Bursting with history and a distinct mix of cultures, the small eastern Thai city of Chanthaburi is among the country’s most precious undervisited gems. “Chan”, as it’s known to locals, is also the literal home to some of Thailand’s most precious gems — the city is the centre of Thailand’s lucrative precious stone trade. With … read the full post

With Samui’s rainy season on the doorstep, it’s best to be armed with a few bad weather alternatives — even if they are not exactly authentically Thai — for when the heavens open up. Samui does not have big malls like Phuket, but a few indoor entertainment options offer some family fun. Samui is home … read the full post

In Thailand, cultural influences from India run deep. Thai kings are referred to as “Rama” after the main character in the Indian epic, Ramayana, and Thai religion is a blend of Buddhism and Hinduism, both of which came from India. Early influences like these are now indistinguishable from greater Thai culture, but two distinct Indian … read the full post

A reaction, perhaps, to Thailand‘s push for modernisation over the past 60 years, many previously neglected historic neighbourhoods across the country have evolved of late into artsy “old towns” that celebrate rather than reject their heritage. The eastern Thai city of Rayong is often written off by foreign travellers as an uninspiring stop on the … read the full post

Thinking of a beach wedding? Ko Samui has a selection of professional wedding planners you can turn to for all the organising, and with postcard-view beach backdrops, it makes an ideal wedding location. If you’re coming here from the West, in general favourable currency exchanges — in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia — mean … read the full post

If you’d like to get up close to some Asian elephants, learn more about pachyderms and even contribute to the animals’ welfare — but would prefer to avoid visiting one of North Thailand’s numerous elephant camps and shows — then Lampang’s famous elephant hospital might be the spot for you. The Lampang Elephant Hospital — … read the full post

Tenta Nakara on Naka Yai Island is a resort that truly earns its ‘eco’ badge. Found just 15 minutes by boat off the east coast of Phuket, Tenta Nakara has 16 tents set in a serene jungle-meets-the-beach setting. Open since 2008, the resort occupies a stretch of white-sand beach on Naka Yai’s east side, with … read the full post

Tropical flowers reach over our tiny wooden row boat, tickling my shoulders and filling the air with fragrance as we pass. Curious children and dogs peer at us from the porches of stilted homes that hover over the water. A farmer, his boat brimming with fresh-picked pineapples, flashes a smile before making small talk with … read the full post

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a must for the culturally inclined Asian-food-loving traveller (or those who just love to shop), but it’s also crowded, sticky, cramped, and most of all, exhausting. Double Dogs Tea Room is an oasis amid the chaos of Yaowarat Road well worth seeking out. A stroll down Yaowarat, the backbone of Chinatown, takes … read the full post

Best known for its ancient Khmer ruins, the laidback northeastern Thai town of Phimai is also home to one of Thailand’s spookier sights: Sai Ngam banyan tree grove. Sai Ngam feels like the setting for a twisted horror film where the trees come alive and strangle unsuspecting passersby, and locals believe it’s home to potent … read the full post