DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES A Colorful Escape: Discovering the Charm of Chiang Rai Posted on December 5, 2024November 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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, 2024November 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Just an hour from Chiang Mai, Mae Kampong offers a quieter side of Thailand. Steven and I spent our visit enjoying mountain views, waterfalls, local cafes, and delicious northern Thai food. From winding roads to a peaceful village homestay, here is what makes Mae Kampong worth visiting. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Ultimate Guide: Why You Should Go to Dantewada Land of Angels Posted on September 3, 2024November 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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, 2024September 17, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Thinking about visiting Chiang Mai during the rainy season? Before you rule it out, consider this: fewer crowds, lower prices, lush green mountains, and waterfalls at their most spectacular. Based on multiple visits, this guide shares the real pros, cons, and surprising rewards of experiencing Chiang Mai when the rains arrive. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Seongsan Ilchulbong Is One of the Best Hiking Trails on Jeju Posted on August 18, 2024November 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters There’s a special kind of magic in watching the sunrise over the vast ocean—its golden hues gradually piercing the darkness and painting the sky with vibrant colors. This was exactly what we were after when we set out on the exciting journey to hike Seongsan Ilchulbong… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES This Ultimate South Korea Travel Guide Will Change Your Vacation Plans Posted on June 15, 2024September 19, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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, 2024November 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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
FOOD AND DRINK Teddu Cafe: The Best Coffee Adventure in Mae Kampong Village Posted on April 26, 2024August 21, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Finding Teddu Cafe isn’t obvious; it’s hidden in the greenery of Chiang Mai’s jungle. Look for stairs near a giant cat statue in the parking lot. Follow them down and walk over the bridge above the stream to reach Teddu Cafe. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Chiang Dao Day Trip from Chiang Mai: Caves, Temples, Cafes & Mountain Views Posted on January 30, 2024October 28, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters But like her sister city of Pai, Chiang Dao invites travelers to immerse themselves in serene landscapes, cultural wonders, and a much-needed escape from the chaos of the bustling city life in Chiang Mai. Read more