Chiang Mai can be equally good at this time of the year, and more so because resorts and hotels are conveniently priced. For an escape from the summer's heat the lush mountain valley of Samoeng, 40 minutes' drive from Chiang Mai city, is a good choice. You can relax in peace and enjoy the beauty of nature not far from the comfort and excitement of city life. Relaxed air permeated everywhere. In the valley and over the hills everything seemed so peaceful. A few resorts lined the route and some were spotted semi-hidden in the lush green valley. Since it's the height of summer, hang nok yoong or flame of the forest trees burst in fiery orange and red, dabbing the lush landscape of Samoeng. This is one of the most scenic roads in Chiang Mai that snakes through valleys threaded by natural attractions that are regularly visited by tourists.

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Agolden carpet leads to an antique teak throne that stands alone in a spacious room. A pair of guardian angels made from teak stand in front of umbrellas while an elegant teak curtain proudly yields the power of its one-time owner. Accessories in the vicinity decorated with gold shine in the light brightening the entire room. It is not a huge or some marvellous throne embedded with precious stones or gold. But this 200-year-old teak throne mirrors great craftmanship and spiritual characteristics of the Lanna kingdom. It's probably the only throne of the Lanna kingdom left in this part of the world, Chiang Rai. The teak is covered delicately in gold. The teak throne which once belonged to the royal palace of Keng Tung is a masterpiece in this private museum. In ancient times Lanna kings ruled the area and such thrones were symbolic of their power and influence. Today, northern Thailand is no longer Lanna territory and values more consistent with modern times have replaced old beliefs and customs, but at the Oub Kham private museum everything Lanna is still the order of the day.

There’s still time to enjoy the Fruit Festival in Chanthaburi, which ends tomorrow. The festival is being held at Central Stadium in Muang Chanthaburi town. Fresh fruit is on sale in the markets including rambutan, durian and mangosteen. There are also fruit stalls along the roads. Many vendors will invite you to taste before deciding on your purchase. Chanthaburi is easily reached by car within three hours from Bangkok. Visitors can stop off to see farmers and wholesalers engaged in fruit auctions and some orchards offer pick-your-own opportunities at very reasonable prices. For details, call the provincial office at (039) 312 567 or the Chantaburi Public Relations office at (039) 330 121.