Updated: 03/17/20 | March 17th, 2020
I haven’t been this excited to be somewhere in a long time. Sure, I was excited for Iceland. And Morocco. And that trip to the Caribbean last year.
Okay, I’m excited a lot, but I haven’t been this excited in a long time.
When I touched down in Bangkok a few days ago, I saw in the airplane window a reflection of a wide-eyed and bushy-tailed guy seeing a place for the first time all over again. That guy was me.
For years, I’ve dreamed of getting back to my roots, slinging my backpack over my shoulder, and traveling without a plan again. However, life always seemed to get in the way and trips got delayed. “Something” always came up.
It was easy to build a routine and enter a comfort zone. Days ticked by and, before I knew it, years have passed and the list of things to see got longer and more daunting.
After months of talking about it, here I am, back in Southeast Asia, actually doing it. It’s finally real!
I am back in Thailand, the country where it all began, to spend extended time traveling around the region. I’ve felt more relaxed and rested in the last couple of days than I have in months.
I’m in the country where, on my first visit, I got ripped off twice in one day (back to back mind you), I ate McDonald’s because street food seemed scary, and my idea of roughing it was a three-star hotel.
And I loved every moment of it! It threw me out of my comfort zone and hooked me on traveling even more.
This is the start of a five-month journey, and I’m going to enjoy every moment and take every opportunity.
I’m starting my new backpacking trip in the city of Chiang Mai, the place where I met the five backpackers who changed my life. The ones who showed me that long-term travel on a budget was possible and made me tell my traveling companion, “Scott, I’m going to go home and quit my job to travel the world.”
I often wonder what happened to them. How long did they travel? Where did they go? What are they doing now?
I doubt they would recognize me today, and if it wasn’t for an old picture I have of us, I wouldn’t either.
They changed my life — and put me on the path that led me to where I am today.
What drew me to travel was the feeling of infinite possibility it brings. You can do anything you want and you never know where the day will truly take you.
As I look out at the next few months, I have that feeling again. While I have a general route in mind, there are so many options, and I could end up anywhere. All I know is that I’ll be in new places, seeing new things, and meeting new people.
After two months here, it’s back across the big blue Pacific and down to South America where I’ll explore Patagonia, turn right at Machu Picchu, explore the Amazon, and binge on wine in Argentina.
I’m lucky enough to have a career that allows me to plop myself down half-way across the world and spend as much time as I want there. But even if you don’t have the same luxury, don’t let your inner naysayer hold your back.
It’s never too late to start again and accomplish the things you’ve dreamed of doing.
Because even if it’s finally getting motivated to go to the gym, take up dance classes, or learn archery (something I never “had the time” to do), it’s never too late to begin. It’s never too late to say “Honey, let’s finally take the kids to Europe.”
As Dave Matthews said, “the future is no place to place your better days.”
And, right now, I’m having some of the best days I’ve had in a while.
Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!
My detailed, 170+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while in Thailand, a country I used to call home (so I know it really well!). You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!! Click here to learn more and get started.
Book Your Trip to Thailand: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite places to stay are:
- Julie Guesthouse – Clean, has comfy beds, and tons of space for hanging out.
- The So Hostel – This place has more of a hotel vibe, so come here for a comfortable and quiet stay.
- Kodchasri B&B – If you want a more luxurious stay, this affordable 4-star hotel has a pool, gym, and free WiFi.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Want More Information on Chiang Mai?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Chiang Mai for even more planning tips!
Renuka
Wow…Inspiring post! I so needed to read something like this when I’m feeling low as a traveler and as blogger. It’s so refreshing to read thoughts of a fellow traveler, who’s traveled extensively and have gathered so many experiences.
NomadicMatt
Thanks! 🙂
Hannah
Welcome back to Chiang Mai! Chiang Mai is our second home, and a place we like to call “home” when we need a break from traveling full-time. Will you be in Chiang Mai the whole 5 months? We maybe back in January, would love to meet in person.
Sabra
I love your posts, and the fact that after all the places you have been, you are still so stoked to be in Thailand is awesome. I am not well-traveled, and am starting my journey much later in life than you. In January I will be going solo to Chiang Mai and I can’t wait!
NomadicMatt
Have fun! I’ll be gone by then but Jan is a great time to be in the city!
