Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Chiang Mai Shopping: Where Your "Authentic Experience" Comes with a Receipt Ah, Chiang Mai, Thailand's northern darling where digital nomads sip artisanal coffee while congratulating themselves on "escaping" Bangkok. But what about the shopping? Let me guide you through the retail wonderland that awaits in this city of temples, expats, and endless souvenir opportunities. Night Bazaar: The Tourist Trap That Never Sleeps Welcome to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where the same elephant pants you saw in Bangkok have somehow migrated 700 kilometers north! This nightly extravaganza stretches along Chang Khlan Road, offering you the unique opportunity to purchase identical souvenirs from hundreds of different vendors. The true art of the Night Bazaar experience is watching tourists haggle aggressively over 20 baht (approximately 60 cents) while simultaneously paying $7 for a beer at the adjacent "authentic" pub. Nothing screams "cultural immersion" quite...

How to Pay for Stuff in Thailand Without Going Broke (or Crazy) So, you've landed in the Land of Smiles, where the food is spicy, the beaches are Instagram-worthy, and the payment methods are sometimes complicated. Fear not, fellow traveler, because I'm here to break down the many ways you can hand over your hard-earned cash (or plastic, or digital bytes) in Thailand. 1. Cash is King (Because Apparently, We're Still in 1995) Forget Apple Pay, forget Venmo S most of Thailand, and especially tourist Thailand , runs on cold, hard cash like it's still the '90s. Street food vendors, tuk-tuk drivers, and even some smaller shops will look at you like you've grown a second head if you whip out a card. Pro Tip: Carry small bills (20s, 50s, 100s) because nobody wants to break your 1000฿ note for a 50฿ mango sticky rice. Also, expect the classic "No have change!" from taxi drivers. It's basically a national sport. Head to a 7-Eleven and buy something small ...

Helping Stray Animals in Thailand: A Tail-Wagging, Whisker-Twitching Guide Alright, listen up, all you animal-loving, pad thai-munching, tuk-tuk-riding adventurers! Thailand is a magical land filled with stunning temples, mouth-watering street food, and... stray animals. Lots and lots of stray animals. But fear not, for we are here to guide you through the wonderful world of helping our furry (and sometimes not-so-furry) friends in the Land of Smiles. Soi Dog Foundation First things first, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the dogs and cats on the streets. Thailand has a bit of a stray animal situation, but don't worry, there are plenty of ways you can lend a helping paw. One of the most paw-some organizations out there is the Soi Dog Foundation. These folks are like the superheroes of the stray animal world, rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming our four-legged friends. They've got more street cred than a Bangkok tuk-tuk driver, and they're always ...

Geckos in Thailand: Your New Uninvited Roommates So, you’ve landed in Thailand, unpacked your bags, taken your first glorious bite of mango sticky rice, and are ready to relax in your Airbnb. You flick on the lights, and BAM, there it is. Clinging to the wall like a tiny ninja lizard. Congratulations. You’ve met your first gecko. And guess what? He lives here now. Geckos in Thailand are not pests. Oh no. They are residents. You, dear traveler, are the guest. And they’re not going anywhere. They live on the ceilings, behind picture frames, under light fixtures, and occasionally, in your soul. Now, before you start screaming or Googling “how to remove geckos from my room using prayer,” take a breath. These little guys are actually your allies. Think of them as the adorable, bug-eating security team you never asked for. Mosquitoes? Gone. Other annoying insects? Eaten. That weird flying beetle that appeared out of nowhere? Taken care of by Gary the Gecko, who’s now running wind sprints acr...

How Much Spending Money You Need in Thailand Per Day (No Roof, Just Vibes) Survival-to-splurge edition, one noodle bowl and temple ticket at a time. 1. The Monk-ish Minimalist Daily spend: $5–$10 You’ve reached budget Zen. You survive on karma, street soup, temple shade and maybe a few small entrance fees. Food: 1–2 street meals: $3–4 Drinks/snacks: water refill, banana, oxygen: $1 Transport: walking everywhere and pretending you love it (or riding dirt cheap local buses) Sightseeing & Entrance Fees: mostly free temples, $0–$3 for donations Emergency budget: $2 (usually spent on mango sticky rice) Vibe : One robe away from enlightenment. 2. The Bare-Minimum Budgeteer Daily spend: $12–$20 You’re thriving, kind of. You eat well, get around, and visit a few cheap attractions. Food: 2–3 street meals: $6 Drinks/snacks: coffee or Thai tea from street vendors $2 Transport: public transport (including  songthaew ): $2 Sightseeing & Entrance Fees: temples, s...

