Perhaps the most apt introduction WoWasis found to the amazing world of North Vietnam’s super spy Pham Xuan An was discovered during a tour we took of the Cu Chi war tunnels, just outside of Saigon. Our tour guide was Binh Le Thai, a member of the Viet Cong who worked for American interests while […]
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The Good Manner: Tickling games curb the passion in relationships
The Good Manner: Love & Relationship Advice from WoWasis’ Pa Farang This week’s dilemma: Are tickling games curbing the passion in my relationship? Dear Pa Farang, My girlfriend Chalalai and I started as mad, passionate lovers. In fact, we would often spend two or three days in amorous hideaways, refusing to answer doorbells, telephone calls, […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits the temples of Myauk U, Burma
WoWasis visitors to Burma will love Myauk U (also known as Mrauk U), an enchanting hill area dotted with dozens of temples. Myauk U is off the beaten track, but the intrepid traveler will be richly rewarded for taking a few hours of travel time to see one of Southeast Asia’s unspoiled archaeological zones. On […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits the lovely town of Sittwe, Burma, on the Bay of Bengal
WoWasis visitors will love Sittwe, a pleasant but simple Burmese seaside town, with lovely traditional buildings sporting a rustic charm. Sitting at the opening of the Kaladan River to the Bay of Bengal, this trading town is the gateway the old temple city of Myauk U, a day’s boat ride up the Aungdat tributary of […]
Read the rest of this entry »A hotel tourist rip-off to avoid in Sittwe, Burma
We here at WoWasis had some major issues with the Prince Hotel, in the town of Sittwe, Burma, which advertises air con rooms (which don’t have working air con), prophylactic-filled landings, and a shell-game run in conjunction with shady boat operators, plying their trade to the historic Myauk U site nearby. The hotel had arranged […]
Read the rest of this entry »Bachelor in Bangkok: Khun Lee on Entertainment Providers, Sex Workers, and International Tourists
I have an English friend in Bangkok who has gotten himself into quite a mess. This guy has the same “disconnect” that I see in so many western men in Thailand. Let me explain what I mean by “disconnect.” When I meet educated, successful men from Asia, Latin America, Africa, or anywhere other than Europe, […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits the city of Mandalay, Burma
Take a half-day tour of Mandalay! While visitors will find that the city of Mandalay pales in comparison with Rangoon, and the ancient palace, lying within the moat, was mostly destroyed by fighting in WWII, it remains a fascinating city with its on vibe. Today, Mandalay is best visited as a home base for day […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis’ day trip to Sagaing and Inwa, from Mandalay, Burma
WoWasis visitors to the Burmese city of Mandalay will want to take this day trip to nearby Sagaing and Inwa. Formerly known by its traditional name of Ava, the town of Inwa was the capital of Burma from 1364 until 1841, when it moved to Amarapura following a devastating earthquake. Today, there’s precious little […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits the spectacular ruined temple of Mingun Paya, Burma
Tour Mingun Paya! When you’re in Burma, the massive, ruined temple of Mingun Paya is not to be missed, and WoWasis visitors will discover that the river trip from Mandalay is just as rewarding as the visit to the huge structure itself. Built by thousands of slave laborers commencing in 1790, work was halted in […]
Read the rest of this entry »The Good manner: Farang western wife doesn’t want husband going to Bangkok
The Good Manner: Love & Relationship Advice from WoWasis’ Pa Farang This week’s dilemma: Farang wife doesn’t want husband going to Bangkok Dear Pa Farang, You might find it unusual, getting a letter from a woman, but I’ll confess, my husband put me up to it. We’re both in our mid-30s, comfortably living in Los […]
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