In case you’re wondering about the focus of this post, Thailand has recently made it clear it’s interested in collecting as much money as it can from tourists. The dual-pricing scheme — charging tourists anywhere from 2 to 10 times more — has only become more emboldened over the years.
My own personal solution? Avoid the touristy places altogether, and see a side of Thailand not yet corrupted by tourism not yet seen by many tourists. Why be treated like a walking ATM?
Table of Contents
Ao Nam Mao > Shell Cemetery (Krabi)
Shell-encrusted rocks and a quiet beach shouldn’t cost 200 baht to see.
I’ve already written about Ao Nam Mao as one of my favorite beaches of southern Thailand. That it’s just down the beach — literally — from the paid ‘Shell Cemetery’ that’s not even fenced off is a little mind-blowing.
Formed over millions of years, the waves have long conspired to mash the shells against the rocks. Today, the razor-sharp rocks demand respect as you approach them — one small mishap on the slippery rocks can result in a plethora of nicks and cuts. While this beach isn’t for swimming, you’re a short ride or a few kilometers from Nopporat Thara, a fine place to relax.
GPS: 8.021442, 98.880524
Directions: From Krabi Town or Ao Nang, take a songthaew heading for the Shell Fossil Beach Cemetery (saying Ao Nam Mao Pier will also work, though you’ll stop short by a few kilometers). You’re getting close when you see a teepee on your right — when you see an orange fish on your right, push the button to get off. You’re looking for Laemphopattana soi 2 on your right — it’ll be one of the only blue street signs around. Go down this side road for about 600 meters. The paved road dead ends in a small, open-air shelter — walk through it to discover the beach.
Sai Ngam > any Thailand National Park (Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima)
This free-to-enter park is doing just fine.
Nature is a powerful force. At the Sai Ngam forest, you have the opportunity to see what a forest looks like when grown from the same banyan tree. Centuries ago, a single tree took root, spreading seeds in the nooks and crannies of the grown tree, then continuing to grow outwards. Today, it’s impossible to know where one tree starts and another one ends. Add in some accouterments to round things out — a small shrine dedicated to the tree spirits, a small temple to have your fortune told, a photo gallery of His Majesty the King, and some reasonably priced food and drink. There’s even an opportunity to learn more of ‘making merit’ — the Buddhist practice of releasing animals to show compassion and change your karma for the better. (Never mind the niggling details of their inevitable re-capturing.)
GPS: 15.226116, 102.504892
Directions: The Phimai History Park is an excellent landmark — and it’s within walking distance. Head south on Tha Songkran road, then turn left onto Ananthachinda road a couple of hundred meters from the park. Go a few hundred meters to a T — there’s a road that continues straight on. Pass by the Rama IX Commemoration Park on your left, and continue east for about 750 meters. Look for the fork and bear left — the forest is just inside.
House of Museums > Museum of Siam (Bangkok area)
A humbler, more interesting look at Thailand’s heritage.
Bangkok museums are an odd bunch. On one level they’re quick to promote Thailand’s culture and heritage, albeit from a hoity-toity, ivory tower look back. Meh, I say. If you want to see how the 0.01% were doing in past centuries, by all means go — and don’t be too surprised by the dual-pricing (foreigners pay 3 times as much as Thais for the privilege of visiting the Museum of Siam).
The House of Museums is more of a community collection than anything else. From decades-old home videos to old-school household products, it’s a great chance to see how your father or grandfather might’ve gotten on in Thailand. Regrettably, it’s not nearly as convenient as grander attractions, but the price is the same whether you’re local or not.
GPS: 13.796604,100.391799
A taxi is easiest — have them call 089–666–2008 or 089–200–2803 to assist with directions.
Otherwise, take bus 125, 164, 201, or 515 from the main bus area around Victory Monument’s circle. These buses will take you most, but not all the way. You’ll want to exit at the Thonburi Hospital, about 500 meters past an expressway ramp (approximate GPS: 13.784028,100.395929). From here, the last 1.5 kilometers are walkable — from the bus stop, look to the overhead road. From the road you’re on, you’ll need to head right down the perpendicular road — I’d suggest finding a safe place to cross the road. Once you’re on it, this road will bend to the left — a sign that you’re close. Take the second left, stay straight, then bend left down the side road, and you’re there.
Thai Film Museum > Bangkok Seashell Museum (Bangkok area)
Fun, informative, interactive — and free!
One of the more oddball props once used in a Thai movie is just one of several interesting exhibits, both outdoors and indoors. While you can take in some of the outdoor pieces on your own, a guided tour of the Thai Film Museum offers ample English and a fascinating look into Thailand’s film industry (though do take care to time it right — the 10am, 1pm, or 3pm tours are only available on the weekends).
I’ll note the Museum of Counterfeit Goods gets an honorable mention here. It’s also free, but requires making an appointment ahead of time and is awkwardly located out of town.
GPS: 13.798912,100.303174
Directions: From Victory Monument BTS, head towards exits 3 and 4, then pass them by and keep walking. When you have to exit, head left down the stairs to street level. Follow the road around to the bus stop and jump on bus 515. Pony up the 23 baht (or the current maximum bus fare), as you’ll be on this bus for around 40–50 minutes. The bus will make a left turn — this is your cue to push the button and jump off.
The Elephant Poo Paper Park > The Tiger Kingdom (Chiang Mai)
Just as weird for a lot less money.
These two attractions in Chiang Mai are within a few hundred meters of each other, yet I’d bet you’ve heard a lot more about the Tiger Kingdom than the Elephant Poo Paper Park. In any case, admission is the same 100 baht for foreigners and locals and the scenery is plenty interesting without that tinge of animal abuse.
Go to watch the complete system of how paper is made from elephant poo, then assemble a greeting card or journal of your own or pick up any of their pun-filled offerings. Grab a not-made-from-poo coffee and enjoy the shock value at a kid-friendly place.
GPS: 18.925438,98.931616
Directions: With your own wheels, start by heading north on 107 from the superhighway (route 11) or the northern side of the moat in Chiang Mai. Go about 13 kilometers (from the superhighway) and look for the signs for the poopoo park or the Tiger Kingdom. Turn left onto 1096 and go about 300 meters, then turn right just after the stream / river. Go about 800 meters and look for the sign pointing you left — even without the sign, it’ll be the second left you see. Go a few hundred meters and look right.
