Rooftop bars are Bangkok’s specialty. But unless you’ve got an awful lot of cash to flash, most people are limited to sipping on one expensive cocktail, taking the obligatory tourist snaps and then heading back down in the lift. But Above Eleven is a little different. While it still offers the excellent views, stylish surrounds … read the full post

Shortly after the Lamai temple and the bend in the road on the 4169 when coming from Chaweng, you’ll find a little piece of France. There’s a large concentration of French expats in this part of Ko Samui, and many gather at La Fabrique for a taste of home. The bakery supplies many of the … read the full post

Historic Charoen Krung Road in Bangrak has long been home to fantastic Asian antique art galleries, but Belgian painter Chrisian Develter and partner Peter Smits contribute a fresh breath of artistic air at Warp54 Studio. Not far from the old Portuguese embassy on Charoen Krung Soi 30, Warp54 occupies an airy teak wood warehouse constructed … read the full post

Akiira Spa is located within New Star Beach Resort & Spa on the hill overlooking Chaweng Noi bay. The resort’s modern, airy feel carries through to the spa, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, orange and yellow hues, and comfortable furnishings. My visit was during torrential rain, so it made a great escape, watching the weather outside … read the full post

Chatuchak market is best known as a sprawling maze of trendy clothes and souvenirs, but some notably good food is also found in its vicinity. Head for nearby Or Tor Kor gourmet market for a taste of high quality fruit, sweets and prepared Thai foods, and while there, don’t miss a Malay/Indonesian cum Chinese cum … read the full post

Though it’s a small and humble attraction, the Thalang National Museum reveals a side of Phuket that’s unknown to most visitors coming here for their sun-drenched tropical holiday. Found just 100 metres east of the Heroines’ Monument roundabout off Phuket’s main thoroughfare, Thepkrassatri Road, the museum is set in leafy green surrounds with a large … read the full post

Doubling as Father’s Day, the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (aka Rama IX) on December 5 is one of Thailand’s most important holidays. Although celebrated throughout the kingdom, festivities are centered around Bangkok‘s Ratchadamnoen Road from Democracy Monument to the Grand Palace. Being among the throngs of Thai people as they honour the King is an … read the full post

Doing your open water course here on Ko Tao will take 3 and a half days. But what if you don’t have that long? Learning to dive is best taken at a relaxed pace but if you are really short on time there are a number of things that you can do. Firstly, you could consider … read the full post

In the first of this two-part story, we advised you on staying healthy  and safe on Ko Samui. Here we offer some advice to newbie travellers on keeping out of trouble, and avoiding scams and ripoffs. When it comes to drugs — don’t be stupid. A few moments of hallucinating bliss are not worth a … read the full post

“Is it open?” If I had a baht for every time I heard someone ask me that when we pulled up in a taxi to Bangkok’s Bar 23, I’d have enough to kit the bar out with enough toilet paper to last the entire night. Unless you’ve been there before, Bar 23 can be a … read the full post