I’ve been thinking about backpacking since it happened to get mentioned in a previous thread.

Without boring everyone to tears, I just want to say that there are parts of the world I would never have seen had I been simply a conventional traveler in my younger days, the biggest factor being cost. Some people think that backpackers simply put on a pack and go, but there’s far more to it and the planning.........oh, the countless days of planning. There seems to be a group of people on this forum that look down their nose at backpackers. There are various reasons for this I am sure, but for certain we don’t really know for sure if that’s their true opinion or not. After all on Chiang Mai TV, just like any other forum the guy who lives in a ten bedroom house, with a maid and gardener might really be the unwashed guy I see creeping out of a certain dingy guesthouse place some mornings. Hey everyone's welcome on CMTV.

The Cinderella status of budget travelers has usually resulted in them being ignored by the tourist industry and much maligned by many ex pats (who now think they have a monopoly on Chiang Mai). The reality is that backpackers make a substantial contribution to Chiang Mai’s local tourism and probably spend more per capita than do five-star travelers, because they stay longer and don’t book into foreign-owned hotels. There’s little value for a tourist who visits for only a week and books into a luxury hotel. All they do is add to some fat cats overseas bank account. Backpackers might typically pay less than 200 Baht a night for accommodation and are willing to accept lower standards in exchange for a cheap bed. Up market tourists demand luxury but if the price is too high, they prefer to stay at home than compromise on comfort. Backpackers are more likely to visit obscure parts of the country, putting money in the hands of communities and locals that do not benefit from conventional tourism. And backpacking is a good way to get around.

Backpacking puts you in touch with the country in a way that cannot be said for someone who is isolated in a luxury hotel or tour group. Anyway I’m going to leave it there except to say I wish I were young enough and fit enough to join some of these kids as they go off seeking their adventure. I think backpackers are great, particularly for little hick towns like Chiang Mai, from where they can access all sorts of places and see and experience all they have dreamed of.

Edited July 25, 201213 yr by uptheos

all good and true, but many backpackers are annoying to no end and have no real agenda other than to go to the places everyone else goes to -- where's the adventure in that?

many of them are merely looking for the next "high", whether it's cheap booze or drugs or some adrenaline rush. they have no mental aspirations beyond what their guidebooks tell them. 3rd class travel zombies.

however, youre very right in that they are more likely to support the true local economy. so perhaps putting up with them is worth it if it keeps the "real chiang mai" around just a little longer.

Edited July 25, 201213 yr by samsara

IMO, most backpackers are fine and many have a lot going for them, but a small number are out to get something for nothing and will cheat and steal while traveling to do it. Unfortunately, the bad apples are the ones that stick out in many people's minds and the rest get a bad reputation.

Edited July 25, 201213 yr by Ulysses G.

IMO, most backpackers are fine and many have a lot going for them, but a small number are out to get something for nothing and will cheat and steal while traveling to do it. Unfortunately, the bad apples are the ones that stick out in many people's minds and the rest get a bad reputation.

Many farang's (more than backpackers) lie, cheat and steal in Chiang Mai.

all good and true, but many backpackers are annoying to no end and have no real agenda other than to go to the places everyone else goes to -- where's the adventure in that?

many of them are merely looking for the next "high", whether it's cheap booze or drugs or some adrenaline rush. they have no mental aspirations beyond what their guidebooks tell them. 3rd class travel zombies.

however, youre very right in that they are more likely to support the true local economy. so perhaps putting up with them is worth it if it keeps the "real chiang mai" around just a little longer.

I can't recall ever being annoyed by a backpacker.

An adventure is whatever it is to YOU.

I used to think Southend 0n Sea was an adventure........and it was during a certain time!

They just annoy me.

The women wandering around with no bra and a copy of 'lost planet' in their hands.

The shirtless guys just wearing swimming shorts.

The whole lot of them hiring m/cs while clearly never even sat on one before, let alone having a license.

(Although to be fair, the Chinese tourist are now doing the m/c madness thing but at least wearing t-shirts)

OK, so they spend money, but they sure bring down the tone of the place.

They just annoy me.

The women wandering around with no bra and a copy of 'lost planet' in their hands.

The shirtless guys just wearing swimming shorts.

The whole lot of them hiring m/cs while clearly never even sat on one before, let alone having a license.

(Although to be fair, the Chinese tourist are now doing the m/c madness thing but at least wearing t-shirts)

OK, so they spend money, but they sure bring down the tone of the place.

amen!

no idea how uptheos has NEVER been annoyed by them. theyre just a bunch of clueless sheep led by guidebooks and travel sites looking for the next beer. no value in that whatsoever.

