Places of Attraction in Thailand

On 7 June 201022 June 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Exotic Holidays, News, Travel InformationLeave a comment

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Ancient City, Bangkok

The ancient city is 33.5 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, in the neighbouring province of Samut Prakhan. The theme park boasts impressive scale replicas of Thai ancient monuments, combining a Thai folk art and culture center.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace in Ayutthaya

Bang Pa-In is a historic summer palace in which Ayutthaya Kings have spent their vacations. Constructed during the reign of King Prasat Thong in Ayutthaya, the palace features:

• Phra Thinang Aisawan Thippa-at

• Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman

• Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian

• Phra Thinang Wehat Chamrun

• Phra Thinang Withun Thatsana

Butterfly and Orchid Gardens Chiang Mai

The butterfly and orchid garden in Chiang Mai features countless varieties of exotic Thai orchids set in a plantation-like surrounding, where the butterflies roam freely throughout perimeter. The garden is ideal for pastime recreation and discovery of the balance between plants and living creatures.

Butterfly Garden and Sea Aquarium Phuket

The Butterfly Garden And Aquarium in Phuket is a fascinating place to visit. The tropical aquarium features natural sea corals and a colorful variety of sea life. While the butterflies garden features tropical landscaping with several species of Thai orchids.

Chao Phraya River (River of Kings)

Nakhon Sawan is the north province where the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan rivers unite to form the Choa Phraya River which flows southwards to dissect Bangkok before entering the Gulf of Thailand.

The Chao Phraya River largely irrigates the Central Plain, one of the world’s major rice and fruit-growing areas, and sustains an intricate network of canals that irrigate bountiful orchards and market gardens; host vibrant floating markets; and support a unique, waterborne way of life.

Chao Phraya River and klongs (canals) have always been vital forms of communication and 19th century Bangkok was laced with canals, giving the capital the designation “Venice of the East”.

Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Borommahathat Doi Suthep was built in 1383 by King Gue-Na on a plateau commanding an impressive view of the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern capital. The temple contains a pogada that houses a part of the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Bhuddists from around the world come here to pay worship to the holy temple.

The Floating Market in Damneon Saduak

Bangkok has once been dubbed by the international community as the “Venice of the East,” for its diverse network of canals, locally known as “Klongs.” Since the reigns of King Rama the 1st , the residents of Bangkok did a great deal of commuting by small boats on the Klongs, similar to the way of life so characteristic of Venice for centuries long. Commerce throughout Bangkok was often conducted on boats, and merchants would take their fresh produces by boat each day to the so-called floating markets, where they would meet and conduct trade. At the floating market, you will find all kinds of “floating shops,” such as floating fruit shops, floating flower shops, floating culinary and food shops, and much more.

Golden Triangle

Located 9 km to the north of Chiang Saen is the world-famous place where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. On the right is Laos PDR, and the triangle landon the left is the Golden Triangle in Myanmar. You can stand at the very point where the Rauk River from Burma flows into the Mekong.

The most beautiful and amazing view of the Golden Triangle can be seen from a small hill where visitors can go up to that point by car. Just enjoy the natural beauty and be proud that you have been to a widely-known locality. Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay over night. Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace is the former residential palace of Kings Rama I to Rama IV of Chakri Dynasty between 1782 and late 1800 A.D. The current reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulayadej or Rama IX, represents the ninth member of the Chakri dynasty. Witness the architectural opulence and splendour of this historic Thai landmark, which covers an area of 2.5 square kilometers (one square mile) on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River Wat.

Phra Kaeo, Bangkok (Emerald Buddha Temple)

On the Grand Palace grounds, stands Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal chapel and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple was made famous by the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most revered and cherished Buddha images, which is housed in the temple’s main chapel (Viharn Phra Kaeo). The image is a sitting posture of the Buddha, 75 centimeters (30 inches) in height and is carved entirely out of emerald. Buddhist pilgrams and tourists from all over the world come to visit and to pay homage to the Emerald Buddha.

Thai Handicrafts from Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s major centre for quality handicrafts. The visitors need merely visit the nearest city emporium or night market to purchase handicrafts. A major advantage of shopping in CHiang Mai is that the visitor may watch artisans working within the city and in several outlying villages.

Umbrellas made of sa paper, hilltribe crafts with bold colors, fabrics of countless types, delicate ceramics, replicated and genuine antiques, dazzling jewelry and gems, silverware of all sorts, lacquerware with intricate designs, rattan and wickerwork, and woodcarvings ranging from pictures to furniture are only a part of the long list of crafts and arts that help to make Chiang Mai special. Each individual piece of workmanship requires paints taking attention to detail and design in the process of its creation. Owning one of Chiang Mai’s tradition crafts is a sure way to take back tangible memories of your visit to Chiang Mai. Whatever it is you are looking for-be it a keychain or Thai silk – Chiang Mai offers the shopping facilities for you to find a buy that you will be pleased with.

Major Chiang Mai handicrafts include:

Cottons & Silks – first-class Chiang Mai cottons and silks are of incomparable quality. Cottons and silkshave innumerable fashion and furnishing applications. The largest possible selection is available in San Kamphaneg.

Furniture/Woodcarving – Chiang Mai is a major centre of furniture making. Major woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially with teak and rosewood, artfully carved in traditional or modern designs. Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous temples. In recent years, wood carving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, beds, indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved. Carved elephants, figurines and tableware number among other popular purchases.

Pottery – Chiang Mai is the major centre of Thailand’s pottery industry. prized items include high-fired celadon which is produced in many forms, including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative items.

