Author: Deborah

Bangkok’s Canal Markets by Public Transport: A DIY Guide

Posted on by Deborah

Writer and publisher, Paula Morgan, founder of the Thailand Awaits travel blog provides an expert guide to four lesser known floating markets along Bangkok’s western canals.

Four local markets along Bangkok’s western canals offer a genuine weekend shopping experience away from the tourist crowds. Thanks to a free shuttle service from Bang Khun Non MRT, these markets are now easily accessible for independent travellers. Here’s how to explore them all in one day.

Finding Bangkok’s Floating Markets

First up is Song Khlong, tucked away in the grounds of Wat Taling Chan temple. It’s one of the smaller markets we will see on our circuit today, but that’s its appeal.

Grab an expertly brewed coffee and some fresh coconut pancakes from the riverside stand. Then, join locals at the wooden tables stretching along the canal. On our visit musicians set up near the water, their traditional songs mixing with market chatter. It’s a nice slow start for what’s to come.

Song Khlong means ‘Two Canals’, and following one of these waterways leads us to our next stop.

Just a short walk away, Taling Chan isn’t exactly floating anymore – most vendors have moved onto land or permanent platforms over the water. But what it lacks in boats, it makes up for in atmosphere. Early in the day you will find local shoppers picking up curry paste and fruit for their weekend cooking, and monks from the nearby temple wander through. As mid-morning arrives, so do the lunch crowds and the experience changes again.

Head to the rear of the market and you will find longtail boats ready to take you on a 100-baht tour, or just book a ride to the next market. If you prefer, make your way back to the street to join the shuttle service.

Khlong Lat Mayom marks the halfway point of our journey, and it’s the biggest of the four markets. Split into two sections with the street dissecting it. One side feels very local, while the other seems more like a local food festival than a market. Again, most of the stalls are on land; however, there are still a few vendors operating from boats.  We spot a lady cooking pad Thai, but our sights set on the sizzling hotplates of fresh fish.

Prices here are genuinely local – you’ll pay what Bangkok residents pay, not tourist markups. I picked up mango sticky rice for 40 Baht and fried chicken at 10-25 Baht a piece. While there are some souvenir stalls, food is the real draw. Look for the traditional Thai sweets and local artists selling handmade gifts which you won’t find at other markets.

If you’re keen to explore further, hop on a 100-baht boat ride to our final stop, Wat Saphan market. This smaller market, set beside its namesake temple, had some of our favourite stalls and is a peaceful spot for lunch if you find Khlong Lat Mayom overwhelming.

The vendors at Wat Saphan are known for their home cooking. Don’t miss the fishcakes that draw regulars from across Bangkok. Monks from the temple next door often pass through and you’ll find great prices on fresh herbs and chillies. Get here by lunchtime and you can try the local favourite dishes before heading back to the city.

Know Before You Go

  • The markets are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am-5pm.
  • They are at their busiest from 10am-2pm.
  • Carry cash – few stalls will take cards or have atms

Getting there: A free shuttle service operates from Bang Khun Non MRT station to all four markets every 30 minutes, between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., on weekends. For an easier start, take a Grab directly to Taling Chan.

Getting home: Services run back to Bang Khun Non MRT every 30 minutes. Afternoon traffic means the shuttle service often runs late, especially after 2:30pm. If you miss the last shuttle or don’t want to wait, grab a taxi to the Bang Wa or Wongwian Yai BTS Stations.

Our Suggestions

  • Start with Song Khlong and work your way through to Wat Saphan.
  • Get to Khlong Lat Mayom before 11am to avoid lunch crowds.
  • Skip breakfast. You’ll want to try everything! We usually take home plenty of sweets to last a week.
  • Bring cash and small bills.

Whether you’re hunting for the city’s best fishcakes or simply want to experience local market life, these four stops along Bangkok’s canals deliver authenticity without the crowds. Just remember to arrive hungry!

For a detailed guide to exploring Bangkok’s floating markets using public transport, visit thailandawaits.com

Visama Explorer Nan: Thailand’s New Eco-Luxury Glamping Escape

Posted on by Deborah

Tucked away in northern Thailand’s peaceful Nan province, Visama Explorer Nan is set to redefine eco-luxury glamping when it opens on 1 December 2025. Surrounded by rice fields and misty mountains, this elegant tented camp offers guests a serene and sustainable escape infused with authentic Lanna hospitality.

