Thailand
We moved to Bangkok in July 2024 and stayed a full year — not passing through, but living there. Most of the footage is the city itself: the street food, the night markets, the neighborhoods, and the rhythm of everyday life in a place that never really slows down. When the heat and the pace got to be too much, we ran for the coast — Pattaya and Jomtien, the islands of Koh Larn and Koh Samet, and Hua Hin over on the Gulf's western shore. A year in, we're not finished with Thailand. On August 1st, 2026 we're moving to Koh Samui to keep exploring.
What we'd tell a friend
- Give Bangkok at least five days — it rewards time, and a stopover doesn't do it justice.
- Don't skip Koh Samet.
- Eat the street food and work the night markets — that's where the real food is.
Who should stay here?
- You love culture
- You want amazing beaches
- You're a foodie
- You can't handle the heat
- You won't try new food
- You somehow don't like beaches
The Dufresnes Verdict
Questions we actually get
Is Thailand worth visiting?
For us, easily. Great culture, amazing beaches, and some of the best food anywhere. We lived in Bangkok for a year and we're moving back to Koh Samui in 2026 — that's our answer.
How many days do you need?
We'd give the country close to a month if you can. At a minimum, spend at least five days in Bangkok before you start adding beaches and islands.
Do you need a car?
No. We got around Bangkok and our coast trips just fine without one.
When's the best time to go?
We were there a full year, through every season. Just come ready for the heat — if you don't like it hot, Thailand will test you.