The ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya, about eighty kilometers north of Bangkok, is a worthwhile day trip if you’re staying in Bangkok. To really appreciate Ayutthaya, it helps to know a little about its history. …
Asia: travel reviews
Ayutthaya, Thailand: City of Buddhas
Do's and Don'ts in Bangkok
Bangkok is the introductory city to Asia for many Americans, and the hectic pace and traffic may remind New Yorkers and Angelenos of home. A city of eleven million, Bangkok can be a slow crawl …
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A Study in Contrasts
Kuala Lumpur is, above all, a city of contrasts. The capital of Malaysia is an interesting mix of the historic, traditional Asia and the modern, hip Asia. Its ethnically diverse population of Malays, Chinese and …
November 22, 2011
Bangkok is Drowning
About four months ago, in the hot, laboring days of summer, I decided I needed something to work for – something to get me through the weeks. A trip. I set my sights on Southeast …
November 4, 2011
Kappa
“What is that, a duck?” David followed my gaze to the green-painted humanoid statue. “Looks more like a turtle,” he said. “Turtles don’t have beaks. And look at its head – maybe it’s some kind …
October 25, 2011
Hanoi, Vietnam: Looking Toward the Future
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and second-largest city, is one of the most beautiful capitals in Asia. Most well known to Americans for its role in the Vietnam War, Hanoi celebrated its 1,000th birthday in 2010. As …
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand: World’s Oldest Evergreen Rainforest
Many travelers to Thailand head from Bangkok to one or more of the beautiful beaches and islands in the southern part of the country. Just a few kilometers inland from these beaches is Khao Sok …
October 3, 2011
Varanasi, India: On the Holy Ganges
When I arrived in Varanasi, I was clueless. The first thing I did was walk down to the river – the fabled River Ganges, the holiest waters of India. As a novice solo traveler, I …
September 23, 2011
Siem Reap, Cambodia: Beyond the Angkor Temples
If you’re in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you’re most likely there to see the magnificent Angkor temples. But if you get “templed out” or have additional time, Siem Reap has more to offer. Many of the …
September 20, 2011
Busan: South Korea's Second City
It’s been seven years now since I staggered off the plane and stepped into the sticky summer air of Busan, the south’s largest seaport. I remember that first bus ride, white-knuckling it as we careened …
September 13, 2011
"Cheap-o Hawaii": Malapascua, Philippines
“Bad Easter”: that’s the Spanish translation of Malapascua, the Philippine island we visited recently. But I like to call it “Cheap-o Hawaii.” It has all the amenities Hawaii offers – including a multitude of water …
September 11, 2011
Another Hong Kong Afternoon
A Chinese Gollum squatting on a concrete stool Savors a secondhand cigarette butt And searches the sacred text of his racing form For a path to redemption. In a nearby meat shop, a bloody-shirted man …
September 1, 2011
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is about midway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi up the Vietnamese coast. If you’re traveling between the two largest cities in Vietnam, it is the perfect spot to take a break. …
August 30, 2011
Green Island, Taiwan
I never really understood why the Portuguese referred to Taiwan as Formosa, or “beautiful island.” The pollution, traffic and combined chaotic mess of Taipei and Taichung make you easily forget that Taiwan is, in fact, …
August 25, 2011