Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

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...

How Safe Is Thailand? A Traveler’s Guide to Not Dying (Much) Ah, Thailand. The Land of Smiles. Also known as the Land Where You Might Get Run Over By A Tuk Tuk At A Zebra Crossing. If you’re thinking about visiting Thailand, first of all: great choice. Second: you’re probably wondering, “Is Thailand safe?” And if you're not worried yourself, your family might totally freak out. "The Land of scams, drugs and debauchery," your old man calls it. "You'll never make it back alive," your mother whispers while sobbing quietly. Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the wild but wonderful world of Thai travel safety. Solo Travel: You, Yourself, and Your Very Suspicious Backpack Thailand is actually one of the best places in the world for solo travelers. Whether you're a soul-searching yogi, a digital nomad pretending to work from a hammock, or just someone trying to find the meaning of life in a coconut smoothie, Thailand welcomes you. Most solo travelers re...

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...

Thailand's Trio of Transportation Chaos: Tuk-Tuks, Songthaews & Motorcycle Taxis If Thailand’s roads are a symphony, then tuk-tuks, songthaews, and motorcycle taxis are the wild, offbeat percussion section banging away with joyful disregard for the sheet music. They're loud, unpredictable, occasionally terrifying, but completely essential to the Thai transport experience. Let’s start with the tuk-tuk , Thailand’s iconic three-wheeled chariot of noise. They look like go-karts that went to a rave and never came back. No doors, no seatbelts, and the engine sounds like it’s powered by bees on espresso. They are technically a mode of transportation, but spiritually, they’re roller coasters with a roof. You spot one. You wave. The driver grins like he’s about to sell you a timeshare and says, “Where you go?” You answer. He pauses, strokes his chin like a philosopher, and says, “200 baht.” For a 5-minute ride. Negotiation begins. You pretend to walk away. He pretends not to care. ...

Khao Sok National Park: Jurassic Park Vibes Without the Velociraptors Looking for the kind of nature that makes you question whether you’ve wandered into a National Geographic documentary? Welcome to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand’s wildest wonderland. It’s got ancient rainforests, floating bungalows, dramatic cliffs, caves full of questionable puddles, and absolutely zero traffic lights. It’s peaceful. It’s prehistoric. It’s probably what dinosaurs dreamed about before going extinct. Where Exactly Is Khao Sok? Southern Thailand, in Surat Thani province, tucked between the coasts. It’s far enough from touristy beach towns to feel like an escape, but not so far that you need to bring survival rations. How to Get There (AKA: Choose Your Adventure) Khao Sok is surprisingly accessible, assuming you're okay with a combination of planes, vans, and a little prayer. Option A : From Phuket (3–4 hours) Minivan or private car from your hotel or the airport Gorgeous drive, slightly terri...

Merit-Making in Thailand: How Locals Earn Good Karma (and How You Can Too Without Offending a Monk) If you've spent more than five minutes in Thailand, you've probably seen someone making merit. Whether it’s feeding monks at sunrise, releasing a turtle that’s seriously questioning its life choices, or gluing gold leaf onto a Buddha statue's belly button. Thais make merit like it's part of their daily skincare routine. But what exactly is merit-making? Why are locals so into it? And can a tourist do it without accidentally committing a karmic crime? Let’s dive in. What Is Merit-Making? (Besides a Word You Pretend to Understand) Merit-making or " tham boon " in Thai, is how Buddhists build up good karma points. It’s believed that doing good deeds in this life helps you in your next life. You know, just in case you’d rather not be reborn as a lizard in someone’s kitchen. Merit-making isn’t just a religious act; it’s woven into everyday Thai life. Locals do it for...

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: A Guide for Hipsters, Hikers, and People Who Confuse Temples for Cafes Chiang Mai, the land of temples, monks, jungle hikes, and enough cafés to keep even the most fragile freelancer buzzed for eternity. It’s where people come to “find themselves,” then get distracted by night markets and $6 massages. But choosing where to stay in Chiang Mai? That’s a whole different spiritual journey. From ancient city walls to jungle bungalows, here’s your mildly accurate guide to the main areas, with pros, cons, and gentle mockery for all. 1. Old City – “Temples, tuk-tuks, and tourists with temple fatigue” Vibe : The historic heart of Chiang Mai. If you haven’t taken a photo with a crumbling brick wall here, were you even in Thailand? Pros : Walkable AF. Temples, cafés, and street food every 5 steps. Perfect base for sightseeing and pretending to understand Thai history. Every third building is a temple or a massage place, and we support that lifestyle. Cons : Full of ...

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 (...