Thailand Stories

Hua Hin Floating Market During 2011, two purpose built floating markets opened in the seaside resort of Hua Hin. Surprisingly, not only did they open during the same year, but they also can both be found down Soi 112 which is about 6 kilometres away from the …

One of the oldest markets in Thailand that is still operating is the Bang Phli Riverside Market in Samut Prakan. It was first started by Chinese traders back in the 1850′s. This now makes it older than 150 years. The original name for the market is “Talad Siri Sopon”. It is situated along the Samrong Canal which used…

There are not too many places in Bangkok where cyclists can go with their bicycle and feel safe. It is true that the BMA have built more cycling lanes around the city but many of these are either blocked by parked cars or are being used by motorcyclists. I know we …

If you are looking for some different to do in Bangkok then you should look no further than cycle tours. To many people, it probably still seems strange to suggest to go on a bike tour in Bangkok. Apart from the…

For a few years now I have been thinking about buying a bicycle. I used to ride them a lot when I was a kid but I have hardly done any riding since I have been in Thailand. In many ways, the area where I live in Samut Prakan is ideal for cycling as it…

When I was younger, I once sat on the jury of a murder trial. It lasted for about seven days. I had always been fascinated by courtroom dramas and after watching “Twelve Angry Men” I fancied myself as Head Juror. Alas, I was only 19 at the time and no-…

One of the most unique and colourful festivals in Thailand is Phi Ta Khon that takes place every year in Dansai in Loei Province. It is sometimes translated into English as the Ghost Festival as many people wear ghost masks during the processions. Really the festival is called Bun Luang which is a combination …

One of the most charismatic politicians in Thailand at the moment is Korn Chatikavanij. He used to be an investment banker and is now currently the caretaker Finance Minister. Like other high profile politicians, he has been travelling the country in order to help local candidates in …

If you are a Christian, then you would know that your sabbath day is every Sunday. It is the day that you should go to church with your family.  Buddhism also has a sabbath day called “wan phra” in Thai. You could translate this as “monk day” or maybe “holy day”. However, …

Early on Sunday morning, thousands of lay people from Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, came together to give alms to an estimated 12,600 monks. The event took place along Ratchadamri Road in front of Central World. About 800 meters of the road from Ratchaprasong Intersection and towards Pratunam was closed to traffic. Photo Album > >…

Usually in Thailand we only get a week or so of cold weather. At least cold enough to turn off the air-conditioning. However, during the last winter season we had extended periods of cool temperatures that came back several times. By January, and certainly by February, the cool weather …

This week in Bangkok, there are two opportunities to watch the highly anticipated documentary “Living with the Tiger” which explores the lives of a group of Thai children affected by the HIV virus. The two screenings this week are free and are sponsored by the…

Nakhon Sawan Province is in the North of Thailand about 240 kilometers north of Bangkok. It is important as it is regarded as the source for the Chao Phraya River which flows all the way south to Bangkok and out into …

Six months have passed since I did the Thai Street Food Challenge. During September 2010, I ate just over 100 different street food dishes. The challenge was to only eat street food for one month, for every meal, with no repeats. Like most people who live …

Probably one of the best ways to see dolphins close up in Thailand is by kayak. During my recent trip to Nakhon Si Thamarat Province, I joined Khanom Fishing & Tour for their one day tour called “Conserving Dolphins, Conserving Khanom Environment”. They operate out of Khanom which is …

Safari World and Marine Park This is the continuation of my Bangkok Day Trips for Kids . Probably the most popular open zoo and theme park close to Bangkok is Safari World and Marine Park on the northern outskirts of Bangkok. I have taken Nong Grace here twice and she…

Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chonburi Province These are some ideas for day trips around Bangkok that are good for young children or teenagers. I think the most popular one for Nong Grace was the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chonburi.  She keeps asking to go back here every…

(1) Khao niaow ma muang (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง) which is sticky rice with ripe mango. It cost 40 baht. (2) Taptim Grob (ทับทิมกรอบ) which is Water Chestnut with Syrup and Coconut Milk. It cost 25 baht. (3) Khanom Pui Fai (ขนมปุยฝ้าย) is the …

Chinatown is one of the most fascinating areas of Bangkok to explore on foot. I was there last weekend for a brief look as I intend to write more about this area in the future. I walked a loop up and down two of the main roads through …

Nakhon Sawan Province is in the Lower North of Thailand and is about 240 kilometers from Bangkok. It lies on the main route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I have passed through it many times though I have only spent the night there twice. It is not really a tourist town but it is worth…