Should you want to extend your Thailand adventure, and need to do a visa run or border bounce from Ko Samui, Malaysia is the most convenient country to get to. To clarify, a visa run entails going to a Thai embassy or consulate to get a new visa; a border bounce is for those who … read the full post

We’ve been writing this Chiang Mai blog for some time now but still haven’t given a general introduction to Chiang Mai city but… better late than never, eh? Here’s a bit about what makes Chiang Mai a special city and the lay of the land so you can orientate yourself during a visit. Chiang Mai … read the full post

Ko Samui sailors wait in anticipation each year for the annual international regatta held towards the end of May. This is usually the only organised event for sailing enthusiasts, both participants and spectators alike, where sailing vessels from around Asia, including Hong Kong, Phuket and Malaysia, race against local sailors in Samui’s ideal waters. As … read the full post

When I heard the name V64, I envisioned a more advanced version of V8, the red juice with eight different vegetables treasured by mothers and juice masochists. But V64 Art Studio is named after Vibhavadi-Rangsit 64, the quiet street 20 minutes north of nowhere, which forms the base of some 75 artists in more than … read the full post

As a roving travel writer focusing on the Thai islands, everyone says I have a dream job. And, well, they’re right. I get paid to spend my days in places that most people can only daydream about from their offices. My last work trip took me to Ko Lipe, Ko Kradan, and Ko Tarutao (to … read the full post

The vast majority of visitors and expats appreciate the delights of Thai cuisine (which incidentally can help with life’s trials and tribulations) but every now and then most people are going to fancy a change from street and market food. Now while Thais will happily eat rice at least three times a day (indeed the … read the full post

Thailand’s largest protected island, majestic Ko Tarutao of the Andaman Sea, spans some 150 square kilometres and has long been feared as a wild place where dangerous animals, treacherous ghosts, uncompromising pirates and escaped prisoners roam the thick and mountainous jungle. It’s no surprise, then, that the Malay word “tarutao” is translated as ancient, mystical … read the full post

It’s with a heavy heart that I admit I’m leaving Bangkok; life is pulling in other directions. People wonder why I love living here — it’s hot, chaotic, sometimes heart-breakingly cruel, but I’ve never been happier, or better fed. For me, being well fed apparently makes anything bearable. I respect a culture that in the … read the full post

We can’t have any pretensions at comprehensive Chiang Mai coverage without mentioning what is the city’s largest market: Worarot. Worarot refers to a entire downtown district of the city, spreading out on both sides of Chang Moi Road and covering an area roughly between Ratchawong, Tha Pae Road and the River. Worarot (or Warorot) market … read the full post

Following on from part 1 of getting around on Samui, which covered songthaews, motorbike taxis and taxis, in this post we look at renting your own scooter or motorbike, renting a car, and that old chestnut, walking. Scooters Automatic scooters are available for rent all over the island. Expect to pay from 120 to 250 … read the full post