Painting, kick boxing and puppetry may not seem to go together, but at master Kruu Lek’s Baan Chang Thai arts and muay Chaiya school, expressive art and mindful boxing synthesise seamlessly. Simultaneously teaching an ancient type of muay Thai known as muay Chaiya along with several forms of traditional Thai art, the school is highly … read the full post

It’s not quite up there with Tuscany, Bordeaux or Napa, but Thailand’s Khao Yai wine region (aka “Asoke Valley”) in the cool air of Muak Lek near Khao Yai national park offers some refined varietals from a handful of vineyards peppered among family farms, country roads, green hills and fields of sunflowers. Most foreign travellers … read the full post

No matter your palate — adventurous or run of the mill, spicy or not — Ko Samui’s walking street markets are sure to please.Each neighbourhood schedules theirs on a different night of the week, usually starting at around 17:00. Mae Nam hosts their walking street on a Thursday night, Fisherman’s Village on Fridays, Nathon and … read the full post

Patpong night market and the surrounding area on Silom Road is highlighted in most guide books as one of Bangkok’s best places to shop and eat on the cheap. Always seeking something off the tourist path, however, we’ve found what we reckon is a better market right in the Silom area where you’ll likely be … read the full post

Why would one stay at an airport hotel? No other reason than proximity to the airport and convenience factor of course. Phuket’s Airport Resort & Spa meets this demand. It is less than a kilometre from Phuket International Airport, and a major plus point is the free pick-up and drop-off service that the hotel offers … read the full post

After weeks of eating nothing but explosively flavourful and meat-heavy Thai food, the simplicity, freshness and veggie-prominence of Vietnamese cuisine is like a breath of fresh air. If looking for an inexpensive, local-style Vietnamese restaurant in Bangkok, Rom Ngao Indo-Chin restaurant just over the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi is an excellent choice. Rom ngao … read the full post

You won’t have to be in Bangkok long before you discover the significance of the Chao Phraya River. A short saunter along its banks will reveal boats packed with tourists, ferries stuffed with commuters on their way to the office, stunning architecture, riverside bars, fishermen after their next haul and – if you’re lucky – … read the full post

Looking for a good lunch spot after climbing the majestic (and steep) tower of Wat Arun? Tucked in a funky Thonburi neighbourhood behind the temple, Ree Ree Khaosan Restaurant puts out outstanding authentic Thai food in a comfortable and accessible package. We checked Wat Arun off our sightseeing list some time ago, but we still … read the full post

After the fall of the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767, a diverse mix of foreign communities — including the Portuguese and Chinese — settled along a now historic stretch of Chao Phraya riverfront in modern Thonburi. Still produced today in a centuries-old bakery near Santa Cruz Church, the Portuguese, Chinese and Thai influenced … read the full post

If nothing else, P10 gets full marks for being noticeable on Ko Samui. Driving down Bang Rak’s main road, it is hard to miss the bizarre orange winged and floating roof that sits atop this modern glass building, and from an architectural perspective, it can be appreciated. It reflects the modern look of the Petcharat … read the full post