It’s not often that I am completely impressed by a restaurant, but Ban Duen Chay is the exception. Duen Chay Restaurant is absolutely amazing. Not only is the historic family home turned restaurant decorated with antiques and family heirlooms, the Thai-fusion food created at Duen Chay is stunningly beautiful. Delicious too! Tucked quietly on a […]
Satun Ferry to Langkawi in 3 Easy-ish Steps (2023 Edition)
Catching the Satun Ferry to Langkawi may sound like a no-brainer, and for the most part it is, however, there are a few things first timers might want to take note of. As of this writing, in December 2022, there is just one ferry a day from Satun to Langkawi and it’s at 11:30am (Thailand […]
8 Cool (and Ethical) Things to Do in Phuket
The list of things to do in Phuket, Thailand can include a lot of oh-so-typical as well as not-so-ethical options. My brief introduction, years ago, left me unimpressed and certainly in no hurry to return. Pretty much just another over-developed touristy island. But I did eventually return and discovered that there are things to do […]
Langkawi to Koh Lipe: Just a Ferry Ride Away
I’ve lost count of how many times I have been to Koh Lipe, Thailand. For the longest time I actually thought the island was closed during the ‘low’ season, but that’s certainly not true. Koh Lipe is open year round, but getting there quickly from Langkawi, Malaysia isn’t always an option. However, when the monsoon […]
First Time Visitor’s Guide To Koh Lanta Island
My first visit to Koh Lanta did not leave a good impression on me. That was several years ago towards the end of ‘high season’. The menagerie of touts bombarding the new arrivals at Saladan Pier was overwhelming to say the least. All eager to gain a few more bucks before the low season arrived. […]
Discover the Charming City of Songkhla
Songkhla City, Thailand is not just a day tour destination. Songkhla is the kind of place that simply cannot be properly introduced through the smudged window of a passing tour bus. Seriously. There is so much more to Songkhla than getting a selfie at the Golden Mermaid! Songkhla’s cultural authenticity and heritage even rivals such […]
My Search for Elephant Utopia in Phuket
The year 2000 was a big deal for me. I turned one of those milestone ages, traveled to Southeast Asia for the first time and got my first tattoo. I also rode an elephant. I thought I was pretty cool. It wasn’t until 15 years later that I read a blog post about the plight […]