Tag: Bustling restaurants

Exploring Chiang Mai

You’ll typically have to travel through Chiang Mai if exploring Northern Thailand, and its actually quite a nice spot to spend a couple of days to recharge before your head off on your next adventure.  Whilst it is developing at quite a pace, it still maintains a nice combo of chilled out vibe, ancient Old Town, plus having all the amenities and a bunch of things to keep you occupied for one of two days.  High level tips:

  1. The Monk’s Trail to the temples of Wat Pha Lat and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in the nearby western hills of the city is worth doing.  The walk itself is nice, the temples quite cool and the views from the top worth it.  You can walk from the Chiang Mai University, or, considering the heat, its easier just to get a Grab taxi (super easy to get) to the start of the trail
  2. Make sure you try a few Khao Soi (noodles in curry, the Northern Thai speciality) . . . and do so one of the night street markets.  Talat Pratu Chang Pheuak market was easy, and aim for the Cowboy Hat Lady (you can’t miss her)
  3. Have sundowners on the rooftop of one of the hotels / bars – Chiang Mai is flat, but surrounded by hills on all sides.  The sunsets are beautiful, and would really recommend from Hotel YaYee
  4. There are some fab restaurants in Chiang Mai – just wander through the streets full of them.  Our favourite was Huen Muan Jai
  5. Best time of year to visit is November to February – the weather really is perfect, with super clear blue skies, warm days and cooler nights.  Don’t go in March – that is when the farmers do the burning and the air is horrible
  6. The inner town is easily walkable, but its often easier to just set up a Grab account to get around.  There seem to be thousands of them, really cheap and a bit of a life saver in the heat
  7. If trying the weed, go very slow.  We tried two of the joints and entered another dimension
  8. Accommodation – we stayed at the Yesterday Hotel and would recommend

Seoul in March

One of the most developed cities in the world, with plenty to do that revolves around the Korean obsession with eating, drinking and generally having a good time, Seoul is a must if you’re keen on city breaks

A few tips:

  • Time of year – I would try to aim for the cherry blossom spring time rather than March.  March was nice with the not-too-cold crisp air, but the city is quite grey / dry at this time of year. You just get the impression it would be stunning if you wait until April
  • Seoul is massive – it has 3 Central Business Districts, so it makes sense to stick with the main sites around Gwanghwamun, Jung-gu and Itewon for a first time weekend visitor 
  • If only have a day – in the morning head towards the Gwanghwamun Palace for classical sightseeing (only need an hour or so) and then wander the labyrinth-like streets of the Bukchon Hanok Village; afternoon grab lunch either there or in one of the rooftop bars / restaurants to the west of Nam Sam Park and then walk up through the park for great views from the Seoul Tower; evening head into Itewon for a night out
  • I wish I’d . . . walked the Seoul City Wall.  Looks like some fab views of the city
  • Be sure to also check out – if have 2 days, be sure to spend a day / half day also visiting the nearby DMZ.  Surprisingly fun and travel entry here – The Korean DMZ

10 day itinerary for Andalucia

Andalucia is the jewel in the crown of Spain.  There are various stella attractions that help this region claim that title – the Alhambra, Seville, Cordoba, the striking pueblos blancos (white towns), the flamenco dancing, the Sherry Triangle.  There are also natural spots that are worth the trip alone, such as the beaches of Tarifa, the mountains of Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema and the coastline of Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Nijar.  But it is the unique historical blend of Christian Spain and Moorish Al-Andalus that gives Andalucia the magic touch and makes it the must visit region of Spain

 

The itinerary below will give you the highlights and try to minimise the driving by having Cordoba and Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Nijar as optional

 

I’ve listed tips below, but high level – the standout attractions are the drive through the achingly beautiful white towns of Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema, Seville’s Old Town with its Cathedral and Palace, and staying overnight in the sensational Vejer de la Fontera

Historic Seville

When you think of the major historic cities of the world, you naturally think of the likes of Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Delhi, Beijing etc., but not necessarily Seville in that top bracket.  Yet it really should be – consider a few factors:

1. Huge variety of history – whilst many of the major European cities have ebbed and flowed in influence, Seville, from the time of the Romans, Goths, Muslim-rule, Catillian conquest, and through to its position as the commercial capital of the Spanish Empire in the Age of Discovery, has remained a key city – that is a serious variety of history in one place!

