Pai, Thailand, is a tiny mountain town about three hours from Chiang Mai. Originally a hippie enclave, today Pai is now a resort town popular with both Thais and foreigners. It’s still massively popular with the hippies as well. For me, going to Pai was all about seeing the northern Thai countryside. The town is
Exploring Pai by Motorbike Read More »
“I don’t understand the bars in Chiang Mai,” Xavier told me. “Every time I walk by, the women try to get me to come in. Why do you think it is like that?” “Well, it could be three things,” I replied. “First, prostitutes. Second, ladyboys. Third, it could be like that scandal in Budapest where
Young Thai Women and the Western Men Who Love Them Read More »
When I was learning about Chiang Mai, I kept hearing the same themes: “It’s so nice and relaxing here.” “It’s much calmer than Bangkok.” “It’s a great place for a family.” So a nice city, but no nightlife destination by any stretch, I assumed. Was I ever wrong! On my first night out in Chiang
Chiang Mai Has Great Nightlife? Who Knew?! Read More »
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s most famous northern destination, is worlds away from Bangkok. The medium-sized city is so pleasant, so clean, and home to more wats than you can count. Many travelers come to Chiang Mai to go trekking in the mountains, visit hilltribe villages, or learn a skill: Thai cooking, Thai massage, Thai language, yoga,
Simplify Your Life in Chiang Mai Read More »
There’s much to dislike about Bangkok. The air pollution is difficult to take. The traffic is a nightmare. Cab drivers who have no idea where they’re going, incessant heat, and sixty-something Western men with their much younger Thai girlfriends add to why many people can’t stand the city. But I have no problem saying that,
Bangkok: Leave Now Or You’ll Never Leave. Read More »
Today is my eleventh day into a seven-month journey through Asia. It’s also my first long-term backpacking adventure. Despite the fact that I’ve traveled quite a bit, including solo trips and a semester in Florence, long-term travel is a whole new beast. It’s overwhelming, and it’s wild, and nothing can prepare you for it until
How To Survive Your First Week on the Road Read More »
I have a few random phobias, and a few of them are about animals. One is birds, especially pigeons — touching them, them landing on my head, poop landing on me from the sky. But my biggest phobia of all is my fear of fish. Growing up, we would spend our summers camping on a
Facing My Phobia at the Fish Spa in Bangkok Read More »
If you’re in Bangkok during the weekend, you must visit Chatuchak Market. This gargantuan market is a microcosm of Bangkok in itself: chaotic, humorous, immense, diverse, full of delicious food and hot, hot, hot. Chatuchak Market, also called Jatujak Market or JJ by the locals, is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9-6. I can’t
Chatuchak Market: Bangkok’s Weekend Market Read More »
After arriving in Bangkok, I knew where to start my sightseeing: visiting temples! Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew are the two most famous ones, located right next to each other in Ko Ratanakosin. Wat Pho Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. And by temple, it’s actually several temples within one
Bangkok Sightseeing: Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew Read More »
So, how do you pack one small backpack for seven months in Southeast Asia? It’s not easy. [2024 update: This post was written all the way back in 2010, before I began my travels! I’m keeping it mostly as is, but keep in mind technology has changed quite a bit in 14+ years.] I’ve agonized
Packing List for Seven Months in Asia Read More »