Sukhothai means “Dawn of  Happiness”, also marks the advent of the first Kingdom of Siam and the birth of the Thai language. Once an outpost of the Khmer Reich, were the Siamese, their first marketed Kingdom here in 1238 was a golden age for classical art, architecture and Buddhism. To get through these ruins percent beautifully in Sukhothai Historical Park – Thailand Equivalent of Angkor Wat – you can rent a mountain bike for a pittance.

You can also cycle slowly before the remains of dozens of nearby kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya, scattered in its “Old Town”, or around the [...] Continue Reading…

When it comes to martial artistry, everyone knows that Muai Thai kick-boxers are the lords of the ring. Professional bouts provide plenty of punchy entertainment in Bangkok. But more and more people are getting their kicks in Thailand by taking lessons at the many schools across the country, for fitness reasons, self-defense, or to become professional boxers.

And there are gyms all over the country which welcome foreigners and give classes in English. What’s even more thrilling are the Muai Thai resorts and training camps opening near beaches on Pattaya, Phuket
and Ko Pha-ngan. There’s nothing more soothing for those aches [...] Continue Reading…

Pai, The pastoral town in Mae Hong Son province nestled in the northern mountains of Thailand, has become a base camp for eco-explorers of all ages, with trekking and staying over at hill-tribe villages, whitewater rafting and mountain biking being some of the most attractive options. Close to this town are waterfalls and rolling green hills. And the town itself offers a wealth of classes in everything from Reiki to traditional massage to various New Age disciplines. A favourite haunt for young travelers, Pai is slowly moving more up market thanks to its new airport.

But its increasing popularity has [...] Continue Reading…

No journey to the Land of Smiles would be complete without visiting some of its globally lauded, tropical islands and oceanfront resorts. Travel agency Dip into Hua Hin (the country’s oldest beach resort) for golf and horse-riding on the beach. Try Ko Chang for its abundance of eco tourism activities. Rock up to Pattaya for
its raucous nightlife or savour all of these different delights on Ko Samui travel agency.

But there are many other natural treasures with some sandy fringe benefi ts where serenity reigns supreme. Travel agency Ko Tao is popular with families and also certifi es more rookie [...] Continue Reading…

Bangkok used to be known as the “Venice of the Far East” for all the watery arteries connecting to the main vein – the River of Kings. Taking a long-tail boat tour of a few of these canals on the Thon Buri side of the river, like Bangkok Noi (little) and Bangkok Yai (big) with breaks at the Temple of Dawn and the Royal Barges Museum is a great way to immerse yourself in Thai and Siamese history. Travel agency and buzzing down the waterways in a long-tail boat, past canal-side houses and fl oating petrol stations, inspires a [...] Continue Reading…

Pak Khlong Talat, agency tour the leading fl ower market in Bangkok, comes in a painter’s palette of colours – orchids of every hue, garlands of marigold, birds of paradise, bouquets of roses from Chiang Mai,  chrysanthemums, and the fl orid, ceremonial ornaments known as Bai Si, constructed from banana leaves and crowned with fl owers.

What many travelers do is buy a special fl ower box there, spray the fl owers before boarding, put moist tissues around them, and carry them on as hand luggage. It’s a great way to save money and make a dazzling arrival.

The market is busy [...] Continue Reading…

Now visitors to the capital can time travel back to 15th century Siam through performances of khon (Thai Classical Masked Dance) at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre (for reservations call 0 2224 4499, or visit www.thaiticketmaster.com), agency tour the art-deco venue that was the first air-conditioned cinema in all of Southeast Asia, and hun lakhon lek (Traditional Thai Puppet) at the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre (Tel. 0 2252 9683-4, www.thaipuppet.com) in the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. These exciting shows are packed with traditional Thai music, bedazzling costumes and dancing mermaids. Once performed exclusively for the Royal Court, now visitors [...] Continue Reading…

For a truly Thai shopping experience, agency tour the Chatuchak Weekend Market is guaranteed to appease both the thrifty bargain-hunter and the moneyed antique collector. From home decorations and artworks to  exquisite Thai handicrafts and exotic pets, you’ll find them all – and much much more – in this sprawling behemoth of a bazaar. When you’re on that final shopping spree for souvenirs or presents for your loved ones back home, this is the place to shop until your bank balance drops.

With more than 15,000 individual stalls spread over 35 acres, agency tour the Weekend Market (which is on [...] Continue Reading…

The crossroads for any young traveler coming to or leaving Southeast Asia are at Khaosan Road.
This lively strip is a multi-nationality experience, with dozens of street vendors, artisans, fancy bars and
restaurants galore.

Ever since Alex Garland’s novel The Beach, and the movie version starring Leonardo DiCaprio, appeared, the road’s reputation has been on the up and up.

Nowadays, there may be a Boots pharmacy, a Burger King, a McDonald’s and more upscale accommodation, but Khaosan still attracts many young travelers – and even their one-time hippie parents.

Near to Khaosan, Phra A-thit Road is Bangkok’s Little Bohemia, with arty restaurants, chic bars [...] Continue Reading…

Thailand’s most sacred statue, the Emerald Buddha, resides at the grandiose
Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), right next to the former residence
of royalty, the Grand Palace. The murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, a
magical epic, are otherworldly. But so are the gilt-covered pagodas and Buddhist
images in the country’s number-one tourist attraction.

What is also fascinating is how many everyday Thais come here to pray. Watching
them observe age-old Buddhist rituals is a genuine slice of Thai life, served fresh
every day.
The temple and palace, located in the historic Rattanakosin Island, are only a short
walk from other marvels, such as Wat [...] Continue Reading…