John Borthwick

Travel writer

John Borthwick is a Sydney-based freelance travel writer specialising in Asia Pacific destinations. His career in travel writing/journalism has spanned over 30 years.

Bangkok

Twenty things that will surprise first-time visitors to Bangkok

From the world’s biggest and most diverse market to the world’s biggest water fight, expect the unexpected in this shape-shifting city.

John Borthwick

★★★★
Train journeys

Thai train’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it highlight

This scenic rail journey is rocky at times, but it costs just $30 for a near nine-hour trip.

John Borthwick

Views over Kwai Noi River on one of Kanchanaburi’s steam trains.

Savvy traveller

Seven great ways to get around Thailand without flying

Forget about planes, not to mention elephants and tuk-tuks – there are plenty of great options for exploring Thailand at ground level.

John Borthwick

Bells, whistles and wellness – Anantara Riverside.

Bangkok

Bangkok’s best places to stay, from budget to luxury

Bangkok has about 80,300 hotel rooms. You can check in at any level, from backpacker bunkroom to presidential suite, and your stay will never seem long enough.

John Borthwick

Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport.

★★★★
Airport reviews

This new airport is the gateway to Thailand’s emerging beach hotspots

This new $62.5 million airport is well designed and well run (with one exception).

John Borthwick

Air travel

Buckle up: 10 of the world’s most extreme airport runways

Some runways require passengers to have nerves of steel as well as a seatbelt when landing.

John Borthwick

Opinion
Bali

You’ll need a holiday after tackling Bali’s nightmare airport queues

Planeloads of people all ahead of you in lines, wandering bewildered or hopping from queue to shuffling queue, questioning “Am I in the right line?” Who knows?