bowlegged chicks, or the more voluptuous pre and post-op trannies, Thailand has it all.

Of course, this is probably not the whole point of your backpacking. Thailand, however, has a way of luring unsuspecting travelers into its raw sexual energy, and this has become the downfall of many a hapless farang who end up with empty wallets (all thanks to seemingly angelic bargirls who need 'rescuing'), or worse, a plethora of undesirable diseases due to normal carelessness. Know that by indulging in Thailand's most preponderant industry, you are treading in hazardous waters, so do tread carefully.

5. Shopping.

Without a doubt, Thailand offers perfect shopping, without fail one of the best in the world. Bangkok itself plays host to numerous shopping districts where one can get whatever from designer labels to cheap knock-offs. Those with heftier wallets frequent the Ratchaprasong area and its upscale malls with their numerous designer boutiques. The more budget-conscious, however, can be found haggling their way through around Pratunam, the Lumphini Night Market, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and Bo Bae, Asia's wholesale mecca.

Most of the time, shopping is approximately unheard of while backpacking. Thailand, however, sells everything from clothes and accessories to the latest gadgets at incredibly cheap prices. Haggle like there's no tomorrow, why don't you? That's part of the fun!

Indeed, there's much to learn in backpacking. Thailand is an perfect teacher. No wonder newbies flock to the country by the thousands, and the veterans just keep on coming.

Backpacking in Thailand - What You Can Get Out of It