Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Trang: Thailand's Hidden Paradise That's Still Hidden For a Reason Welcome to Trang, Thailand's best-kept secret that remains secret mostly because it's not on the beaten path. Located in southern Thailand, Trang is like that cool indie band you discovered before they got famous, except in this case, they'll probably never get famous because the tour bus has broken down in the middle of nowhere. Trang province offers everything tourists claim they want in Thailand: pristine beaches without the crowds, authentic local culture, amazing food yet somehow remains blissfully under-visited. Why? Because the universe maintains balance, and the price for paradise is transportation logistics and marketing. The Food: Worth Getting on Multiple Planes For Let's start with Trang's true claim to fame: the food. Trang's cuisine is a magical blend of Thai, Chinese, and Malaysian influences that will make you question everything you thought you knew about flavor combina...

Rock Climbing in Krabi: Because Who Needs Knees Anyway? So you’ve come to Krabi. You thought you’d just lie on the beach sipping coconut smoothies and pretending to read a book. But then you saw those giant limestone cliffs towering over the turquoise sea, and suddenly your inner daredevil whispered, “Let’s climb that vertical death trap.” Welcome to rock climbing in Krabi, where the views are stunning, the sweat is endless, and the bruises are totally worth it. Where Does the Magic Happen? The rock climbing capital of Krabi is Railay Beach , especially Tonsai and Railay East . These are world-famous for: - Karst limestone cliffs that shoot out of the earth like nature’s middle finger to gravity. - Hundreds of bolted sport climbing routes from beginner to “what are you, a lizard?” - A beach chill scene where climbers hang out barefoot, sunburnt, and full of cheap pad Thai. Bonus: You get there by longtail boat from Ao Nang , because normal roads are for quitters. What to Expect (Besid...

Where to Stay on Koh Samui: A Beach-by-Beach Guide to Paradise (or at Least a Really Good Smoothie) Koh Samui: Thailand’s coconut-scented answer to “I need a vacation, but I also might want to do yoga on a paddleboard.” It’s an island with something for everyone, from backpackers who sleep through sunsets to honeymooners who cry at them. But which beach should you call home? Let’s break it down, vibe by vibe, beach by beach. 1. Chaweng Beach For : Party people, sunburned extroverts, and folks who think sleep is a scam Chaweng is Samui’s biggest and busiest beach, where flip-flops meet full moon party flashbacks, even when there’s no moon. Pros : Lively beach scene, endless bars, and nightlife Tons of restaurants, shops, massages Close to the airport (15 min max, hangover pending) Cons : Crowded, loud, and more neon than natural Not ideal for serenity or introspection Might accidentally end up in a fire-dancing competition 2. Lamai Beach For : Chill partiers, digital nomads, and peo...

Khao Sok National Park: Jurassic Park Vibes Without the Velociraptors Looking for the kind of nature that makes you question whether you’ve wandered into a National Geographic documentary? Welcome to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand’s wildest wonderland. It’s got ancient rainforests, floating bungalows, dramatic cliffs, caves full of questionable puddles, and absolutely zero traffic lights. It’s peaceful. It’s prehistoric. It’s probably what dinosaurs dreamed about before going extinct. Where Exactly Is Khao Sok? Southern Thailand, in Surat Thani province, tucked between the coasts. It’s far enough from touristy beach towns to feel like an escape, but not so far that you need to bring survival rations. How to Get There (AKA: Choose Your Adventure) Khao Sok is surprisingly accessible, assuming you're okay with a combination of planes, vans, and a little prayer. Option A : From Phuket (3–4 hours) Minivan or private car from your hotel or the airport Gorgeous drive, slightly terri...

Nakhon Si Thammarat: Thailand's Spiritual Powerhouse That Nobody Can Pronounce Welcome to Nakhon Si Thammarat, a name so long that tourists often give up halfway through saying it and just point at the map instead. Located on Thailand's southern peninsula, this province is what happens when religious significance meets complete tourism obscurity. Nakhon Si Thammarat (let's call it " Tammy " to save our collective typing fingers) is one of Thailand's oldest cities and most important historical centers. It's a bit like Thailand's Rome, if Rome were humid, rarely visited by foreigners, and had significantly more spicy food. Getting There: Either Easy Peasy or Devilishly Bone-Crushing  Getting to Nakhon Si Thammarat doesn't require the kind of determination usually reserved for people climbing Everest or trying to cancel gym memberships. By Air: 1. Fly to Bangkok (as is tradition) 2. Discover there are actually direct flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat Air...

