I asked locals: “Why do you like Phrae?” (Thailand’s City of Art)

I asked locals: “Why do you like Phrae?” (Thailand’s City of Art)

Phrae might be the best small town I’ve seen in Thailand. In this episode of 30 Thai Cities in 30 Days, I explore a northern Thai town that feels creative, kindhearted, and deeply livable.

Phrae surprised me with its teakwood culture, bamboo-fiber clothing, local coffee farms, distilleries, markets, food, and overall sense of craft. It feels joyful. It feels tasteful. And for me, it felt like one of the strongest expat towns I’ve visited anywhere in Thailand.

I talk with locals, walk the market, visit the Free Thai Museum, try the food, check out the gym, and sit down with Udom for one of the most interesting expat conversations of the trip.

Udom’s extended interview

Key moments

00:01 – 03:05
First impressions of Phrae and why it immediately felt special

03:07 – 05:49
Conversation with May about why Phrae feels better than Chiang Mai

06:18 – 10:40
Breakfast at May’s family restaurant and the local fabric shop

10:48 – 14:40
The Free Thai Museum and Phrae’s World War II history

14:47 – 16:32
Why Phrae calls itself the City of Art

16:35 – 22:00
Coffee, local craft, teak, gin, and the creative identity of the town

22:10 – 32:24
Walking street market and why it feels like one of Thailand’s best. Local fashion, bamboo fiber clothing, and slow-life culture

33:26 – 41:57
Nightlife and talk with Tyger

42:10 – 45:09
Coffee tasting

48:00 – 59:30
Sit-down with Udom on identity, belonging, and why he is proud to live in Phrae

1:01:10
My final answer: would I live here as an expat?

About Philip + Contact

My vlog style is exploring places by talking with people — asking questions about the town or city, and what they love about it (or not). Places become most interesting when exploring local history, having conversations, and experiencing the daily rhythm and life through the eyes of locals, expats, and visitors alike.

I find each place has its own energy. My travel is inspired by the desire to gain a broader perspective. The more I travel, the less I know.

30 THAI CITIES IN 30 DAYS

1. Ayutthaya — Sat, Mar 28, 2026
2. Kanchanaburi — Sun, Mar 29, 2026
3. Uthai Thani — Mon, Mar 30, 2026
4. Sukhothai — Tue, Mar 31, 2026
5. Phrae — Wed, Apr 1, 2026
6. Lampang — Thu, Apr 2, 2026
7. Khon Kaen — Fri, Apr 3, 2026
8. Udon Thani — Sat, Apr 4, 2026
9. Nakhon Phanom — Sun, Apr 5, 2026
10. Mukdahan — Mon, Apr 6, 2026
11. Roi Et — Tue, Apr 7, 2026
12. Buriram — Wed, Apr 8, 2026
13. Khao Yai — Thu, Apr 9, 2026
14. Pattaya — Fri, Apr 10, 2026
15. Jomtien — Sat, Apr 11, 2026
16. Pratumnak Hill — Sun, Apr 12, 2026
17. Bangkok — Mon, Apr 13, 2026
18. Surat Thani — Tue, Apr 14, 2026
19. Sichon — Wed, Apr 15, 2026
20. Nakhon Si Thammarat — Thu, Apr 16, 2026
21. Phatthalung — Fri, Apr 17, 2026
22. Hat Yai — Sat, Apr 18, 2026
23. Songkhla — Sun, Apr 19, 2026
24. Trang — Mon, Apr 20, 2026
25. Koh Lanta — Tue, Apr 21, 2026
26. Krabi — Wed, Apr 22, 2026
27. Turtle Beach — Thu, Apr 23, 2026
28. Khao Lak — Fri, Apr 24, 2026
29. Khao Sok — Sat, Apr 25, 2026
30. Ranong — Sun, Apr 26, 2026

Follow along on my journey through 30 Thai cities at The Borderless Office website.
You will find a deeper dive into each video location, along with info about upcoming projects and the full schedule.
https://theborderlessoffice.com/30-thai-cities-in-30-days/

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