HOTELS Soft Openings: Our Stay at Sanae Resort in Chiang Mai Posted on December 26, 2016November 30, 2025 Located just off Nimmanhaemin Road, a sought after area of Chiang Mai, the Sanae is in the midst of a renovation and within walking distance to a ton of restaurants and shopping. The temples of Old Town are just a 10 minute ride away. There are ton of bars, restaurants, massage parlors and coffee shops up and down Nimman (abbreviated by the locals) Road. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Posted on December 11, 2016November 15, 2025 The temple is always in a state of maintenance and construction. The artist wants Wat Rung Khun to have pilgrimagers that return to Chiang Mai not unlike those who return to Spain’s Sagrada Família or India’s Taj Mahal. And not unlike Antoni Gaudí and Shah Jahan, Ajarn Chalermchai does not expect to see his great work completed as its expected to take approximately 60 and 90 years to complete. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Returning Home After Years Abroad: Reverse Culture Shock Survival Guide Posted on November 25, 2016July 25, 2025 Don’t take it personally, living in a different country forces you to remove the cultural biases we are naturally inclined to possess. You see the world from the standpoint of another culture. Therefore expect to be told that you have changed. Certainly, you’re not the same person anymore. And be happy for that. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know Before Taking a DMZ Tour in South Korea Posted on November 9, 2016November 16, 2025 The DMZ isn’t your typical tourist destination. Learning all the things that happened there, watching them watch and photograph you and signing the “possible death” waiver adds to the tension. I did learn a lot and seeing it first hand put most of it into perspective. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Villa Borghese: The Best Day Trip in Rome Posted on November 5, 2016November 15, 2025 Villa Borghese in Rome blends art, history, and beauty in one unforgettable setting. From strolling through its peaceful gardens to admiring Bernini’s marble masterpieces, every moment feels steeped in grandeur. Inside the Borghese Gallery, Apollo and Daphne and Pluto and Proserpina come alive through skillful detail and storytelling. Beyond the museum, the park’s lake, temples, and sculptures offer space to slow down and reflect—reminding visitors that art, nature, and mythology all intertwine here in the heart of Rome. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 24 Hours in Paris: My First Trip and What Made It Special Posted on October 27, 2016April 22, 2026 As long as I live there are a few things I will never forget. I will never forget the day I met my husband or the day my children looked into my eyes and knew who I was. The first time my husband left for war was the worse. And I will never forget the first time I saw Paris. Never. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Experience the Best of Siem Reap in 10 Amazing Stops Posted on October 10, 2016November 15, 2025 I can’t believe Angkor Wat has never been considered one of the wonders of the world. It doesn’t have to be a wonder of the world to leave you lost for words. You know, I am a big history buff and I am never happier than when I’m walking in the footsteps of history, tracing my fingertips along the hard, cold stone or trekking through the doorways of ancient & often mysterious monuments. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 10 Reasons Hanoi is Vietnam’s Most Fascinating City to Visit Posted on October 10, 2016June 7, 2026 Hanoi is a beautiful, hectic, vibrant, colorful, historic, modern yet traditional mix of French colonial buildings, pungent aromas and millions of people and even more motorcycles in constant motion. Halong Bay is 3 hours away. If you had told me I would be paddling a kayak (with Steven) in the middle of Halong Bay in the South China Sea, I’d have told you you’re crazy. Hạlong (or Ha Long) Bay, in northeast Vietnam. Read more