The new town of Sukhothai is approximately 450 km from Bangkok and 22 km from the old city, and though it's a sleepy town, boasting only a good municipal market in the town center, we found our stay at a local guest house, Lotus Village, charming, well run, and relaxing. The town of Sukhothai is ideal for a family as its low-key pace and lack of bars and nightlife makes for calm evening walks. There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels sure to match any budget. There is lodging available closer to the Park, though it's only a 20-minute bus ride from new Sukhothai to the old city gates.

The island is a wonderful place for day-trippers and only 117 kilometres from Bangkok, just opposite Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. From Si Racha district, it can be reached in 45 minutes by a ferry or only 15 minutes by speedboat. For getting around on the island, visitors can hire a driver and a three-wheel motorcycle called a Skylap. Apart of the well-conserved Chudhadhuj Palace, the island has many historical attractions, including the Assadang Nimitr Temple, Buddha's footprint, Assadang Bridge and the shrine of Chao Por Khao Yai. Although poaching is prohibited, fishing is very popular on Koh Si Chang. Fees for hiring a fishing boat are around Bt400-Bt800 per day, depending on your negotiating skills.

Ban Pa Miang is 12km from Jae Son National Park. The only way to contact the village is via the park office, tel: 054-229-000 or: 09-851-3355. The park, situated 70km from Lampang provincial town, is an ideal place to stop for the night before moving on to the village as you can spend as long as you like at the spring pool or take a nature walk along trails recommended by park rangers to a waterfall. Call park officials for arrangements. The park lodge costs 600 baht a night. A stay at the village costs 100 baht per night, per person. A meal costs 50 baht and a one-day tour costs 100 baht. The best time to visit is from November to March. February is the season to view the white Bauhinia.