Plans worth making in Thailand

Food, nights out, concerts, markets and the small stuff that makes a trip easier. When you'd rather not go alone, a Thai friend can come along.

A noodle cart on Soi Ari Samphan in Ari, Bangkok, with shophouses across the lane

Ari, Bangkok: a Saturday in 14 stops, from breakfast to the bar

A Saturday in Ari, Bangkok: 14 checked cafes, Thai restaurants and shops by soi, with hours, prices, what to order and the walk from BTS Ari.

23 October 2026Read the post

Wat Arun lit gold at night across the Chao Phraya River, with a lit-up boat passing

Bangkok at night: 15 things to do beyond Khao San Road

Things to do in Bangkok at night beyond Khao San Road: jazz bars, rooftops, Muay Thai, a river cruise and late food, with stations, hours and last trains.

23 October 2026Read the post

Sky Bar on the 64th floor of State Tower in Bangkok at dusk, with the city and the Chao Phraya River behind

Best rooftop bars in Bangkok by budget, with 2026 prices

12 Bangkok rooftop bars checked in October 2026, cheap to splurge: drink prices, entry fees, dress codes, hours and the walk from the station.

23 October 2026Read the post

IMPACT Arena at Muang Thong Thani lit up at night, its curved roof over the IMPACT sign

IMPACT Arena Bangkok: how to get there, eat, and get home after the show

How to get to IMPACT Arena Bangkok on the Pink Line, which exit for your hall, where to eat, and how to get home at 11pm, with 2026 last trains checked.

23 October 2026Read the post

Squid and cuttlefish skewers on the grill at a stall on Yaowarat Road, under Chinatown's neon signs

Yaowarat street food: what to order on your first night in Chinatown

Bangkok street food at its best: a first night on Yaowarat Road, stall by stall, with what to order, prices, Monday closures and the MRT exit.

23 October 2026Read the post

Potted plants and old wooden shophouse doors outside a Mother Roaster cafe in Bangkok

Best cafes in Bangkok: 19 worth the trip, area by area

The Bangkok cafes worth crossing town for, by area and BTS or MRT station, with what to order, prices, hours and when it's quiet. Checked Oct 2026.

22 October 2026Read the post

The Chao Phraya River at sunset in early December, seen from Talat Noi, with boats lit up on the water

Bangkok in December: the weather, what's on in 2026, and what to book early

Bangkok in December is dry, with highs near 32°C and the year's coolest nights. The 2026 holidays, the countdowns and what to book early.

22 October 2026Read the post

The Chao Phraya River and the Tha Tien bank seen from the central tower of Wat Arun

Bangkok itinerary for 3 days: one line a day, with 2, 4 and 5-day versions

A 3-day Bangkok itinerary that keeps each day on one boat, MRT or BTS line, with stations, meals, rain plans and October 2026 hours. Plus 2, 4 and 5 days.

22 October 2026Read the post

Neon signs over Yaowarat Road in Bangkok's Chinatown at night

Bangkok night markets in 2026: which one to go to, night by night

Which Bangkok night market to go to each night: Jodd Fairs, the Srinakarin train market, Chinatown and more, with MRT exits, food and last trains.

22 October 2026Read the post

A latte with a heart and wings poured in the foam, on a wooden tray at a Chiang Mai cafe

Chiang Mai cafes: 16 worth the trip, area by area

Chiang Mai cafes worth the trip, by area: Nimman, the Old City, Santitham, Wat Ket and Mae Rim, with what to order, hours and closed days.

22 October 2026Read the post

Two friends clinking beers over a mookata grill in Bangkok

Basic Thai phrases: how to say hello, and 40 more that get a smile

Basic Thai phrases for visitors, in Thai script with easy spelling: how to say hello, khrap or kha, the wai, ordering food, taxis and numbers.

21 October 2026Read the post

Two friends trying grilled snacks at the Chiang Mai Sunday night market

Loy Krathong 2026: the date, where to go, and how to float a krathong

Loy Krathong 2026 falls on Tuesday 24 November. Where to float a krathong in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Yi Peng lantern rules, and getting home after.

21 October 2026Read the post

A Thai friend and a visitor laughing over drinks at a Bangkok rooftop bar at dusk

How to meet locals in Thailand (and make Thai friends)

How to meet locals in Thailand: language exchanges, run clubs, badminton crews and campus markets, plus how Thai friendships work, from LINE to kreng jai.

21 October 2026Read the post