I think backpackers are great, particularly for little hick towns like Chiang Mai,

.....

Trip Advisor recently voted CM as the #24 (out of 25)of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and #4 in Asia!

Not really a busy place,but far from a hick-town, but the people who go there must be impressed enough to vote for it.

I am sure many who voted are most likely the "flippy-d-flops" (backpackers) who find CM cheap and easy to budget.

After all who made the real "hick" town of Pai so popular?

The women wandering around with no bra

So there are SOME benefits to them!

Edited July 25, 201213 yr by mesquite

They just annoy me.

The women wandering around with no bra and a copy of 'lost planet' in their hands.

The shirtless guys just wearing swimming shorts.

The whole lot of them hiring m/cs while clearly never even sat on one before, let alone having a license.

(Although to be fair, the Chinese tourist are now doing the m/c madness thing but at least wearing t-shirts)

OK, so they spend money, but they sure bring down the tone of the place.

amen!

no idea how uptheos has NEVER been annoyed by them. theyre just a bunch of clueless sheep led by guidebooks and travel sites looking for the next beer. no value in that whatsoever.

Never been a backpacker eh?

My granddaughter just spent 30K sterling, backpacking places I never knew existed.

University grad, non drinker/smoker, doesn't do drugs.......what's not to like?

uptheos

Great post. All so true. A back packer may stay one week and only put 3,000 baht into the local economy. But that is where it stays.

The five star resort traveler may put in 100,000 baht but that is not going into the local economy most of it is going to another fat cat who lives some where else. And even if they live rite here in town most of it is just going into their pocket.

A back packer who puts 3,000 baht a week into the economy will be spending it where it can help the most people in the local culture.

A traveler putting in 100,000 baht a week will be putting into places that are far different than the local culture.

And yes there are some back packers who are only trouble makers. But you put the fat cat in the same situation and location an see how much he puts into the economy. And it won't be long before he starts in with the complaining and trouble making.

They just annoy me.

The women wandering around with no bra and a copy of 'lost planet' in their hands.

The shirtless guys just wearing swimming shorts.

The whole lot of them hiring m/cs while clearly never even sat on one before, let alone having a license.

(Although to be fair, the Chinese tourist are now doing the m/c madness thing but at least wearing t-shirts)

OK, so they spend money, but they sure bring down the tone of the place.

amen!

no idea how uptheos has NEVER been annoyed by them. theyre just a bunch of clueless sheep led by guidebooks and travel sites looking for the next beer. no value in that whatsoever.

Never been a backpacker eh?

My granddaughter just spent 30K sterling, backpacking places I never knew existed.

University grad, non drinker/smoker, doesn't do drugs.......what's not to like?

never had a desire to become a sheep.

prefer to actually live somewhere and experience it, rather than running about looking for my next destination in a guidebook every 6 hours.

They just annoy me.

The women wandering around with no bra and a copy of 'lost planet' in their hands.

The shirtless guys just wearing swimming shorts.

The whole lot of them hiring m/cs while clearly never even sat on one before, let alone having a license.

(Although to be fair, the Chinese tourist are now doing the m/c madness thing but at least wearing t-shirts)

OK, so they spend money, but they sure bring down the tone of the place.

amen!

no idea how uptheos has NEVER been annoyed by them. theyre just a bunch of clueless sheep led by guidebooks and travel sites looking for the next beer. no value in that whatsoever.

Don't underestimate the value of a beer.

uptheos

Great post. All so true. A back packer may stay one week and only put 3,000 baht into the local economy. But that is where it stays.

The five star resort traveler may put in 100,000 baht but that is not going into the local economy most of it is going to another fat cat who lives some where else. And even if they live rite here in town most of it is just going into their pocket.

A back packer who puts 3,000 baht a week into the economy will be spending it where it can help the most people in the local culture.

A traveler putting in 100,000 baht a week will be putting into places that are far different than the local culture.

And using your reasoning process, sex tourists are the greatest thing to ever happen to Chiang Mai.

Nearly all their money goes straight to the local community where it can help the most people, and usually a bit more than 3k per trip.

Edited July 25, 201213 yr by TommoPhysicist

They just annoy me.

The women wandering around with no bra and a copy of 'lost planet' in their hands.

The shirtless guys just wearing swimming shorts.

The whole lot of them hiring m/cs while clearly never even sat on one before, let alone having a license.

(Although to be fair, the Chinese tourist are now doing the m/c madness thing but at least wearing t-shirts)

OK, so they spend money, but they sure bring down the tone of the place.

amen!

no idea how uptheos has NEVER been annoyed by them. theyre just a bunch of clueless sheep led by guidebooks and travel sites looking for the next beer. no value in that whatsoever.

