Traveling around Bangkok by tuk-tuk is an experience not to be missed! “Three-Wheeled Nightmares,” “Devil’s Minions,” “Pollution Promoting Health Hazards,” . . . these are just a few of the derogatory terms given to that distinctly Bangkokian mode of transport:…
Category: Asia
Travel Asia
Doctor Antique
“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…
How to visit a Thai wat – Part I
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,…
How to visit a Thai wat – part II
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…
Vietnam’s central coast: a tour of Hoi An
“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…
Five Designer Resorts Phuket
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…
My Favorite Asian City
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
Best Vientiane Dining without the Fusion
I go to Vientiane for my Francophile palate. The Lao capitol’s coffee culture, fattening naughties like fois gras or cordon bleu, sublimely flaky croissants, and ever-available baguette sandwiches loaded with pate and veggies call me back time and again. I…
Crocodiles in Bangkok
I came across some crocodiles in Bangkok today – well, sort of. I was on assignment, you see. My mission – to write a story about shopping for shoes here in the ‘Big Mango’. The research has taken me to…