Category: Thailand Notebook

When people think of Bangkok, they often picture traffic jams, skyscrapers, busy markets and a city that never stops. But the Thai capital is much more than that first impression.

Splitting part of my time between Belgium and Bangkok, I have learnt that a city is best discovered when you give it time to show its different sides. Here are five ideas for seeing Bangkok differently.

1. Explore one neighbourhood rather than the whole city

It is tempting to try to see as many places as possible in a single day. Yet choosing one neighbourhood and taking the time to wander around it can be far more enjoyable. Look at the side streets, the shops, the façades and the rhythms of daily life.

Plan a few stops, but also give yourself the freedom to pause when something catches your eye.

2. See Bangkok from the river

The Chao Phraya offers another view of the city. Boats let you see the riverbanks, the temples and the contrasts between different districts. Depending on your route, the river can also be a practical way to reach certain sights.

Check the lines and timetables before you set off, as services vary between operators and at different times of day.

3. Take time to taste the local food

Food is part of the journey. Markets and restaurants offer a wide range of dishes, from mild preparations to very spicy recipes. Ask for advice if you do not know a dish, and explain your dietary needs if you have an allergy or restriction.

The most important thing is to stay curious while choosing what suits you.

4. Choose transport to fit your plans

The BTS Skytrain and the MRT can be very useful for getting around many areas. Ride-hailing apps can also make some journeys easier. The right choice depends on where you are going, the time of day and your luggage.

Before you leave, find your station or pick-up point. A little preparation can save you a lot of detours.

5. Plan some breaks

The heat, the noise and all the travelling can make a day tiring. Bring water, plan breaks and keep your schedule realistic. You will enjoy the city more if you do not spend your stay rushing from one place to the next.

A city to discover at your own pace

Bangkok can be intense, surprising, traditional and modern all at once. There is no single right way to discover it: everyone shapes their trip around what they enjoy.

On mrschaka.com, I share my practical guides and my projects about Thailand, including the Thaïlande en poche app. Before you travel, always check entry requirements and transport information with official sources, as they can change.

If you have already visited Bangkok, which place or memory stayed with you the most? And if you dream of going, what would you like to discover first?

Do you love Thailand? Find more tips and share this article with your travel companions.

To go further

Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Bangkok – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.

Buy the English ebook – €3.00

Muang Boran Ancient City squeezes the whole of Thailand into one huge park in Samut Prakan, right on Bangkok’s doorstep. Temples, palaces and rebuilt villages are spread across a giant map of the country. Here is how I plan this trip, with 2026 prices and my tips for beating the heat.

What exactly is Muang Boran?

Muang Boran (“ancient city” in Thai), also called Ancient City or Ancient Siam, is an open-air museum created by Lek Viriyaphant and his wife Praphai. The same businessman was behind the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya and the Erawan Museum. The park opened in 1972.

The site covers around 128 hectares (316 acres according to the official website) and its layout follows the shape of Thailand: each region has its own monuments, placed roughly according to their real location. There are about 116 structures. Some are replicas, often scaled down, others are reconstructions of buildings that no longer exist, and a few are genuine old houses taken apart and rebuilt here.

The appeal: seeing sites scattered all over the country in a single day, in a green and peaceful park. It is nothing like a theme park.

Monuments not to miss

• Sanphet Prasat Palace: a reconstruction of a throne hall of the old royal palace of Ayutthaya, destroyed when the city fell in 1767.
• Prasat Phra Viharn: a replica of the famous Khmer temple, perched on a hill. The climb is worth it for the view over the park.
• Mount Sumeru: the mountain at the centre of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.
• Dusit Maha Prasat Palace: a replica of the famous pavilion at Bangkok’s Grand Palace.
• Pavilion of the Enlightened: a very photogenic traditional pavilion, best kept for the end of the day.
• The floating market: a few stalls along the canals, handy for a drink or a simple meal.

Bike, golf cart or tram: how to get around

The park is far too big to see on foot. You have three options.

By bike

This is my favourite. The paths are flat and quiet. Depending on the period, bikes have either been included in the ticket or rented as an extra, at around 150 THB a day according to recent reports. Ask at the ticket desk what your ticket covers.

By electric golf cart

Ideal for families or if you struggle with the heat. Expect from around 350 THB for the first hour for a four-seater cart (recently reported price, check on site). The driver must be at least 18 and hold a Thai or international driving licence.

