Planning on taking the plunge and finally going backpacking in Thailand? It will truly be one of the best experiences of your life, that is if you decide to stay in hostels. There’s probably a million reasons why you don’t want to stay in a hostel, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Here’s why you should stay in a hostel while backpacking Thailand..
You will meet amazing people from around the world!
Hostels hold guests from many countries like Australia, Germany, Canada, England, France, etc, etc. Literally people from all over the globe. A big part of backpacking is meeting your fellow backpackers, sharing tips, and better yet, sharing experiences with one another. As a solo backpacker myself, hostels made sure that I always had people to eat meals with, go on tours with, and party with! Not that you have to always have companions, but it sure does make travelling a whole lot more fun!
You will save a lot of money!
It’s no secret that hotels can be quite expensive, especially when you are travelling longterm. Your money will run out very quickly that way. Not the case with hostels. You can find hostels in Thailand as cheap at 4 or 5 dollars a night!
You will discover things to do that are less touristy.
A music festival in the countryside of Chiang Mai that our hostel owner took us to!
Lets face it, hotels are always promoting package tours that are expensive and extremely touristy. Most backpackers are looking for more of a true and authentic experience. Since many hostels are owned and run by Thai locals, they can usually recommend you cool places to check out that are a little off the beaten path as well as places that locals frequent. Or better yet, some hostels will even take you there! I stayed at a hostel called Bunchun in Chiang Mai and one night the owner told all the guests that there was a cool music festival going on just outside the city. He asked who wanted to go, and pretty much the whole hostel was in for it. So the owner arranged a ride for everyone and the next thing I knew I was watching live bands in the countryside complete with Thai hippies and bonfires! It was an amazing night that never would’ve happened had I stayed in a hotel.
“But we’re a couple and we want our privacy.”
Totally legitimate concern. But fear not, many hostels do have private rooms that you can book. If you are unable to find a hostel with private rooms, then my next recommendation would be to stay at a guesthouse instead of a hotel. Make sure to find one that has common areas so you are able to meet other guests!
So believe me when I say it, that hostels really are part of the backpacking experience. Had I not stayed at hostels during my last 2 month trip to SE Asia, it would’ve been pretty boring especially since I was travelling solo! I would’ve missed out on so much! Some of my best experiences in Thailand were recommendations I received from other backpackers, who I met in the hostels I was staying at. I hope this article is enough to convince you.. just give it a try and you will see!
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