Showing 1 - 10 of 13
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.
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?"
Hidden in plain sight
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 28/01/2021
» After a month of closure due to the recent Covid-19 surge, the history-rich Phyathai Palace is set to reopen in February.
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.
Museum dedicated to revered monk Man Bhuridatto reopens
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 14/07/2020
» Not long before the lockdown began, a museum dedicated to one of Thailand's most respected monks opened at Wat Pathum Wanaram, the religious oasis in Siam-Ratchaprasong shopping district.
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.
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.
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.
Return to Prasae River
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 23/05/2019
» It was early in the afternoon. The Sun was high in the sky, blasting down rays so scorching as if they were meant to kill. But in the winding narrow river along which our boat was leisurely cruising, the ambience was pleasant, thanks to the light yet refreshing breeze, and the thick greenery along both banks that provided comfortable shade.
Ancient Thailand, under threat
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 07/03/2019
» Centuries before the rise of Sukhothai, and even the Khmer Empire preceding it, the Dvaravati civilisation (6th-11th century) dominated much of what is now Thailand. Few ruins from the period remain. The largest, and one of the best preserved, is Khao Khlang Nok, the grand stupa in Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun province.