As glamping in Thailand continues to soar (forecasted to grow over 10% annually), Visama Explorer Nan combines sustainable travel principles with the comforts of a boutique resort.

Tented luxury meets tranquility in Nan’s scenic countryside

Luxury Under Canvas

The camp features eight spacious, air-conditioned safari-style tents, each with a plush king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, and private deck.
Each tent spans 36 sqm plus a 12 sqm covered veranda, offering stunning mountain or creek views.

Expect four-star comforts under canvas — rain showers, robes, a mini bar, French press coffee, and handcrafted local amenities — all within a peaceful natural setting.

Gather, Dine, and Dream by the Fire

The social heart of the camp is the Ambalama, inspired by traditional Sri Lankan resting houses. As dusk settles, guests gather around the outdoor fireplace for canapés, cocktails, and even an open-air cinema beneath the stars.

For dining, the Monmanee Restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed experience beside the creek, featuring Northern Thai specialties, Western comfort dishes, and curated wines and cocktails. In the cooler months (December–March), guests can dine fireside beneath Nan’s starlit skies.

Sustainability and Local Connection

Operated by VHG Hospitality Asia, part of YAANA Ventures, Visama Explorer Nan continues a legacy of eco-conscious innovation seen in Cardamom Tented Camp (Cambodia) and Anurak Lodge (Thailand).

Guests can take part in tree planting, artisan workshops, and guided hikes or bike rides to nearby temples and waterfalls, connecting directly with the surrounding environment and communities.

“We create exceptional places in remote locations — but more importantly, we open pathways for local career development,” says Willem Niemeijer, CEO and co-founder of VHG Hospitality Asia. “Meaningful travel is built on mutual respect and understanding.”

Getting There

Visama Explorer Nan is located roughly two hours’ drive from Nan Airport, which is an 80-minute flight from Bangkok.
There are two daily AirAsia flights and one Nok Air service from Don Mueang International Airport. The journey itself is part of the experience — winding through mountain valleys, rural villages, and rice terraces that define this beautiful region.

Opening Offers

Celebrate the launch with these exclusive introductory packages:

  • Opening Whisper Escape – Book by 31 December 2025 for THB 4,740 (~US$150/€127/£110) including breakfast and dinner for two.
  • Tent & Taste Package – From 1 January 2026, stay for THB 6,970 (~US$220/€187/£161) per night with breakfast and dinner included.

Book your stay: visamatentedcamps.com/en/nan

Why Nan Should Be on Your Travel List

Often described as Thailand’s best-kept secret, Nan offers a glimpse into a quieter, more authentic side of the country. From ancient temples to forested hills and vibrant local culture, it’s a haven for travellers who seek nature, culture, and sustainability in one unforgettable journey.

What type of Thailand traveller are you?

Posted on by Deborah

What’s your travel passion? Are you a foodie? Do you want to shop till you drop at markets and shopping centres? Are you looking for adventure or a wellness retreat? Fine-tune your trip with the question: What type of Thailand traveller are you?

Food lover

Rock the wok. With around 14,000 restaurants, Bangkok challenges even the most fanatic foodies. It’s a bottomless tom yam goong of taste trips.

Chinatown: create your own progressive feast by sampling the offerings along Yaowarat Road and its side sois. For example, a starter of kuay jap pork soup at Nai Ek. And then follow your nose, literally, to busy Hua Sen Hong. Or many others. Taper off with desert, a cocktail and jazz at Shanghai Mansion

Hotel dining: To dine with an angel’s-eye view, head to Vertigo restaurant on level 61 of the Banyan Tree hotel banyantree.com/, or Red Sky atop the Centara Grand at Centara Hotel. For a more intimate dining experience, try Nimitr at 137 Pillars Suites and Residences. At the riverside Four Seasons Bangkok, the Michelin-starred Yu Ting Yuan is renowned for Cantonese specials like steamed red grouper and organic crispy chicken.

Koh Samet Cooking class_4706

Learn Thai cooking: There are some 50 schools in Bangkok, with well-equipped stations and a wok-star instructor. Even the changing school names are taste teasers: Pink Chili, Tingly, Travelling Spoon and Courageous Kitchen. Prices range from $60 upwards for a four-hour lesson, with the more sophisticated establishments including a market tour or canal journey.

Romantic

When you’ve dined and shopped to a standstill in Bangkok, pack-up your partner and head down the Gulf coast to Hua Hin. The sea is calm, as is the town. From Cha-am in the north down to Pranburi there’s a royal flush of brand-name resorts including Cape Kantary, Anantara and Amari, boutique retreats like Aleenta and Lets Sea, plus hundreds of other options.

