If your bottom is any larger than a peach, shopping in Bangkok for clothes can be a frustrating experience at best and out-and-out humiliating at worst. Perhaps you’d considered yourself reasonably slender when you first touched down in the Big Mango. That opinion may be challenged when you take your first wander around a night … read the full post

Following on from our recent post on Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station, here’s some more detailed information on the new Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang service by the 999 bus company. The first thing to note is that the plush new Thai bus with Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang emblazoned on the side is not going to … read the full post

Bangkok has many churches, but none carries a historical legacy equal to that of Santa Cruz Church on the Chao Phraya River’s western bank in Thonburi. An artifact of Thailand’s first European settlers — the Portuguese — the church also symbolises the religious freedom and cultural tolerance that’s been a hallmark of the Thai kingdom … read the full post

Other than flying, the only way to get to Ko Samui is by boat. If you don’t have your own (sigh), that means a ferry from either the mainland or a neighbouring island. Here we give you the low down on your options. Two operators transport cars, trucks and buses to the island, their cavernous … read the full post

We’ve covered north, south and east: now it’s time for the final stretch of our Chiang Mai hike, which covers the stretch of moat road between Suan Buak Hat Park and our initial starting point at the northwest corner and junction of Huay Kaew Road. This stretch is one of the least built up and … read the full post

When cruising up the Chao Phraya River, the massive ochre-roofed wiharn of Wat Kalayanamit on the western bank in Thonburi is among the most attention grabbing structures on the riverfront. Unlike nearby Wat Arun, this imposing, ornate, historic temple doesn’t attract many foreign tourists, but — underrated as it may be — Wat Kalayanamit is … read the full post

A short walk from Surasak BTS (sky train) station between Sathorn Road and Silom Road in one of Bangkok’s largest gem selling districts, Saphai Pae Hostel is among the city’s best budget options for those wanting to avoid the debauchery of Khao San Road. Like many of its neighbours on Surasak Road, the nine-storey building … read the full post

Looking for some great street food in Chiang Mai? The short section of Intawarorot Road, near the Three Kings Monument between Chaban and Phrapokklao Roads and opposite the City Arts and Cultural Centre, is little frequented by visitors to Chiang Mai but very well known among residents for its delicious and cheap food. It’s worth … read the full post

Viewing Ko Samui from the sea offers quite a different perspective from traipsing around the island on foot. We recently did a trip around the island, in a clockwise direction, starting from Fisherman’s Village, where old Chinese shophouses are neighbour to modern apartments, and boutique hotels are interspersed with beach bars. Travelling east, we passed … read the full post

Wong’s Place is a legendary dive bar in Bangkok. Popular with locals and expats alike, it’s rarely a spot you’ll find tourists – most likely because they just haven’t heard of it. If you’ve ever partied late in Bangkok, you’ve probably been surprised that most clubs and bars wrap up at 02:30 due to strict … read the full post