Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Thai Energy Drinks: Tiny Bottles, Big Chaos If you’ve ever wandered into a 7-Eleven in Thailand and thought, “Hmm, I need a beverage that tastes like electricity, cough syrup and ambition,” then welcome to the world of Thai energy drinks. These tiny bottles pack the caffeine content of a small volcano and are beloved by motorbike taxi drivers, students, night shift workers, and people who have made terrible decisions about their sleep schedule. Let’s start with the classics: M-150, Krating Daeng, Carabao, and Lipovitan-D. These aren’t your Western, sugar-free, carbonated “I go to the gym” energy drinks. No, no. Thai energy drinks are non-carbonated, sweet as sin, slightly syrupy, and come in little glass bottles that look like medicine from 1962. Because in a way… they are. M-150 is the local legend. It tastes like sugar, gasoline, and raw determination. The label features a big bold “M” and sometimes a lightning bolt, because that’s exactly how it feels. Drink it at 9 a.m., and you’l...

Temple Fairs in Thailand: Where Spirituality Meets Street Food (and Maybe a Few Selfie Sticks) Alright, folks, buckle up because we're diving headfirst into the vibrant, chaotic, and utterly delightful world of temple fairs in Thailand. If you thought your local county fair was a hoot, wait until you see what happens when you mix ancient temples, street food on steroids, and more neon lights than a Las Vegas strip show. First things first, let's talk about the setting. Picture this: a centuries-old temple, all golden spires and intricate carvings, standing serenely amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. Now, imagine that same temple surrounded by a sea of stalls selling everything from fried crickets (yes, you read that right) to the latest smartphone accessories. It's like the past and present decided to have a wild party, and you're invited. Now, the food. Oh, the glorious, artery-clogging, taste-bud-tingling food! Temple fairs are a street food lover's para...

Surin: Come for the Elephants, Stay for the Sticky Rice (and Maybe Never Leave) Surin. You may not have heard of it unless you’re an elephant, an elephant enthusiast, or someone who accidentally bought a bus ticket in the wrong direction. But nestled in Thailand’s northeastern Isaan region, Surin is a city that goes from sleepy to stampede-level spectacular once a year, and is charmingly laid-back the rest of the time. Yes, it’s famous for elephants. But Surin is more than a one-trick pachyderm. How to Get There (Without Riding an Elephant) By Plane : No airport in Surin, so fly to Buriram or Ubon Ratchathani and take a 1–2 hour bus or van from there. Yes, it’s a bit roundabout, but so is most good Thai food. By Train : From Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat. About 8–9 hours. Cheap, scenic, and you might even get a seat that doesn’t squeak. By Bus : Daily buses from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Terminal. Around 7–8 hours, assuming no surprises. Fares: 500–800 THB. Bring snacks and ho...

Ubon Ratchathani: Thailand’s Most Underrated City (And That’s Exactly Why You Should Go) Ubon Ratchathani. It's got a name longer than your weekend plans and a location somewhere between “Where?” and “Oh wow, that’s far.” Tucked into Thailand’s far-eastern corner near Laos, Ubon is not swarming with backpackers, beach bums, or Bangkokians escaping city life. And that, dear traveler, is precisely its charm. How to Get There (Surprisingly Easy, Mildly Dramatic) Fly : Direct flights from Bangkok, about 1–1.5 hours. Tickets hover between 1,000–1,500 THB if you book outside of Mercury retrograde. Train : 10–12 hours of clickety-clack from Bangkok. Budget-friendly and comes with bonus nostalgia. Bus : From Mo Chit Terminal in Bangkok. Budget around 500–800 THB and prepare for many snack stops and one mysterious karaoke DVD. Where to Stay (For Every Budget and Level of Back Pain) Budget Guesthouse (300–700 THB): Cozy, no-frills, often with free coffee and one surprisingly chatty ca...

