Travelling takes a back seat with the arrival of monsoon rain as most people seem inclined to defer their travel plans and sit out the wet season. But what if they were told there exist some excellent spots promising beautiful nature and great adventure suited perfectly for this time of the year?
TRAVEL TITBITS
Following a survey commissioned in 2006, the Office of Tourism Development (OTD) has drawn up a list of 120 hot springs nationwide it plans to develop to attract high-end foreign tourists.
STAY
Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa and Mook Samet, Samet Island, Rayong
FACES & PLACES
This old woman was selling khao phansa flowers for use in a merit-making rite held recently at Wat Phra Phutthabaht, Saraburi.
We landed in Krabi on a sunny Saturday afternoon, looking forward to seeing another side to this popular destination best known for its romantic beaches, stunning seascapes, bizarre, jungle-clad karst formations and the many adrenaline-pumping opportunities it offers ardent rock climbers.
AT LEISURE
Launched a year ago by three seasoned chefs, Smart Catering has been putting a great deal of effort into coming up with interesting alternatives to the standard buffet fare one gets at social dos and formal functions around the metropolis.
THAILAND'S TOP DESTINATIONS VOTE
Unlike nearby Damnoen Saduak, the floating market at Amphawa has so far managed to stay under the tourist radar. Roughly an hour's journey by car from the capital, this place is just one of several good reasons to visit the province of Samut Songkhram and the delightful community of Amphawa.
AWAY
Tourism New Zealand is joining Thai Airways International's (THAI) 48th anniversary celebrations by offering complimentary one-night accommodation with breakfast to business class passengers buying a Bangkok-Auckland round-trip and flying out in pairs.
