Accommodation Review: The Countryside, Pai
Most of the accommodation choices in Pai are budget and mid-range guest-houses with just a few more expensive hotel options. I was last in Pai back in …
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Take Off Your Shoes
In Thailand, there are a number of different do’s and don’ts. In general, most minor indiscretions will be forgiven, but if you act …
Wan Khao Phansa
The day after Asahna Bucha is another important day in the Buddhist calendar. The day is called Wan Khao Phansa and marks the beginning of the …
Takraw: Thai Kick Volleyball
Takraw is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. There are a number of different versions of the game, but the main aim is to score points …
Eating Insects
Visitors to Thailand may occasionally come across hawker stalls or roadside vendors selling insects as snacks. It’s often a source of curiosity …
Restaurant Review: Chao Lay Seafood, Hua Hin
The Chao Lay seafood restaurant is one of the most famous in Hua Hin. The restaurant is built on a jetty and makes for a very pleasant al-fresco …
How to Get to Pai
The distance between Pai and Chiang Mai is approximately 85 miles (135kms), but because of the winding mountain road the road journey can take between …
Violence in Thailand’s Restive Deep South
June 2009 The ongoing problems in the deep south of Thailand have escalated in recent weeks. On Monday, gunmen attacked a mosque in Narathiwat …
Actor David Carradine Found Dead in Bangkok Hotel
Bangkok: June 2009 Hollywood actor, David Carradine, has been found dead in his Bangkok hotel suite. Thai police are saying there was no evidence of a …
Hotel Review: Queen’s Garden Resort, near Bangkok Airport
Last weekend I had a late evening flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and an early flight out the following day, so I took the opportunity to stay at …
Som Nam Naa
Som nam naa is a common phrase used in Thailand which is roughly the equivalent of saying ‘serves you right’ or ‘you got what you …
Thai Attitudes Towards Safety
If you are travelling to Thailand for the first time, the whole experience can be a culture shock. What passes as normal in Thailand can be the sort …
Isaan Rocket Festivals
The north-east of Thailand, a region known as Isaan, has traditionally been a pre-dominantly rural farming area and it is this region that holds one …
Bangkok Airport Stop-Over
Bangkok international airport is a key transit point for travellers en route to other destinations and some passengers find themselves stuck with …
Hotels Near Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi)
I often get asked to recommend hotels near Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi). The answer I usually give is that people shouldn’t rule …
Pai Nai: Where You Go?
When certain Thai phrases are translated into English they can lose something in translation and in their English form may appear abrupt or impolite. …
National Muay Thai Day
In Thailand, March 17 is the day when those involved in Thai boxing (Muay Thai) celebrate a hero of the sport. Boxer’s Day isn’t a public …
Thai Boxing – Muay Thai
Thai boxing, known as Muay Thai (muay=boxing) is Thailand’s national sport. Although football (soccer) is universally popular throughout …