www.jimthompsonhouse.org Keyword art-related, significant house This is a fine example of authentic Thai residential architecture, with an impressive collection of southeast Asian art within. Located at the end of an undistinguished soi (lane) next to Khlong Saen Saeb, the premises once belonged to the American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who successfully promoted Thai silk to Western markets.

Not to be confused with the notorious hardboiled crime author of the same name, Jim Thompson was a New York architect who briefly served in the Office of Strategic Services (forerunner of the CIA) in Thailand during WWII. After the war he found New York too tame and moved to Bangkok. Thai silk caught his eye and he sent samples to fashion houses in Europe, building an international clientele for a craft in danger of dying out.

Thompson collected parts of various derelict Thai homes in central Thailand and had them reassembled in the current location in 1959. Although for the most part they’re assembled in typical Thai style, one striking departure from tradition is the way each wall has its exterior side facing the house’s interior.

On display in the main house are Thompson’s small but splendid Asian art collection and his personal belongings. A plush bar overlooking the khlong (canal) offers cold drinks and occasional live jazz.

Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung Historical Park
Address Phanom Rung Hours 08:00 – 18:00 Keyword monument, religious/spiritual The Khmer temple complex at Phanom Rung (Khmer for ‘Big Hill’) in northeastern Thailand is the largest and best restored of all the Khmer monuments in Thailand. Located on an extinct volcano, it has a fine promenade leading to the main gate, numerous galleries and halls, and the only three naga bridges left in Thailand.

The craftwork represents the pinnacle of Khmer artistic achievement, and is on a par with the reliefs at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The best time to visit Phanom Rung is before 10:00 when the air is still cool, the light is good for photography and the site has few visitors.

Phanom Rung is not an easy place to reach, but it is well worth the effort. Trains and buses leave Bangkok for Khorat (also known as Nakhon Ratchasima) and take between four and five hours. From Khorat you need to catch a Surin-bound bus and get off at Ban Ta-Ko. Wait here for a songthaew to the complex.

Sirinat National Marine Park
Address 89/1, Mu 1, Sakhu, Phuket Phone tel: 0 7632 7152 (info) Keyword national park, beach Comprising Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao beaches, as well as the former Nai Yang National Park and Mai Khao wildlife reserve, Sirinat National Park encompasses 22 sq km of coastal land, plus 68 sq km of sea. The beaches were looking rather glum in the wake of the tsunami, but they will recover in time and suspended park facilities will no doubt be restored.

Improved roads to Hat Nai Thon have brought only a small amount of development to this broad expanse of pristine sand backed by casuarina and pandanus trees. Swimming is quite good here (except at the height of the monsoon), and there is some coral near the headlands at either end of the bay. Down on the beach, umbrellas and sling chairs are available from vendors.

Wat Arun
Address Th Arun Amarin, Ko Ratanakosin, Bangkok Phone tel: 0 2466 3167 (info) Hours 09:00 – 17:00 Keyword religious/spiritual Wat Arun is a striking temple, named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna. Looming large, it looks as if it were carved from granite; a closer inspection