Ko Samui’s June’s Art Cafe, located just before Big C when coming from Fisherman’s Village, is is a favourite expat haunt and well-kept secret from the tourists. Pop into this quaint cafe, with art on the walls and handicrafts for sale, and you’ll see why there’s a steady flow from the time they open for … read the full post

Years ago, His Majesty the King of Thailand declared Ko Pha Ngan to be a part of an organic island movement; that is, he asked Thai people to promote eco-friendly, organic activities on the island. The idea is honourable and ambitious, but unfortunately, until recently, besides a few organic farms that have slowly taken shape … read the full post

Coral Island is an easy 15-minute boat trip away from Phuket’s southeastern coast. Though Coral’s main beach gets busy with day-trippers, if you plan it right it’s possible to enjoy the island in the idyllic glory promised on the postcards. Known locally as Ko Hei, Coral Island has two sandy beaches lining its shore, backed … read the full post

A new ferry service from Ko Tao has streamlined the process of getting from the island to any southern Thai mainland or west coast destination. Previously the journey involved was protracted and tiring but this new service offered by Lomprayah raises the bar and offers a much needed joint-ticket, southern and west coast connection. You … read the full post

With Ko Samui’s beautiful beaches and generally calm waters, trying out some sort of water activity is a must. Aside from snorkelling, diving and boating, Ko Samui offers opportunities to try plenty of other water sports, including kayaking, kite-surfing, stand-up paddling, windsurfing, surfing (a little!) and jetski-ing. Here’s a round up of how and where … read the full post

Known as Muang Boran in Thai, Ancient Siam is an open-air museum south of Bangkok that features replicas of Thailand’s most important historical sites along with sculpture gardens and mini-museums. Though the replicas are a far cry from originals both in scope and craftsmanship, Ancient Siam earns points for its relaxing atmosphere, impressive scale, creative … read the full post

Haad Salad is located on the sunset side of Ko Pha Ngan, sandwiched between Mae Haad to its north, and Haad Thian to its south. Haad Salad is not, as some foreigners jokingly assume, named after a healthy bowl of lettuce, but rather after the pirates who once congregated in its bay before heading off … read the full post

Opened at the tail end of 2012, Baan Dinso at Ratchadamnoen is situated at the heart of Bangkok’s historic district and has spotless, elegant rooms directly overlooking Democracy Monument. The new sister establishment of the original Baan Dinso, a short walk away down Dinso Road, Baan Dinso at Ratchadamnoen occupies a freshly renovated four-storey building … read the full post

Ko Samui is neighbour to a few small islands in the southwest: the Five Islands, known in Thai as Ko Si Ko Ha, which means Four Islands-Five Islands — one island is hidden behind another — plus Ko Tan and Ko Matsum. Ko Si Ko Ha are home to swifts, known for their famous nests … read the full post

If you’re looking for the heart of Phuket’s Thai Buddhist community, Wat Chalong is the place to go. The 200-year-old temple has grown in size and stature in tandem with Phuket’s development, and it’s now the island’s busiest and biggest temple. Far from being a place of quiet contemplation, Wat Chalong is a lively and … read the full post