Caving in Thailand: Bats, Buddhas & Butt-Sliding Into Darkness (Now with 100% More Thailand) You’ve done the beaches. You’ve ziplined through the jungle, eaten your weight in mango sticky rice, and narrowly avoided death by banana boat. Now it’s time to go underground, literally. Welcome to Thailand’s caves: dark, damp, mysterious, and wildly photogenic if you’re not too sweaty to hold your phone or, heaven forbid, your heavy DSLR. Whether you're chasing adventure, spirituality, or a cool escape from the heat, Thai caves deliver in spades, bats, and unexpected staircases. 1. Tham Lot (Pai) – Bamboo Raft of Mild Terror If you like your caves with prehistoric bones, bat colonies, and a general sense of “Did Indiana Jones die here?”, then this is your place. You’ll float through this massive cave system on a bamboo raft while your guide holds a lantern like a character in a ghost story. There are ancient teak coffins, limestone formations that look like melting birthday cakes, and...

Buriram: Beyond the Football and Ancient Temples Buriram, where ancient temples meet modern-day football fandom, and the traffic jams are so chill, they make Bangkok look like a Formula 1 race. Located in Thailand’s northeastern Isaan region, Buriram is often overlooked by tourists, but those in the know will tell you it’s an undiscovered gem. Oh, and did I mention Phanom Rung ? Because if you’re not planning to visit this ancient Khmer temple, are you even traveling? How to Get There (Not as Far as It Sounds) By Plane : Fly to Buriram’s small but charming airport, about 1 hour from Bangkok by plane. You can usually find a ticket for 1,000–1,500 THB. It’s a direct hit to your adventure and your What? I’m already there? moment. By Train : From Bangkok’s Aphiwat Central Monstrosity, take the 6–8 hour train ride. It’s budget-friendly, relatively comfortable, and gives you time to wonder why you didn’t bring more snacks. By Bus : 5–6 hours from Mo Chit Terminal, buses run every day. Cos...

Buddhist Lent: Rain, Restraint, and Really Good Candles So you’re in Thailand during the rainy season, and someone mentions it’s the start of Buddhist Lent. You pause, confused. “Wait... monks give up chocolate too?” Not quite. This isn’t a diet plan. This is Vassa , a three-month period of reflection, rain, and religious devotion, and it’s kind of a big deal. It begins on Asalha Bucha Day , which commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon. The next day kicks off the actual Lent, known as Khao Phansa . This is when monks retreat to their temples, stay put, and meditate like champions. Why? Because it’s monsoon season, and 2,500 years ago it was considered poor form to go trampling through farmers' rice fields in the mud while trying to spread wisdom. So for three lunar months, monks don’t travel nor do they make their rounds for alms in the mornings. They deepen their practice, and laypeople join in by making merit such as offering food, robes, and what appears to be an absolutely unre...

Mukdahan: Sleepy City on the Banks of the Mekong River Alright, buckle up for a wild ride to Mukdahan, Thailand’s best-kept secret that’s so secret, even Google Maps sometimes forgets it exists. This sleepy riverside gem along the Mekong is like that quirky cousin who shows up to the family reunion with a mullet and a pet lizard. It's charming in its own bizarre way, but you’re not entirely sure why you’re here. Let’s break down the what, where, and why of Mukdahan with a healthy dose of sass and zero chill. First off, Mukdahan is the lovechild of Thailand and Laos, perched on the Mekong River with a front-row view of Savannakhet, Laos, across the water. It’s got this whole “gateway to Indochina” vibe, which sounds fancy until you realize it mostly means a lot of trucks hauling goods over the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. The town’s got history. It was founded over 200 years ago during the Ayutthaya period, and it’s home to eight ethnic groups who somehow coexist without starting a ...

