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...]
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...]
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...]
Street Art in Phuket Town Celebrates Local Food & Culture
Most tourists heading to Phuket head straight for the beaches. And that's understandable. But Phuket Town has much to offer and can be an excellent base to explore the rest of the island. Although the west coast beaches may be an hour away, that is … [Read more...]
Thailand Bids a Final Farewell to the Royal Father
It was an emotional time to be in Thailand as Thai people bade a final farewell to the man they call the Royal Father. Broadcast live on all Thai television channels, the Royal Cremation Ceremonies were an incredible spectacle, but it was the … [Read more...]
Bangkok’s Bridge of Tears
A century ago, Bangkok's network of canals were the lifeblood of a city which was known as the 'Venice of the East'. In an era when Thailand was still Siam, the waterways that criss-crossed Bangkok were the main transport and trade routes. As Bangkok … [Read more...]
Fired Up for Success at Ban Rai Kong Khing, Chiang Mai
The warmth from the hot coals flushes my cheeks. The heady aroma of herbs fills my nostrils and the gentle lilt of Lanna music fills the air. My eyes swivel to watch the therapist as he moves towards the hot coals. The oil sizzles and flames leap … [Read more...]
Homestay Hospitality and the Power of Responsible Tourism in Mae Hong Son
As an outsider looking in, the village of Ban Muang Pam seems idyllic. Perched high up on a hillside in picturesque Mae Hong Son province, this appears to be a location far removed from the stresses of modern-day life. But the Karen hill-tribe … [Read more...]
Following in the Footsteps of the King: Thailand’s Royal Projects
Looking out today on the picturesque highland scenery in north Thailand and seeing the flowers and vegetables flourishing in the cool climate, it's difficult to imagine a time when the view looked anything different. But as recently as the 1970s the … [Read more...]
What is the Best Island in Thailand?
It's a question that often gets asked: what is the best island in Thailand? But with a myriad of wonderful islands to choose from in Thailand it's an almost impossible question to answer, especially when so much of it comes down to individual taste … [Read more...]
Commemorating the Thai King on Father’s Day
Today would have been the late King's 89th birthday. December 5 is a public holiday in Thailand and also the date of Father's Day in honour of the man who is affectionately referred to as the 'Royal Father'. Families will still enjoy their day … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Unique Adventures in Thailand
Part of the appeal of Thailand is that it caters to such a large cross-section of travellers. If you just want to chill out on a beach for a couple of weeks and the only work you want to do is on your tan, then destinations like Krabi and Phuket in … [Read more...]
Silent Waters: Tsunami 10 Years On
December 26, 2004 is a date that will never be forgotten by so many. Not just by those directly caught up in the terrible events of that day, but by those in countries around the world who watched media coverage of the Indian Ocean tsunami and waited … [Read more...]
Diving in Thailand
I do sometimes get asked for recommendations and advice on where to dive in Thailand, but I'm not much of a swimmer and have never dived so I'm not the best person to ask. With that in mind a reader of the site, Peter O'Connor, has kindly taken time … [Read more...]
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the third child of the King and Queen of Thailand. Born in Bangkok on April 2, 1955, the princess is renowned for her charity work and public service which has earned her the affectionate nickname … [Read more...]
October 14 Memorial, Bangkok
I would guess that not many foreign visitors are aware of this understated memorial in Bangkok. And that's sad. Not because it is a must-see attraction or a stunningly beautiful piece of architecture because it is neither of those things. It is sad … [Read more...]
The Royal Thai Pavilion in Sweden
Sweden has a special connection with Thailand and it's a connection that dates back to 1897 when King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Siam visited Scandinavia as part of a royal tour of Europe. As a result of that historic trip, a small town in rural … [Read more...]
Shrine to Prince of Chumphon (Sadej Tia)
He may not be well-known to people outside of Thailand, but Admiral HRH Prince of Chumphon (also written as 'Jumborn') is the man who is referred to as the 'Father of the Royal Thai Navy'. The prince has a fascinating story that involves military … [Read more...]
King Ramkhamhaeng the Great
One of the most important figures in Thai history, King Ramkhamhaeng (Rama the Bold) ruled the ancient Sukhothai kingdom from 1278-1298. Regarded as a benevolent and wise ruler, one of his major achievements was the compilation of a system of writing … [Read more...]
Royal Portraits
One thing that often strikes first time visitors to Thailand is the number of royal portraits on show. Arriving at Bangkok airport you will see signs and images proclaiming 'Long Live the King' in Thai and English. Major streets and thoroughfares in … [Read more...]
The Story of Tong Daeng, the Royal Dog
Along with other members of the Thai royal family, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has a number of pet dogs, but one pet in particular has a heart-warming story attached. In 1998, a stray Bangkok dog was taken in by a medical centre in Bangkok and had a … [Read more...]
