Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Samet Ville Resort
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/04/2020
» Three weeks before the lockdown, having cancelled a trip to Japan, I decided to use my leave days at Ao Wai instead. This beach on Koh Samet of Rayong Province is one of my all-time favourites. Over the past 25 years, I've visited Ao Wai numerous times. Unlike most beaches on the island, this peaceful haven has only one resort. Somehow, I've never written about it until now.
The other side to Pattaya
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/01/2020
» Na Klua may not be the most prominent mark on the Pattaya tourist map. But for some, a trip to the popular resort city wouldn't be complete without a visit to the northern end of town. Indeed, a growing number of holidaymakers, myself included, see Na Klua as a worthy destination in its own right. With its old-town charm, street art, inexpensive fresh seafood, seaside picnic areas and more, what's not to love?
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.
Undisturbed by time
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 20/06/2019
» I had been to Kyoto a couple of times before. However, I had always thought of it as a city, as the former imperial capital of Japan. I didn't realise that Kyoto as a prefecture has much more to offer than the famous bamboo grove and those popular shrines and temples. Along the northern coast of the prefecture, referred to by some as "Kyoto By The Sea" nestled interesting places not much known among non-Japanese travellers. The fishing village of Ine, with its unique and well-preserved architecture, interested me most. It was the major purpose of my latest visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Drop Inn Osaka
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 13/06/2019
» With direct flights from Bangkok, Osaka is one of the top destinations in Japan for tourists from Thailand. This five-storey hostel in Osaka is a good base for exploring the city and nearby areas, and also has Thai-speaking staff. It offers both private rooms that can accommodate from two to five people and dorms (separate and mixed gender). Dorm guests must be at least 16 years old.
Where the past is still present
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 21/02/2019
» My most recent trips to Japan took place last November and earlier this month. On both occasions, I also got to travel to the 19th century.
Thai team again win Sapporo snow sculpture contest
Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 07/02/2019
» SAPPORO, Japan: After 44 hours labouring outside in sub-zero temperatures, the Thai team of snow sculptors has taken the top prize once again at the Sapporo Snow Festival.
On top of the world
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 10/01/2019
» I was feeling high. And it wasn't just because I was 1,731m above sea level. It was also because the air was so fresh and the view so mesmerising. Surrounding me was an endless sea of mountains, the bell-shaped peak of Doi Pui Luang upon which I stood rising above them all.
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.
A long-awaited opening
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 29/11/2018
» The Green Line rail extension (Samrong-Samut Prakan) will be operational on Dec 6. That's next Thursday. The new section of the elevated railway, which connects with the east end of the Sukhumvit Line of the BTS marks the return of trains to Samut Prakan, also known as Pak Nam, which 125 years ago during the reign of King Rama V boasted Siam's first railway. The Pak Nam rail route connected the coastal city at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River with Hua Lamphong in Bangkok. It stopped operation in 1960, giving way to road transportation that became more popular.