Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

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...

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...

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...

Cha-am: The Hidden Synthetic Gem of Thailand Oh, Cha-am, you sneaky little beach town, you! Just when I thought I had seen all the beach destinations Thailand had to offer, you popped up like a delightful surprise in a game of hide and seek. Nestled snugly between the bustling city of Hua Hin and, well, more beaches, Cha-am is like that quiet friend who doesn't say much but always has the best snacks. The Beach First off, let's talk about the beach. Cha-am Beach is like that long, stretchy piece of gum that never loses its flavor. Miles of golden sand that seem to go on forever, or at least until you get too hungry to keep walking. And the water? Oh, it's like a warm bath, but with more fish. Perfect for a dip, a splash, or just floating around pretending you're a starfish. The Food Now, let's chat about the food. Cha-am, you culinary wizard, you! The seafood here is so fresh, it practically jumps onto your plate (and the baht jump out of your wallet). Grilled squid...

Bang Saen: The Beach Getaway Where Bangkokians Go to Pretend They’re on Vacation Let’s be real. When you think of Thai beaches, Bang Saen doesn’t exactly come to mind. It’s not as pretty as Phuket, not as wild as Pattaya, and definitely not as Instagrammable as Krabi. But that’s exactly why it’s perfect. This is where tired Bangkok office workers, university students on a budget, and couples who can’t afford a real romantic getaway come to pretend  they’re at the seaside. And guess what? It’s actually kind of awesome.   Why Bang Saen? (Because You’re Cheap and Lazy) - It’s only 90 minutes from Bangkok – No flights, no overnight buses, just hop in a bus or van and boom, you’re "at the beach."   - It’s gloriously unpretentious – No influencer wannabes doing yoga poses at sunrise, just regular people eating grilled squid and getting mildly sunburned.   - The food is stupidly good – This is a seafood lover’s paradise, minus the tourist markups.  ...

Pattaya with Kids: Yes, Really. So you’re thinking about taking the family to Pattaya. Bold move. This place is basically the world’s biggest adult playground: a neon-lit, beer-soaked, ladyboy-filled wonderland where the party never stops (or at least not until the sun comes up and everyone remembers they have responsibilities). But here’s the twist: Pattaya is also weirdly popular with families. Thais, Russians, and Indians all flock here with their kids in tow, proving that either a) they know something you don’t, or b) they’ve given up on shielding their children from reality.   But Why, Though? Because despite its reputation , Pattaya has a surprising amount of stuff to do that doesn’t involve questionable life choices. The beaches? Not winning any beauty contests (think: brownish sand, murky water, and enough jet skis to make you question marine safety laws). But hey, kids don’t care! Throw them in the ocean with some floaties ( water wings for the poms), and they’re ...

H ua Hin: Thailand’s Classy Beach Town (If “Classy” Means Retired Expats and Golf Carts) If you’ve ever wanted to go to the beach but thought, “What if it were also kind of posh, extremely chill, and vaguely British?” Congratulations, Hua Hin is calling your name. Once a royal vacation spot, now a hybrid of beachfront condos, seafood markets, and golf courses as far as the eye can squint. How to Get There By Train From Bangkok, it’s scenic, slow, and only mildly uncomfortable. 2nd-class train: 40–250 THB, depending on how much legroom you desire Takes about 4–5 hours unless time stops entirely, which is possible. By Van or Bus From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal or Ekkamai. Fare: 160–250 THB, travel time: 3–4 hours Bonus: your knees will become one with the seat in front of you. Just kidding, unless you're a basketball player. By Car It’s a 2.5–3 hour drive on a straight highway. Easy if you like honking at people driving 40 km/h in the fast lane. Where to Stay Budget Guesthou...