Life in Beijing
Casey Hynes
Casey Hynes is a writer, editor and amateur photographer based in Beijing, China. After spending a year and a half writing features on Capitol Hill for Roll Call, a daily newspaper in Washington DC, she decided to head East, first to Korea and then to China. She has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Global Times, City Weekend Beijing and JIN Magazine. She has a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.
Destination: Xinjiang Province, China
THERE are few places you can go in China that don’t retain at least some sense of the country’s ancient culture and colorful history. However, Xinjiang province in the northwest region of the country is a place unto its own, distinct from the rest of China in its landscapes, foods and people. Though modernization has…>
Chai Lai Orchid: A feel-good retreat in Northern Thailand
NORTHERN Thailand is in some ways a region of contradictions – the beauty of the area is unparalleled but there are many little-known communities there that suffer due to political circumstances beyond their control. Chai Lai Orchid presents an opportunity for guests to appreciate the beauty of this region of Thailand, and to not only…>
5 dishes you have to try in Thailand
THE reputation of Thai food is known the world over for being savory, spicy and all-around delicious. This reputation is well-deserved, as Thai cuisine is an endless smorgasbord of flavors and interesting combinations. And perhaps the best part about exploring the local food scene in various parts of the country? It’s all cheap, with most…>
5 must-try Chinese dishes
IF you’re from anywhere in the Western world, you were probably raised at least in part on Chinese take-out. Sweet and sour or General Tso’s chicken, pork fried rice, fortune cookies. The offerings at most quick and dirty Chinese take-away places are typically delicious, but limited. When you arrive in China, however, you’ll find that…>
5 best nightlife cities in Asia
WHEREVER you are in Asia, there is somewhere to party. Even in the wilds of Mongolia you’ll find someone who is willing to throw back a few with you. Or in Muslim Indonesia, there is still Bali, where you can always find a party or two. Here are five of our favorite cities in Asia…>
5 great yoga resorts and retreats in Asia
THERE are a few different types of people who come to Asia: backpackers on their Gap Year or spring break, NGO workers, retirees, digital nomads, people searching for serenity in a mad world. Nearly all of them, at one point or another, get caught up in visions of Thailand as a sanctuary, a place to…>
5 great cocktail bars in Asia
TRAVEL is all about adventure, new experiences, throwing yourself into the unknown – and sampling the best liquor a city has to offer. Capital cities tend to have the best selection of bars and nightlife options, and it’s always useful to know the best place to take a stiff drink at the end of a…>
Thailand: 5 great places to detox after Songkran
THE time is near, when Thailand’s cities will turn into battlegrounds where locals, ex-pats and backpackers will take to the streets in the most epic waterfight they’ve ever seen. The annual Songkran celebration honoring the Buddhist New Year will be held April 13-15. Those who have braved the festival in the past have described it…>
5 great markets in Asia
THE market practically defines the Asian experience. The intermingled odors of spice, sweat, grilled meats, raw fish and the sharp, sinus-clearing scent of rice alcohol envelop you in the commerce and community of these often tightly packed microcosms of their colorful countries. Asia’s markets are where to go if you want to immerse yourself in…>
Urban oases: 5 serene city hotels in Asia
IT’S always nice to take in a bit of nature, even when visiting some of the world’s largest cities. A stay at one of these hotels affords you not only comfortable, cozy accommodations but also views of some of Asia’s loveliest urban green spaces. Whether you’re surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Thailand in…>
