Compared to most Western countries, we here at WoWasis feel Asia is pretty safe. Most travelers can go just about anywhere, any time, and not have to be constantly looking over their shoulders. Nevertheless, travelers not practicing basic security measures are leaving themselves open to the occasional theft. So here are some things to keep […]
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WoWasis spa review: Wilbur Hot Springs in Northern California
So why is your WoWasis Asian field team in California for a spa review? Because we heard that many Asian visitors go there on visits from overseas, and now we can see why. Wilbur Hot Springs is located roughly 2.5 hours north of San Francisco, 22 miles from the town of Williams on Interstate 5, […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis travel field test review: Defcon netbook & laptop computer cable lock
Here at WoWasis, we’re writing our travel stories pretty much non-stop, especially while we’re on the go. Our trusty netbook computer is always in our hotel room, and the first thing we do is lock it to some unmovable structure with our Targus Defcon computer cable lock. One day, our hotel room was burgled, and […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis travel field test review: Tumi Alpha Frequent Traveler 22″ Zippered Expandable Carry-On
We here at WoWasis have been carrying the Tumi Alpha Frequent Traveler 22″ Zippered Expandable Carry-On all over the world now for over a decade. This roller bag has sturdy wheels that handle the terrible sidewalks of Bangkok, fits into every overhead bin except for those on small commuter airlines, and is exceptionally tough. How […]
Read the rest of this entry »Another man lives in my apartment with me and my girlfriend
The Good Manner: Advice on Thailand from WoWasis’ Pa Farang This week’s dilemma: Another man lives in my apartment with me and my girlfriend Dear Pa Farang, My Thai lady and I are still getting used to each other, even after living together for a couple of years. Last month, I got a surprise: her younger […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis book review: Harold Stephens’ ‘At Home in Asia: Expatriates in Southeast Asia’
Writer and sailor Harold Stephens sure gets around. He lied about his age so he join join the Marines and fight in the Pacific, was imprisoned by the Chinese communists, escaped on a junk, rode across Australia on a motorcycle, and built his own concrete boat, which split apart in a hurricane after seeing endless […]
Read the rest of this entry »Russia invades Thailand: Big-bellied shock troops wearing thong bikinis storm Thai beachfronts
An estimated 200,000 Russian and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) tourists have come to Thailand within the last 60 days, spurred by tourism incentives directed toward Russia by Thai tourist groups and agencies. Veteran travelers to Thailand have long noted a strong Russian presence in the seaside city of Pattaya, but large Russian tour groups […]
Read the rest of this entry »Vietnam tourists killed in Ha Long Bay boat tragedy
Twelve international travelers were killed this week in the sinking of one of Ha Long Bay’s ubiquitous “sleep-over” boats. The Truong Hai 06 listed precariously for several hours before finally plunging into the waters of the bay during the early morning hours as visitors were sleeping. Scores of these wooden boats take visitors on overnight […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis cruises Thailand’s River Kwai: a confluence of indolence and history
WoWasis is on a 4 day river tour on one of Asia’s most storied rivers, accompanied by a cold beer as the sun begins to set. The boat we’re on is the RV River Kwai, a beautifully appointed river craft. The first inland cruise ship in Thailand, this newly-built colonial style river cruiser is based […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits Kyaingtong (Keng Tung) Burma
Welcome to Kyaingtong (Keng Tung), a rambling hillside city in the Shan State, close to numerous tribal villages. It’s the center of the Khün tribal culture, filled with nice examples of colonial architecture, and has only been open to tourism since 1993. The Khün people, whose traditional dress consists of horizontally-striped longhis and jackets with […]
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