Have you ever made a lunch break on a road trip that is almost as memorable as the destination itself? That’s exactly what happened on our road trip to Chiang Dao in northern Thailand. On the way to our hotel in Chiang Dao, we pulled onto a side road in the middle of nowhere. That’s when we discovered the absolutely stunning North Cafe.
Tag: ASIA
Explore Asia through rich traditions, dynamic cities, and peaceful retreats. Find travel guides, cultural experiences, and personal stories that help you navigate this vast region with confidence and curiosity.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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Four Days in Beijing, China: More Than Just the Great Wall
I was a freaking kid climbing those darn stairs– an old one– but a kid nonetheless!! It was something I’d dreampt about my whole life and I’m paying for it now. I can hardly move but it was worth it a thousamd times over for the views, the bragging rights and the exercise!! Look the Mongolian horde… oh no its just the bloody Brits.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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How to Spend a Perfect Day at Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan
I took my husband somewhere most travelers misunderstand completely. Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan is massive, polished, and strangely calming. We expected shopping fatigue. Instead, we found art, food, quiet spaces, and surprise moments. By the end, neither of us wanted to leave. This place changed how I think about malls and travel indoors.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Tteokguk Soup and the Korean New Year Festival
But after a few words and pointing to the intercom they understood my question. But they just kept saying tteokduk. Then one of them made an eating gesture, something about traditional and asked me to follow him. So I did.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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Christmas in South Korea– 6 Amazing Places to Celebrate the Holidays
I didn’t move to South Korea expecting Christmas to feel familiar. It’s a place shaped by Buddhist traditions, a growing Christian community, and many who don’t practice religion at all, yet the country loves lights, music, and big public displays. Over the years, I found that certain cities create a holiday atmosphere that feels bright, comforting, and surprisingly heartfelt—just different enough to make the season interesting and fun.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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Walking Through the City of Silla Kings in Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a city where royal tombs sit in the open, not roped off at the edge of town. You walk past them on your way to coffee. You step inside one of them if you choose. This post breaks down what that feels like in real time—how to walk the Silla tombs without a guide, where Cheonmachong fits into the story, and how the pedestrian streets and cafes function around all of it.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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How to Spend 72 Hours in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Yogyakarta offered the calm we lost in Bali. We found a city shaped by ceremony, art, and everyday kindness. We explored Borobudur at sunrise, crossed Merapi’s rugged slopes, and wandered lively streets filled with food and craft. The days felt full yet unhurried, and the mix of culture and nature left us grateful we chose this quieter corner of Java.
HOTELS
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Always Read the Reviews: Fishermen’s Harbour Urban Resort, Phuket
This post breaks down how 5-star Fishermen’s Harbour Urban Resort has changed over the years and why recent reviews now rate it closer to a 3-star stay. It also outlines which guest complaints truly matter when choosing a hotel. The message is practical: always read current reviews because a property can shift in ways marketing and old memories won’t reveal.