Lacquerware – striking black and gold designs give Lacquerware its visual appeal and sheen. This decorative art enhances items made of wood, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles, ornaments and various souvenirs.

Umbrellas-Parasols – These are inextricably associated with Bo Sang where villagers have been engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years. All materials, silks cottons, sa paper and bamboo are produced or found locally. Visitors to Bo Sang will see literally hundreds of designs and sizes ranging from the miniature to the gigantic.

Silverware – The finest Thai silverware is exquisite, and is made in Chiang Mai, where certain families have practiced their art for several generations. Traditional skills and a guaranteed content of at least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles and decorative items with authentic value. Silver shops are concentrated on Wua Lai Road, where silverware artisans and their families live.

Hilltribe Products – These include silver arnaments, such as bracelets, nacklace, pendants and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets, bags, purses, caps and dress lengths.

Gold Plated Orchids & Butterflies – Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated with 24-carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklece pendants, hairpins and earrings.

Hilltribes Of Northern Thailand

The Hill Tribes people in northern Thailand or Chao Khao, as called in Thai, are nomadic people who have migrated from regions as close as Southern China to as far as the mountains of Tibet. A large extent of their way of life is still based on primitive existence, relying on agriculture as the basis of their livelihood, resorting to slash and burn techniques from time to time. However, such occupation are gradually being replaced by cash crop growing and handicrafts making instead. In general, the Hill Tribes people are enigmatic and charming to visit and learn more about.

Akha Tribe – The Akha hill tribe is located in the Mae Chan region of Chiang Rai, just south of Burmese border. The 30,000-40,000 member population of this tribe has roots traced from the Yunan region in Southern China. They have their own religious beliefs and practises, based somewhat on animism and superstition.

Lisu Tribe – The Lisu people are more of travelers than their hill tribe peers, dwelling in more than half a dozen provinces in north Thailand. It is hard to track the number of their population as their settlements are dispersed throughout the moutains of the north, while many have assimilated into the urban centers.

Karen Tribe – The Karens, known in Thai as the Kariengs, occupy settlements along the north-western border of Thailand. They are probably the best-known among the all the Hill Tribes, due to their previous entanglements and dispute with the Burmese border patrols. Their population numbers between 250,000-300,000 members. They are regarded to be less pre-occupied with rites and religion than their tribal peers.

Lahu Tribe – The Lahu hill tribe is located in the Fang region of Chiang Rai, slightly east of Mae Chan close to the border of Burma. The 60,000 members of this village wear unique attire ranging from embroidered tunics and turbans to silver belts and buckles. Similar to the other Hill Tribes, they are spiritually inclined and possess their own set of rites and rituals.

Meo Tribe – The people of the Meo hill tribe, also called the Hmongs, are spread around the mountains in the northern most provinces of Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. The term “Meo” has become a sort of collective name Thai people use for describing the hill tribe people in general. Like other hill tribe people, they have their own set of beliefs in spirituality and nature.

Yao Tribe – The Yao people are settled along the north-eastern region of Thailand, mainly in the provinces of Phayao, Nan and Chiang Rai. The Yaos distinguish themselves from the rest of tribes people with opulent attire and jewelry, often gold gilded.

Hot Springs Chiang Mai

Fang Hot Springs located at Ban Pin, also 163 kilometres north of Chiang Mai provincial, 50 hot springs occupy a 10-acre forest setting. Three boil continuously with a strong smell of sulphur. Water temperatures at the springs range from 90 to 100 degrees Celsius.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs This is located 36 kilometres from town amid natural surroundings of trees and verdant hills. The water has a high sulphur content and possesses curative and restorative properties. Accommodation, a swimming pool, dining facilities and segregated mineral water bathing rooms are available. Nearby is Roong Arun Hot Spring Resort which offers bungalows, mineral baths and sumptuous park setting.

Khao Luang Cave, Bangkok

The cave is located on Khao Luang Hill which is only 92 metres high and five kilometers from Khao Wang. khao Luang Cave is regarded as the most important cave of Petchaburi because is houses a dressing Buddha image cast by the royal command of King Chulalongkon as the dedication to King Nang Klao and King Mongkut.

On the right hand of Khao Luang Access Road at the foot hill there is a large monastery called “Wat Tham Kleap” or Wat Bunthawi having a very large multipurpose hall The Sala Kanparien and wooden door panels of the Ubosot are beautifully carved.

Khao Wang, Hua Hin

This 92-metre hillock on the northern approach to Phetchaburi provincial capital (some 36 kilometres north of Cha-am), supports the Phra Nakhon Khiri palace constructed in 1860 by King Rama IV (King Mongkut). Phetchaburi residents refer to it as Khao Wang, literally Palace Hill.

The style is mainly European with some Thai and Chinese influences. Sitting on three peaks the temple of Wat Phra Khew is to the east; the main stupa of Phra That Chom Phet in the middle and the residential Grand Palace to the west.

Both Kings Rama IV & V used the palace at their leisure and to entertain their visitors. After the death of King Rama V it was used less and less and sadly slipped into a state of decay. In 1935 it was registered as a national monument by the Fine Arts Department and was restored to be a National Museum and National Park. Open daily 9am-4pm it can be conveniently reached by funicular railway round-trip 40 Baht. Once at the top entrance to the Museum is 30 Baht for foreigners and 10 Baht for Thais. It is an excellent half-day excursion and takes a couple of hours to walk the path linking the three peaks. The views are spectacular.

