Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Nong Khai: Lao Vibes, Naga Statues, and That Big-A River Welcome to Nong Khai, the land of riverfront sunsets, unexplained serpent statues, and the kind of weird-cool energy that makes you wonder, “Why don’t more people come here?” Spoiler: it’s because they don’t know what’s up. But now you will. Here’s a down-to-earth guide to Nong Khai, Thailand’s most laid-back border town.  If Chiang Mai is a hipster backpacker, and Bangkok is your overcaffeinated tech bro cousin, then Nong Khai is your mystical aunt who lives by the river, burns incense, and casually talks to snakes. Located along the Mekong River just a stone’s throw (or dramatic bridge walk) from Laos, Nong Khai is part riverside chill-out, part spiritual mystery, and part "Wait, is that a dinosaur statue?" How to Get There By Train Yes, it has a station. Yes, it's glorious, especially after having taken a few hits of Purple Haze . Overnight sleeper train from Bangkok: 700–1,000+ THB depending on class Arrival =...

Udon Thani: Where the Rice Fields Meet the Road Less Traveled (and You’re Glad It Does) Okay, so you’ve been to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands. Big deal. But have you been to Udon Thani? Thought not. You won’t find it in many travel guides, but that’s what makes it perfect. Udon Thani is for the traveler who wants authenticity, quiet adventure, and a genuine slice of Thai life. It’s just chilling out, minding its own business, and offering you an authentic slice of Thailand that’s so real, even your grandma would approve. So if you’re ready to ditch the tourist traps, throw on your adventure pants (or elephant pants, no one’s judging), and hit a town that won’t bombard you with “What’s your Instagram handle?” Udon Thani is calling your name. How to Get There (Because You’re Definitely Not Going to 'Accidentally' End Up Here) First, let’s establish one thing: getting to Udon Thani is a choice. You’re not just wandering around and poof, suddenly you're there. Oh no. I...