by Olly Gaspar For many backpackers and travelers in Northern Thailand, a stop in Chiang Rai is often a brief one, either just a stop-over through to Chiang Mai or to see the famous White Temple. My goal is to convince you to skip the typical 1-day city hop and really explore this epic northern gem. A great start is checking out these 3 epic…
Marijuana In Thailand
Marijuana in Thailand has been a big deal since the Vietnam War. Thai marijuana, in the form of Thai Sticks, became famous until the DEA persuaded the Thai Government to crack down. Now marijuana is coming back to Thailand. The Thai Government sees marijuana as a potential cash crop which can benefit Thailand’s economy and is considering hosting the World Ganja Festival January 29-February 2 next…
How To Retire In Thailand
If you’re looking to stretch your retirement budget as far as you can and are up for an exotic adventure, consider retirement in Thailand. This country has a low cost of living as well as some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. However, the culture shock of living in Thailand can be significant for Americans. Before considering a move overseas, ask yourself if you will…
Chiang Rai Livability Factors
There are certain things I look for when I arrive in a new place. I call these my desirability factors. I rate them High, Medium, or Low. I will be adding new desirability factors soon. Walkability: I like living in self-contained neighborhoods. Places where everything I need is walkable from my home. The old town area of Chiang Rai is walkable. But it is a…
3 Must Visit Waterfalls Near Chiang Rai
For many travelers in Northern Thailand, a stop in Chiang Rai is often a brief one, either just a stop-over through to Chiang Mai or to see the famous White Temple. My goal is to convince you to skip the typical 1-day city hop and really explore this epic northern gem. A great start is checking out these 3 epic waterfalls near Chiang Rai! What…
Cannabis In Thailand
Thailand Thai cannabis is world-famous – Thai “sticks” arguably being the best-known of all exports, so-named for the tell-tale red thread which binds the buds together and has spawned so many imitations. In the 1970s and ’80s, Thai cannabis was a common sight for stoners throughout the world, although exports have since declined. Law and international policy Cannabis is prohibited in Thailand under the Narcotics…
Living Like A Local In Chiang Rai, Thailand
Want to live the country life in Thailand? Chiang Rai in Thailand’s far north is a great alternative to Chaing Mai and Bangkok.Life in Chiang Rai really is a breath of fresh air and a complete escape from traffic congestion. Even better, it’s cheap.Read on and you’ll get some of my top tips on: Why you should live in Chiang Rai, What to do in Chiang…
Where To Eat What In Chiang Rai
Eat and meet Being a relatively large town with a fair-sized expat community as well as plenty of passing visitors Chiang Rai has a correspondingly wide choice of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Thai Porchai Khao Soi lies towards the northern end of Jetyod Road and is a standard local cafe in the neon lighting and aluminium table-style serving up an authentic khao soi with…
The Thai Ramakien
If you are a Thailand lover, you certainly know the Thai Ramakien which is the National Epic of Thailand. In short, the Ramakien is about Rama who spends 14 years in exile after being banished by his stepmother. There he lives with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshman. When Sita is abducted by the Demon King Ravana (Tosakanth) to Lanka, Rama and his brother rescue…
10 Strange And Beautiful Mushrooms
Mushrooms may be deadly or delicious, beautiful or bland, magical or mundane but one thing’s certain: the fungus among us are anything but anonymous! These 10 strange & beautiful mushrooms span the imagination while spanning the globe when it comes to location. Turkey Tail Mushroom (images via: USI, Medicinal Mushrooms and Bunkycooks) Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are common worldwide and often are seen growing in quantity…