By guided tram

Trams loop around the main monuments several times a day. Restful, but the stops are short. Check the price and departure times at the ticket desk.

Opening hours and prices for 2026

• Open daily from 9am to 7pm, last ticket sales at 6pm.
• Foreign adult: 800 THB.
• Child aged 6 to 14: 400 THB.
• Private car: 400 THB per vehicle, on top of the tickets.
• Foreigners living in Thailand: Thai price on showing a work permit or a Thai driving licence.

Prices checked on the official website in 2026. Some online booking platforms sometimes offer slightly cheaper tickets.

#Thailand #Bangkok #ThailandTravel #TravelTips #Asia #MrSchaka

How to get there from Bangkok

The easiest way: the BTS Sukhumvit line (the green one) to the end of the line at Kheha, in Samut Prakan. From the centre, allow just under an hour depending on where you start. Everything about the network is in my guide to getting around Bangkok.

From Kheha, the Ancient City is only a few minutes away by road. Take a taxi or a Grab (5 to 10 minutes), or songthaew no. 36, a shared pick-up that only leaves when full and costs a few baht. A free weekend shuttle has run from the station in the past: check before you go.

Another option: a Grab from your hotel, about an hour without traffic jams, much longer at rush hour.

How long to stay and when to go

Allow at least half a day, ideally 3 to 4 hours on site.

The real challenge is the heat: some parts of the park have very little shade. My advice: arrive around 2.30pm or 3pm and stay until closing time. The late afternoon light is beautiful on the temples and the temperature finally becomes bearable. Opening time at 9am is the other good slot.

Combine it with the Erawan Museum

The Erawan Museum, designed by the same founder, is also in Samut Prakan, about 450 m from BTS Chang Erawan station, on the same line, a few stops before Kheha. You will recognise it by its gigantic three-headed elephant. The museum in the morning, the Ancient City in the afternoon, and your day is well filled. Check its opening hours and price before you go.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Hat, sun cream and plenty of water: shade is rare between the monuments.
• Take a photo of the map at the entrance, you will use it all afternoon.
• Do not try to see everything: pick two or three regions and take your time.
• Keep your passport on you if you rent a golf cart, it may be requested.
• Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees to enter the shrines.
• Weekdays are quieter; at weekends there are more Thai families.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book my ticket in advance?

No, you can easily buy it at the entrance. Booking online can sometimes save you a few baht.

Is Muang Boran good for children?

Yes. Children love the space and the bikes. A child ticket costs 400 THB for ages 6 to 14.

What else can I do around Bangkok?

Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi or the floating markets: find my ideas for day trips from Bangkok.

To go further

Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Bangkok – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.

Buy the English ebook – €3.00

Jomtien Beach starts just south of Pattaya, on the other side of Pratumnak Hill. Same sea, same sun, but a slower pace: people come here to swim, walk by the water and eat grilled fish, not to rush from one attraction to the next.

Who will enjoy Jomtien Beach?

Jomtien mainly attracts people who want the sea without the bustle of the centre. Families find a long strip of sand, sunbeds to rent and plenty of simple restaurants. Long stays are common, especially among European retirees who spend the winter by the sea.

For older travellers, it is a good compromise. The ground is flat, distances are short and songthaews pass constantly along Beach Road.

Water sports fans are not forgotten. Jomtien has long been known for windsurfing, and several kitesurfing schools operate further south, towards Na Jomtien. The wind is not reliable all year round: check with the schools before booking a lesson.

The different parts of the beach

The beach stretches for about 6 km. It has three distinct moods.

• Dongtan, in the north: the stretch closest to Pratumnak and central Pattaya. Shorter, and pleasant for a late-afternoon walk.
• Central Jomtien: the heart of the beach, along Jomtien Beach Road. Sunbeds, umbrellas, small restaurants, jet-ski hire and parasailing.
• Na Jomtien, in the south: quieter and more spread out, already in Sattahip district. Less transport, more room on the sand.

The seafront has undergone a long renovation: a new drainage system under the road, redesigned pavements and parking. Beach Road went back to two-way traffic in late December 2025.

Where to eat in Jomtien

In the evening, the easiest option is the Jomtien night market, opposite the beach, easy to spot thanks to the windmill at the entrance. Stalls open around 5pm and close around 11pm. You will find salt-crusted fish, grilled seafood, som tam and desserts, far cheaper than on the seafront.

