HIYORI WORLD / 日和世界

Travel Journal

  • Phi Phi & Phuket Travel Guide: Finding the Real Paradise from “The Beach”

    Phi Phi & Phuket Travel Guide: Finding the Real Paradise from “The Beach”

    I first learned about Phi Phi Island from the Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Beach.” The crystal-clear water and the hidden paradise completely captured my heart back then.

    Funnily enough, on my recent trip to Thailand, “The Beach” happened to be one of the in-flight movies on Thai Airways, so I watched it again after all these years. All that old longing came flooding back. So today, I want to tell the story of how I actually reached that paradise.

    How to Get to Phi Phi Island

    First, head to Phuket

    The usual route to Phi Phi goes through Phuket. Back then, I took a long-distance bus from Khao San Road all the way to Phuket.

    Flying from Bangkok to Phuket is the easiest option, but since it’s connected by land, you can also go by train or long-distance bus. Take a night sleeper and you’ll arrive by morning. If you have time, the overland journey watching Thailand’s scenery pass by isn’t bad at all.

    From Phuket by ferry or speedboat

    There are two ways to cross from Phuket to Phi Phi.

    Large Ferry
└ Travel time: about 2 hours
└ One way: 800-1,000 baht
└ Less rocking, more affordable

Speedboat
└ Travel time: about 1 hour
└ One way: 1,300-1,500 baht
└ Faster but rougher, bring motion sickness pills

    Ferry for the relaxed traveler, speedboat if time is your priority.

    photo by Humphrey M on Unsplash

    Don’t Just Pass Through Phuket

    It’s easy to treat Phuket as a mere transit point, but Phuket itself is a world-class beach resort.

    The sea is beautiful, with diving and water sports on offer. The famous Similan Islands are even reachable as a day trip from Phuket.

    What surprises me most is the contrast between day and night. By day it’s a relaxed beach resort, but at night the area around Patong Beach transforms completely. Bangla Road becomes a pedestrian entertainment district packed with clubs and bars. Fresh seafood, of course, plus a buzz that rivals Pattaya’s nightlife. The gap never fails to amaze me.

    Recently, stylish beach clubs with infinity pools have been opening one after another, offering a different way to enjoy the island than in the old days.

    The Shock of Arriving at Phi Phi

    As the boat approaches Phi Phi, the sheer beauty takes your breath away.

    The water is incredibly clear, but it’s a different kind of beauty than Miyakojima in Okinawa. The emerald green sea matched with Thailand’s distinctive towering limestone cliffs creates a one-of-a-kind landscape. I was completely captivated.

    There are entry fees on arrival

    Phi Phi charges a 20 baht entry fee at Tonsai Pier. If you’re heading to national park areas like Maya Bay, there’s a separate entry fee (400 baht adults, 200 baht children). It’s cash only on site, so keep some small bills handy.

    photo by M o e on Unsplash

    Maya Bay (The Beach Filming Location) Today

    The legendary Maya Bay now has strict rules in place to protect the environment.

    Current rules
└ Swimming completely prohibited (ankle-deep OK)
└ Entire bay closed August 1 - September 30 yearly
└ Daily visitor limit
└ Boats land from the back side at Loh Samah Bay

    These measures aim to restore the nature once destroyed by overtourism. Precisely because it’s such a cherished place, we should visit responsibly.

    Recommended Spots on Phi Phi

    Pileh Lagoon
└ A cove like a natural pool surrounded by cliffs
└ Hugely popular for boat photography

Loh Dalum Bay
└ A beautiful shallow beach
└ Fire shows and beach parties at night

Monkey Beach
└ A beach where wild monkeys live
└ Watch out for them stealing your belongings

    Snorkeling and Diving

    The waters around Phi Phi stay warm at 28-30°C year-round with excellent visibility. You have a high chance of encountering sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks. The sharks are a gentle species, so there’s no need to worry.

    There are dive shops with Japanese-speaking staff, and intro dives without a license are popular too. Experiencing your very first dive here would be unforgettable.

