The Great American Visa Run: From Thailand to Burma and Back

Today I had the joy of experiencing what every long-term traveler calls the “visa run.” Most countries place a limit on the amount of time you can stay in their country without leaving and renewing your visa. Thailand is no different. Fortunately, they don’t have a limit on how long you have to be gone, …

A Day in Dishes: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is famous for its food, and with reason—it’s absolutely delicious! There are so many great choices, it’s hard to decide what to eat every day. Noodles play a large role in the cuisine. Everything from pad thai to tom yum is made with noodles. Of course, rice dishes are also important. Fried rice …

Yee Peng Festival of Lights – Let the festivals begin!

One of the primary reasons I chose to live in Chiang Mai is that I wanted to experience the festivals this city is so famous for holding throughout the year. With winter upon us, the festivals have begun! Chiang Mai is the center of the old Lanna Kingdom and continues to celebrate many of the …

Daily Photo: Golden Buddhas, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Gold is everywhere at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, even among the Buddhas. Getting to the Wat (temple) is not easy since it is perched high in the hill above Chiang Mai, but once you arrive you are greeted with dozens of golden Buddhas.

My first week in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I’ve been in Chiang Mai for a week now (I was in Taipei the previous week). I’m having a great time, even though I’ve managed to not see one thing that tourists are supposed to see. I haven’t been to the Saturday Market or the Sunday Market. Nor have I been to the Night Bazaar …

Exploring Taipei

On the way to Chiang Mai I was able to stop over in Taipei for a week to visit one of my good friends. Taipei is a bustling city of nearly 3 million people. The MRT, buses and a series of trains service this massive city making it remarking easy to get around. And get …

Before I go – Passports & Visas

I suppose it goes without saying, you need a passport to travel. Nearly every country will deny you entry without a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your date of entry. You should actually make sure it is valid for at least a year to avoid any issues. Mine was fine, …