The name Villa Mahabhirom translates as 'Villa of Great Pleasure' and it’s a fitting description for this elegant luxury resort discretely tucked away in a walled garden in a quiet Chiang Mai neighbourhood. Although Villa Mahabhirom is a hotel, it … [Read more...]
About Roy Cavanagh
19 Reasons to Add Nan to Your Thailand Itinerary
With stunning mountain scenery, a rich history and oodles of things to see and do, a visit to Nan is always a pleasure. The only surprise is that more overseas tourists don’t travel to this delightful province in the north of Thailand. But their loss … [Read more...]
In Search of Thailand’s Best Chocolate
The northern Thai province of Nan will always hold a special place in my heart. In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated locations in Thailand. Despite its natural beauty, historic sites and charming way of life, Nan remains almost unknown to … [Read more...]
TAT Launches ‘Me Myself & Thailand’ for Solo Female Travellers
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has released a free digital guidebook aimed at encouraging female solo travellers to experience more of the country. Me, Myself & Thailand features interesting things to see and do at six different … [Read more...]
The Lotus Flower Temple: Wat Pa Dong Rai (Santiwanaram Temple), Udon Thani
The beauty of travel is that no matter how many times you’ve been to a destination there are always new experiences waiting to be enjoyed. Although I’ve visited Udon Thani a number of times before, on my recent trip I had the chance to see an unusual … [Read more...]
Public Holidays in Thailand, 2020
Listed below are the dates for public holidays in Thailand during 2020. More dates may be added and any changes will be added here once confirmed. Please note that government offices and immigration offices in Thailand are closed on public holidays. … [Read more...]
Ban Chiang National Museum, Udon Thani
History buffs visiting Udon Thani should make a beeline for the excellent Ban Chiang National Museum. The museum showcases the remarkable discoveries that have been made in this area and explains the story of the excavations in Ban Chiang which have … [Read more...]
Enjoy Isaan Hospitality at Ban Chiang Community, Udon Thani
With the gentlest of touches the third piece of white string is tied to my wrist. "Khaw hai chok dee na ka" the elegant Thai auntie says before adding, "khaw hai kaeng raeng na ka" as we exchange wais. Immaculately dressed in the traditional … [Read more...]
Experience Local Life at the Thailand Village Academy
They say that travel broadens the mind. And it does. But only if you allow yourself to be open to new experiences. If you travel in Thailand one of the best pieces of advice I can give to anyone is, travel with an open mind and an open heart. A few … [Read more...]
New Bangkok Metro Stations Connect Chinatown and Old City
The opening of new metro stations in Bangkok has made it easier than ever to access some of the Thai capital’s major tourist attractions. The new underground stations opened in August 2019 as part of the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) Blue Line … [Read more...]
Series of Small Explosions in Bangkok
A number of small devices exploded in Bangkok today at locations including a BTS Skytrain station and a government office complex. Local reports say four people were hurt with one being described as suffering serious injuries. The incidents come … [Read more...]
Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai
Sukhothai has a rich history and a there are a number of significant sites dotted around the Sukhothai Historical Park. One of the most photographed of those sites is Wat Si Chum (Temple of the Bodhi Tree) with its giant seated Buddha image. The … [Read more...]
Asahna Bucha Day
Asahna Bucha Day is a public holiday in Thailand. The date of Asahna Bucha varies each year depending on the lunar calendar, but it usually falls in July or August. The holiday commemorates the day when the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. … [Read more...]
Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island Closed Until 2021
Thailand's Department of National Parks (DNP) have extended the closure of Maya Bay until at least 2021. Located on the uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay is famous as one of the main locations used for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, 'The … [Read more...]
King Vajiralongkorn Names New Queen
A few days ahead of his official coronation, the king of Thailand has married his royal consort. At a wedding ceremony in Bangkok on May 1, HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn married the lady who was previously the deputy commander of his personal security … [Read more...]
A Colour for Every Day
In Thailand, each day of the week is associated with a particular colour. In the past, many people would wear the colour associated with that day. Although it doesn't happen so much now, there are still signs of the old tradition to be found. King … [Read more...]
Khao Soi: Northern Thailand’s Signature Dish
Some Thai dishes are well-known to foreign visitors, but there are other regional specialities that don't always get the recognition they perhaps deserve. One such dish is khao soi which is synonymous with northern Thailand and particularly Chiang … [Read more...]
Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the Royal Palace, Ayutthaya
The distinctive pagodas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet are one of the most famous sights in Ayutthaya. Much like the iconic Buddha head in tree roots at nearby Wat Phra Mahathat, images of this historic temple adorn the front of many of the post-cards and … [Read more...]
Buddha Head in Tree Roots, Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya
If you are travelling in Thailand for any length of time, there is one iconic image that you may see crop up time and again on postcards and in guide-books. The photograph of a Buddha head entwined within the roots of a tree is one of the most … [Read more...]
Thailand Introduces Stricter Smoking Laws
Thailand has recently introduced stricter smoking laws with offenders facing a fine of up to 5,000 Baht. Smokers visiting Thailand should take note that smoking is now not just banned inside some buildings, but also outside if it is too close to a … [Read more...]
Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
Known as the the 'Roof of Thailand', Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in the kingdom. At 2,565 metres above sea level, the highest point in Thailand is located within the picturesque confines of Doi Inthanon National Park. The park makes for a … [Read more...]
9 Reasons to Love Thailand
Thailand may be many things, but it certainly isn't boring. It's a country full of life and energy with an intoxicating mix of the fascinating, the fun and the frivolous. It can also be frustrating at times as visitors get to grips with the different … [Read more...]
Visiting Railay Beach, Krabi
One of the most popular and scenic destinations in the entire Krabi region, Railay Beach enjoys a stunning location. Although this is still part of the Krabi mainland, the topography of the area means that the beaches of Railay are only accessible by … [Read more...]
Phra Nang Cave, Krabi
Many visitors to Phra Nang Beach simply go there to soak up the sun, laze on the white sand and admire the stunning Krabi scenery. Flanked to its left and right by the neighbouring beaches of East and West Railay, Phra Nang commands an enviable … [Read more...]
Reclining Buddha, Wat Lokaya Sutha, Ayutthaya
Although Wat Lokaya Sutha (also written as Wat Lokayasutharam) is not one of the most famous historic sites in Ayutthaya, it remains an impressive location to visit. And that is thanks to the temple's most striking feature, the giant reclining Buddha … [Read more...]
Severe Weather Warning Issued for Southern Thailand
Thailand's Meteorological Department have issued a severe weather warning for southern provinces. A tropical depression over the South China Sea has been upgraded and named tropical storm 'Pabuk'. Strong winds, heavy rain and flooding are forecast to … [Read more...]
Coronation of Thai King Scheduled for May 2019
A statement from the palace today announced the dates of the coronation ceremony for HM King Vajiralongkorn. The coronation ceremony will take place from May 4 to May 6. The Thai monarch will officially be crowned as the tenth king of the Chakri … [Read more...]
Bhuping Palace, Chiang Mai
If you are visiting Chiang Mai and heading up to the mountain temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you can also combine this with a trip to the nearby Bhuping Palace. Built in 1961, Bhuping (also written as Phuping) Palace was a favourite location for … [Read more...]
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
If you only visit one temple in Chiang Mai, then Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the one to visit. And don't just take my word for it; local people say that if you haven't been to Doi Suthep, you haven't been to Chiang Mai. The mountain wat that … [Read more...]
On the Trail of Food and Culture in Historic Lamphun
With so much to see and do in Chiang Mai it's not surprising that many tourists visiting Thailand's northern capital don't venture too far away from the city centre or the surrounding countryside. However, if you have more time to spare and are keen … [Read more...]
Thailand General Election, 2019
It looks increasingly likely that the much anticipated—and much delayed—general election in Thailand will finally go ahead on February 24, 2019*. In the world of Thai politics nothing is ever straight forward, but recent announcements lifting a … [Read more...]
Thai Authorities Agree New Visa Regulations to Boost Tourism
Thailand's military government have backed plans to ease some visa regulations as part of a strategy to boost tourism. The initial pilot period for the new visa rules will run from November 15 until January 15, 2019. The situation will be reviewed … [Read more...]
Iconsiam Shopping Mall Opens in Bangkok
Iconsiam is the latest addition to Bangkok's ever expanding list of shopping malls. The mega-mall opened last week on a site adjacent to the Millennium Hilton Hotel on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Iconsiam was officially opened on Friday … [Read more...]
Terminal 21 Shopping Mall Opens in Pattaya
A major new shopping mall recently opened in Pattaya. The airport-themed shopping centre becomes the third of its kind in Thailand with Terminal 21 malls also located at Asoke in central Bangkok and in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). Another … [Read more...]
