Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Neon Wonderlands: Thailand's Magical Night Markets Forget shopping malls. Thailand's night markets transform ordinary evenings into sensory adventures where the real Thailand comes alive after sunset. While Western countries might host weekend farmers' markets or seasonal fairs, Thailand embraces the night market as a daily institution, with hundreds operating across the country seven days a week, 365 days a year. This constant presence makes them integral to Thai life rather than special occasions. As temperatures cool, streets across the country metamorphose into bustling bazaars filled with tantalizing aromas, kaleidoscopic sights, and the melodic chaos of vendors hawking their wares. Unlike Western shopping districts that shut down by early evening, Thailand's commercial pulse often strengthens as darkness falls. Bangkok's Rot Fai Market Ratchada sits under a canopy of neon lights, where hipsters and tourists alike hunt for vintage Vespa parts, retro clothing, a...

Lost in Mae Sot: A First-Timer's Misadventures in Thailand's Border Boomtown Ever heard of Mae Sot? No? Well, you're missing out on one of Thailand's most fascinating border towns! Nestled against the Myanmar border in Tak Province, Mae Sot is like Thailand's wild west. It's a cultural melting pot where Thai, Burmese, Karen, and international NGO workers create a uniquely vibrant atmosphere that's nothing like the Thailand of tourist brochures.  But it is more than that. It's also a safe haven for refugees from Myanmar escaping the armed conflict over there. Actually, many Burmese work in local factories to earn a living. The sad truth is that many of them are technically illegal, and so they're often underpaid and don't enjoy benefits such as public health care. However, if you're just passing through as a tourist, you'll hardly see anything of that. Getting There (Or Trying To) Getting to Mae Sot requires commitment and possibly quest...

Thai Music: From Pop Stars to Tractor Beats Thai music is a glorious, glittery buffet of genres, emotions, and musical decisions that may or may not involve synthesizers from 1992. Whether you're sipping bubble tea in Bangkok or riding a songthaew in Ubon Ratchathani, you're going to hear something catchy, confusing, or heartbreakingly beautiful blasting from a speaker somewhere nearby. Thai Pop (T-Pop): The Glitter & The Groove Thai pop is what happens when K-pop and karaoke have a baby and raise it in Siam Paragon. It’s catchy, clean, often choreographed, and full of lyrics about love, breakups, and mysterious metaphors involving seasons. Groups like 4EVE, BNK48, and Three Man Down dominate playlists, and their music videos feature more lens flares than a J.J. Abrams film. If you want to see high-energy dancing, fashion that breaks physics, and singers who look like they just stepped out of a skincare commercial then you’re in the right genre. Mor Lam: The Fu...

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...

Thailand's Boozy Paradise: Where Whisky Flows and DUIs Are Plentiful  (PSA: this post is about spirits . If you're a beerophile , check out this post.) Welcome to Thailand, where Buddhism may encourage temperance, but the liquor flows like the mighty Chao Phraya River! Let's dive into Thailand's world of liver-punishing potions that range from the internationally renowned to "drink this and you might see ghosts (or go blind)." Thailand's relationship with alcohol is like that friend who claims they're just going out for "one drink" before ending up dancing on tables at 3 AM. It's complicated, enthusiastic, and sometimes results in questionable decisions. Let's start with the Thai whisky scene. Calling Thai whisky "whisky" is like calling a cat a small lion. They're technically in the same family but definitely not the same thing. Most Thai "whiskies" are actually rum-like spirits made from sugarcane or molasses...

Lost in Mae Sariang: A First-Timer's Misadventures in Thailand's Mountain Hideaway Ever heard of Mae Sariang? No? That's exactly why you should go! Tucked away in Thailand's mountainous Mae Hong Son Province, this sleepy riverside town sits in a lush valley surrounded by mist-covered mountains. While tourists flock to nearby Pai for their Instagram moments, Mae Sariang remains delightfully authentic and welcomes very few disrespectful influencers and self-absorbed boho wannabes, leaving you to wonder if you've discovered Thailand's best-kept secret. Getting There (Or Trying To) Getting to Mae Sariang requires determination and a fondness for winding roads: Option 1 : Bus from Chiang Mai For about 200-300+ baht ($5.50-8.50), you can enjoy a 4-5 hour journey featuring approximately 1,000 curves through mountain terrain. The upside: breathtaking scenery. The downside: your breakfast might make a surprise reappearance. Option 2 : Motorbike from Chiang Mai Rent a m...

