LATEST FROM THE BLOG
making your 90-year-old self proud
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Sabai Sabai in Chiang Mai
It's no secret there's something special about Thailand and Chiang Mai in particular. Visiting Chiang Mai changed my life irrevocably. It ruined me for my old life.
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50 (Almost) FREE Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Between chatting with monks and getting a tattoo, to learning salsa and even scoring a free yoga class, there's something for everyone on this list.
How (and Where) to Eat as Much as You Can in Bangkok
Michelin-starred restaurants, shopping malls with massive food courts, street stalls galore. You often hear about how great the food scene is in Bangkok but the first several times I visited Bangkok I was completely clueless about where to eat.
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LIVING ABROAD
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Thailand?
6 things miss about the U.S. and 6 I really don't
what to pack when moving to southeast asia
Yes, the stories of $1 plates of food are true.
So doing my taxes, I realized how much money I actually made teaching in Thailand for 2012...it's laughable. Ready...
I'm often asked what I miss from Thailand or from the U.S. when I go between the two countries. Of course, I miss family and friends but I'm pretty fine being in either place. It's amazing how quickly you adjust and slip into old patterns. If someone really pushes me for an answer though, there are things I miss about living in the U.S...
For weekend trips, it's easy to throw stuff in a bag, long backpacking treks require more planning and moving to a new country is too overwhelming to to think about. How can you pack for all seasons? What household items should you bring to set up your new life? What about cheese...
thailand travel
50 (almost) free things to do in chiang mai
bangkok for beginners
how to order food in thailand
Chiang Mai is cheap. Even within Thailand, it's known for it's affordable cost of living and cheap (but delicious) food. But, if you're on a budget, you can't beat free. From chatting with monks and getting a tattoo, to learning salsa and doing yoga, there are a ton free options...
Bangkok won't charm you, at least not right away. It's massive, intimidating, busy, hot, humid and really kind of ugly. But the city offers something for everyone and there's always more to discover. With a little insight and smart planning, you can 'do' Bangkok right even if it's your first visit…
There are more Thai dishes than phad thai and green curry. Really. Learn all the ins and outs of how to order Thai food in Thailand, including how to order and pay at street stalls versus restaurants, how to customize your order, a few key Thai food phrases and more...
living well
how to take better travel photos
making your 90-year-old self proud
the truth about traveling solo: i'm over it
Looking back at photos from when I moved abroad, I’m torn between two feelings. On one hand, I cherish them - it was such a new, thrilling time, and looking at the photos brings back a hint of that excitement and novelty. On the other hand, they kind of suck. Here's how to make your photos shine...
Thinking back on your life, are you more disappointed with mistakes you’ve made or the things you haven’t even done? I don't regret decisions I’ve made but still mull over ideas or dreams or changes, wondering if they're the right thing without actually taking action. That's where the 90-year-old test comes in…
While I haven't pushed the 'solo female traveler' image, most of my travels have been alone. I moved to Thailand alone, backpacked in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos alone, and traveled through Europe alone. I went to Venice alone and had the incredible opportunity to visit Angkor Wat, not once but twice, alone...
ABOUT
I've always been fascinated by other cultures, places, traditions, languages, and communities. I love piecing a new place together, appreciating what makes it special, and seeing how different people live their lives. After nearly a decade living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I still don't have a desire to 'settle down.' While 2020 certainly threw several curve balls, I can't think of anything else I love more than traveling and living abroad.
Paper Planes has been around since 2012 as a place to share my travel insight and the absolute best things to do, see, eat in Thailand. Now, after a year of the world being shut down and many borders still closed, the purpose of this site is also in flux...but I hope you stay along for the ride.
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FIND YOUR DREAM HOTEL
best riverside hotels in Chiang Mai
my favorite boutique hotels in bangkok
honeymoon hotels in Chiang Mai
The riverside is great for people who have spent some time in Chiang Mai before and want a different atmosphere or have something to celebrate.
The design, service and decor of these boutique hotels in Bangkok rival those of any other major world city – but are cheaper.
Chiang Mai may not be the first honeymoon destination that comes to mind but these hotels are perfect and worth the splurge.
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