The first seven weeks of my adventure were about traveling, seeing interesting places in Thailand and Laos. The last two have been about beach, sun, snorkeling & partying. There's an all-night party at one of these groovy bars every night of the week. I'm hanging with some nice people I've met here, mostly European. Very laid back days and alcohol-soaked nights. But that's what a beach holiday is about, isn't it?

For anyone planning a trip to Thailand, add Lonely Beach in Ko Chang to... read more

While I was planning this trip to Asia, I decided I wanted to find some hidden gems, places that are really special, but not very well known. Nong Khai is one of those places. It's right on the Mekong River across from Vientiane, Laos. The people here are great, very friendly. And there's lots of interesting things to do and see.

Like riding a bike out to Sala Keoku today, one of the most surreal things I've ever seen. It's a big garden of fantastic concrete sculptures inspired by Bu... read more

I admit it was a small act of defiance. My Lonely Planet guidebook strongly urged me to take the safe, sane & comfy "slow boat" from the Thailand border to Louangphabang, Laos. But I was getting tired of every tourist I saw blindly following their Lonely Planet books instead of thinking for themselves. Everyone I talked to said they were taking the slower, two-day boat. So I chose the other option: An insane six hour high speed blast down the Mekong River, dodging semi-submerged logs and... read more

OK, I have a new favorite place in Thailand. It's Sangklaburi, at the far western border with Myanmar, on one of the prettiest lakes I've ever seen. My stone bungalo overlooking the lake is just perfect (and costs just $6 a day!) This place is just made for cruising around on a motorbike, checking out the local rivers, waterfalls, caves, buddhist temples, etc.
Yesterday some new friends and I rode our motorbikes to the Burma border and wound up hanging out at a little coffee shop, playing... read more