Phi Phi Island, located off Thailand’s Andaman Coast, is most famous for being the setting of the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. Most people come to Koh Phi Phi the Phi Phi islands expecting one of the best places in Thailand — a pristine island paradise. Unfortunately, they’re often met with a rude awakening upon arrival. […]
Koh Phi Phi Island is Beautiful (And a Bit Dangerous) Read More »
For my 48 hours in KL, I had only two things planned: eat laksa and pose in front of the Petronas Towers. To get to the Petronas Towers, I took the metro to KLCC. Rather than getting out of the station, I decided to follow the wave of the crowd — and found myself in
Can You Sightsee At A Mall? Yes. Read More »
It begins at the airport in Chiang Mai, where I’m about to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur. “Excuse me, miss?” I turn around and see a crowd of teenagers staring at me. One tentatively steps forward. “You have something in your hair.” I reach up and pull off a red luggage inspection sticker. “Oh,
Kuala Lumpur: The Real Asia Read More »
One of the highlights of Thailand is the cuisine, and there’s no better way to experience Thai food than eating from street stalls. Street stalls, you say? Yes. There’s no other way. Here’s why you should eat street food in Thailand: 1. It’s safe. Quit worrying about hygiene. It’s fine. Eat from a popular
Why You Should Eat Street Food in Thailand Read More »
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 »
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 »