Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Phetchabun: Thailand’s Most Underrated Mountain Escape That Nobody Talks About   So you’re tired of the same old Chiang Mai crowds, done with the Pattaya chaos, and even Hua Hin is starting to feel basic. Welcome to Phetchabun, Thailand’s best-kept secret that even most Thais forget exists. This is where you go when you want mountains without the tourists, cool weather without the hipster coffee shops, and adventure without the Instagram influencers ruining it.   Why Phetchabun? (Because You’re Better Than Wannabe Influencers) - It’s like Chiang Mai’s quiet cousin. All the mountains, none of the digital nomads.   - Cooler than Bangkok (literally). Yes, Thailand does have seasons, and Phetchabun actually gets cold.   - Zero tourist traps. No touts, no overpriced tours, just pure, unfiltered Thailand.   What to Do (Besides Question Your Life Choices for Coming Here) 1. Khao Kho: Thailand’s Mini Switzerland (Kind Of)    ...

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...

Kalasin: Thailand’s Dino-Obsessed, Rice-Loving, Middle-of-Nowhere Province  Kalasin is so off the radar, even Claude might shrug and say, “Kalasin who?” Tucked in the heart of Isaan, this place is like that one friend who’s super into niche hobbies, like collecting fossilized T-Rex toenails or weaving silk so fancy it’s dubbed the “Queen of Silk.” If you’re here, you’re either lost, a dinosaur nerd, just really bad at picking vacation spots, or your teerak calls it home. Let’s dive into the chaos of Kalasin with a smirk and a side of sarcasm. Why Kalasin? Why Not? Kalasin’s got roots deeper than a sauropod’s tail, stretching back to prehistoric times when dinos roamed and left their footprints for you to gawk at. Fast-forward to the Khmer Empire, it was a hotbed of temples and monuments, and by 1907, King Chulalongkorn made it an official province, probably because someone had to claim this patch of rice fields. Today, it’s a mashup of ancient vibes, ethnic  Phu Thai cul...

A Totally Serious (Not Really) Tourist Guide to Phitsanulok, Thailand Because Bangkok is Too Crowded and Chiang Mai is Too Hipster Welcome, brave traveler, to the magical land of Phitsanulok or as locals lovingly call it, “Phi-lo” (pronounced / pee-lo / because / ph / is never pronounced as / f / in Thailand). Nestled somewhere in the geographical heart of Thailand (right where your finger accidentally lands when you're trying to find Chiang Mai but sneeze mid-search), Phitsanulok is the unsung hero of Thai cities. Where Is This Mysterious Land? Phitsanulok is located in Northern-Central Thailand, about 377 km north of Bangkok. That’s 5 hours by car, 6+ hours by bus or train, or 15 days if you’re relying on your local friend Dave who swears he'll get you there but refuses to use Google Maps as he thinks it's a secret GPS tracking device from the deep state. How to Get There (Easy to Hard) 1. By Train Take a scenic, slow train from Bangkok’s Aphiwat Central Station or Ba...

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...

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...