The Alishan National Scenic Area is one of the most magical places in Taiwan. It covers over 400 kilometers of mountain terrain ranging from ancient cypress groves to manicured tea terraces. Alishan is famous for its “sea of clouds” sunrise and spring cherry blossom display, though I most enjoyed the wide array of hiking trails […]
Asia
Two Days in Chiang Mai: What to Do and Eat
Chiang Mai is a laid back town nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand. It’s about as far from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok as you can get. In fact, I think the vibe feels closer to sleepy Vientiane, Laos than to the busy Thai capital. But thanks to its compact size, two days […]
Ayutthaya: A Day Trip to the Ancient Thai Capital
An Ayutthaya day trip is a must for any visitor to Bangkok. Ayutthaya was the second capital of Thailand from the 15th to 18th centuries. (Sukhothai was the first – you can read about that ancient city here.) During its heyday, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Sadly it all came crashing […]
4 Days in Bangkok – What to Do and Where to Eat
I’m not going to lie, Bangkok can be intimidating. The sprawling Thai capital is home to over 10 million people and covers over 1,500 square kilometers. The city’s traffic jams are notorious. But if you can look beyond the crowds and the heat, you will find one of the most exciting destinations in Asia. I’ve […]
Wat Arun: Bangkok’s Temple of the Dawn
Wat Arun is my favorite temple in Bangkok. With its prominent spires pointing towards the sky, it cuts a striking figure on the horizon. The temple has existed since at least the 17th century and once held the sacred Emerald Buddha. (Head across the river to the Grand Palace if you want to see the […]