Klongs (Canals of Bangkok)

When you visit Bangkok, you can enjoy a most pleasurable trip by long-tailed boat or rice barge along the klongs (canals) of the Chao Phaya river. Enjoy a unique experience and see how the way of life of the people in Bangkok evolved along klong as a means of transportation as a source of water for daily living.

Often people who live near klongs do their shopping at floating markets. A lot of fruits and vegetables are sold from the long, narrow boats. From the grocery boat you can buy all the ingredients you need for cooking.

You can hire the boats at various points along the river such as Tha Phra Chan next to Thammasat University, Tha Tien near Wat Pho or Oriental Pier near The Oriental Hotel.

Promthep Cape in Phuket

‘Prom’ is the Thai word for the Hindu God ‘Brahma’ signifying purity and ‘Thep’ is Thai for God. Promthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket Island. It has traditionally been the prominent feature for mariners approaching the island.

You can watch the famous sunset which is the best time to visit Promthep Cape. No trip to Phuket would be complete without taking a few photos of the breathtaking panoramic vista overlooking the southern tip of the island. The view is practically irresistible for photography since the bay reflects images of coral reefs as the waves in changing hues break upon rock boulders.

Wat Benjamabopit, Bangkok (Marble Temple)

The Marble Temple or “Wat Benjamabopit,” as it is known in Thai, was constructed in 1899 A.D., during the reign of King Rama the 5th as the source of religous heritage for the future generations of Thais. The main shrine was originally intended to house a highly sacred and revered Budddha image known as Phra Buddha Shinaraja, which at the time was located in the province of Phitsanulok (approximately 300 km north of Bangkok). But when construction of the Marble Temple was complete, a replicate of the Phra Buddha Shinaraja was created and enshrined in the temple instead, due to that the people of Phitsanulok and northern Thailand were unwilling to part with their Buddha image, the main source of their religious inspiration.

The Marble Temple, built entirely out of white marble as its name suggests, manifests the devotion that Thai people have for Buddhism. The architectural and engineering detail put in to the construction of the Wat Benjamabopit is rare by modern standards. Once the visitor enters the temple grounds, he or she will experience a sensation of tranquility and peace.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

The North is weel-known for its local handicrafts, from wood carving to silverware, lacquerware, hilltribe clothing and ethnic jewellery, and hand-painted umbrellas.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar carries a good selection of all the above northern items, and of course, prices are negotiable.

Patong Beach in Phuket

Patong Beach, located on the West Coast of Phuket, is the most famous of Phuket’s beaches and it has the largest concentration of tourists. While just 15 years ago there was nothing, just a small fishing village and extensive coconut plantations, today it is the most built-up of the beached.

The bungalow complexes, restaurants, shops andnightspots appealing to all tastes are lined up to the seafront. Patong is not for those who want isolation – that’s found in abundance elsewhere around Phuket – but it’s ideal for those who want watersports on their tropical beach, backed-up by an active and exotic nightlife nearby and unlimited good eating set back off a stunningly beautiful beach. With plenty of action and friends to be found, Patong is a popular spot for those seeking fun in the sun.

Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram

Located between Amphoe Nang Rong and Amphoe Prakhon Chai in Buriram at the right-turn on Km. 83-84 of Highway No. 24 and twelve kilometers further on. The well-known Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is on the top of the Phanom Rung Mountain. It is a walled-in enclosure, with both the door framed and walls carved in beautiful design of Lopburi Period style with Khmer influence. It is thought that it was originally built as an idol temple according to Brahminic belief.

Within the Prasat or castle, is the vibrant stone hall built in the 12th century A.D. The beauty of the main prang of Phanom rung lied not only in its plan, but in the vibrant stone cravings which cover large parts of the temple. Many lintels and pediments depict episodes from Indian texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas.

One of the lintels, the well-known “Narai Bantomsin”, which depicts a reclining Vishnu, was recently returned from a museum in the United States. This 12th century temple complex has recently been restored and preserved in an attractive historic park. Enhancing the imposing architecture is the hill-top location which commands panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Rawai Beach, Phuket

Rawai is very famous for its shells and a site of a Chao Lay or sea Gipsy villages. A lot of small open air seafood restaurants, bungalows and shell handicraft shops are located along the beach promenade. The waters are good, but not suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms.west of Chalong Circle, and also has a shell museum (located opposite the beach) that is worth a visit.

Rose Garden, Bangkok

Situated about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Bangkok, the Rose Garden comprises 70 acres “of lush tropical gardens and manicured lawns.” You will enjoy the peace, tranquility and natural beauty most tourists only dream about.

Here they will relish over 60 acres of landscaped tropical garden, scenic lake and the gentle Nakorn Chaisri River. And, to witness a unique and unforgettable experience of the world-renowned Thai Village Cultural Show. Daily, over 150 performers including elephants vividly portray a fascinating cross section of Thailand’s culture, heritage and way of life settings as authentic as the remote rural villages.

The 196-room luxury hotel, including seven antique Thai teak houses on a beautiful lake, offers a fitness center, ozone-treated swimming pool, six meeting rooms, and eight larger rooms for hosting conventions and seminars.

Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn, Bangkok

Wat Arun or Temple of dawn is an important landmark located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The main shrine, decorated with glazed ornaments and ceramics, rises some 280 feet towards the heavens. Built during the beginning of the Rattanakosin era, the magnificent temple reflects the glory of the Thai culture.

Wat Chalong, Phuket

Phuket’s most beautiful and important Buddhist temple and is the biggest and most ornate of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist monasteries.

