Showing 1 - 10 of 14
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.
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.
Where monsoon is awesome
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 21/05/2020
» Bucket-list ideas for the first half of September from Pongpet Mekloy's archive.
Adapting new handwashing solutions
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 18/05/2020
» Considering its microscopic size, it's amazing how the novel coronavirus has easily kept us humans -- the species which rules the planet -- tamely at bay. Millions of people around the globe are now spending time confining themselves at home rather than venturing outside. As a result, various aspects of life, from finance to romance and so much in between, need to change. Some of these behavioural changes have already become or are predicted to become, the so-called new normal.
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.
Hakodate's lingering legacy
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 20/12/2018
» After seven hours on the plane and another three-and-a-half hours on the train, I finally found myself on a street of Hakodate, the southernmost city of Japan's northernmost prefecture.
Spiritual connection
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 05/07/2018
» Back in February, when a notification on my mobile phone alerted me about a budget airline's promotional fare to Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, I immediately checked it out. For a round trip in June, it's only about 4,500 baht. With a big grin on my face, I said to myself: "Okie Dokie."
Lazy Luang Prabang
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 31/03/2016
» It had been quite a while since my first two visits to Luang Prabang. Last week I got to travel to the former Lao capital again. This time, it was different from previous trips.
Saigon didn't fall
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 15/10/2015
» Sixty-one years after liberation from French control and four decades since the fall of Saigon in 1975, less than two years after the US troops were forced to go home, the former capital of Cochinchina during the colonial period and later of South Vietnam continues to be one of the country's most vibrant cities. Did Saigon actually fall? Maybe not.
The living, breathing museums
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 12/03/2015
» Using just his mouth and his left hand — the only one he has — Saengcharoen Thongkham adeptly worked a piece of plastic string around a mud crab wielding its powerful claws in a desperate attempt to fight back. It took the skilful crab catcher only a minute to securely tie it up. Amazed onlookers applauded with respect.