Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

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...

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...