Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Surviving a Day Trip to Koh Kret: An Adventure in Sweat and Snacks Ah, Koh Kret, the tiny island in the Chao Phraya River where Bangkokians go when they want to pretend they're escaping the city without actually leaving it. If you've ever thought, “I really want to feel like a tourist in my own country while also sweating profusely,” then congratulations, Koh Kret is the day trip for you! Step One: The Journey Begins Getting to Koh Kret is an experience in itself. First, take a Skytrain or boat, a a van, a bus or a tuk-tuk, and possibly hitch a ride on the back of a tricycle powered by a elderly man who actually rides more slowly than you could walk. Alternatively, just take a taxi or Grab to the pier in Pak Kret where ferries cross the river to Koh Kret. Once you arrive at the pier, you’ll be greeted by a charmingly rickety wooden boat that looks just stable enough to make you question your life choices. Hold on tight as the river water isn't the kind you'd want to go ...

Makha Bucha Day: A Spiritual Fiesta with a Side of Serenity (and Maybe Some Fire Hazards) Guest Contributor: Bulletproof Monk Alright, folks, buckle up because we're diving headfirst into one of the most serene, spiritual, and slightly chaotic festivals in Thailand: Makha Bucha Day. Picture this: a full moon night, thousands of candles flickering, and Buddhists everywhere gathering to celebrate one of the holiest days in their calendar. It's like a spiritual New Year's Eve, but with more incense and fewer fireworks (well, mostly). First things first, what exactly is Makha Bucha Day? It's a Buddhist festival that falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month, usually in February or March. The name "Makha Bucha" comes from the Pali language, with "Makha" referring to the third lunar month and "Bucha" meaning to worship. So, it's basically a day dedicated to worship and reflection, aligning with the teachings of Lord Buddha. Now, let...

Burn It All for the Mushrooms: The Smoky Quest for Thailand's Truffles Ah, Chiang Mai, land of misty mountains, tranquil temples, and a three-month period every year when you can’t see any of it because the air turns into a smoky apocalypse. Why? Sure, some of it’s due to large-scale agriculture and cross-border burning, but a surprising amount of haze comes from a much humbler source: villagers setting the forest on fire to hunt for mushrooms. Not just any mushrooms, but the illustrious  het thob (เห็ดถอบ), also known as earthstar mushrooms or Astraeus hygrometricus . These round, truffle-like fungi are delicious, elusive, and most importantly, they thrive in recently burned forest soil. So, come dry season, locals grab their lighters and head to the hills to light things up, unfortunately literally. To be fair, this isn't just chaos for chaos’ sake. It’s tradition, it's seasonal income, it's dinner. These mushrooms fetch high prices at the market and can mean serious...

Songkran: The World's Biggest Water Fight (with a Side of Spiritual Cleansing and Chaos) Guest Contributor: The Soi Dog Whisperer  Alright, folks, grab your super soakers and get ready to dive into the wild, wet, and utterly wonderful world of Songkran! This isn't just any festival; it's the world's largest water fight, mixed with a healthy dose of drunken madness spiritual renewal, family bonding, and a whole lot of "Did I really just get drenched by a stranger?" moments. Picture this: streets filled with people, water flying in every direction, and a sense of joy and camaraderie that's absolutely infectious. First things first, what exactly is Songkran? It's the Thai New Year, celebrated from April 13th to 15th, and it's a time for renewal, reflection, and a whole lot of fun. The name "Songkran" comes from the Sanskrit word "saṃkrānti," which means "astrological passage." It marks the end of the dry season and the b...

Trat: The Gateway to Paradise (That You’ll Probably Skip) So you’re heading to Koh Chang , Koh Mak , or Koh Kood  but wait, what’s this " Trat " place you keep driving through? Oh, just the most overlooked province in Eastern Thailand, that’s all. This is where backpackers speed through on their way to islands, where road-trippers stop for a quick coffee, and where absolutely nobody plans to stay. Which is exactly why you should.   ——————— Why Trat? (Because You’re Not a Basic Traveler) - It’s the last real Thai town before the islands. Once you hit those fancy resorts, prices triple and authenticity disappears.   - Insanely good fruit: This is durian and mangosteen heaven. Your taste buds will throw a party.   - Zero crowds: No tour groups, no influencers, just markets, temples, and locals who don’t care that you’re there.   ——————— What to Do (Besides Wondering Why You’re Not on a Beach Yet) 1. Trat Town – The Quirky Pit Stop You Didn’t Kno...

The Lopburi Monkey Buffet: Thailand’s Wildest All-You-Can-Eat Food Fight Once a year in the ancient town of Lopburi, central Thailand, hundreds of monkeys gather for a buffet so chaotic it makes human brunch look like a silent retreat. It’s called the Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival, and it’s part religious offering, part tourist spectacle, and part full-blown monkey circus of destruction. Lopburi is home to thousands of long-tailed macaques, especially around the Khmer-style Phra Prang Sam Yod temple, which they have pretty much claimed as their own monkey kingdom. In response, the locals have wisely decided, “If you can’t beat them, feed them.” So every year sometime in November (check your calendar), residents put on a feast for the furry freeloaders. We’re talking heaps of bananas, pineapples, sticky rice, corn, watermelon, and Coca-Cola, all laid out on banquet tables like some surreal royal reception where the guests arrive swinging from lamp posts and pooping on the appetizers. ...

