Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 17/09/2020
» There are not many places where ultimate luxury becomes one with the wilderness. This resort nestled on a forest-covered hillside on the bank of the winding Ruak River that separates Thailand from Myanmar, not far from the point where the waterway reaches the larger Mekong, is one of the rare few. Despite its location on the northern border, the property is convenient to reach from Bangkok. And thanks to Covid-19, the exceptional experience it offers is more affordable than ever.
Humble museum holds keys to past
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 10/09/2020
» Entering the main hall of Chiang Saen National Museum in its namesake border town 64km or so northeast of Chiang Rai downtown, I was greeted by three beautiful seated Buddha images from the 16th century. Each had a pretty chubby body and a round face with a prominent chin and a closed-lips smile, typical of Chiang Saen, aka Lanna, style.
Rainy days & getaways
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/06/2020
» Interprovincial travel is now possible, although with restrictions in certain cases. Historical parks and national museums are open. Many beaches are starting to see visitors from different provinces dying for a break from the unprecedented lockdown. Still, it's going to be a long while before tourism reaches the pre-pandemic level.
When you're free to move about the country
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 07/05/2020
» It's going to be a while before we find out whether or not the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, the mass scrambles for alcoholic beverages, and the exodus over the recent long weekend will reverse the trend of the pandemic control in Thailand that seems to be going well. Let's hope they won't. At the same time, let's not forget that in many parts of this small world, the Covid-19 situation is still not getting any better.
Skipping ahead
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 23/04/2020
» Earlier this month when I launched this bi-weekly Travel Diary series, I had a gut feeling that this coronavirus pandemic could drag on a lot longer than many people had thought. Maybe it could even take a whole year. However, feedback revealed that readers were more optimistic and believe it won’t be that long. Some even suggested that it would benefit them more if — instead of featuring destinations suitable for the season that matches the current time of year, but may not be useful if the travel ban is still in place — I should just skip a couple of months ahead.
Flowered up in Pha Taem
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 21/11/2019
» Pha Taem is Ubon Ratchathani's most famous national park. However, not as much known is the fact that the best time to visit this natural wonderland of the northeastern province is now.
Azerai Can Tho, Vietnam
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/07/2019
» This first of the two Azerai properties in Vietnam, this resort in Can Tho (the other one is in Hue) is a good representative of the luxury side of the Mekong Delta. Except for the five villas set in a separate zone, all the guest rooms here are housed in bungalows -- two connecting rooms in each. All of the 60 rooms are of the same size (35m²) and design. They are categorised by location, namely Garden, Lake (lotus pond) and River.
Where the Mekong ends
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/07/2019
» The Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the largest of its kind throughout the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam. Despite having gained such knowledge from a brief pre-trip research I wasn't expecting much when I slumbered my way onto the tour boat early in the morning to visit the place. Back home in Thailand I have seen too many floating markets already.
Good old days in Hua Hin
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 21/03/2019
» Holidaymakers visiting the famous resort from April 26-28 are encouraged to dress in period costumes and attend the "Hua Hin Railway Station: Memory Of Love" event, which will take place at the city's century-old train station, one of the most beautiful in the Kingdom.
On the trail of the great Henri Mouhot
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 05/04/2018
» If you have been to Luang Prabang, you probably have climbed the 300 steps up Phousi, the hill that stands in the middle of the town. From the top, you can see not just the breadth and length of the former Lao capital and a Unesco World Heritage site but also the Mekong River a stone's throw to the west and the smaller Khan River nearby to the east. The two waterways meet just north of Phousi.