Showing 1 - 10 of 27
Saving the best for last
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/03/2021
» After spending a couple of late morning hours exploring Photharam on my foldable e-bicycle, I found myself on an islet on the Mae Klong River that runs past the west side of the business district of this old town in Ratchaburi province. The seafood phad kaphrao and rice I had bought for breakfast but didn't have time to eat still looked tempting. With the cool tree shade, the refreshing river breeze and the tranquil natural surrounding, it was a splendid lunch.
Place of peace and tranquility
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/11/2020
» Ask any Thai to mention the names of the five islands that immediately come to mind, chances are Koh Sichang would be included in the shortlist, maybe even the first. This small island 12km off the coast of Si Racha, Chon Buri, is the closest to the capital.
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.
Outing extraordinaire
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/04/2019
» Less than 40km from the capital and packed with an assortment of attractions, Nakhon Pathom's districts of Nakhon Chai Si and Phutthamonthon (the latter neighbouring Bangkok's Thawi Watthana district) are a great destination for a day trip.
Same same but deliciously different
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/08/2018
» When was the last time you visited Pai?” I asked myself while on a van headed to the small town that sits about halfway between the east end of Road 1095 in Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng district and its west end in the town of Mae Hong Son. With 1,864 curves along its length of 200km, 1095 is notorious asone of the country’s twistiest roads. A rest stop like Pai is a godsend. Over the years, Pai itself has evolved into a popular destination for international and Thai travellers alike. The countryside setting and the mix of ethnic and international cultures make up the charm of this laid-back town surrounded by mountains.
Enjoy the ride, but watch out for the king cobras
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 07/06/2018
» Ban Chom Bueng Thai Literary Botanical Garden of Ratchaburi may not be a familiar name. But if you like mountain biking, this is one place you should visit.
Visiting the border-patrol police base of Huai Khok Mu
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/04/2018
» In Suan Phung, Ratchaburi's westernmost district, there are two border-patrol police bases that are well-known destinations among off-road enthusiasts, one at Khao Krachom and the other at Huai Khok Mu. The first was featured in this column almost four years ago. Today, I'm telling you about the latter.
Calling all adrenaline junkies
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/01/2018
» Foreign tourists arriving with oversized luggage -- bike bags -- are a common sight at Chiang Mai International Airport. Although unknown to much of the general public and tourism policymakers, the northern city is one of Asia's most popular destinations for downhill mountain bikers from around the globe, including World Cup pros. Over the past decade, Chiang Mai's position as a bike Mecca keeps growing stronger. And now it is boasting a new downhill track that is sicker than any of its predecessors.
Rugged riders
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/02/2017
» The legendary Pong Din Dam trail has long been on my must-go-ride list, so long that I almost forgot about it. Recently, however, after finding time to review the long list (yes, I actually have it on my computer) I decided it's time to cross this one off.
Feeling the need for speed in Hong Kong
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 08/12/2016
» Hong Kong has more mountains than Victoria Peak, that famous place every first-time visitor to the territory must go to enjoy the spectacular view of the skyscraper forests on both sides of Victoria Harbour. If you don't consider yourself an ordinary tourist but a mountain biker, remember this name: Tai Mo Shan.