Wat Chalong is associated with the revered monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, both much revered by local people because of their role in quelling the miner rebellion in 1876.

During World War II when bombs were dropped in the Andaman region, Phuket was spared and the locals attribute Wat Chalong with having the power to deflect even these bombs. Luang Pho Chaem has been worshipped ever since for bringing prosperity to those who pray to him. You can see Thais and visitors from other Asian countries, apply thin sheets of gold to the image in respect to the powers of Luang Pho Chaem.

Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai

Located on Ratchaphakkinai Road, this is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses.

The temple houses two sacred ancient Buddha images. The larger of the two, Phra Sila (or stone Buddha) is a stone bas-relief which was imported from either India or Sri Lanka around 2,500 years ago. The smaller, Phra Sae Tang Kamani (or crystal Buddha) heighten only around 10 cm and is thought to have originally come from Lopburi around 1,800 years ago. The stupa in this temple imitates the stupa at Si Satchanalai.

Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Bangkok

This famous temple, located next to the Grand Palace, is one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples. Wat Pho was conceived by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago as a source of public education, providing information on subjects such as literature, archaeology, astrology and medicine, and is therefore sometimes called :Thailand’s First University”. The chapel houses the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha, which is 46 metres in length an 15 metres high with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles depicting the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha.

The temple is also the headquarter for the Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Bangkok. there are stone plaques and inscriptions describing treatment for various ailments and methods of massage and meditation. Thai-style massage is available in two open plan areas within the temple grounds.

Wat Phananchoeng in Ayutthaya

This monastery located south of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has no record as to its date of construction or the person causing its construction. It existed before ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principle image in the Wihan called “Phrachao Phananchoeng” was built in A.D. 1325, it is a golden Buddha of 19 metres high made of stucco in the attitude of Subduing Evil, considered beautiful, it is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phra Mahathat, Ayutthaya

This temple, north of the former Grand Palace, was the ritual center of the city. Its date is uncertain. What we see today is a 1663 restoration that was done by order of King Prasat Thong. This monastery was the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the forest dwelling sect. The major construction was the high pagoda or prang which was destroyed by Burmese invaders. When the government undertook to restore all Ayutthaya ruins, the Fine Arts Department excavated the pagoda and found a buried treasure chest containing many valuables. Among objects discovered were a relic of Lord Buddha, placed inside a golden casket, several golden Buddha images in different sized and many other objects in gold, ruby and crystal. These are now housed in Bangkok’s National Museum.

Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

The chapel of Wat Phra Singh houses the image of Phra Buddha Sihing, an image which is highly revered by the Chiang Mai and Thai people alike. The architectural style of the chapel exemplifies the splendours of Lanna-Thai art and culture at its finest. The mural paintings on the walls of temple depict the scenes of Suwannahong and Sang Thong classic literature.

Wat Sra Si, Sukhothai

Located west of the King Ramkhamhaeng monument and situated on two connected islands, this wat is particularly beautiful and can be noted for its simplicity. A large and beautiful walking Buddha in Sukhothai style dominates the site along with one chedi in Sir Lankan style.

Wat Sri Sawai, Sukhothai

Wat Si Sawai Some 300 metres to the southwest of Wat Mahathat. Inside the wall, the viharn in the west, built of laterite, is separate from the main prang which was constructed in Lopburi or Hindu – style but the others also constructed beside the prangs, are Buddhist viharns. The Crown Prince (King Rama VI), found a trace of Hindu sculpture Sayomphu, the greatest Hindu God in this sanctuary. In his opinion htis ruin was once a Hindu shrine, but was later converted into a Buddhist monastery.

Wat Sri Chum, Sukhothai

The most important object in this temple is the Buddha image inside the Mondop, the walls of the mondop are 3 metres thick. The scholars believe that this Buddha image is Phra Atchana which means the unmoveable or the strengthen Buddha. Phra Atchana at Wat Sri Chum was built before 1292 which was the year that Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng had the first stone inscription made. The width at the lap of this Buddha image is about 11.30 metres from knee to knee and its height is 15 metres to the very top.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Ayutthaya

This temple is also called “Wat Chao Phraya Thai”. It is located a few minutes outside of Ayutthaya. it was built by King U-Thong in 1357 for meditation. In 1792 when King Naresuan defeated Burmese by killing the Burmese Crown Prince in single-handed combat on elephant, he constructed the temple’s large pagoda to match the high pagoda at Chedi Phu Phao Thong which had purportedly been built by the Burmese. This massive pagoda, in ruinous state at the present, is visible from a great distance.

Places to Eat in Patong, Phuket

On 3 June 201022 June 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Exotic Holidays, News, Travel InformationLeave a comment

Phuket is famous for its delicious and low-priced seafood. It is found everywhere but Patong offers the largest variety, cooked the way you like it. The most interesting of places to eat can be found exploring the Sois (side streets) that run off the beachfront road and on Rath-u-thit, in particular south of the intersection with Bangla. Then there are the numerous noodle cafes (or shops) that are generally found away from the main hotel and shopping areas and are places where the locals usually eat. The best surprises are to be found by just following your nose!

Lair Lay Tong

“You should eat where the locals eat”. How often do you hear that when you venture to some exotic place?

Well, sometimes it is true! And many locals (Thai and ex-pats) dine at Lair Lay Tong, established over 10 years ago and still run by owner Khun Lek. “Extremely good Thai food and real value for money. We eat here quite a lot and it is fan cooled” – Chris. The Mussaman Beef Curry is very, very good!! Ask for chunky beef (“extra” should be requested if you are sharing)” – Richard. A wee gem and top favourite! Lair Lay Tong is right at the end of Soi Permpong Soi III (Soi Wattana) off the beachfront road (Thaweewong Road). Look for the signs above the stalls at the entrance to the Soi.