Never been a backpacker eh?

My granddaughter just spent 30K sterling, backpacking places I never knew existed.

University grad, non drinker/smoker, doesn't do drugs.......what's not to like?

never had a desire to become a sheep.

prefer to actually live somewhere and experience it, rather than running about looking for my next destination in a guidebook every 6 hours.

What the **** has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

uptheos

Great post. All so true. A back packer may stay one week and only put 3,000 baht into the local economy. But that is where it stays.

The five star resort traveler may put in 100,000 baht but that is not going into the local economy most of it is going to another fat cat who lives some where else. And even if they live rite here in town most of it is just going into their pocket.

A back packer who puts 3,000 baht a week into the economy will be spending it where it can help the most people in the local culture.

A traveler putting in 100,000 baht a week will be putting into places that are far different than the local culture.

And by that same reasoning process sex tourists are the greatest thing to ever happen to Chiang Mai.

Nearly all their money goes straight to the local community where it can help the most people, and usually a bit more than 3k per trip.

If you want to change the subject feel free to do so.

Never been a backpacker eh?

My granddaughter just spent 30K sterling, backpacking places I never knew existed.

University grad, non drinker/smoker, doesn't do drugs.......what's not to like?

Sounds perfect, a phone number would be good

On a serious note, I am a young bloke. I make enough money to stay in mid range places when I go on holidays, but how boring is that. I much prefer to do the typical backpacker jaunt and stay in a guest house/backpackers, meet new people and explore.... And no I dont own a guidebook!

Although I will claim the title of a backpacker, I can see how the behaviour of some backpackers is really quite annoying, dangerous and downright disrespectful.

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

I'm quite surprised that any backpackers would want to eat at such an overpriced place(s) firmly aimed at aging westerners.

Although I will claim the title of a backpacker, I can see how the behaviour of some backpackers is really quite annoying, dangerous and downright disrespectful.

You're just after the money lol.

Just hang around the so called 'decent' Chiang Mai expats for a while if you want to see annoying, dangerous and downright disrespectful.

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

You sound as if you have a lot of experience in all the above, better you break away from them.

Maybe best to define what you mean by backpacker first.

Sheep with guidebook moving every 6 hours?

Girl spending 30K GBP but had a backpack with her?

Freeloader taking advantage of free food/drink specials

Young bloke who can afford mid-range when on vacation but chooses to stay in guesthouses to meet new people.

Shirtless foreigners driving m/c's (guess they had backpacker tan)

Seems like a very wide range of people. Who are we talking about?

All the ones I have seen in Thailand are dirty, smelly and look like they are high on something or just coming off it. They also like to talk about how little they have spent everyday.

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

I'm quite surprised that any backpackers would want to eat at such an overpriced place(s) firmly aimed at aging westerners.

Can't afford it eh?

All the ones I have seen in Thailand are dirty, smelly and look like they are high on something or just coming off it. They also like to talk about how little they have spent everyday.

Where's your Thailand......one square mile of Thapae Gate?

They just annoy me.

The women wandering around with no bra and a copy of 'lost planet' in their hands.

The shirtless guys just wearing swimming shorts.

The whole lot of them hiring m/cs while clearly never even sat on one before, let alone having a license.

(Although to be fair, the Chinese tourist are now doing the m/c madness thing but at least wearing t-shirts)

OK, so they spend money, but they sure bring down the tone of the place.

Wasn't that the sequel to Jurassic Park? do they really read that, with no bra on?

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

I'm quite surprised that any backpackers would want to eat at such an overpriced place(s) firmly aimed at aging westerners.

Can't afford it eh?

dukes is way overpriced for what you get. its a step above sizzler.

Maybe best to define what you mean by backpacker first.

Sheep with guidebook moving every 6 hours?

Girl spending 30K GBP but had a backpack with her?

Freeloader taking advantage of free food/drink specials

Young bloke who can afford mid-range when on vacation but chooses to stay in guesthouses to meet new people.

Shirtless foreigners driving m/c's (guess they had backpacker tan)

Seems like a very wide range of people. Who are we talking about?

Well that's the thing isn't it.

The collective 'backpacker' group is too large and diverse to be making any kind of broad generalisation about their behaviour. For every stereotypical backpacker there will no doubt be someone who is an exemption.

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

I'm quite surprised that any backpackers would want to eat at such an overpriced place(s) firmly aimed at aging westerners.

Can't afford it eh?

dukes is way overpriced for what you get. its a step above sizzler.

I'm not batting for anyone's prices or business, but I'm saying that David at least had the balls to admit that there is a good trade in backpackers.