Tag: bangkok、Beach、diving、pataya、Phuket、pipi

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Comparison with Other Transport Options

Transport	Cost	Convenience	Notes
Grab	Medium	★★★★★	Safe, reliable, transparent pricing
Regular Taxi	Low-Med	★★★☆☆	Meter refusal and route rejection common
Songthaew	Very cheap	★★☆☆☆	Fixed routes, tricky for tourists
Tuk-tuk	High (negotiated)	★☆☆☆☆	Tourist attraction, not practical transport

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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

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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.

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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.

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Final Thoughts

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Safety Tips

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

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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

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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.