Time in Hua Hin is about relaxation and that Thai specialty, spas. There are dozens, ranging from in-house resort facilities to day salons to upmarket retreats like the celebrated Chiva-Som. So, a romantic, two-hour couples’ massage or just a soothing rubdown?

Come sunset, eating and shopping converge at Hua Hin’s long-established Night Market, a mid-town melee on Soi 72, or the more spacious Cicada Market. Clothing stalls spring up at dusk, as do the roaring woks. Once you’re sated, you can trawl the market for a swag of don’t-need/must-have clothes and gifts. The dining options in Hua Hin are huge but the rickety old seafront piers like Ketsarin are special, offering good seafood, the sounds of the sea and an open sky above.

Seeker

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s upcountry capital of cool and culture has some 300 temples (“wats”) but keep in mind the local saying, “Until you’ve been to Wat Doi Suthep you haven’t been to Chiang Mai.” The town’s most famous temple, the mountaintop complex of Doi Suthep is in fact 15km out of town.

Climb its 306 steps for spiritual merit, or take the elevator for convenience. Either way, you reach its summit of golden Buddhas, monks and pilgrims. Meanwhile, mid-city, the largest temple is the giant Wat Chedi Luang with a 600-year old central stupa and grand Reclining Buddha.

Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North” has long attracted Thai creatives and artists. Its Nimmanhaemin area, aka “Nimman”, has numerous boutiques specialising in ceramics, jewellery and ethnic textiles, along with smart new cafes like Ristr8o Lab clearly understands what good coffee-making is about.

The renowned night bazaar, now reborn as Lannatique offers familiar wares that can be found in many Thai markets. For more original offerings try the Sunday Walking Street Market in the Old City or the White Market in front of One Nimman shopping centre.

Adventurer

Khao Lak, an hour’s drive north of Phuket is a 20-km ribbon of shops, languid resorts and long Andaman Sea beaches. At mid-point Bang Niang Beach see plenty of nightlife with its bars, markets, dive shops and restaurants. Elsewhere check out the seafront restaurants for a feast of local seafood, and watch a slow-burn sunset while you plan tomorrow’s explorations.

Khao Lak is tagged as the Gateway to the Andaman Sea. A daytrip out to the Koh Similan archipelago, a Thai national marine park, is something special. Its nine islands have dramatic swim-throughs, luminous corals and crystal visibility. A one-hour speedboat trip brings you to the islands, which are open from mid-October to mid-May. A dive shop, tour desk or dive travel agency can arrange your snorkelling or scuba trip, but avoid busy Thai public holidays.

Dive Thailand moray eel and anemone_12_18
White-collared-butterflyfish-with-diver-and-fan-at-Ko-Tachai-Pinnacles-diving-The-Similans

Head inland to the 740 sq km rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, a wilderness where karst limestone peaks surrounding Cheow Lan Lake. Eagles on snack patrol cruise in the updrafts. The lake (actually a giant reservoir) has several raft-house resorts like Elephant Hills Rainforest Retreat moored along the shoreline. This becomes your base for wildlife-spotting treks and magical kayaking excursions.

And there’s more…

Medical Traveller. And dental.Bangkok has numerous hospitals that specialise in treating overseas clients. Phuket, too, but this journey is about medical priority, not tourism. Sand and surgery, recuperation and cocktails mix disastrously. Very careful prior research of institutions, practitioners, recovery time and costs is mandatory.

Wellness Wanderer. Upmarket, residential facilities like Bangkok’s RakXA and Hua Hin’s Chiva Som are professional, and expensive, retreats for concentrated, non-surgical health and wellness work. Think, cleansing fasts, hydrotherapy, physio and more.

Wine Lover. Another Thailand surprise, well-established vineyards and “new latitude” wines. North of Bangkok, Khao Yai has good wineries like GrandMonte and PB Valley Khaoyai, plus plenty of accommodation and dining options. Inland of Hua Hin, the Monsoon Valley Vineyard matches fine food with its shiraz, columbard and other varietals.