5 of the best food cities in Asia
ONE of the greatest things about visiting Asia is, hands down, the food. This isn’t Wok n’ Roll slop from your local food cart or rubbery overpriced pad Thai delivery – it’s the real deal. The cuisine varies widely, and deliciously, across the region but these five cities are great jumping off points for getting…>
5 great cities for ex-pats in Asia
FOR young ex-pats, Asia presents incredible opportunities for travel, career and personal development and growth. It is a region of great wealth and prosperity, but also of extreme human rights violations and abject poverty. Foreigners who move to Asia often find it is a far different and more fascinating place than they anticipated, and that…>
5 Asian beaches to visit in 2013
THERE’S never a wrong time to take a beach vacation and TripAdvisor’s recently released list of the top 25 beaches in the world has gotten this writer creating her own wish-list of getaways for the year. The Asia-Pacific region is chock full of places to lounge in the sun with a book and a cold…>
Five chilled Chiang Mai day trips
CHIANG MAI is known as the cultural capital of Thailand, a city of temples, retreats and cultural markets. It is all of these things, but more as well, especially if you get outside the city limits. Northern Thailand has a wealth of beautiful natural landscapes and formations, and you don’t even need to venture too…>
The Orchid: A cozy Beijing retreat
ANY ex-pat or foreigner will tell you that Beijing doesn’t do serene. Quiet, relaxation, a place to unwind and contemplate your thoughts — these are things one actively seeks in the Chinese capital. Beijing is a city well worth visiting, but it’s also constantly moving, shifting. Amid all of this chaos and activity, however, is…>
Destination: Bohol Island, Philippines
WHEN doing the Southeast Asia travel circuit, people often tend to focus on a very specific area of the region: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, with the occasional jaunt to Malaysia or Indonesia thrown in. It’s less often that you meet someone who names the Philippines as a stop on their trip – but it really…>
A day at the Bor Sang Umbrella Festival, Chiang Mai
THAILAND is known as the Land of Smiles and deservedly so, but the country’s rich tradition of crafting, woodworking and artistry are also not to be overlooked. These aspects of Thai culture were celebrated this weekend at the 30th Bor Sang Umbrella & San Kamphaeng Handicraft Festival. The event was held from Friday, Jan. 18-Sunday,…>
The other side of Koh Phangan: Beyond the Full Moon Party
WHEN you first hear Koh Phangan, Thailand, what images spring to mind? Lazy days on pristine beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters, delicious Thai food served to you at the water’s edge… or rambunctious, drunk foreigners raving by the thousands along Haad Rin beach under the full moon? The Full Moon Party dominates Koh Phangan’s…>
In pictures: Vientiane, Laos
AS a travel destination, Vientiane isn’t the most exciting place to visit, at least on the surface. When arriving from one of Southeast Asia’s more beloved cities Laos’ capital might appear to be a disappointment, with relatively high prices and a lower quality of life than other parts of the region. But beneath the surface,…>
Celebrating Yi Peng and Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai
ANYONE who has spent time in Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the past months has surely heard the phrase Loi Krathong thrown out at one point or another. The massive festival, which falls this year on Nov. 28, draws travelers from around the world to this northern city. Chiang Mai has developed a reputation as the place…>
