VALENTINE’S DAY doesn’t have to mean just a romantic dinner with your special one. Travelling during the month of love is an even more exciting idea. Even if you’re on your own, it’s fun to take up the challenge and explore the unfamiliar. And weekend trips with your beloved or the family can be highly rewarding.

Kanokkorn Premwichein, 27, a professional geologist, is one singleton who’s overcome her discomfort about travelling solo. She was at university in Moscow when she decided to take a journey aboard the famous Trans-Siberian Express, the world’s longest railway.

A photo of a dragon blood tree, with its unusual dome of foliage, inspired Kanokkorn Premwichein to visit Yemen’s Socotra Island, where they’re indigenous.

Kanokkorn soon learned to get chummy with the locals and ask for help finding accommodations. She raves about the wonderful places she saw along the route, but the generosity bestowed on her was far more precious, she says.

“I’d seen pictures of several places and they inspired me to explore the world,” says Kanokkorn, whose Facebook page, “Journey of My Life by Por Wince”, has almost 60,000 followers.

“I’d worked as a translator and private tour guide for the Thai Embassy in Moscow, but I’ll never forget the excitement I felt on that first solo trip. I like staying in hostels – they’re great places to share experiences with other travellers. I always find my travel companions there. It’s fun meeting new friends.

“Another good point of travelling alone is that it’s easier making decisions and managing your schedule. And you don’t feel lonely because you become more focused on yourself.”

Kanokkorn has fun riding a camel to view the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.

Kanokkorn has since sought out beautiful nature and interesting culture in more than 60 countries. Iran in particular stole her heart with its spectacular architecture, cheap living and friendly people. She found Jordan a romantic place with gorgeous scenery, and Yemen fascinating with its dome-top dragon blood trees, seen nowhere else on the planet.

Anyone who’s new to travelling solo should first study up about the destination and accommodations, she says.

“You have to give priority to safety, which you can find out about from other people’s reviews online. I usually stay away from nightlife areas and dark streets.”

Darunee Khamsook, 48, and her French husband have not only lived in Paris but also travelled with their son around Italy, Bulgaria, Greece and Macedonia. They usually rent apartments with kitchens.

For them, travel is both relaxing and a way to strengthen the family bonds. Everyone has to learn how to compromise and solve problems together.

Darunee Khamsook and her family travelled to Valletta in Malta.

“Every summer we come back to Thailand so our son can practise speaking Thai and learn more about the culture,” Darunee says. “We hop into neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Indonesia for visits.

“We really love travelling. Our son learns about history, geography and the different ways of life around the world and it’s making him more open-minded. You can’t learn these things from a book. I’ve taught him how to navigate using a paper map and GPS readings from a phone.

“And married life is smoother. My husband loves trekking, so we do it together. I also share my experiences at Tookdarunee.blogspot.fr.”

The family’s most recent excursion was a three-week stay on Maluku, one of the “spice islands” in Sulawesi,

Indonesia. Life was gloriously slow, with electricity only available from dusk to 10pm and no running water. They found the food delightful and aromatic with spices and the surroundings of mountains and sea were perfect.

Darunee Khamsook and her family have spent their holidays in Athen, Greece.

“We try to avoid tourist chaos,” Darunee says. “We prefer small cities where the way of life has stayed simple. People ask me what my favourite place is and I never know what to answer – I love every place I’ve visited. They all have their own way and charm.”

Chiang Mai-based entrepreneur Sittiwitch Charoenratphinyo shares his family trips on the “Tiew Tung Baan” Facebook page, which has 300,000 followers.

Since last year they’ve been to 10 countries, including Italy, Norway, Iceland, Qatar, Japan and New Zealand.

“My kids attend an international school and get four school breaks a year, so we can spend anywhere from 10 to 20 days on trips,” Sittiwitch says. “The long flights teach the kids patience, and they also give us plenty of time to chat and play games.

“When we get where we’re going, I like to drive, because we can appreciate the views better and see the local way of life. We discover attractions that are popular among the natives but no one else has ever heard of.”

