Category: Thailand Notebook

About 180 km north-east of the capital, Khao Yai National Park is the easiest big forest to reach from Bangkok. Waterfalls, gibbons, wild elephants and cooler air: here is how to get there, what it costs and how much time to allow.

Why go to Khao Yai

The park covers more than 2,100 km² of forest and grassland. It is part of the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Khao Khieo viewpoint rises to about 1,290 m: the air is easier to breathe than in Bangkok, and nights can be cool.

How to get to Khao Yai from Bangkok

By car

Allow about 176 km to the northern entrance: Route 1, then Route 2 (Mittraphap) towards Saraburi and Pak Chong, then Route 2090 for the last 22 km. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. This is the most practical option, because distances inside the park are long.

By bus or minivan

Buses and minivans leave regularly from Mo Chit bus terminal for Pak Chong, for about 180 baht (check the price on the day). Allow 3 to 4 hours. Make sure your vehicle stops at Pak Chong: some go straight on to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).

By train to Pak Chong

Trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat station. The fastest leaves very early (around 6.10am) and takes just under 3 hours. A later rapid train takes about 3 hours 40 minutes, from about 85 baht in third class. Timetables change, so check them on the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) website. To reach the station, see getting around Bangkok.

From Pak Chong to the park

Songthaews (shared pick-ups) run between Pak Chong and the northern gate, roughly from 8am to 4.30pm. After that you need a vehicle: walking along the road to the visitor centre is not allowed. Without a car, the easiest options are to hire a scooter or book a day tour with an agency in Pak Chong.

Entrance fees and opening hours

Official Department of National Parks rates at the Pak Chong and Noen Hom gates (prices checked in 2026):

• Foreign adult: 400 baht
• Foreign child (under 14): 200 baht
• Car: 30 baht; motorbike: 20 baht
• Opening hours: daily, 6am to 6pm

The ticket is valid for the day: you can leave and come back the same day without paying again. Pay at the gate, or through the Department of National Parks e-ticket app. Bring cash.

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

Waterfalls and wildlife

Waterfalls not to miss

Haew Suwat is the best known: a drop of about 20 to 25 m into a large pool, made famous by the film The Beach. It lies about 10 km from the visitor centre. A trail of about 3 km links it to Pha Kluai Mai, smaller but charming.

Haew Narok is the tallest in the park: about 150 m over three tiers. It is 22 km from the visitor centre, followed by a 1 km walk and a steep staircase. Swimming is forbidden at all the waterfalls.

The animals

In the morning you hear the gibbons. Macaques hang around the roadsides, sambar deer graze the grasslands, and hornbills are easy to spot. Wild elephants sometimes cross the road.

In the evening, rangers run a night safari by pick-up: departures around 7pm and 8pm, 600 baht per vehicle (up to 8 people), to be booked at the visitor centre before 6pm.

Best season and how many days

From November to February it is dry and cool: the most pleasant time, but also the busiest. From June to October the waterfalls are spectacular, but leeches are out and some trails or viewpoints may close. In March and April it is hot and the waterfalls shrink. For the general climate, see the best time to visit Bangkok.

A day trip from Bangkok is possible by car, but it is a long day. Ideally, allow 2 days and 1 night. Take 3 days if you like hiking or want to do the night safari without rushing.

Where to stay

Most accommodation is in Pak Chong and along Route 2090 (Thanarat Road), between the town and the northern gate: guesthouses, hotels and resorts for every budget.

Inside the park, the Department of National Parks rents simple bungalows (from about 800 baht for two) and camping pitches (about 80 baht per person per night, tents for hire). At weekends and on Thai public holidays, book ahead.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Arrive early: the park opens at 6am and animals are more active in the morning.
• Fill up with fuel in Pak Chong; there is no petrol station in the heart of the park.
• Never feed the macaques and keep food out of sight.
• If you meet an elephant on the road: stay in the car, keep your distance, do not use the horn.
• Closed shoes and long socks in the rainy season, because of leeches.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Khao Yai in a day from Bangkok?

Yes, by car and with a very early start. But with 5 to 6 hours of driving there and back, a night on site is far more comfortable.

How much is the entrance fee for foreigners?

400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child under 14, plus 30 baht per car (prices checked in 2026).

Can you swim in the waterfalls?

No. Swimming is forbidden at the park’s waterfalls, mainly because of the currents.

