Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Nakhon Si Thammarat: Thailand's Spiritual Powerhouse That Nobody Can Pronounce Welcome to Nakhon Si Thammarat, a name so long that tourists often give up halfway through saying it and just point at the map instead. Located on Thailand's southern peninsula, this province is what happens when religious significance meets complete tourism obscurity. Nakhon Si Thammarat (let's call it " Tammy " to save our collective typing fingers) is one of Thailand's oldest cities and most important historical centers. It's a bit like Thailand's Rome, if Rome were humid, rarely visited by foreigners, and had significantly more spicy food. Getting There: Either Easy Peasy or Devilishly Bone-Crushing  Getting to Nakhon Si Thammarat doesn't require the kind of determination usually reserved for people climbing Everest or trying to cancel gym memberships. By Air: 1. Fly to Bangkok (as is tradition) 2. Discover there are actually direct flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat Air...

Thailand vs. Other Humans: A Field Guide to External Enemies, From Friendly Rogue Vendors to Invisible PM2.5 Congratulations! You’ve survived the geckos , the jellyfish, and (miraculously) your own decisions . Now it’s time for Level 3: Other People (and their sticky fingers, negligence, bribes, and airborne particulates). Buckle up, preferably in a van with a real seat-belt. 1. Dual-Pricing Déjà Vu What it feels like : A banana that was 10 baht yesterday is now 70 baht “because inflation, sir.” Entry to the national park is 400 baht for you, 40 baht for your teerak "because you have a long nose, sir." What to do : Politely laugh, bargain with a smile, or walk three stalls away where the price mysteriously drops. Or just suck it up as TiT . How to avoid : Learn a few Thai numbers, carry small bills, and channel your inner grandma: mai dai, khrap/ka ? (“Can’t.”) 2. The Pattaya -Pocket Palooza What it feels like : A charming ladyboy hugs you for a selfie and your wallet or ...

Thailand vs. Yourself: A Survival Guide to Self-Inflicted Mayhem Sure, Thailand has wild monkeys, jellyfish, and geckos that yell like tiny velociraptors, but sometimes, the biggest danger isn’t nature . It’s you. Yes, you , with your spicy curry overconfidence, questionable scooter skills, and that “ one more bucket ” mindset. Here’s your essential guide to the most common self-inflicted wounds in the Land of Smiles and how to avoid turning your dream trip into a viral cautionary tale. 1. Diarrhea & Food Poisoning: The Bangkok Belly Ballet What it feels like : Your stomach becomes a washing machine set to “spin” and “regret.” Your bunghole becomes a faucet that's feels like it's on fire. What to do : Hydrate like your life depends on it (because it does), pop some activated charcoal or Imodium, and become one with the porcelain throne (heaven forbid your flophouse has squat toilets). How to avoid : Be wary of unfiltered tap water, lukewarm street food, bacteria sushi t...

Thailand vs. Nature: A Tourist’s Guide to Laughing Through the Pain Thailand is a tropical paradise full of delicious food, friendly people, and jaw-dropping scenery. But just like a mango with a worm inside, paradise comes with a few “surprises.” Whether you're sipping coconuts on a beach or jungle-trekking like Indiana Jones with Wi-Fi, nature in Thailand has its own sense of humor, and you might be the punchline. Here’s a short guide to the most natural dangers and annoyances Thailand offers, and how to avoid becoming a jungle meme. 1. The Mysterious Insect Bite What it feels like : You’re just sitting there, minding your own business, and suddenly your leg is on fire. You look down. Nothing. But now there's a welt the size of a ping-pong ball. Or you wake up with mysterious red spots on your legs. Slightly itchy but nothing else.  What to do : Don’t scratch. You’ll only make it angry. Apply antihistamine, ice, or a local remedy made of crushed tiger balm and grandma'...

Solo Travel in Thailand: How to Find Yourself, Friends, and Maybe Mild Heatstroke So, you’ve decided to travel solo to Thailand, congratulations! You’re officially a brave adventurer, a free spirit, a wanderer with a backpack full of dreams and possibly a suspiciously heavy power bank. But don’t worry, Thailand is one of the best places on Earth for solo travelers. It’s safe, it’s affordable, it’s stunning, and most importantly: nobody cares if you eat two entire plates of pad kra pao by yourself. Let’s break it down, solo-style: Where to Stay: Hostels, Hotels, and Possibly a Treehouse with a Cat Thailand is bursting with places to stay for every type of traveler: Hostels : Great for meeting people, sharing travel stories, and being mildly traumatized by someone’s snoring in a 12-bed dorm. Look for social hostels in Bangkok, Pai, or Chiang Mai. Bonus if they offer free breakfast AND mosquito nets. Pro tip: Some hostels offer private rooms. Get one of those if you are allergic to clutt...

More Sample Itineraries For Hapless Vacation Planners Guest contributor: The Wandering Albatross  Thailand. The land of smiles, questionable street food, and decisions, decisions, decisions! How long do you actually need to soak it all in? From bustling Bangkok to serene beaches and ancient ruins, here are itineraries for every type of traveler. Quick Note on Getting Around: Thailand's a breeze! Flights for long distances (think Bangkok to Chiang Mai or the islands) are fast and often cheap. Trains offer a scenic, slower option (sleeper trains save on accommodation!). Buses are budget-friendly. For island hopping, it's all about ferries and speedboats . In cities, use tuk-tuks, taxis, or Grab (their version of Uber). 1 Week: The "I'm Only Here for a Minute, But Make It Count!" Got limited time? You'll be zipping, but it'll be epic. Btw, stick to two regions. Option 1: Culture & City Blitz Bangkok: 3 Days Chiang Mai: 3 Days Travel Day: 1 Day (...