Destination: Thailand

Interview with Henry Rollins: Punk Rock World Traveler

Jim Benning asks the musician about his new book of photographs and how travel has humbled him

Read More »


World Travel Watch: Traffic Restrictions in Italy, Conflict on the Thai-Burmese Border and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »


Australian Chef: Thai Cuisine is ‘Decaying’

Them’s fighting words. The chef in question, David Thompson, is responsible for London’s Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, Nahm, and now he’s “striving for authenticity” at a Nahm branch in Bangkok, too. The Thai reaction has been predictably indignant. The New York Times explains:

Cooking is profoundly wound up with Thailand’s identity. Many recipes were tested and refined in royal palaces. And Thais often spend a good share of their day talking about this or that dish they tried; a common greeting is, “Have you eaten yet?”

Mr. Thompson’s quest for authenticity is perceived by some Thais as a provocation, a pair of blue eyes striding a little too proudly into the temple of Thai cuisine. Foreigners cannot possibly master the art of cooking Thai food, many Thais say, because they did not grow up wandering through vast, wet markets filled with the cornucopia of Thai produce, or pulling at the apron strings of grandmothers and maids who imparted the complex and subtle balance of ingredients required for the perfect curry or chili paste. Foreigners, Thais believe, cannot stomach the spices that fire the best Thai dishes.


World Travel Watch: Tube Strikes Looming in London, China’s Epic Traffic Jam and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »


World Travel Watch: Violence on Guatemala’s Buses, Tourist Police in the Philippines and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »


Pico Iyer: ‘The Trip That Changed my Life’

Over at Gadling, Pico Iyer looks back, thoughtfully and lyrically as always, at his first trip to Thailand in 1983. Here’s a taste:

It wasn’t Thailand, of course, that was beckoning me, but all the force of the things I couldn’t make out. Night was day and late September was summer and men were women who became men again at dawn. The characters around me on the signs (the streets) were strange, and the language so tonal I couldn’t tell a player from a prayer. There were mirrors everywhere, in bars, hotels and what they gave me back to me was a figure I couldn’t recognize. I hadn’t realized ‘til that day that you travel to stumble into the unvisited corners of yourself.


World Travel Watch: Violence in Guadalajara, Dengue Fever in Puerto Rico and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »


Vulture Tourism and the Allure of ‘Pre-Disastered Destinations’

When disaster strikes a country, is it time to visit?

Read More »


World Travel Watch: Floods in Central Europe, Ongoing Violence in Bangkok and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »


World Travel Watch: Travel Insurance Now Required in Cuba, Maoists Shut Down Kathmandu and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »


World Travel Watch: Strikes in Greece, Ongoing Protests in Thailand and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »


World Travel Watch: Chaos in Kyrgyzstan, Protests in Thailand and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »


Protests and Parties in Bangkok

The State Department has issued a warning for travelers to Thailand following this weekend’s violent clashes between protesters and police in Bangkok, which resulted in 21 deaths. From the latest alert:

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok.

Despite the warning, though, World Hum contributor Newley Purnell reports that it’s business as usual for tourists on Bangkok’s Khao San Road, where water fights have replaced the earlier unrest.

The water fights are “badass,” says Sayed Jiwa, a 20 year old from Calgary, Canada, when asked about the festivities. He added that the protests were no joking matter, however… It was scary, says Jiwa, but “the vibe is all good” now.


Video You Must See: Soothing Thailand

Video You Must See: Soothing Thailand Photo by ScubaBeer via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Calm beaches, warm light -- we're not in Bangkok anymore, folks

Watch the Video »


World Travel Watch: No Alcohol in Brunei, Air Strikes in Europe and More

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

Read More »