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.
  • Bangkok TravelBangkok on her own terms: Is Thailand’s capital safe for solo female travellers? | Thaiger

    Bangkok on her own terms: Is Thailand’s capital safe for solo female travellers?

    In 2025, women are no longer waiting for friends, partners, or permission to see the world. They’re booking flights, packing light, and landing in cities that speak to their sense of independence and curiosity. For over a decade, I’ve called Thailand’s capital home. I’ve moved through it mostly on my own, through morning markets, neon-lit backstreets, packed commuter trains, and…

  • Thailand TravelWhere to travel in Thailand in August [2025] | Thaiger

    Where to travel in Thailand in August [2025]

    There’s no better way to experience Thailand than through its cuisine. In the rainy season, flavours bloom alongside the landscape, steam rises from market pots, the snap of chilli echoes through alleyways, and rain makes every bite more vivid. “I could happily eat Thai food every day for the rest of my life.” — Anthony Bourdain When you travel around…

  • Chiang Mai TravelMuseums and art spaces in Chiang Mai to discover its cultural soul | Thaiger

    Museums and art spaces in Chiang Mai to discover its cultural soul

    They call it the Rose of the North, a city where orange-robed monks wander through early morning mist, teakwood temples anchor ancient alleyways, and handwoven textiles flutter outside hill tribe shops. Rooted in the centuries-old Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai has evolved into a cultural melting pot, where history, heritage, and art quietly converge. While most itineraries highlight temples and trekking,…

  • Bangkok TravelBy the river’s edge: Life along Bangkok’s khlongs | Thaiger

    By the river’s edge: Life along Bangkok’s khlongs

    Beyond the busy streets, Bangkok’s waterways offer a glimpse into the city’s past. The khlongs, or canals, showcase an older, quieter side of the capital where life moves at a slower pace. From historic temples and floating markets to small artist communities, the canals of Thonburi and beyond hold stories of Bangkok’s rich heritage, offering a unique perspective on its…

  • Thailand TravelWhere to travel in Thailand in July [2025] | Thaiger

    Where to travel in Thailand in July [2025]

    This month, I want to invite you to wander through art spaces, misty hills, and garden paths, where the only thing on the itinerary is to linger. Let’s take a slower route, one for the dreamers, the journal keepers, and the ones who don’t mind getting a little wet. This is a more picturesque walk and hopefully a safe passage…