ThaiTrav - Thailand Travel Guide

13/02/2025

Simply delicious 😋

12/02/2025

Did You Know? [ep.4]

𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 – 𝟑𝟎 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝! 😂

Ever since I was a kid, American Fried Rice has been one of my go-to dishes. I grew up believing it was a Western-inspired meal, with its signature tomato sauce-coated rice, raisins mixed in, a fried egg on top, and crispy fried chicken with sausages on the side. This was the American Fried Rice I knew and loved.

Fast forward to mid-2023, when I finally had a chance to try Lucky’s Hungry in Ari. The place was trending at the time because they had taken American Fried Rice to the next level, using premium ingredients and offering a variety of toppings—different kinds of sausages, ham, bacon, fried or grilled chicken, and fried fish.

Naturally, I was excited to give it a try. But what shocked me wasn’t the menu or the price—it was the history of American Fried Rice. Right there on the menu, they had written:

“American Fried Rice that can’t be found in America.”...
I had to reread that sentence multiple times. Wait… what? 🤯

So, I did what any curious person would do—I Googled it. And that’s when I discovered the truth: I’VE BEEN TRICKED FOR 30 YEARS! 😆

For all those times I wanted to take a break from Thai food and ordered American Fried Rice, thinking it was an international dish… turns out, it’s completely Thai!

This dish was actually invented in Thailand about 60 years ago, made by stir-frying steamed rice with tomato sauce. The name might sound foreign, but the dish is 100% local.

Honestly, it’s kind of amazing how this dish has fooled so many of us for so long. And I guarantee there are still plenty of Thais who have no idea! But, as long as it tastes great, that’s all that matters. 😂

For anyone looking to try some seriously good American Fried Rice, I highly recommend two must-visit spots:
📍 Lucky’s Hungry (Soi Ari 3) – This place completely changed my perspective on the dish.
📍 Mickey’s (Amarin Plaza) – A super convenient location in the heart of Bangkok

Both are absolutely delicious, so no matter which one you choose, you’re in for a treat! 🍛✨

02/02/2025

Crispy Pork Rice – A Classic Favorite

Crispy pork rice is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and I’m sure many people would agree. However, finding a truly delicious plate isn’t as easy as it seems. The secret isn’t just in the crispy pork itself—the sauce plays a huge role in making the dish.

A good sauce is usually rich and well-balanced, with a natural sweetness leading the flavor. Each shop has its own recipe, with colors ranging from deep red to brown. Personally, I’m not a fan of sauces with an overpowering peanut aroma.

Sometimes, I like to order a mix of crispy pork and red pork for extra variety, but in most cases, the real test of a shop’s skill is in the crispy pork—since red pork tends to taste quite similar across different places.

If you prefer a hint of sourness to balance out the sweetness of the sauce, every shop provides a dark sauce with chili (slightly spicy).

A plate of crispy pork rice usually costs around 60-70 baht, making it a satisfying and affordable choice🍽️😋

26/01/2025

Many international tourists might not realize that Thailand’s high season coincides with the period when PM 2.5 levels are at their highest of the year.

What many people mistake for morning mist on cooler days is, in fact, all dust particles. This issue has been ongoing for years, but even most Thais have only started to become more aware of it in the past 3–4 years.

So, if you have the choice, consider traveling to Southern Thailand, especially the islands. You’ll find that the air quality there is much better compared to Bangkok and the northern regions.

21/01/2025

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐢 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐢 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐤 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

During the New Year holiday, I traveled back to Ubon Ratchathani to visit my grandmother and flew back to Bangkok on December 31. This time, I didn’t drive my car to the airport, so I had to take a taxi home. Normally, the taxi queue isn’t too long, but this time was completely unexpected—the line was the longest I’ve ever seen!

Since it was the New Year holiday, the crowd was understandable. However, seeing such a long queue made me think of other transportation options—how could I get home as quickly as possible?

There are 3 options
If you’re visiting Thailand for the first time or planning a trip, here are your options for traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok’s city center:

𝟏. 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐢 – Managed by the airport and available on the 1st floor.
𝟐. 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 – Located on the basement floor (Level B) of the terminal.
𝟑. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐢 – Accessible on the 1st floor.

