Bangkok is home to hundreds of temples. Some, like Wat Pho, are major tourist attractions while others, such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Pak Nam, are huge monasteries that double as Buddhist universities or meditation centres. Most are small and don’t draw many tourists, but that doesn’t always mean they’re unexceptional. Located along a canal … read the full post

Chiang Mai’s Lanna Heritage Centre, (or Lanna Folklife Museum depending upon which sign you read), is a brand new city museum. Here’s a rundown on what you’ll find here. The compact museum is well laid out, informative with plenty of clear and unusually well translated information and plenty of interesting exhibits. It’s an excellent initiative … read the full post

In 2013, Lunar New Year — Chinese New Year to the Chinese — falls on Sunday, February 10, and ushers in the Year of the Snake. Celebrations can last for about 15 days in areas with large Chinese communities, including Ko Samui, with festivities beginning on the first day of the first month in the … read the full post

No one likes to think about getting sick or having an accident while on holiday, but if you do fall ill when travelling in Phuket it’s easy to find a decent hospital or clinic to fix you up. Phuket has by far the best health care facilities in the north Andaman coast region, so tourists … read the full post

One of many fresh and funky new hostels to hit the Bangkok scene over the last few years, Chilli Hostel is anything but ordinary. Tucked down a narrow alley away from the tourists but close to the Chao Phraya River off Charoen Krung Road, the Chilli boasts a stylish atmosphere, a smart set-up, a staff … read the full post

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love to haggle and those who would rather be ripped off and saved the embarrassment of a little playful banter. For those who would rather not be taken for a ride on their trip to Bangkok, you’ll be pleased to know haggling is expected … read the full post

The Full Moon Party has made Ko Pha Ngan a draw for backpackers and travellers the world over. For those who have been to this massive party, which can see as many as 50,000 (some even claim 100,000) 20-somethings packed into one beach, it’s easy to see why (or why not!). If you’ve been to … read the full post

More and more visitors to Ko Samui are choosing villa rental over hotel stays. Should you? Each option has its pros and cons, and the right choice will depend on how important price (and hidden costs) are to you, as well as privacy, freedom, space and facilities. For stays of less than a week, resorts … read the full post

If you want to try eating something a bit different in Chiang Mai, we strongly recommend Free Bird Cafe, a vegetarian Shan food restaurant, where there really are no meat or fish options, and profits go to a good cause as well. Free Bird Cafe does actually offer Thai, Burmese and Western options as well … read the full post

You could be forgiven for thinking that Ko Tao is just about diving and partying, with no thought to healthy lifestyles and fitness pursuits, but you’d be wrong. Here’s a wrap on fitness activities on the island. Yoga is an island mainstay in Thailand, Ko Tao included. The longest running sala, Shambala, is in Sairee … read the full post