We send postcards around the world featuring their image, buy t-shirts emblazoned with their silhouettes, drink beer by their name, gasp when we see them through the fence at zoos, and often pay great sums for the opportunity to observe, touch, and ride them. We are fascinated, captivated by these animals. Elephants are magnificent creatures —…

My love for Thailand runs deep and wide, meaning I would be hard pressed to narrow down a list of my favorite things about it. But there is one thing I know without hesitation — Thai massages would make the top five. From 120 baht cheapies in a room full of people to beachside pummelings with…

Last year, I was surprised to find that I just wasn’t feeling Chiang Mai. Surprised, because this is the city that travelers, bloggers and digital nomads simply love to love. But you know? I just didn’t really get it. On this return trip to Northern Thailand I was keen to spend as little time there as…

I was always taught charitable giving was not optional — my parents give their time and resources generously enough to be recognized for it in our community, and raised my sisters and I to do the same. Somewhere between allowance age and adulthood I lost the way. While I’ve donated sporadically to causes that friends bring…

I’m no stranger to bike tours in Southeast Asia — I’ve done self-guided jaunts through Siem Reap and Ayutthaya, and joined an organized trip around Bangkok. What can I say, I like to cycle! So when I came across Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour in my search for ways to get to the infamous Wat Rong Khun…

Koh Tao was full on with visiting friends, diving, partying, muay thai-ing, and all the other usual diversions. Bangkok was a short but intense weekend of indulgent partying. For my sister’s last few days in Thailand, she requested a relaxing spot to detox, catch up on work (she was soon returning to her final semester at…