Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Kalasin: Thailand’s Dino-Obsessed, Rice-Loving, Middle-of-Nowhere Province  Kalasin is so off the radar, even Claude might shrug and say, “Kalasin who?” Tucked in the heart of Isaan, this place is like that one friend who’s super into niche hobbies, like collecting fossilized T-Rex toenails or weaving silk so fancy it’s dubbed the “Queen of Silk.” If you’re here, you’re either lost, a dinosaur nerd, just really bad at picking vacation spots, or your teerak calls it home. Let’s dive into the chaos of Kalasin with a smirk and a side of sarcasm. Why Kalasin? Why Not? Kalasin’s got roots deeper than a sauropod’s tail, stretching back to prehistoric times when dinos roamed and left their footprints for you to gawk at. Fast-forward to the Khmer Empire, it was a hotbed of temples and monuments, and by 1907, King Chulalongkorn made it an official province, probably because someone had to claim this patch of rice fields. Today, it’s a mashup of ancient vibes, ethnic  Phu Thai cul...

Yasothon: Thailand's Party Animal You've Never Heard Of Ever wondered where Thai people go when they want to completely lose their minds for a weekend? Forget the Full Moon Party. The real action is in Yasothon, a dusty province in Northeastern Thailand that transforms once a year from "where?" to "WOOHOO!" faster than you can say "fire the homemade rocket into the sky for good luck." What Even Is Yasothon? Yasothon is essentially what happens when you take one of Thailand's poorest provinces, add scorching heat, subtract tourism, and then randomly insert one of the country's wildest festivals. Located in the heart of Isaan (Thailand's northeastern region), Yasothon spends 364 days a year being overlooked before suddenly becoming the center of attention during the annual Rocket Festival. The landscape consists primarily of rice fields, more rice fields, and the occasional water buffalo looking as confused about being there as you will...

The Naga Fireball Festival: When the Mekong River Turns into a Dragon Party! Alright folks, gather 'round for a tale that's part mystery, part spectacle, and all kinds of bizarre. We're diving into the Naga Fireball Festival, or as the locals call it, " Bang Fai Phaya Nak " (บั้งไฟพญานาค). This isn't your average fireworks show. It's more like the Mekong River's way of saying, "Hold my beer." A Little History to Set the Stage Legend has it that the Naga, those mythical serpentine creatures from Buddhist and Hindu lore, live in the Mekong River. Every year, they decide to shoot fireballs into the sky to celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent. Why? Well, maybe they're just showing off, or perhaps they're trying to one-up the neighbors. Who knows? Location, Location, Location This fiery shindig takes place in the Nong Khai province of Thailand, right along the Mekong River. It's the perfect spot for a riverfront party, complete with myst...

Why Loei Should Be Your Next “Wait, This Place Exists?” Adventure Let’s be real. When someone says “Thailand,” you think beaches, Bangkok chaos, or Chiang Mai’s temples. But have you ever heard of Loei? And how do you even pronounce that? No? Perfect. That means you’re about to discover Thailand’s most underrated province before the rest of the world ruins it with selfie sticks.   What Even Is Loei? Loei ( pronounced  “ Loeiy ” lol), is a rugged, beautiful province in Northeast Thailand ( Isaan ) that somehow mashes up Alpine vibes, Jurassic Park scenery, and small-town charm. It’s the only place in Thailand where it gets actually quite cold in winter (we’re talking 10°C, when Thais wear parkas and the government declares a cold snap emergency ).   Myth Alert : "Loei is just another boring farming town." Reality : It’s got waterfalls, canyons, and a wine region (yes, Thai wine, don’t judge till you try it - spoiler: it won't win any international wine competi...

The Ultimate Isaan Road Trip: Northeast Thailand's Hidden Treasure Thailand's northeastern region, known as Isaan, remains one of the country's most underrated destinations. Far from the beaches and tourist crowds, Isaan offers authentic culture, spectacular temples, prehistoric sites, and some of Thailand's most distinctive (and spiciest) cuisine. This 24-day road trip circuit will take you through the heart of Isaan, hitting all the major cities while creating a logical route that minimizes backtracking.  Important Note : This road trip can be customized by shortening or lengthening the trip, adding or leaving out destinations, changing the starting and/or finishing point, and by using public transport (think a mix of buses, trains, taxis/, tuk-tuks, vans, songthaews etc.) instead of doing it by car.  This is the prefect trip for those who've seen most of the central, northern and southern destinations but have hardly ever set foot in Isaan (northeastern Thailand)...

Why Sakhon Nakhon Should Be Your Next WTF (Wow That’s Fantastic) Destination Guest Contributor: The Soi Dog Whisperer   So, you’ve heard of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Yawn. But have you ever considered Sakhon Nakhon? No? Perfect, because that means you’re about to discover Thailand’s best-kept secret before the Instagram crowd ruins it.   What the Heck is Sakhon Nakhon? Sakhon Nakhon is a sleepy, charming province in Northeast Thailand ( Isaan ). It’s got lakes, temples, weirdly delicious food, and exactly zero pushy tuk-tuk drivers harassing you to see a " ping pong show ." Oh, and before you ask, no, people don’t eat dog meat here. That’s a myth (mostly). While dog meat consumption has been reported in some parts of Southeast Asia, it’s not a common thing in Sakhon Nakhon. So relax, Fido is safe (probably). How to Get There (Without Getting Lost) - By Plane : Fly into Sakhon Nakhon Airport (SNO) from Bangkok (1-hour flight, around 1,500-3,000 THB). ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 Pro tip: make this destination part of your  epic  Isaan Road Trip! By Bus Oh, you want to get here via bus? Sure, it’s possible, but you’ve go...

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, ...

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...

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’...