2. Major attractions – Seville Cathedral, The Royal Palace Alcazar and the General Archives of the Indies are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And then you have the likes of the Plaza de Toros (Spain’s oldest and premier bullring), magnificent Plaza de Espana and the other myriad of chrurchs, palaces and museums

3. Compact – unlike some of other major Historical Cities, the historic sites are all super close together, with most sites within 500m

4. The Old Town is magical – the old medieval lanes of the Historic area offer an Old Town that is not only pretty, but also has that wonderful combination of having a buzz, but being easily able to escape the crowds and find small deserted laned all to yourself

 

From an experience point of view, it’s acually the Old Town that makes Seville feel special . . . and very real in many ways.  As long as you can manage your expectations for fellow tourist numbers at the key attractions and avoid the intense heat of the summer, Seville is a “must visit” in what is the must visit region of Spain (Andalucia)

Eating pintxos in San Sebastian

San Sebastian is widely considered to be one of Europe, if not the world’s, gastronomic centres with its array of Michelin Star restaurants often competing for the world’s title of best restaurant.  But it is the Pintxos (Basque-style tapas) scene in the Old Town that undoubtedly steals the show and makes the whole San Sebastian experience really live up to the hype as one of the best.  More than anything, it’s all just fun – the vibe is positive, the bar owners are surprisingly chirpy considering the sheer amount of work they do, and it’s a bit of an adventure as you take the plunge into the huge variety of restaurants and bars, seeing the delicious dishes piled high and shoving your way to the bar to kick start your journey of Basque cuisine.  So bring your energy, your appetite and your sense of culinary experimentation . . . and have a read of my top tips below for a great experience

 

(and sorry – not exactly inspiring photos but I was too busy gorging myself!)

6 day itinerary for Romania and the Transylvanian region

Romania, and in particular Transylvania, conjures up images and feelings of some far off place . . . in the mountains . . . in the forests . . . with castles . . . kind of like Lord of the Rings, but with a spooky vibe . . . and indeed it is all of this.  And while there are not as much of a concentration of stellar attractions as you would get in Western Europe, that is kind of Romania’s charm and it makes for a great roadtrip for a week or so, with the itinerary below

3 days in Budapest for baths, architectural gems and nights out in the ruin bars

Big fan of Budapest.  The city itself has a certain unusual quality compared to other well known European cities just because of its history in the Austro-Hungarian empire and strong Eastern European (and Middle Eastern) influence.  This combined with the bath culture and great energy from the easily accessible night spots (think beer gardens rather than clubs) make it quite a gem for a long weekend trip

2 days for the famous highlights of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a great place to visit either as a destination on its own, or, as many people do, as a nice 2 day stop over between flights.  I’ve lived in Hong Kong for 8 years, so . . . I’m biased . . . but also leaves me well placed to give you tips on how to have the best experience

For this review, I’m focusing on 10 classic highlights of Hong Kong and can give some tips that will improve your experience.  But my biggest tip overall is that Hong Kong is not just skyscrapers and neon signs – more than 3/4 of HK is undeveloped, 40% is national parks and a mini tropical paradise if you just jump on a ferry or take a short taxi ride.  For some ideas that will give you an even better HK experience, see the travel entry for 2 days hidden highlights of Hong Kong – you maybe surprised at just how world-class an experience you can get from these little islands

2 days hidden highlights of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a great place to visit either as a destination on its own, or, as many people do, as a nice 2 day stop over between flights.  I’ve lived in Hong Kong for 8 years, so . . . I’m biased . . . but also keen to share some tips to make sure you get the best from the place
The biggest overall tip I can give – many people when they think of Hong Kong think of the skyscrapers, the busy neon light lined streets, the sheer hustle of one of the most densely populated places on earth etc etc – and it is indeed all of these things.  But it is also 75% undeveloped and 40% national park.  In short, it is a world class city, with a tropical paradise a short ferry / taxi away.  That is why, for this review, I am focusing on some of the more unusual things to do in Hong Kong for a first time visitor
Should you want to check out the classic Hong Kong highlights – see my entry for 2 days for the famous highlights of Hong Kong