The Top Five Ancient Temples of Southeast Asia In reviewing my 20 years worth of content and photos for the rebuild of this site, I thought it might be a good idea to summarize my favorites in a single article, to give you some travel inspiration. In this first list, I've selected some of the most memorable historic sites.
Around Bangkok The ruins of Thailand's former capital at Ayutthaya A number of interesting places are within an easy day trip of Bangkok. Perhaps the most interesting is a trip to the old capital of Ayuthaya, which can include stops an the Royal Arts & Crafts Center at Bang Sai and the Bang Pa In summer palace.
Bangkok Colorful details from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the Grand Palace There were no doubt many people who were surprised when Bangkok came in at the top of the Condé Nast Traveler list of the top ten Asian cities in 2006, and again in 2008.
Bangkok Shopping The World Trade Center, at the heart of Bangkok's main shopping district. We know there are many who think of Bangkok as a shopper's paradise. There are indeed some great bargains to be had, and there is certainly a lot to choose from, but we would be remiss if we didn't put in a word of caution: while there are bargains, many things, especially anything imported, is likely to be more expensive than elsewhere.
Chiang Mai Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai As was the case with many popular destinations today, there was a time, not all that long ago, that Chiang Mai was a very 'un-POSH' destination. The only hotels in the town were built big to handle tourists who arrived by the bus-load.
Chiang Rai Mini-Guide The “White Temple” of Wat Rong Khun outside Chiang Rai Chiang Rai province encompasses the northern-most point of Thailand and includes the remains of some of the most ancient ethnic Tai settlements. The province includes several popular destinations, but while Chiang Rai isn't exactly off-the-map, it's far from over-run with tourists and makes a good alternative to the much more popular Chiang Mai to the south.
Hua Hin & Cha Am The beach at Hua Hin. Hua Hin is Thailand's original beach resort. Starting late in the nineteenth century, it was visited with increasing frequency by the Siamese royalty. The arrival of the railroad in the 1920s opened Hua Hin to a wider audience.
Koh Chang - Trat Province Koh Chang in Trat province is the last of Thailand's big islands to be developed into the "next Phuket". It's the "last" quite literally, as the island sits just off the coast of Cambodia. Koh Chang is about as far east as you can go along the coast and still be in Thailand.
Koh Phangan POSH Guide "POSH Koh Phangan" may sound like a contradiction in terms, but in fact the island is seeing more and more luxury resorts opened or planned. However, when considering Koh Phangan as a destination, you should know that there is still very little other development on the island.
Krabi Province Being so close to Phuket was bound to have its effect sooner or later. The island's mainland neighbor, Krabi has been developed over the last 10 years or so into an international resort that will soon rival the big island.