Thai fruits are one of the great pleasures of a stay in Thailand. Durian, mangosteen, rambutan, mango: here is what they look like, when to find them, how to choose them and what to pay. Plus the rules to know before you carry a durian back to your hotel.

The stars of the hot and rainy seasons

Durian

A large green-brown fruit covered in spikes, with creamy yellow flesh. The taste is like almond custard, but the very strong smell divides people. The most common variety, monthong, is fairly mild: a good choice for a first try. Season: mainly April to August, peaking around May. To choose, ask the seller to open the fruit in front of you, or buy pieces in a tray: the flesh should be neither too hard nor too soft. In 2025, Rayong monthong sold for an average of 120 to 220 baht per kilo.

Mangosteen

A small ball with thick, dark purple skin and white flesh in segments. Sweet, slightly tangy and very refreshing. Peak season is around May and June, and it is often still around in summer. To open it, score the skin in a circle with a knife without cutting the flesh, then lift off the top. Careful: the purple juice stains. Choose skin that gives a little under your finger, not hard as wood. Expect 40 to 50 baht per kilo at a local market in season, up to 100 baht at tourist stalls (prices checked in 2026).

Rambutan and longan

Rambutan has red skin covered in soft hairs; longan has a thin beige skin. Both have translucent flesh around a stone, sweet and juicy, close to lychee. Rambutan is around from roughly May to September, longan mainly in July and August. Pinch the skin with your nails, pop the fruit in your mouth and spit out the stone. About 40 to 50 baht per kilo of rambutans at the market (2026).

Mango, dragon fruit, jackfruit and rose apple

Mango

The queen of summer. Nam dok mai, yellow and very sweet, is the best known. Season: late March to July, with about 70% of the crop reaching markets between March and May. A ripe mango gives slightly under your finger and smells sweet near the stem. Expect 50 to 60 baht per kilo at a local market (2026). The classic to try: mango sticky rice, around 140 baht a portion on average according to a 2025 estimate.

Dragon fruit

Bright pink skin with green scales, white or red flesh dotted with tiny black seeds. Very mild taste, with a texture close to kiwi. Cut it in half and eat it with a spoon, well chilled. It is available for much of the year, especially April to October. About 60 baht per kilo at the market (2026).

Jackfruit

A huge fruit with bumpy green skin, but no real spikes and no strong smell: do not mix it up with durian. Inside are firm, sweet yellow pods. Best period: roughly January to May.

Rose apple (chomphu)

A bell-shaped fruit with waxy green or pink skin. Crunchy, juicy and only lightly sweet: perfect in the heat. Available almost all year, best in the cool season, around December.

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

Where to buy fruit in Bangkok

Everywhere: street carts, neighbourhood markets, supermarkets. Carts sell ready-cut fruit in a bag with a wooden skewer.

For quality, head to Or Tor Kor market, opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market (MRT Kamphaeng Phet, exit 3). It opens every day, roughly 6am to 6pm. The fruit is superb and sellers let you taste, but prices are a little higher than elsewhere.

For lower prices, try Khlong Toei market (MRT Khlong Toei, exit 1), which opens very early, roughly 4am to 2pm. For getting there, see my guide to getting around Bangkok.

A simple rule: stalls in very touristy areas can charge up to double. Prices are per kilo; ask before the fruit is weighed.

Durian: the rules to know

Its smell clings to closed, air-conditioned spaces. As a result, many hotels put up a “No durian” sign at the entrance or in the lifts. Check your hotel’s rules before taking one up to your room.

The same goes for transport. Since May 2023, Bangkok’s public buses (BMTA) have banned durian on board, based on a 2014 directive against strong-smelling items. The BTS operator also asks passengers not to bring durian onto the train. For the MRT, taxis or planes, assume it is frowned upon or refused: check case by case.

The simplest solution: eat it on the spot, at the market.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Shop in the morning: the fruit is fresher and the markets are cooler.
• Follow the season: March to July is the time of plenty. For the weather, see the best time to visit Bangkok.
• Ask to taste: at good markets, it is normal.
• Start with cut fruit to try things cheaply before buying by the kilo.
• No durian in your room without the hotel’s agreement, and none in your suitcase.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best season for fruit in Thailand?

Roughly March to July: mango, durian, mangosteen and rambutan all arrive at the same time.

Can I take a durian back to my hotel?

Often not. Many hotels ban it because of the smell. Ask at reception, or eat it at the market.

How much does a kilo of mangoes cost?

About 50 to 60 baht at a local market in season, and 60 to 80 baht at tourist stalls (prices checked in 2026).

