October in Thailand is what the travel industry describes as 'shoulder-season'. Fewer tourists are around and good deals are usually available on flights and accommodation before the higher rates start to kick in during November. It’s also a month … [Read more...]
Elephant Parade Returning Home to Chiang Mai
A grand parade of model elephants is set to hit the streets of Chiang Mai later this year. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Elephant Parade, the colourful outdoor art exhibition is being hosted in Chiang Mai, the home base of the event. … [Read more...]
Tallest Building in Thailand Officially Opened
The 314 metre high MahaNakhon building was officially opened in Bangkok last night with an impressive light and sound show. The skyscraper is the tallest building in Thailand taking over the title from the Baiyoke Tower (304 metres high). The quirky … [Read more...]
Visiting the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok
There are plenty of reasons why the Grand Palace is the number one tourist attraction in Bangkok. Historically important, architecturally beautiful and spiritually significant, the Grand Palace has been at the heart of Bangkok since the city was … [Read more...]
Bomb Blasts in Hua Hin and Trang
At least one person has been killed and approximately 19 injured by twin bomb blasts in central Hua Hin on Thursday night. The blasts took place close to Soi Bintabaht, an area popular with overseas tourists that features a number of open-sided bars. … [Read more...]
Thailand’s Lese Majeste Laws
Thailand has some of the strictest lese majeste laws in the world and even if you are an occasional visitor to Thailand, it’s something you need to be aware of. In basic terms, lese majeste can be defined as an offence that insults the monarchy. The … [Read more...]
Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai
Wat Phra Singh is not only one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, it’s also one of the most attractive. Located at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road in the old city of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh makes for an impressive site with gilded rooftops … [Read more...]
Bangkok Night Lights Tuk-Tuk Tour
No matter how many times you visit Bangkok, the city retains the capacity to surprise. There’s always something new to see or something different to experience in the Big Mango. Like many frequent visitors to Bangkok, I like to think I know my way … [Read more...]
Ratchaprapa Dam and Cheow Larn Lake, Khao Sok
Sitting in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, magnificent Cheow Larn Lake is one of the most beautiful locations in Thailand. Ringed by jungle-clad mountains and with vertiginous limestone karsts and submerged trees breaking the surface of the … [Read more...]
Ethical Elephant Encounters in Khao Sok
It may come as a surprise to many of you to learn that my life in Thailand isn’t all sunshine and smiles despite the impression I may give. Like most of you, I have my bad days mixed in with the good days. Admittedly, the bad days are few and far … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: Anurak Community Lodge, Khao Sok
A sublime setting, a homely atmosphere and a business with a focus on sustainability all combine to make Anurak Community Lodge an excellent choice for visitors looking to explore Khao Sok National Park in comfort. With stunning views of the jungle … [Read more...]
Adventures in Nakhon Nayok
Nakhon Nayok isn’t an obvious tourist destination, but the small province has much to offer the adventurous traveller. Less than two hour’s drive north-east from the centre of Bangkok, the natural attractions of Nakhon Nayok make a pleasant contrast … [Read more...]
Authorities Raid Thailand’s Tiger Temple
Thai wildlife authorities have completed a week-long operation at the controversial Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi. Approximately 1,000 people were involved in the raid which began on Monday last week at Wat Pa Luangta Bua west of Bangkok. The monks … [Read more...]
Khuean Khun Dan Prakanchon Dam (Khlong Tha Dan Dam), Nakhon Nayok
The pride of Nakhon Nayok, the Khuean Khun Dan Prakanchon Dam is part of a royal project under the initiative of the King of Thailand. Prior to the construction of the dam, Nakhon Nayok was prone to a cycle of drought and floods causing problems for … [Read more...]
Exploring Thailand’s Eastern Provinces
If you ask overseas tourists what places spring to mind when they think about eastern Thailand and they’ll probably answer Pattaya, Ko Samet and Ko Chang. These destinations are all good choices for a break by the seaside, but Thailand’s eastern … [Read more...]
Ban Nam Chiao Eco-Tourism Community, Trat
There’s an old saying in Ban Nam Chiao that typifies the way the fisherman from the village co-operate: "A mackerel boat can’t catch a crab." The simple idiom embodies the honesty and integrity of the inhabitants of this small community in the east … [Read more...]
Fatal Speedboat Accident Near Ko Samui
A speedboat with more than 30 people on board capsized yesterday afternoon in the waters off Ko Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. At least three people have died and one person is still missing. Navy divers and rescue workers continued their search … [Read more...]