Skydiving in Thailand: Because Falling from the Sky on Purpose Is Apparently Fun So you’ve ridden banana boats, screamed through caves, and dodged monkeys at temples. What's left? Hurling yourself out of a plane at 13,000 feet, obviously. Skydiving in Thailand isn’t just for adrenaline junkies. It’s for anyone who’s ever looked at a peaceful blue sky and thought, “You know what this needs? ME, FALLING THROUGH IT.” Let’s dive (pun very much intended) into how, where, and why on Earth you might want to go skydiving in the Land of Smiles. Where to Jump: The Main Skydiving Spots 1. Thai Sky Adventures – Pattaya This is the most popular and accessible option for travelers. Located about 45 minutes outside of Pattaya, Thai Sky Adventures has been throwing people out of airplanes (safely!) for years. You'll get a tandem jump with a pro strapped to your back, aka your new best friend for the next 60 seconds of freefall and probable swearing. Altitude: Up to 13,000 ft Freefall time: ~60...

Side Trip to That Phanom: The Sacred, The Spiritual, and the Spectacular Oh, you’re looking to extend your trip and dive even deeper into the enigmatic side of northeast Thailand? Well, you’re in luck because just an hour or so from Nakhon Phanom, you’ll find the town of That Phanom. This is the kind of place that’ll make you wonder if there’s some secret spiritual energy flowing through the Mekong River. Spoiler: There probably is, but it’s mostly in the form of ancient temples, strong vibes, and maybe even a few ghostly stories if you’re in the right place at the right time. So let’s pack up our spiritual gear, get a little zen (or a little spooky), and head to That Phanom. Here’s everything you need to know about this side trip. How to Get There: Not Far, but Definitely Worth It Getting to That Phanom from Nakhon Phanom is super easy. It’s close, but not so close that you can walk (unless you want to get very adventurous and potentially meet some locals who might be concerned abou...

Nakhon Phanom: The Place Where the Mekong Hopefully Meets Your Expectations (and Maybe a Few Ghosts) Welcome to Nakhon Phanom, one of Thailand’s more mysterious provinces. Nestled along the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand, this charming yet slightly eerie town is definitely one of those places you either love or think, “Wait, is this a ghost town?!” But hey, if you’re tired of the typical Thai tourist traps and want to experience a quieter, more “magical” side of the country (and I use the term magical loosely), Nakhon Phanom is calling your name. Don’t expect luxury, don’t expect crowding, and, honestly, don’t expect anything too touristy. What you will get is a deeply local, riverside vibe with just the right amount of weird. So buckle up for the slow boat ride of your life, both metaphorically and literally. How to Get There By Bus Oh, you want to get here via bus? Sure, it’s possible, but you’ve got to get to the Mo Chit Terminal in Bangkok and take a ride that’ll have you ...

Roi Et: The Thai City With a Big Buddha and Bigger Vibes Roi Et. No, that’s not a typo. It’s an actual city in northeast Thailand, not an IKEA product or a French cologne. Nestled in the heart of the Isaan region, Roi Et (which literally means "One Hundred and One", named so for reasons absolutely nobody remembers) is a place where the pace is slow, the temples are oversized, and the smiles are real. You may ask, “Why go to Roi Et?” And the answer is: because no one else is going. And in Thailand, that’s a blessing. How to Get There (Simple, With Varying Degrees of Suffering) By Plane : Direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Roi Et Airport. Takes just over an hour. Tickets usually range from 1,000–1,500 THB if the universe likes you. Or, for the hundredth time, include Roi Et in your Isaan road trip and enjoy it at a leisurely pace. Nobody's really flying there anyway. By Bus : From Bangkok’s Mo Chit Terminal. Around 8–10 hours, depending on traffic, snack stops, an...

Lost in the Ring: A First-Timer's Misadventures in Muay Thai Training Ever thought about trying Muay Thai (aka Thai boxing) in Thailand? Well, prepare yourself for an experience that will leave you questioning your fitness level, pain tolerance, and possibly your life choices. Muay Thai camps are where tourists go to discover that those cool kickboxing moves they've seen in movies require actual physical ability and a willingness to wake up at ungodly hours. What to choose Finding a Muay Thai camp in Thailand offers several approaches, each with their own unique flavor of intimidation: Option 1: Tourist-Friendly Camps Popular areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai offer camps specifically catering to foreigners. For about 300-500 baht ($8.50-14) per session or 8,000-12,000 baht ($225-340) per month, you'll get training that won't immediately destroy your will to live. Option 2: Authentic Training Camps For 5,000-10,000 baht ($140-280) monthly, you can train at camp...