At the weekend, the Thepprasit night market, on Thepprasit Road towards Sukhumvit, is worth the trip: it is in full swing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, roughly from 5.30pm to 11pm.

For a sit-down seafood meal, the beachfront restaurants display their fish on ice. Always ask for the price per weight before choosing, and have it written down.

How to get to Jomtien

From Suvarnabhumi Airport or Bangkok

The most convenient option is Roong Reuang Coach bus 389, on level 1 of the airport (gate 8). It serves Pattaya and ends at its Jomtien terminal, at the start of the beach. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours and a ticket of roughly 140 to 170 baht (prices checked in 2026, confirm on the operator’s website). From Bangkok, buses leave the Ekkamai and Mo Chit bus stations for North Pattaya bus station; you then need a songthaew or taxi to Jomtien.

From central Pattaya

Songthaews (also called baht buses) are blue pick-ups with bench seats. There is not always a direct route: you often change in South Pattaya, at the Second Road junction, then take a songthaew that runs along Jomtien Beach Road. A shared ride usually costs 10 to 20 baht per person (prices checked in 2026). If you climb into an empty vehicle and ask for a specific address, it is a private hire: agree the price first.

#Thailand #Bangkok #ThailandTravel #TravelTips #Asia #MrSchaka

Which season to choose and how to swim safely

The best period runs from November to February: drier skies, bearable heat and an often calm sea. From March to May, it is very hot. From May to October, it is the rainy season, with short but heavy showers and a sea that can be rougher; September and October are often the wettest months.

At the end of the rainy season, jellyfish are sometimes reported in Jomtien Bay. Follow the signs and flags: a red flag means you should not swim. Preferably swim near the lifeguard posts.

Where to stay in Jomtien

• Dongtan and northern Jomtien: close to Pratumnak and central Pattaya, handy for combining the beach with trips into town.
• Central Jomtien: the best choice for a first stay, with markets, restaurants and songthaews on the doorstep.
• Na Jomtien: for peace and quiet, large condos and long stays, as long as you accept longer journeys.

If you are torn between Jomtien and the neighbouring hill, read our article on Pratumnak, the other side of Pattaya. And to fill your days, our guide to things to do in Pattaya brings the sights together.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Always carry small coins and 20-baht notes for the songthaews.
• Get to the night market before 6pm to find a table without waiting.
• For a jet ski, photograph the machine before setting off and agree the price in writing.
• Protect yourself from the sun between 11am and 3pm: the glare off the sand is strong.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jomtien Beach suitable for children?

Yes. The sand is long, the slope gentle and the atmosphere calm. Stay near the lifeguards and watch the flags, especially in the rainy season.

How much is a songthaew between Pattaya and Jomtien?

On a shared ride, expect 10 to 20 baht per person, sometimes with a change in South Pattaya. A private hire is negotiated before you get in.

When can you kitesurf in Jomtien?

The wind depends on the monsoon and varies from year to year. The schools in Na Jomtien will tell you which weeks are most reliable: contact them before you come.

To go further

Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Pattaya – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.

Buy the English ebook – €3.00

Every year, on the full moon that closes Buddhist Lent, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Mekong to watch for the Naga fireballs. In 2026, the date is Monday 26 October, in Nong Khai province, facing Laos. Here is how to get there from Bangkok, where to stand and how to enjoy the night respectfully.

Ok Phansa 2026: the right date

The phenomenon is expected on the night of Ok Phansa (or Awk Phansa), which marks the end of the monks’ three-month retreat. In the Thai lunar calendar, it falls on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 11th month. In 2026, that is Monday 26 October.

Celebrations run for several days around that date. Announced programmes go roughly from 22 to 28 October in Nong Khai town, and into early November in Phon Phisai. Exact dates can shift, so check them locally or with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) before booking.

What you see, and what people say

After dark, reddish glowing balls seem to rise out of the river. They climb silently, with no smoke, for several dozen metres, then vanish. Some nights you count a handful; on others, many more. They come in bursts, with long waits in between.

