By GARY FONG THAILAND – We were headed to a small town called Lopburi. I had never been to Lopburi, nor had I heard of it prior to this trip. In fact, I had never even been to central Thailand (where Lopburi was located). My Thai travels had always centered on Bangkok and the various islands, with periodic [...]
BANGKOK – It seems like every country in Asia has their own version of a hot pot, that communal dining experience where a pot of simmering soup is used to cook fresh pieces of meat, seafood and vegetables which are in turned dipped in different kinds of sauces before being consumed. At the more refined end of the spectrum, [...]
By GARY FONG CHIANG MAI – Working crazy hours? In the initial stages of career burn out? Need a life re-charge/re-eval? If any of these answers is “yes”, this resort tucked away in the mountains of Northern Thailand might be just what you need to de-stress and get your so-called life back on track. Located on the outskirts [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – Beach, Singhas, massage and go-go bars? Is that all you have planned for your Thai holiday? Like to make a bit of difference while you’re there? Then think about making a donation – large or small – to any one of Thailand’s amazing temples. These so-called “offerings” are the lifeblood of Thailand’s temples, and [...]
By GARY FONG PATTAYA, THAILAND - Civil unrest, political coups and floods… if you’re a frequent visitor to Thailand, chances are, you’ll probably have the unfortunate experience of encountering one or more of these dramas. For me, it was the Red Shirt Protests, whose leaders chose to make Ratchadamri, my neighborhood at the time, their very own ground zero for [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – I always knew about it but never saw it; had no clue how amazing it was or what I was actually missing. The Royal Barges National Museum, located along the banks of the Chao Phraya, ranks right up there with the magnificent Wat Praew Kaew. A bit of a trek but, once you find [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – It was once known as the first western-style mega mall in Bangkok but nowadays MBK’s claim to fame is the rather unfortunate nickname “ground zero for all things pirated.” Like Bangkok’s infamous Chatuchak market, I have a love-hate relationship with MBK – the swarm of families decked out in the latest knock-offs is enough to [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK - Love, love, LOVE the Metropolitan Bangkok’s Met rooms: super spacious and modern, with soothing earth tones; big comfy beds (and lovely sheets to go with), huge bathrooms (shower, tub and silky smooth robes) and a full-on entertainment system (to watch all those pirated discs you ‘didn’t buy’). The rest of the hotel – service, [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – Need to feel worked, relaxed and refreshed? Then call Silom Massage and ask for John. His three hour Traditional Thai Massage session (anything less and you’ll want more) will renew your faith in this hugely over-exploited practice. John, a Myanmar national, speaks little English but knows the body like all therapists should (and most don’t). [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – Excellent service and NONE of that colonial attitude one gets at its so over rated sister motel in Hong Kong or at other so called ‘top’ establishments in Bangkok make this one of our favorite hotels in Bangkok. Whether you’re checking-in; tanning by the pool; boozing at their Bamboo Bar; getting done at the [...]
