Backpacking in Assam State, India

Backpacking in Assam State, India with mr.hotsia

When talking about India, many people probably think of the bustling cities of Delhi, Mumbai, or even familiar tourist destinations like Jaipur. But for me, mr.hotsia, this backpacking trip took me toAssam Statelocated in the northeast of India, a region that blends culture, lifestyle, and nature distinctly different from other parts of the country.

Assam has a capital city named Dispur, but if I were to mention the main city I truly experienced, it would be “Dibrugarh,” the starting point of a unique adventure in this land. Dibrugarh is located in the Guwahati area, south of the Eastern Himalayas, and is the center of the largest tea and petroleum industries in the region.

Travel Routes and Preparation

For traveling to Assam from Thailand, I chose to fly directly from Bangkok with a stopover in Kolkata. The connecting flights were convenient and fast. Traveling from Kolkata to Dibrugarh is straightforward with good domestic flight services. Another option many recommend is taking the train from Siliguri, which is an interesting experience. However, due to limited time, I chose to fly to save time and avoid fatigue.

An important tip I want to warn friends about is to book accommodations in advance through Booking.com or Agoda because lodging prices in Assam, especially in big cities like Dibrugarh and Guwahati, tend to be higher than similar standards in Thailand. Also, be cautious about safety, as I encountered some locals who approached with intentions of personal gain. Therefore, do not trust anyone easily.

Assam: The Land of Tea and Abundant Nature

What makes Assam stand out to me is “tea,” whether it’s the lush green tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see or the world-famous tea grown in this area. I had the opportunity to visit several tea estates around Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, which are not far apart. The refreshing cool air and the scent of sun-dried tea leaves helped me understand why Assam tea is so highly regarded.

Additionally, Assam is home to important wildlife such as the one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park and tigers in Manas National Park. Both areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I did not have the chance to visit this time, but for nature and wildlife lovers, Assam is a must-visit destination.

Lifestyle and Thai Communities in Assam

One of the most impressive experiences for me, mr.hotsia, was searching for the Thai communities living in Assam, especially the Tai Phake people who have preserved their Thai language and culture strongly. I started my journey from Tinsukia and then traveled to Margherita, where I visited the Tai Phake village in the Chaipura subdistrict.

This village has distinctive houses and unique traditional clothing, such as women wearing beautifully patterned sinh skirts and men wearing Burmese-style sarongs or white dhoti cloths typical of Hindu culture. Interestingly, the Tai language is still used daily, and the residents strictly follow Buddhism. I had the chance to sit, talk, and eat with the community, feeling like I was back in our homeland.

If anyone is interested in stories about Thai communities in India, you can read more atBackpacking with the Tai Phake in Assam, IndiaandBackpacking to Find Thai People in Margherita, Assam, Indiawhere I have shared detailed accounts.

Important Cities and Travel in Assam

Guwahati is the largest city and the gateway to Assam. I stayed here for one night before continuing to Dibrugarh. Traveling in Guwahati is very convenient if you use Uber taxis. I recommend buying an Indian SIM card to call taxis via the app for fairer prices than hailing from the street. Walking around the city allowed me to see a lifestyle blending old traditions and modernity. You can read about my experience atBackpacking in Guwahati, Assam, India

From Guwahati, I traveled to Dibrugarh, a tea city and industrial center in eastern Assam. I stayed at Hotel Ambarish Grand Residency, located in the city center, convenient and safe, and close to local restaurants serving authentic Indian flavors. For those interested in more details about this city, I have written about my experience inBackpacking in Dibrugarh, Assam, India

Food and Local Markets

Assam offers a diverse and interesting cuisine beyond typical Indian food. It also features dishes influenced by the local Thai people, such as sticky rice with banana, a traditional breakfast of the Tai Phake. I had the chance to try it and experience its unique taste. Local food here emphasizes fresh ingredients from forests and rivers, such as freshwater fish and native vegetables.

Markets in Tinsukia and Margherita are full of colorful fresh fruits, vegetables, and rare spices. I enjoyed strolling through the morning markets to observe local life and tasting street food that is flavorful and spicy in the style of Northeast India.

Summary of Experience with mr.hotsia

For me, traveling to Assam is not just about sightseeing nature or tea plantations but about discovering the connection to Thai culture still alive on Indian soil and meeting people with simple lives full of warmth. Although Assam is not yet a popular tourist destination, for those who enjoy deep, open-minded travel, I, mr.hotsia, invite you to experience it yourself.

If you want to know detailed stories of my travels in each city, you can read my articles such asBackpacking to Find Thai People in Tinsukia, Assam, Indiaor if you are interested in the atmosphere of Margherita, check outBackpacking to Find Thai People in Margherita, Assam, IndiaThank you.

Finally, Assam is another perspective of India that I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to open their hearts and experience firsthand.