Archive for Category: "Southeast Asia"
Four Local Favorites Of Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Old City in Chiang Mai, Thailand is surrounded by a moat and the vestiges of a wall built to repel Burmese invaders. As the main tourist district, most stay within the Old City’s boundaries even though some of the greatest rewards are just outside the walls. Contributing writer Dan Lawton ventures into the heart [...]
Shopping Manila: Suzy Gershman’s Postcard from the Philippines
Shopping Manila: Suzy Gershman’s Postcard from the Philippines Dear Peter, I have not been kidnapped in Manila, so perhaps this postcard is not as exciting as it could be, but I am certain you are wondering how I even came to pick this destination as part of my Asian tour this summer. Soooo, here’s the [...]
Bangkok Not Dangerous: A First-Timer’s Trip to Thailand
Bangkok Not Dangerous: A First-Timer’s Trip to Thailand American travelers have long flocked to Thailand for its exceptional value and unique experiences. But this spring, the media was saturated with reports of civil unrest; in mid-May, the State Department put out an alert warning U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Bangkok and all [...]
Bangkok Burns As Military Ends Thai Protests
Bangkok burns after a day of heavy bloodshed following the surrender of anti-government protest leaders on Wednesday. After hundreds of Thai troops in armored vehicles crashed into protester barricades yesterday afternoon, seven top Red Shirt leaders turned themselves in, saying they wished to spare their supporters from harm. Angry followers, however, continued the fight, setting [...]
Violence Worsens in Bangkok, Thailand: Western Governments Issue New Travel Warnings
The American, British and Australian Embassies are advising their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Bangkok after a series of grenade attacks in the city’s main financial district killed one person and injured 87 people, including at least four foreigners. The American Embassy advised citizens to skip “nonessential travel to Bangkok,” adding that the possibility [...]
Thailand Tourism Collapsing Amid Bloody Protests
Thailand tourism has plummeted in the wake of Saturday’s bloody demonstrations in Bangkok. As anti-government protesters swarmed into the capital city, many businesses have found themselves surrounded. Upscale malls, luxury hotels, office buildings and bank branches, especially those on the popular Ratchadamnoen Avenue, have been forced to shut down. The Federation of Thai Industries estimates [...]
Global Heritage Fund Co-Founder Talks Sustainable Tourism
On recent travels to Guatemala’s Maya ruin of Tikal and to the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum in Mexico, Meg Pier was impacted by seeing fresh paths being cleared for ancient archeological ruins—realizing how progress in developing sustainable tourism can make a real and meaningful difference in local communities. Jeff Morgan is [...]
Postcard from Thailand: Shopping Bangkok’s Floating Markets
One of Bangkok’s claims to fame is its floating markets where vendors sell crafts and food. But is this an authentically local experience, or a tourist trap to avoid? Sarah Lahey investigates. Dear Peter, It’s time for us to talk dirty. Dirty water.