The Mae Hong Son Loop: Where Gluteus Maximus and Zen Find Common Ground Ever wondered what it feels like to have your spine rearranged while simultaneously experiencing spiritual enlightenment? Welcome to the Mae Hong Son Loop, northern Thailand's answer to the question nobody asked: "Can someone get hemorrhoids and inner peace at the same time?" Picture this: 1,864 curves (yes, someone actually counted) snaking through approximately 600 kilometers of mountains so beautiful they'll make travelers weep, though that might just be eyes watering from the combination of dust, exhaust fumes, and sheer terror as riders navigate hairpin turns with local truck drivers apparently late for their own funerals. Many tourists tackle this legendary 3-5 day motorcycle route because their therapists suggested they "face their fears." Most therapists probably meant public speaking, not clinging to Honda Clicks while praying to deities previously not believed in, but there th...

The Cultural Significance of Shoe Removal in Thailand: A Practical Guide   In Thailand, removing one’s shoes before entering homes, temples, and many businesses is far more than a habit; it’s a deeply rooted practice reflecting cleanliness, spiritual reverence, and social respect. For visitors, navigating this custom gracefully is essential to honoring local traditions.   Where & Why: The Non-Negotiables - Homes : Always remove shoes. Thai floors are meticulously cleaned, and shoes (which tread through streets, markets, and transport) symbolize outside dirt. Leaving them at the door shows respect for the host’s space.   - Temples (Wats): Bare feet are mandatory in sacred areas. This signifies humility before Buddha and keeps sanctuaries pure. Pro tip: Temples often have designated shoe shelves; carry a bag for your footwear if visiting multiple structures.   - Traditional Businesses : Family-run shops, clinics, spas, and some cafés often requ...

Thailand's Deep South: Adventures in the Land of "Maybe Don't Go There" So you've done Bangkok, floated through the markets, rode elephants in Chiang Mai, and taken those perfect Instagram shots on the beaches of Phuket. You've even explored  Isaan  on a road trip and rode on the Death Railway  in Kanchanaburi. You're basically a Thailand expert now, right? Well, hold onto your Chang beer t-shirt, because there's a whole section of Thailand most tourists pretend doesn't exist: the Deep South. I'm talking about Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, three provinces that make your average travel agent as well as your embassy nervously change the subject. "Have you considered Koh Samui instead? Very nice beaches!" Why It's Got a Bad Rep Let's address the elephant in the room (and no, not the kind you ride for questionable tourist photos). The Deep South has been dealing with an ongoing insurgency since 2004. Muslim separatists in this re...

The Art of Saving Face: A Hilarious Guide to Navigating Thailand's Social Currency Ah, Thailand, the Land of Smiles, stunning temples, and, cue the dramatic music, " face" . No, not the kind you wash in the morning, but the social currency that can make or break your reputation faster than you can say " pad   Thai ." Welcome to the hilarious and sometimes bewildering world of "saving face" and "losing face" in Thailand. Buckle up, because we're about to take a rollercoaster ride through the dos and don'ts of keeping your social dignity intact. What is This 'Face' Business Anyway In Thailand, "face" is all about your reputation, dignity, and social standing. It's the invisible badge you wear that tells the world whether you're a respected member of society or the person who accidentally wore flip-flops to a formal dinner. Saving face is about maintaining that respect, while losing face is, well, the social equ...

All Aboard the Thai Train Circus: A Hilarious Guide to Rail Travel in Thailand   Ah, train travel in Thailand, where the seats are questionable, the delays are guaranteed, and the food, well, let’s just say you’ll either love it or regret it. Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a luxury seeker (good luck with that), or just someone who enjoys watching their life slowly tick away in a metal box on wheels, Thailand’s railways have something for everyone.   First Class: The “Fancy” Experience You’d think first class on a Thai train would mean plush seats, air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a dying lawnmower, and maybe, just maybe, a complimentary glass of wine. Nope. First class in Thailand is basically second class in most other countries, but with a door that locks (sometimes).   The sleeper cabins are cozy, if by "cozy" you mean "barely big enough to lie down without your feet sticking into the hallway." The attendants will kindly convert your seat in...

Koh Phangan: Where Your Dignity Goes to Die (Gloriously) Koh Phangan is one of those places that every backpacker insists you have to visit, usually while recounting a blurry tale involving body paint, a lost phone, and an Australian named Chad. It’s an island in the Gulf of Thailand that has become famous, or maybe infamous, for the Full Moon Party: a monthly gathering that is basically a neon-drenched, sand-covered explosion of chaos masquerading as a cultural event. Spoiler: it’s not cultural. Unless you consider drinking cheap vodka from a bucket and dancing to five different DJs at once a form of art. The Mythical Full Moon Party Let’s talk about the Full Moon Party, because there’s really no avoiding it. Imagine thousands of tourists crammed onto Haad Rin Beach, all wearing some combination of neon tank tops, bad tattoos, and regret. The music is blasting from every direction: EDM, house, reggae, and, for reasons unknown, the Macarena. You’ll spend your night stepping over people...