Golfer. The secular religion of golf attracts devotees from across the world to play in Thailand. Home to nine quality courses, the Hua Hin-Cha-am region might be called the Golf Coast. Across the water, Chonburi and Pattaya have even more courses. The facilities and greens are generally excellent and playing fees reasonable. Golfthailand

TAT’s Myths of Siam Gala Night – a celebration of the amazing influencers who promote Thailand

Posted on by Deborah

Amazing Thailand’s “Myths of Siam Gala Night” brings together influencers from around the world to celebrate Thailand’s cultural charm

Tourism Authority Thailand (TAT) celebrated a week showcasing Thailand’s diverse cultural experiences with the world’s most successful influencers with a gala event at the Napalai Grand Ballroom, Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok.

The event welcomed key tourism partners, cultural influencers, celebrities, and international guests to experience the timeless allure of Thailand through a spectacular evening of Thai arts, cuisine, and cultural exchange.

The gala was presided over by Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports. “This event is a key platform to inspire travel through the unique charm of Thailand. It reflects our cultural richness, creativity, and hospitality and reinforces our commitment to safety and excellence in welcoming international visitors. It also plays a strategic role in promoting Thailand’s image and global appeal as part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.”

Distinguished guests included Mr. Chousak Sirinil, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office; Ms. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Chairperson of the Soft Power Tourism Subcommittee; members of Thailand’s National Soft Power Strategy Committee; and ambassadors and diplomats from around the world.

The gala also brought together prominent figures from the “Be My Guest” campaign, including celebrities and influencers such as Bie KPN, Nisamanee Lertvorapong (Nut), Yoshi Rinrada, and athletes like Buakaw Banchamek and P. Sapsiree, as well as entertainers Alek Theeradeth, Pong Nawat, and Diana Flipo, all of whom play a role in promoting Thai tourism on the global stage.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “With ‘Myth of Siam – A Gala of Timeless Wonder,’ we invite guests to immerse themselves in Thailand’s cultural soul and warm spirit of hospitality. The concept reflects ‘Myth’ and ‘Mitr’ (friendship), capturing the essence of Thai welcome. We’ve crafted an unforgettable experience that blends tradition with modern innovation to deliver one-of-a-kind moments that will resonate with our guests long after their visit.”

The night opened with a traditional Hun Lakorn Lek puppet performance from the Ramakien epic, followed by cultural showcases from Thailand’s five regions. The excitement continued with a high-energy performance by 4EVE, a leading Thai T-POP girl group known for their global recognition at the “Head In The Clouds” festival in Los Angeles.

A highlight of the evening was the Fine Dining Mapping experience, where traditional Thai flavors were reimagined in a modern, artistic presentation. Dishes included shimeji mushroom larb with pickled tomatoes, forest vegetable salad with red ant eggs, grilled Hokkaido scallops with Thai caviar, and slow-braised wagyu cheek curry. Guests also enjoyed Andaman red snapper with spicy tomato relish and Southern-style desserts like Khanom Ta Pae and Khanom La, served with rice-fermented ice cream—each plate a celebration of Thai culinary creativity.

Guests also explored immersive activities inspired by the “5 Must Do in Thailand” campaign:

  • Must Taste – Thai Fine Drink: Refreshing local drinks inspired by traditional wisdom
  • Must Try – Seek Thai Wonder: Floral garland making, a treasured royal court tradition
  • Must Buy – Take Thai Home: Premium handcrafted products from all five regions
  • Must Seek – Thai Aesthetic Rituals: Immersive digital exhibits of Thai destinations
  • Must See – The Rhythm of Siam: Contemporary performances blending local culture and modern flair

The evening concluded with special souvenirs under the “Thailand in the Box” concept, highlighting unique crafts from each region – including wicker fans from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ratchaburi plaid textiles, Northern silverware, Isan-style pillows, and stone mortars from Ang Sila.

TAT hopes the Amazing Thailand Saneh Thai Gala Night will serve as a platform to present the strength of Thai soft power – from culture and art to gastronomy – and ignite the desire for global audiences to explore the wonders of Amazing Thailand, whether it’s their first or returning visit.

How to Connect with Nature in Thailand

Posted on by Deborah

Beyond Thailand’s glittering white beaches and bustling cities, eco-conscious wanderers can explore pristine jungles, tranquil landscapes and immersive experiences.

For seekers of sustainable adventure, here are a few ways to experience Thailand’s verdant hideaways.

Ethical Elephant Experiences

In the northern provinces like Chiang Mai, ethical elephant sanctuaries offer an intimate portrait of these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Here, visitors stroll along forested paths, gently feeding and walking side by side with these graceful giants.