Sea Hag

“Khun Kenya’s well-known restaurant is a bit more expensive than most of the smaller dining places but very good value. Try the Fried Golden Brown Prawns wrapped in “glass” noodles as an entrée (sensational) and – if you like curry – the Penang Geenang (you can order taste to suit)!” – Chris.

The restaurant is air-conditioned but there also some tables outside. The first floor will be used on busy nights, try and arrive in time to get seats at ground level as there is always a lot to watch! Sea Hag is in Soi Permpong Soi III (Soi Wattana) off the beachfront Khun Kenya of Sea Hag road – the same soi as Lair Ley Tong – about halfway down on the right hand side.

S & G Restaurant

“My favourite dish is Green Chicken Curry served in a green coconut. Definitely, worth a try as it is pretty authentic” – Chris. Great chicken satays and Pad Thai, a simple traditional Thai dish that is a Thai favourite, either are ideal with an ale for a light lunch. The owner – Mr Muek Pakom – had a remarkable escape when the Tsunami struck. If he is in the restaurant when you dine, get him to tell his story. In Soi Post Office, (just north of McDonald‟s) off the beachfront road and directly opposite Sabai Sabai

Sabai Sabai

“Serving Thai and European food, Sabai Sabai is open from early in the morning until quite late in the evening serving breakfast until, I think, 11 am. It is always busy. I like it for lunch and their (wait for it!) Green Curry is EXCELLENT! – Chris. In Soi Post Office, opposite S&G (see above). Silhouette Tailoring is two or three shops further along on the same side of the Soi.

Thab Thim Dang

A family-owned and run restaurant situated in a grouping of largely open-air eating-places on Rat-U-Thit Road about halfway between Bangla and Sawatdirak Roads.

Treat yourself to Lobster with Sweet Chilli Sauce (ask for it to your taste … light, medium or hot.) The Tiger Prawns are also tops. Unless you are very hungry, don’t order both at the same sitting! The family make you very welcome and their recommendations can be relied on – just ask Dang!” – Richard.

The Aussie Bar on Bangla

Just the place to snack or enjoy a pub meal while having a drink and/or watching live sport, beamed in by satellite from all over the world and which you can view on the numerous television screens – upstairs and down. Snacks range from French Fries and pies to full Thai and European meals. On Bangla halfway between the Beach and Rat-U-Thit Roads – you can‟t miss it!

The Yorkshire Inn and Hotel

The café/bar serves full English breakfasts and a host of other traditional English fare including fish and chips along with a good choice of Thai and other dishes. The food is excellent and prepared in full view in the kitchen. In addition to the main screen, numerous television screens in the dining booths show a host of sporting fixtures. There’s understandably a lot of soccer – ok, football – and there will always be a good crowd in for any featured games. The Yorkshire is at 169/16 Soi Sansabai. Soi Sansabai is at the Bangla/Rath-u-thit Pee intersection. You will find the Yorkshire on the left-hand side about 1 minutes walk down the Soi.

Concaved Beach Restaurant

On the beachfront and offering the choice of dining on the lawn directly fronting the beach or inside. Concaved is part of the Safari Hotel Group who also own Savoey. The menu is the same as that at the Savoey but Concaved has its own kitchen and chef, which makes a difference!

“I liked the Prawn Spring Rolls (wrapped in the noodle) – as good, if not better than those at Sea Hag … and that is saying something! The Green Curry Chicken with its good-sized pieces of chicken is the best I have tried in Patong! You can, of course, order the curry to your taste preference, as is almost the case everywhere in Patong. One notable difference is that it was served a plate instead of the usual bowl, reflecting the Concaved difference to its larger parent across the road. The Tom Yum Goong (soup) is also very good. Remember though that traditional Thai soups like Tom Yum are usually meals in themselves and not appetisers! Leisurely, quiet dining in a romantic setting – great for couples! Concaved is at 11 Thaweewong Road just past the intersection with Bangla opposite Savoey Seafood – down the passageway alongside the Beachfood Coffee and Ice cream Bar.

Chiang Mai Seafood

“Excellent Thai seafood. If you like rock oysters then try those offered here. They are big and succulent – you cut them four ways and use the dips; a sweetish green leaf herb is also offered, very tasty. (NB: as anywhere, check the oysters look healthy before you tuck in)! Chiang Mai is in an L-shaped grouping of eating-places in Bangla Night Plaza tucked in behind The Tiger Discothèque and Bars at the top end of Bangla. You can enter by walking down the Soi besides Tiger or from Rath-u-Thit Road, directly across from the PS Hotel . There are pay toilets adjacent, the charge of 5/10 baht is usual for Thailand (well, Patong anyway) where public toilets are maintained by an attendant.

The Islander

“The original British” restaurant/bar in Patong serving full English breakfasts, roasts, homemade pies etc. It also serves good French fries if you need a fix and a different roast meal every day! In addition to the traditional English fare that often includes New Zealand steaks, there is a large choice of Thai and other international dishes. In Soi Patong Resort off Bangla Road – about halfway up on the right from the beachfront road and directly opposite the bars on Soi Sea Dragon. The Islander is on the left towards the end.

