Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Phetchabun: Thailand’s Most Underrated Mountain Escape That Nobody Talks About   So you’re tired of the same old Chiang Mai crowds, done with the Pattaya chaos, and even Hua Hin is starting to feel basic. Welcome to Phetchabun, Thailand’s best-kept secret that even most Thais forget exists. This is where you go when you want mountains without the tourists, cool weather without the hipster coffee shops, and adventure without the Instagram influencers ruining it.   Why Phetchabun? (Because You’re Better Than Wannabe Influencers) - It’s like Chiang Mai’s quiet cousin. All the mountains, none of the digital nomads.   - Cooler than Bangkok (literally). Yes, Thailand does have seasons, and Phetchabun actually gets cold.   - Zero tourist traps. No touts, no overpriced tours, just pure, unfiltered Thailand.   What to Do (Besides Question Your Life Choices for Coming Here) 1. Khao Kho: Thailand’s Mini Switzerland (Kind Of)    ...

Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand’s coastal sleeper hit that’s so chill it makes Phuket look like it’s trying too hard This skinny strip of paradise, wedged between the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar’s border, is like that one friend who’s effortlessly cool without even knowing it. Think pristine beaches, monkey-infested hills, and a vibe so laid-back you’ll forget what stress feels like, until you try to find a decent Wi-Fi signal. Let’s dive into the salty, sarcastic wonderland of Prachuap Khiri Khan, where the only thing hotter than the sun is the local chili sauce. Why Prachuap? Because Beaches and Monkeys Prachuap Khiri Khan (PKK for those who can’t handle multisyllabic names) is a province that’s been around since the Ayutthaya Kingdom, serving as a fishing hub and occasional battleground for Thai-Burmese drama. Today, it’s a haven for beach bums, seafood fanatics, and anyone who wants to pretend they’re in a postcard without the tourist hordes.  The provincial capital, also conf...

Cha-am: The Hidden Synthetic Gem of Thailand Oh, Cha-am, you sneaky little beach town, you! Just when I thought I had seen all the beach destinations Thailand had to offer, you popped up like a delightful surprise in a game of hide and seek. Nestled snugly between the bustling city of Hua Hin and, well, more beaches, Cha-am is like that quiet friend who doesn't say much but always has the best snacks. The Beach First off, let's talk about the beach. Cha-am Beach is like that long, stretchy piece of gum that never loses its flavor. Miles of golden sand that seem to go on forever, or at least until you get too hungry to keep walking. And the water? Oh, it's like a warm bath, but with more fish. Perfect for a dip, a splash, or just floating around pretending you're a starfish. The Food Now, let's chat about the food. Cha-am, you culinary wizard, you! The seafood here is so fresh, it practically jumps onto your plate (and the baht jump out of your wallet). Grilled squid...

Lost in Chaiyaphum: A First-Timer's Misadventures in Thailand's Hidden Gem Ever heard of Chaiyaphum? Of course you haven't. Well, join the club! This off-the-beaten-path province in Thailand's northeast ( Isaan ) region is so under-the-radar that when I told my friends I was going there, they assumed I was mispronouncing "Chiang Mai" with a mouthful of pad Thai . Getting There Getting to Chaiyaphum is half the adventure. There are several approaches, each with their own unique brand of character-building experiences: Option 1 : Bus from Bangkok For about 250-350 baht ($7-10), you can enjoy a 5-6 hour journey where you'll become intimately familiar with Thai road safety standards and the back of the seat in front of you. Buses leave regularly from Bangkok's Mo Chit terminal, though "regularly" is sometimes an optimistic term. Option 2 : Fly to Khon Kaen + Bus Fly to Khon Kaen (the nearest airport, about 2 hours away) for 1,500-3,000 baht ($4...