At renowned havens such as Elephant Nature Park or Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, every interaction is steeped in compassion and respect, teaching us the vital importance of conservation and mindful animal tourism. Imagine the extraordinary connection you feel amidst the rustling leaves and gentle trumpets—a pure, ethical joy where riding is replaced by shared quiet wonder.

Explore the Rainforest Canopy

For those with a thirst for adventure, Khao Sok National Park unfolds a hidden world within one of Thailand’s oldest evergreen rainforests. Trek through dense, moss-draped vegetation where the humid air sings with the chirps of unseen birds and the rustle of small creatures.

Dive into aquamarine lakes or kick off on a kayak in Chiao Lan Lake, flanked by towering limestone cliffs. For an unforgettable escape, spend a night in a floating eco-bungalow, where the gentle murmur of water and the lullaby of distant wildlife cradle you to sleep under a starlit sky.

Pedal Through Sustainable Pastures

Hop on a bicycle and traverse landscapes where centuries-old ruins and lush, emerald rice paddies paint a picture of timeless beauty. Cycling tours through historic cities like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya invite you to weave through narrow lanes lined with ancient stone and fragrant frangipani, while engaging with welcoming local communities.

Dive into Underwater Wonders

Koh Ha diver with whip coral credit Pete McGee

Beneath the surface of Thailand’s crystalline seas lies an underwater symphony of vibrant coral reefs, teeming with life and bathed in iridescent hues. Eco-conscious divers and snorkelers can explore the extraordinary marine ecosystems around Ko Tao and Ko Lanta, where every dive reveals an intricate ballet of colourful fish and thriving coral formations.

Visitors can also participate in proactive reef restoration projects and beach clean-ups, lending a hand to ensure that marine life continues to flourish in these underwater paradises for generations to come.

Forage and Feast on Green Cuisine

Embrace a culinary journey that celebrates sustainability and sumptuous local flavours. In regions like Chiang Mai and Pai, farm-to-table dining experiences flourish in organic cooking schools where every herb and vegetable is grown and harvested from their own gardens.

Learn to cook authentic Thai cuisine, preparing dishes like pad kra pao—a sizzling stir-fry of holy basil mixed with freshly harvested organic vegetables, each plate a guilt-free indulgence that marries rich tradition with modern health-conscious choices.

Meditate Amid Lush Wilderness

Yoga Girls weekend Thailand

Thailand’s green retreats offer more than an escape; they are sanctuaries of tranquillity and mindful living. Nestled amidst verdant hills and tropical forests, eco-retreats such the Pavana and Suan Sati combine the gentle flow of yoga and meditation with organic, sustainable living. Here, the rhythmic sounds of nature and the distant call of exotic birds create an atmosphere of deep inner peace, inviting weary souls to find balance, rejuvenation, and a renewed connection with the earth.

Whether you are bonding with gentle giants, venturing beneath the jungle canopy, riding through timeless landscapes, or diving into vibrant underwater landscapes, these experiences are all crafted to nourish both the planet and your spirit. Thailand awaits with open arms and endless green wonders.

This article was adapted from an article by Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya: (Chat), first published in TAT News. Chat is a frequent foodie and occasional craftsman of travel stories with nearly four decades experience promoting Thailand.

Jampa: Sustainable Fine Dining in Phuket

Posted on by Deborah

Michelin Green Star-awarded restaurant JAMPA, located in Phuket’s luxurious Trisara Resort, recently added to their immersive and sustainable dining experiences.

Helmed by Chef Rick Dingen, JAMPA operates on an ethos of locally grown ingredients, live fire cooking, and zero waste cuisine. Ingredients are harvested daily from the on-site organic Pru Jampa Farm or sourced from trusted local fishers and growers.

Everything at JAMPA is designed to minimise impact and maximise meaning. Food scraps are composted, ingredients are used nose-to-tail and root-to-leaf, and the entire dining process is part of a circular, regenerative system.

JAMPA offers three incredible dining experiences:

JAMPA Lunch Experience: A 4-course menu available Wednesday to Friday, featuring seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

JAMPA Dinner Experience: A 7-course tasting menu available Wednesday to Sunday, showcasing Chef Dingen’s innovative approach to sustainable fine dining.

Hideaway Experience: An exclusive chef’s table experience held every Saturday, beginning with a guided tour of the Pru Jampa organic farm, followed by a 10-course sharing menu served in an open-air kitchen setting amidst the serene lakes and wildlife.

New rules for diving in Thailand: no touching, no photography for newbies

Posted on by Deborah

In efforts to protect its marine environment, Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has introduced strict new guidelines for divers and snorkelers.