Thai Owner of Leicester City FC Feared Dead in Helicopter Crash
Yesterday evening a helicopter belonging to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the Thai owner of English football club Leicester City, crashed moments after take off. At the time of writing there is no official confirmation of who was on board or the number … [Read more...]
How to Get to Bangkok’s Old City Area
From buses to boats, there are a number of options to reach Bangkok's Old City area. The best way to get to the Thai capital's historic Rattanakosin district will depend on where in Bangkok you are travelling from and whether or not you have luggage … [Read more...]
A Nation Remembers
Candlelit ceremonies were held in provinces across Thailand last night as people gathered to commemorate the second anniversary of the passing of HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. When King Rama IX died on October 13, 2016, it heralded a period … [Read more...]
National Park Officials Extend Closure of Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh
Thailand's Department of National Parks (DNP) have announced that Maya Bay will remain closed to visitors until further notice. The popular tourist attraction is located on uninhabited Phi Phi Leh. The neighbouring island of Phi Phi Don is where many … [Read more...]
Sabai Sabai in Khao Yai
There are plenty of choices for people looking to escape the bustle of Bangkok for a few days. Drive two or three hours in any direction from the Thai capital and you can experience a real contrast to life in the big city. Head south to hit up the … [Read more...]
Samlors and Cycles: On The Trail of Chiang Mai’s Hidden Heritage
Chiang Mai is a city with so much to see and do. Whether it's ancient temples, ethical elephant experiences or adrenaline-filled adventure, there is no shortage of activities in the city known as the 'Rose of the North'. A walk around Chiang Mai's … [Read more...]
Public Holidays in Thailand, 2019
Listed below are the dates for public holidays in Thailand during 2019. Some of these dates are awaiting official confirmation and they remain subject to change. More additions are also possible to allow for royal events. Updates will be added here … [Read more...]
Thailand’s National Parks Introduce Plastic Ban
As part of a plan to tackle the problem of plastic waste in Thailand, the Department of National Parks (DNP) have introduced new measures. The use of single-use plastics in all of Thailand's National Parks is now banned. Disposable cutlery, straws … [Read more...]
Thailand Plans E-Ticket System for National Marine Parks
Thailand's Department of National Parks (DNP) have announced plans to launch an e-ticket system for entry to National Marine Parks. Thai authorities say this will enable the number of visitors to be regulated and stop overcrowding. The new system … [Read more...]
John Suwan Viewpoint, Ko Tao
Ko Tao is famous as a location for divers, but it's a vantage point high above the waves that provides another perspective of the natural beauty of the island. A trail behind Freedom Beach leads to a viewpoint that was first discovered by a local … [Read more...]
New Parks in Bangkok to Honour the Late King
There are changes ahead for the green spaces in Bangkok with work underway on a massive new park in the north of the Thai capital. The ambitious plans will see three separate parks merge into one 'mega-park' on a site close to the popular Chatuchak … [Read more...]
12 of the Best Places to Stay in Bangkok’s Old City
The historic heart of Bangkok is sometimes referred to as 'Bangkok Old Town' or simply, the 'Old City'. This is where you will find many of Bangkok's most popular tourist attractions including the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and … [Read more...]
All 13 Members of Moo Pa Football Team Rescued from Chiang Rai Cave
The Wild Boars are safe. All 13 members of the Moo Pa (nickname translates as the Wild Boars) youth football team have been rescued from Tham Luang Cave in Chiang Rai. It's been a monumental rescue effort involving divers and cave experts from around … [Read more...]
Fatal Boat Accident Near Phuket
Yesterday afternoon (Thursday) a boat capsized off the coast of Phuket. At the time of writing there are 33 confirmed fatalities, but that figure is likely to rise* with a number of passengers still reported missing. So far, 49 people have been … [Read more...]
Missing Youngsters Found Alive in Chiang Rai Cave
There have been emotional scenes in Thailand this evening following the news that the 13 members of the Moo Pa youth football team have been found. At around 10.30pm local time, Thai officials announced that the group had been located deep inside … [Read more...]
Search Continues for Youths Trapped in Chiang Rai Cave
Rescue teams in Chiang Rai are continuing their search for a group of young footballers who are believed to be trapped by floodwater inside a cave. The twelve boys, aged between 11 and 16, are thought to have entered Tham Luang Nang Non cave with … [Read more...]