Singha Park (Boon Rawd Farm), Chiang Rai
Singha Park is owned by Boon Rawd Brewery, the company who produce Singha Beer, but visitors hoping to find a brewery and endless supplies of Thai beer are out of luck. Instead, the picturesque park in the Chiang Rai countryside is a family-friendly … [Read more...]
Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong)
Located on the fringe of Bangkok’s Chinatown district, Bangkok railway station is the main rail terminus for the Thai capital. Many Thai people refer to the station by its official name of ‘Krungthep’ although there are some locals who call it Hua … [Read more...]
Tourists Attacked in Hua Hin: Thai Police Under Fire
Four Thai men have been arrested following a savage attack on a British family on holiday in the beach resort city of Hua Hin. The incident took place on Soi Bintabaht in central Hua Hin late in the night on April 13. Details of the event only began … [Read more...]
The Leicester City Fairy Tale: King Power, King Richard III and the Siamese Foxes
Sport has a habit of throwing up surprises. A rank outsider winning a horse race, a top-seeded tennis player losing to an unknown, an amateur golfer outdoing the professionals. Whether you like sport or not, there is something compelling about an … [Read more...]
Exploring Bangkok’s Sathorn District
As one of the main business districts of Bangkok, Sathorn (also written as Sathon) is dotted with high-rise offices housing international banks and financial institutions. Although Sathorn isn’t known for its tourist attractions, it still makes for … [Read more...]
Cloud 47 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Bangkok
When it comes to rooftop bars and restaurants in Bangkok, there are plenty of options. But many of those venues have dress regulations in place and sky-high prices to go with the sky-high location. However, there are some rooftop bars in Bangkok … [Read more...]
Visiting Thailand in April
April in Thailand sees the country in the middle of summer with hot weather wherever you go. Although temperatures are high, Thailand is well-adapted to deal with the heat and visitors will be thankful for air-conditioning in hotel rooms, taxis and … [Read more...]
Bangkok Robot Building Adding Sanuk to the Skyline
In the mid-1970s, architect Sumet Jumsai was tasked with producing sketches for a new building in Bangkok. For years he struggled with ideas and a suitable design. One day, Sumet’s young son came into his studio and began playing with his latest toy, … [Read more...]
1,600 Pandas World Tour in Thailand
The 1,600 Pandas World Tour that touched down in Thailand earlier this month has proved to be a big success with the panda 'flash mobs' attracting large crowds wherever they have been on display. The number of pandas in the exhibition, 1,600, … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: Somerset Park Suanplu, Bangkok
Bangkok can divide opinion. As much as I love the city, I’m well aware that not everybody shares the same enthusiasm for the Thai capital. The city can be overwhelming and too frenetic, especially for first-time visitors. Choosing where to stay in … [Read more...]
Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind. Or Does It?
Mai pen rai. Three little words. But what does the phrase mean and why do the Thai people use it so often? Like many things in Thailand, it isn’t as straight-forward as it first seems. Mai pen rai is often translated as 'never mind' or 'it’s OK'. … [Read more...]
Mae Kampong Homestay and Eco-Tourism Village, Chiang Mai
'I don’t have to leave the mountain. The village provides me with everything I need. Life is good', Khun Somboon tells me. The village medicine man has witnessed plenty of changes during his time living in Baan Mae Kampong. The picturesque mountain … [Read more...]
Bangkok Prepares for 1,600 Pandas World Tour
It’s all set to be panda-monium in Bangkok during March with flash mobs popping up all over the city. Fortunately, it has nothing to do with politics or protests. Instead, the Thai capital is preparing for a cuteness overload and a barrage of photo … [Read more...]
Review: Flight of the Gibbon, Chiang Mai
The alarm rings at 5.45am, but I don't need it. I'm already awake. A restless night fretting about what I’ve let myself in for. The mini-bus is picking me up at 6.30am and it’s too late to back out now. A 50-year-old man with a fear of heights who … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day in Thailand
There are many reasons to love Thailand and if you’re fortunate enough to be in Thailand for Valentine's Day ('Wan Valentine' in Thai), it’s easy enough to spot the signs all around that love is in the air. Teenagers on motorbikes clutch oversized … [Read more...]
Cold Snap Hits Thailand
Blue skies, warm sunshine and t-shirts. That’s what you’d expect from a trip to Thailand in January. And that’s what you would have got up until the start of this week. But on Monday, many people in Thailand woke up to an unseasonably cool morning as … [Read more...]
