A short walk from Surasak BTS (sky train) station between Sathorn Road and Silom Road in one of Bangkok’s largest gem selling districts, Saphai Pae Hostel is among the city’s best budget options for those wanting to avoid the debauchery of Khao San Road. Like many of its neighbours on Surasak Road, the nine-storey building … read the full post

Looking for some great street food in Chiang Mai? The short section of Intawarorot Road, near the Three Kings Monument between Chaban and Phrapokklao Roads and opposite the City Arts and Cultural Centre, is little frequented by visitors to Chiang Mai but very well known among residents for its delicious and cheap food. It’s worth … read the full post

Viewing Ko Samui from the sea offers quite a different perspective from traipsing around the island on foot. We recently did a trip around the island, in a clockwise direction, starting from Fisherman’s Village, where old Chinese shophouses are neighbour to modern apartments, and boutique hotels are interspersed with beach bars. Travelling east, we passed … read the full post

Wong’s Place is a legendary dive bar in Bangkok. Popular with locals and expats alike, it’s rarely a spot you’ll find tourists – most likely because they just haven’t heard of it. If you’ve ever partied late in Bangkok, you’ve probably been surprised that most clubs and bars wrap up at 02:30 due to strict … read the full post

When seeking mountains in Thailand, most automatically head for distant northern destinations like Chiang Rai and Pai, but many are unaware of just how stunning the Khao Yai mountains northeast of Bangkok actually are. Not limited within the borders of Khao Yai national park alone, this vast region boasts some jaw-dropping scenery, which we enjoyed on … read the full post

When it comes to Thai food, I like the real deal. Give me fiery som tam buu pla raa, nam prik bla tuu (pounded chilli paste with mackerel), or gaeng som (hot and pungent yellow curry). Particularly in touristy areas of Thailand, however, I find myself frustrated by Thai restaurants that flat out won’t believe … read the full post

Chiang Mai is now the proud owner of no less than three official bus stations: Chiang Mai Bus Stations numbers 1, 2 and 3, with 2 and 3 really adjacent terminals. Number 1 is better known as Chang Puak Bus Station and is a small site tucked away behind Chang Puak Gate; this terminal primarily … read the full post

During our Samui research earlier this year, we popped in to check out Secret Garden, a long-standing Bang Rak establishment; it looked tired and rundown, as if in need of a holiday itself. So on hearing that a new owner took over May 1, 2012,  we couldn’t resist a peek to see if new eyes … read the full post

If you think about it, Bangkok and New Orleans have quite a few things in common. Both are hot, flat cities prone to serious flooding. Both are set along major rivers that feed into major gulfs, each of which are teeming with shrimp. Both are cultural centres and premier nightlife destinations. And, most importantly, both … read the full post

It’s a bit of everything, really, Chiang Mai’s Archer’s Bar and Restaurant: pub, bar, coffee-shop, Thai eatery and Western restaurant. There are plenty such establishments around on the Chiang Mai restaurant scene, but we’ve singled out Archer’s because, unusually, they actually succeed on every front. From an authentic little espresso through the gamut of Thai … read the full post