The Foreigner Zoo: A Guide to the Expat Species of Thailand Ah, Thailand, the Land of Smiles, where foreigners flock like moths to a neon Singha sign. Whether you’re sipping a Chang on the beach or arguing with a tuk-tuk driver about the actual meter price, one thing is certain: you’re surrounded by a fascinating array of expat wildlife.   From the sunburned retiree to the dreadlocked trust-fund nomad, Thailand is home to some truly unique specimens. Let’s take a safari through the jungle of farang (foreigner) biodiversity.   1. The English Teacher (aka "I Definitely Have a Degree") Easily spotted in cheap button-ups and cargo pants, this creature survives on a diet of 7-Eleven toasties and misplaced optimism. They swear their TEFL certificate is totally legit (it’s from a website called TeachEngrishFast.com ).   Their natural habitat? The back of a Bangkok classroom, where they struggle to explain the difference between "there," "their," and "they’r...

Chiang Rai: Thailand’s Hidden Gem (That’s Tired of Being Called a “Hidden Gem”) So you're over Bangkok’s chaos, Chiang Mai’s crowds, and you’ve realized Phuket is basically just sunburns and regrets. Enter Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northern city that’s been quietly existing with zero interest in impressing tourists, yet somehow ends up doing exactly that. How to Get There By Plane Direct flights from Bangkok land at Chiang Rai’s humble little airport. Expect to pay 1,000–2,000 THB one way. If you're flying budget, prepare for a bumpy ride and a philosophical reflection on legroom. By Bus Overnight or day buses from Chiang Mai cost 200–300 THB, depending on how fancy you want your seat to be. VIP buses come with air-con, snacks, and the faint hope of a nap. By Scooter For the brave and possibly unhinged, you can do the scenic Mae Salong loop. Scooter rentals go for 200–300 THB/day. Helmets are optional according to Thai law, but not according to your brain. Where to Stay Budget...

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 ...

Pattaya for Single Guys: Welcome to the Thunderdome So you’re a single dude thinking about Pattaya. Congratulations, you’ve just unlocked " Easy Mode " for nightlife, questionable life choices, and stories you’ll either brag about or take to your grave. This city is like if Vegas and a frat house had a baby, then gave that baby Red Bull and a motorbike.   Why Pattaya? (Besides the Obvious) Look, we all know why Pattaya exists, but there’s more to it than just… that . Sure, it’s the world’s biggest adult playground, but it’s also cheap, wild, and completely judgment-free (because everyone here is too busy making their own bad decisions).   How to Get There In Style : Taxi from the airport straight to Pattaya. This is the most popular way for players  and horny returnees who can't get there fast enough. Financial damage: around 1,500 to 2,000 baht. By Bus : Either straight from Suvarnabhumi airport or from Ekkamai Bus Station. Very affordable at around 200 baht...

Koh Kood (Koh Kut): Thailand’s Best-Kept Secret, Unless You’ve Talked to Literally Any Travel Blogger Ever Welcome to Koh Kood (aka Koh Kut, because spelling is a suggestion in Thailand). This island is so untouched, so stupidly gorgeous, and so blissfully quiet, you’ll start to question your own existence. “Why don’t more people come here?” you’ll ask, while sipping fresh coconut juice under a palm tree that somehow hasn’t been monetized yet. Spoiler: it’s because it’s annoying to get to. But if you're willing to brave the trek, you’re rewarded with crystal-clear water, empty beaches, no 7-Elevens, and the kind of serenity that makes you wonder if you accidentally joined a cult of inner peace. --------------- Beaches: Where the Sand is Soft and the Tourists Are on Koh Samui Instead Ao Tapao Beach – Long, clean, and quiet. There’s a literal palace nearby (no big deal), and a few laid-back resorts where the most exciting event is “reading.” Ao Prao – Secluded, stunning, and might ...

Visiting Koh Chang: Thailand’s Tropical Playground for the Mildly Functional Human Ah, Koh Chang. Thailand’s oversized jungle island that somehow manages to be both a tropical paradise and the backdrop to every mosquito’s honeymoon. If you’re looking for white sand beaches, adventurous jungle treks, and the chance to scream at your scooter rental while going downhill with questionable brakes, this is the place for you. --------------- Beaches That Will Ruin Most Other Beaches Let’s start with the beaches, because that’s the only reason 90% of you Googled "Is Koh Chang worth visiting?" (Yes. But also, kind of no. Read on.) White Sand Beach – This is the Koh Chang equivalent of Times Square, except with less neon and more people in flip-flops who haven’t applied sunscreen properly. It’s the busiest, most developed beach, so you’ll find everything from fancy resorts to bars blasting Bob Marley remixes like it’s still 2005. Lonely Beach – Ironically, not lonely. This i...

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...

Bangkok Shopping: A Tourist's Guide to Parting with Your Money in Style Welcome to Bangkok, where the national sport isn't Muay Thai but shopping until your credit card company calls to verify you're still alive. As someone who's navigated the consumer labyrinth of Thailand's capital, let me walk you through the retail therapy options that await your soon-to-be-empty wallet. Chatuchak Weekend Market: Where "Personal Space" Goes to Die Imagine 35 acres of shopping chaos with over 15,000 stalls and approximately 200,000 sweaty humans all trying to haggle over the same elephant-print pants. Welcome to Chatuchak Weekend Market!  Here, you can find literally anything, from vintage clothing, live animals and furniture to mysterious street food that will have you playing gastrointestinal roulette for days. Pro tip: wear your most moisture-wicking clothes because you'll be experiencing what scientists call "instant swamp body" within minutes. The tru...