    Accommodation from Budget to Luxury

    I stayed at a budget backpacker bungalow in central Phi Phi. I was young, and it was more than enough to make me happy.

    Phi Phi accommodation areas
└ Tonsai to Loh Dalum Bay
　Central, convenient, everything available
└ Laem Tong Bay (north end)
　Boat access only, luxury resorts
　Quiet, for grown-ups

    You can choose based on budget and style. Budget once, luxury someday, that’s a fun way to do it.

    photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash

    How I Spent My Days on Phi Phi

    Here’s my ideal day on the island.

    By day, I simply relax on the beach or snorkel in the crystal-clear water, swimming alongside fish that feel close enough to touch.

    The highlight is sunset. Sipping a cocktail at a stylish cafe, listening to nothing but the sea breeze and the sound of the waves as the sun goes down. That moment was truly magical, the paradise I’d longed for from the movie sitting right before my eyes.

    The Best Season Differs Slightly from Bangkok

    This is a surprising pitfall. The southern islands of Thailand have slightly different weather from Bangkok.

    November - April (dry season)
└ Best season
└ Calm waves, little rain
└ Highest water clarity

May - October (rainy season)
└ More squalls, rougher seas
└ Cheaper hotels
└ Surf season on the Phuket side

    The Similan Islands are seasonal

    The Similan Islands are open only from October 15 to May 15, completely closed otherwise. Advance registration and e-tickets are required, and overnight stays are banned (day trips only), so you need to plan ahead.

    Always Follow the Environmental Rules

    In recent years, strict rules with penalties have been introduced.

    Sunscreen
└ Products with reef-harming chemicals
　banned in national parks
└ Fines up to 100,000 baht
└ Use "Reef Safe" labeled products

Others
└ No single-use plastics
└ No walking on coral or feeding fish

    To preserve this paradise for future generations, these are absolutely worth following.

    Final Thoughts

    The Phi Phi Island I traveled to chasing “The Beach” didn’t just meet my expectations, it exceeded them. The emerald sea, the towering cliffs, the sunset cocktails. Everything was perfect.

    Enjoy the resort and nightlife in Phuket, then immerse yourself in the real paradise of Phi Phi. If you’ve ever dreamed over that movie, it’s worth seeing with your own eyes at least once. Watch “The Beach” on your flight, and you’ll surely want to go again.

  • Thai Street Food Guide: What to Eat & How to Order (20 Years of Experience)

    Thai Street Food Guide: What to Eat & How to Order (20 Years of Experience)

    The heart of Thai cuisine is street food. Cheap, delicious, and served with the atmosphere of the place itself. After 20 years of traveling to Thailand, here’s my honest take on what’s truly worth eating and how to eat it.

    photo by Alexandra Tran on Unsplash

    Let’s Start with My Legendary Tom Yum Goong Disaster

    The first time I went to Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown), I ordered tom yum goong, one of the world’s three great soups. It arrived dramatically in a large pot with a hole in the middle, and I was thrilled at how authentic it looked. That joy lasted about ten seconds. The heat was beyond anything I had imagined. As I writhed in pain with tears streaming down my face, the group of Thai people next to me burst out laughing.

    Desperate, I ordered a fresh-squeezed orange juice, and it was so sweet and delicious it might have saved my life. I’ll never forget that glass.

    Funny thing is, despite that traumatic experience, I now order that quirky soup every single time I visit. I’ve become so addicted that I buy tom yum flavored cup noodles at convenience stores and supermarkets for late-night snacks. Thai flavors hit you slowly, even when they’re too spicy at first.

    photo by Streets of Food on Unsplash

    Yaowarat (Chinatown) Is the Best

    In my personal opinion, the best street food in Thailand is found in Yaowarat. As evening falls, lively food stalls appear all along the street, and the aroma of dishes cooked in giant woks fills the air. It has the dignity you’d expect from a proper Chinatown.

