"Klong Ong Ang" Bangkok's new walking street
Located along both sides of Ong Ang canal, the new walking street features street art of various styles, shops, Thai street food and live music and other performances along the canals from Damrong Sathit Bridge to Saphan Han Bridge,
There is a mixed character of this area which is home to Thais of different ethnic descent, including Chinese and Indian.
Klong Ong Ang Walking Street takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4-10pm and is located near the backpack area Khao San Road. The nearest station would be Sam Yot MRT station.
Pro democracy protests in Bangkok
Since last week Bangkok has been occupied by tens of thousands pro democracy protestors who held flash rallies and protests at several locations throughout Bangkok. A three finger salute has become a symbol led by the student movement.
The protestors have been calling for significant changes which are rewriting of the military- drafted constitution, new elections and reform of the monarchy.
Several protest leaders and activist have been arrested on various charges, including sedition, since the protest started.
Two of Thailand's charming destinations Chiangkhan and Nan have been listed among the "2020 Sustainable Top 100 Destinations".
Both lovely towns preserve their natural beauty, ancient culture and heritage. Chiang Khan is a laid back and picturesque town along the Mekong river located in the Northeastern part of Thailand. The main attraction is Chai Kong road where you can find line up teakwood hotels, and restaurants built in Indochinese style. In early mornings it is a popular place for merit making where people offer food for monks, in evenings this road will change into a popular night market. During day time travelers are advised to visit Lao style temples.
The lovely town Nan is located in the North Eastern part of Thailand in the valley of the Nan River. Nan old city dates back to the 14th Century during Lanna Kingdom. It has many things to offer such as a tram ride to old heritage sites, scenic ricefields and mountains The town has been listed ASEAN's cleanest tourist city.
Trendy Cafe's in Rice fields
Coffeeshops and cute cafe's situated in the rice fields are trending for Thai youngsters and hipsters. They are one of the instagrammable places where you can see group shots and selfies of people sipping lattes and strolling along boardwalks above rolling ricefields.
I have picked some cafes and restaurants set in scenic rice paddies that are within easy reach of Bangkok
Meena cafe (Kanchanaburi) a wooden walkway stretches into the field and faces the Tiger Cave Temple.
Rakna (Ayutthaya) and Baan Pai Na (Nakorn Pathom) are cafe's and restaurants that serves food and drinks while patrons walk across a boardwalk stretching into the paddy. The venue also offers a drone service to take pictures of the customers from above with THB40 per image
Thailand is reopening for long stay tourism
This week the Thai cabinet has approved a special 90 - days tourist visa for long stay visitors, which will be effective from October. Under this special visa scheme long stay visitors can stay in Thailand for 90 days, which can be extended twice. The aim is to welcome 100 - 300 visitors a week and it will be the first stage of Thailand reopening its borders for tourism again.
There are several conditions foreign visitors have to comply with such as a 14 day state quarantine upon arrival, health insurance coverage, proof of a medical certificate and stay in Thailand.
Thailand launches "We Travel Campaign"
The Thai government has implemented the "We travel together campaign" also known in Thai as "Rau Thiaw Duaykan Campaign". The main aim is to boost domestic tourism and support the local economy.
The Thai travel industry has been affected severely from the covid situation, as international visitors are banned from entering the Kingdom of Thailand. After several months of non domestic corona cases, the Thai government has implemented a travel campaign that has funded 22.4 billion baht to subsidize air tickets, hotel, food and travel expenses. The main aim is to boost travel confidence among Thai travelers, they can benefit from attractive rates, free hotel upgrades and 40% discounts on airfares, hotels, restaurants and other travel activities
Over 5 million Thais have registered and take this opportunity of timing to re-explore the homeland and rediscover the tranquil beaches and how nature and wildlife restore itself from mass tourism.