Effective from 22 April 2025, the stricter rules aim to protect coral reefs and fragile marine ecosystems by establishing clear standards for diving and snorkelling activities.

These measures are legally enforceable under the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Act and will remain in effect across the country for five years.

Snorkelers and free divers

All dive operators must now ensure that every trip is accompanied by a certified dive supervisor or assistant. When snorkelling near coral reefs, all guests must be provided with life vests and wear them at all times, unless they hold a recognised freediving certification.

Dive briefings

Before any activity begins, guides must brief divers and snorkelers on applicable laws and responsible diving practices. In protected areas – such as national parks or designated marine zones – any additional legal requirements must also be clearly explained.

Four to one – diver to guide ratio

On scuba, one dive guide may oversee up to four participants. For snorkelling and freediving, one supervisor may manage up to 20 people, with additional supervisors or assistants required if this number is exceeded.

Intro dives must follow a stricter ratio of one instructor per two learners. Certified dive instruction may proceed at a ratio of one instructor per four students, provided the activity complies with coral protection protocols.

No photography for newbies

Photography during training or instructional dives is prohibited unless conducted by a qualified diver who has completed an Advanced Open Water certification (PADI, SSI, or equivalent) or logged at least 40 dives. Proof of certification or participation in an accredited underwater photography course must be provided upon request.

Only divers who meet these same qualifications may carry cameras during recreational dives. Valid certification or a dive log must be presented to officials if requested.

Keep your distance

Divers and snorkelers must remain at least two metres above coral heads to avoid direct contact. Dive and snorkel guides must ensure tourists understand proper buoyancy control techniques and allow only those with sufficient skill to approach coral reefs. Behaviours that stir up sediment – such as poor fin control – are also banned, as they risk smothering coral and causing lasting damage.

Don’t touch

Several activities are now strictly prohibited in coral reef areas. Dive guides must not move, handle, or display coral, marine animals, or any sea life for tourists. Contact with marine organisms is forbidden under all circumstances.

Feeding fish, littering, or causing any form of disturbance to reef habitats is not permitted. Underwater walking tours, including Sea Walker and other seabed-based activities, are also prohibited in coral zones.

Enforcement and Penalties

If a tourist fails to follow instructions—such as refusing to wear a life vest or touching coral—their activity must be immediately suspended. Operators are required to report any such violations promptly to marine or national park authorities.

Dive guides and instructors who fail to enforce these rules may have their certification or operating licence revoked. These restrictions do not apply to academic research or conservation dives conducted under official supervision.

Thailand’s Commitment to Marine Conservation

These regulations underscore Thailand’s commitment to protecting its marine ecosystems while promoting responsible tourism. Divers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new rules and engage only with certified operators who comply fully with national standards.

For more information about diving Thailand’s vibrant reefs, contact the experts at Diveplanit Travel. diveplanit.com/thailand

Hotel Review: Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong

Posted on by Deborah

Moxy celebrates one year in Bangkok and continues to delight guests with its playful and colourful character. Travel writer Roderick Eime embeds himself for the full experience.

The Marriott people really broke out of the stodgy “cookie-cutter” hotel business with the introduction of the Moxy lifestyle brand, and the new, one-year-old Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong fits like the proverbial glove into this lively, youthful persona comprising 100-something sister properties around the world.

My introduction to this offbeat brand was the first Australian property located at the Sydney Airport. It struck me straight away with its brash, industrial-chic decor, which included various nods to retro eras like vinyl records and classic vintage arcade games.  

Moxy is unashamedly pitched at the young and young-at-heart. Punchy beats echo around the welcome area, along with Liberace-meets-Banksy-meets-Warhol decorations and wall art. Naturally enough, these intentionally gaudy spaces lend themselves to social media sharing, a smart marketing strategy given the target customer base.

While similar in style and feel, the Bangkok property is the first Moxy hotel in the Asia-Pacific region and located in the vibrant and rapidly developing Pathum Wan district, near the Chit Lom BTS, takes the Moxy concept to the next level. 

With more than 500 rooms on 20 levels, the rooms are almost identical to what I recall from the Sydney Airport hotel. Sixty per cent of the rooms are standard Queen rooms, with the remainder in twin and deluxe configurations. If I had any criticism at all, it would be the “cabin”  size (18sqm) of the entry-level rooms, although the available space is cleverly adapted so that one doesn’t feel cloistered. Features like the “walldrobe” and folding furniture maximise the scant floor space, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dizzying cityscape panorama.