    Being Chinatown, there are plenty of delicacies too, even shark fin and bird’s nest. Portions are large, so the best way to enjoy it is to share with a group. That energetic atmosphere is worth experiencing at least once.

    photo by Yoav Aziz on Unsplash

    Bami Nam, the Thai Street Ramen

    The dish I order at almost every stall is bami nam (Thai-Chinese noodle soup). Like Japanese shoyu ramen, it’s based on nam pla (fish sauce). That’s why the taste is similar at any stall, and the broth is consistently delicious.

    Thai street stall tables usually have vinegar, sugar, chili, and nam pla available. You can add nam pla to adjust the flavor to your liking. But here’s the funny part: it tastes great added to the soup, yet the undiluted sauce smells terrible up close. That’s the charm of Thailand.

    My Pick Is Poo Pad Pong Curry

    When it comes to Thai curry, coconut-based soups like green and red curry are the mainstream, but my personal favorite is poo pad pong curry (crab stir-fried in curry powder). To be honest, it tastes less like curry and more like the egg sauce on a Japanese katsudon.

    Poo pad pong curry is famous at restaurants with a crab logo, of which there are several branches. Perhaps because they’re so famous, one even had a photo of the Japanese Emperor on display.

    [Official] Check out Somboon’s signature Fluffy Egg & Crab Curry on Instagram!

    https://www.instagram.com/somboonseafood

    And massaman curry, once named the world’s most delicious dish by CNN, is also a must-try. It’s a sweeter curry with peanuts and potatoes. Choose one where the chicken has been simmered until it falls apart.

    photo by Busy Bee and Green Tea on Unsplash

    Quick Reference: Classic Dishes

    DishDescriptionPrice
    Pad ThaiSweet-sour rice noodles, not spicy60-80B
    Gaprao RiceBasil and chili stir-fry over rice50-70B
    Tom Yum GoongOne of the world’s 3 great soups150-250B
    Khao Man GaiPoached chicken rice, not spicy50-75B
    Som TamGreen papaya salad, very spicy50-70B
    Green CurryCoconut sweetness with green chili80-120B
    Khao SoiChiang Mai’s curry noodle dish60-90B
    Poo Pad Pong CurryCrab stir-fried with curry and egg200-400B
    JokThai rice porridge, gentle on the stomach40-60B
    Massaman CurrySweet curry once ranked #1 by CNN100-150B

    If you can’t handle spice, “mai pet” (not spicy) is the magic phrase.

    phpto by Vicky Ng on Unsplash

    How Thailand’s Street Food Scene Has Changed

    Bangkok’s street food situation has changed dramatically in recent years.

    Traditional roadside stalls have drastically decreased

    Bangkok’s sidewalk cleanup campaign has removed stalls from major roads one after another. The famous Sukhumvit Soi 38 stall street, once beloved by Japanese tourists, was one casualty. Thailand is gradually shifting toward a “managed, clean culture” much like Singapore.

    Food courts are now mainstream

    Instead, the flavors of street stalls have concentrated in shopping center food courts. They’re air-conditioned, perfect for the hot season or rainy season, cheap, and reassuring when it comes to hygiene.

    To taste the old atmosphere

    If you still want that chaotic energy, I recommend Yaowarat (Chinatown) or Khao San Road. Both are specially permitted to operate stalls as tourism resources. At Khao San you can eat cheap pad thai and khao man gai while soaking up the atmosphere.

    The countryside remains unchanged

    By the way, in Chiang Mai, the Isaan region, or the outskirts of Bangkok, sidecar motorcycle stalls still line the roads every evening. The old-school local scene is alive and well outside the capital.

    Tips for Not Failing at Street Food

    Choose stalls where locals are lining up

    This is the golden rule. A line means fast turnover and fresh ingredients. When in doubt, pick the crowded stall.

    Be careful with water and ice

    Always buy bottled water. Ice with a hole in the middle (cylindrical, from ice factories) is safe. Avoid crushed ice made from block ice.

    Just point to order

    Point at the menu or photo and say “an nee” (this one). Add “aroi” (delicious) and you’ll instantly bond with the owner.

    Final Thoughts

    Thai street food is changing, but its deliciousness and energy remain. You might cry from the spice at first, but that’s part of the Thai experience. To truly know Thailand, enjoy both the comfort of the food courts and the energy of Yaowarat.

