This review will compile examples of travel trips throughout Thailand in 2016, following the lifestyle of a typical office worker. Most of these trips will be one-day trips, weekend trips, or 3-4 day extended weekends. As for long holidays, I prefer to avoid them due to the large crowds. I'd rather stay home and read other people's reviews. Are you ready? Here we go!


Northern Region

After years of planning, this year we finally went on a quest to find the elusive Rhododendron arboreum, also known as the tree rhododendron, at Doi Ang Khang in Chiang Mai Province. We spent three full days and two nights immersed in the beauty of Doi Ang Khang, and there was so much to see and do that time seemed to fly by. (Read more about our adventures in Doi Ang Khang in our blog post "Exploring Doi Ang Khang"). We also made stops at Wat Tham Chiang Dao and Wat Umong, two stunning temples with rich histories.

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During the middle of the year, I had the opportunity to visit **Lab Lae District, Uttaradit Province**, while on business. I tried the local **Long Lae durian** and **Khao Phat Pak**, and I must say that the durian was incredibly delicious when eaten fresh at the shop. The taste was different when I brought it home. Even though I'm not a big fan of durian, I'm already planning to go back next year.


Southern Thailand

Inspired by the "He Said" advertisement by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this trip was all about finding the Emerald Light Tunnel at Phu Pha Phet Cave in Satun Province (read more in Exploring the City of Beautiful Mosques, Searching for the Water Dog, the Emerald Light Tunnel, and the Field of Changing Leaves). However, what exceeded expectations was the view of the rubber tree forest changing color to yellow and red, visible from the airplane and throughout the drive between Hat Yai and Satun. It was truly breathtaking. Just a little tip: go during February.

In Satun, we visited **Ban Tha Len Beach**, where the legendary "water dog" is said to reside. While we didn't encounter the creature, we did hear its haunting cries. In the evening, we explored the **Malaysian border market** and captured stunning photos with the giant crab at **Thamalang Pier**. The cool breeze and picturesque setting were truly remarkable. The next morning, we embarked on a hike through **Khao Panyi Wang** and delved into Satun's rich history at the **Guden Mansion**.

Before heading back, we made a stop at Songkhla Province to have lunch at Ko Yo. We then strolled through Songkhla Old Town, admiring the vintage buildings and street art reminiscent of Penang. We embarked on a quest to find the water-spouting naga statue, searching for its head, body, and tail. Finally, we concluded our trip with a walk along Samila Beach, snapping photos with the mermaid statue and the resident cats and mice.

Central Region

As we are located in the central region, we have more opportunities to travel within this region than in other regions, as it only takes one day to travel.

The year began with a visit to the ASEAN Lantern Puppet Festival at Siam Park, Bangkok. The festival showcased iconic landmarks from ASEAN countries in the form of brightly colored and beautifully crafted lantern puppets. While enjoying the lantern puppets, I also took the opportunity to ride some thrilling rides that brought back my youth. I had always wanted to ride the Log Flume, a fun water ride that I had enjoyed as a child, and finally got the chance to do so. Watching others ride it, it seemed quite ordinary, but when I actually rode it myself, I screamed my head off. I even fell out of the back! Let me tell you, it was no ordinary experience.


Every February, the people of Lopburi dress in traditional Thai attire and gather at the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace at night to celebrate the reign of King Narai. The event features a light and sound show and a market where visitors can use ancient coins to purchase goods.


A popular destination for melon enthusiasts, Intorn Farm in Ang Thong Province offers a wide variety of melon varieties for picking throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a selection of delicious melon-based dishes, which change regularly. (For more information, see The Golden Egg Hunt.)

Two other farms near Bangkok are the organic vegetable farms Farm Rak Dee and Veggie Mill, located in Nonthaburi Province. These farms are both farms and restaurants, offering a wide variety of fresh and delicious healthy menu options.

June-July is the season for morels and dates.

"Mushroom Liver Turtle grows on the edge of the Yai Nang vine," a haunting Luk Thung love song that has been with us since we were little, is a complete lie. When we came across the Mushroom Liver Turtle farm in Ban Sam Reuan, Ayutthaya Province, we discovered that the Mushroom Liver Turtle here grows in a thicket of ferns!

**Date palm farm in Suphan Buri Province** sells fresh dates. You can pick them yourself in the garden, or if you want to grow your own, the farm also sells seedlings.


Pay homage to the Buddha for good fortune at Wat Phra Non Chaksi, Sing Buri Province. In addition to worshipping the reclining Buddha, the market in front of the temple is also a great place to shop. There is a wide variety of organic vegetables from local farmers, dozens of types of chili paste, and the famous fermented fish.

Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan, Ayutthaya Province

This Thai temple boasts a unique European atmosphere. Reaching the temple itself is an adventure, requiring a thrilling cable car ride across the river.

Wat Khun Inthapramun, Ang Thong Province is the most high-tech temple I have ever encountered. It boasts an impressive ordination hall equipped with an elevator and escalators. The murals on the walls are incredibly modern, featuring portraits of donors, deities, and angels clad in contemporary attire and using iPhones and iPads.

The Temple of the Buddha's Footprint, Saraburi

Ascending the few dozen steps to the Temple of the Buddha's Footprint in Saraburi tests one's resolve. There, one can pay respects to the imprint of the Buddha's footprint and the radiant image of the Buddha. Before departing, visitors can offer food to the curious monkeys that have been observing them since their arrival at the temple.


Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the **Bangkok Flower Culture Museum**, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the capital. (Read more in **"A Journey Through Flower Culture"**). Afterwards, embark on a culinary adventure at **Sriyan**, a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse dining options.


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Northeastern Region

Embark on a captivating journey to Udon Thani, Thailand, where vibrant experiences await.

  • Immerse yourself in the breathtaking spectacle of the Red Lotus Sea.
  • Unravel the legendary tale of the ghost who hired a film crew at Kham Chanod.
  • Explore the vast expanse of Ban Na Kha textile market, a shopper's paradise.
  • Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment and witness the mesmerizing salt fields at Kunnapatr Spa.
  • Seek blessings at Wat Phothisamphorn, renowned for its grand stupa and unique murals.
  • Witness the mesmerizing dance of the trees and savor the fragrance of Miss Udon Sunshine at the Udon Sunshine Orchid Garden.

Let this adventure ignite your senses and create unforgettable memories.

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Chinese culture at the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center and Shrine of the Grandparents, a stunning replica of a Chinese city transported to Thailand. This magnificent landmark served as a filming location for the popular mafia drama series "Mafia: Tiger, Lion, Bull, Rhino, Swan".

The iconic yellow duck landmark at Nong Prajak Public Park in Udon Thani has been temporarily removed due to concerns over its safety during an upcoming event. The decision was made after a previous incident where a similar duck was shot and killed.


At the end of the year, I visited the land of dinosaurs in **Kalasin Province**. I stopped by the **Dinosaur Public Park** and the **Vieng Kum Kao Dinosaur World Park**, which made me realize that this area was once teeming with dinosaurs before their sudden extinction. **Phutthanimit Phu Khao Temple** is a peaceful temple located within an area rich in trees. The structures within the temple are exquisitely beautiful, and some corners seem mysterious and intriguing. This temple is more than just a place of worship. In addition to paying respects for good fortune, we also encountered various animals foraging in their natural habitat, such as deer, peacocks, and rabbits. When visiting this temple, please remember to close the gate after entering. In the evening, I watched the sunset at **Thepsuda Bridge**, the longest freshwater bridge in Thailand. The orange light of the sunset that day was more impressive than I had expected (I didn't expect it to be that beautiful). At night, I returned to walk the **walking street** and the **Talat Ton Tan** in **Khon Kaen Province**.

In the heart of Thailand's dinosaur territory, Khon Kaen province, lies a hidden gem: the Ubol Ratana Dam. This hydroelectric power plant, the first of its kind in the Northeast, offers stunning views and a serene picnic spot. For a truly unique experience, venture into the unseen Khon Kaen within Khon Kaen University. The "Sadec Fa Stat Thai" pagoda, a collaboration of various provincial entities, features over 10,089 portraits of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, meticulously crafted by university staff, students, and local residents. This nine-story, 16-meter-tall sculpture, resembling a five-story building, is modeled after Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. The summit of Mount Meru represents the Tavatimsa heaven, where the King's spirit resides, while his teachings remain etched in the hearts of all Thais.


Bid farewell to the final month of the year at Jim Thompson Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima. Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of blooming cosmos, sunflowers, and other exotic flowers. Wander through a tunnel of traditional Thai sarongs and explore the charming Isaan village. Witness the intricate process of silk production and indulge in shopping for exquisite Thai silk and farm-fresh products.



Eastern Region

Engaged in social activities, including **coral planting in Sattahip**, donating supplies, and participating in activities with children, primarily children of foreign migrant workers who attend school during the day while their parents work at the **Drop-In Center Human Help Foundation in Chonburi Province.**

Having completed trips to five regions of Thailand, the only remaining region is the West. As the new year 2017 begins, I hope that GoNeverStop will be able to visit all six regions next year.

Happy New Year everyone!

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