Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Thailand: The Budget Backpacking Guide

Purple Star emoji 23 items
Through my month of Backpacking Thailand, only a section of my 8+ country trip, I had the privilege of seeing some of the most awe inspiring temples, majestic jungle creatures, and idyllic beaches. In total I only spent around $1000 CAD during my tim...
Map
Sections
4
 
 
 
 

Hostels

Not only the cheapest way to travel authentically, but my proven method to making friends on solo travels.
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
A refreshing pool oasis in the middle of Khao San Bangkok. Tip: get the homemade yogurt bowl for their onsite breakfast!
BED STATION Hostel Khaosan
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Shout-out to Max for being the most hype hostel owner ever. A super fun tight-knit community with amazing jungle tours (check my activities section)
Big&O's House 2, Chiang Mai
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Family run with a chill vibe, a truly special place. Will always remember the impromptu Thai cooking lesson Kafair gave me :)
Happy House Backpacker - Pai
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
With funky wall art and a hop away from the beach, this place is a VIBE! Constant pub  / club crawls, private fireshows, and so much fun
K-Bunk AoNang Center
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Think lux hotel vibes, but hostel budget. Super modern stylish interior with private bunkbeds. Crashing on that massive bed-couch at 3am after arriving is a core memory.
Matini Hostel Grand station, Bang Su

Food+Drink

Thailand is filled with some of the most flabourful dishes in the world. From upscale dining to the humble street stall (which are suprisingly safe) there are so many flavours to discover

 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
A melting pot of delicious food, tantalizing scents, and neon lights. The beating heart of Thai streetfood and a must see on your destination
Chinatown- Bangkok
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
With 7 dining centers in the Massive mall, You can try Thai dishes from every region. SOOKSIAM is set up like a streetmarket, While other floors have stunningly designed restaurant interiors or open seating
ICONSIAM’s 7 Wondrous Dining Zones
placeholder
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Two floors of unique cafe's, trendy diners, and instagramable interiors. I came back here so many times because it was that good!
Gump’s Ari : Cafe Hopper's dream
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
This K-pop loving cafe has uniquely crafted drinks, mostly featuring their refreshing sparkling beverages
Loveis Restaurant Bar & Café – Loveis, the best spot for ...

Activities

While I mostly wandered around the cities cafe hopping, there ARE some activities that totally elevated my travels and thrust me into the beautiful Thai culture.

 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Can confirm, we did see elephants. BUT the best and most humane tours will NEVER let you ride them. See the amazing flora and fauna of the jungle and admire the majesty of the jungle elephants at a safe and respectful distance. This linked tour isn’t...
Chiang Mai Jungle Trekking
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
This class was so fun and informative with kind and patient teachers. I  got to grind and make my own curry paste and dish, stirfry, soup, and spring rolls! All using ingredients from their organic garden and learning about Thai cuisine
Thai Cooking Class (Chiang Mai) at Organic Farm
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
I never got to visit this UNESCO heritage site, but as a history enthusiast I regret that! This guided tour includes lunch, all admissions to Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Lokayasutharam) , Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat , and Wat Chaiwatth...
Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok with Lunch + Admission
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
If your looking to get in touch with nature on your trip, visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy native wildlife and stunning mountain views as well as 2 waterfall stops!
Khao Yai National Park From Bangkok
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Explore the winding cave systems and mesmerizing shrines of Chiang Dao by kayaking through the river passages. Lunch, hotel pickup and First AId/CRP trained guide included.
Chiang Mai Caving & Jungle Kayaking: Chiang Dao
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
See aerial views of the tropical forest with this treetop jungle gym and zip-line experience. More budget friendly than the alternatives, and with safety equipment and trained staff to keep you having a blast.
Chiang Mai: Sky Hawk Zipline Experience
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
If you've ever fancied trying Scorpion, you'll find no shortage of it here! With raucous clubs and infinite food stalls it's a must see for wandering travellers. But don't spend all your time in this tourist haven, there's more to see in Bangkok
KHAOSAN ROAD, Bangkok
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Bangkok houses some of the most stunning landmarks, and you can see 4 of its magnificent glittering temples with this tour that includes admission into 4 temples + a guide! Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun), The Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wa...
2025 Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Best Three Temples & Iconic Attractions - with Reviews
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Not only do you get to experience the 3 famous Chiang Rai temples, a natural hot spring dip is also featured in this deal!
Chiang Rai Temples Tour from Chiang Mai with Hot Spring

Destinations

All the cities I stopped in, and some I wish I'd made time for!

 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
The capital of Thailand, you will never see another city like it. As a solo traveler I felt so safe, even among the busy streets. Embracing traditional culture with temples and food, while celebrating modern design, I shouldn't have to convince you t...
Bangkok
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
In the Northern Province of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai city if the Northern Capital. My experience was that it had quaint village energy, with big city amenities. I cant wait to return and visit their numerous aesthetic cafes in more depth. Dont sleep on...
Chiang Mai
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
A smaller destination in ther Northern-most part of Thailand, Chiang rai is home to the White and Blue temples, which are stunning attractions. With picturesque scenery and markets, relax and take a breather from the bustle of travel in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, Thailand
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Pai is a couple hours van ride from Chiang Mai, up a windy mountain road. if your stomach is strong enough to reach the top, you'll be rewarded with stunning views, thriving night markets, and the Pai Tipsy Tubing ;)
Pai
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
If you like beaches, why aren't you here already?! With Railay beach a short put away and its own Ao Nang beach, Krabi is a tourist central. But, careful not to get caught in expensive scams and tourist traps. Stay vigilant and your visit will be pic...
Krabi