Sittiwitch Charoenratphinyo and his family have enjoyed wonderful trips to Iceland and New Zealand.

His favourite outing was to Iceland to play in the snow – including on horseback – and to watch the

magnificent Northern Lights. “We see what our children are interested in on these trips, and it’s a parent’s duty to support their interests.”

Freelance writer Saranyu Nokkaew and her boyfriend spend weekends exploring Bangkok’s newest cafes and bars.

“We work hard all week, so this is a way to soothe our brains and our mood together,” says Saranyu, whose “Pic on the Way” Facebook page has 6,000 followers.

“Sometimes we just roam around the old parts of the city, like Thonburi, for example, to try the street food and visit the history museums, galleries and temples.”

They’ve been overseas, too, first to Japan, where they adored the decorated coffeehouses and bakeries and shopped for Gundam merchandise. “We got to know each other much better,” says Saranyu. “If our interests diverged, we learned to compromise. We realised we didn’t need to be together all the time. Everyone wants their own space.”

Writer Saranyu Nokkaew and her boyfriend enjoy a food festival amid blooming cherry trees in Yokohama.

A keen writer, Saranyu penned “The Tokyo Cafe Guide” and “Singapore City Guide”, both selling well.

Another well-travelled couple is Chusri Ngamprasert and Phoowadon Duangmee, who used to be in charge of The Nation’s Explore section. Planning a trip is like second nature to them.

“Travel is like breathing,” says Chusri. “There’s no fixed style for me. I love mountains, the sea, trees, historic buildings, different cultures and traditions and foods and people, so anywhere far or near can be my destination.

“Being travel journalists, the destination is usually assigned to us. And we rarely get to travel together, so when we can, once in a while, it’s like a whole new world.”

Phoowadon is usually responsible for the itinerary, and luckily they like the same kinds of things. They always spare time for temples, museums and walks in gardens.

Phoowadon Duangmee and Chusri Ngarmprasert spent two weeks driving around New Zealand.

They believe having a travelling companion is always better than going alone. Chusri notes that you then have someone else to share the memories, both good and bad.

Phoowadon, who’s been to more than 40 countries, says the main drawback of being a travel writer is that you usually travel alone.

New Zealand was a favourite destination they shared.

“In fact, a road trip in New Zealand is ideal for romance,” he says. “Once you’re in the countryside, it’s like you have all of New Zealand to yourselves. You hardly see any Kiwis on the road, let alone tourists.

“And the landscape is breathtaking. From Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook it’s really exotic, for example. The road hugs the edge of Lake Pukaki before twisting its way to this majestic range of New Zealand’s highest mountains.”

Chusri and Phoowadon now run the Thai-language travel website BangkokBigEars.com, full of recommendations and helpful advice about destinations, activities, hotels and tourism-industry news.

This year, the gates to paradise will open to only 500 friends and friends of friends who all share the same spirit. Separate from the established annual escape, the new festival is an exclusive intimate party. Electronic music, beach & boat parties, breathtaking sunsets, cosy after hours, sports, relaxing massage treatments and food offered by local vendors all make up the fun.

But perhaps best of all is the opportunity to kick back on the golden sands, paddle in the clear blue waters and sip cocktails at the beachside bars.

An exciting international line up showcases the finest in House and Techno music incuding Sonja Moonear, Andre Galluzzi, Mathias Kaden, Tobi Neumann, Dana Ruh and Klang Kuenstler.

“Our vision is to create a magical place for love, music and celebrating life. Our festival is tiny but remarkable. We offer 3 days and 4 nights in paradise, filled with beach and boat parties, delicious food and exceptional electronic music. We have the finest, world-renown electronic musicians, including only the best local Thai artists, delivering magical sets to 500 party lovers in a tropical paradise on the water,” enthuses Akarapon Nateratanakul, aka DJ Superstar Panda.

Partysan launched Thaibreak for the first time on Koh Samui in 1998.

