Bangkok loves food courts and the latest, most upscale interpretation of social dining is The Commons in the hip & trendy Thong Lo neighborhood. It offers food from the market stands of great restaurants like Soulfood, casual indoor seating as well as terraced outdoor seating in the atrium. Great food and great vibes make this a great new addition to … Continue reading
Phnom Penh might not be on top cities to visit lists, but it is a charming city to hang out and a good introduction to Cambodia. You can relax in resort-style hotels in the center of the city at low prices and learn about Cambodia’s history – an important backdrop to understanding the country ad its people today! There is … Continue reading
During my first visit to Phnom Penh in 2002, the memories of the civil war that ended in 1994 were still fresh. Since then the city has grown and dark memories have faded, making Phnom Penh a much livelier city. And one of the best places to soak up the atmosphere is along the River Promenade in the heart of … Continue reading
If you want to understand modern Cambodia, it’s important to know about the horrific history of the Khmer Rouge who ruled the country from 1975-1979 and killed between 1.5 and 3 million people of a population of only 7.5 million. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields nearby are shocking sights and provide … Continue reading
Finding a good cocktail in South East Asia is not easy! Beer is everywhere and these days, an expensive restaurant will even offer a good wine list, if at high prices. But cocktails beyond a too-sour margarita and a too-sweet mai tai are hard to come by. But then, in Bangkok, there were rumors of a speakeasy with good cocktails. … Continue reading
The National Museum in Phnom Penh is worth a visit to learn more about the history of Cambodia. It displays artefacts covering 2,000 years of Khmer history, from small wooden boxes or ceramic bowls to huge stone or bronze statues! With many objects from the pre-Angkor period, it provides an interesting framework for what you see when visiting the temples … Continue reading
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is one of the most impressive architectural and historic highlights of the city. The Palace was built as the residence of the Cambodian Kings in 1866 and today is again occupied by the current King and the Royal Family. The golden roofs and towers are visible from the river promenade and many spots in … Continue reading
After a few days of fighting Bangkok traffic, touring the sites or exploring crowded malls, taking a break from the crowds seems like a great idea. But how do you escape the crowds in this busy city of more than 8 million people? You head to one of the parks that are a green oasis for a stroll, a snack … Continue reading
One of the best things about Sydney is that in addition to the vibrant city, you get amazing beaches and sunny weather, making it the ideal location to combine city fun with a trip to the beach. And while there are plenty of choices around city, my favorites are the Eastern Beaches along the ocean, ranging from Bondi in the … Continue reading
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a great springboard to explore South East Asia, with plenty of inexpensive flights to countless destinations in the region. But there is a lot to see and do on stop-overs in the city as well – from one of the most iconic buildings in Asia to shopping and delicious street food, there a … Continue reading