Samantha
Great post Matt. Here’s to your adventure. There have been a few places we have traveled that I can’t wait to see again. However, Thailand is still on our to do list and I can’t wait. Looks so amazing. Thanks for a great motivational post.
Suzette
I feel like this post was written to me by my future self. My Chiang Mai travels were by far some of my most memorable and vibrant, from the cooking classes, batik classes, the weekend market, elephant sanctuary, the handmade crafts in Chiang Rai and trekking to the hill tribe villages. Nothing compares. Some friends and I have just been discussing going back and then I read your article; I think it’s time.
NomadicMatt
I think so too! There’s no time like the present to book a flight, right? 🙂
Anca
Somehow, these days, a lot of bloggers and long term travelers are finding their way to go back to the country that somehow awakened their desire for a long term traveling – Thailand.
In fact, it’s the same country that made me fell in love with long term, super budget, but a super exciting way of living the adventure for real.
I think my day of returning to Thailand is getting closer.
NomadicMatt
I’m off to Pai today!
Drew Cohen
Hey man – what a coincidence! I’ve been following your blog on and off since I started off on my first solo trip 3 months ago. I’ve been all over the world but now that I’m in Thailand I’m turning to your guide again more. Just met some people today and we’re off to Pai tomorrow… I see you’re there! The reason that I was looking at your site just now was to see what you had to say about Pai 🙂 Maybe we’ll bump into each other. Cheers, man, keep the good posts coming.
Yana
Love to read about your adventures, Matt. We’ll be in Thai in a month with by better half, would love to meet up if you’ll have some time. First and last rounds r on me!
Alicia
Wow, I just decided to go to Thailand (despite only have 9 days and flying from NY), for so long I’ve been waiting till I have enough time to travel so far, but you know what…I’d rather go for 9 days then not go at all!
Rebeca
Good for you! I also have pretty limited time (and hail from NY) and this summer and had about 10 days to go to Japan. Some people thought I was crazy for flying that long only to go for 10 days but as you said it’s either a few days or no days at all. It’s a trip that I’ll always treasure and I’m so glad I went. Enjoy Thailand !!
Joe
Getting to South America from Thailand almost always means ‘transiting’ through America. This is inconvenient for some who have a US Passport and impossible for others who can’t get a visa to the US since transiting through the US isn’t allowed anymore. What is your route and do you just retrace your steps?
By the way, I am in Pai now and the weather is great.
NomadicMatt
Just left there! Where are you these days?
For the route, see the next post after this! I go into detail!
Hugh
Nice one Matt! Great that you are still as enthusiastic as ever. I’ve been to Thailand several times and I still get super excited every time. Enjoy!
Rian
Wow, I’ve just recently found your blog and started following. Our family just started our nomadic life last month, and started in Chiang Mai too! We just recently left, but already dreaming about the day when we might get to return after we’ve made our first “cylce” of the world 🙂 I’ll be interested in reading about your second take on it and if it’s as good or better than the first!
Sarah
Welcome back Matt! I missed your last NY meet up because I was on my way here to Thailand! I’m living and teaching the Rayong Province and will be hanging by the beach in Rayong, visiting Bangkok or possibility down south on weekends if you’re around and want to meet up! Have fun in Pai and be sure to visit Sunset Bar.
Angelina Pilarinos
Cool post! I’m assuming your going to be going to the Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai? Do you know the day the free event is happening? I heard it was Nov. 25th but I just want to be sure.
Bridgette
Your blogs inspire me so much. I recently discovered just how much I love travelling and I never would have had the courage to do it, if it wasn’t for your blogs. I went on a 3 week long solo trip to the U.S and Mexico, and before I even got back I was planning my next trip which will be 9 months long, hopefully. Anyway, thanks for the inspiration, keep doing what you’re doing!
Bruno B
Going to Chiang Mai in a few weeks, hope it can be the beginning of something for me as well! 🙂
Bruno
Erich Hiller
Thanks man! I’ve been down a lot lately cause I haven’t traveled for a year now and I still probably wont be able to for another year or so but every time I see your blog it brings back inspiration.
Sofía
You should try chilean wine,! it is much better than the argentinian…
Great post… i feel the same… i juts returned from a 3 weeks holidays in Bali and the Phillipines, but it`s not the same as long term traveling… i want to be free again.