Tickets and hotel accommodation are available at http://www.TicketMelon.com/event/thaibreak-festival-2018. Early Bird tickets cost Bt3,000 then go up to the standard advance rate of Bt3,500.

For more information, visit http://Thaibreak-festival.com/

The “Melayu Day @Yala” festival was co-hosted by Consuls General of Malaysia and Indonesia in Songkhla, the Embassy of Brunei, the Yala Provincial Culture Office and Yala Municipality.

Yala Mayor Pongsak Yingchoncharoen said the festival began in 2014 to highlight Melayu culture of Yala. After its debut, the event captured the interest of various sectors, leading to offers to be co-organisers in the following years.

The event, now in its fifth year, features Melayu cultural parades from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, a seminar on Melayu language, an elephant parade, a kite-flying competition, a Thai-Malayu speech contest, local cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances from Malaysia and Indonesia to highlight the cultural harmony.

Melayu Day@Yala will take place until Sunday at White Elephant Park, Yala Municipality.

Couples seeking the ultimate romantic getaway can enjoy a sunset cruise with bubbles on the Ping River, massage and body treatments for two at the resort’s tranquil X2 Spa, and a series of special dining experiences, either at the acclaimed Oxygen Dining Room or in the resort’s serene gardens, shaded by towering tamarind trees.

“February is a wonderful time of year in Chiang Mai. The air is refreshingly cool, providing endless opportunities for couples to explore our charming city, or simply relax and unwind in each other’s company,” says Ewan Taylor, the resort’s general manager.

“X2 Chiang Mai Riverside is an incredibly romantic escape at any time of year, but in February the resort becomes a truly idyllic destination for couples. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we are delighted to offer a variety of tempting opportunities for romance, all set amidst the enchanting riverside ambience of X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort,” he adds.

The romantic sunset cruise will allow couples to share magical moments together on a serene voyage down the Ping River, enjoying sparkling wine and tasty tapas as the sun sets over Chiang Mai’s ancient landmarks. Back on dry land, sweet moments are made even sweeter with a selection of irresistible desserts served as part of the delightful high tea menu at the resort’s H20 Water Bar & Tea Lounge. Alternatively, couples can enjoy magical moments together at the X2 Spa, where expert therapists offer a choice of heavenly massages and soothing body treatments.

Lovers of good food will also be able to treat their taste buds in February with a choice of enticing culinary offerings. Throughout the month of love, the resort will give guests the chance to dine by candlelight under the stars in the resort’s landscaped gardens, shaded by 100-year-old tamarind trees and overlooking the soothing waters of The Ping River.

For Valentine’s Day itself, French executive chef, Alexandre Demard has created the ultimate sensual dining experience with a special “Love Story” set dinner for two at Oxygen Dining Room. This five-course meal includes delectable dishes that are designed to ignite passions, including oyster jelly caviar, scallop tartare, foie gras, lobster and an indulgent chocolate sphere for dessert.

Overseen by Michelin-starred French chef Nicolas Isnard, Oxygen Dining Room has quickly become one of Chiang Mai’s most sought-after dining destinations, and the Valentine’s Day set dinner will appeal to in-house guests, visitors and local residents alike.

Find out more at http://x2resorts.com/resorts/chiang-mai-riverside

Set amidst 70 acres of natural tropical beachside gardens that open onto 800 metres of white sands fringing the Andaman Sea, the beachfront retreat often inspires marriage proposals and the resort team can help create intimate romantic settings for that unforgettable moment when a loved one says, “I do”.

The island oasis, with its sparkling infinity pool and spacious lawns, has love and romance breathing from every element of its design. Privacy, breath-taking views over the turquoise waters and stylish beachfront, beach-view, garden and hillside stays invite couples to share their own secluded idyll.

“We welcome couples from all over the world year round to enjoy the ultimate romantic break and with many of them choosing to propose marriage during the stay, we decided to help them choose the best location and help create memorable moments,” explains Chao Treenawong, the resort’s general manager.

