One of Bangkok's most recognisable landmarks, Wat Arun (also known as the Temple of the Dawn), is an imposing sight on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. A temple has occupied the site for hundreds of years, but the name and design of the temple has … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Bo Sang Umbrella Village, Chiang Mai
Located just to the east of Chiang Mai city, the village of Bo Sang (also written as Borsang) is famous for producing hand-made bamboo umbrellas and parasols. It's a long-standing tradition and you only need to take a wander around Bo Sang to see how … [Read more...]
Cable Car Across the River at a Unique Temple in Ayutthaya
It's not every day you board a cable car to visit a temple, but then again Wat Niwet Thamprawat is no ordinary temple. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya, Wat Niwet Thamprawat is the only Buddhist temple in Thailand which is … [Read more...]
Phi Phi Islands Viewpoint
If you've been researching what to see and do on the Phi Phi islands, you may already have seen photos taken from the viewpoint on Phi Phi Don. The classic snapshot looking down over the twin bays of Tonsai and Loh Dalum is one of the most famous … [Read more...]
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Ayutthaya
One of the most important temples in Ayutthaya, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon has a long and illustrious history. And unlike many of the other ancient sites in Ayutthaya, this is still an active temple where monks reside. Thai people visit Wat Yai Chai … [Read more...]
Bang Pa-In Palace, Ayutthaya
Bang Pa-In Palace isn't what you might expect from a Thai royal residence. Some of the European-influenced architecture wouldn't look out of place at a stately home in France or Germany. And the sight of tourists driving golf buggies over a bridge … [Read more...]
Visiting the Red Lotus Lake, Udon Thani
The early morning sun twinkles on the surface of the water as the boatman slowly guides his vessel to shore. But there is still no sign of the star attraction. It's only after clambering aboard and travelling for twenty minutes or so into the heart … [Read more...]
Bangkok’s Metal Castle: Loha Prasat and Wat Ratchanatdaram
With its distinctive architecture, impressive views and proximity to some of Bangkok's major tourist attractions, you'd expect to find more visitors at Loha Prasat and Wat Ratchanatdaram. But this unique site sees relatively few tourists despite … [Read more...]
On Tour With the Veteran Samlor Drivers of Chiang Mai
65, 73, 98 . . . not the Thai lottery numbers, but the ages of an inspirational group of individuals; the samlor drivers of Chiang Mai. And 98 isn't a typo. The oldest samlor driver in Chiang Mai, the remarkable Nainan Narin, is just a few years … [Read more...]
Visiting Tong Bai Elephant Foundation, Chiang Mai
It's not every day you get to walk an elephant through the forest. Or, maybe more accurately, an elephant gets to walk you through the forest. But that's part of the heart-warming experience that awaits visitors to the Tong Bai Foundation in Chiang … [Read more...]
Khao Hin Lek Fai Viewpoint, Hua Hin
Standing 163 metres high, Khao Hin Lek Fai ('Flintstone Hill') rises tall behind Hua Hin's picturesque railway station. And with its convenient location close to central Hua Hin, the hilltop viewpoint offers visitors the chance to enjoy panoramic … [Read more...]
Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum, Chiang Mai
With its distinctive and stylish shimmering facade, Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum is an eye-catching addition to northern Thailand's burgeoning art scene. Opened in July 2016, Maiiam is is housed in a large, converted warehouse in the Sankampaeng … [Read more...]
Chiang Mai Elephant Parade
The world's largest elephant art exhibition has arrived back in its spiritual home of Chiang Mai. Designed by Thai and international artists, around 90 elaborately painted elephant statues that make up the Elephant Parade went on display at venues … [Read more...]
Bangkok National Museum
If you are visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, make the short walk north along Sanam Luang to the excellent Bangkok National Museum. A wonderful collection of artefacts and treasures are housed in a former royal palace and the museum makes for a … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Wat Phan Tao, Chiang Mai
In a city full of temples, diminutive Wat Phan Tao in the heart of Chiang Mai's old town area still manages to stand out. Beautifully carved from teak, the main building dates back to the mid 1880s and was formerly part of a royal palace belonging to … [Read more...]
Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukhothai
If you are planning a visit to Sukhothai (and if you aren't you should!) then try to make time too for Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Similar to Sukhothai Historical Park but with fewer visitors, Si Satchanalai is an open green space dotted with … [Read more...]
Fisherman’s Village at Bophut, Ko Samui
Ko Samui has the nickname of 'coconut island', a reference to the coconut plantations which at one time were the biggest source of income for the islanders. These days, the main industry on Ko Samui is tourism. But long before the tourists arrived … [Read more...]
Nang Talung Shadow Puppet Museum, Nakhon Si Thammarat
In common with other areas of Asia, Thailand has a long tradition of storytelling using shadow puppets. The content of the stories and the figures used by puppeteers vary depending on the region of Thailand. For example, in the north-east region of … [Read more...]
Pak Klong Talad Flower and Vegetable Market, Bangkok
Bangkok is home to some of Thailand's most celebrated tourist attractions. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho to name just three. Close to these three well-known sites is Pak Klong Talad, the biggest wholesale market in Bangkok. Whilst it might not … [Read more...]
Benjasiri Park, Bangkok
It might not be as big or as well-known as Lumphini Park, but Benjasiri Park in Bangkok has a quiet charm and makes for a pleasant escape from some of the excesses of the Thai capital. Benjasiri Park was opened in 1992 in honour of Queen Sirikit's … [Read more...]
Chiang Mai Farmers’ Market Every Friday
A new farmers' market opened up in the centre of Chiang Mai in December 2014. The market takes place every Friday in the attractive garden area of the library which is attached to the Chiang Mai Historical Centre and Museum. This is behind the Three … [Read more...]
Ban Baat Monk’s Bowl Community, Bangkok
There was a time when all of the bowls used by Thai monks on their daily alms round were hand-made. Today, most of these alms bowls are mass-produced cheaply and quickly in factories elsewhere in Asia. But in Bangkok, one community is preserving the … [Read more...]
Temples on the Lake, Mae Hong Son (Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang)
A symbol of Mae Hong Son, the twin Burmese-style temples of Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang are conveniently located close to the centre of the city. Framed by the Nong Kham lake to the front and the mountains behind, it's a picturesque and serene … [Read more...]
Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya
Located adjacent to the sea in Naklua, north Pattaya, the Sanctuary of Truth is a remarkable structure. Painstakingly carved from wood using traditional techniques and constructed without using any metal nails, it's difficult to describe in one word … [Read more...]
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Mae Hong Son
A visit to Mae Hong Son isn't complete without a trip to the hilltop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu (Doi Kong Mu is the name of the hill on which the temple stands). The temple is particularly atmospheric in the early morning with mist and low … [Read more...]
The Bamboo Bridge of Faith Across the Rice Fields of Mae Hong Son
Beautifully simple in its construction, simply beautiful in its location. The bamboo bridge of Su Tong Pae in Mae Hong Son province stretches for 500 metres across rice fields and the Mae Sa Nga River to link the temple at one end with the village of … [Read more...]
Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Royal Palace, Phetchaburi
Originally intended to be used as rainy season retreat away from Bangkok, King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn) funded the building of this royal palace at Phetchaburi from his personal finances. The Thai monarch commissioned a German architect, Karl … [Read more...]
Exploring Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon (Kong Lan) is described in some tourist brochures as Thailand's answer to the Grand Canyon. To say that's stretching a point would be putting it mildly. Pai Canyon is interesting geographically and provides some fine views, but if you're … [Read more...]