Erawan Falls is the finest place to swim in Kanchanaburi province: seven tiers of waterfalls and emerald-green pools deep in the forest. It lies about 65 km from Kanchanaburi town and can be done as a long day trip from Bangkok, as long as you set off early.

The 7 tiers of Erawan Falls

The waterfall is in Erawan National Park. It is named after the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology: the top tier is said to resemble its shape. A trail of about 2 km links the seven main tiers, from the visitor centre to the top.

Tiers 1 to 3: an easy stroll

The first three tiers are easy to reach along an almost flat path. The pools are shallow and suit children. This is where the crowds gather, especially around midday. An electric cart (about 20 baht) can take you roughly 700 m towards the first tiers.

Tiers 4 to 7: a short hike

After tier 4 the trail gets steeper: steps, roots, wet rocks and sometimes a rope to hold on to. There are fewer people and the pools feel wilder. Allow three to four hours on site to reach tier 7 without rushing and swim along the way. After heavy rain, rangers may close the upper section.

Swimming and fish

Swimming is allowed in most pools. The water is clear and cool. Most pools are shallow, but some have deep spots in the middle: if you are not a strong swimmer, stay near the edge. Changing rooms and toilets are near the first tiers.

You will not be alone in the water. The pools are full of fish, including small ones that nibble at your feet and legs. It does not hurt, it tickles. If it bothers you, keep your water shoes on.

Opening hours and entrance fee (prices checked in 2026)

• Opening hours: daily, from 8am to around 4.30pm, public holidays included.
• Last entry: around 3.30pm.
• Cut-off for the upper tiers: from around 3pm, rangers start sending visitors down from tier 7. To see the top, get in before midday.
• Entrance fee for foreigners: 300 baht per adult, 150 to 200 baht per child depending on the source (check on site).
• Vehicles: about 20 baht for a motorbike, 30 baht for a car.

Food is not allowed beyond tier 2, and bags may be checked. Plastic bottles are allowed against a deposit of about 20 baht per bottle, refunded when you come back down with the empty bottle.

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

How to get to Erawan Falls

From Kanchanaburi town

The simplest and cheapest way is local bus no. 8170 from Kanchanaburi bus station. The ride takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs about 60 baht per person each way. The first departure is around 8am, then roughly every one to two hours.

Watch the return: the last bus leaves Erawan at around 4pm or 4.30pm depending on the source. Check the timetable posted at the station that morning. Other options: rent a scooter in town (about an hour’s ride) or hire a private taxi for the day.

From Bangkok

It is about 200 km. First get to Kanchanaburi: a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), about 2 hours and just over 100 baht, or a train from Thonburi station, slower but very scenic. Then take bus 8170 to Erawan. Leaving Bangkok around 6am makes a day trip feasible, but ideally spend a night in Kanchanaburi. A private return taxi costs about 3,500 baht. Agencies also run day tours with a very early start. For more ideas, see our guide to day trips from Bangkok.

What to bring

• Swimwear, plus a T-shirt to swim covered up, which is more respectful.
• Water shoes or hiking sandals with a good grip. Flip-flops slip on wet limestone.
• A small towel and a dry bag for your phone and money.
• Water in a reusable bottle, which saves you the deposit.
• Sun cream and insect repellent, put on before you arrive so you do not pollute the pools.
• Small notes for the entrance, the cart and the bus.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Take the first bus at 8am: you will reach the upper tiers before the groups arrive.
• Walk up to tier 7 first, then swim on the way down. The lower pools are busier.
• Eat before you climb, near the entrance: food is banned beyond tier 2.
• In the rainy season the flow is stronger, the water often less clear, and the upper section may be closed. From November to February the weather is more pleasant. See also the best time to visit Bangkok.
• If you can, avoid weekends and Thai public holidays, which are very busy.
• Start heading down by 3.30pm at the latest so you do not miss the last bus back.

Frequently asked questions

How long do you need to visit Erawan Falls?

Allow three to four hours on site to climb to tier 7 and swim. Including the journey from Kanchanaburi, plan for half a day to a full day.

Can you swim at every tier?

Yes, swimming is allowed in most pools unless rangers say otherwise. Some pools are deep in the middle, so take care if you are not a strong swimmer.

Are the fish in the pools dangerous?

No. They are mostly small fish that nibble at the skin on your feet. It is surprising and can pinch a little, but it is harmless.