NomadicMatt
I suspect I’ll have lots of both! 🙂
Matias Andres
Hey Matt, are you making your way around SE-Asia? Let me know when you\’re in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I know we share a similar fondness for this crazy city and it would be fun to exchange some hidden gems in these parts of the world.
When you\’re in South America, my neighbourhoods, don\’t forget to drink whiskey with glacier ice in Patagonia and try out the Chilean drink made out of Maqui. The Milodon-cave is also worth a visit.
Safe Travels!
NomadicMatt
I may (may) make it there. I’m not sure yet as I might not have time.
Austin Ling
Hey Matt…cool to see you are around Chiang Mai. I lived in Thailand for a year and here in Chiang Mai for a couple months before and I just got back a couple days ago. It’d be great to link up if you’re around. I’ve always been a fan of your blog and its concepts.
NomadicMatt
I’m in Laos now but I might be back through!
Nick
This is so inspirational and powerful. Going back to where your journey started is such a good idea, and we think it’s great that this trip excites you so much! It’s such a wonderful thing to see.
Kristin
I love reading about the places that change people and make them fall in love with seeing the world – and love that you’re getting a chance to revisit it!
Danny Mellema
Awesome blog man! Thailand lands very high on my to-go-to list, it just seems like an awesome place to see and explore.
Victoria
Nice one Matt! It’s alawys great to get back-to-basics so to speak and where better than in Thailand.
When I did my solo GAP year, the place that I started was in Bangkok. At the time, my friends had told me not to travel solo, keep away from Australians (I know. Weird!) I was scared of course but I went anyway. Bangkok was hot, dusty and over-whelming, but I stayed on regardless, and never looked back! Since then, I’ve been to Thailand 3 times and also to India! Bangkok is one of my favourite places and as for the Australians, we partied in Bali and had a grand time LOL!
Luke Wallace
Dude this is amazing! I love to travel so this blog is right up my alley! Thanks for the tips. I’ve always wanted to go to Thailand…
Stacey
I’ve lived there twice now, and sometimes still find myself homesick for Chiang Mai! It’s definitely a very special place and you’ve made me miss it even more! Have you been to the Elephant Nature Park? Such a great place if you’re in the area.
NomadicMatt
Yeah, I went last year. They do great things!
NomadicMatt
You definitely should!
Karyn Jane
I love the idea of returning to where things started. Chiang Mai holds the same importance for me. I first came here at the age of 17 and I’ve just moved back here with my husband. A very special town.
Michelle
Long time reader of your website– congrats on being back! I leave for Chiang Mai solo myself in April to live for 6 months! Never been to SE Asia, so it’s going to be quite the adventure… planning my weekend excursions to other destinations as me so excited! Cannot wait!
Thanks for inspiring me as usual.
Najwa
Hey Matt, welcome back to Thailand! I live in Bangkok now (Brooklyn native) do let us know if you’re planning any meet ups…it would be an honor to meet you! I’ve enjoyed your posts and your book is handy tool that I’m using as I get ready to launch my own travel/metaphysical website.
Cheers!
Karianne
I can definitely understand how Chiang Mai could make you quit your job and travel the world. We spoke about it a lot of times when we were travelling Asia, but Chiang Mai was the one place we seriously felt that we could stay in. It’s not surprising that there are so many bloggers out there!
Hope you’ve had an amazing time in the place where it all began.
NomadicMatt
It was everything I wanted it to be.
Chaitanya Bijoy
Reading about your adventures has inspired me to take up travelling. As the work commitments grew; I could not find time to travel. I am really motivated to restart my starveling journey again, thank you Nomadic Matt.
alicia
Any suggestions on a good hostel in Chiang Mai?
Serhat Engul
An inspiring post as always. I did not even know about the existence of Chiang Mai. It seems like a fairytale. Thank you.
Monica
Feeling the wisdom of your words here! Actually, I’m not a huge fan of Pan-Asia at all, but the thai mountains are marvellous place to visit! So, I have been there a year ago, and it was sort of my first try with call-it rough trip) Literally, no hotels, no guides, no to all this tourist stuff – just me, rented bike, camera and thin english to thai phrasebook, in case if I would need to speak with locals. So I placed myself in Chiang Mai, took a small room from an ordinary local family, rent a motorcycle from Cat Motors motorental company and went to the Doi Inthanon. And I was excited about this place so much that I haven’t had the time for visit some temples and other notable places later!! So I’m going to do another trip there this fall just in order to see everything)