Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

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...

Cycling in Thailand: A Two-Wheeled Adventure Through Chaos and Sweat Thinking about cycling in Thailand? Fantastic idea, if you've ever wondered what it's like to star in your own survival reality show while getting a sunburn on your eyeballs. Thailand has so much to offer the intrepid cyclist: stunning scenery, delicious food, charming locals, and a death wish disguised as traffic. Let’s talk about the roads first. You might imagine gently pedaling through serene rice paddies with birds chirping and monks waving. Reality check: you’ll be swerving to avoid potholes the size of small bathtubs, dodging packs of street dogs who think your calves look tasty, and praying to every available deity as pickup trucks (with speakers louder than a space shuttle launch) barrel past you like they’re reenacting Mad Max. Now, bicycle lanes. Haha. That’s cute. Yes, in theory, there are bicycle lanes. In practice, these mystical paths are either occupied by parked cars, makeshift food stalls, or...