Science & Tech Fair at CMICE

On a dark afternoon, while the mist covered the mountain view of Chiang Mai and its vicinity, the large expanse of the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CMICE) appeared before us as we approached the compound. A giant skeletal structure of a dinosaur stood at the open area, giving us a preview of …

First-time to design an umbrella

I always love to paint. Imagine my delight when we were given the opportunity to design our own very own hand-made umbrellas. It was a windy afternoon when we visited the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) in Chiang Mai where we did this quick but fun activity. But before we even got to the …

First-time in 137 Pillars House

Fresh Mango Carpaccio with fresh Tuna, beetroot compote and simmered Shiitake mushroom served with avocado and lime mousse, mustard seed and tamarind dressing. Chargrilled fish fillet with garlic butter chili lime emulsion and vegetable “Misticanze”. French Baked Cheesecake with fresh berries compote sauce and spiral Tuile. There goes my diet. But, who’s counting? Come to think …

First-time in the Royal Project

It was my first time to this location of a Thai Royal Project. I was standing there seemingly on top of the world as the cloud covered portions of the place where we were standing. Down below was just all white. The other side of that hill was different though. Plantations, roads, and houses were …

First-time in Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa

Our home for our brief visit in Chiang Mai, Thailand is the lush and serene Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa. It exudes “the essence of charming Lanna aesthetics”, preserving the rich heritage of the northern Thailand people. I have been to Chiang Mai twice already and I was happy that the places we visited in …

First-time in Asiatique the Riverfront

The Asiatique in Bangkok’s Riverfront is one of the newest places to be in the Land of Smiles. It’s a dining, shopping, and entertainment venue in one. It opens at 5:00 pm until midnight, providing a new vibe to Bangkok’s nightlife. But did you know that Asiatique was once a pier belonging to the East …

First-time at The Siam Hotel

It was a fast ride to The Siam Hotel. As we touched down on a Sunday afternoon, the Bangkok streets were free of the usual traffic scene. More so, the police escort that we had, as part of our MICE lane experience for this familiarization trip by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), made …

My art elephant

A white thing was standing at the edge of my bed as I walked into my hotel bedroom in Bangkok, Thailand for the MICE familiarization trip. The thing had many colorful designs on it. I looked closely and smiled at what I saw. Meet my art elephant, Forever Birds. Created by artist Anchalee Intorn, it …

Thai Airways and its MICE offers for business events

With three hours on air aboard Thai Airways, I wanted to grab some sleep. But the screen in front of me was too tempting to let it pass. I searched for movies but I couldn’t seem to decide which one to watch. I browsed the music, hoping it can get me to fall asleep. I …

Thailand gears to be a strong MICE destination

Bound for Bangkok, Thailand for a MICE familiarization trip, I was engrossed playing a game onboard Thai Airways, one of our trip’s sponsor when the passenger seated beside me asked if he should also fill out the form, the immigration card, that I inserted in my passport. I answered in the affirmative and told him …

Feature: Global Help Swap

This is the first time that I am featuring authors of a travel site. You see, traveling and community service are some of the passions I have. Browsing through the worldwide web for leads that can somehow help me fulfill these passions, I chanced upon the site Global Help Swap, which shares stories and tips …

A Mother’s Day in Crowne Plaza Bangkok

August is a special month for the Thais. On August 12, in particular, Thais celebrate its Mother’s Day in time for the birthday of the Queen. Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park has a way of celebrating this special occasion. As a tribute to the moms working in its Heart of the House, which is composed …

First-time in Legoland Malaysia: from toy blocks to theme park

Lego is a global brand that is popular with children and adults alike. This popular toy blocks that are being put together trace its roots from Denmark and has made its way all over the world for over 80 years. Now, the Lego brick builds not just a small house but a whole theme park! …

“One Year Lived” free e-book

I get a lot of propositions in my First-time Travels e-mail every now and then. I read through them all and choose which best suits my interest and my blog’s theme. Recently, I received a message from a memoirist and traveler, Adam Shepard. He is one of those who are bold enough to leave the …

Mae Sa elephant camp

Helping Lek Save Her Elephants With One Click

Today, I found a wall post on my Facebook page from a friend who is now working in Thailand. I’ve known him as an elephant lover and I wasn’t surprised to find him post a link in change.org asking people to help a Thai woman, named Lek, save her elephants. The petition at the site’s …