After a private breakfast on the balcony of a beachfront bungalow or the terrace of a private hillside villa terrace, there are many settings perfect for declarations of love. These include special secluded spots around the expansive island resort that take in the true beauty of the surrounds. The white sands of pretty Bamboo Island, just a few kilometres away, are another popular choice. The heart-shaped island is wonderfully secluded and can be easily reached by long-tail boat or speedboat.

Couples can set sail on an island cruise or take a kayak out to sea to pop the question surrounded by peace and natural beauty. For more adventurous couples, a wedding proposal during a dive or snorkelling trip is definitely a unique way to start a lifetime journey together. The resort features a PADI-certified 5-star Gold Palm dive centre and offers trips that take guests to a mesmerising underwater wonderland of vibrant marine life, colourful corals and intriguing reefs. Lovers can take the plunge and make their marriage proposal before, during or after their dive, with the scuba team adding a few personal touches to ensure a truly memorable experience.

For another form of oceanic proposal, couples can head out by long-tail boat before the sun goes down for a sunset cruise complete with champagne and canapes. The calm waters off Bamboo Island or stunning Maya Bay provide an unforgettable backdrop to pledge your lifelong love.

Wellness focused couples can also choose Wana Spa to express their eternal devotion to each another. The rainforest hideaway with its open-sided sea view salas connects couples on a deeper level, as bodies and minds unwind with Thai herbal treatments to reach a state of blissful relaxation.

Finally, those planning a more traditional proposal, can have a table set up on the soft sands under the stars and enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner for two right on the beach with gourmet dishes served in the most romantic setting possible to enhance that special moment.

As well as a traditional Thai wedding package, nearly-weds can choose a Western-style Touch of the Sea Package, a Pool Serenity Memories of Love Package, a Lovers in Paradise Package, or a Heart & Soul Package which is particularly popular with LGBT couples.

For more information about wedding packages, email sales@phiphiislandvillage.com or call (075) 628 900.

Nadda Buranasiri, chief executive officer of Thai AirAsia X, said Tokyo is the number one destination for Thai travellers to Japan and predicts that the number will grow as this year continues. The city has high potential for repeat visits, group tours and Fully Independent Travellers (FIT) as it serves as a jump off point to the World Heritage City of Nikko and the natural splendour of Nagano, both of which are becoming increasingly popular. The trend unlocks new travel opportunities, indicating that Japan truly offers boundless tourism experiences.

“Meanwhile, Thailand has also grown its popularity among Japanese visitors. According to 2017 statistics, the number of Japanese travellers to Thailand rose seven per cent from the previous year and we believe we can contribute more to the growing proportion of both Japanese and foreign travellers. As a leading low-cost airline in the region, we are proud to be supporting the growth of tourism and the economies of both Thailand and Japan.

“We are committed to improving our services and maintaining our record set last year of being consistently reliable in terms of On-Time Performance, averaging as high as 92 per cent on all the routes combined. This accomplishment signifies our strength beyond being a low-cost carrier but demonstrating high quality services which helps us grow constantly,” Nadda said.

The AirAsia brand is becoming better received in the Japanese market and Thai AirAsia X is determined to continually promote its routes from Don Mueang to Tokyo, Osaka and the newly added Sapporo. The airline is supported by flights from its fellow AirAsia group members operating out of Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Hawaii as well as AirAsia Japan which operates domestic flights in the country.

The new XJ602 flight will depart from Don Mueang at 5.05 am in the morning and arrive at Tokyo (Narita) at 1.10pm while flight XJ603 will depart Tokyo (Narita) at 2.25 pm to arrive in Don Mueang at 7.10 pm. The route will be serviced by an Airbus A330-300 and is being introduced with promotional fares starting at Bt3,333 one way (for the added flight). Bookings can be made from now until February 4 for travel from March 25 to October 27. Details and booking are available at http://www.AirAsia.com.

