Bulgaria: A Slice of Europe as Cheap as Chiang Mai! Beautiful and Serene, but Almost Lost My Mind Over the "Shake = Yes, Nod = No" Rule.

Normally, I’m all about taking random, unplanned trips to small towns around Chiang Mai. But today, I’m switching things up to review "Bulgaria" because the cost of living there is insanely cheap! It was so affordable that I was genuinely confused—I felt like I was strolling through Nimman, but with a total European vibe. There are no massive crowds, no squeezing past people, making it absolutely perfect for laid-back travelers who are too lazy to plan, just like me. 📍 Sofia - The ultimate slow-life capital You can stroll around endlessly without breaking a sweat. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is absolutely stunning. It’s especially gorgeous in the evening when the sunlight hits the golden domes—just magical. Another spot I loved is the Church of St. George Rotunda, a tiny red-brick church hidden among towering buildings. If you aren’t paying attention, you’ll definitely walk right past it (which I almost did!). I highly recommend taking a walk down Vitosha Boulevard, grabbing some ice cream, and just chilling. You even get a great view of the mountains from there. 📍 Rila Monastery This one is a bit outside the city, but you absolutely have to go. It’s as breathtaking as a painting from a classic fairy tale, with cool weather and a light, misty fog. But a quick heads-up: they are super strict about the dress code! No bare shoulders or legs allowed. If you show up in shorts, you’ll need to find something to wrap around yourself, or you won’t get in. They also sell a sweet honey liqueur inside the monastery. It’s quite sweet and definitely worth trying just for fun. 🥘 Food is a huge deal—and super cheap! An average meal costs just over 200 THB per person, and it’ll leave you absolutely stuffed. A must-try is Banitsa, their traditional cheese pie. It costs practically nothing, and its savory, rich flavor pairs perfectly with authentic Bulgarian yogurt. Their yogurt has a nice, tangy kick to it and isn't overly sweet like the ones back home. The Shopska Salad is also super refreshing and comes generously topped with a mountain of cheese. ⚠️ A few rants (that almost made me lose my sanity) 1. The most mind-boggling thing ever: "Shaking your head means Yes, and nodding means No"! Guys... human instinct is so hard to override. I almost got into a fight with a waiter while ordering food. I highly recommend just saying "Da" (Yes) or "Ne" (No). Avoid using body language at all costs, or you’ll be setting yourself up for disaster. 2. Cash is King! Small shops, local markets, and public restrooms only accept cash. And please, whatever you do, do not exchange money at the airport—the rates are a total rip-off. You’re much better off finding an ATM or an exchange booth in the city. 3. All the street signs are in Cyrillic, and I couldn't read a single letter. Make sure to download Google Translate for offline use, otherwise, you'll just be standing there looking completely lost. 4. If you have a multiple-entry Schengen Visa, you can get right in! No need to apply for a separate Bulgarian visa, which is super convenient. Overall, it was way better than I ever expected! It's beautiful, peaceful, and totally budget-friendly. Honestly, it’s the perfect place to just let go and vibe.