Seeing Mount Fuji should be on every travel bucket list, and a trip to Fujikawaguchiko is the best way to do it.
Why bird-watchers flock to Chumphon for the annual migration.
Every year, from mid-October to mid-November bird-watchers descend on Prachuab Khirikhan and Chumphon to catch the arrival of a variety of birds of prey, or raptors, fleeing the freezing cold weather and sparse hunting grounds of winter in Siberia in favor of more tropical climes. “In Thailand there are only two spots to get the best view of the raptor migration. One is at Khao Radar [Hin Lek Fai Hill] in Hua Hin and the other is Khao Dinsor in Chumphon,” explains Uthai Woramaskul, director of the TAT Chumphon office.
While Bueng Kan finally split from Nong Khai last year, its new found provincial status didn’t change the fact that it remains a quiet backwater—a good thing in our book. We’re big fans of Isaan in the rainy season, when it’s at its greenest, and Bueng Kan makes for a great side-trip when visiting Udon Thani or even if you’ve followed the Mekong from Loei to Nong Khai and want to keep going. Do you need more than a day to explore? Probably not, if you follow our handy itinerary.
A small town where global NGOs came to help stateless people is now a new destination for those seeking peace and quiet.
If Hong Kong makes you think of Disneyland and Chinese food, here are three weekend itineraries to help you discover alternative ways to enjoy the island.
The Big-Spender Weekend
Got a stash of cash to blow? Here are some good places to spend it
Snow monkeys, a mountain village and Japan’s most beautiful garden offer a more scenic way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto.
W e just got back from a 4-day-3-night escape to the Japanese alps for some cool, fresh air before the Thai summer really arrives. It’s the perfect way to escape the bullet train between must-visit destinations Tokyo and Kyoto and see Japan’s natural and provinicial side. If you don’t have time for Kyoto (count 10 days total) just head straight back to Tokyo at the end and make it a week-long trip.
A leisurely road trip around the mountainous national parks of Thailand’s most pristine forest reserves.
As the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Expo kicks off (Dec 14), Top Koaysomboon checks out the highlights at Southeast Asia’s largest horticulture exposition.
A brief itinerary to see the seasonal dok krajiew flowers, waterfalls and more.
Surrounded by Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Petchabun and Lopburi provinces, Chaiyaphum sleeps in their long shadows—a mere pit stop, but never a destination in its own right. But come June, when the rains fall on this humble Isaan province, it enjoys a brief spell of popularity thanks to its fields of blossoming dok krajiew flowers at Pa Hin Ngam and Sai Thong national parks. The blossoms normally last from Jun-Aug, but do check with TAT Chaiyaphum (044-213-030) before heading up here.
Chumphon has never been a top tourist destination. Most never take the exit off the 222 km of highway (Petchakasem Road) running through it from North to South. What have those on the fast-lane been missing? Numerous tranquil beaches with white powdery sands and clear waters. Chumphon is six hours away, and getting to said beaches is often tricky because many are surrounded by private property. But Arunothai Beach, in Pak Tako, is easily accessible and also offers a tranquil fishing village and smart eco-tourism options.
