Si Thep, an ancient town nestled within the Lop Buri-Pasak River Basin in Phetchabun Province, 450 kilometres north of Bangkok, has recently risen to prominence as a UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage site. Known as the "Lost Hindu Town" in the annals of the Siamese Royal Court, its revival in 1904 can be credited to the visionary historian Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, who was led to this legendary city by locals in Phetchabun.
Returning to Thailand's premier beach holiday destination on October 15, this nine-day festival is a journey of purification and atonement. The entire town comes alive with vibrant yellow flags, symbolizing the commencement of this profound spiritual retreat.
Once the residence of King Thibaw (Burma's last monarch) and a cherished refuge for the British writer George Orwell, today's Mandalay feels somewhat lackluster, with Chinese entrepreneurs primarily preoccupied with their "jade money." Mandalay has experienced a growing influence from China. Therefore, one of the most captivating destinations in Upper Myanmar can be found along the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Tucked away in the northern reaches of South Island lies Marahau, a quaint village home to just 500 residents. In this tranquil haven, you'll find two restaurants and a charming local wine shop nestled along the bay. When we arrive at the Abel Tasman Kayaks Base, we do not anticipate encountering any fellow Asian travellers – let alone Thai. This idyllic coastal enclave, devoid of shopping malls and karaoke bars, seldom attracts Asian tourists. However, we are mistaken.
"Nobody goes to Mongolia for the food," notes the open-sourced digital guidebook Wiki Travel, and the hours we spend on the Trans-Mongolian Railway underline the truth of this statement. The food served in the Restaurant Car is cold, and the beer is warm. We turn up at the restaurant in the morning, and the carriage is empty. A hot coffee is out of the question. Bottled water is not available, and neither the power of US dollar bills nor the Chinese Yuan is going to change that.
From sea kayaking throughout Abel Tasman National Park to eating green mussels in Havelock and washing them down with Marlborough's best Sauvignon Blanc, to driving across the gorgeous landscape to Mount Cook, New Zealand's South Island is a perfect trip. To discover the spirit of the island, with its beauty and wide space, no organized tour can make your fantasy come true - only self-drive at your own pace.
Xi'an, renowned for its Terracotta Warriors, conceals a deeper historical tapestry beneath its surface. Having served as the capital for over 10 dynasties, including the Han, Xin, Tang, and Ming, the city is a treasure trove of history. For those unable to immerse themselves in the complexities of these dynasties all at once, a visit to Xi'an's old town, specifically the Shaanxi History Museum, is a must.
Around Asia, salted fish has earned the moniker “poor man’s food.” That’s because its extreme saltiness enhances the flavour of simple rice-based meals and also means there’s enough for everyone in the family. But, the salted threadfin of Tak Bai in Thailand’s Narathiwat province is not your average salted fish. One fine threadfin can cost you Bt1,600 (USD 41) per kilogram, while salted king mackerel costs around Bt350.
From paper-thin gold sheets of the Buddha to gold swords, head decorations and a crown, the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in Ayutthaya province, central Thailand, has filled its new Gold Treasure Exhibition Building with 2,244 pieces of gold artefacts and ornaments made around the fifteenth century.
In the heart of the Andaman Sea, Ko Phra Thong stands as an oasis of enchantment – a testament to nature's artistry, inviting the discerning traveller to unlock its untamed allure.
In an unprecedented revelation, the Bangkok National Museum unveils an exquisite tapestry of 81 Buddha images, each meticulously sculpted over an expansive span of 1,300 years. Until September 10, a captivating fusion of aesthetic allure and profound spirituality beckons visitors to immerse themselves in an extraordinary experience.
Once a sleepy town in Hunan’s northwest, Zhangjiajie was unknown to most of the world until its pillar-like rock formations, the 1,080-metre Southern Sky Column, inspired the fictional world of Pandora in James Cameron’s 2009 epic “Avatar”