Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Burn It All for the Mushrooms: The Smoky Quest for Thailand's Truffles Ah, Chiang Mai, land of misty mountains, tranquil temples, and a three-month period every year when you can’t see any of it because the air turns into a smoky apocalypse. Why? Sure, some of it’s due to large-scale agriculture and cross-border burning, but a surprising amount of haze comes from a much humbler source: villagers setting the forest on fire to hunt for mushrooms. Not just any mushrooms, but the illustrious  het thob (เห็ดถอบ), also known as earthstar mushrooms or Astraeus hygrometricus . These round, truffle-like fungi are delicious, elusive, and most importantly, they thrive in recently burned forest soil. So, come dry season, locals grab their lighters and head to the hills to light things up, unfortunately literally. To be fair, this isn't just chaos for chaos’ sake. It’s tradition, it's seasonal income, it's dinner. These mushrooms fetch high prices at the market and can mean serious...

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 ...

Trekking in Chiang Mai: Paying to Suffer (and Loving It) So, you’ve come to Chiang Mai. You’ve eaten your body weight in mango sticky rice, taken a selfie with a temple dragon, and now you’re thinking, “You know what I need? A guided nature walk that slowly destroys me.” Enter: the Northern Thailand trek. This magical experience typically starts when a man with a pickup truck and zero suspension picks you up at 8 a.m. He tells you it’s a “short drive” to the jungle. Two hours later, your organs are in new positions, and you’re ready to hike. Day one is a cheerful uphill death march through banana trees, leech-filled undergrowth, and humidity levels typically reserved for saunas and existential breakdowns. Your guide moves like a mountain goat. You move like someone deeply regretting their life choices. He’ll point out plants that cure everything from headaches to heartbreak. You pretend to understand while quietly checking if your left foot is still attached. Eventually, you reach a hi...

Chiang Mai Shopping: Where Your "Authentic Experience" Comes with a Receipt Ah, Chiang Mai, Thailand's northern darling where digital nomads sip artisanal coffee while congratulating themselves on "escaping" Bangkok. But what about the shopping? Let me guide you through the retail wonderland that awaits in this city of temples, expats, and endless souvenir opportunities. Night Bazaar: The Tourist Trap That Never Sleeps Welcome to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where the same elephant pants you saw in Bangkok have somehow migrated 700 kilometers north! This nightly extravaganza stretches along Chang Khlan Road, offering you the unique opportunity to purchase identical souvenirs from hundreds of different vendors. The true art of the Night Bazaar experience is watching tourists haggle aggressively over 20 baht (approximately 60 cents) while simultaneously paying $7 for a beer at the adjacent "authentic" pub. Nothing screams "cultural immersion" quite...

Traveling to Chiang Mai: A Journey Through Thailand’s Cultural Gem   Nestled in the lush mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a destination that captivates travelers with its rich culture, stunning temples, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into Thai traditions, Chiang Mai has something for everyone.  Why Visit Chiang Mai?   Unlike the bustling streets of Bangkok or the party islands of the south, Chiang Mai offers a more laid-back yet culturally immersive experience. Here’s why it should be on your travel list:   - Ancient Temples & Spiritual Vibes: Home to over 300 Buddhist temples, including the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang.   - Lush Nature & Outdoor Adventures: From trekking in the jungle to visiting elephant sanctuaries (or not) and zip-lining through the treetops (check the cables!).   - Delicious Northern Thai Cuis...