Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Explore hidden gems outside Bangkok
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/09/2020
» The other day when I learned that the Tourism Society, an academic network of communities that run tourism operations, was planning an outing to Ban Sala Daeng Nuea and nearby sites of interest, my heart leapt with joy. This Mon community by the Chao Phraya River is one where the residents still cherish their cultural heritage. Located in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district, which is only 37km or so from Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, where I live, Ban Sala Daeng Nuea and its namesake temple are among those places in adjacent provinces that I've long wanted to visit but somehow never got the chance to.
Treat your taste buds at food fair
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 23/09/2020
» Pathum Thani, which neighbours Bangkok to the north, is known for its variety of food. From today until Sunday, goodies from the province's different districts will be available at the "Pathum Thani Gastronomic Wonders Festival".
Otop fair has all you could want
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 13/08/2020
» If you're no longer thrilled by online shopping and mass-produced goods, here's a chance to once again enjoy the shop-till-you-drop experience in immense halls full of not just exquisite hand-made products from across the Kingdom but also fascinating and uncommon travel ideas.
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.
A walk through history
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 31/10/2019
» Across the Chao Phraya River from Chinatown are old neighbourhoods steeped in history. Over a hundred years ago, one of them was the home and playground of a goldsmith's daughter who decades later become the mother of two beloved monarchs. But the late Princess Srinagarindra was not the only historical figure who once called this area home.
No longer places to just pass by
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 29/08/2019
» Mae Sot city in Tak province is widely known as one of the Kingdom's largest hubs of border trade. However, for holiday-makers, it's often overlooked. I, for one, have made brief stops in Mae Sot several times, on my way to Umphang to its south, to Mae Sariang and Mae Hong Son to its north, and even to Mawlamyine, the capital of Myanmar's Mon State to the west.
Undisturbed by time
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 20/06/2019
» I had been to Kyoto a couple of times before. However, I had always thought of it as a city, as the former imperial capital of Japan. I didn't realise that Kyoto as a prefecture has much more to offer than the famous bamboo grove and those popular shrines and temples. Along the northern coast of the prefecture, referred to by some as "Kyoto By The Sea" nestled interesting places not much known among non-Japanese travellers. The fishing village of Ine, with its unique and well-preserved architecture, interested me most. It was the major purpose of my latest visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Timeless treasures
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 11/04/2019
» Like every time I went to Si Sa Ket, I dropped by Khao Phra Wihan National Park again on my latest visit to the northeastern province. As always, the sunrise at Pha Mo E Daeng, the cliff that is one of the park's top attractions, was a refreshing sight. During the rest of the trip, however, I came to realise that Si Sa Ket has much more to offer than Khao Phra Wihan.
The Pride of Phayao
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 28/03/2019
» First-time visitors to the northern province of Phayao should be sure to check out the provincial town and, in particular, the famous namesake lake on which it stands. For repeat visitors, however, I suggest exploring the northeastern part of the province, which is made up of Chiang Kham, Phu Sang and Pong districts. Unless, you have plenty of time to spend , don't bother going back to the lake.