"Sai Sin" Wrist Strings: Blessings, Threads, and a Bit of White Magic Tl;dr - Thai Buddhist string bracelets, also known as “Sai Sin” or “Monk's Cord,” are traditional wristbands made from colored strings. They are often tied by Buddhist monks or given as blessings in Thai temples. If you’ve spent any time in Thailand and suddenly noticed a white cotton string tied around your wrist, congratulations, you’ve been saisin-ed . Or more accurately, you’ve received a sai sin blessing, a quiet but powerful little ritual that says, “Hey, may your life not fall completely apart this week.” These simple white threads might look like someone tied a shoelace on you while you weren't paying attention, but they’re actually packed with spiritual horsepower. They’re given during ceremonies, temple visits, housewarmings, weddings, monk blessings, and pretty much any situation where some divine backup feels appropriate. Here’s how it works: a monk or elder says a prayer (called a kath...

Amphawa & Damnoen Saduak: Floating Markets, Fireflies & Fried Things on Sticks Thailand isn’t just temples and tuk-tuks. It’s also a place where shopping on water is totally normal, and dessert for breakfast is encouraged. If you’re ready for a day (and night) of floating feasts, chaotic canals, and glowing bugs, buckle up. We’re diving into the Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market combo extravaganza. First Stop: Amphawa, Where the River Parties Begin Located about 90 km from Bangkok, Amphawa is where city folk escape to eat, shop, and float their worries away. Unlike its more touristy cousin Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa is more popular with locals, which means better prices and fewer people yelling “Special price for you!” Here’s what to do when you get there: Eat like you’ve never heard of cholesterol: Grilled prawns, crab omelets, coconut ice cream, and fried squid on skewers. If it can be cooked and served from a boat, it’s here. Shop along the canal: Think vintage cloth...

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Where the Fruit Comes to You (on a Boat!) Guest writer: Happy Hippo Let’s talk about one of Thailand’s most delightfully chaotic experiences: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Picture this: you’re on a narrow wooden boat, bumping elbows with tourists, dodging selfie sticks, and a Thai granny in a straw hat paddles up to you, trying to sell you a coconut, some mango sticky rice, and possibly a hat shaped like a fruit. Welcome to the floating market circus you didn’t know you needed. How to Get There (Hint: Not by Floating) So, Damnoen Saduak is about 100 km southwest of Bangkok. That’s around 1.5 to 2 hours if you’re in a car, or 3 hours if your local bus driver insists on stopping for noodles every 20 minutes. The easiest ways to get there are: Group tour vans : Cheap, fast, full of sweaty tourists who will later photobomb all your shots. Private car : A bit pricier but more comfortable. Also, no awkward van small talk. DIY adventure : Bus to Damnoen Sad...

7 Hilarious Cultural Mistakes Every First-Time Traveler Makes in Thailand (and How to Avoid Them) So you’ve booked your flight, overpacked your suitcase, and you’re ready to explore Thailand’s temples, street food, and Instagrammable beaches. But wait. Before you dive headfirst into a bowl of spicy tom yum , let’s make sure you’re not about to commit one of the many hilarious cultural faux pas that newbies are famous for. Here are 7 funny (and totally avoidable) mistakes travelers make in Thailand, plus how to navigate Thai etiquette like a pro. 1. Touching Heads: The Accidental Insult In many cultures, patting someone on the head is a sweet gesture. In Thailand? It’s basically spiritual assault. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Even ruffling a child’s hair can earn you a polite smile masking deep internal panic. Pro Tip: Keep your hands away from heads unless it's one of your own, unless you're offering a blessing (which you’re probably not qualified f...

Loy Krathong: The Festival of Lights, Love, and (Occasionally) Fire Hazards Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round because we're about to dive into one of the most magical, romantic, and occasionally chaotic festivals in Thailand: Loy Krathong . Picture this: thousands of twinkling lights floating down rivers, couples making wishes under the full moon, and just a hint of danger as you try not to set your krathong (or yourself) on fire. It's a night to remember, alright. First things first, what exactly is Loy Krathong? Well, it's a festival that takes place on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, which usually falls in November. The star of the show is the krathong – a small, beautifully decorated float made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense. The idea is to release your krathong into the water, symbolically letting go of all your negativity and bad luck from the past year and also asking forgiveness for polluting the waters, ironically by polluting...

Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi: For History Buffs, Nature Nerds & People Who Love a Good Floating Bungalow Kanchanaburi is Thailand’s ultimate combo deal: waterfalls, history, jungles, and riverside chill, all for less than the price of a Bangkok cocktail. But where you stay can make the difference between “peaceful riverside bliss” and “accidentally slept in a museum gift shop.” Let’s explore the main areas to stay in, complete with pros, cons, and occasional snark. (Click here for the basic tourist guide) 1. Kanchanaburi Town – “Bridge, beer, and budget beds” Vibe : The main town. Not quite a city, not quite the jungle, but the epicenter of most things with a price tag. Pros : Close to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, museums, and 7-Elevens (a sacred Thai trinity). Great for history lovers, day-trippers, and people who want food now. Loads of accommodation: hostels, riverside guesthouses, and even “retro” hotels (i.e., old). Cons : Town is functional, not magical. Can feel ...

