To most tourists, both Thais and foreigners, Koh Kood is still relatively unknown, compared to islands as Koh Chang or Koh Samui. Although I have been to Koh Chang and Koh Mak, in Trat province, the trip to Koh Kood was a first for me. Ranked as the fourth largest island in Thailand after Koh Phuket, Koh Chang and Koh Samui, Koh Kood is the farthest island from the coast of Trat province in the eastern region. This is probably a reason why Koh Kood is not that popular among tourists. Even so, its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle is not inferior to those other islands. Especially if you are the type of person who loves to spend holidays in a calm and natural environment, surrounded by blue seas and white sand.

Mae Hong Son is one of the many challenging destinations for adventurous travellers who need something special in their life. I had some free time to go back to the famous city of the three mists after six months of missing this little town. Recently, I was given the honour to report on Thailand's first skin treatment by mud masking _ mud from the mineral spa at the Pooklon Country Club _ plus pay a visit to Mae Hong Son's jungle paradise resort which boasts healthy outdoor activities. Followed the winding road through incredible mountain scenery on highway 1095 that links Chiang Mai and Pai. I stopped at Pai for lunch in the afternoon but I didn't have much time to stay in this rural town. The sun's rays warmed the twisted asphalt road in the late afternoon, creating a shimmering, snaking river. I passed Ban Pang Mapha, the last local hilltribe village on my journey, along with picturesque paddy fields and rustic farmers' houses.

Pathum Thani, the city of the lotus, physically has almost metamorphosed into the outer part of the Bangkok metropolis. Where have all these water plants gone? The plants that used to thrive profusely in days of old are now difficult to spot.Over 200 years ago, Mon people, whose nation was wiped out under the Burmese, fled to settle in the Kingdom of Siam. Sak Khok in Pathum Thani was among the few new resettlements which Thai kings granted these displaced people. Since then, their descendants have built their homes and temples. Their homes have been built to express their Buddhist faith, and many of these people have built their temples to the style of their homeland. Numerous Mon-influenced temples can be seen along the river.