Nha Trang and Bangkok are becoming ever more popular with mainland China tourists. In 2017, Chinese tourists took more than 4 million trips to Vietnam and more than 9.5 million trips to Thailand. This was a major increase on previous years for both countries. With its turquoise sea and long sandy beach, Nha Trang has been called "one of the top 50 must-travel destinations" by National Geographic. Bangkok, meanwhile, is famed for its culinary prowess, gorgeous islands, historical pagodas and exciting nightlife, making the city a popular choice for tourists.

In recent years, Air China has worked to expand its global route network based around its hub in Beijing.

At the same time, the airline also places importance on providing international routes to important

regional cities. Air China has successively launched routes between Hangzhou and Bangkok, Tianjin and Bangkok, Chongqing and Nha Trang, and Shanghai Pudong and Bangkok. This has provided Chinese passengers with new routes and more choices for their travel to Southeast Asia. The two new flights between Hangzhou and Nha Trang, and Chengdu and Bangkok will also help expand the routes available in eastern and southwestern China.

At present, Air China's Hangzhou base offers connections to 30 domestic airports, as well as multiple regional and international destinations including Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok and Surat Thani. The Hangzhou – Nha Trang route will be three flights per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The outbound flights will depart from Hangzhou at 2.40 pm Beijing Time, and land in Nha Trang at 5.20pm local time. The return flights depart from Nha Trang at 6.20pm local time, and arrive in Hangzhou at 10.40p, Beijing Time.

The Chengdu – Bangkok route will be serviced by one flight per day. The flights will depart from Chengdu at 2.40pm Beijing Time and arrive in Bangkok at 5pm local time. The return flights will depart from Bangkok at 6pm local time, and arrive in Chengdu at 10.15pm Beijing Time.

The 6-course gourmet dinner features fresh oysters, scallops, lobster and grilled Wagyu beef and is priced at Bt4,500 for a couple.

Before dinner, get pampered with a spa experience in a private Barai Spa treatment room for two. Soak in a milk bath for 30 minutes then de-stress completely with a 90-minute aromatherapy massage and finish with a glass of sparkling wine at McFarland House Restaurant. The treatment costs Bt5,500 per couple.

Set in lush landscaped gardens, the beachfront Hyatt Regency Hua Hin has 213 elegantly appointed guestrooms including residential spa suites.  The resort offers a family-friendly environment that features the largest recreational facilities in Hua Hin, including inter-connecting free-form swimming pools, a 22-metre-long, seven-metre high water slide and a unique beach pool.  Four restaurants and bars provide home-style traditional Thai and Italian cuisine, as well as fresh seafood specialities and tasty Asian noodles.

Book your stay by calling (032) 521234 or e-mail huahin.regency@hyatt.com. Find out more at huahin.regency.hyatt.com

WITH A MIXTURE of historic Buddhist monasteries, sacred Chinese shrines and colourful culinary delights, the old Bangkok residential neighbourhood of Talat Phlu has long been popular for day trips.

Just a 10-minute walk from its namesake BTS station, the area is convenient enough to leave the car at home and roam around on foot.

Visitors can play amateur archaeologist, exploring the beautiful heritage culture, and gourmets can sample diverse, pocket-friendly street food and rarely seen Thai sweets.

Perched on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, Talat Phlu was the site of the first Chinese settlement in the Thon Buri Period, before Bangkok became the capital.

Right at the centre of the Talat Phlu neighbourhood is a railway station ringed with food stalls and shophouses. 

When some of the Chinese immigrants established a new trading hub at Sampeng, a Muslim community took over the site and began growing phlu (betel). It wasn’t long before a market appeared specialising in betel nuts, resulting in the name Talat Phlu.

The neighbourhood runs along Thoet Thai Road. There’s an old railway station and a fresh market surrounded with shophouses and food stalls offering great dishes all day long.

A stone’s throw from the train station is the restaurant Sunee, an establishment that’s been around for more than five decades and does a wonderful khao moo daeng and moo grob.

Starting at just Bt30, the first dish has steamed rice layered with tender barbecued pork or crispy roast-pork belly in sweet red sauce and roasted peanuts. The presentation is quite simple, the flavour excellent.

