On Nut: Bangkok's Local Side Without the Tourist Crowds

Normally, when on assignment, I would stay closer to the centre of the action in Bangkok, likely at a branded property within walking distance of one of the central BTS stations. But on this occasion, I was here for a boring dental appointment and didn't need to be in the thick of it.

Thailand's "Pay Like a Local" Campaign Hits a Digital Speed Bump

 

Thailand has invested heavily in positioning itself as one of Asia's most digitally advanced tourism destinations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) "Pay Like a Local" campaign encourages international visitors to use QR code payments in much the same way as Thai residents, reducing reliance on cash while making spending easier for travellers and merchants alike.

Thailand on Screen: Where Paradise Meets the Movies

Thailand has always looked ready for its close-up. With jungle-clad mountains, gleaming temples, tropical islands and Bangkok streets buzzing with neon, tuk-tuks and organised chaos, the country has become one of the world’s favourite filming locations.

Thailand Pride Month 2026: Celebrate Diversity Across the Land of Smiles

Thailand is turning up the rainbow colours for Pride Month 2026, with celebrations taking place across Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai. For LGBTQIA+ travellers, it is an opportunity to experience one of Asia's most welcoming and inclusive destinations while enjoying the country's renowned hospitality, culture and nightlife.

Koh Chang’s Best Kept Secret? A Stylish Little Hideaway Called The Retreat

Thailand has no shortage of beach resorts. Some come with giant pools, booming beach clubs and enough buffet trays to feed a small nation. But every now and then you stumble across a place that does things differently. That’s exactly the feeling at The Retreat Koh Chang, a boutique hideaway tucked away on Thailand’s gloriously green island of Koh Chang.

Where to Stay in Sathorn: A Practical Bangkok Hotel That Delivers Value

Hotel Review: Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok

There’s a certain honesty to Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok that becomes clear within minutes of arrival. It doesn’t try to pass itself off as a lifestyle statement or boutique showpiece. Instead, it leans into what many travellers actually need in Bangkok: a clean, modern, well-located base that works without fuss.

Sathorn Surprise - an authentic local Bangkok experience

 I didn’t expect to warm to Sathorn quite so quickly. On paper, it reads like Bangkok’s corporate engine room, all glass towers and embassy blocks. In reality, it’s one of the most comfortable and practical places I’ve stayed in the city, especially when you want a base that works rather than overwhelms.

We stay at the new Dusit Thani Bangkok

Bangkok’s beloved legend has rebooted itself with flair: the new Dusit Thani Bangkok isn’t just another skyscraper hotel — it’s like the city’s classic nodding graciously to the future. After a stellar transformation and grand reopening in September 2024, Dusit has taken its rich heritage and wrapped it up in slick modern design and views that make you go “wow” every morning. 

Dusit Thani Bangkok among the world’s top 100 hotels

 Dusit Thani Bangkok, the reimagined flagship of Dusit Hotels and Resorts under Dusit International, has earned global acclaim by ranking #60 on the inaugural extended list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. This newly introduced list highlights 50 exceptional hotels across six continents, chosen by over 800 independent travel professionals—including hoteliers, journalists, and seasoned luxury travellers—for their innovation, service excellence, and guest experience.

LAY Beach Club Makes Waves in Pattaya

In the heart of Thailand's vibrant Pattaya, a new hotspot has emerged, promising to revolutionise the city's nightlife and dining scene. LAY Beach Club, situated on Beach Road along the Gulf of Thailand's east coast, has officially opened its doors, offering an unparalleled beachside experience.

"Eat Spain Drink Spain" at LUZ Bangkok this Friday

Spanish market-themed evening on Friday at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit

 LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar is set to celebrate its second anniversary in style with an "Eat Spain Drink Spain" evening on September 26, 2025. This rooftop venue, located on the 33rd and 34th floors of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, will transform into a Spanish spectacle, showcasing premium products and entertainment.

Flashback: Bangkok 25 years ago

 Bangkok is very different from the rest of Thailand. It has a population of six million and a totally dysfunctional transportation system, which they are trying to fix by building raised freeways. As if that had helped any anywhere it was tried... During Bangkok's extensive rush hours, car exhaust forms a swirling smog in the main streets, and the noise is deafening. There is lots of construction, but the noise of the jackhammers is drowned out by the traffic. Crossing a street becomes a matter of courage, timing, and good judgment of the potential homicidal tendencies of the drivers. Unless everyone is hopelessly tangled again and nothing moves. Policemen wear smog masks here.

Flashback: Ko Samui 25 years ago

 

Ko Samui is a bit like Ko Phuket, only not as developed. The luxury resorts are missing, and rooms are cheap and simple. The island does make up for it by providing picture-perfect beaches and palm forests. The picture on the left shows the entrance to the hotel park with the huts to both sides, seen from the hotel beach.

KANCHANABURI – DAY TRIP – BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI

‘What a load of shite, eh?’ says Dick Lee, in a thick cockney accent. The octogenarian former-HQ dispatch rider is building up quite a head of steam about the 1957, seven-Oscar-winning blockbuster Bridge on the River Kwai. Ever since the movie premiered to worldwide acclaim, he has not been alone among ex-POWs who still voice their disenchantment.

Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar's new menu

Supporting Local Sustainable and Organic Farming

Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar has unveiled a new menu of innovative dishes concocted via a thoughtful cooking process to slash food waste and greenhouse emissions.

Banyan Tree Krabi: Where the Pristine Meets the Prehistoric

A Thai resort launches a Jurassic Explorer package for its guests.

The spectacular limestone cliffs and lush landscape of Krabi have returned to the silver screen as the primary film location of the blockbuster movie, Jurassic World Rebirth, which debuted worldwide on July 2, 2025.

North Phuket Unveils Strategic Destination Rebrand

 

Exciting news out of Thailand, with a group of hoteliers in Phuket coming together to launch a new campaign to attract more visitors to the less-developed north of the island.

More awards for Devasom

Devasom Resorts is pleased to announce that Devasom Khao Lak has been recognised in the Best Luxury Resort category and Devasom Hua Hin in the Best Boutique Resort category for Thailand as part of Tripadvisor’s® Travellers’ Choice® Awards Best of the Best for 2025. This prestigious recognition places both resorts among the top 1% of hospitality experiences worldwide based on genuine traveller reviews.

Barefoot luxury at Let's Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort

From an intimate beachfront eatery to the recently renovated boutique hotel it is today, Let's Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort has undergone a culinary evolution, putting Hua Hin on the food map long before it was a barefoot luxury hotel. The local talent of its kitchen awakens guests' senses to the authentic wonders of Thai cuisine, and hospitality standards transcend across the 40 private suites.

How to go shopping in Thailand

It’s no secret that Thailand is one of the most popular shopper’s paradises. Shopping is a prime item on a Thailand tourist's itinerary. A wide range of beautiful and quality items are on offer everywhere. Clothes, homewares, handicrafts, paintings, furniture, handbags, shoes, jewellery the list of bargains is endless. Having 24-hour service clothes tailored is very good value – especially for men. Department stores and local markets are equally fun and interesting to visit.