Just three hours from Bangkok, Ko Samet is a favorite weekend beach getaway for expats and locals alike. However, most tourists head further south for their island breaks. Most of the island is protected as part of Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park, making it clean and relatively unspoiled. The island offers a variety of resorts, from the quiet and family-orientated to those catering to the party-till-dawn crowd.

The majority of the population in Yangmei is Hakka people, and worshipping the God of the Earth is very common. On the second day of the second lunar month, temples organise feasts to celebrate. Meanwhile, Yangmei’s local development and railway are closely related. Lu Jia Sheng House located in Fugang Old Street features a gorgeous Baroque-style building, evidence of its past glory. Yangmei is a hilly place and the “Scholar Tea” it produces has a rich taste and unique aroma. If you walk along the Scholar Trail, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the tea plantation. The century-old pastry store, Kuo Yuan Ye, has set up a Museum of Cake and Pastry in Yangmei. Besides getting to know the pastry culture, you can also enjoy the fun of making and savouring the pastries and tea.