The Jim Thompson House is one of Bangkok’s loveliest surprises: six teak houses hidden in a tropical garden, a short walk from the Siam shopping malls. Behind the setting lies the story of an American who revived Thai silk and then vanished without a trace. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

Who was Jim Thompson?

Jim Thompson was born in 1906 in Delaware, in the United States. An architect by training, he joined the OSS, the forerunner of the CIA, during the Second World War. He arrived in Bangkok in 1945, just after the war ended, and never left.

At the time, hand-woven silk was dying out in Thailand. Thompson saw it as a treasure. In 1948 he co-founded the Thai Silk Company and gave work to the weavers of Ban Khrua, just across the canal. The big break came in 1951, when the costume designer of the Broadway musical “The King and I” chose his silk. Thai silk soon became fashionable all over the world.

A disappearance never solved

On 26 March 1967, Jim Thompson went for a walk alone in the Cameron Highlands, in Malaysia, where he was spending a few days with friends. He was never seen again. Despite huge searches, no body and no solid lead were ever found. Accident, kidnapping, spy story: there is no shortage of theories, but none has been proven. A Thai court declared him dead in 1974.

A house made of six houses

In 1958, Thompson began building his home on the banks of Khlong Saen Saep. He did not build from scratch: he bought six traditional teak houses, most of them from Ayutthaya, had them taken apart and rebuilt on his land. The largest, a weaver’s house from Ban Khrua, became the living room. The work was finished in 1959.

The result blends Thai architecture with Western comfort. Inside, you will see his collection of Asian art: Buddhist statues, Chinese ceramics, old paintings and porcelain. The lush garden, with its ponds and tropical plants, offers a real moment of calm in the middle of the city.

The compulsory guided tour

You cannot visit the main house on your own. Entry is only with a guide, in small groups. Tours run in Thai, English, French, Chinese and Japanese. Ask at the ticket desk when the next tour in your language starts.

The tour lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. The guide tells Thompson’s life story and explains the rooms one by one. A few rules: you take your shoes off before going in, bags larger than 20 cm go in a locker, and photos are allowed, but no flash, no selfies, no individual portraits and no video. There are several staircases and no lift.

Opening hours and prices

The house museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm. According to the official website, the last guided tour starts at 5pm, but it is better to arrive before 4pm so you can enjoy the place without rushing. Prices (checked in 2026):

• Adults: 250 THB
• Ages 10 to 21: 150 THB (ID required)
• Under 10: free, with an adult
• Visitors with disabilities: 150 THB

No booking needed: you can buy your ticket on site. Online sales through partner platforms are also available. The ticket also gives access to the Jim Thompson Art Center, in the same compound, which hosts temporary exhibitions (Art Center only: 50 THB).

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

How to get there

It is very easy. Take the BTS (Silom Line) to National Stadium station, exit 1. Turn left, then walk into Soi Kasemsan 2: the house is about 3 minutes on foot. Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road.

Another nice option is the boat on Khlong Saen Saep, Hua Chang pier, also about 3 minutes on foot. Taxis, tuk-tuks and Grab work too, but at rush hour the BTS is faster. To understand the network, see my guide to getting around Bangkok by BTS, MRT and boat.

How much time do you need?

Allow 1 to 1.5 hours on site: the guided tour, a stroll in the garden, a look at the Art Center and the shop. Add a little waiting time if the next group in your language does not leave straight away. The house is next to MBK and Siam Square, so it fits easily into a day in the area.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Come at opening time, 10am: there are usually fewer groups and the garden is cooler.
• At the ticket desk, ask straight away when the next tour in your language starts.
• Wear shoes that are easy to slip off: you remove them before going in.
• Leave your big bag at the hotel, or plan to use a locker.
• Bring mosquito repellent: the garden is very green and runs along the canal.
• The shop sells Jim Thompson silk. The nice pieces are expensive, so take time to compare.
• There is no lift: if stairs are difficult for you, tell the guide at the start.

Frequently asked questions

Is the guided tour available in French or English?

Yes. Guides speak Thai, English, French, Chinese and Japanese. English tours are the most frequent; ask about times when you arrive.

Do I need to book in advance?

No, it is not compulsory. You can buy your ticket on site, and online tickets are also available. In high season, arriving early saves waiting.

Can I take photos?

Yes, in the garden and in the house, but no flash, no selfies, no individual portraits and no video inside.

Chiang Rai in one day is possible, but it is tight. The big city of the north usually comes down to three visits: the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Black House. Here are the opening hours, 2026 prices, the bus from Chiang Mai and the visiting order that works best.