Kamphaeng Phet: Ruins, Rice, and the Slowest Vibe You’ve Ever Felt You know Ayutthaya? Yeah, this is her introverted cousin who lives up north, doesn’t care about popularity, and still somehow looks amazing in the golden hour. Kamphaeng Phet has UNESCO-level ruins, chill riverfront scenes, and almost zero tourists , which is great for your peace of mind and terrible for your TikTok numbers. How to Get There By Bus From Bangkok’s Mo Chit Terminal. Duration: 5–6 hours Fare: 250–400 THB depending on whether your bus has a working toilet or just hopes and dreams. By Car About 4.5–5 hours from Bangkok if you don’t stop for every noodle shop and gas station snack along the way. Flat highways, decent roads, and occasional buffalo crossings. Classic Thai road trip. By Train Spoiler: there’s no station in Kamphaeng Phet itself. Closest train station: Nakhon Sawan or Phitsanulok, then a bus or van to KP. This route is for people who enjoy puzzles and unnecessary detours. Or those who are on an...

Suphan Buri: Where Time Slows Down and Buffalo Might Outnumber People Tired of beaches? Big cities? Basic itineraries? Then boy, do I have a slow-moving, rice-paddy-filled adventure for you. Suphan Buri is where Bangkokians send their kids for fresh air and life lessons, and where you go to experience “real Thailand”, whether you’re ready for it or not. Suphan Buri is the Thai province that nobody can quite place on a map. It's a land of rice fields, dragons, and absolutely zero sense of urgency. It's one of Thailand’s most gloriously charming rural escapes. How to Get There By Van or Bus From Bangkok’s Northern or Southern Bus Terminal (Mochit or Sai Tai Mai) Vans: around 200 THB Buses: around 120 THB Travel time: 2–2.5 hours, unless there’s a mysterious roadside watermelon sale that delays everything or the van crashes due to speeding or driving like Max Verstappen . By Car Roughly a 2-hour drive if you avoid rush hour, traffic jams, and the occasional parade of ducks cross...

Visiting Koh Samet: Thailand’s Worst-Kept Secret with the Best Sand-to-Tourist Ratio Koh Samet. The island that’s somehow both a beach escape and Bangkok’s unofficial weekend dumping ground. Want to leave the chaos of the city behind? Great! So does everyone else. But hey, at least the water’s blue, the sand is flour-soft, and the hangovers are surprisingly scenic. This place is ideal if you want that tropical island vibe but only have 2.5 brain cells of energy left after surviving Bangkok traffic. It’s close, it’s chaotic, it’s charming, and yes, it’s full of people who forgot sunscreen. Let’s break it down. Beaches: Choose Your Own (Sandy) Adventure Koh Samet isn’t huge, but it’s got a shocking number of beaches for a place that takes 20 minutes to scooter across. Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) – The main beach. The big one. The party central. Imagine Ibiza, but with more street meat and fewer rules. Jet skis, loud music, fire shows, and tourists burning like lobsters. Fun fo...

Pattaya with Kids: Yes, Really. So you’re thinking about taking the family to Pattaya. Bold move. This place is basically the world’s biggest adult playground: a neon-lit, beer-soaked, ladyboy-filled wonderland where the party never stops (or at least not until the sun comes up and everyone remembers they have responsibilities). But here’s the twist: Pattaya is also weirdly popular with families. Thais, Russians, and Indians all flock here with their kids in tow, proving that either a) they know something you don’t, or b) they’ve given up on shielding their children from reality.   But Why, Though? Because despite its reputation , Pattaya has a surprising amount of stuff to do that doesn’t involve questionable life choices. The beaches? Not winning any beauty contests (think: brownish sand, murky water, and enough jet skis to make you question marine safety laws). But hey, kids don’t care! Throw them in the ocean with some floaties ( water wings for the poms), and they’re ...

Pattaya for Single Guys: Welcome to the Thunderdome So you’re a single dude thinking about Pattaya. Congratulations, you’ve just unlocked " Easy Mode " for nightlife, questionable life choices, and stories you’ll either brag about or take to your grave. This city is like if Vegas and a frat house had a baby, then gave that baby Red Bull and a motorbike.   Why Pattaya? (Besides the Obvious) Look, we all know why Pattaya exists, but there’s more to it than just… that . Sure, it’s the world’s biggest adult playground, but it’s also cheap, wild, and completely judgment-free (because everyone here is too busy making their own bad decisions).   How to Get There In Style : Taxi from the airport straight to Pattaya. This is the most popular way for players  and horny returnees who can't get there fast enough. Financial damage: around 1,500 to 2,000 baht. By Bus : Either straight from Suvarnabhumi airport or from Ekkamai Bus Station. Very affordable at around 200 baht...

