Thailand’s Ko Samui might not have wild tigers, elephants or even monkeys for that matter, but that’s not to say you won’t find a few interesting creatures on the island. And the best part is, you won’t need to go on a safari tour, as most of these you’ll see about your resort or just … read the full post

A few years ago the Bangkok immigration office moved to a gargantuan modern building off Chaeng Watthana Road, not far from Don Muang airport in the city’s northern reaches. Although the old office off Sathorn Road was far more convenient, the new one gets points for modern facilities and spaciousness. Here’s a wrap on what … read the full post

Chiang Mai’s new museum district — as we’re calling it — offers not only the new Lanna Heritage Centre and the Chiang Mai Historical Centre but also the freshly upgraded Arts and Culture Museum. The museum is located in the splendid setting of the old provincial hall on Phrapokklao Road right behind the Three Kings Monument … read the full post

Lucky Restaurant, a no-fuss, no-frills establishment along Ko Samui’s Nathon seafront with views across to the ferries, is one of the area’s most popular restaurants, serving excellent and affordable Thai and Western food. The menu, which is also written on blackboards around the restaurant, shows off the kitchen’s versatility. From Thai food priced (and spiced … read the full post

Beyond basics like khop khun (thank you) and horng nahm yuu thee nai (where is the bathroom?), the Thai language draws on a pool of deeply emotional/spiritual words and ideas, many of which are difficult to translate. In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting a handful of phrases that are useful, but will also allow … read the full post

Found on Phuket Road near the Old Town streets of Phuket Town, Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel offers a good base for exploring the area’s restored Sino-Portuguese buildings and sampling some of Phuket’s tastiest and best-value local food. Its rather grand lobby with a chandelier is a cool and tranquil retreat from the motorbike-clogged street out … read the full post

We’ve passed Home Cuisine Islamic Restaurant near Haroon Mosque on Charoen Krung Soi 36 several times, and as nearby Muslim Restaurant has long been a favourite of ours, we thought we’d see how Home Cuisine compares. While far from elegant, the restaurant aims for a classier ambiance than what you’ll find at no-frills Muslim Restaurant. … read the full post

Seethrough Bar and Restaurant on Ko Pha Ngan’s Haad Yao is a funky spot that nearly always has pumping tunes; it’s a great place to get in the mood to party, or just to chill out and internalise the beat. The staff are friendly and hilarious, always cracking jokes and sometimes even sitting down at … read the full post

Banyan House is one of the few bed and breakfast establishments on Ko Samui, where most accommodation is in the form of resorts, bungalows or apartments. The giant coffee cup outside invites you to stop, and what you first notice is a blue windowed conservatory that forms the restaurant. Tables are set in the lush … read the full post

We’ve enjoyed plenty of great vegetarian food in Bangkok, but one spot that slipped under our radar was Arawy Restaurant near Democracy Monument and a 10-minute walk from the epicentre of Bangkok’s backpacker scene, Khao San Road. If you’re in the mood for cheap, authentic and delicious Thai vegan food (ahaan jay) in a no … read the full post