    Next time I’m in Thailand, I’ll probably order that tom yum goong from the pot with the hole in the middle all over again.

  • Khao San Road Guide: Changes Over 20 Years on Bangkok’s Backpacker Street

    Khao San Road Guide: Changes Over 20 Years on Bangkok’s Backpacker Street

    My first trip to Thailand was during my university days. Back then, Suvarnabhumi Airport didn’t exist yet — it was all Don Mueang. Today Don Mueang still serves as a hub for budget carriers like AirAsia. The moment I landed, I headed straight for Khao San Road, the legendary gathering point for backpackers from every corner of the world.

    More than 20 years later, I still find myself dropping by every time I visit Bangkok. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but there’s something about that place that keeps pulling me back.

    What is Khao San Road?

    “Khao San” means “uncooked rice” in Thai. In the 19th century this area was a major rice market. In the 1980s, locals began renting out spare rooms to foreign travelers at low prices, and gradually it developed into a budget accommodation hub.

    Through the 1990s and 2000s, cheap guesthouses, street food stalls, travel agents handling long-distance bus tickets and visa services all packed in together, making it a place where backpackers could find everything they needed in one spot. When Leonardo DiCaprio’s film “The Beach” (2000) used it as a backdrop, Khao San Road’s reputation as the world’s backpacker mecca became truly global.

    photo by Evan Krause on Unsplash

    Khao San Road Back Then

    In those days before smartphones, internet cafes lined the streets of Bangkok. You could walk into Khao San Road and find a bed without any reservation — rooms were always available. A single room ran about 150 baht, a dorm bed around 100 baht.

    The main strip was an extraordinary jumble of guesthouses, souvenir shops, massage parlors, travel agents, street food stalls and tattoo shops, packed with travelers of every nationality.

    The Back Streets of Khao San

    One street over from the main road was what regulars called “Back Khao San,” lined with guesthouses catering specifically to Israeli travelers, Japanese travelers and others. Fruit shakes went for 10 baht. A bowl of Thai noodle soup (ba mee nam) was also 10 baht. The portions were small and the hygiene left something to be desired, but that was all part of the experience.

    For Those Who Wanted Quiet

    Travelers who wanted to escape the noise of the main strip headed for the temple area between Khao San and the Chao Phraya River. The guesthouses there were peaceful and popular with those who wanted to slow down.

    The Sinking Travelers

    Backpackers from all over the world used Khao San as their base to fan out across Southeast Asia — Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and beyond by land. But many never made it further. The place was so comfortable and cheap that travelers would get “stuck” for weeks or months. The locals called them sinking travelers.

    Khao San Road Today

    Smartphones have replaced internet cafes. Travel agents have disappeared. The image of the rough and ready backpacker haven has faded. Alongside budget guesthouses you now find proper hotels, stylish cafes and decent restaurants. And it’s not just foreign travelers anymore — Thai young people come here too, phones out, hunting for the perfect shot.

    Two Completely Different Faces

    During the day the vibe is relaxed. People sit in cafes and open-air bars, drinking and taking their time. But at night everything changes. The street transforms into an open-air club. Loud music pumps from every direction while crowds of mostly Western travelers drink and dance. If you love music, alcohol and letting loose, it’s an incredible atmosphere.

    The Best Areas Around Khao San

    The Temple Area (toward the Chao Phraya River) Walking from Khao San toward the river you reach a quieter temple district with stylish cafes, restaurants and street food stalls. It’s calmer and more relaxed than the main strip. The Chao Phraya River pier is close by, making it a convenient base for visiting the Grand Palace area.

    Soi Rambuttri One street parallel to Khao San Road. No pounding bass here — just shaded terraces, relaxed cafes and a more laid-back crowd. If you want a taste of what old Khao San felt like, this is the place.

    photo by Steven Wilcox on Unsplash

    Choosing Your Hotel

    Hotels close to the main strip can be extremely noisy at night. If you want to sleep, look for accommodation in the temple area toward the river.