A funny guide to Lopburi, Thailand, home of monkeys, ruins, and questionable life choices involving both. Lopburi: Thailand’s Monkey Kingdom (Yes, That’s a Warning) If you’ve ever thought, “Hey, I’d love to visit ancient ruins while being harassed by furry anarchists,” then Lopburi is your place. Located just a couple hours north of Bangkok, it’s a historic city filled with Khmer temples, royal palaces, and one of the most aggressively confident monkey populations on Earth. How to Get There By Train Trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue stations cost 50–150 THB, depending on whether you want A/C or prefer the "authentic" open-window, sweat-based experience. The ride takes about 2.5–4 hours, which is just enough time to question your life decisions. By Minivan From Bangkok's Mo Chit terminal, you can catch a minivan for around 150-220 THB. Slightly faster, slightly more chaotic, infinitely more dangerous and likely involves being yelled at in Thai at least o...

Visiting Ayutthaya: A Useful Guide to Day Trips and Overnight Stays Welcome, fellow travelers, to the ultimate guide on visiting Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you're planning a quick day trip or a leisurely overnight stay, Ayutthaya offers a blend of historical charm and modern convenience. So, let's dive into what makes this city a must-visit, with a touch of humor to keep things light. Why Visit Ayutthaya? Ayutthaya is like that one friend who's always posting about their amazing past on social media. You know, the one who peaked in high school? Except, in this case, "high school" was the 14th to 18th centuries, and Ayutthaya was one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas, a center of global diplomacy and commerce. Now, it's a stunning display of ancient ruins and temples that will make your Instagram feed shine. Getting to Ayutthaya From Bangkok: Train : The most scenic and budget...

H ua Hin: Thailand’s Classy Beach Town (If “Classy” Means Retired Expats and Golf Carts) If you’ve ever wanted to go to the beach but thought, “What if it were also kind of posh, extremely chill, and vaguely British?” Congratulations, Hua Hin is calling your name. Once a royal vacation spot, now a hybrid of beachfront condos, seafood markets, and golf courses as far as the eye can squint. How to Get There By Train From Bangkok, it’s scenic, slow, and only mildly uncomfortable. 2nd-class train: 40–250 THB, depending on how much legroom you desire Takes about 4–5 hours unless time stops entirely, which is possible. By Van or Bus From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal or Ekkamai. Fare: 160–250 THB, travel time: 3–4 hours Bonus: your knees will become one with the seat in front of you. Just kidding, unless you're a basketball player. By Car It’s a 2.5–3 hour drive on a straight highway. Easy if you like honking at people driving 40 km/h in the fast lane. Where to Stay Budget Guesthou...

Koh Si Chang: Thailand’s Most Underrated Island (Where You Might Accidentally Relax) Oh Koh Si Chang, not to be confused with Koh Chang, Ko Sichang, or “Wait, is that the one near Pattaya?” Yes, it is. But trust me, it’s not what you think. Koh Si Chang is not the wild party island. It’s not the scuba capital of the world. It’s not even particularly Instagram-famous (yet). It’s just... nice. Which, in Thailand, is like saying “this beach doesn’t come with a side of techno and regret.” It’s the island you go to when you want peace and quiet, a little history, and the feeling of discovering a secret spot even though it’s literally just a couple hours from Bangkok. Beaches: All Two and a Half of Them Tham Phang Beach – The main beach. It’s small, sandy, swimmable, and shockingly uncrowded. There’s even a bar or two nearby, in case you suddenly remember your vitamin Beer-B complex. Tiny secret coves – If you’re adventurous (read: willing to walk or scooter over rocks and pray to the map...