DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Thailand Is More Than a Luxury Escape Posted on April 14, 2025July 31, 2026 While The White Lotus shows Thailand through a glossy, dramatic lens, my experience looked very different. From quiet trails to humble cafés, Chiang Mai offered something richer—peace, connection, and clarity. This is my personal story of Thailand, far beyond the screen, and why it keeps calling me back. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES How to Hike to Wat Pha Lat in Chiang Mai and What You’ll See Along the Way Posted on March 27, 2025July 31, 2026 One warm February morning in Chiang Mai, I set out alone to hike the Monk’s Trail. With each step, the noise faded. In its place—silence, birdsong, and the peaceful hush of Wat Pha Lat. That quiet temple in the forest reminded me what it feels like to arrive, not chase. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES A Colorful Escape: Discovering the Charm of Chiang Rai Posted on December 5, 2024August 12, 2026 Located 3-4 hours from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and vibrant local life. Explore iconic temples, lush tea plantations, and charming cafes. Perfect for a day trip or weekend escape, this colorful destination promises unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking relaxation and inspiration. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Mae Kampong Village: The Best Day Trip from Chiang Mai Posted on September 16, 2024July 31, 2026 Mae Kampong had been on our list for a while, and it didn’t disappoint. The village gets its name from a little yellow flower (kampong) and the river that runs through it. Just an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, this small mountain village is home to around 100 families and… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Ultimate Guide: Why You Should Go to Dantewada Land of Angels Posted on September 3, 2024July 31, 2026 I enjoy visiting cafes near waterfalls, but it’s different this time. In Chiang Mai, there are several beautiful waterfalls created by Mother Nature. However, the city also boasts some that have nothing to do with nature. Many of these artificial waterfalls are at Danteqada Land of Angels Water Park. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Chiang Mai in the Rainy Season: What You Need to Know if You Go Posted on August 26, 2024July 31, 2026 Are you wondering if Chiang Mai is worth visiting during the rainy season? Let me share my firsthand experiences and help you decide. Chiang Mai, known for its stunning temples, vibrant markets, and cafes in picturesque surroundings, offers something unique each season. The rainy season, which runs from May to… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES This Ultimate South Korea Travel Guide Will Change Your Vacation Plans Posted on June 15, 2024July 31, 2026 No matter how long you live there, writing a comprehensive South Korean travel guide is impossible. I lived in South Korea three times. As a teenager, I lived in Seoul with my parents. As an adult, I lived with my husband in Daegu twice. Each stay offered new insights and experiences, revealing the country’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and modernity. Although I lived in Seoul and Daegu, this guide doesn’t focus on either city. Instead, it serves as an introduction—a love letter to the entire country. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know: Tips for Hiking the Cinque Terra From Monterosso to Vernazza Posted on June 1, 2024April 22, 2026 Our hike from Monterosso to Vernazza promised an adventure, yet it was tougher than any of us anticipated. A pinch of research would have clued us in, but we skipped that step. Similarly, we overlooked the weather forecast, adding another layer of unpredictability to our journey. “What could go wrong?” Read more