Getting to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai

The two cities are about 180 km apart. The easiest option is the Green Bus coach, which leaves from the Arcade bus station (Terminal 3), a few kilometres north-east of Chiang Mai’s Old City.

Allow about 3 h 20 by VIP and 3 h 45 by Express, including a rest stop. There are around a dozen departures a day, roughly between 7 am and 6 pm. Tickets cost about 260 to 290 THB for Express and 360 to 400 THB for VIP (prices checked in 2026, often slightly higher online than at the counter).

The bus stops first at Terminal 2, south of town, then finishes at Terminal 1, right in the centre next to the night market. Get off at Terminal 1: that is where local buses to the temples leave from. In high season, buy your ticket the day before.

Chiang Rai’s three must-sees

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

This is the city’s star. A dazzling white temple studded with small mirrors, designed by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. It sits about 13 km south of the centre.

Opening hours: usually 8 am to 5 pm, sometimes a little later at weekends. Price: 200 THB for foreigners since 1 January 2026 (it used to be 100 THB). Entry is free for Thai nationals, children under 120 cm and visitors over 70.

To get there, take a local bus from Terminal 1 (about 20 to 25 THB, around thirty minutes) or a Grab, in 15 to 20 minutes. Go early: from mid-morning, tour groups arrive in numbers.

The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

Smaller, calmer and a striking sapphire blue, with a large white Buddha inside. It is about 3 km north of the centre: ten minutes by Grab, or forty-five minutes on foot if you feel brave.

Opening hours: daily, 7 am to 8 pm. Price: free entry, a small donation is appreciated. The blue looks deepest early in the morning and late in the day, which is also when it is least crowded.

The Black House (Baan Dam)

The exact opposite of the White Temple. It is not a temple but a museum: a cluster of dark buildings filled with horns, hides and bones, the world of the artist Thawan Duchanee. Strange, sometimes unsettling, never ordinary.

Opening hours: daily, 9 am to 5 pm, closed from noon to 1 pm. Price: 80 THB. It is about 13 km north of the centre, 20 to 25 minutes by Grab. By local bus, board a Mae Sai bus at Terminal 1 (about 20 THB) and ask the driver for Baan Dam; you then walk a few hundred metres.

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

One or two days: the best visiting order

In one day from Chiang Mai

Catch the first bus, around 7 am. You arrive mid-morning. Head to the White Temple by Grab, then go north to the Black House for 1 pm, when it reopens. Finish with the Blue Temple on your way back to the centre before catching the bus. Ask for the time of the last departure to Chiang Mai as soon as you reach the station.

It is doable, but you will spend about seven hours sitting on a bus. Many travellers prefer an organised minibus tour from Chiang Mai, which links the three sites with no connections to worry about.

In two days, more comfortably

Day 1: morning bus, check in, then the Blue Temple in the late afternoon and a stroll round the night market. Day 2: the White Temple at opening time, back through the centre, the Black House in late morning, lunch, then the afternoon bus.

Dress code and temple etiquette

Shoulders and knees covered, for men and women alike. At the White Temple, staff may ask you to cover up before going in. At the Blue Temple, sarongs are often lent at the entrance.

Take your shoes off before entering the buildings. Speak quietly and do not point your feet at Buddha images or monks. Light trousers or a long skirt with a T-shirt work perfectly, even in the heat. To pick the right time of year, see also the best time to visit Thailand by season.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Get to the White Temple early in the morning: softer light and photos without the crowds.
• Keep small baht notes for local buses, donations and drinks.
• At the Black House, avoid the noon to 1 pm slot: the site closes for lunch.
• With Grab, plan your return: cars are scarcer around the Black House. Ask your driver to wait.
• Slip a light scarf into your bag: it covers your shoulders in two seconds.
• Save the Blue Temple for the end of the day: it stays open until 8 pm.
• Hours and prices sometimes change: check on site, especially on public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Chiang Rai in one day from Chiang Mai?

Yes, with the first bus and a Grab on the spot, or on an organised tour. But two days is far more relaxing.

How much is the White Temple entry fee in 2026?

200 THB for foreigners since 1 January 2026. The Blue Temple is free and the Black House costs 80 THB.

What should I wear to visit the temples?

Shoulders and knees covered, plus shoes that are easy to slip off. Leave the vest top and short shorts at the hotel.

