Sampanboak, Ubon Ratchathani
Approximately 120 kilometers from the provincial capital, during the monsoon season, Sampanboak remains a secret. Then, once winter comes, a stone peak begins to break the surface of the mighty Mekong River. By the dry season, it’s become a massive island of stone with as many as 3,000 pools, or Samphanboak in Laotian, the local dialect. Residents of this area have also called this natural formation which has taken thousands of years to create, the Grand Canyon of the Mekong, rising up to seven meters from the surface of the river and stretching as wide as 20 meters across.
Historical Sites: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya
The Thai kingdom dates back to 1238, with the founding of its first capital, Sukhothai, which means “Dawn of Happiness”. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can see why it got its name as you meander through the restored and ruined palaces, temples, moats, ponds, canals and dyke system. Ayutthaya, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the next Thai capital and ruled between the 14th to 18th centuries, until it was ransacked and burned by invading Burmese. Set on an island, during its heyday, it had a population of around a million, making it one of the worlds’ largest. This time has also been referred to as a Thai Renaissance and the impressive ruins do afford an amazing glimpse into this glorious reign.
Morakot Cave, Trang
Trang is a beautiful southern province on the Andaman coast. First known for its annual underwater wedding festivities, it really has much more to offer. One of the more amazing sites is Tham Morakot, or the Emerald Cave on Koh Mook. You need to hire a boat at Pakmeng or Chaomai, about an hour out of town. Then, it’s another hour or so by boat. But don’t let the boat take you in, better to swim or paddle a kayak through the dark cave entrance, which then opens to an emerald lagoon and white sand beach protected by limestone cliffs that reach like fingers for the blue sky above.
Yachting, Koh Chang
The waters are clear aquamarine to deep indigo. The winds blow steady during the winter monsoons, when the skies are brilliant blue. The islands offer pristine, protected anchorages, fringed by ivory white beaches and capped by thick rain forest. This is why Koh Chang, Thailand’s second largest island located off the Trat coast and the archipelago that forms Koh Chang National Marine Park offer some of the best sailing in the Thai Gulf. Both single hull and catamarans are available for charter. Lengths range from 32ft. to 56 ft. and are all fully equipped. There are also sailing schools where you can learn or brush up on your sailing and navigation skills.
Pang Oung, Mae Hong Son
This picturesque alpine lake about 40 kilometers from Mae Hong Son town is part of a reservoir project developed under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. As the valleys were filled with water, the once denuded shores were replanted and now provide very serene groves for couples with sunrays shining providing a soft, golden light. In the evenings, the water acts like a mirror, reflecting the star-studded sky above. There is a selection of lake-front bungalows available for rent from 250 to 500 baht depending on the size of your party.
Flower Route, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai
The northern provinces of Thailand burst into color as winter descends and the flowers appear. First, in November, the hillsides and valleys of Khun Yam and Mae Sariang in Mae Hong Son transform into shimmering gold as the Bua Tong, a daisy-like flower as big as a sunflower, bloom. After this, the peaks of Chiang Rai to the east burst into pink as the Sakua, Cherry Trees, blossom. To celebrate this natural wonder, there is an annual Sakura Flowers Blooming fair hosted by Doi Mae Salong, Mae Fah Luang at the end of January.
The next Flower Festival of the north is held in Chiang Mai on the first weekend of February. But even if you miss the processions of fragrant floats and exhibits, make sure to visit the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens on the slopes of Doi Suthep and Ratchaphreuk Gardens, site of the international Royal Flora 2006 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of H.M King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne. For the best flowering peaking, rent a car or hop a bus to get out of the city and into the mountains, where you follow rushing streams to lush valleys and secluded villages, shimmering in the living colors of native flora.
Boat Tour, Bangkok
Anyone who visits Bangkok should get out on the river and canals. These have always formed an intricate part of Thai lifestyle and culture, and by taking one of the crafts plying the waterways, you gain a glimpse of how Bangkok has and is evolving. Easiest and most economical is to hop on an Express Boat that travels between southern Bangkok and Nonthaburi. You can get on and off along the way and visit many of the city’s revered and renowned landmarks. It’s also fun to hire a long-tail boat and discover Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canals. Make sure to see the Royal Barges and stop at Wat Arun.
Loy Krathong Culture
One Thai festival that I cannot miss each year is Loy Krathong. This is the tradition where people give thanks to the goddess of water for the sustenance and support she has given over the year, and is held on a full moon night in November. In Bangkok, the best place you can float your kratong, a hand-made decorative rafts, is of course at the Chao Praya river, but any body of water will do. For me, I like going to the parks, especially Suan Lumpini, for a more intimate experience.
If you get a chance to visit Chiangmai, there is a northern lantern festival during this period, where the sky is filled with candlelit paper lanterns. This is an amazing experience everyone should see at least once.
Songkran Culture
When it comes summertime, Thailand can get very hot. Our ancestors were clever to come up with a festival that is not only fun but also helps cool you down as you play. I’m talking about Songkran of course. This tradition used to be a gentle pouring of scented water into your loved ones hands to bless them with good luck but nowadays it has turned into full-blown water fights.
That’s why I like spending my Songkran holiday in Chiangmai, as they still keep the old traditions alive. You still see people visiting temples making merit but at the same time you also get to splash around in town.
But if I am in Bangkok, there is nowhere else better to enjoy the water war than at Khaosarn Road. Be careful though, the festival can get quite hardcore here so keep an eye out for your belongings and prepare to be covered in white paste.
