Many feel that Ko Samui has become too developed, and in part, that may be true. Luckily it’s possible to escape the crowds and discover the Samui of yesterday only a 45-minute drive from popular Chaweng beach. The unspoilt southwest is known as the Virgin Coast; from the ring road, turn off at Route 4170 … read the full post

As Thailand’s tourism cash cow, Phuket regrettably attracts some unsavoury characters looking for quick and dirty access into the wallets of the unwary visitor. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common Phuket scams and rip-offs to be aware of to avoid becoming the island’s next victim. The jetski scam is Phuket’s most notorious … read the full post

Most new arrivals to Ko Lipe will want to christen their island adventure with a sunset celebratory toast. And due to the geographical location of Ko Lipe, your selection from the beaches of Lipe for a picturesque sunset will be limited to the west side of the island at Pattaya Beach. This whitesand strip of … read the full post

Streets are being swept, dilapidated krathongs make there way out to sea, and people are recuperating from one of Thailand’s most beautiful festivals. The Big Mango celebrates this holiday like it does most of them — with the cracking of fireworks, the blasting of music and a carnival-like atmosphere along the Chao Phraya river. Here’s … read the full post

It’s true that you’ll need to hire or rent transport to get out there but we reckon the stunning setting, well-prepared and very reasonably priced classic Thai cuisine and a chance to splash about in the scenic lake afterwards make a trip to Chiang Mai’s Huay Tung Tao well worth it. Here are some of … read the full post

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