The year 2006 was an auspicious one for Thailand. It marked the 60th anniversary of the succession to the throne by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. As part of those official celebrations (which continued into 2007 for the king's 80th birthday), … [Read more...]
Full Moon Party, Ko Pha Ngan
It started as an impromptu event held on the beach by a handful of travellers in the mid-1980s, but the Full Moon Party has since grown to become one of the most famous parties in the world attracting top-quality Thai and international DJs. Up to … [Read more...]
Thai Topiary
The Thai tradition of topiary or 'mai dut' goes back hundreds of years to the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. Drawing on influences from Chinese landscaping and Japanese bonsai design, the Thai form of topiary has developed its own unique style. … [Read more...]
Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai
The picturesque temple of Wat Suan Dok is located just off Suthep Road in the western part of Chiang Mai city. If you are spending time in Chiang Mai it is worth a visit just to see the unique whitewashed reliquaries or shrines which contain the … [Read more...]
Maya Bay, Phi Phi (Location for “The Beach”)
Maya Bay is amongst the most photogenic of Thailand's beaches. The natural beauty of the area is undeniable with towering limestone cliffs, clear waters, coral reefs and a white sandy beach. It is also located on uninhabited Phi Phi Leh so in theory … [Read more...]
Sanam Luang, Bangkok
Sanam Luang is the expanse of open land situated in front of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. The name Sanam Luang translates as 'Royal Field' and the thirty acre plot of land has been used for royal ceremonies and cremations throughout … [Read more...]
The Death Railway
Constructed during World War II, the Thailand to Burma railway is also known as the Death Railway. It is said that one man died for every sleeper that was laid on the track. The line was repaired and restored after the war and still runs passenger … [Read more...]
Bridge on the River Kwai
One of the main tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi is the Bridge on the River Kwai made famous by the multi-Oscar-winning film of the same name from 1957. Tourists from all over the world come here to photograph the bridge and walk across it. … [Read more...]
Bangkok – City of Angels
Thailand's capital city has the distinction of owning a number of different names. In addition to the internationally known name of Bangkok, there is also the local name of Krung Thep (City of Angels) which is a shortened version of the official Thai … [Read more...]
White Temple, Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun)
Located just outside the city of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun has become famous in Thailand as the White Temple. A unique design mixing contemporary and classic style makes this one of Thailand's most unusual and visually striking man-made attractions. … [Read more...]
Mae Fah Luang Garden, Doi Tung, Chiang Rai
Located an hour's drive north of Chiang Rai city, Mae Fah Luang Garden is a beautiful place to visit if you are in this part of northern Thailand. The landscaped gardens are sited high up on the mountain of Doi Tung and visitors are rewarded with a … [Read more...]
Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City, Chiang Mai
The ancient ruins at Wiang Kum Kam make for an interesting and pleasant half-day trip from Chiang Mai. It was originally thought that Wiang Kum Kam was built by King Mengrai over 700 hundred years ago as the capital of the northern Lanna kingdom. … [Read more...]
Where to Stay on Ko Samui
I've been asked a number of times what is the best place to stay on Ko Samui. As always, the answer depends on what you are looking for because the ideal location for a honeymooning couple probably won't be right for a single backpacker. Over the … [Read more...]
Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui
Chaweng Beach on Ko Samui is one of the most scenic beaches on the island and fits the stereotypical travel brochure descriptions of 'soft white sand, azure sea and palm trees'. Chaweng stretches for 6kms from north to south and it really is very … [Read more...]
Baiyoke Tower and Sky Hotel, Bangkok
The Baiyoke Tower (Baiyoke 2) in Bangkok is a great place to go for panoramic views of the Thai capital. Thailand's tallest building* is 85 storeys high and stands at an impressive 304 metres tall (328m including the communications antenna). … [Read more...]
Khao Takiab Beach, Hua Hin
With its long shoreline on the Gulf of Thailand, the seaside resort of Hua Hin is home to a number of different beaches. Khao Takiab Beach is located approximately 7kms south of central Hua Hin. The distinguishing feature of this particular beach is … [Read more...]
Khan Toke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
As a visitor to Thailand you may see tour companies and travel agencies advertising khan toke dinner shows. Whilst there are some venues in Bangkok, khan toke dinner shows are more prevalent in the north of Thailand such as Chiang Mai and Chiang … [Read more...]
