Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Thailand's Trio of Transportation Chaos: Tuk-Tuks, Songthaews & Motorcycle Taxis If Thailand’s roads are a symphony, then tuk-tuks, songthaews, and motorcycle taxis are the wild, offbeat percussion section banging away with joyful disregard for the sheet music. They're loud, unpredictable, occasionally terrifying, but completely essential to the Thai transport experience. Let’s start with the tuk-tuk , Thailand’s iconic three-wheeled chariot of noise. They look like go-karts that went to a rave and never came back. No doors, no seatbelts, and the engine sounds like it’s powered by bees on espresso. They are technically a mode of transportation, but spiritually, they’re roller coasters with a roof. You spot one. You wave. The driver grins like he’s about to sell you a timeshare and says, “Where you go?” You answer. He pauses, strokes his chin like a philosopher, and says, “200 baht.” For a 5-minute ride. Negotiation begins. You pretend to walk away. He pretends not to care. ...

Khao Sok National Park: Jurassic Park Vibes Without the Velociraptors Looking for the kind of nature that makes you question whether you’ve wandered into a National Geographic documentary? Welcome to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand’s wildest wonderland. It’s got ancient rainforests, floating bungalows, dramatic cliffs, caves full of questionable puddles, and absolutely zero traffic lights. It’s peaceful. It’s prehistoric. It’s probably what dinosaurs dreamed about before going extinct. Where Exactly Is Khao Sok? Southern Thailand, in Surat Thani province, tucked between the coasts. It’s far enough from touristy beach towns to feel like an escape, but not so far that you need to bring survival rations. How to Get There (AKA: Choose Your Adventure) Khao Sok is surprisingly accessible, assuming you're okay with a combination of planes, vans, and a little prayer. Option A : From Phuket (3–4 hours) Minivan or private car from your hotel or the airport Gorgeous drive, slightly terri...

Merit-Making in Thailand: How Locals Earn Good Karma (and How You Can Too Without Offending a Monk) If you've spent more than five minutes in Thailand, you've probably seen someone making merit. Whether it’s feeding monks at sunrise, releasing a turtle that’s seriously questioning its life choices, or gluing gold leaf onto a Buddha statue's belly button. Thais make merit like it's part of their daily skincare routine. But what exactly is merit-making? Why are locals so into it? And can a tourist do it without accidentally committing a karmic crime? Let’s dive in. What Is Merit-Making? (Besides a Word You Pretend to Understand) Merit-making or " tham boon " in Thai, is how Buddhists build up good karma points. It’s believed that doing good deeds in this life helps you in your next life. You know, just in case you’d rather not be reborn as a lizard in someone’s kitchen. Merit-making isn’t just a religious act; it’s woven into everyday Thai life. Locals do it for...

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: A Guide for Hipsters, Hikers, and People Who Confuse Temples for Cafes Chiang Mai, the land of temples, monks, jungle hikes, and enough cafés to keep even the most fragile freelancer buzzed for eternity. It’s where people come to “find themselves,” then get distracted by night markets and $6 massages. But choosing where to stay in Chiang Mai? That’s a whole different spiritual journey. From ancient city walls to jungle bungalows, here’s your mildly accurate guide to the main areas, with pros, cons, and gentle mockery for all. 1. Old City – “Temples, tuk-tuks, and tourists with temple fatigue” Vibe : The historic heart of Chiang Mai. If you haven’t taken a photo with a crumbling brick wall here, were you even in Thailand? Pros : Walkable AF. Temples, cafés, and street food every 5 steps. Perfect base for sightseeing and pretending to understand Thai history. Every third building is a temple or a massage place, and we support that lifestyle. Cons : Full of ...