Showing 1 - 10 of 74
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.
When you're smiling …
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 21/01/2021
» Pak Phanang is around 35km east of Nakhon Si Thammarat city, covering both sides of the final section of the town's namesake river that runs from south to north, draining into a gulf that also shares the same name.
A giant in size and importance
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 14/01/2021
» Prasat Nakhon Luang is one of the largest examples of historical architecture in Ayutthaya. Its role in the politics of the old Siamese kingdom that the province was named after was as immense as its size.
Honouring a legend
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/11/2020
» It's that time of year again, and Kanchanaburi's River Khwai Bridge Week is back, starting this Friday and continuing until Dec 6.
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.
Roaming in the gloaming
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 05/11/2020
» It was pouring like crazy. I was lucky to find refuge in a noodle shop before getting soaked. It had rained twice since the morning. So far, including the days when I was on Koh Phayam, I never got a chance to shoot -- or even see -- a clear blue sky.
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.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 17/09/2020
» There are not many places where ultimate luxury becomes one with the wilderness. This resort nestled on a forest-covered hillside on the bank of the winding Ruak River that separates Thailand from Myanmar, not far from the point where the waterway reaches the larger Mekong, is one of the rare few. Despite its location on the northern border, the property is convenient to reach from Bangkok. And thanks to Covid-19, the exceptional experience it offers is more affordable than ever.
Humble museum holds keys to past
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 10/09/2020
» Entering the main hall of Chiang Saen National Museum in its namesake border town 64km or so northeast of Chiang Rai downtown, I was greeted by three beautiful seated Buddha images from the 16th century. Each had a pretty chubby body and a round face with a prominent chin and a closed-lips smile, typical of Chiang Saen, aka Lanna, style.
Where the lotus blossoms
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 30/07/2020
» At the front end of a long wooden boat, I stood up to appreciate the full view of the natural world around me. There weren't as many lotus blossoms to be seen as in my previous visits years ago but the peaceful marshland was still full of life. A variety of plants and animals were still celebrating the life-giving rain that had stopped just a few minutes ago. It's hard to believe that in 2016 this very place became so dry that you could see the cracked soil surface. I hope that will never happen again.