Showing 1 - 10 of 27
Overlooked no longer
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 11/03/2021
» Nam Tok Chet Sao Noi was one of the few national parks that I didn't want to revisit, mainly because it was overcrowded, dilapidated and poorly managed. Last year, however, I heard the ugly duckling of Saraburi's Muak Lek district has been transformed into a swan. So the other day when I got the chance to travel to those parts I decided to check it out.
Natural born killers
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/02/2021
» 'That's a peacock mantis," said Wissarut Sukhaket as he saw me observing a dull-looking little fellow in a nursery box at the Tropical Insect Sanctuary in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district. "Want to know why it got such a 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.
Mercury falling, spirits rising
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 10/12/2020
» The Colours of Doi Tung Festival is one of Chiang Rai province's best-known annual events. Every weekend and public holiday in December and January, a fair featuring the sale of food and goods by hilltribe people and other ethnic groups living in Doi Tung and nearby mountains is held near the Mae Fah Luang Garden, a famous attraction that is part of Mae Fah Luang Foundation's Doi Tung Development Project. The idea is to draw more visitors to Doi Tung and enable the villagers to benefit from the high season.
The temple of our concrete jungle
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 03/12/2020
» Each day countless numbers of Bangkokians commute past Wat Pathum Wanaram, the royal temple sandwiched between Siam Paragon and CentralWorld. Every day, they see it from the windows of their cars, buses or Skytrains. Few, however, actually step into the temple to learn more about it.
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.
A stroll back in time
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/07/2020
» A refreshing breeze blew from the other side of the river, greeted by cheerfully rustling leaves of land and aquatic plants along its expansive path. Different kinds of egrets, thanks to their sizes and bright white plumage, could easily be spotted foraging near the waterside, but faint chirps in the air also revealed the presence of numerous other birds hiding among the foliage. In the river, a monitor lizard emerged from the dense floating patches of water hyacinth and swam leisurely in the open to the far bank. Meanwhile, along the lively yet tranquil waterway line traditional-style wooden houses built on tall stilts, some with boats moored at the water's edge.
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.
Bikers' playground
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/03/2020
» With several long, gnarly downhill trails and friendly local riders, Chiang Mai has long been one of the most popular destinations for gravity mountain bikers. Now it is offering even more.
Eye-opening adventure
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/12/2019
» To many Thais, me included, the mention of Sri Lanka will suddenly bring to mind Colombo, the capital, Ceylon tea, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and some other religious sites. But what about Sri Lanka's southern coast? Hmm. Of course, there must be beaches and the sea. But what else?