    Getting There

    There are no BTS or MRT stations near Khao San Road. The easiest option is a Grab ride from wherever you are in Bangkok.

    Alternatively, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat from Sathorn Pier (connected to BTS Saphan Taksin) and get off at Phra Arthit Pier — from there it’s about a 10-minute walk. A scenic and enjoyable way to arrive.

    Important Warnings

    Cannabis Thailand temporarily legalized cannabis and Khao San filled up with dispensaries. Regulations are now being tightened. Regardless of local laws, Japanese nationals should be aware that Japan’s cannabis laws apply to offenses committed abroad. Do not touch it under any circumstances.

    Pickpockets and Scams Keep your phone and wallet secure, especially at night. The classic tuk-tuk scam — “The Grand Palace is closed today, let me take you somewhere else” — is still alive and well. Ignore it and keep walking.

    Final Thoughts

    From a gritty backpacker haven to a party street drawing travelers and Thai locals alike, Khao San Road has changed enormously. But its strange magnetic pull remains. Whatever kind of traveler you are, it’s worth stopping by at least once when you’re in Bangkok.

  • Day Trip from Bangkok: Ayutthaya World Heritage & Lopburi Monkey Town Guide

    Day Trip from Bangkok: Ayutthaya World Heritage & Lopburi Monkey Town Guide

    Just one to two hours north of Bangkok lie two towns with completely different personalities. Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient ruins, and Lopburi, a town once overrun by thousands of monkeys. Combining both into a one or two day trip reveals a side of Thailand that most tourists never see.

    Getting There from Bangkok

    To Ayutthaya (about 80km north of Bangkok)

    The train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal takes about one to one and a half hours. Sitting back and watching the countryside roll by makes for a pleasant journey. Mini buses (rot tu) from the Northern Bus Terminal take about one and a half to two hours and run frequently.

    Tickets no longer require lining up at the station window. You can book online via smartphone or computer. The 12GO app handles trains, buses, boats and more in one place, supports multiple languages including Japanese and English, and is easy to use though a service fee applies. The app also covers Bangkok to Pattaya bus tickets, though checking the bus company’s own website directly sometimes offers a better price.

    To Lopburi (about 150km north of Bangkok)

    By train from Bangkok, the journey takes about two and a half to three hours. From Ayutthaya, it’s just one to one and a half hours further north. Combining Ayutthaya and Lopburi into a single overnight trip is highly recommended.

    Getting Around the Ruins

    Ayutthaya’s ruins are spread across a wide area. Renting a bicycle or motorbike gives you the most freedom to explore at your own pace and stop wherever you like. Chartering a tuk-tuk for a few hours is another popular option.

    Must-See Ruins in Ayutthaya

    Wat Phra Mahathat Famous for the Buddha head enveloped by the roots of a bodhi tree. When photographing it, keep your head lower than the Buddha head out of respect.

    Wat Phra Si Sanphet The most important temple within the old royal palace grounds. Three magnificent Sri Lankan-style chedis stand in a row, housing the ashes of former kings.

    Wat Chaiwatthanaram A stunning Khmer-style temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. At sunset the ruins reflected in the river create one of Thailand’s most romantic scenes.

    photo by Rutpratheep Nilpechr on unsplash

    The People I Met in Ayutthaya

    At one of the main ruins I got talking with a Thai man selling hammocks. Before I knew it we were sharing a meal with his family right there on the temple grounds, and he ended up driving me back to my guesthouse. Moments like that are what travel is really about.

    The funniest part came when I tried to help him sell hammocks to Japanese tourists. Every time a Japanese visitor walked by I called out to them — and every single one looked at me with suspicion. Apparently a Japanese person selling hammocks in a Thai ruin is more suspicious than an actual Thai vendor.

    Important Note for Visitors

    Temple ruins require clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Thailand is extremely hot and you’ll be walking outdoors for extended periods, so sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water are essential.