Khon Kaen: The Heart of Isaan (and the Best Place to Eat Sticky Rice with a Side of Culture) Khon Kaen. It’s one of the major cities in Isaan (i.e. northeast Thailand), which means it’s got the hustle and bustle without the tourist traps or beach crowds. A place where som tam (spicy papaya salad) is as essential as air, and the people are friendly, laid-back, and full of humor. It’s not the most famous tourist destination in Thailand, but that’s precisely why you should go. Khon Kaen is all about local flavor, unfiltered experiences, and enough history to make you feel like an expert in ancient civilizations by the time you leave. How to Get There (Without the Drama) By Plane : Khon Kaen has its own airport with flights from Bangkok taking just over an hour. You can score a ticket for 1,000–1,500 THB if you book early enough. Air travel without the need to wonder why you’re still stuck in traffic? Yes, please. By Train : The train ride from Bangkok takes around 8–9 hours. It’s cheap...

Lost in Translation: A First-Timer's Misadventures in Thai Cooking Class Ever signed up for a Thai cooking class? No? Well, prepare yourself for an experience that will leave you questioning your culinary skills, your spice tolerance, and possibly your life choices. Thai cooking classes are where tourists go to discover that creating those delicious dishes they've been enjoying isn't quite as easy as the restaurants make it look. Getting There (Or Trying To) Finding a cooking class in Thailand offers several approaches, each with their own unique flavor of confusion: Option 1: Hotel Recommendation Your hotel can arrange a cooking class for about 1,000-1,500 baht ($28-42). The convenience factor is high, but be prepared for the "special tourist version" where chili quantities are reduced to levels that would make a Thai grandmother weep with disappointment. Option 2: Street Hustle While wandering through any tourist area, you'll be approached by at least seven ...

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat): Rice Fields, Temples, and The Kingdom of Moo Welcome to Nakhon Ratchasima, aka Korat, a province that is much cooler than its "just a stopover on the way to Isaan" reputation suggests. It’s not the trendiest spot on your Thailand itinerary, but it's got a certain charm. Think of it like that reliable friend who might not wear the latest trends but will always bring you back to earth and somehow end up with the best snacks. If Thailand’s a buffet, Nakhon Ratchasima is the giant bowl of jasmine rice. It’s essential, it’s hearty, and it’s the base of everything else. Known for its massive, sprawling plains, it’s home to ancient Khmer ruins, an undeniable food culture, and some of the best Thai food you’ve never heard of. So, buckle up as we embark on the somewhat chaotic, but totally rewarding journey that is Korat. How to Get There By Bus From Bangkok’s Mo Chit Terminal, get on the bus that will take you straight to Korat. Duration: 3–4 hours Fa...

Khao Yai: Thailand’s Jungle Playground (Now with Bonus Elephants, Wine, and Confused Alpacas) Tired of the beach? Sunburned in places you can’t pronounce? It’s time to swap the flip-flops for hiking boots and head to Khao Yai National Park, where you can hike through jungles, dodge elephants, chase waterfalls, sip wine that's surprisingly good after the fifth glass, and accidentally find yourself in Italy (sort of). Welcome to Khao Yai: part wildlife wonderland, part surreal Euro-cosplay, all magic. Where Even Is This Place? Khao Yai is about 2.5–3 hours northeast of Bangkok, located in Nakhon Ratchasima province (a.k.a. Korat). It’s Thailand’s first national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and big enough to get lost in both metaphorically and literally. It’s a land of misty mountains, waterfalls, tropical forests, and the occasional road-blocking wild elephant. How to Get There (Without Crying or Googling “how to reverse from elephant”) 1. Rent a Car aka The Control Freak’...