For many locals, they are sent by the Phaya Nak, the great mythical serpent of the Mekong, as an offering to the Buddha. Hence the Thai name, Bung Fai Phaya Nak. Others suggest natural explanations, such as gases from the muddy riverbed, or human ones, such as flares fired from the other bank. No theory convinces everyone. My advice: come for the atmosphere and the devotion, not to settle the debate. And keep mocking remarks to yourself in the crowd.

Where to watch: Phon Phisai and the Nong Khai riverbanks

Nong Khai town has the main stage, the food stalls and most of the hotels. It is convenient, but usually few fireballs are seen there.

Most sightings are reported further downstream, in Phon Phisai district, about 50 km from town, and further on towards Rattanawapi. The banks are set up for the festival and access to the riverside is free. Arrive before sunset to find a spot, and plan to stay late.

There is no official shuttle to Phon Phisai. The easiest option is to hire a car with a driver and agree on a return time in advance: the roads are very busy after the show.

Processions, illuminated boats and almsgiving

The fireball night is only part of the festival. Previous editions have featured a wax castle procession, illuminated boats on the Mekong (Lai Ruea Fai), long-boat races, shows about the Naga legend and street markets. The 2026 programme is not yet detailed everywhere, so ask locally.

The next morning, many temples hold Tak Bat Devo, a large almsgiving to the monks. If you attend, stay discreet, dress properly and do not walk in front of people praying to get a photo.

#Thailand #Bangkok #ThailandTravel #TravelTips #Asia #MrSchaka

How to get there from Bangkok

By night train

This is my favourite option. Special Express No. 25 leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat station at around 20:25 and reaches Nong Khai at around 06:30, after a stop in Udon Thani. Expect about 900 to 1,000 THB for a second-class sleeper berth (fares to be checked, they change). Book early on the State Railway of Thailand website: these dates sell out fast.

By plane, then by road

The flight from Bangkok to Udon Thani takes about an hour. After that, it is roughly 55 km by road to Nong Khai, by minivan, taxi or hire car. Fares climb as the festival approaches.

By bus

Buses leave from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), mostly in the evening. The journey takes about 10 hours, from around 450 THB depending on the company and class (indicative price, to be checked). It is the cheapest option, not the most comfortable.

Where to stay, crowds and heat

Hotels in Nong Khai and Phon Phisai are full weeks ahead. Book as soon as you can, or stay in the larger city of Udon Thani and accept the drive. Riverside homestays are a lovely option if you can find one with space.

Expect dense crowds, especially on the evening of the 26th. It is still hot and humid in late October, mosquitoes are out and the banks are poorly lit. To explore the rest of the region, read my guide to Isan, the authentic northeast.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Book your train and accommodation now: everything fills up in late October.
• Reach the riverbank before sunset and bring plenty of patience.
• Pack a head torch, mosquito repellent, water and a small mat.
• Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, especially near temples.
• Do not mock local beliefs or push anyone aside for a photo. Brush up on the etiquette rules in Thailand.
• Agree on a return time with your driver before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

When can you see the Naga fireballs in 2026?

On the night of Ok Phansa, Monday 26 October 2026. Sightings are sometimes reported the night before and the night after.

Are you sure to see fireballs?

No. Their number varies a lot from year to year and from place to place. Phon Phisai remains the most often mentioned area.

What is the best way to get there from Bangkok?

The night train to arrive rested, or a flight to Udon Thani if you are short of time. Either way, book early.

To go further

Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Isan – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.

Buy the English ebook – €3.00

It is three in the morning, Bangkok is half asleep, yet one street near the river is overflowing with jasmine, marigolds and orchids. Welcome to Pak Khlong Talat, the Bangkok flower market locals have relied on for generations. Here is how to visit at the right time without getting in the way of the people who work there.

Pak Khlong Talat, a market that never closes

Pak Khlong Talat sits in the Phra Nakhon district, on Chak Phet Road, right next to Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut). It is first and foremost a wholesale market: florists, street vendors and restaurants come here to stock up. The stalls are open 24 hours a day, every day, but the atmosphere changes completely depending on the hour.

The place has a long history. Under Rama I it was a floating market, then a fish market under Rama V, before becoming the big fruit, vegetable and flower market we know today. Since 2016, the vendors who used to fill the pavements have been moved inside the market halls. So it is less chaotic than it once was, but just as lively.

When to go: at night or at dawn

The big moment is at night. Roughly between midnight and 5am, lorries and pick-ups arrive from nearby provinces, mainly Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. Flowers that like cooler weather sometimes come from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Sacks pile up, porters rush about, prices are haggled out loud. It is noisy, wet and fascinating.