Looking for a floating market in Bangkok or nearby, but torn between postcard photos and videos of crowds? There is no single best market, only the one that fits your day and your time slot. Here is my comparison, with travel options, opening hours and boat prices.

Damnoen Saduak: the most famous, best very early

This is the postcard market: boats loaded with fruit, noodles and hats in a narrow canal in Ratchaburi province. It is about 100 km south-west of Bangkok, so 1.5 to 2 hours by road depending on traffic. It runs every day, roughly from 7am to noon.

The secret is timing. Before 9am it is still a real market. Around 10am the tour minibuses arrive and the canal turns into a boat traffic jam. Minivans leave regularly from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) from 6am, for about 80 THB (prices checked in 2026, confirm on the spot).

For a boat, expect roughly 300 to 600 THB for a rowing boat for one hour, and more for a motorboat. It is usually a price per boat, not per person. Ask before you step in.

Amphawa: a weekend atmosphere in the late afternoon

Amphawa, in Samut Songkhram province, about 1.5 hours from Bangkok, is my favourite for atmosphere. It only opens from Friday to Sunday, roughly from 3pm to 9pm or 10pm. Most visitors are Thai weekenders: wooden stilt houses, small seafood restaurants, old-style desserts.

At dusk, boats head out to see the fireflies. Prices stay modest, a few dozen baht per person on a shared boat or a few hundred for a private boat (confirm on the spot). Fireflies are easiest to see during the rainy season, roughly May to October.

Khlong Lat Mayom and Taling Chan: floating markets inside Bangkok

Don’t fancy spending your morning on the road? These two markets are on the Thonburi side, in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district. They open on Saturdays, Sundays and often public holidays, roughly from 8 or 9am until mid-afternoon.

Taling Chan is small and very local: you eat grilled fish and simple dishes sitting on pontoons right by the water. Khlong Lat Mayom is bigger and greener, with plenty of food stalls and boat rides through the canals. From Taling Chan, boat tours of about three hours link several markets for around 100 baht per person (price to be checked). The easiest way there is a taxi or a Grab from the centre.

Maeklong Railway Market: check the train times

It is not a floating market, but it is often combined with Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa. Vendors set up their stalls on the tracks, then fold back awnings and baskets a few minutes before the train passes. It lasts two minutes, but it is spectacular.

Indicative times, to be checked with the State Railway of Thailand or on the spot, as they sometimes change:

• Arrivals at Maeklong: around 8.30am, 11.10am, 2.30pm and 5.40pm.
• Departures from Maeklong: around 6.20am, 9am, 11.30am and 3.30pm.

Getting there by train from Bangkok is an adventure: a train from Wongwian Yai to Mahachai, a small ferry across the river, then a second train from Ban Laem. Allow a good half-day. Faster: a minivan to Maeklong, then a minivan back.

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

Which one should you choose?

• You are in Bangkok on a weekday: Damnoen Saduak, leaving at dawn, possibly combined with the Maeklong train.
• You have a Saturday or Sunday: Khlong Lat Mayom or Taling Chan in the morning, with no time lost on the road.
• You want an authentic evening: Amphawa from Friday to Sunday, with the 2.30pm or 5.40pm Maeklong train just before.
• You are travelling with children: Khlong Lat Mayom, close, calm and full of snacks.

For more ideas, see my article on day trips from Bangkok.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Always ask whether the boat price is per boat or per person, and for how long.
• At Damnoen Saduak, beware of touts who drop you far from the market and quote tours costing thousands of baht: you can also reach the market on foot.
• Politely decline “sugar palm farm” or “workshop” stops if you don’t want a souvenir shop.
• Carry small notes: 20, 50 and 100 THB.
• At Maeklong, stay behind the line when the train passes and keep your feet and phone well back.
• Hat, water and sunscreen: you are in full sun on the water.
• If you love markets, keep an evening for Chatuchak and the night markets.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the most authentic floating market near Bangkok?

Amphawa and Khlong Lat Mayom, mostly visited by Thai families at weekends. Damnoen Saduak is more touristy, but still lovely very early in the morning.

Can you visit a floating market on a weekday?

Yes, Damnoen Saduak opens every day. Amphawa, Khlong Lat Mayom and Taling Chan are mainly weekend markets.

Do you need to book an organised tour?

It is not essential. Public transport works fine, but a private driver is handy for combining Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong in one day.