Phetchabun: Thailand’s Most Underrated Mountain Escape That Nobody Talks About   So you’re tired of the same old Chiang Mai crowds, done with the Pattaya chaos, and even Hua Hin is starting to feel basic. Welcome to Phetchabun, Thailand’s best-kept secret that even most Thais forget exists. This is where you go when you want mountains without the tourists, cool weather without the hipster coffee shops, and adventure without the Instagram influencers ruining it.   Why Phetchabun? (Because You’re Better Than Wannabe Influencers) - It’s like Chiang Mai’s quiet cousin. All the mountains, none of the digital nomads.   - Cooler than Bangkok (literally). Yes, Thailand does have seasons, and Phetchabun actually gets cold.   - Zero tourist traps. No touts, no overpriced tours, just pure, unfiltered Thailand.   What to Do (Besides Question Your Life Choices for Coming Here) 1. Khao Kho: Thailand’s Mini Switzerland (Kind Of)    ...

Rayong: The Beach Escape Where Nobody Bothers You Let’s be honest. When you say “Rayong,” most people go, “Wait, where?” And that’s exactly why you should go. This is the quiet, slightly rough-around-the-edges cousin of Pattaya, minus the chaos, minus the tourists, and minus the regretful life choices. If you want beaches without the circus, seafood without the scams, and a real slice of Thai coastal life without any  hansum man  catcalls, then Rayong is your spot.   Why Rayong? (Because You’re Over Basic Beach Towns) - It’s close but feels far – Just 2.5-3.5 hours from Bangkok, but a world away from the madness.   - Seafood so fresh it might still be moving (it is).  This is where Bangkok’s top restaurants secretly get their fish.   - Zero pretentiousness – No Instagram influencers, no overpriced beach clubs, just saltwater, sand, and serious relaxation.   What to Do (Besides Doing Absolutely Nothing) 1. Mae Ramphueng Beach – T...

Where to Stay on Koh Phangan: A Guide for Party People, Peace Seekers & People Who Came for Yoga but Stayed for Pancakes Koh Phangan is like that friend who’s super spiritual on weekdays and completely unhinged on weekends. It’s world-famous for Full Moon Parties, but there’s so much more. Jungle vibes, beach naps, raw food cafés, and more yoga mats than humans. But where should you stay? Depends on how much neon paint you want in your life. Let’s break it down, with brutal honesty. 1. Haad Rin – “Party like it's still 2005” Vibe : Home of the infamous Full Moon Party, and every kind of tourist mistake you can imagine. Pros : If you’re here to party, this is Mecca. Beachfront bars, DJ sets, buckets of joy (and regret). You won’t need transport as everything you need (or want to forget) is walkable. Cons: Loud. Like, “did someone bring a jet engine to the beach?” loud. The beach is beautiful, until it’s been partied on. Accommodations range from “just okay” to “this is definit...

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...

Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand’s coastal sleeper hit that’s so chill it makes Phuket look like it’s trying too hard This skinny strip of paradise, wedged between the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar’s border, is like that one friend who’s effortlessly cool without even knowing it. Think pristine beaches, monkey-infested hills, and a vibe so laid-back you’ll forget what stress feels like, until you try to find a decent Wi-Fi signal. Let’s dive into the salty, sarcastic wonderland of Prachuap Khiri Khan, where the only thing hotter than the sun is the local chili sauce. Why Prachuap? Because Beaches and Monkeys Prachuap Khiri Khan (PKK for those who can’t handle multisyllabic names) is a province that’s been around since the Ayutthaya Kingdom, serving as a fishing hub and occasional battleground for Thai-Burmese drama. Today, it’s a haven for beach bums, seafood fanatics, and anyone who wants to pretend they’re in a postcard without the tourist hordes.  The provincial capital, also conf...

Where to Stay on Koh Chang (If You Want a Bed, Not Just Hammock Dreams) Koh Chang, where the beaches are beautiful, the hills are vertical, and the monkeys are 100% judging your life choices. Picking where to stay can feel overwhelming, kind of like trying to choose your favorite flavor at a Thai smoothie stand. So here’s a no-nonsense (okay, some nonsense) guide to the island’s main areas, with pros, cons, and some gentle sarcasm to help you decide. 1. White Sand Beach – “Party by night, pad Thai by day” Vibe : Koh Chang’s most developed beach. Think of it as the Bangkok of the island, but with fewer tuk-tuks and more sand in your shoes. Pros : Lots of bars, restaurants, and ATMs (which you’ll need after two nights out). Great beach with sunset views. Close to the ferry, so perfect for lazy arrival and panicked departures. Cons : Can be noisy, especially if you're next to a fire-dancing bar or if the occupants of the bungalow next door are inconsiderate ( insert your personal p...

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...