Category: Asia
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10 things to see in Siargao
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Siargao island is no longer the secluded haven it once used to be. Over the past few years, it exploded in popularity among local and foreign tourists alike. Luckily, this beautiful island is quite big, so even though the main tourist area (General Luna) can get a bit crowded at…
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First-time in Chocolate Ville, Bangkok
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When it comes to interesting places to dine and roam around at night, Bangkok offers a wide array of choices for locals and travelers alike. If you want to feast your mouth on a variety of food and feast your eyes to beautiful sights, then the Chocolate Ville in Bangkok…
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First-time at the Jim Thompson House & Museum
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“Welcome to the Jim Thompson House,” our lovely Thai guide said in her deep British accent voice. This tourist destination was a place I wanted to visit during my recent Thailand trip because it sounded new to my ears. I’ve seen it listed in many must-visit lists when in Bangkok…
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First-time in Wat Bang Kung: The Temple Under A Tree
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As our bus entered the compound of the wat, rows of men in various fighting positions filled both sides of the road at the entryway of the temple. And when I thought it was an ordinary temple like the ones I have previously visited, it turned out that Wat Bang…
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First-time in the Amphawa Floating Market
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Floating markets are not uncommon in Thailand. While I’ve been to this Southeast Asian country several times, visiting a floating market is something that remained unchecked in my must-do-in-Thailand list. This time around, I made sure that I visit a floating market, so my sister and I booked a tour…
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First-time in the Maeklong Railway Market
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Snaking through the crowded narrow alley, we braved the early afternoon heat at the Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand. Shops and restaurants fill up both sides of the train tracks. Thanks to the tarpaulins over us, they were screening us against the sun. But when the train arrived, those tarpaulins…
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The International Cuisines at Vikings Bacolod to Feast On
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Smörgåsbord. It is a word we often hear that is associated with having so many food preparations where you can enjoy a lot of choices. Merriam-Webster defines it as “luncheon or supper buffet offering a variety of foods and dishes (such as hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold meats, smoked and…
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A day trip to Ayutthaya: The Ruins and Beauty of the Kingdom
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During my first trip to Thailand in 2001, Ayutthaya was one of the places we visited. It was an extremely hot day, and I could remember seeing ruins, stupas and chedis. But digital cameras and smartphones were not yet common at that time, and all that I have on hand…
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First-time in Bang Pa-In Palace: Roaming the Summer Palace
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Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was built during the 17th century during the reign of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, one of the earlier kingdoms of modern-day Thailand. Located at the Bang Pa-In District, 24 km south of Ayutthaya, which is about 20-30 minutes away from the old capital. Roger, our guide, began…
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Thipsamai: A Michelin-Star Restaurant with the Best Pad Thai
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Having been hooked to Korean variety shows, I saw on these travel programs where the cast visited the famous Thipsamai Restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand. I remembered scenes where there were lines outside, so it got me curious as well. My palate easily adjusts to local flavors and Thai cuisine is…
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Wat Saket: Climbing the Top of The Golden Mount Temple
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Although I have been to Bangkok several times, it was only in 2019 that I have learned of Wat Saket through the Korean travel variety show, Thrifter’s Guide to Luxurious Travels or Salty Tour. The first trip they took for the new season in 2019 was to Thailand and they…
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Sunset at Wat Arun: Crossing the River to Visit the Temple
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I have always viewed Wat Arun from across the river several times, sometimes waiting for the sunset and watching the lights go up at the temple. This time, I decided to see it up close, a good decision I might say. Before, I thought Wat Arun was plain gray, but…
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The Grand Palace in Thailand: Marvelling at its Majesty
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Elegant signature Thai architecture protruding from the long block of white walls greeted us as we approached the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, Thailand. Memories of my first visit in 2001 flooded my mind, yet I can only vaguely recall the details of every corner of the palace compound. Constructed…
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GrabFood in Bacolod: your fave food at your doorstep
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Bacolod City is always known for its sumptuous food offerings that one should try the various food products available locally. Restaurants and eateries dot different parts of the City of Smiles, which locals and tourists alike have come to enjoy. Now, you can feast on your favorite food in the…
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Going bananas over Merzci Special Banana Chips
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It’s a must for every visitor of Negros Occidental to bring back home the sweet goodies of the sugarbowl of the Philippines. Take your pick from napoleones to piaya, butterscotch, barquillos, pinasugbo, caramel tarts, pastries, and so much more. The best place to get these delicious pasalubongs is Merzci Bread…