Baan Rim Pa*

One of Phuket’s best known and more upmarket restaurants, Baan Rim Pa is nestled on the cliff at the northern end of Patong Bay and offers sweeping views from its open terraces with live jazz nightly except on Mondays. “This used to be the restaurant to be seen in and still has an excellent reputation. Try the red duck curry. Prices are higher but it is worth the experience if you want fine dining. The window tables have a beautiful view back over the bay.” – Chris.

“In May 2006, the place was full and still deserving of its longstanding reputation although it is not the lone stand-out that it once was given the many new restaurants that have opened in Patong over recent years. The Fresh Spring Rolls and the Prawn Rolls with noodle were exquisite. The Green Curry Beef and the Indian Curry Beef were also tops although „the locals‟ in our group were rather askance at the price compared to (say) Lair Lay Thong. The wine cellar has a prominent place in the restaurant and the extensive wine list offers everything from (supermarket) Australian wines priced at about 1700 Baht to a top Romanee Conti from France at a mere 87.000 Baht! The selection of cocktails is enticing and delicious!” – Richard.

On Phrabaramee Road at Kalim – the road that takes you to Kamala – and a short tuk tuk ride from any hotel. There are always tuk tuks outside the door for the return journey.

Mom Tri‟s BoatHouse Wine & Grill* (at Kata Beach)

European and Thai Dining. A silver service restaurant that serves Fusion style dishes. Try the Phuket Lobster served with three sauces as a main or the Thai Platter as an entrée. The wine cellar offers a selection of 520 labels and there is a happy hour every day between 17.00 and 1900 when a 50% discount is offered on most beverages. On the beach at 182 Koketanode Road, Kata Beach. For the Baan Rim Pa and Mom Tri‟s BoatHouse it is advisable to book ahead. Your hotel should be able to assist.

Sweet

“This restaurant opens mid-late afternoon until about 10 pm. It serves lighter as well as more expansive Thai food along with European meals, e.g. bacon and eggs. In Soi Patong Tower, off the beachfront road – you cannot miss the Tower. It is the tallest and ugliest building in Patong!

Breakpoint

Owned and run by the Nishiokas – he is Japanese, his wife is Thai and they have four delightful children. The menu reflects both cultures plus others. Try the Clear Soup with Minced Pork and Glass Noodles, the Panang Beef Curry and the Fried Morning Glory with Oyster Sauce. Scrumptious! If you want a steak, they also serve New Zealand Tenderloin and even Bangers and Mash! You can sit inside in air conditioning or outside in the shade. Breakpoint is also in Soi Patong Tower, about halfway down on the left from the Beach Road and directly opposite Sweet.

Mr Good’s

Probably the most eclectic eating establishment in Patong, Mr Goods incorporates the restaurant and a massage shop all owned by the one family. There also used to be a shop within selling gold! It is quite large and generally always busy at night. The food is very good, in particular, the Sautéed Chicken with Cashew Nuts and the Tom Yum Kai. Situated on Rath-U-Thit Road, just north of the intersection with Bangla and on the corner of the Soi that runs between it and the C&N Hotel. The big rice cookers in the kitchen at the front make it very visible.

The Beach House

In a relatively new (late 2007) complex of budget hotels and beer bars off Sawatdirak Road, opposite the Salathai Hotel (one block north of Bangla). Again a very extensive European and Thai menu (well illustrated too) with reasonable prices.

The Noodle Shops and Cafes

The relatively small noodle shops or cafes dotted around the island are worth trying, most of them will be found away from the main hotel areas. Some are like the small cafes others are open-air. In Patong at night there is a good one slap-bang in the middle of town on Soi Sansabai, which runs off Rath-u-thit Road at the intersection with Bangla. Walk straight up the soi, past the dive learning pool on the right and, you will find it a few doors up. There are others on Rath-u-Thit, generally towards either end where locals tend to eat.

In the mid-late evening, the aroma of sizzling barbequed/grilled satays from the street carts arouses the senses. Generally okay to eat, just make certain the meat is well-cooked. Avoid the casual stalls set up on the pavements at night. The food might look good and the locals might be tucking in but the cooking appliances, lack of heat, and washing of plates is generally rudimentary with all the risks of funny tummy.

Alternative Thailand

On 27 May 201022 June 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Exotic Holidays, Flights, News, Travel InformationLeave a comment

Written By: Roy Watts

For several years there has been no air link to Thailand. In June 2010 Thai Airlines introduced a direct flight from Johannesburg to Bangkok, making this popular destination even more accessible.

The islands off Thailand’s coastline have an awesome reputation for being amongst the world’s favourite holiday destinations. Close to 50,000 South Africans a year enjoy this highly developed ‘Resort Culture’ along with the superb weather, the friendly demeanour of its Buddhist nation and the unbelievable tariffs enhanced by the fact that their low season coincides with our winter. These are all vacationers who go despite the fact there is no direct flight linking Johannesburg with Bangkok, and are prepared to endure a time consuming and tiresome ‘dog leg’ to get there. This great inconvenience is about to end in June when Thai Airlines launch direct flights from Oliver Tambo Airport to Bangkok. This will also introduce another dimension of Thai Travel for people looking for additional facets to the famous island luxury lodges. For those with an adventurous outlook, there are some wondrous times to be had at unbelievably low prices. As a primer for exciting possibilities ahead, here is a random selection of aspects that will broaden the scope of holidays in Thailand – and make a serious assault on the costs.

