Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Lost in Chumphon: A First-Timer's Misadventures in Thailand's Southern Gateway Ever heard of Chumphon? If you haven't, you're not alone! While travelers rush through this southern Thai province on their way to more famous destinations like Koh Tao or Koh Samui, few stop to explore this overlooked coastal gem. Their loss is your uncrowded gain. Getting There (Both Easy and Hard) Getting to Chumphon is surprisingly straightforward, though explaining to people why you're going there might be the real challenge. Option 1 : Train from Bangkok For about 400-700 baht ($11-20) depending on class, you can enjoy an 8-hour journey on Thailand's charming (read: delightfully unpredictable) railway system. Opt for the overnight sleeper train if you enjoy waking up every 20 minutes to the sound of mysterious mechanical clanking. Option 2 : Bus from Bangkok Express buses run frequently from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for around 350-450+ baht ($10-13+). The 7-hour jou...

Visiting Koh Tao: Come for the Diving, Stay Because You Lost Your Passport at a Bar Called “The Bucket List” Ah, Koh Tao, the little Thai island that somehow manages to be a diving mecca, a party hotspot, a hippie hideaway, and a sunburn factory all at once. It’s like if Ibiza, Bali, and your local CrossFit club all had a baby, and that baby lived off mango smoothies and bar crawls. People come here to get scuba certified, find themselves, lose themselves, and occasionally wake up next to a Canadian with a sea turtle tattoo. Let’s dive in (pun 100% intended). Beaches: Yes, There’s More Than One, And Yes, They’re Ridiculously Pretty Sairee Beach – The main strip. This is where the action is. Sunsets, parties, regret, and sand in places sand shouldn’t be. Also the best people-watching spot on the island: expect half-naked tourists pretending they’re not checking their ex’s stories. Ao Leuk – Clear water, good snorkeling, and far fewer tourists. A good beach for when you want to feel ...