‘Ahhh, does it ever feel good to be back in Bangkok’. That’s the exact thought I had as soon as I touched down in the ‘Big Mango’ yesterday after a few weeks up in Chiang Mai. Don’t get me wrong, the North is an amazing part of the country and I definitely enjoy it up there a lot, but at the end of the day, there’s just no place like home, and there’s certainly no place like Bangkok!
5 Awesome ‘Off-Grid’ Destinations In Thailand
This past week, Booking.com released the results off a Thai-specific survey meant to identify trends among locals that plan on travelling domestically in the next 12 months. The study found that 69% of Thai tourists are looking to disconnect from the ‘everyday’ by going ‘off-grid’, 78% are wanting to learn essential survival skills, and 70% are looking to simplify their vacation with just the essentials.
In response to these results which were obtained from 504 Thai respondents, the booking platform has recommended four specific destinations for those looking to follow suit and enjoy some time away from it all…
O Little Tent de Koh Chang - Koh Chang
The COOLLiving Farmhouse Organic - Nakhon Ratchasima
KowitFarmstay - Chiang Mai
Our Take
I love a little bit an ‘off-grid’ session and it’s interesting to see that many Thai people seem to feel this way as well. Given that this country is an absolute mecca for cool, funky home-stays deep in nature, it’s hard to go wrong no matter where you end up, but I’ll definitely be checking out the recommended spot in Koh Chang the next time I’m down that way. I’ve already gone ahead and saved it in my Google Maps and who knows, if it’s any good I’ll add it into Teenee.
Thailand Offers 5-Year Visas To Hong Kong Celebrities
TAT is officially turning to celebrities as a way to boost tourism throughout the Kingdom, especially as Chinese and Hong Kong visitors return ashore. Officials are issuing five-year visas in exchange for promoting Thailand as a travel destination on Chinese social media platforms. So far, three Hong Kong-based popular figures, Michelle Yim, Simon Yam, and Roger Wu have been given these special visas which allow them to travel to Thailand at any time and share their experiences with their various fans. On top of this, the three have also been granted ‘Thailand Privilege Cards’, which offer perks such as fast-track immigration, airport lounge access, private limousine transfers, spa treatments, and discounts at partner hotels and restaurants.
Our Take
Funny enough, all I can think of here is ‘man, Chris deserves one of these’ haha! In all seriousness though, I actually think this is a fantastic idea by TAT and something that will directly drive a TON of bookings to Thailand. Yes, they have these pre-arranged ‘influencer’ trips that they organize, but I’m a firm believer that the best way to get someone to communicate an awesome product, service, or in this case country, is to provide as much access as possible (exactly what TAT has done here) and let them share their thoughts and experiences in whatever way they feel best doing so. Tip of the hat to TAT. This is an awesome idea.
Thailand Travel Tip
For this week’s Thailand Travel Tip section, I wanted to provide some insight into the BTS and MRT public transportation systems here in Bangkok. I’ll keep this breakdown as simple as possible with the hope that it helps make your public transportation experiences here in the ‘Big Mango’ as seamless as possible.
What is the BTS and MRT?
The Bangkok Mass Transit System, commonly known as the BTS Skytrain, is an above-ground rapid transit system with 3-lines and 64 stations spanning across the city
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit, also known as the MRT is a mass rapid underground transit system with 2-lines (3 more in construction) and 53 stations spanning across the city
Which One Should I Take?
The answer to this question is completely dependant on where you’re looking to go. In general, if you’re looking to travel anywhere along the popular Sukhumvit corridor, the BTS is what you’ll want. If you’re looking to travel into the older parts of Bangkok down by the Chao Praya River, then the MRT is better. Obviously these are just two very basic examples, but point is, each system runs through their own respective areas, so just make sure that you don’t confuse the BTS (above ground) and the MRT (below ground) when looking on Google Maps and planning your travel between destinations. When I first moved here, I probably jumped on the wrong train about 5-times before I finally figured it out
Are The BTS and MRT Systems Connected?
Although there are several cases across the city where the BTS and MRT lines lead into a single station, the answer is no. These two public transportation systems are totally separate from one another
How Much Do They Cost?
The BTS costs anywhere from 8 to 12 baht per station, depending on the card/ticket you use to pay. For example, if you’re travelling from Terminal 21 in Asoke to the popular W-District in Phra Khanong (4-stations away), the fare would set you back 26 baht. You can also get an unlimited one-day pass for 140 baht, which is a great option
Slightly cheaper than the BTS, the MRT seems to cost anywhere between 3 and 8 baht per station depending on the card/ticket you use to pay. For example, if you’re travelling from Asoke’s Sukhumvit MRT Station all the way up to the popular Chatuchak Market (11 stops), the fare would set you back 35 baht
How Do I Pay To Use Them?
Given that these two systems are currently operated as separate entities, your BTS day-pass (for example) won’t cover you for the MRT. You’ll have to purchase your MRT fare separately. If you’re in Bangkok for less than a week, you’re probably fine to purchase one-off trips on both the MRT and BTS at the easy to use kiosks in every station, but if you’re in the city for longer than a week and plan to use either network a lot, you should definitely get a Rabbit Card (BTS) and/or a Stored-Value Card (MRT). Just load a few hundred baht on either of them and all you’ll need to do is tap before getting on.
Chiang Mai Beats Singapore As Safest City In Southeast Asia
Chiang Mai was just recognized as Southeast Asia's safest city and ranked 32nd globally out of a total of 416 cities, according to global data aggregator Numbeo. The city received a score of 75.5 points for safety, followed closely by Davao in the Philippines with 72.4 points and Singapore with 70.8 points. As far as global rankings go, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Taipei topped the list. Bangkok was ranked 170th globally, and 7th in Southeast Asia with a score of 59.5 points. PM Prayut chan-o-cha thanked all related parties and added that “this reflects the government’s efforts in dealing with crimes, improving people’s lives, and boosting confidence among foreigners.”
Our Take
One thing that always boggles my mind is when friends back in Canada are concerned about crime-related safety here in Thailand. It’s certainly not their fault, but I always have a little laugh when they ask me ‘Adam, is it safe over there?' or ‘Adam, can I walk at night?’. Again, I totally understand why they’re asking the question, but my response is always the same… ‘yes and yes’. I also add that on top of that, as far as petty crime goes, Thailand is probably safer than Canada and DEFINITELY safer than the US, or many of the big cities in Europe. In 99% of cases, the worse thing that will happen to tourists is getting overcharged for a late night cab ride. Point is, the fact that Chiang Mai has come out as the safest place in Southeast Asia is no surprise.
Only In Thailand 🇹🇭
Well, one Thailand traveller has definitely had better days… this past week, a Chinese tourist injured his leg after accidentally stepping right into an uncovered sidewalk hole just outside of Samut Prakan’s ‘Ancient City’. Photos of the large hole have circulated all over Thai social media, sparking strong criticism of the government's priorities and lack of attention to basic public safety. Man, it’s critical to keep an eye out on where you’re walking over here! There’s hazards like this ALL over the place and in all seriousness, basic safety is on the individual in Thailand. I remember my buddy Dana telling me that when I first moved here. You have to be super careful when crossing streets, walking over sewer gates, getting on the back of a motorbike, etc. I’ve had MANY times where I’ve rolled an ankle by texting and walking. Silly me.