Bangkok has a palpable energy that emerges at touchdown in the dramatic Meccano chic airport. The first big surprise is the low price of ground transportation, and how far you can travel on a taxi or tuc-tuc for a fistful of the local currency (which when converted mentally by a simple division of 4, turns out to be a truly meagre Rand offering). Although this city is the hub through which a wide variety of travel paths cross, it is in itself a very exciting place. First up we discovered the Pathumwan Princess – a very reasonable and totally unique leisure biosphere linking a luxurious hotel to a seven story shopping mall. The complex covers a huge city block with a top deck slab supporting an astonishing selection of amenities such as squash and tennis courts, a well equipped gym, a jogging track, a beautiful spa, an enormous swimming pool and a couple of Jacuzzis. A virtual Country Club right in the middle of a bustling metropolis. And next door in the internally linked mall are seven modern cinemas, hundreds of restaurants and all manner of shops ranging from classic to kitsch.

Our other great lodging experience was the Amari Watergate Hotel, a wonderful destination for businessmen featuring an entire Executive section whose sole purpose is to provide all the convenience of the guest’s office facilities back home. These are but two of the marvelous accommodation choices available in a vibrant city at the crossroads of international business and holiday travel. And before signing off on hotels let me urge one and all to proceed to the Sky Bar on the 55th floor of the Sentara Hotel. Here on an open air deck behind a glass barrier you will sip exotic cocktails against one of the most spectacular backdrops in the world – guaranteed!

Chiang Mai has been a popular destination for a long time and offers a wide range of adventurous activities, along with all the usual cultural and culinary fascination. Internally, Thai flights are also incredibly inexpensive, and we flew in for R450 on Bangkok Air. This is probably priced to serve the local population as air fares to the islands are not pitched at the same low economic level.

When seeking alternative ‘value for money’ travel in Thailand it is essential to work through someone who knows the place really well. We work with an ex South African owns an adventure company. He is based in Chiang Mai, speaks both English & Thai and has lived in Thailand for 23 years. He sees the new Johannesburg – Bangkok direct flight as a great opportunity, and is busy creating golf, and family adventure packages for the SA market. Some of the wide range of outdoor activities include hill tribe trekking, jungle walks, mountain and quad bike trails, and kayaking safaris along the rivers of the North.

Thailand is a golfer’s paradise. Rising alongside the frenetic expansion of high end lodges and spas, has been a corresponding explosion of golf course developments – over 200 in all! Many of these are resorts within themselves, and dotted around the country is a selection to satisfy the most demanding aspirations, designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo. They all have superior lodgings, great restaurants, wonderful spas, well equipped gymnasiums and cerulean pools. And on Koh Samui, the Santiburi Golf Course which stretches across a series of hills has to be one of the most unique venues in the world, with nary a level fairway in sight. Chang Mai is ringed by a host of magnificent facilities all offering amazing packages which must make them contenders for the best golfing vacation value in the world.

The Islands in the south are always going to be one of Thailand’s main attractions, and to get there usually involves a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui costing approximately R3, 000 return. But here’s a better idea. Lomprayah is a highly efficient and reliable company who operate a fleet of luxury buses and high speed catamarans. They have set up an infrastructure of jetties, offices and taxi services for the express purpose of ferrying tourists to the islands with maximum comfort and minimum cost. A typical journey would start at 6am from their depot in Bangkok when tourists board one of their air conditioned buses with reclining seats. Some six hours later the entourage arrives at the Pier in Chumphon to board one of the company’s express catamarans for Koh Tao, the first island destination – arriving at 2.45pm. Passengers can elect to disembark, and enjoy this SCUBA diving Mecca of the south, catching the same ferry days later for the second stop which is Koh Phangan. This ferry gets there daily at 4.10pm. Those that have remained on board will get to Koh Samui – the final destination – at4.40pm. Here a fleet of taxis waits to transfer passengers to their nominated hotels (all included in the overall price).

As a sidebar to this suggestion, I mention that to maintain standards of comfort infinitely better than flying economy; passengers should pay an extra 50 baht (or R12 in Afrikaans) to sit in spacious comfort in the air conditioned VIP lounge upstairs, leaving the back packing masses on the lower deck. There is also a special lounge beyond that in some of the newer vessels, where one can be cocooned in leather upholstered luxury for the princely sum of R40. At the end of the day, by going the Lomprayah way, you avoid all the hassle of air travel, you have the option of island hopping en route, and at a two way cost of R300 you will enjoy a saving of R2,700 per pack. Most importantly for me, I didn’t have to squeeze my 1.92m frame into the impossible seating parameters set by the airlines.

Finally back in Bangkok before you return, I have one final suggestion. Take a taxi to the Lebua Hotel and proceed to the Sirocco Bar on the 67th floor. There whilst you are blown away by one of the most spectacular vistas you will ever see, salute this safe haven for a South African Rand that has such a tough time in other international destinations.

Island Hopping In Thailand

On 20 March 201022 June 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Exotic Holidays, Travel InformationLeave a comment

Roy Watts, a seasoned traveller, close friend and arch scrabble rival has traversed the length and breadth of Thailand many times, and no-one waxes lyrical quite like he does about this Utopia. This is a good read, so grab an island cocktail, set up the deck-chair in the back garden, put on your sombrero and read it!

Island Hopping in Thailand

By Roy Watts

As the Rand suffers abuse from her ugly sisters, the Euro, the US$, and the British Pound, holidays in the First World are becoming survival exercises that stretch ingenuity. This leaves the quest for affordable vacations in the realm of the Third World, and this is where the Thai Baht rises to the occasion.