    Lopburi: Once the Planet of the Apes (Past Tense)

    About one hour north of Ayutthaya, Lopburi was once a town where thousands of monkeys roamed freely through the streets. Hotel windows came fitted with metal grilles to stop them getting in — though the monkeys still made it up to the rooftops. The ruins in the town center served as their sleeping ground. Baby monkeys would climb all over visitors without any hesitation. Unlike monkeys I had encountered in Japan or India, these ones were genuinely friendly. As an animal lover I absolutely loved it.

    However, the situation has changed dramatically as of 2025.

    Due to serious property damage and attacks on people, Thai authorities carried out a major operation between 2024 and 2025 to capture, sterilize and relocate the monkeys. As a result, the monkey population in the town center has decreased by over 95 percent. It is now much safer, but the wild Planet of the Apes atmosphere is largely gone. Some monkeys can still be seen around the ruins.

    photo by Laura Cros on unsplash

    Lopburi Nights with the Locals

    One evening I sat down at a street food stall and ended up befriending a woman selling ice cream at the next stall. She worked at a clothing shop during the day and soon had me on the back of her motorbike for an impromptu town tour. She even treated me to KFC.

    With far fewer tourists than Ayutthaya, there’s no hard selling here. People are genuinely kind and curious. That kind of unplanned human connection is what stays with you long after the trip ends.

    photo by Streets of Food on unsplash

    Suggested Itinerary

    Day 1
└ Bangkok → Ayutthaya (train, about 1-1.5hrs)
└ Explore ruins by bicycle or motorbike
└ Stay overnight in Ayutthaya

Day 2
└ Ayutthaya → Lopburi (train, about 1hr)
└ Explore ruins and monkey spots
└ Street food dinner with locals
└ Return to Bangkok

    Who This Trip Is For

    • Travelers who want to see Thailand beyond Bangkok and Pattaya
    • History and ruin enthusiasts
    • Animal lovers
    • Those who enjoy connecting with local people
    • Anyone who finds heavily touristy areas exhausting

    Final Thoughts

    Ayutthaya offers the grandeur of a lost kingdom. Lopburi offers something harder to define — a town where history, wildlife and everyday life collide in the most unexpected ways. Both are within easy reach of Bangkok. If you have seen the tourist highlights, this is where Thailand starts to get really interesting.

  • Thailand Entry Rules 2026: 30-Day Visa Exemption & TDAC Guide

    Thailand Entry Rules 2026: 30-Day Visa Exemption & TDAC Guide

    I’ve been visiting Thailand for over 20 years, around 20 trips in total. Entry rules have changed many times over the years, but 2026 brings another significant shift — a reduction in the visa-free stay period and a mandatory digital arrival card. I experienced both on my recent trip, so here’s my honest report.

    Visa-Free Stay Reduced from 60 to 30 Days

    On May 19, 2026, the Thai cabinet officially approved the abolition of the 60-day visa exemption. Japanese passport holders will now be limited to 30 days without a visa. The exact implementation date is not yet confirmed as it takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, but the change is coming soon.

    The reason behind the change

    The crackdown targets illegal employment, organized crime, and overstaying — all of which increased under the more generous 60-day policy.

    Extensions are still possible

    You can apply for an additional 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office after arrival. So the maximum stay of 60 days (30 days initial + 30 days extension) remains possible. Anyone planning to stay longer than 30 days should either obtain a tourist visa before leaving Japan or handle the extension process in Thailand.

    What is TDAC?

    Since May 1, 2025, the old paper arrival card (TM.6) has been replaced by an online pre-registration system called TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card). It is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea.

    My Real Experience Registering for TDAC

    I registered for TDAC before my recent trip, so here’s what actually happened.

    Registration is easy on a smartphone

    Just visit the official website and fill in the same kind of information you used to write on the paper arrival card — passport details, flight information, accommodation, and so on. After submitting, a permit is sent to your registered email address. Save it or take a screenshot.

    When to register

    Registration opens 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival in Thailand. Note that the arrival day itself is counted as one of those days.

    What actually happened at immigration

    I showed my passport and the permit screen on my smartphone to the immigration officer. Honestly, the officer barely looked at the phone screen. Overall the process felt smoother than filling out a paper card on the plane or after landing.