If you are not a night owl, come between 5am and 8am. There is still plenty going on, the morning light is lovely and the heat is still bearable. Late morning and in the afternoon, the market slows right down: you can still buy, but you miss the show.

What you will see: jasmine, orchids, lotus

The stars are the phuang malai, garlands of jasmine, marigolds and rosebuds offered at temples, hung from taxi mirrors or placed in front of shrines. In some aisles, women thread them flower by flower at astonishing speed. Take a moment to watch them work.

Further on you will find buckets of orchids in every colour, bunches of lotus buds, mountains of orange marigolds and roses sold by the bundle. Bunches of flowers start at around 50 THB, and small offering garlands often cost a few dozen baht (prices noted in 2026, varying with the season and festivals). Alongside the flowers, part of the market is still devoted to fruit and vegetables.

The Yodpiman building and the riverside

On the Chao Phraya side, the Yodpiman building is a former port warehouse that has been part of the flower market since 1961. Now renovated, it hosts a riverside walk with shops and cafés behind colonial-style façades. It is a good spot to catch your breath after the bustle of the halls and watch the boats go by. Shop opening hours vary: check on the spot.

#Thailand #Bangkok #ThailandTravel #TravelTips #Asia #MrSchaka

Getting there: MRT or boat

The easiest option is the metro: Sanam Chai station on the MRT Blue Line is about ten minutes’ walk from the market. Bear in mind the metro does not run all night: for a 3am visit, you will need a taxi or a Grab.

By river, the Chao Phraya Express Boat stops at Memorial Bridge pier (N6), right next to the market. There is also a Yodpiman pier (N6/1), between Memorial Bridge and Rajini (N7), but not every line stops there: check before you set off. To make sense of the lines and piers, read my guide to getting around Bangkok by BTS, MRT and boat.

Combine it with Wat Pho and the Grand Palace

The market is an ideal start to a day in the old town. Arrive around 6am, wander among the flowers for an hour, have breakfast at a local food stall, then walk about ten minutes to Wat Pho and its giant Reclining Buddha. The Grand Palace is right next door. You will be among the first in when the temples open, usually around 8am to 8.30am, ahead of the crowds and the worst of the heat. Check opening times and prices on the spot.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Closed shoes: the floor is often wet from ice and water from the buckets.
• Keep to the side: porters and trolleys will not stop for you. Never block an aisle for a photo.
• Ask before photographing a vendor close up. A smile and a nod towards your camera is usually enough.
• Do not touch the garlands or flowers unless you mean to buy.
• Bring cash in small notes: cards are rarely accepted.
• Haggle gently, or not at all: prices are already low.
• Dress respectfully if you are heading on to the temples: shoulders and knees covered.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bangkok flower market really open 24 hours?

Yes, Pak Khlong Talat runs day and night, every day. But most of the activity happens between midnight and early morning. In the afternoon, many stalls are quiet.

What is the best time to visit?

Between 3am and 5am for the wholesale buzz, between 5am and 8am for a good balance of activity, light and cooler air.

Can tourists buy flowers there?

Of course. A bunch of flowers or a small jasmine garland costs very little. It makes a lovely gift for your hotel, or an offering to leave at a temple.

To go further

Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Bangkok – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.

Buy the English ebook – €3.00

Before Ayutthaya, before Bangkok, there was Sukhothai. Sukhothai Historical Park holds the ruins of the first great Siamese capital, from the 13th century: serene Buddhas, ponds and lotus-bud chedis. Here is how to get there from Bangkok, how to plan your visit and where to stay.

Getting to Sukhothai from Bangkok

Sukhothai lies about 430 km north of Bangkok. You have three options, depending on your budget and time.

By bus: the easiest

Buses leave from the Northern Bus Terminal at Mo Chit (Chatuchak). Allow about 6 to 8 hours depending on the company and stops, for around 370 to 500 THB (prices checked in 2026). There are morning departures and night buses. Most arrive at the bus station in the new town; a few services also stop near the historical park.

By train via Phitsanulok

Sukhothai has no railway station. Take the Northern Line from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Phitsanulok: about 5.5 to 7 hours, from around 200 THB in third class to around 800 THB for a second-class sleeper. Then a local bus reaches Sukhothai in about an hour, for 50 to 70 THB.