Thailand is truly one of the great resort destinations of the world. The Buddhist ethos of peace and goodwill has filtered through to a charming populace, the cost of living is lower than ours, and the weather is superb for most of the year. Of great significance is the fact that their low season coincides with the worst of our winter, so bargain tariffs are the order of the day. Be warned however, that it will be hot and steamy with brief but regular showers prevailing in these times. I was lucky enough to be included in a walkabout amongst the fabulous islands in the south. The airport at Koh Samui resembles a country club. In keeping with this spirit, a fleet of vehicles resembling stretched out golf carts transports visitors to the main building set in a lovely garden. All of this boded well for our expectations, and created an atmosphere personifying this beautiful island.

Koh Samui was our first stop and we stayed at the 5 star Melati Lodge which is a glorious blend of Southern Thai architecture and truly magnificent tropical landscaping. Fronting onto the golden beach is a spectacular pool, which laps onto the edge of an impressively equipped spa on one side, and a convivial bar and open air restaurant on the other. Loaded with facilities that can be summonsed at www.melatiresort.com it was our first brush with the reality of the extremely low tariffs that prevail in Thailand’s low season.

Restaurants are also cheap, and it is amazing how far you can travel in a taxi for the Baht equivalent of R40. But this is a nation of two wheelers, and I quickly tumbled to the joys of puttering around on one of the hundreds of 125cc motor cycles available for daily hire at less than the price of a pair of cinema tickets. There are lots of things to see and do on Koh Samui with its wonderful beaches, superb eateries and interesting topography – all of which flashed by as I relished the freedom of my Honda as I sprinted along a ribbon of road around the circumference of the island. On the way we diverted on to rural side tracks taking us to beautiful water falls, primitive villages and a spectacularly remote hill top restaurant with a commanding view.

In the evenings we frequented some really classy restaurants and one of the night markets for which Thailand is universally famous. Givenchy, Polo, Ralph Lauren and all the famous brand names were on parade, whilst most of the women singing and performing street theatre were counterfeit as well. All too soon, we fell victim to the corollary of Sod’s holiday law, which decrees that just as you are having the time of your life it becomes necessary to move on. So it was on to a ferry for a transfer to Koh Tao.

Scuba diving and snorkeling is really good around most of the islands in the south, but this one is regarded as Thailand’s premier location by the world’s scuberati. There has been an explosion of activity in Koh Tao’s underwater world, and it is now considered to be the main training centre in South East Asia. So if it’s diving you want this is the place. The high volume of visitors pursuing the underwater world here has affected the make up of the holiday population – which is young, athletic and exuberant.

For our Koh Tao experience we checked into the delightfully whimsical Charm Churee resort. This lodge was built over an entire hill, and its random design has resulted in a host of seductive nooks and crannies. Chief of these was a spectacular honeymoon suite overlooking the bay, and a beach villa on the sands.

In a country renowned for its low accommodation tariffs I was amazed to learn that the latter only clocked in at an off season rate of R2,000 per day, whilst a basic unit would cost R622 according to their www.charmchureevilla.com website.

All the beach resorts in Thailand have a spa and at least 2 restaurants, one of which will usually be al fresco. The one at Charm Churee is a stunner sited on a promontory at the base of a massive granite rock which is illuminated at night.

The other outstanding feature here is the secluded beach tucked away in their exclusive bay. This lies at the bottom of a winding road which runs past all sorts of rustic and varied structures, giving the whole place a haphazard charm. The lodge also provides a good balance of quiet dignity against the frenetic activity in town. I felt really comfortable at Charm Churee, and all too soon Sod’s law kicked in again, leading me to yet another ferry heading for Koh Phangan this time.

Situated between Koh Tao and Koh Samui, this island is famous for a beach party! Every month when the moon is at its fullest, huge crowds gather on the crescent shaped Haad Rin Beach to join in a dance frenzy backed by numerous bands, fireworks, emcees, jugglers and fire eaters. Away from this, the island is rather reclusive with long stretches of road winding through lush forests and then on to some magnificent lodges. After a long drive through luxuriant jungle we came across the last two surprises far from any other activities.

The Panviman is a luxury resort tucked into a Cliffside overlooking the beautiful Thong Nai Pan Beach. It offers an impressive portfolio of sophisticated options including double rooms, various cottages and an impressive presidential suite, all of which can be seen on www.panviman.com. Some of these even have their own pools, and are all stylishly furnished.

Further down the Thong Nai Pan Beach, is the magnificent Santhiya Lodge, the last stop on our island hop around – and a good thing too as I am running out of adjectives but not enthusiasm for Thailand’s amazing resorts. They are putting the finishing touches to a really spectacular addition to their superb accommodation spread. This will be the place to beat for people looking for a unique bit of sophistication for that special event. Logging on to www.santhiya.com releases an impressive range of options culminating in the majestic Santhiya Royal Pool Villa – one of the most magnificent lodgings to be found anywhere on the island circuit.

As a grand finale to a memorable tour we flashed back to Koh Samui on the speedboat ferry that Santhiya Lodge runs between the two islands. This visit confirmed what I had discovered on previous visits – there’s something for everyone at budgets to suit all pockets in Thailand.

Island Hopping in Thailand

On 10 September 200922 June 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Exotic Holidays, Travel InformationLeave a comment

By Roy Watts

The airport at Koh Samui resembles a country club. In keeping with this spirit, a fleet of vehicles resembling stretched out golf carts transports visitors to the main building set in a lovely garden. All of this boded well for our expectations, and created an atmosphere personifying this beautiful island.

All the lodges have a wide range of accommodation alternatives and quote on a unit rather than a per person rate. Prices vary on many different seasonal levels, all of which are reflected on their websites