With a small lake rimmed by abundant flowers and some of the most attractive fountains in Southeast Asia, Benjakiti Park is arguably Bangkok’s prettiest green space. Though Lumpini Park is far more popular, Benjakiti also offers a range of activities and, in particular, has become a cycling haven in the often gridlocked city. Above all, … read the full post

Same Same restaurant and bar is where a lot of the party action starts in Ko Pha Ngan’s Haad Rin Nok, the same beach that’s home to the world famous Full Moon Party. Owned and run by two Danish women, the place is party central for full moon and many of the other moon parties … read the full post

Visitors to almost any northern Thai temple won’t help but notice the numerous wooden poles propping up branches of the temple’s bo tree. What are they? Why are they there? Well, please read on. The bo, or bodhi or pho tree (ficus religiosa) is the Buddhist holy tree par excellence, since it’s the species under … read the full post

If you’re looking for authentic Thai food on Ko Samui, at reasonable prices, but with a bit more atmosphere and a view better than your average roadside restaurant, then you can’t go wrong with Cafe Na. Located right next to the fresh market just before Big Buddha, owner and chef Na has her pick of … read the full post

Accommodation options on Ko Tao have changed. Once there were rustic huts on the beach but now the island is home to some top class resorts as well. There are indeed still fan-cooled bungalows and rooms in the 500 to 600 baht range, and some even have hot water. If you are happy to share … read the full post

Along with the Lanna Folklife Centre, the excellent Chiang Mai Historical Centre is another brand new museum in the northern capital. Here’s a rundown on what goodies to expect inside. Chiang Mai and the North’s history is a long one. The Lanna and Thai period dates back a mere 700 years or so, but before … read the full post

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be pleased with the selection Ko Samui has to offer, ranging from cheap street food to fancy beachside dining barbecues. Flying in to Samui at night, you’ll see an odd green glow over the water. It’s caused by the green fluorescent lights on the squid fishing boats. These lights … read the full post

Part of a recent surge of hostels to emerge in Bangkok, Mile Map opened at the tail end of 2012 and offers simple, spacious dorms and privates in one of Bangkok’s most sought-after areas. With lower rates than most nearby hostels, Mile Map also represents some of the best value in the city. Situated a … read the full post

There’s nothing nicer than sinking your feet into deep sand, feeling the breeze ruffle your hair and sipping on a fruity cocktail. Well, that’s the thinking behind Spot On, a newcomer on the buzzing Thong Lo nightlife scene, anyway. The beach-themed bar attempts to recreate the laidback vibe of seaside sundowners in the heart of … read the full post

With red lanterns adorning the streets and truckloads of firecrackers at the ready, Phuket is poised to ring in the Year of the Snake with plenty of colour and panache. Phuket’s large ethnic Chinese population, descended from immigrants who flocked to island for the tin-mining trade in the 1800s and early 1900s, means that the … read the full post