Wat Plai Laem may not be the oldest temple on Ko Samui, but it’s probably the most spectacular, and a good place to take children for a bit of Thai culture and a break from the beaches. Although relatively new – it was built in 2004 – it’s constructed in traditional style and methods, so … read the full post

One of Thailand’s most treasured temples, the Golden Mount of Wat Saket glistens above Bangkok’s historic Banglamphu area as imposingly today as it did more than 200 years ago. Wat Saket’s living history, peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views of Bangkok have made it one of my favourite major sites in the city, and when a … read the full post

Wat Pho may be the larger-than-life stunner on the Bangkok temple circuit, but Wat Arun is still a fine lookin’ piece of sacred real estate waiting across the river.  If you are like me and equate the old with the stunning, the decrepit with the intriguing, then Wat Arun is worth a stop on your … read the full post

Living in a city where skyscrapers sprout like dandelions and Starbucks open alongside wats, it is easy to forgo historical sites for more modern lures. But Bangkok’s absurd concurrence of the old with the new is the nub of its charm, and the ancient sites are as worthy of a visit as Chatuchak market or … read the full post

Wat Chedi Luang rivals Wat Phra Singh for the title of Chiang Mai’s most important and prestigious city temple. Though it comes a definite second for local visitors, the two temples are probably neck and neck in terms of foreigners, though for sheer size Wat Chedi Luang has no competition. The partially ruined chedi is … read the full post

Wat Pan Tao is not one of Chiang Mai’s most famous wats but this small temple with its attractive teak viharn is well worth a peek, and since it’s conveniently located right next door to the prestigious Wat Chedi Luang it wouldn’t be going far out of your way to drop by. Wat Pan Tao … read the full post

Bangkok can seem to be a world within itself; but although the British pubs and ice skating rinks may suggest otherwise, the capital city is, indeed, still in Thailand. Hoards of Westerners, known as “farang” in Thai, travel in and out of the city daily, and many have made Bangkok their permanent residence. Farangs are … read the full post

Those in search of a spiritual experience on Ko Samui will not be disappointed, as the island offers many temples and religious sites to explore. Each temple offers a unique experience, but all have a sense of serenity. Here we’ve done the legwork for you, and rounded up the most impressive. Big Buddha (Wat Phra … read the full post

Besides the obvious choice of endless perfect beaches to visit on Ko Samui, the island offers a slew of daytime activities for families. Here’s a selection. Mini golf Although there is a mini golf course in Choeng Mon, the cost is quite pricey at about 400B per person. We discovered a bargain just around the … read the full post

The correct name for this historic, attractive and unusual Chiang Mai temple is Wat Potharam Mahavihara, though locals generally use the name Wat Jet (or Chet) Yot, meaning the Temple of Seven Spires for its famous centre piece, a seven-spired chedi, or stupa. According to the Thai Fine Arts Department, the wat was originally constructed … read the full post