Explosive Joy: Adventures at Thailand's Rocket Festivals When travelers visit Thailand during rocket festival season, many imagine gentle paper lanterns floating into the night sky. What a surprise awaits them! Turns out, when Thai people say "rocket festival," they mean ACTUAL ROCKETS. Not NASA-grade precision instruments, mind you, but homemade bamboo tubes packed with enough gunpowder to make your average fireworks safety inspector faint on the spot. The Bun Bang Fai festivals, as they're properly called, happen across northeastern Thailand ( Isaan region) during the pre-monsoon season. Locals launch these DIY missiles to encourage the rain gods to water their crops. Because nothing says "please send rain" like hurling explosives into the clouds. In Yasothon province, home to one of the most famous rocket festivals, visitors might notice everyone standing REALLY far back from the launch area. "Why are we standing in another postal code?" many ...

Mae Hong Son: The Thai Mountain Town That’s So Chill, It Forgot It Was Supposed to Be Famous Welcome to Mae Hong Son, Thailand’s quietly beautiful northern outpost where the air is cool, the mountains are misty, and the vibes are so relaxed you might accidentally slip into a permanent state of “meh, I’ll do it tomorrow.” Nestled near the border with Myanmar and surrounded by jungle-covered hills, this is the spot you come to when you’ve had enough of islands, full moon parties, and pretending to like coconuts. Spoiler: It’s not a party town. It is a place where you eat noodles, ride motorbikes through mountains, and question whether you should just stay and open a coffee shop. How to Get There (And Why You’ll Feel Like Indiana Jones Doing It) Let’s be real, Mae Hong Son is not “on the way” to anything. But getting there is part of the charm. By air : There’s a tiny airport in town with direct flights on tiny planes that may or may not feel like you’re flying inside a tin can with win...

Pai, Thailand: Where Time Stands Still and So Does Personal Hygiene Because nothing says enlightenment like flip-flops, fermented tea, and a mild scooter injury. Ah, Pai. That tiny, overhyped hippie outpost tucked into the hills of northern Thailand. If Koh Phangan is where your dignity goes to die in a bucket of booze, Pai is where it floats away on a cloud of incense, banana pancakes, and acoustic guitar covers of “Wonderwall.” Everyone talks about how “magical” Pai is, but let’s be honest, it’s basically the place where backpackers go to do nothing and pretend it’s spiritual. To get to Pai, you have to survive the infamous drive from Chiang Mai: 762 stomach-churning curves through the mountains, usually in a minivan with no suspension and a driver who thinks he’s auditioning for Fast & Furious: Northern Thailand Drift . If you’re lucky, you’ll only vomit once. If not, welcome to the communal barf bag club. Once you arrive, dazed and slightly concussed, you’ll immediately be gree...

Thailand's Vaporizing Hypocrisy: Where Ciggies Get Rights But Vapes Don't Let me take you on a journey through Thailand's bizarre tobacco landscape, where logic goes to die and your lungs, well, they're confused too. In the Land of Smiles, cigarettes and vapes are locked in an absurd regulatory death match. Cigarettes, aka cancer sticks or cowboy killers, are perfectly legal to buy, sell, and puff away on. Meanwhile, their potentially less-harmful cousin, the electronic vape, is treated like it's a threat to national security. Here's the hilarious part: in Thailand, you can legally VAPE. Yes, you read that right! The act of inhaling vapor from an electronic device is technically legal. What's illegal? Selling vapes. Importing vapes. Basically, possessing the very thing you need to do the legal activity. It's like Thailand saying, "Swimming is totally allowed! But water? Absolutely forbidden." The Thai government has doubled down on this nonsens...

Muay Thai: Where Violence Meets Culture (and Tourists Meet Confusion) So, you want to watch Muay Thai in Thailand? Excellent choice! Nothing says "cultural immersion" like watching two humans savagely attempt to hit and kick each other into unconsciousness while you sip overpriced beer and pretend to understand the scoring system. Muay Thai (literally "Thai boxing") is Thailand's national sport, an ancient martial art known as " the art of eight limbs " because fighters use fists, elbows, knees, and shins. It's basically a full-contact game of human chess, if chess pieces could knee each other in the liver. Where to Watch: A Hierarchy of Authenticity and Comfort Your Muay Thai viewing experience will vary dramatically depending on where you watch. Here's the breakdown: Lumpinee Stadium (Bangkok) The holy grail of Muay Thai. Recently relocated to a shiny new facility that purists complain lacks the "authentic smell of liniment and desperati...