Visiting Thailand in February
There are plenty of good reasons to visit Thailand in February with great weather in most parts of the country and a number of fantastic festivals to choose from. February also tends to see lower prices for flights and accommodation compared to the … [Read more...]
Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony
With warm weather, tropical locations and a host of romantic settings to choose from, it’s no surprise that Thailand is a magnet for couples looking to get married. But there is one location in southern Thailand that has taken a novel approach to … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: The Monttra Pattaya
Surrounded by a canopy of trees overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, there is little to disturb the tranquility at The Monttra Pattaya apart from the idle chatter of birdsong and the sound of waves gently lapping up to the private beach. Enjoying a … [Read more...]
An Evening with the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra in Lumphini Park
If you’re looking for free things to do in Bangkok, then a trip to Lumphini Park should be on the list. And if you can make it there on a Sunday during the cool season months, you have the added bonus of witnessing the brilliant Bangkok Symphony … [Read more...]
Bangkok Lights Up for the Festive Period
If you visit Bangkok during December you may be surprised at just how many areas of the city are lit up with special decorations. The birthday of the King of Thailand is on December 5 and in his honour, parts of the city are beautifully illuminated. … [Read more...]
Funeral Ceremony for Thailand’s Supreme Patriarch
Throngs of people lined the streets in Bangkok this morning to witness the funeral parade of the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. The funeral procession for the most senior Buddhist monk in Thailand set off from Wat Bowon Niwet where the body of Somdet … [Read more...]
Thai King Makes Public Appearance at Bangkok Hospital
Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej has made a rare public appearance in Bangkok. In television footage released by the palace yesterday, the elderly Thai monarch was shown at a swearing-in ceremony for judges. The ceremony was held in a function room … [Read more...]
Nationwide ‘Bike for Dad’ Event Honours Thai King
Towns and cities all over Thailand have been participating in the 'Bike for Dad' bicycle rally today. More than half a million people registered to take part in the special event in honour of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 88th birthday. Often referred to … [Read more...]
Muay Thai Live, Bangkok
At first glance, Thailand’s national sport can appear brutal. Two fighters in a flurry of punches, flying feet and crashing elbows. But Thai boxing isn’t just about inflicting pain and knocking out opponents. Muay Thai is an ancient art where music, … [Read more...]
Elephant Parade Arrives in Bangkok
One of the largest open-air art exhibitions in the world touches down in Bangkok on December 1. A collection of 88 hand-painted elephant statues go on display in the Thai capital and at 1.5 metres high, the jumbo-sized Elephant Parade herd is set to … [Read more...]
Two Men Charged Over Bangkok Bomb Blast
Two men have been charged by a military court in Thailand in connection with the bomb at the Erawan Shrine in August. The attack in Bangkok killed 20 people and injured more than 120.Bilal Mohammed (also known as Adem Karadag) and Yusuf Mieraili … [Read more...]
Thailand Introduces Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
A new type of visa becomes available today for tourists visiting Thailand. The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) replaces the previous Double/Triple Entry Tourist Visa which will no longer be available. This change does not affect the Single Entry … [Read more...]
Temple of the Golden Buddha: Wat Traimit, Bangkok
Sitting serenely atop a pedestal in Bangkok’s Wat Traimit Witthayaram is what is said to be the world’s largest solid-gold Buddha image. The dimensions of the 'Phra Sukhothai Traimit' statue are impressive enough - more than 3 metres tall and … [Read more...]
More Flights for Pattaya U-Tapao Airport
Pattaya’s U-Tapao airport is to get more flights as two domestic airlines, Kan Air and Air Asia, expand their operations in Thailand. And with the introduction of the new flights, promotions are being offered with prices as low as 590 Baht on Air … [Read more...]
Perception Blind Massage, Bangkok
Earlier this week I met a lady called Aoy. Her colleagues describe her as 'jai yen' and 'jai dee'; calm and kind. Aoy's hobbies include studying astrology and listening to audiobooks. Aoy also happens to be blind. She lost her sight after contracting … [Read more...]
Nong Prajak Park, Udon Thani
The city of Udon Thani might not be the prettiest in Thailand, but it can lay claim to one of the most charming parks in the country. Udon Thani residents are justifiably proud of Nong Prajak Park which serves not just as a recreation area, but as a … [Read more...]
Haze from Indonesian Forest Fires Reaches Parts of Southern Thailand
Some districts in southern Thailand have seen an increase in haze in recent days as result of the forest fires in Indonesia. Provinces closest to the Malaysian border such as Songkhla, Narathiwat, Pattani and Satun have recorded a drop in air … [Read more...]
