Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai is one of the coolest streets in Thailand. The Nimman area is near Chiang Mai University, so it’s infused it with a youthful vibe. The Nimman area is also a digital nomad hotspot, and as I explain in this article, it was most likely the world’s first digital nomad neighbourhood. […]
Chiang Mai cafes: best cafes listed by neighbourhood
A list of the best cafes in Chiang Mai, including specialty roasters, hidden cafes, and beautiful spaces. Chiang Mai is famous for its cafes, which makes sense considering that Northern Thailand is a major coffee-growing region. The cafe scene in Chiang Mai is constantly evolving, so if you are a returning visitor there is always […]
Singapore to Indonesia by ferry: A list of every port and ferry operator
A guide to every ferry service between Singapore and Indonesia, including how to connect to other ferry services in Indonesia. Singapore and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours separated by the Singapore Strait. The two countries are just over 5 km apart at their closest point, and the fastest ferry services take a little under an […]
Notes on Lake Toba: The paradise lake of North Sumatra
Lake Toba is a volcanic lake in North Sumatra, Indonesia. It’s the largest lake in Indonesia and the largest volcanic lake in the world. It should be more famous, yet somehow it gets few visitors. I first visited Lake Toba in 2009, and I ended up going back to spend a month there. The centre […]
Singapore Rail Corridor: The former railway line that’s now a walking path
The Singapore Rail Corridor (formerly the Green Corridor) is a walking path and nature reserve along the old Singapore railway line. This is a guide for walking the Rail Corridor, including where to see the best sections. Index About the old Singapore railway Singapore Rail Corridor map Walking the Singapore Rail Corridor North Central South […]
Notes on Rantau Prapat, and a rant about Google, Tripadvisor, KAI, and Tourism Indonesia
Rantau Prapat is a city in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Its main claim to fame is that it’s at the end of a railway line, which was what brought me there. There are things to do outside the city, but you wouldn’t know it from the railway website or Tourism Indonesia. And I’m going to rant […]
Notes on Medan: Gateway to North Sumatra
Medan is the largest city on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. It’s the capital of the province of North Sumatra, and if you are visiting Lake Toba and/or Gunung Leuser National Park (for the orangutans) then you will pass through here. I have a soft spot for Medan as it was the first place […]
Notes on Koh Lipe: The beachiest holiday island in Thailand
This island in Thailand had everything I wanted in a tropical beach break. Ko Lipe is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea in Satun Province. It’s the most southerly island you can stay at before crossing the maritime border of Malaysia. Ko Lipe is about 3 km in length and 1.8 km at the […]
Notes on Hat Yai: Thailand’s laid-back southern city
Hat Yai is a city in Songkhla province in southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border. It’s a major travel hub, with a railway junction and international airport. There’s a good chance you’ll pass through here if you’re travelling to the Satun Islands or to or from Malaysia. Hat Yai is not a typical tourist city, […]
Notes on Koh Larn: A lovely little island cursed by its location
Ko Larn (or Ko Lan) is an island in the Bay of Bangkok off the coast of Pattaya. If you are familiar enough with Thailand then that geographical description alone would probably put you off visiting. If you aren’t familiar, the Bay of Bangkok is not famous for its water quality, and Pattaya is a […]
