Good deals and travel buddies for backpacking in Asia

Hi! I’m Hugo, I’m 20, and I’m a recent graduate with a tourism BTS. I’m heading off alone in November 2026 with my backpack for a road trip across Asia.

I already have my first flight ticket to Bangkok, but nothing else is planned yet. So I’m signing up on this forum hoping for tips, good deals, and maybe even meet-ups while I’m there!

Thanks in advance! 😉

Hi Hugo, I’ve been to Thailand twice—once over 25 years ago in the north with a travel agency. I really loved the north for its rice fields, temples, and nature... Further south, there was the floating market, the Silver Palace, and... well, the touristy stuff! I wasn’t a big fan of the crowds in Bangkok. I went back to Thailand last year backpacking with pretty basic English. I brought my friends’ daughter, who’s around your age (give or take), and she was up for adventure. We only booked our flight and the first night’s accommodation, then planned the rest as we went. With a SIM card bought at the airport, Bolt (for transport), Booking.com for stays, and meeting people along the way, traveling in Thailand is super easy. We never felt unsafe. That said, I’m not sure what your budget is or what you’d like to do. What kind of advice are you looking for? Last year, we spent a few days in Krabi and on Koh Lanta, where we took excursions from.