Where to Stay in Phuket: A Guide for Beach Bums, Party Animals & People Who Regret Packing Jeans Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and unofficial headquarters for people who thought Bali was just too quiet. Whether you’re here to party, relax, detox, or re-tox , there’s a Phuket neighborhood with your name (probably misspelled) on it. But choosing where to stay in Phuket is tricky. Each area is basically its own personality. So, here’s a completely subjective, totally unscientific breakdown of the main places to stay, complete with pros, cons, and enough sarcasm to fill a beach bucket. 1. Patong Beach – “Vegas with coconuts” Vibe : Party central. Loud, chaotic, and somehow still running even after five power outages. Pros : Bangla Road: the street where sleep goes to die. Tons of restaurants, bars, and activities. You can buy a suit, ride a jet ski, and get a questionable massage all before lunch. Cons : Loud. Very loud. Louder than your ex arguing about astrology. Traffic and ...

Satun: Thailand's Forgotten Province Where Even Thais Ask "Where?" Welcome to Satun, Thailand's southernmost province that's so overlooked even Thai people respond with "Sa-what?" when you mention it. Located on the Andaman coast bordering Malaysia, Satun is what happens when stunning natural beauty forgets to hire a PR team. Satun is the Thailand that tourism brochures promised you but rarely deliver: authentic local culture, pristine islands, and the glorious absence of bucket-drinking backpackers with tank tops reading "Same Same But Different" or even worse, "No Money, No Honey." It's so untouristy that scoring an English menu feels like winning the lottery, and finding someone who speaks English is like discovering a friendly tuk-tuk driver near the Grand Palace who isn't out to scam you.  The Tarutao Marine National Park: Nature's Middle Finger to Overdevelopment The crown jewel of Satun is Tarutao Marine National ...

Ranong: Thailand's Forgotten Backwater That Nobody Asked About Ever heard of Ranong? No? Join the club. If Thailand were a high school cafeteria, Ranong would be that quiet kid eating alone in the corner while Phuket and Koh Samui sit at the popular table. Located on Thailand's western edge bordering Myanmar, Ranong is the least populated province in Thailand, which tells you everything you need to know about its party scene. What Even Is Ranong? Ranong is basically Thailand's wettest province. Not "wet" like the Full Moon Party, but literally wet: it rains here approximately up to 245 days per year. This makes it perfect for anyone who's ever said, "You know what would make this vacation better? Constant dampness and perpetual humidity." The province stretches along the Andaman coast, which sounds exotic until you realize everyone just goes to the Andaman beaches further south. It's like being Madonna's less talented sibling; same genes, w...

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...

Hat Yai: The Unexpected Haven of Shopping, Street Food, and Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed Welcome to Hat Yai, the vibrant, bustling city in the deep south of Thailand that’s somehow both underrated and overwhelming. Situated in Songkhla Province, it’s the type of place you might not hear much about if you’re in a standard “Thailand tour,” but for those who venture here, you’ll find a city that gives off the ultimate "chaotic, but charming" vibe. Think shopping malls, markets, food stalls, and enough mix of Thai, Malaysian, and international influences to make your head spin, and your stomach full. How to Get There: Who Needs a Straight Path? By Train You could hop on a train from Bangkok (or other major cities) to Hat Yai, which will get you there in style. The journey takes a while, but it’s kind of nice once you settle into the long haul. Recommended for wannabe sadomasochists. Duration: 13–15 hours Fare: 500–800 THB for second-class seats While you’re on the trai...

Koh Lipe: Thailand’s Southernmost Paradise (With Just the Right Amount of Chaos) Ahhh, Koh Lipe, the tiny island in Thailand’s deep south that whispers “Maldives” but occasionally yells “Backpackers Gone Wild.” It's where turquoise waters meet beach bars, and where people come for three days and somehow stay for three weeks, losing all sense of time, direction, and underwear. It’s often dubbed the "Maldives of Thailand", but with less pretension, cheaper massages, and a slight chance someone’s playing reggaeton at 8 a.m. Beaches: One Island, Three Beaches, Endless Debates About Which Is Best Pattaya Beach – No, not that Pattaya. This one’s way better. It’s where the ferries arrive, where the beach bars live, and where your sandals will be stolen within 15 minutes (not maliciously, someone will just “accidentally borrow them”). Great swimming and sunsets. Very social. Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley) – Long, breezy, and slightly more chill. The “I came to do yoga and drink ...

