HOTELS Soft Openings: Our Stay at Sanae’ Hotel Nimman in Chiang Mai Posted on December 26, 2016August 14, 2026 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, 2016September 3, 2026 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 What You Need to Know Before Taking a DMZ Tour in South Korea Posted on November 9, 2016September 4, 2026 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 How to Experience the Best of Siem Reap in 10 Amazing Stops Posted on October 10, 2016September 4, 2026 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, 2016September 4, 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
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Visiting the Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea: Everything You Need to Know Posted on July 24, 2016September 3, 2026 They come to wrestle, slide, swim and play in the mud. We watched people just sit in the mud with their plastic encased smart phones, they played soccer and sat for colored face and body painting. I went to see what the fuss was about and my son, bless his 19 year old heart, wanted to see a whole lot of girls in in muddy swimsuits… missions accomplished!! Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 30 Strange, Funny, and Fascinating Things I Learned in South Korea Posted on July 20, 2016August 23, 2026 Living in South Korea for two years is a long time for an American expat. What I Have Learned Living in South Korea could fill a book. It’s a little past our 1st anniversary in Korea. Which means we have one more year to go. We have no idea where… Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES 8 Things That Made Our Couple’s Trip to Bangkok Great Posted on July 9, 2016April 19, 2026 I’m surprised I liked Bangkok as much as I did. We did not get a massage every day like we planned. And we ate at a couple more restaurants than we usually do in Thailand. The vibe is the ‘same same’ but different. I usually don’t enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city. But Bangkok is different. First of all it’s in Thailand, one of my favorite Asian countries. Read more