By plane

Bangkok Airways links Suvarnabhumi with Sukhothai Airport in about 1 hour 20 minutes, with only a few flights a day. The airport is far from town, so plan for a shuttle (around 300 THB per person). Another idea: fly from Don Mueang to Phitsanulok, then take the bus. Fares vary a lot, so compare before booking.

Park zones and tickets

The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is split into several zones. The three main ones are paid separately: the central zone, the northern zone and the western zone, each around 100 THB for foreign visitors, with the ticket valid for the day. The smaller southern and eastern zones are often free or nearly free; check on the spot.

A bicycle adds around 10 THB per zone. The park opens early, at about 6.30am. The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, right next to the main entrance, is paid separately (around 150 THB).

Exploring the park by bike

Cycling is the smart choice in Sukhothai. The ground is flat, the paths are wide and the zones are several kilometres apart. Rental shops opposite the main entrance charge around 30 THB for the day.

Set off early. At 7am the light is soft, it is still cool and the coach tours have not arrived. Between 11am and 3pm the heat quickly becomes hard going, so that is the time for lunch and a break in the shade. Come back in the late afternoon for sunset over the ponds.

#Thailand #Bangkok #ThailandTravel #TravelTips #Asia #MrSchaka

Three temples you shouldn’t miss

Wat Mahathat

The heart of the central zone and the main temple of the old city, next to the remains of the royal palace. The great lotus-bud chedi rises above rows of columns and seated Buddhas. It is the most photographed spot in the park, so go there at opening time.

Wat Si Chum

In the northern zone. A tall, roofless mondop shelters a huge seated Buddha, around fifteen metres high, which you first glimpse through a narrow opening. The effect is striking. Legend says the statue “spoke”, thanks to a hidden passage in the wall.

Wat Sa Si

This small temple sits on an island in the middle of Traphang Trakuan pond, north of Wat Mahathat. You reach it by a wooden bridge. With its bell-shaped chedi reflected in the water, it is one of the loveliest places in the park at the end of the day.

How many days and where to stay

One full day is enough for the central and northern zones. With two days you can add the western zone, wilder and hillier, and the museum, without rushing. From Bangkok, plan at least two nights there.

The old town, around the park, is quiet. You will find guesthouses and a few boutique hotels a few minutes by bike from the temples. Perfect for being there at sunrise. The new town, about 12 km away, offers more choice, often lower prices, a night market and the bus station. Songthaews run to the park for around 30 THB. My advice: stay in the old town if you are only there for the temples.

Sukhothai is also famous for Loy Krathong, the festival of lights, celebrated on a grand scale in the park with shows and lanterns. The dates change every year with the lunar calendar, so check them before booking, as accommodation fills up fast. If you love old stones, combine it with an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Rent your bike as soon as you arrive and start with the central zone before 8am.
• Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: there is little shade between the zones.
• Dress respectfully for the temples: shoulders and knees covered, and no climbing on statues.
• The cool season, roughly November to February, is the most pleasant time to cycle.
• Book your bus or train a few days ahead at weekends and on Thai public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Can you do Sukhothai as a day trip from Bangkok?

Not realistically. The bus takes at least 6 hours each way. Plan at least two nights there.

How much does Sukhothai Historical Park cost?

Around 100 THB per paid zone for foreigners, plus around 10 THB for a bike. Visiting the three main zones therefore costs around 300 THB, excluding the bike.

Is it better to stay in the new town or the old town?

The old town to be at the temples at dawn; the new town for more choice, more restaurants and gentler prices.

To go further

Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Secret Thailand – Where Nobody Goes – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.

Buy the English ebook – €3.00

Koh Chang from Bangkok is an easy overland trip to an island of sea, jungle and waterfalls, with no flight needed. Here is the journey step by step, prices checked in 2026, the west coast beaches and the best time to go.

Getting from Bangkok to Koh Chang

Koh Chang lies about 300 km east of Bangkok, in Trat province, near the Cambodian border. First you reach the mainland near Laem Ngop, then you cross by ferry. Plan on a full day door to door.

By bus from Ekkamai

The Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) is the classic starting point. Buses to Trat leave from 5am, for about 315 THB and 5 to 6 hours on the road. Even handier: a government bus (the “999”) usually leaves around 7.45am and runs straight to Ao Thammachat pier, for about 330 THB. You arrive in the early afternoon. Check times the day before.

