The Roavi Blog
Stories from people who live there.
Travel tips, city guides, and local insights from the Roavi team.
453 articles
City Guides · Bangkok
Sukhumvit Guide: The Complete 2026 Local Take on Bangkok's Biggest Strip
Sukhumvit is 20km of Bangkok stitched together by one BTS line. From tourist Nana to nomad Thonglor to family-friendly Phrom Phong. Which stop actually fits your trip.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Travel Guides · Bangkok
Loy Krathong 2026 in Bangkok: When, Where, and How to Experience It Right
November 25, 2026. Candles floating down the Chao Phraya, temples lit up, a quieter and more beautiful festival than Songkran. Exactly where locals go and where to skip.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Travel Guides · Bangkok
Movies Filmed in Bangkok: The Real Locations You Can Visit (2026)
The Hangover Part II, Only God Forgives, Bridget Jones, The Beach — Bangkok has been Hollywood's backlot for decades. Here's every major filming location you can actually visit, plus what it costs and how to get there.
Oscar Garcia··6 min read
Travel Trends · Bangkok
Bangkok in 2026 vs Bangkok in 2019: What's Actually Different Now
New BTS lines, half the smoking bars gone, ICONSIAM changed the river, prices up 20%, digital nomads everywhere. A returning traveler's guide to what Bangkok looks like in 2026 — and what hasn't changed at all.
Oscar Garcia··6 min read
Safety · Bangkok
Bangkok for Solo Female Travelers: 2026 Safety, Logistics & Where to Go
Honest safety, transport, accommodation, and neighborhood advice for women traveling Bangkok alone in 2026. What actually happens on a solo trip here — and what doesn't.
Oscar Garcia··6 min read
Comparisons · Bangkok
Bangkok vs Ho Chi Minh City 2026: Which Should You Visit First?
Cost, food, safety, transport, nightlife, wifi, and vibe compared side-by-side. A returning traveler's clear pick between Southeast Asia's two biggest capitals in 2026 — and when you should just do both.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
5 Signs You'd Make a Great Bangkok Local Friend in 2026
Bangkok gets 20+ million visitors a year. If you know the city and enjoy meeting people, Roavi is the directory that puts you in front of them — no middleman, no commissions, and you keep 100% of what you charge.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
Become a Local Friend in Bangkok: Earning Guide for 2026
How Local Friends in Bangkok are earning $25–60/hour sharing their city with travelers — and what you need to know before starting.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
Is It Safe to Be a Bangkok Local Friend?
Safety concerns are legitimate when you're meeting strangers. Here's the reality for Bangkok Local Friends on Roavi.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
Best Bangkok Neighborhoods for Local Friends
Not all Bangkok neighborhoods are equal for Local Friends. Here's where travelers want to go — and where you can build a specialty.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Become a Local Friend · Chiang Mai
Become a Local Friend in Chiang Mai: Earning Guide
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's fastest-growing cities for Local Friends. Here's how to earn $20–50/hour showing travelers your city.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Become a Local Friend · Phuket
Become a Local Friend in Phuket: Beach Tourism + Local Income
Phuket has 3 million visitors a year. As a Local Friend, you can earn $30–70/hour showing them the real island.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read