How many times can I look at Buddhas and temples?
Ordinarily, my tolerance isn’t high for seeing the same things over and over.
Variation is key.
For instance, living in Korea if you’ve seen one buddhist temple, you’ve pretty near seen them all. The architecture doesn’t change much and the buddhas wear the look of staunch, Fu Man Chu looking Confucianist. Thailand is different. Whether it’s a hundred Buddhas lined up in a row, (more…)
In Bangkok, all roads may not lead to Rome, but you’ll at least, have many avenues to get there; and each conveyance presents a unique face of Thai urban life! I’ll be frank- one of my absolute loves of Bangkok is it’s transportation. As a female solo traveler, it’ my magic city of easy independence and I’ve made it (more…)
Does budget dollars mean dingy rooms? From bungalows, boutique hotels, guesthouse resorts and overnight trains… in Thailand you can experience a gamut of chic ways to lay your head or rest on your laurels. Though budget hostels aren’t as cheap as it used to be; the prices are still pretty good and matched with the Thai aspiration to provide first class hospitality, it’s raised my travel standards considerably. And the design? Well, the Thai can be pretty stylish (more…)
Getting around Bangkok is easy for solo travelers; as far as transportation options go – the city’s got a diverse range. Until now, I had used just about every Bangkok vehicle I could think of: river boat, motorbike taxis, metros, even elephants! What was left?
I made it my goal to see the real Bangkok via one of the most common carriages westerners can think of, the public bus! You see, not many tourists appear to use the city buses; I wanted to know why. I love taking buses! It’s like ringside seats to the action of the city and the daily life of locals. But the title of this article really should be “How to Get Lost on a Bangkok bus”. That how I got the tips I’m sharing with you now… (more…)
A” catch-and-release” fish resort?
This was the first time I heard this term.
I was on a minivan bus, thrilled by my last-minute decision to whisk away for a two-day weekend to a place, I’d known only from a paragraph in a guidebook. It was like a blind date. I didn’t know what to expect and I was nervous; I hadn’t a clue where I’d be staying!
Pai, the Thai-hippie backpacker town, just three to five hours north of Chiang Mai and 362 road curves to survive, was my mysterious destiny. Little did I know then, that Beung Pai Fish Farm would be the destination that sold me on the entire place!
“It’s not in the guidebooks and there’s so many resort and guesthouses in Pai. It’s spread mostly by word-of-mouth. It’s a little outside of the main antics of the town- in the middle of some rice fields- but trust me, staying there is worth it!”
Graham, a 40-ish expat from the U.K., sitting next to me, eagerly divulged his secret hideaway. My curiosity was hooked. I held onto it like a college kid waiting for SMS text directions to a secret rave.
When you first step onto the grounds of Gongkaew Chiang Mai, you’ll think you’ve found home. Nestled off of a quiet side street, just 8 minutes from the Sunday walking street and Wat Phra Singh, the relaxed vibe of the place makes this a sanctuary for travelers wanting a personal feel, without a loss for Thai quality, professionalism and hospitality.
Full Story »Can elephants paint?
A year ago, a friend showed me a funky abstract painting she had bought at a charity fundraiser in New York City. She told me the artist was an elephant. What?! Since when were elephants art stars?
Full Story »When it comes to hospitality and service, the Thai certainly know how to do it right!
There are many ways to travel Thailand, such I”ve made it my mission to move and shake it around Thailand in many ways I can. River boat, to scooter, motorbike taxi, Skytrain, metro…. I’ve enjoyed them all. But my favorite transport by far, is the Thai sleeper train.
Full Story »One of the biggest things I love about Bangkok? It’s never boring. Cheap massages and motorbike taxis to food and fruit vendors on the streets, each day presents a stunning visual array of sights and activities to keep your camera clicking and your wallets opening for budget vacation splurges .
From old world and dilapidated to freshly modern, you may be partially confused as to which way the city leans. The city juggles a persevering history of old wats, floating markets, a loving devotion to the king and a gateway into the future of modern convenience!
Full Story »
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