    How to Spot Fake TDAC Websites

    The official site warns about fraudulent websites. But honestly, it can be hard to tell which sites are legitimate in the first place. Here’s how to protect yourself.

    • TDAC registration is completely free. Any site charging a fee is not official
    • The official URL is tdac.immigration.go.th
    • Paid “assistance” services appearing in search engine ads are likely unofficial
    • The safest approach is to follow links directly from the Thai Embassy or Tourism Authority of Thailand official websites

    Pre-Trip Checklist

    Up to 72 hours before departure
└ Register TDAC on the official website
└ Save the permit email or screenshot it

Check your stay length
└ 30 days or less → visa-free entry OK
└ 31 days or more → get a tourist visa
   or extend after arrival

At immigration
└ Present passport + permit screen

    Thailand’s entry rules can change with little notice. Always check the latest information on the Thai Embassy or Tourism Authority of Thailand official website before departure.

  • How to Use Grab in Thailand: No More Taxi Haggling or Stress (20-Year Visitor Tips)

    How to Use Grab in Thailand: No More Taxi Haggling or Stress (20-Year Visitor Tips)

    I’ve been visiting Thailand for over 20 years, around 20 trips in total. All that time, I was exhausted by taxi negotiations and traffic jams. Taxi drivers refusing to use the meter. Drivers refusing passengers heading into congested areas. Standing outside the hotel trying to flag down a taxi or motorbike taxi, wasting precious time. This was just part of traveling in Thailand.

    This trip, I finally used Grab properly. And honestly, I was blown away. I had no idea it had evolved this much.

    What is Grab?

    Think of it as Southeast Asia’s version of Uber. It’s a ride-hailing app that lets you book cars and motorbikes from your smartphone, and it’s now widespread across Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. As of 2026, Thailand has tightened regulations requiring private vehicles to be properly registered for commercial use, making the service even safer than before.

    What Genuinely Impressed Me

    You can book before you even leave your hotel room

    This was the biggest surprise. I’d open the app, book a ride from my room, take the elevator down, walk to the entrance — and the driver was already there waiting. Almost zero wait time. This happened multiple times.

    No price negotiation, no explaining where you’re going

    The fare is locked in at the time of booking. The destination is already in the app — no need to explain anything to the driver. Zero risk of being overcharged. Cashless payment when you arrive. I’ve never had such a stress-free travel experience.

    Real-time tracking

    You can watch the driver approaching on the map in real time. If they can’t spot you, they’ll contact you via chat or voice call. No language barrier required.

    Choose your vehicle type

    Bangkok and Pattaya traffic can be brutal. If you’re traveling solo, a motorbike taxi is by far the fastest option. I even rode three-up a few times this trip. Cars, motorbikes, vans — you can choose based on your group size and needs.

    Comparison with Other Transport Options

    TransportCostConvenienceNotes
    GrabMedium★★★★★Safe, reliable, transparent pricing
    Regular TaxiLow-Med★★★☆☆Meter refusal and route rejection common
    SongthaewVery cheap★★☆☆☆Fixed routes, tricky for tourists
    Tuk-tukHigh (negotiated)★☆☆☆☆Tourist attraction, not practical transport

    Things to Watch Out For

    • During peak hours (rush hour, rainy days) surge pricing can multiply the fare several times. If it looks too expensive, wait a few minutes or compare with competitor apps like Bolt
    • If the driver takes the expressway, the toll (around 50-75 baht) is paid by the passenger separately
    • At large shopping malls with multiple exits, send the gate number to your driver via chat to avoid confusion

    Grab Food Has Taken Over Too

    Grab delivery riders are everywhere — on the streets, inside fast food restaurants, all over the city. Thai people routinely order group meals through Grab Food, and with frequent promotions running, it’s become completely embedded in daily life. Thailand doesn’t have a strong home cooking culture, and Grab has filled that gap entirely. It’s infrastructure now.

    There’s No Reason Not to Use Grab in Thailand

    After so many trips, I’d gotten tired of negotiating transport and dealing with traffic. I’d started relying mostly on the BTS and subway. But this trip changed my thinking.

