Bangkok Big Ears

Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai has long drawn visitors for its temples, markets and mountain-fringed setting. But beyond its visual appeal, the city reveals something less immediately visible: a culture of craft that has never quite receded into the past.

Songkhla might not top your Thailand travel list just yet—but that’s exactly why it should. Recently recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy (2025), this laid-back coastal province is earning global attention for its vibrant food culture, artistic heritage, and community-driven creativity.

As Thailand and China mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the milestone reaches far beyond politics—it’s a story that began centuries ago....

Tucked away in Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, Song Wat Road is a journey through time. Once the city’s Spice Road, it was a bustling hub where Indian, Chinese, and Thai merchants lived and traded. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, this storied district blends old-world charm with a fresh wave of artistic and culinary innovation. Centuries-old shrines and warehouse-turned-galleries sit alongside Michelin-starred restaurants and hidden coffee houses, making Song Wat a fascinating neighbourhood to explore on foot.

A mere 20-minute drive south of Buri Ram’s lively town centre lies the serene Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir—a tranquil haven for Thailand’s rare and majestic sarus cranes. Nestled within picturesque marshlands and rice paddies, this unspoiled sanctuary offers travellers a rare opportunity to witness these endangered birds thriving in a carefully restored natural habitat, coexisting harmoniously with local farmers.