----- Public Taxi -----
I usually rely on public taxis because they’re convenient. You just queue up, use the self-service kiosk to get a ticket, and then match the car registration on your ticket to your assigned taxi. It’s simple, safe, and straightforward. The taxi fare is charged based on the distance traveled, and there’s an additional 50-baht fee for the driver, as regulated by the Ministry of Transport.

However, on December 31, the situation was completely different. The crowd was overwhelming, and the taxi queue was so long that I estimated at least a two-hour wait. So, I decided to go with option two: the Airport Rail Link.

----- Airport Rail Link -----
But—surprise, surprise! When I got there, the line was also incredibly long. As I looked around, I noticed something interesting: there were two queues. The one on the left was significantly longer, while the one on the right seemed much shorter. Naturally, I joined the shorter queue and thought to myself, Why is everyone standing in the long line when there’s a shorter one right here?

After about 10 minutes of waiting, I realized why. My queue barely moved—only 2 or 3 people had been served in that time. There were still at least 30 people ahead of me. Meanwhile, the long queue on the left, despite being massive with over 100 people, was moving much faster.

The difference? The left queue had 4–5 ticket machines and also offered counter service, while the shorter line on the right had just a single self-service machine. And, let’s be honest, even for locals, these machines take a bit of time to navigate. For first-time tourists unfamiliar with the system, it’s even more time-consuming.

I eventually gave up on the Airport Rail Link. Even if I managed to get on the train, it wouldn’t take me close to home, and I’d still have to grab a taxi afterward. In the end, it felt like it would take even longer.

----- Grab Taxi -----
So, I walked back to the public taxi area on the 1st floor, resigned to the fact that I’d have to join the long queue. But then, I noticed the Grab Taxi pick-up point nearby. I decided to give it a try, opened the app, and booked a ride.

I waited anxiously for 5 minutes, and when a driver finally confirmed, it was like winning the lottery! The car arrived at the pick-up point within just 15 minutes.

At the Grab Taxi pick-up point, there are staff members managing the queue and helping to organize everything. They call out the taxi queue in English, using the car registration number of the arriving vehicles.

I noticed not many tourists and locals were booking Grab rides, the majority didn’t seem aware of this option and were stuck in the long public taxi queue.

𝐒𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐩
On days when the public taxi queue is insanely long, Grab Taxi can be a much better alternative. Just keep in mind that the fare is about 50% higher than a regular public taxi. But honestly, skipping a 2-hour wait is worth every baht!

16/01/2025

One Day Trip in Ayutthaya
1) Wat Maha That
2) Wat Ratchaburana
3) Ayutthaya Retreat
4) Wat Phra Si Sanphet
5) Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
6) Eating a signature dish, grilled giant river prawn.

14/01/2025

How to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

13/01/2025

One Day Journey in Bangkok
1) Phaya Thai Palace
It was built in 1909 as a residence for King Rama VI and was later used as a venue for important royal ceremonies and state occasions. The palace was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 2009

2) Victory Monument
A large military monument that was built in 1941. Today, the area around the Victory Monument is a popular shopping and dining destination, with several malls and street food vendors located nearby

3) Suan Pakkad Palace Museum
Hidden in the heart of Bangkok is a palace that was once Prince Chumbhot's private residence. It was converted into a museum in 1952 and features 8 masterpieces of traditional Thai houses and a collection of rare Thai artifacts.

4) Banthat Thong Rd. & Suan Luang Square
A new food destination in Bangkok. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants along both sides of the road, from legendary eateries known for their delicious food to brand new restaurants waiting for you to discover and enjoy

Note: Phaya Thai Palace is open to visitors inside the building only on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM

29/12/2024

Best cafe in the district, Lao Suea Kok, Ubon Ratchathani provice. Stop by this coffee shop every time visiting grandma‘s house. All these are only 180 THB ❣️

23/12/2024

Did You Know? [ep.3]

Winter has finally arrived in Thailand, and it’s one of the best times for traveling! Both locals and tourists love this season because the weather is cooler, which is a nice change from the heat we have almost all year.