    No language barrier. No haggling. No waiting around. It’s the most comfortable way to get around. Download the app and complete SMS verification before you leave — you can set it up after arriving too, but you’ll need Wi-Fi or a local SIM card. Getting it ready in advance makes everything smoother.

    Final Thoughts

    Grab has changed what it means to travel in Thailand. The era of transport negotiation is over.

  • Bangkok to Pattaya Travel Guide: Why You Must Visit This Beach Resort

    Bangkok to Pattaya Travel Guide: Why You Must Visit This Beach Resort

    I Wasted My First Trip to Thailand by Only Visiting Bangkok

    I’ve been to Thailand over 20 times. And every time I see tourists heading straight back home after only visiting Bangkok, I think the same thing — what a waste. Just two hours from Bangkok lies Pattaya, a city that shows a completely different side of Thailand.

    Getting from Bangkok to Pattaya

    Take a direct bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal — about 2 hours and very affordable. Even first-timers can manage it easily. For getting around Pattaya, songthaews (shared trucks, from 15 baht) and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt are convenient and reliable.

    Hotels in Pattaya

    Pattaya has options for every budget, from cheap guesthouses to luxury resorts.

    • For nightlife: Stay along the songthaew routes for easy access to everything
    • For relaxation: Choose a resort with a pool away from Walking Street and the main strip
    • For island lovers: Koh Larn has hotels too — staying overnight lets you enjoy the island at a deeper level

    What I Did in Pattaya

    Shooting Range You can’t shoot real guns in Japan. Thailand has shooting ranges across the country, but Pattaya has some of the best. TACTICS AND GUN SHOOTING RANGE is one of Asia’s largest, with a wide variety of weapons and tactical scenarios. Must be 20 or older. Bring your passport. Wear sneakers, not sandals.

    Koh Larn Island Take the public ferry from Bali Hai Pier — about 30-40 minutes and only around 30 baht one way. Crystal clear water perfect for snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing. Tawaen Beach is lively with activities while Samet Beach is quieter for those who want to relax. Consider staying overnight on the island for a deeper experience.

    Walking Street At night this becomes a pedestrian zone filled with neon lights, go-go bars and clubs. Love it or hate it, it’s worth seeing at least once. Be firm with aggressive touts, keep valuables secure in the crowds, and always check prices before ordering.

    Tree Town (Soi Buakhao) There’s a street food court at the entrance with cheap and delicious Thai food. Surrounding it are rows of beer bars packed with people. At night this place gets even more lively than Walking Street according to many regulars. Popular with long-term Western expats — this is the real, raw nightlife of Pattaya.

    Roti and Pad Krapow Street food in Pattaya is cheap and incredible. Don’t miss the roti and pad krapow (Thai basil stir fry). Eating at street stalls is one of the great joys of Pattaya.

    The Best Part of Bangkok

    The massage parlors in the Taniya area are world class. Japanese is spoken here and you can get traditional Thai massage in a relaxed, comfortable setting. After walking around all day, melting into a massage chair is the true highlight of Bangkok for me.

    My Honest Regret About Going in May

    It was too hot. I even gave up on golf. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, November to February (dry season) is by far the best time to visit. Everything — sightseeing, food, outdoor activities — becomes so much more enjoyable. Even for repeat visitors like me, May is tough.

    Safety Tips

    • Avoid walking alone late at night
    • Never accept drinks from strangers
    • Keep bags in front of you in crowded areas

    Who Should Visit Pattaya

    • Travelers who have already been to Bangkok
    • Those who want a resort-style holiday
    • Anyone looking for unique experiences
    • Nightlife lovers
    • Budget travelers and luxury seekers alike

    Who Should Stick to Bangkok Only

    • First-time visitors to Thailand
    • Those with limited time
    • Travelers focused on shopping and gourmet food

    Final Thoughts

    Bangkok is a city trip. Pattaya is a resort stay. With 6 days you can comfortably enjoy both. Next time I’m coming back in the dry season for golf and Koh Larn. If you leave Thailand having only seen Bangkok, you’re missing half the story.