Chiang Mai has become the centre of Thailand's shift toward genuinely ethical elephant tourism. Dozens of sanctuaries now operate around the city, and the best of them offer something extraordinary — a full day close to rescued and retired elephants, in spacious naturalistic settings, guided by mahouts who have known each animal for years. But the choice between sanctuaries matters, and...

The drive from Bangkok to Pattaya is one of the most common journeys in Thailand. It is also one where the choice of transport visibly affects how the rest of the trip feels. Families with young children, groups of friends arriving on the same flight, multi generation parties travelling with grandparents — these are the travellers for whom a private van is almost always the right call,...