10 Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand known for its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and friendly locals. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Chiang Mai is the largest and most populous city in the region. One of the main attractions of Chiang Mai is its rich culture and history. The city is…Read More

What Does ‘Farang’ Mean in Thai & Should I Be Offended?

Thais use the word “farang” to describe or reference white-skinned foreigners. In Thai the word is spelt ฝรั่ง. It is a contraction of the Thai word for French/France, ‘farangset‘, which dates back to French Indochina in the 17th Century. Language experts have deduced that the word is taken from the Persian word farangī (فرنگی), which…Read More

Lady Bars in Thailand: 7 Must-Read Tips for a Safe Night Out

It’s no secret that many are attracted to Thailand because of its nightlife, which is largely centered around bars. There are, of course, different types of bar in Thailand, ranging from wine bars and pub-like waterholes down to open-fronted bars teeming with scantily-clad hostesses. But the reality is that a large percentage of male tourists…Read More

Mai Pen Rai – What It Really Means & When to Use It

Mai pen rai is one of the most commonly used phrases in Thailand. But it isn’t just a phrase. It has a cultural significance that reflects an attitude to life, and, as we’ll discuss, it doesn’t always mean what us “foreigners” think it means. Don’t Worry, It’s Okay The most commonly understood meaning of mai…Read More

Jai Yen Yen – What Does It Really Mean?

Jai Yen Yen (Jai Yen) is a phrase you’ve probably heard if you’ve been in Thailand for any significant period of time. Jai Yen translates to English as “cool heart”. When a person says “Jai Yen Yen” to you, they are telling you to keep cool, to calm down, to not get angry and stressed…Read More

The Long Term Resident Visa (LTR) Guide

The LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa has been designed by the Board Of Investment (BOI) to attract high-potential foreign nationals to relocate to Thailand. The idea behind the scheme is to stimulate the economy with overseas investment and bring some much-needed post-pandemic cash to the Kingdom. The government has its eye on 1 million foreign nationals…Read More

The Thailand Tourist Visa Guide (Single & Multiple Entry)

The majority of foreign nationals are able to enter Thailand on a visa exemption stamp. This means that you get a stamp at the immigration desk that allows you to stay for 30 days. Please note that until the end of March 2023 you will get a 45-day stamp upon entry. This initiate has been…Read More

SafetyWing Review: Travel & Health Insurance Designed for Nomads

The majority of visitors to Thailand fall into the tourist category and require standard travel insurance. But there are also many thousands whose relationship to Thailand is more complicated, and because of this they need tailored travel and medical insurance. Throw in the added requirement for insurance to cover COVID-19 and finding cover that suits…Read More

The 7 Best Luggage Storage Options in Bangkok

If you want to enjoy Bangkok without the hassle of carrying your luggage around, there are a number of storage options to choose from, and all very reasonably priced, too. Even if you want to stash your luggage somewhere for a few days, or perhaps a week, while you hop over to Laos or Cambodia…Read More

An Easy Guide to Visa Exemption Stamp Rules

The visa exemption rule enables you to enter Thailand without needing to apply for a visa at a local Thai embassy or consulate. Thailand has an agreement with 64 countries that facilitates visa-free travel for tourist visitors. In this guide I will run through the entry requirements to help you ensure you are compliant for…Read More

The 6 Best TEFL Courses to Teach in Thailand in Thailand

Thinking about teaching English in Thailand? It’s a great choice, but first you’ll need a TEFL Certificate, as the Ministry of Education requires this. The good news is that you can take your TEFL in Thailand, or online. In this post, I’ll use my experience to help you understand exactly what it’s like being a…Read More

10 Things to Do in Pattaya Other Than Sit in a Bar

Pattaya is a city on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. The city has a tropical climate and is hot and humid throughout the year, with an average temperature of around 28°C. Sounds great, right? Well, the truth is, Pattaya doesn’t have the best reputation. It has…Read More

The 10 Most Luxurious 5* Hotels in Bangkok

While the majority of travelers spend a lot of energy finding the cheapest hotel options in Bangkok, some are looking for the exact opposite. Indeed, those with deeper pockets often seek the most luxurious options available. That being said, while such hotels are expensive, flash deals and out of season rates can make these best-in-class…Read More

My Personal Travel Insurance Recommendations (includes over 70s)

Traveling is an incredibly rewarding experience that changes your perspective on the world, on life, and on yourself. It’s exciting and, once you’ve booked, all that’s on your mind is taking off starting your adventure. But while traveling is a largely positive experience, things can go wrong. You’re stepping into the world of the unknown,…Read More

The Cost of Living in Thailand in 2023 – How Much Do You Need?

Let’s face it, one of the main reasons people move to Thailand is because it’s pretty cheap. It’s an awesome country, too, of course. But aside from anecdotal stories, what is the actual cost of living in Thailand? Well, while housing is very affordable, food items can be pretty expensive, depending on your dietary requirements…Read More

What to Do with One Day in Bangkok? My Personal Itinerary

24 hours isn’t long to spend in the City of Angels, and knowing what to do with one day in Bangkok is very challenging if you aren’t familiar with getting around the city. If you have limited time in Bangkok you need to be careful how you spend those hours, because traveling to one sight…Read More

15 Job Options for Foreigners Seeking Work in Thailand

Not a week goes past without an email landing in my inbox asking me about jobs in Thailand for expats. Now, there are lots of articles online talking about visas, work permits and how employment works in Thailand, but very few provide solid advice for actual jobs and career pathways. So, in this post, I’ll…Read More

Did It Really Snow in Thailand in 1955? (The Truth Revealed)

As parts of the Western world head into winter and the cold weather sets in, there’s one thing on everyone’s minds, “Will it snow this year”? Unsurprisingly, except for a few chilly mornings in the North, there’s no sign of snow in Thailand, yet! I’ll bet my house it won’t happen, but… According to Thailand’s…Read More

Thai Culture: 15 Customs You Should Know

Culture shock isn’t unusual for those new to Thailand, but it’s all part of the experience of traveling / living in another country. Customs may differ from region to region, too, and on your travels up and down the country you are likely to come across many different traditions, beliefs, and superstitions. However, the customs…Read More

15 Thai Love Phrases You Can Learn in 3 Minutes

If you’re chatting with a Thai woman, or man, online, on the phone, or in person, these Thai love phrases will help you bring a romantic element to your communication. To make things really easy for you, I’ve included the phrase written in Thai, so you can copy and paste into a chat app or…Read More

Minimum Wage in Thailand – For Foreigners & Thais

Did you know there is a minimum wage for foreign nationals working in Thailand? How much you get paid depends on your country of origin. Here’s how it works out: 60,000 Baht/month: Canada, Japan and the United States of America 50,000 Baht/month: Europe (including the United Kingdom) and Australia 45,000 Baht/month: Hong Kong, Malaysia, South…Read More