Part sacred instruction, part social chronicle, Thai temple mural paintings offers insight into the culture, humor & sensibilities of the Siamese. In his 2 volume collection, Thai Mural Paintings, (White Lotus Press, 2009), German Scholar Gerhard Jaiser accomplished a voluminous…
Masked monkeys scratch and fidget before their king, demons march to battle, and royalty bedecked in gold and gemstones are wheeled across the stage. This is Khon: royal Siam, ancient theatre, epic tale. On a poster along the walls of…
There is a definite pace to a muaythai bout and, with a few exceptions, seems to follow a basic format. Round one is slower than the rest, with single blows thrown more often than combinations, and power held back to…
“Sometimes we cannot select our lives,” says Pathana Boupha, “the life selects us.” A diminutive, bespeckled doctor by trade, Pathana is the founder of Luang Prabang’s Boupha Antiques. A woman possessed of vision and determination, meeting her is not an…
A Walking Tour Thailand’s temples are usually encircled by a wall. Within you’ll find open grounds with gardens and walkways between the buildings. Some wats may even include food vendors and parking areas. The main structures are easy to spot,…
The Thai wat is the historic seed bed and contemporary canvas for the culture’s artistic expression and religious iconography. Thus if you wish to get a feel for Siamese culture, a visit to a temple or two is worth the…
“Eating noodles without chili is like making love without kissing,” said Ngoc, a 20-something office worker, as he bit into a tiny green pepper at one of Hoi An’s busiest street corners. It was 7am and the ancient port town…
Phuket’s pristine beaches, luxuriant tropic environs and the kingdom’s consummate art and architectural style, make it a popular holiday destination. No less so thanks to luxury resorts with designs ranging from unfalteringly Asian to modernist chic. Absolute beach front is…
Of all the cities I’ve visited in Asia, Georgetown Malaysia is hands-down my fav. This little urban enclave of people-packed streets and amalgam of architecture has got ahold of my imagination and won’t… Continue reading