Chatuchak Weekend Market: Bangkok's Retail Labyrinth Welcome to the retail mothership. Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market (or JJ Market as locals call it) isn't just a market but a 35-acre commercial universe that makes Western shopping malls and markets look like corner convenience stores. This is Thailand's great equalizer, where affluent socialites rub shoulders with backpackers, and interior designers hunt for treasures alongside souvenir-seeking tourists. Getting There Thankfully, Bangkok's efficient public transportation makes reaching this retail mecca surprisingly straightforward. The easiest option is taking the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station (N8 on the Sukhumvit Line) or the MRT subway to Chatuchak Park station (on the Blue Line). Both stations connect directly to the market via short walkways that are well-signposted; just follow the stream of people carrying empty bags on their way in and bulging bags on their way out. Taxis and ride-sharing services ca...

Surviving Thailand’s Death Vans: A Thrilling (and Terrifying) Guide If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be a sardine in a tin can that’s being fired out of a cannon, then Thailand’s infamous minivan rides are for you. These "VIP" vans (where "VIP" stands for Very Intense Peril ) are the preferred method of transport for thrill-seekers, budget backpackers, and people who clearly have no regard for their own mortality.   The Seating Arrangement: Human Tetris Step inside one of these vans, and you’ll quickly realize that Thai engineers have defied the laws of physics. How else can they fit 15 people into a space designed for 8? You’ll be folded into a seat so small that your knees become one with your chin, and the person next to you is now your new best friend, whether you like it or not.   Legroom? Forget it. You’ll be sitting in the Lotus Position by the second hour, praying for the sweet release of your destination. And if you’re unlucky enough t...

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...

Silence, Sweat, and Mosquitoes: My Peaceful Meltdown at a Thai Temple Retreat I decided to go on a meditation retreat at a Thai temple because I thought it would be relaxing. I had visions of sitting under a Bodhi tree, levitating slightly, maybe glowing faintly with inner peace. Instead, I got 4 a.m. wake-up gongs, 10 hours of sitting with my own thoughts (terrifying), and a diet consisting mostly of boiled vegetables and spiritual humility. The retreat was held in a forest monastery, a beautiful, serene place filled with chirping birds, slow-moving monks, and the constant soundtrack of someone’s knees cracking during walking meditation. Upon arrival, they took my phone (fair), my snacks (expected), and my will to speak (rude, but okay). Silence began immediately. No talking, no texting, no eye contact. Just me, my breath, and the occasional gecko scream in the night. Every day started at 4 a.m. with a gong loud enough to wake the ancestors. We shuffled to the meditation hall like zom...

Thai Energy Drinks: Tiny Bottles, Big Chaos If you’ve ever wandered into a 7-Eleven in Thailand and thought, “Hmm, I need a beverage that tastes like electricity, cough syrup and ambition,” then welcome to the world of Thai energy drinks. These tiny bottles pack the caffeine content of a small volcano and are beloved by motorbike taxi drivers, students, night shift workers, and people who have made terrible decisions about their sleep schedule. Let’s start with the classics: M-150, Krating Daeng, Carabao, and Lipovitan-D. These aren’t your Western, sugar-free, carbonated “I go to the gym” energy drinks. No, no. Thai energy drinks are non-carbonated, sweet as sin, slightly syrupy, and come in little glass bottles that look like medicine from 1962. Because in a way… they are. M-150 is the local legend. It tastes like sugar, gasoline, and raw determination. The label features a big bold “M” and sometimes a lightning bolt, because that’s exactly how it feels. Drink it at 9 a.m., and you’l...

Temple Fairs in Thailand: Where Spirituality Meets Street Food (and Maybe a Few Selfie Sticks) Alright, folks, buckle up because we're diving headfirst into the vibrant, chaotic, and utterly delightful world of temple fairs in Thailand. If you thought your local county fair was a hoot, wait until you see what happens when you mix ancient temples, street food on steroids, and more neon lights than a Las Vegas strip show. First things first, let's talk about the setting. Picture this: a centuries-old temple, all golden spires and intricate carvings, standing serenely amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. Now, imagine that same temple surrounded by a sea of stalls selling everything from fried crickets (yes, you read that right) to the latest smartphone accessories. It's like the past and present decided to have a wild party, and you're invited. Now, the food. Oh, the glorious, artery-clogging, taste-bud-tingling food! Temple fairs are a street food lover's para...

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...