Sunee has served rice with barbecued pork for more than five decades.

Beef lovers head to Gao Lao Nue Puey Talat Phlu, a 60-year-old store known for its mellow soup of braised beef. A bowl of rice noodles (Bt50) arrives with tender beef chunks and offal, and diners can boost the heat as they wish with nam prik phao (spicy chilli paste).

Also on offer are khao kraphao nue puey (rice with stir-fried beef and basil), khao pad goong (fried rice with prawns) and guay tieo khua gai (stir-fried noodles with chicken).

Next door is another long-standing eatery, the patisserie Khanom Mae Cheng, currently run by Suchada Khongkraphan from her family’s third generation. She’s adapted some recipes with palm sugar, which is better for the health.

Every day Suchada serves more than 20 kinds of Thai desserts. They include khanom babin (coconut cake of glutinous rice flour), woon haew (water-chestnut jelly), khanom fak thong (yellow pumpkin pudding), khanom chan (layered steamed pandan cake) and khanom mor gaeng (mung bean custard).

Khanom Mae Cheng offers more than 20 kinds of Thai desserts. 

Another favourite for sweet lovers is the 40-year-old Gim Aeng Guay Chieum (the name means “sweetened banana”) at the mouth of Thoet Thai Soi 20.

Auntie Gim Aeng uses only the best bananas – from Tha Yang district in Phetchaburi – simmers them in syrup until golden, and serves them with fresh coconut milk. She also has sweetened potatoes, taro and pumpkin, the prices ranging from Bt30 to Bt100.

There’s an interesting shortcut to Talat Wat Klang on Thoet Thai Soi 10 that takes you to the Suriya Caffee shop, a terrific spot for Thai-style coffee. And a short walk from there is a stall called Tee Dam Khanom Khai serving soft ovals of homemade dough for Bt12 that pair perfectly with your coffee.

Go to Tee Dam Khanom Khai for baked oval of soft dough.

Based on a 100-year-old recipe, the dough is made with wheat flour and baked in a custom stove over mangrove charcoal, which tends to get hotter than other woods.

If your tummy still has room, hit the stall selling beef noodles at the end of the market. A large helping costs Bt60. The cook adds Chinese herbs, lemon juice, chillies and lettuce to the soup, which has a smooth flavour and tempting aroma.

Now you really should be full, so commence the promenade at Wat Ratchakrueh, which the Burmese army built in the Late Ayutthaya Period.

King Taksin restored the temple and erected a chedi to enshrine relics of the Lord Buddha. There’s a man-made mountain of stones and a pavilion with a Buddha statue in an unusual reclining posture – lying on his back ready for cremation.

The reclining Buddha at Wat Intharam lies flat on its back, awaiting cremation.

Taksin the Great also renovated Wat Intharam and his relics are believed installed there. The temple underwent another major uplift during the reign of King Rama III, when a bigger, boat-like ordination hall was erected that houses a beautiful Buddha statue called Phra Phutthachinnavorn.

Inside two pavilions added at the same time is a Buddha footprint and another Buddha reclining for cremation, the feet stretched outside a coffin. Two more buildings have a pair of rare Buddha images – one lying on the right side and other on the left.

Next, head to Ah Nieh Geng, a Tae Chiew shrine on Thoet Thai Soi 21. It has a 200-year-old handcrafted wooden sculpture of the goddess Guanyin imported from China, appeals to whom bring prosperity in business.

The faithful visit the Tae Chiew shrine Ah Nieh Geng to pray for prosperity. 

Founded in 1975, the shrine of the Fire Goddess was the home of Talat Phlu’s first lion-dance team. In 1991, the team moved to bigger quarters on Soi Thoet Thai 16, where they perform on special occasions.

On Soi Thoet Thai 22 is the hallowed Tae Chiew Guan Wu Shrine built in the Early Rattanakosin Period, right on a bank of the Bangkok Yai Canal.