Ten minutes by boat from the towers of Sathorn, a loop of the Chao Phraya hides a jungle of mango trees, nipa palms and little canals. Exploring Bang Krachao by bike is the easiest and cheapest nature escape from Bangkok. Here is how to get there, where to hire a bike and what to see, with prices checked in 2026.

Getting to Bang Krachao by boat

Bang Krachao, nicknamed Bangkok’s “green lung”, is not an island but a peninsula formed by a big bend in the river. It belongs to Samut Prakan province, Phra Pradaeng district. No bridge links it directly to the centre: you cross by boat, and that is what keeps it green.

The handiest departure point is the small pier at Wat Khlong Toei Nok, on the Bangkok side. From MRT Khlong Toei station, allow a few minutes by taxi or motorbike taxi: the pier is tucked away at the end of a lane, behind the temple. The boat crosses in about five minutes to Kamnan Khao pier opposite. A ticket costs around ten baht per person, a little more if you bring your own bike. To combine the metro and boats without getting lost, read my guide to getting around Bangkok by BTS, MRT and boat.

The second option is on the Bang Na side: the pier at Wat Bang Na Nok, a short taxi ride from BTS Bang Na. The crossing takes you towards Bang Nam Phueng, close to the floating market. Handy at weekends.

Hiring a bike and choosing your route

No need to book. As soon as you step off the boat, several rental shops are waiting with rows of city bikes, some with child seats. Expect about 100 THB for the day, or around fifty baht an hour; prices vary from shop to shop. Shops open around 7.30am and close in the late afternoon. You will often be asked for ID or a deposit.

The network is made of small roads and, above all, raised concrete walkways laid over marshes and gardens. They are narrow, with no railings in places, and shared with locals on scooters. Ride slowly, ring your bell on bends and remember that a fall into the mud is nothing exotic.

For a first visit, a loop of around fifteen kilometres is plenty: the pier, Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan park, one or two temples, then the market if it is the weekend. Rental shops often hand out a paper map, and an offline maps app will save you from dead ends.

Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan park and the floating market

Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan park is the green heart of the peninsula. Laid out in the early 2000s on former orchards, it mixes ponds, wooden walkways, plants suited to brackish water and an observation tower with views over the canopy and, in the distance, the skyscrapers. Cycle paths run through the park and entry is free. It opens early in the morning and closes in the early evening; exact hours vary between sources, so check on the spot.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the Bang Nam Phueng floating market livens up the south of the peninsula, roughly from 8am to 2pm. Do not expect a parade of boats as at Damnoen Saduak: here, most of the action happens on the banks and jetties. It is a village market, popular with Thai families. You will find coconut desserts, fruit, noodle dishes, crafts and plants. On weekdays there is nothing, so plan your trip accordingly.

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

Best time to go and budget

The cool season, from November to February, is the most pleasant for cycling. In April and May the heat is crushing: set off at 7am and be back before noon. During the rainy season, roughly June to October, showers often fall in the afternoon and the walkways get slippery. In mid-October we are at the end of the wet season: a poncho in your bag is enough.

On a Saturday or Sunday morning you get the market, but the walkways are busier. On weekdays it is completely calm, ideal for birds and photos. Budget-wise, the day stays very gentle: about twenty baht for the return boat, around 100 THB for the bike, and 100 to 200 THB for food and fresh juices. Add the taxi to the pier. If you are looking for more ideas in the same spirit, see my selection of day trips from Bangkok.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Go early: at the pier around 7.30am, you have the cool air and the walkways to yourself.
• Bring water, sun cream, a hat and small change: not all rental shops and vendors take cards.
• Check the brakes and saddle before you leave, and ask for a lock.
• On the walkways, give way to scooters and never ride two abreast.
• Head back before dark: boats become scarce after sunset.
• Respect the residents: you are riding through their gardens, not a theme park.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to be fit to explore Bang Krachao by bike?

No. It is completely flat. The challenge comes from the heat and the narrow walkways, not the effort. Children used to cycling cope very well.

Can you visit without hiring a bike?

Yes, but distances are long on foot. Motorbike taxis run around the peninsula, and some agencies offer guided bike tours with transfers.

Is the floating market open every day?

No, only on Saturdays and Sundays, usually from 8am to early afternoon. Some public holidays too, worth checking on the spot.

Koh Larn from Pattaya is the easiest island escape on the east coast: a 40-baht ferry, about 45 minutes at sea, and you land on an island with far clearer water than Beach Road. Here are the timetables, the piers, the beaches and my tips for mid-October, as the rainy season draws to a close.

