Showing 1 - 10 of 10
The lesser-spotted wonders of Lucknow
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/10/2019
» After a three-hour flight from Bangkok, I found myself at an immigration counter of Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, aka Lucknow Airport. An expressionless officer flipped through my passport and made a gesture signifying that I follow the instructions on the fingerprint scanner and place the fingers of my left hand, minus my thumb, on it. Obediently, I complied. The machine flashed a green light. The officer shook his head.
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.
Let's all pray for a better 2018
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 27/12/2017
» Revelry is not the only way to welcome the New Year. Instead of joining the noisy countdown gatherings, many people plan to mark the occasion in a solemn way, by praying.
A rugged beauty
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 18/05/2017
» As the glorious rays of the rising Sun advanced on the massive limestone canyon replacing any remnant of darkness, the true beauty of Oman's geological wonder Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain) is gradually revealed before my eyes.
New track offers more thrills than spills
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/11/2016
» Hua Hin's Khao Hin Lek Fai is currently a mountain biking hot spot. Last week, the hill played host to round three of the Thailand Enduro Series. Next month it will be the venue of the final race of the Thailand Gravity Series. But this district of Prachuap Khiri Khan has more to offer than downhill tracks. There's also a new cross-country trail that is worth checking out.
'Tis the season to bike
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/07/2016
» Although not everybody considers the rainy season the best time of year to cycle, the fact remains that this is when the sunlight, with all those clouds in the sky, is less harsh. What's more, it doesn't rain every day. As a result, over the next few months of the so-called wet season, there will be many bike events. Here are some that you might find interesting to join.
Bright yellow bike parade
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 17/12/2015
» Nice scenery and a network of well-paved roads with little traffic make Chiang Rai a great destination for cyclists. Recently, I got to revisit this northernmost province bordering two neighbouring countries with the biking team of Nok Air, one of the airlines that offer regular services between Chiang Rai and Bangkok.
Fear is the mind-killer
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 21/08/2014
» The Indonesian island of Batam, located just 20km south of Singapore, is virtually non-existent on the ordinary tourist maps. But for mountain bikers of the neighbouring city state, it’s a hugely popular destination, thanks to Drak Bike Park.
Lampang's track to fame is a family affair
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 13/12/2012
» BMX racing is one of the sports included in the 41st National Games now in progress in Chiang Mai. However, the host province doesn't have a venue for this particular sport; and building a new one just for the occasion means the investment would become useless and finally rot away after the games are over. Luckily, a family in neighbouring Lampang came to the rescue.
The hidden gateway
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 12/04/2012
» Hidden in a secluded narrow passage between the limestone cliff faces, sheltered beneath a towering natural arch as tall as the mountains that conceal it from the outside world, the "ancient" Chinese way station down below not only looks as if it has always been there for centuries but also adds entrancing magic to this mystifying sanctum.