It's not surprising that Papua New Guinea is misunderstood; no nation with 867 languages is easily explained.
TRAVEL TITBITS
During the run-up to Thailand Travel & Dive Expo that kicks off today at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, its organiser, NCC Exhibition, invited a group of journalists to a day-long dive excursion in Chumphon on the Andaman coast.
STAY
Trisara, Phuket, is offering residents of Thailand 15 percent discount until the end of this month during which room rates start from US$815 (around 27,000 baht) per night for two persons, with accommodation is in Ocean View Pool Room. Benefits include champagne breakfast in bed, a special "Indulgence Platter" served once per stay, BBQ or private dining, three hours of treatment at the Heritage Spa and round-trip transfer between the hotel and airport. A minimum three nights stay is required. For more information, call 076-310-100.
FACES & PLACES
As I explored Doha's most favourite night haunt, the famous Souk Waqif, a familiar sound managed to override the otherwise dominant chit-chatting of the vendors and market-goers. Echoing off the cobblestone path was what at first appeared to be horse clops, approaching fast. I scanned the area and realised that it was instead a donkey being led through the crowd by a man, while being ridden by a young child. Every few minutes or so the donkey would pass by, back and forth, with a different child on its back.
DREAM CHASER
At Mae Chaem we were met by a representative of the Raks Thai Foundation who led us further north deep into the mountains to Ban Mae La Op. The distance was only 150km but the journey took us six hours.
AT LEISURE
More than three decades of globe-trotting hasn't dampened Tony Wheeler's love affair with travel. "Whenever the opportunity arises I enjoy taking the beaten track; it reminds me of the good old days," said the English-born writer who founded the 'Lonely Planet' series of guides with his wife, Maureen.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
Sprawling over 550 rai of rolling, green valley, this 18-hole, par-72 links has been open to the general public for about 10 years now. Designers Nelson & Wright of Belt Collins & Associates used the topography and existing natural features to good effect, creating a course which is aesthetically pleasing and which has something to offer golfers of all levels.
VOTE
Send us photographs from your travels in Thailand and each week, out of the selected group, we'll pick one winner who will receive a special prize: a voucher for a one-night stay at Horseshoe Point Resort & Country Club, plus a round of golf or a lunch at Siam Country Club Pattaya Plantation!
AWAY
The annual Phimai Mini Light and Sound Show will take place on the Saturdays of May 31, June 28, August 30, September 27 at the Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima.