The largest rooms are the Deluxe 36sqm ones, of which there are 18. Another 18 corner rooms offer 26sqm of floorspace. 

As a finicky sleeper whose aging bones are easily upset with many mattress types, even the expensive ones, I can soundly (pun intended) say the Simmons brand mattresses preferred by many top hotel chains, including Marriott, mean I don’t have to crane myself out of bed in the morning.

Comparisons with my local experience diverge completely when it comes to dining and event spaces. While Moxy Bangkok still retains an “industrial” feel with its long-bench cafeteria format, it blends perfectly with the arena-sized space on Level 9 where the reception, bar and various play spaces are located. 

An expansive, themed outdoor terrace area is ideal for large or small events, and guests can choose to dine there while overlooking Bangkok’s glitzy ‘Blade Runner’ cityscape. 

The ‘grab’n’go’ convenience booth is still tucked into the wall opposite the bar for those on the move, but a fulsome sit-down experience is preferred, especially since the kitchen proudly spruiks its many delicious offerings.

Chef P and his deputy Chef Mind, proudly recommend some of the tasty creations offered in the Moxy Bar & Restaurant while I ponder the many choices. It seems the Massaman beef curry is their dinner favourite, while pork (or chicken) in black sauce soup is suggested as a bold breakfast boost – and I find both hard to dispute.

The cocktail menu reads like a Hollywood film festival and exemplifies the breakout bravado of the bar team. As they say in their own words, “our new cocktail lineup is a love letter to iconic scenes and legendary characters.” They go on to tease us with such creations as The Infinity Kiss, The Ice Berg, Hunter’s Last Shot, Galactic Stardust and Felix Felicis. I’ll leave you to make the various cinematic connections.

Promotions of various kinds are always on offer at the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, both with Food & Beverage and Rooms. For example, the ‘STAY FOR BREAKFAST’ promotion runs all year and entitles guests to a complimentary breakfast with their stay. I can personally attest to this feast, which will easily sustain you through your busy Bangkok day. For more information visit the website.

Markets, malls and more: a guide to shopping in Thailand

Posted on by Deborah

No-one escapes Thailand without shopping. Travel writer John Borthwick has compiled the ultimate guide to shopping in Thailand, in all it’s varied and colourful formats.

Street Markets

From Chiang Rai to Hat Yai and back, Thailand’s street markets are a hoot, overflowing with inessential yet irresistible stuff. Soi Sukhumvit in Bangkok’s Nana district is a perfect example, a sidewalk crush of football-shirts, elephant-print pants, “copy” goods and endless gizmos. Prices are flexible. Haggle away but you won’t beat the house. Forget cards: cash is king.

Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the biggest, baddest, best-fun shopping experiences in the world. Thais come here to arm-wrestle hard bargains from other Thais. With 15,000 stalls selling everything from fashion to bric-a-brac to homewares, pet dogs and cats, and even kitchen sinks, Chatuchak is all-consuming. 

TimeOut Guide to Bangkok Chatuchak Market
chatuchak-weekend-market
Chiang Khan’s ‘walking street’, (c) John Borthwick

Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is an institution even if most of its toy elephants, muay thai shorts, faux Vuitton and other tat can be found almost anywhere. Alternatively, try the Sunday Walking Street Market in the Old Town, stretching from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singh. It’s a crowded half-kilometre of handicrafts, artworks and clothing. Add foot massages and fried grasshoppers. There’s a Saturday afternoon market on Wualai Road near Chiang Mai Gate, and the nightly Anusarn Market, off Chiang Klan Road.

Floating Markets

Some of the most authentic ones don’t actually float. Consider Bangkok’s Bang Krachao Saturday and Sunday market. Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry from Wat Bang Na Nok pier to Bang Krachao, an oxbow-bend “island” in the stream. Its canal-side morning market, popular with Bangkokians, is all about food, drinks and souvenirs.

(c) John Borthwick
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
(c) John Borthwick
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
(c) John Borthwick

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, 100km from the city swarms with coach-loads of tourists each morning. (It’s a seven a.m departure from your Bangkok hotel.) The sampan traffic jams are highly photogenic but the mass-produced souvenirs are standard market fare. Amphawa Floating Market, 50 km from town is an alternative, especially if you avoid weekends. 