For Thai people, winter is extra special since it only lasts a short time. The mornings and evenings are cool and fresh, around 20°C, which feels just perfect. But while the cool air is nice, there’s something to watch out for—PM2.5 pollution, which is very high during this season.

This happens because the air is still, so the dust and pollution don’t blow away. On top of that, burning fields like sugarcane and rice makes it worse.

Sometimes, what looks like mist in the morning might actually be PM2.5 dust. So, it’s important to check air quality on an app to know if it’s safe. Let’s enjoy the season but stay careful at the same time!

19/12/2024

After work vibe 🤓

13/12/2024

Did you know? [ep.2]

When it comes to Thai cuisine, boat noodles are undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes. Just to give you an idea of their popularity, within a 5-kilometer radius of my house, there are at least five boat noodle shops. Around my wife's neighborhood, there are seven or eight!

What makes boat noodles so appealing to locals is that they are both affordable and flavorful. However, they might not be for everyone—especially for foreigners who aren’t used to spicy food. Many shops prepare their broth with chili already added, and in some cases, it can be intensely spicy.

I’d estimate that about 70-80% of boat noodle shops season the broth with chili by default. So, if you’re not a fan of heat, be sure to clearly specify "not spicy" or "Mai Ped" when ordering.

That said, there’s a bit of a trade-off. At many places, asking for no chili can make the broth taste less rich and less flavorful. Personally, I always opt for the shop’s original recipe, even if it’s extra spicy. Some shops can be so fiery that after just two bowls, I have to call it quits—not because I’m full, but because the heat becomes overwhelming!

For those who love bold flavors and can handle some spice, boat noodles are a must-try. But if you’re spice-averse, remember to order carefully! 🌶️

12/12/2024

Did You Know? [ep.1]

When it comes to enjoying Thai boat noodles at their best, it's always a good idea to order the regular-sized bowl (those tiny ones priced at just 15-25 baht). When you order, avoid going for the larger bowls (50-60 baht) because they tend to lack the rich and concentrated flavor of the smaller ones—I’ve personally experienced many times when the larger bowls didn’t quite hit the mark.

For an authentic local twist, here’s a tip: after finishing a bowl, pour the leftover broth from your first bowl into your next one. Somehow, this simple trick seems to enhance the taste! Perhaps it’s just psychological, but it’s a tradition that Thai locals have been passing down for generations. Why not give it a try and see if it works for you too? 😊

06/12/2024

06/12/2024

Northern Thailand has officially entered the winter season, marking the start of the high season for travel! Meanwhile, in the south, if you're planning a trip to the islands, the Andaman Sea side is the better choice at this time of year.

06/12/2024

Thai police officer wheeled tourists back to hostel after a night of heavy drinking 😅😆

05/12/2024

𝟏𝟔. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 (𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐫)
It operates as a pier for trips to nearby islands like Coral Island (Ko He) and Racha Island, as well as for private boats, yachts, and catamarans. Therefore, unless you're planning a trip to the nearby islands or renting a boat, there's no need to visit.

03/12/2024

𝟏𝟓. 𝐑𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡
Unlike other beaches, Rawai Beach is 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 🦀🦐🐟! Especially at night. If you follow Google Maps, make sure you search for 𝐑𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭.
You must come to Rawai Beach Seafood Market if you love authentic Thai cuisine with really fresh seafood. The price is cheap, but not that cheap because you still need to pay additional for cooking. The highlight is the 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.

These are the steps on how to order food:
𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟏) 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞. If you drive, there is a large car parking area at the back of the market, 40 baht/car. For a motorbike, I think you can easily park on the sideroad for free before entering the market.
𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟐) 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭! There are many restaurants, choose one and inform the staff that you want to reserve a table.
𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟑) 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝. In front of those restaurants, you will see vendors selling fresh and alive seafood. Pick what you like, pay and tell the name of the restaurant where you reserved a table.
𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟒) 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐬. Finally, return to the restaurant. They will weigh your fresh seafood and estimate the cooking price based on the menu you select. For example, the cook-to-order pricing rate:
0.5 kg. 1 menu = 75 THB
1 kg. 1 menu = 100 THB
1 kg. 2 menu = 150 THB