Marita Bester

Marita Bester is a freelance writer based in Bangkok. With a knack for uncovering the quirky, the cultural, and the profoundly human, she writes captivating stories about Thailand and Southeast Asia. From thought-provoking human-interest pieces to humorous and offbeat tales, her work brings the region’s rich history and culture to life. When she’s not at her keyboard, she pursues her other loves, like running, paddle boarding, travelling, reading and savouring a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

Thailand Travel

Marita Bester3 weeks ago
124

Where to travel to in Thailand in September [2025]

The Thaiger key takeaways September is Thailand’s wellness month with forest bathing, meditation, spa rituals, and coastal retreats offering a slower, softer rhythm. Each region offers unique wellness experiences – Bangkok’s surprising urban wellness, Chiang Mai’s forest healing, Isaan’s rural calm, and the islands’ ocean sanctuaries. Wellness is woven into Thai life through herbal remedies, temple practices, local food rituals,…
Thailand Travel

Marita Bester3 weeks ago
147

The seacrets of Thailand: Koh Lanta and Koh Chang

The Thaiger key takeaways Koh Lanta offers a laid-back pace with highlights such as Old Town, Mu Koh Lanta National Park, Talabeng Islands, and eco-tourism at Tung Yee Peng. Koh Chang is more rugged, known for its mountainous landscape, diverse beaches, Bang Bao fishing village, jungle treks, waterfalls, and shipwreck diving. Both islands are accessible by ferry and best visited…
Bangkok Travel

Marita BesterWednesday, August 13, 2025
3,011

Bangkok at dawn: A guide for morning people

Mornings in Bangkok feel like a quiet rebellion against the city’s usual chaos, no traffic, no sweat (yet), just movement and misty light. The sky trains hum almost empty. Streets lie open and unhurried, the air still cool, as if the city itself is taking a long, slow breath before the day begins. Some people simply aren’t morning people, and…
Thailand Travel

Marita BesterTuesday, August 5, 2025
5,051

Leaving the city behind: The best national parks near Bangkok

Bangkok is a world away from the postcard-perfection of Thailand’s islands. It’s a city of blistering heat, fiery street food, and ancient temples tucked beneath glass towers. The traffic is endless, the energy relentless. The pace is part of its charm, but even the most devoted urbanite needs a break now and then. Fortunately, within a few hours’ drive from…