If you end up at Trat bus station, a shared songthaew takes you to the pier for about 60 THB per person.

By minivan, ferry included

Minivans leave from Khao San, Suvarnabhumi Airport and other points in Bangkok and drop you at your hotel on the island. The ferry is included. Expect about 700 to 900 THB and 6 to 8 hours depending on stops. Easy with luggage, but not very comfortable.

By plane to Trat

Bangkok Airways links Suvarnabhumi to Trat in about an hour, with a few flights a day. The airport is around 20 km from the pier, and shuttles with the ferry included take you to your hotel.

The ferry from Laem Ngop: Ao Thammachat or Centrepoint?

Two companies used to share the crossing. Today it is mainly the Ao Thammachat ferry that runs: it sails to Ao Sapparot, in the north-west of the island, in 30 to 40 minutes. Departures are frequent, roughly every 45 minutes, from 7am to 7pm. A foot passenger ticket costs about 80 to 90 THB one way, paid in cash at the booth.

The Centrepoint ferry, a little further along the same road, has been closed in recent years. Ask locally. On arrival, white songthaews wait at the pier. Rough prices per person: about 50 THB to White Sand Beach, 100 THB to Lonely Beach and 150 THB to Bang Bao.

The west coast beaches

Beach life is concentrated on the west coast, along a single road between sea and hills.

• White Sand Beach: the longest and liveliest, with restaurants, shops and hotels for every budget. The northern end is quieter.
• Klong Prao: a wide, calmer sandy beach with pleasant resorts and a lagoon. Ideal for families.
• Kai Bae: a small sheltered bay with shallow water and views of the islets offshore. A good base for snorkelling.
• Lonely Beach: the backpacker hub, with simple bungalows and a young crowd in the evening. The sunsets are superb.
• Bang Bao: a fishing village on stilts at the southern tip. Go for the seafood restaurants and the boat trips that leave from here.

#Thailand #Bangkok #ThailandTravel #TravelTips #Asia #MrSchaka

Koh Chang’s waterfalls

Around 70% of the island is covered in forest, protected by Mu Ko Chang National Park. The best-known waterfall is Klong Plu, about a kilometre inland from Klong Prao beach. A 600-metre trail gets you there in 15 to 20 minutes. Park entry costs about 200 THB per adult, and the same ticket covers Than Mayom on the east coast on the same day.

The small Kai Bae waterfall can be reached on foot from the beach. The smaller falls often run dry from February.

When to go: end of the monsoon and high season

High season runs from November to April. From November to February the sea is calm, the sky is clear and underwater visibility is excellent. March and April are hotter but still dry. From May to October, the south-west monsoon hits this coast hard: heavy showers, rough seas and some hotels closed.

My favourite time is the end of the monsoon, from late October to December. The forest is green, the waterfalls are full and prices stay reasonable before the Christmas peak. If you are still torn between several islands, compare the options before you book.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Leave Bangkok early: the last ferry leaves the mainland around 7pm, and the road can be busy at weekends.
• Carry cash: the ferry, songthaews and park entry are all paid in baht.
• On the island, the road between beaches is steep and winding. Avoid scooters unless you are an experienced rider.
• Book your accommodation ahead for Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
• Agree the songthaew fare before you get in, especially at night when prices go up.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?

Allow 6 to 8 hours by bus or minivan, ferry included. Flying to Trat is quicker, but you need to add the transfer to the pier and the crossing.

How much is the ferry to Koh Chang?

About 80 to 90 THB per foot passenger one way on the Ao Thammachat ferry (prices checked in 2026). You pay in cash at the pier ticket booth.

Which beach should I choose on Koh Chang?

White Sand Beach for a lively atmosphere, Klong Prao or Kai Bae for families, Lonely Beach for the backpacker vibe. Bang Bao is mostly worth a visit for its stilt village.

To go further

Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Secret Thailand – Where Nobody Goes – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.

Buy the English ebook – €3.00

The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya is a palace-temple around 105 metres tall, carved entirely from wood and set right by the sea in Naklua. For me, it is the most surprising visit on Thailand’s east coast. Here is its story, what you will see, opening hours, 2026 prices and how to get there from the centre.

