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You are here: Home / Archives for Roy Cavanagh

About Roy Cavanagh

Roy Cavanagh is a former stand-up comedian who now works as a freelance writer and website designer. Passionate about Thailand and Thai culture, Roy is also the editor of the online magazine, Fan Club Thailand.

Hotel Review: Villa Mahabhirom, Chiang Mai

November 22, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Accommodation, Reviews Tagged With: Chiang Mai

19 Reasons to Add Nan to Your Thailand Itinerary

November 10, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Features Tagged With: Nan

In Search of Thailand’s Best Chocolate

October 24, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Responsible Tourism Tagged With: Nan

TAT Launches ‘Me Myself & Thailand’ for Solo Female Travellers

October 23, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Features, Responsible Tourism

The Lotus Flower Temple: Wat Pa Dong Rai (Santiwanaram Temple), Udon Thani

October 17, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Isaan, Udon Thani

Public Holidays in Thailand, 2020

October 1, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Festivals/Holidays

Ban Chiang National Museum, Udon Thani

September 27, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Isaan, Udon Thani

Enjoy Isaan Hospitality at Ban Chiang Community, Udon Thani

September 26, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Features, Responsible Tourism Tagged With: Isaan, Udon Thani

Experience Local Life at the Thailand Village Academy

September 10, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Responsible Tourism

New Bangkok Metro Stations Connect Chinatown and Old City

September 6, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Travel in Thailand Tagged With: Bangkok

Series of Small Explosions in Bangkok

August 2, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

Golden Mount looking east towards downtown 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...]

Filed Under: News

Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai

July 4, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Sukhothai

Asahna Bucha Day

July 2, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

Asahna Bucha Day in Thailand

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...]

Filed Under: Buddhism, Festivals/Holidays

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island Closed Until 2021

May 16, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands

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...]

Filed Under: News, Responsible Tourism Tagged With: Phi Phi

King Vajiralongkorn Names New Queen

May 2, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

King Rama X, Thailand

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...]

Filed Under: News

A Colour for Every Day

April 17, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

colour for days of the week Thailand

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...]

Filed Under: Culture Shock

Khao Soi: Northern Thailand’s Signature Dish

April 11, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

eating khao soi in Thailand

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...]

Filed Under: Food

Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the Royal Palace, Ayutthaya

April 8, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, 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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Ayutthaya

Buddha Head in Tree Roots, Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya

March 27, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

Buddha head in tree roots at 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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Ayutthaya

Thailand Introduces Stricter Smoking Laws

March 6, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: News

Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

February 26, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Chiang Mai

9 Reasons to Love Thailand

February 14, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Culture Shock, Thailand Photos

Visiting Railay Beach, Krabi

February 5, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Krabi

Phra Nang Cave, Krabi

January 26, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

Phra Nang Cave and Beach (Princess Cave), Railay, 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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Krabi

Reclining Buddha, Wat Lokaya Sutha, Ayutthaya

January 12, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Ayutthaya

Severe Weather Warning Issued for Southern Thailand

January 1, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

heavy rain in Phang Nga

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...]

Filed Under: News

Coronation of Thai King Scheduled for May 2019

January 1, 2019 by Roy Cavanagh

Thailand king Rama X

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...]

Filed Under: News

Bhuping Palace, Chiang Mai

December 31, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

December 21, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Buddhism, Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Chiang Mai

On the Trail of Food and Culture in Historic Lamphun

December 13, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

food and culture tour in 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...]

Filed Under: Features Tagged With: Lamphun

Thailand General Election, 2019

December 12, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: News

Thai Authorities Agree New Visa Regulations to Boost Tourism

November 24, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

Thailand visa application form

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...]

Filed Under: News, Visas

Iconsiam Shopping Mall Opens in Bangkok

November 12, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

IconSiam shopping mall, 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...]

Filed Under: News, Shopping Tagged With: Bangkok

Terminal 21 Shopping Mall Opens in Pattaya

November 5, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

Terminal 21, 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...]

Filed Under: News, Shopping Tagged With: Pattaya

Thai Owner of Leicester City FC Feared Dead in Helicopter Crash

October 28, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

King Power Stadium Leicester City FC

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...]

Filed Under: News

How to Get to Bangkok’s Old City Area

October 24, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

How to Get to Bangkok Old City

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...]

Filed Under: Travel in Thailand Tagged With: Bangkok

A Nation Remembers

October 14, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: News

National Park Officials Extend Closure of Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh

October 3, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands

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...]

Filed Under: News

Sabai Sabai in Khao Yai

September 27, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

health and wellness in Pak Chong and 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...]

Filed Under: Features Tagged With: Isaan, Khao Yai

Samlors and Cycles: On The Trail of Chiang Mai’s Hidden Heritage

September 20, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

samlors and cycles history tour Chiang Mai

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...]

Filed Under: Features Tagged With: Chiang Mai

Public Holidays in Thailand, 2019

September 16, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

Thailand public holidays in 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...]

Filed Under: Festivals/Holidays

Thailand’s National Parks Introduce Plastic Ban

September 6, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

Plastic ban Thailand National Parks

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...]

Filed Under: News, Responsible Tourism

Thailand Plans E-Ticket System for National Marine Parks

August 30, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

Similan Islands, Thailand

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...]

Filed Under: News, Responsible Tourism

John Suwan Viewpoint, Ko Tao

August 25, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Tourist Attractions Tagged With: Ko Tao

New Parks in Bangkok to Honour the Late King

August 2, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

Chatuchak Park, Bangkok

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...]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Bangkok

12 of the Best Places to Stay in Bangkok’s Old City

July 29, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: Accommodation Tagged With: Bangkok

All 13 Members of Moo Pa Football Team Rescued from Chiang Rai Cave

July 10, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

Thailand cave rescue

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...]

Filed Under: News

Fatal Boat Accident Near Phuket

July 6, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: News

Missing Youngsters Found Alive in Chiang Rai Cave

July 2, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: News

Search Continues for Youths Trapped in Chiang Rai Cave

June 26, 2018 by Roy Cavanagh

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...]

Filed Under: News

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  • Hotel Review: Villa Mahabhirom, Chiang Mai
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