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 ...

Visiting Koh Lanta: Thailand’s Chill Island for People Who Are Over It (But In a Good Way) Koh Lanta is the island equivalent of that cool older friend who’s done with the party scene, drinks wine instead of vodka Red Bulls, and owns a hammock. It doesn’t scream for attention like Phuket or set itself on fire like Koh Phi Phi; it just sits there being effortlessly beautiful and quietly judging your hangover. Located off Thailand’s Andaman coast, Koh Lanta is big enough to breathe, small enough to scooter around, and chill enough that you’ll seriously consider quitting your job and becoming a dive instructor named “Bamboo Dave.” Beaches: So Many, So Pretty, So... Empty? The beaches here are long, peaceful, and wildly underpopulated. You might even look around and ask, “Am I on the wrong island?” No, you’re just on an island that hasn’t been completely overrun by drunk Australians yet. Klong Dao Beach – Family-friendly, close to the port, and full of beach bars that close by midnight ...

Krabi: Paradise with a Side of Tourists and Tan Lines Krabi, the land of limestone cliffs, boat selfies, and sunburns you’ll pretend were worth it. Krabi is what happens when Mother Nature flexes hard: stunning beaches, towering cliffs, turquoise water, and enough boat tours to make Poseidon cry. It’s less wild than Phuket, less sleepy than the islands, and just chaotic enough to make things interesting. Basically, it’s the Goldilocks of southern Thailand, minus the bears. How to Get There By Plane Krabi International Airport (yes, it’s real) has direct flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and sometimes other lucky cities. Domestic flights: 800–2,000 THB, depending on whether you book early or are emotionally attached to paying extra for baggage. By Bus From Bangkok: 12–14 hours, 500–1,000 THB. Only for the brave, the budget-conscious, or sadomasochists with playlists that last 14 hours. By Ferry (from nearby islands) From Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta. Tickets range from 300–800 TH...

Koh Samui: Paradise, But Only If You Ignore Reality   Ah, Koh Samui, the island where travel brochures promise you crystal-clear waters, luxurious resorts, and a relaxing escape from the chaos of city life. And sure, those things exist, but only if you squint hard enough and selectively ignore the less glamorous parts. So, let’s get into it, the stunning highs and the questionable lows of Thailand’s most famous island getaway.   The Positives: Why Koh Samui Will Steal Your Heart (and Your Wallet) 1. Beaches That Are Almost As Stunning As Instagram Makes Them Look Yes, Koh Samui’s beaches are beautiful. Chaweng , Lamai , and Lipa Noi each have their own charm, with soft sand and clear water—assuming it hasn’t rained recently and turned the shore into a questionable shade of brown. But hey, grab a coconut, angle your camera away from that one plastic bottle floating by, and paradise is yours!   2. Luxury Resorts That Make You Forget You’re on a Crowded Isla...

Phuket: Paradise, Party, and Possibly a Hangover (and Maybe a Rip-Off) Ah, Phuket. The name alone makes some people giggle (go ahead, pronounce it how you want, we won’t judge). Thailand’s biggest island is basically a travel buffet: sun, sea, shopping, sketchy street deals, and nightlife that can either make your trip or leave you questioning your life choices. And yes, before we go any further, let’s get this out of the way: Phuket is expensive. For Thailand, anyway. If you were expecting backpacker prices and $2 Pad Thai on every corner, prepare to be slightly disappointed (and financially drained by your third iced latte). Let’s break it all down. The Beaches: Where Sunscreen Goes to Die (and So Does Your Budget) Phuket is blessed with some of the most gorgeous beaches you’ll ever lay your overworked eyes on. Patong Beach is the most famous but also the most likely to feature jet ski scams, a parade of questionable tattoos, and someone trying to sell you a pair of sunglasses you al...