Aug
18
2012
Tired of buses? Looking for a flying adventure? Although not for the faint of heart, Solar Air offers the Bangkok to Chumphon route, which is the closest you’ll come to flying from the Thai capital to Ko Tao. Their 12-seater planes make for an exciting way to get from city to beach in a flash. … read the full post
Aug
17
2012
The best time to visit a place weather-wise is usually a time that everybody wants to visit, so choosing a time that’s just right — that is, with decent weather but some extra elbow room — can be tricky. Here’s the lowdown on the best time to visit Ko Samui taking both weather and crowds … read the full post
Aug
16
2012
Known as an earthy-crunchy backpacker institution off touristy Sukhumvit Road Soi 11 in Bangkok, Suk 11 Hostel also happens to boast an outstanding Thai restaurant. The extensive menu looks pricey at first glance, but Suk 11′s relaxed yet classy atmosphere, large portions, and delicious food make it worth a stop if passing through, or even … read the full post
Aug
16
2012
While it has been said that Ko Tao is a drinking island with a diving problem, you can easily avoid the mayhem if you wish. However you probably wouldn’t be reading this blog unless you wanted to find out where the party’s at and there’s certainly a party to be had on Ko Tao on … read the full post
Aug
15
2012
The Nice Mum Lodge opened its doors in Chiang Mai around a year ago and though we had been somewhat put off by the slightly twee name, we checked it out it proves to be quite a worthwhile flashpacker choice for the city. The lodge is run by an elderly and very friendly Thai couple, … read the full post
Aug
14
2012
SUP, or stand up paddling for those not in the know, is the latest water sport activity to hit Samui’s shores. Unlike surfing, what’s great about this pastime is that no waves are required – and let’s face it, for beach bums in search of a wave, Samui features low on the list of where … read the full post
Aug
13
2012
If all one saw of Bangkok was the glitzy Siam Square shopping district along Rama I Road, they might pass the city off as a place of gaudy shopping malls and materialistic locals who have little interest in spirituality. Yet this maze of malls is still part of Bangkok, and the spiritual undercurrents that pervade … read the full post
Aug
12
2012
Nestled in a remote, mountainous region near the Cambodia border in eastern Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, Pang Sida national park is less accessible than Khao Yai immediately to the west, but is equally stunning. Pang Sida is also far less touristy; show up on a weekday and there’s a good chance you’ll be sharing the … read the full post
Aug
11
2012
Yes, Chiang Mai is home to two Central department stores, Kad Suan Kaew and Airport Plaza — in this post we’ll deal with the former since it’s the closest to downtown and probably more frequented by tourists than its larger, though slightly more out of town, confrere. The giant red brick monstrosity, situated at the … read the full post
Aug
10
2012
Smaller and more cramped, but more eclectic than nearby Bangkok Noi market, Thonburi’s Phran Nok wet market is worth a trip if you’re serious about exploring Thai food ingredients in a very local atmosphere. Be warned that a visit to Phran Nok may induce weeping (from the chilli flakes in the air), holding the nose … read the full post