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White Sheets Review: A most unique stay at Beung Pai Fish Farm, Thailand
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.
How to get around in Laos
- Laotian Ferry boats
When I took the overnight train into Laos, that was the start of my adventure with Laos transportation. Getting around in Laos isn’t hard but it can be an interesting adventure. Check your expectations at the door and go along with the fun.
Basics to know about getting around Laos:
Bus Stations in Laos
When I roll into town and see a visible bus station (vs. a dirt lot), I exhale a silent sigh of relief. Luang Prabang and Vientiane‘s bus stations were nicely run, well-maintained and clean. Even some of Laos’ smaller town bus stations are nicely organized and obvious.
Also, if departing on a long-distance bus or mini-van, you’ll probably be directed to a second bus station further from the city center (i.e., the above cities have two stations). Arrivals would be at the more central station. If you buy tickets from travel agents and guesthouses, they’ll send a van or songthaew to (more…)
White Sheets Review: Gonkaew Chiang Mai Guesthouse, Thailand
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 relaxing vibe of this guesthouse is a perfect sanctuary for budget travelers wanting a personal feel, without a loss for Thai quality, professionalism and hospitality.
Why I love Gongkaew Chiang Mai Guesthouse:
On my very first visit to Thailand, the most horrific thing happened- my DSLR camera malfunctioned and died on me! Happening two days before my 3-day trek into the mountains, I was in a panicked snit. This was my first full-solo trip and one I wanted to remember with photos. (more…)
Maesa’s Art Stars: Thai Elephants that paint
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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?
At the well-known Maesa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, elephants aren’t only art stars that paint, but they play soccer, basketball and perform a whole bag of tricks, making you feel like a kid at a circus!
Photo Essays
Photo Essay: Finding the bizarre at Buddha Park (Vientiane, Laos)
Tired of dingy rooms for your budget dollars? Does your hotel stay shape your love of a place? Sometimes for me, it does. From bungalows, boutique hotels, guesthouse resorts and overnight trains… in Thailand you can experience a gamut of ways to lay your head or rest on your laurels. Thailand inspires a wealth of wanderlust, affordable tour packages and unique accommodations that budget holiday travelers won’t have to cringe about.
Though Thailand isn’t as cheap as it used to be; the prices are still pretty good and matched with the Thai aspiration to provide first class service, it’s raised my standards for travel considerably.
Cambodia
Love Letters #16-25: Where have I been in the past 7 months?
I’ve cheated you, my dear readers. I haven’t been good at taking you with me on my travels. Sorry. So here’s an update on my travels: Where have I been after India? Without giving away all my stories just yet, here’s a summary of highlights and places I’ve been to.
Korea
Is Korea a state-of-the-art country?
People ask me what I love about living in Korea. One of the many things I’m always amazed by are the state-of-the-art things which make living there feel more efficient, easy and pretty darned cool.
Just Show Me Pictures!
10 funny quirks you didn’t know about Koreans
Korean culture is often a dynamic and fun to observe. Most of the time, from a foreigners viewpoint, it offers interesting quirks which might leave you either scratching your head or speechless.
10 Mysterious things I’ve Learned about Koreans:
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