Showing 1 - 10 of 17
A place where time stands still
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/07/2020
» Despite what the science says, time seems to pass at different speeds. In areas like Si Yan, Samsen and Bang Krabue -- which are all part of Dusit district in Bangkok -- it's as if time hasn't passed into the 20th century.
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.
Back to the basics
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/01/2020
» On the breezy top of the limestone cliff on the east side of Doi Pha Phueng, 1,600m above sea level, I zipped up my jacket and let the sights and sounds of the natural surroundings soak in. Before me was a sea of forest-clad mountains, bathed in the warm rays of the morning Sun. The air was filled with blissful silence, with faint songs from invisible birds occasionally seeping in from the canopy below.
A royal visit, and ruins restored
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 05/12/2019
» HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej spent much of his 70-year reign travelling the length and breadth of the Kingdom, mainly to learn about the plights of his people and find out how to help them in a sustainable way. At numerous towns and villages, his royal visits are remembered as a major event in local history. Si Satchanalai in Sukhothai province is no exception.
At the crossroads of history
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/09/2019
» The ancient city of Ayutthaya was surrounded by rivers -- the Lop Buri on the north side, the Pa Sak on the east side and the Chao Phraya on the remaining sides. South of the city island, known in Thai as Koh Muang, the Pa Sak merges with the Chao Phraya at the point where the latter makes a southward turn, away from Koh Muang.
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.
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.
Celebration and prayer in Phrae
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 13/03/2019
» Phrae province is home to several old Buddhist monuments. The most revered is the centuries-old Phra That Cho Hae, which is believed to contain a relic of the Buddha. The grand stupa is located in its namesake temple, which sits atop a small hill, 10km or so southeast of the provincial town.
Revisiting Khon Kaen with my best friend
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/01/2019
» Cycling wasn't in the plan when I went to Khon Kaen recently on one of my "update trips" to see how places have changed. But late that morning, after having spent an hour or so strolling under the scorching sun, I came across something refreshingly delightful: a bicycle rental shop. A godsend!
Sala Lanna Chiang Mai
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/01/2019
» The Sala boutique collection is made up of four properties. This one, by the Ping River, is one of three at a riverside location. The other two are in Bangkok and Ayutthaya, both on the banks of the Chao Phraya. This compact hotel features 15 guest rooms and suites of four types. The four Deluxe Suites, each measuring 44m², occupy the ground floor.