The ferry from Bali Hai Pier

Everything starts at Bali Hai Pier, the big jetty at the end of Walking Street, south of Beach Road. The public ferry has cost 40 baht per journey since 10 April 2026; it had stayed at 30 baht for around sixteen years. Pay at the ticket booth on the pier, not to touts on the street. The crossing takes 40 to 45 minutes. There are two destinations: Na Ban, the main village and harbour, and Tawaen, the busiest beach.

Times to and from Na Ban

• Pattaya → Na Ban: 7.00, 10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.30, 17.00, 18.30.
• Na Ban → Pattaya: 6.30, 7.30, 9.30, 12.00, 14.00, 15.30, 17.00, 18.00.

Times to and from Tawaen

• Pattaya → Tawaen: 8.00, 9.00, 11.00, 13.00.
• Tawaen → Pattaya: 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00.

These are the times recorded in 2026. They can change, so take a photo of the board on the pier. In a hurry? Shared speedboats cross in 15 to 20 minutes for about 150 to 300 baht per person. A private boat starts at roughly 1,500 to 3,000 baht, depending on your bargaining.

Na Ban or Tawaen: which pier?

Na Ban is the heart of the island, with the songthaew and motorbike taxi rank. It is the best starting point if you want to see several beaches. The ferry runs back and forth all day, with the last departure to Pattaya at around 18.00.

The Tawaen ferry drops you right on the beach. Handy with children, or for a lazy sunbed day. But departures are mostly in the morning and returns stop at around 17.00. My advice: go to Na Ban, then come back from whichever pier suits you, after checking the time of the last boat.

The beaches of Koh Larn

• Tawaen: the longest (about 700 metres) and liveliest, with restaurants, showers and water sports. Great for families, but noisy with jet skis.
• Samae: on the west side, about ten minutes from Na Ban. Fine sand, clear water, more space. Lovely light late in the day, but there can be waves in the afternoon.
• Tien: a smaller, calmer bay, often called the prettiest on the island, with its wooden walkway.
• Nual, known as Monkey Beach: in the south, quiet, good for swimming and snorkelling. Monkeys live on the hillside: do not feed them and keep your bags closed.

Expect about 100 to 200 baht for a sunbed for the day, depending on the beach.

Getting around the island

In Na Ban, songthaews, the pick-up trucks with benches, wait about a hundred metres from the pier and leave when full. Expect around 30 to 60 baht per person depending on the beach. Motorbike taxis post their fares on a board near the pier: about 50 baht to Samae, around 400 baht for an island tour.

You can also hire a scooter for about 250 to 400 baht a day. Be careful: the roads are narrow, steep and full of bends. Only do it if you are used to riding, with a helmet and the right licence.

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

The viewpoint and the big Buddha

On the road to Samae, a viewpoint looks over the coast: stop for a few minutes. Higher up, the big Buddha hill gives a panorama over Tawaen and, on a clear day, as far as Pattaya. Songthaews and motorbike taxis go up on request. For the religious site, cover your shoulders and knees.

Mid-October: end of the rains, start of high season

Right now we are coming out of the rainy season, which runs roughly from May to October. The sea can still be rough, and a heavy downpour clouds the water for a day or two. In bad weather, speedboats, and even the ferry, may be suspended. Check the forecast the day before and leave some margin for the trip back.

From November, high season gets going: calmer sea, clearer water, blue skies until around February. The downside: more people, especially at weekends and on Thai public holidays. Go on a weekday if you can, and aim for the first boat to arrive before the mid-morning tour groups.

Mr Schaka’s practical tips

• Bring cash in small notes: the cash machines in Na Ban are sometimes empty or have long queues.
• Buy your ticket at the Bali Hai Pier booth, never from a tout.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the return ferry: it may leave early if it is full.
• Sun cream, a hat, water and water shoes for rocky entries.
• Before hiring a jet ski, film the machine in front of the operator to avoid unfair damage claims.
• To round off your stay, read my guide to things to do in Pattaya.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the ferry to Koh Larn from Pattaya?

40 baht per person per journey since April 2026, paid at the Bali Hai Pier booth. A shared speedboat costs about 150 to 300 baht.

What time is the last ferry from Koh Larn?

Around 18.00 from Na Ban and around 17.00 from Tawaen, according to the times recorded in 2026. Check on the spot on the day.

Which is the best beach on Koh Larn?

For clear water and space, Samae. For peace and quiet, Tien or Nual. Tawaen is the most convenient, but also the most crowded.