Northern Thailand Cities: Chiang Mai Vs. Chiang Rai Written By Kelly Iverson Chiang Rai is Chiang Mai’s weak competitor in terms of tourism. The lure of Chiang Mai’s laid-back vibe and hipster aura draws in travelers from all over Thailand. Because of this, Chiang Rai oftentimes gets lost in the shuffle. There is something about Chiang Rai, however, that continues to peak the curiosity of…
In the early 1970s, Harlem-based drug kingpin, Frank Lucas, was slinging his signature brand of heroin all over New York and the east coast. “Blue Magic,” as it was called, was the best-selling, closest-to-pure Asian heroin you could get. New York City’s special narcotics prosecutor called Lucas, “one of the most outrageous international dope-smuggling gangs ever… an innovator who got his own connection outside…
Thailand’s hotel and Tour operators are pressing the government to scrap quarantine requirements for foreign tourists who have had the covid-19 vaccination in an effort to kickstart the Kingdom’s paralyzed tourism industry. Two leading hotel groups told the Financial Times they supported ending the mandatory 14-day quarantine for non-Thai visitors who could prove they had been vaccinated against Covid-19. “We should be very quickly allowing…
Ancient Thai Tribe
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…