Posted on

Koh Phayam – An Amazing Thailand Island Getaway!

As I live in Bangkok, one of my favorite ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Mango is to get some beach time. Koh Samed is an easy and inexpensive 3 hour bus ride, and Koh Chang is just a couple of hours further. However, during the peak tourist seasons (especially around Christmas) both of these islands fill up with throngs of tourists and the hotel prices rise significantly (assuming they’re not all fully booked). But then my gal found this CNN article touting how Koh Phayam was “Still (almost) like Thailand in the 1970s“.

The CNN article was already 3 years old when we saw it. But it had us wondering, is it still like that? A quick search for lodging options in Koh Phayam revealed plenty of rooms available, and at a fraction of the prices we would have had to pay at other islands over the Christmas holiday. We were optimistic. After an incredibly relaxing week on the island, I can say that Koh Phayam is an amazing Thailand island getaway. The beaches are pristine, free from the throngs of tourists, and yet there’s still plenty of places to enjoy good drinks and eats on the cheap. Let me show you around… Continue reading “Koh Phayam – An Amazing Thailand Island Getaway!”

Posted on

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Things To See and Places To Eat!

Ayni Opera House Dushanbe

I would imagine that it’s rare to find Dushanbe, Tajikistan on most folks bucket list of travel destinations. However, if you’ve  ever wanted to travel the famous Silk Road route or explore the unspoiled beauty of the Pamir Mountain Range then you may just find Dushanbe on your itinerary. You’re lucky for it, too. Dushanbe, albeit not a bustling metropolis, has some great places to visit and a cuisine worth exploring. Let me show you… Continue reading “Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Things To See and Places To Eat!”

Posted on

Edinburgh, Scotland – Great Places to Eat, Drink, and See

Calton Hill Views

As a food lover, Edinburgh is one of my favorite European city travel destinations. Scottish cuisine is amazing–delicious Aberdeen Angus steaks, incredibly fresh seafood (salmon heaven, I tell you), and a focus on fresh complimenting veggies that extend much further than “neeps and tatties”. Speaking of “neeps and tatties”, let’s not forget Scotland’s most famous culinary contribution haggis! Love it or hate (I love it!) you’ll find it on the menu in some form or another at just about every restaurant/pub in Edinburgh.

fun fact: did you know that Traditional scottish haggis has been banned in the usa since 1971?

 

During my 4 day/3 night trip to Edinburgh, I found tons of places to eat, drink, and see. But I only want to share the places that truly stood out. If you’re looking for recommendations for places to eat,  drink and see on or near the Royal Mile of Edinburgh THIS article is for you. Continue reading “Edinburgh, Scotland – Great Places to Eat, Drink, and See”

Posted on

Pakse, Laos – Land of Waterfalls and Beauty

Tad Yuang Waterfall

Laos has always had a special place in my heart. Luang Prabang is one of my favorite getaway destinations from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. So when I was invited to participate in a sponsored trip to the Champasak District of Laos I was both honored and excited. This initiative by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office  was meant to inspire tourism to Southern Laos and places that are off the usual paths for tourists.

The inspiring 4-day itinerary was put together by the Southern Laos tourism organization. It captured the amazing sights of the city of Pakse and natural beauty of the Southern Laos destinations nearby in the Champasak District. If you’re looking for unspoiled landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, all free from throngs of tourists, then put this destination on your radar.

Let me show you some of the things to do and places to eat that makes this place special… Continue reading “Pakse, Laos – Land of Waterfalls and Beauty”