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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Andrew Nachemson in Chiang Mai

Backpackers’ return brings glimmer of hope for Thailand tourism revival

Wat Phan Tao Temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The coronavirus pandemic effectively stopped the flow of visitors to Chiang Mai, Thailand, forcing many businesses to close. Photograph: Pongmanat Tasiri/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock

After months of absence, Chiang Mai’s waterfalls, night markets and hostels are once again filling up with a familiar sight: backpackers.

While Thailand was once a haven for budget travellers, Covid-19 devastated the tourism industry, which is only now starting to take tentative steps towards reopening.

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