Inside is a venerable sculpture of Guan Wu and beautiful hand-painted murals depicting a pilgrimage of the Monkey King. Giant red pillars are adorned with auspicious icons, such as a flying dragons and pumpkins.

PERCHED ON a narrow strip of land that connects Thailand with the Malay Peninsula, Ranong is nothing if not wet. Indeed, it is the wettest area in Thailand, enjoying eight months of monsoon rains and four months of hot summer. Yet the inclement weather doesn’t appear to worry the local and foreign tourists who head there in search of unspoilt nature and the simple way of life.

Once a major tin mining centre, the province, which shares a border with Myanmar and boasts a long coastline along the Andaman Sea, is now best known for mining white clay for the production of porcelain.

The King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Lighthouse is the tallest beacon in the country.

Tourists go there for the white-sand beaches and natural hot springs and are today being catered by several boutique resorts.

Many climb to the top of the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Lighthouse to admire the spectacular panorama of the Kraburi River and Myanmar’s Kawthoung Island. The nine-storey octagonal beacon was opened in 2007 on the Ranong Customs Pier and has become a popular attraction.

Down at the jetty below, an old boat has been modified and renamed the Royal Andaman and offers visitors an exclusive cruise along the historic route travelled by King Chulalongkorn on his third journey to the Malay Peninsula in 1890.

Guests are welcomed on board with a refreshing drink of kumquat and local herbs. Those who enjoy dressing up are invited to select one of the vintage costumes influenced by fashion trends from the golden era of tin mining.

Koh Saranee is home to a huge golden Guanyin statue.

Lush mangrove forests and mountains line the banks of the Kraburi River as the boat continues its stately journey to Koh Phi (Ghost Island), which is now known as Koh Saranee, the name given to it by Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother. Today the island is a sanctuary for all things wild and home to a Guanyin Bodhisattva statue said to provide protection for those heading out to sea.

The cruise continues to a charming hamlet on Koh Khonthee, also known as Little Venice. Here people of different religions live together in total harmony surrounded by abundant mangrove forests, which the department of marine and coastal resources is attempting to have named a World Heritage site.

Dinner is served at sundown and borrows from the favourite dishes of King Chulalongkorn. They include Moo Hong (pork belly roasted in soy sauce), krill chilli dipping sauce, Lor Mee Poo (fried thin rice noodle topped with crab) and Lod Chong (butterfly pea short vermicelli in syrup).

The boat trip ends with a unique fishing tradition called loy prok praew where a coconut shell adorned with marigold petals and candles is set afloat on the river to thank the Water Goddess.

A 30-minute drive from downtown Ranong is Hat Sompaen, once home to hundreds of pits and the Chinese immigrants who mined the mineral vein. This village has long been a major source of top-quality kaolin and tin and the community is maintaining the tradition by offering lessons in panning for minerals at the Hat Sompaen Learning Centre.

In 2007, the villagers teamed with specialists to create their own mix of clay to produce long-lasting ceramic ware and this is now a thriving cottage industry. Visitors can also join a ceramic class at the centre and make their own keepsakes like coffee cup, plates, bowls, vases and other home decor items.

The Hat Sompaen Ceramic Learning Centre offers many interesting workshops on making souvenirs from local kaolin. 

Beach bunnies with a penchant for snorkelling and scuba diving can take a speedboat for the 10-minute ride to Myanmar’s Kawthoung Island, from where they can board a ferry to Nyaung Oo Phee Island.

From there it’s a two-hour cruise to Madame Beach, considered the most beautiful coastline on the Southern Mergui Archipelago with powdery sand, crystal-clear waters and a dazzling coral reef.

Tourists enjoy outdoor activities and taking photos on Madame Beach of Nyaung Oo Phee Island.

Nemo Fish Bay to the north is a popular snorkelling spot, with clown fish and other species along with sea anemones to be seen just a few metres from the shore.

Also worth a visit is Letter Island, a photogenic garden of young pink coral and red sea fans and a favourite feeding place of bannerfish, red saddleback anemone fish and giant clams.

The writer travelled courtesy of KTC Card.