A wooden dream started in 1981

The Sanctuary was the idea of a Thai businessman, Lek Viriyaphan, backed by his wife Praphai. The same couple created the Ancient City (Muang Boran) and the Erawan Museum near Bangkok. Lek loved art, religion and philosophy. He wanted to preserve old craft skills and remind people of a simple idea: science brings comfort, but it cannot lift the mind on its own.

Work began in 1981. Lek died in 2000 and his family carried on. More than forty years later, the building is still not finished: carvers still work here, adding new pieces and restoring the ones damaged by the salty air. It is a museum of art and philosophy, not a temple where people come to pray, but the place is full of symbols and deserves respect.

Everything is made of wood: teak, mai daeng, takhian and other local timbers. The grounds cover about 13 hectares at the tip of a headland called Laem Ratchawet. You will often read that there are no nails and no concrete; what is certain is that every surface you see was cut by hand.

What you will see

From a distance, the outline looks like a dark cathedral facing the Gulf of Thailand. Up close, you see nothing but carvings: gods, mythical animals, scenes from legends and floral patterns, from the ground to the top. The styles blend Thai, Khmer, Chinese and Indian traditions.

Inside, the building is arranged around four large wings, each with a theme. The one facing the sea is about the origin of life and the universe. Another celebrates the sun and the moon, a third the love of parents, and the last humility, sacrifice and goodness. The guide explains the main scenes, and you soon realise nothing is there by chance.

The guided tour is included in the ticket. Tours leave at set times, in several languages including English. A hard hat is compulsory inside, since building work is still going on: you are lent one at the entrance. Around the building, you can watch the carvers at work in their workshop. Thai dance and martial arts displays take place during the day (one source gives 11.30am and 3.30pm, check on site). Other activities cost extra, such as the horse carriage or the boat.

Opening hours and prices (checked in 2026)

• Open every day from 8am to 6pm, last entry around 5pm.
• Night tour: in the evening, roughly 6.20pm to 8.30pm according to the official website, with the building lit up. Entry by about 7.30pm at the latest.
• Adult (140 cm and over): 500 THB by day, 700 THB in the evening.
• Child (about 110 to 140 cm): around 250 THB by day, price to confirm at the ticket desk.
• Online tickets on the official website: valid only on the date you choose, non-refundable.

Dress code

Shoulders and knees must be covered, for men and women alike. If you turn up in shorts or a vest, you will be lent a sarong at the entrance, sometimes against a deposit. The easiest option is to come in light trousers and a T-shirt with sleeves. Wear good shoes too: there are steps, and the wooden floor can be slippery.

#Thailand #Bangkok #ThailandTravel #TravelTips #Asia #MrSchaka

How to get there from central Pattaya

The Sanctuary is about 5 km north of the centre, in Naklua, at the end of Soi Naklua 12 (address: 206/2 Moo 5, Pattaya-Naklua Road).

• Grab or Bolt: the easiest option, 15 to 20 minutes from the centre, around 150 to 250 THB depending on traffic.
• Songthaew (baht bus): catch one heading north from the Dolphin Roundabout along Naklua Road, get off at Soi 12, then walk about 1 km. Very cheap, but slower. Ask the driver the price before you get on.
• Tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi: agree the price first, including waiting time if you want a return trip.

If you are coming from Bangkok for the day, allow about two hours by road to Pattaya. I cover this in my article on day trips from Bangkok.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Arrive at 8am: it is cooler, and the tour coaches have not arrived yet.
• Allow 2 to 3 hours on site, more if you love photography.
• Walk round the outside on the sea side: that is where the façade looks best.
• Look up. The finest carvings are often above your head.
• Bring water, a hat and sun cream: the site has very little shade.
• To see the wood under the lights, choose the night tour, which costs more but feels very different.
• Do not climb on or touch the carvings: they are fragile, and the staff keep an eye out.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit to the Sanctuary of Truth take?

Allow 2 to 3 hours with the guided tour and the walk around the outside. Half a day if you want to photograph everything.

Can I go in wearing shorts?

No, shoulders and knees must be covered. A sarong is lent at the entrance if needed, sometimes against a deposit.

Is the Sanctuary suitable for children?

Yes. Children pay a reduced price (around 250 THB for 110 to 140 cm) and wear a hard hat too. Keep them close on the stairs.

To go further

Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Pattaya – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.

Buy the English ebook – €3.00