Malls and malls

How many malls does Bangkok need? Always one more. Most upmarket malls showcase the name-brand watches, cosmetics and accoutrements you can find world-wide, but here they’re often under one roof, with the bonus of a VAT refund. (Keep your receipts.) 

The Ratchprasong district is home to quality outlets like Central World and Gaysorn. The adjacent Pratunam district has several more, including the large Platinum Fashion Mall. And, as there’s always one more mall, don’t forget mid-city Siam Paragon and the riverside mega-complex Icon Siam.

Credit: Roderick Eime
Credit: Roderick Eime
Credit: Roderick Eime

Further east on Sukhumvit Road you find malls like Central Embassy, the mammoth Terminal 21 (at Asok BTS station) and EmQuartier (Phrom Phong BTS). All these institutions display fixed prices, not the place for haggling. For a very different mall experience, with huge variety and competitive prices, hit the legendary MBK Center beside National Stadium BTS station. 

Top Tip: As well as air-conditioned relief from the heat, many malls offer appetising, economical food courts while the ground floors often host pop-up clothing sales. 

Chiang Mai isn’t a Mini-Me Bangkok and happily ‘lacks’ the capital’s swag of mega-malls. The most upmarket mall here is Maya in the Nimmanhaemin district (aka Nimman). With six floors of brand-names, beauty clinics and eateries, you can impulse-purchase anything from new Nikes to a Harley. Nearby, One Nimman which looks like Tuscany-in-Thailand, complete with a Siena-style clocktower, features artisan stalls and fashion wear. Massage spas, too, but no grasshoppers. Meanwhile, creativity blooms in the side-street boutiques off Nimmanhaemin Road that specialise in contemporary art, jewellery, ceramics and hill tribe textiles. 

Seaside Shopping

When the tanning gets boring, the sunburnt go shopping. Thailand’s beach resort towns are happy to assist. All the bargain beachwear, sunglasses, “copy” watches and shoes you thought you’d never want spill from their arcades and bazaars. 

Phuket. Patong, a busy, one-stop consumption epicentre, hosts the island’s principal malls, such as Central Phuket and family-friendly Jungceylon. Visitors don’t go short of splurging opportunities anywhere from Phuket Old Town to the over-touristed gauntlet of James Bond Island.

Pattaya. It’s a similar story. Major malls include Royal Garden Plaza and Mike Shopping Mall along Beach Road, while the large Terminal 21 stands a little inland. Plus hundreds of bazaars and market stalls. For technology, go to TukCom mall on South Pattaya Road. 

The Cicada Market, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Cicada Market, Hua Hin
Cicada Market, Hua Hin
Hua Hin Night Market
Hua Hin Cicada Market
Hua Hin Night Market
Hua Hin Night Market

Hua Hin. Eating and shopping converge at Hua Hin’s long-established Night Market, a mid-town mecca on Soi 72, along with alternative malls like Cicada. Clothing stalls spring up at dusk, as do roaring woks and live entertainment. Sated on satays and Singha, you can then plunder a cornucopia of delights and excess baggage. 

Sustainable Shopping

Look for shops displaying the OTOP (“One Tambon One Product”) brand, which markets community-produced Thai handicrafts, silks and many other wares. The program, launched in 2001, is based on an earlier program developed in Oita prefecture, Japan in 1964; OVOP (One Village One Product).

It’s the real deal – no cheap imports or fakery – with the profits going to mostly rural producers. Fresh and processed food produced under the Royal Projects initiative can be bought at general stores and Doi Kham Royal Project Shops throughout Thailand. NB: single-use plastic bags are still the default packaging option, always remember to take your own reusable shopping bag.

Tax-Free Shopping

Purchases worth over 2000 baht can be eligible for a Value Added Tax refund. Conditions apply.

Cash or Card?

Cash still rules much of the Kingdom. Cards are widely, but not universally accepted. Carry cash and bring more than one card. You’ll certainly need cash in markets and in smaller bars, restaurants and shops, and in non-urban areas. Many retailers set a 300 baht (AU $15) minimum spend limit. Hint: For security, bring a dedicated card for shopping, with a low, pre-set credit limit; inform your bank of your travel plans.

Check-out

  • Best buys. Clothing, footwear, silks, optical goods and luggage.
  • Worst idea. Cannabis products are sold legally across Thailand but don’t even think about being an exporter.
  • Gems. Buyer beware. 
  • Tailoring. Good bespoke cutters are plentiful but skip the “overnight” touts. A quality tailor or dressmaker will require several days.