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai
Approximately a 45-minute drive from the city of Chiang Mai, the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is a beautiful location for a day trip. Formerly known as the Mae Sa Botanic Garden, the garden received the royal honour in 1994. Queen Sirikit … [Read more...]
Hua Hin Railway Station
The royal association with the seaside resort of Hua Hin is immediately evident if you arrive in Hua Hin by train. The quaint train station is the most photogenic in Thailand thanks mainly to the royal waiting room which stands apart from the other … [Read more...]
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)
One of the most emotive places to visit in Kanchanaburi is the Don Rak War Cemetery which is located opposite the main Kanchanaburi train station. Almost 7,000 POW (prisoner of war) graves are laid out in straight lines amidst the neatly manicured … [Read more...]
Ao Phang Nga and James Bond Island
A popular day tour from Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak involves a visit to the islands and rock formations of Ao Phang Nga (Ao= Bay). The bay is located in the Andaman Sea in between Phuket and Krabi and incorporates some stunning scenery. Mangroves line … [Read more...]
Wat Suthat and Sao Ching Cha (Giant Swing), Bangkok
One of Thailand's most important temples, Wat Suthat is home to the 8-metre high meditating Buddha figure of Phra Siri Sakyamuni Buddha which was brought to Bangkok from Sukhothai in the early 1800s. The inside of the temple is renowned for its … [Read more...]
Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Bangkok
The oldest temple in Bangkok pre-dates the city itself and was originally founded in the seventh century with the name Wat Phodharam. Before there was a temple, the site was a school for traditional medicine and this legacy continues today with Wat … [Read more...]
Lumphini Park, Bangkok
Downtown Bangkok is synonymous with traffic congestion, modern shopping malls and skyscrapers, but the area is also home to Lumphini Park, Bangkok's first public park. In 1925, King Rama VI donated an area of royal land which he … [Read more...]
Big Buddha Ko Samui
If you are flying to Ko Samui, keep an eye out for the largest Buddha figure on the island which is clearly visible as you come in to land. For a close up view, visit Wat Phra Yai the temple which is home to the Big Buddha and overlooks Bangrak Beach … [Read more...]
Preah Vihear Temple
The Khmer ruins of the Preah Vihear Temple (also known as Khao Phra Viharn) are located on top of a cliff on the Thai-Cambodian border approximately 220 kilometres to the south-east of Surin. Construction of the temple is believed to have taken place … [Read more...]
Ang Thong National Marine Park, Ko Samui
The delightfully scenic marine park of Ang Thong consists of 42 small islands stretched out to the west of Ko Samui. The islands and waters that surround them support a huge variety of wildlife including macaques, dolphins and kingfishers. However, … [Read more...]
Island Hopping in Krabi
Some cynics say there are no longer any unspoiled island paradises left in Thailand, or indeed, anywhere else in the world. There's no doubt that the advance of tourism and improvements in transport have made previously remote destinations more … [Read more...]
Hill Tribe Museum, Chiang Rai
Many tourists visiting Chiang Rai use the city as a base for trekking and visiting the surrounding hill tribe villages. Before going to the hill tribe villages I recommend a visit to the small, but very informative museum dedicated to hill tribe … [Read more...]
Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak
Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak is just over 100 kilometres outside of Bangkok and is on many people's must-do list when visiting the Thai capital. Some may argue that it's "too touristy", but I would recommend anybody to pay a visit because it is … [Read more...]
Chiang Mai River Cruise
Whilst the choice of river dinner cruises in Bangkok is overwhelming, the same is not true of Chiang Mai. Mae Ping River Cruise is probably the best established of the few companies that run dinner cruises in Chiang Mai. However, the choice of food … [Read more...]
Wat Tham Seua (Tiger Cave Temple), Krabi
It may be hard to drag yourself away from Krabi's beautiful beaches, but a visit to Wat Tham Seua is recommended. A tiger once lived in the cave that is now the monastery's main hall and hence the name. Set in a tropical forest 10 kms outside of … [Read more...]
River Cruise – Bangkok by Night
A number of competing firms provide the option of an evening dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. It's a pleasant way to enjoy Bangkok and the 'River of Kings' at night, with a typical cruise taking around 2 hours and ranging in price from … [Read more...]
Jim Thompson’s House, Bangkok
A trip to Jim Thompson's House had long been on my 'to do' list, but it was only on my last visit to Bangkok that I finally got round to it. I can be a cynical old so and so and I actually surprised myself at how much I enjoyed the whole … [Read more...]