Where to find good music in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is home to an abundance of places to hear live music or good dance beats. Any night of the week, stroll through the old city or down Nimmanhaemin Rd. and you’ll hear familiar tunes pouring from the fronts of bars and restaurants. The following are this author’s favorite places to grab a Singha…>
Where to volunteer in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
VOLUNTOURISM has become an increasingly attractive way for travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and give back to the community in which they are traveling. Northern Thailand is a particularly good place to do this, as there are many organizations that are helping improve the lives of children, refugees and wildlife in the region.…>
Thailand: Budget carriers move to Bangkok’s Don Muang airport
Budget travelers passing through Thailand will soon find themselves getting acquainted with Bangkok’s Don Muang airport whether they like it or not. The small airport, which was hit hard by flooding in Bangkok in 2011, and has been undergoing repairs and construction to prevent another disaster, will handle much of the low-cost air traffic in…>
New Chinese visa rules mean more hassle for travelers
PLANNING a trip to China in the near future? Better brush up on the new visa rules then, lest you find yourself being turned down when applying for this essential document for travel to China. New requirementss for tourist and business visas, both of which were fairly easy to obtain in recent years, became effective…>
An insider’s guide to Beijing
BEIJING has become a an increasingly attractive travel destination in recent years, particularly in the wake of incredible growth following the 2008 Olympics. From historic relics to trendy shopping to the unbeatable delight of savory local food, Beijing has much to offer every kind of traveler. Sightseeing You’d be remiss to skip any of the…>
发现专属于兰卡威（Langkawi）的一片人间天堂
——凯西·海因斯 要想在马来西亚（Malaysia）体验独一无二的终极版豪华享受，不用舍近求远，只需到尊贵奢华的兰卡威大泰度假酒店就能如你所愿。连绵起伏的度假胜地为宾客们提供最舒适惬意的休闲之所。徜徉在这些美仑美奂的岛屿中，您可领略到瑰丽无比的自然风光。大泰度假酒店处于绝佳的地理位置，沿着安达曼海（Andaman Sea）一字排开，为此，宾客们可完全拥有这白皑皑的沙滩和晶莹湛蓝的海水。 不管是将心爱的人“金屋藏娇”于私人别墅还是和爱人在大泰宽敞的卧室内相拥而眠，您将享受到最优质的服务和最优良的设施。而且你可问心无愧地沉浸在这种氛围中，因为大泰不但是生态友好之地而且很有生态意识。度假酒店的方方面面均表现出静谧、平和且舒缓的气氛，是积极进取的夫妻盼望加强彼此感情、加强和他人联系并加强与城外的世界交流的世外桃源。 大泰度假酒店的旅游热点包括私人沙滩、高尔夫球场、游泳池和健身俱乐部。不管您想要哪种假期，是慵懒散慢式的还是活力四射型的，在兰卡威大泰度假酒店都能让你满意而归。 要想真正从烦琐的日常事务中解放出来，宾客们可接受我们的诚意邀请，享受大泰的水疗服务，令你重新焕发活力。水疗的服务项目选择范围广，从阿育吠陀印度式（Ayurvedic）的按摩至爪哇咖啡磨砂身体一应俱全。 至于用餐问题，我们的大厨竭诚为您提供各种风味的饕餮大餐。在观心亭（Pavilion）露天餐厅，宾客们可调配出甜甜辣辣的泰国菜。若要点更加原汁原味的菜式，马来屋（Malay House）为您献上色香味俱佳的马来西亚和印度菜肴。度假酒店还能为您提供包括野餐和西餐在内的菜肴。在此，无人会饿坏肚子，也无人不称心满意。兰卡威大泰享誉全球，到到网 ( TripAdvisor )、《旅行者》（ Conde Nast Traveller）和巧妙游亚洲网（SmartTravelAsia.com）均对大泰赞不绝口。 卡威大泰度假酒店地址：位于马来西亚吉打州（Kedah Darul Ama）兰卡威岛大泰海湾路 联系电话：+60 4 959 2500 如果你喜欢本文并且想要了解更多关于去马来西亚旅游的知识，那么请访问马来西亚旅游网站。 __________________ 作者简介 凯西·海因斯（中国） 凯西·海因斯是作家、编辑兼摄影师，现住中国北京。2008年，毕业于美国纽约哥伦比亚新闻学院（Columbia Journalism School）后，她分别在《点名报》（Roll Call）、华尔街日报（The Wall Street Journal）上发表文章，而且在中国发表的作品不胜枚举。若要查看她的文章和摄影作品，请点击caseyhynes.com。
Destination: Pai, Thailand
NESTLED in the mountains north-west of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city, lies the small town of Pai, known commonly to travelers as a kind of hippie mecca. Sleepy Pai sits in a valley in Mae Hong Son Province, and the main town is comprised of a few blocks dotted with restaurants, shops and galleries.…>
In pictures: The monkeys and ruins of Lopburi
SLEEPY Lopburi, Thailand, is one of the oldest cities in the country. Ruins from wats, or temples, more than a thousand years old stand proudly in the small city, a testament to the Lopburi of long ago. These days, however, the primary reason to visit Lopburi is to observe the packs of long-tailed macaques that…>
SnapAdventures offers ex-pats in Beijing the best of both worlds
BEFORE landing in a new country they’ve chosen to call home for awhile, most ex-patriates imagine an adventurous, exciting lifestyle filled with daring travel and once-in-a-lifetime cultural encounters on a regular basis. Those romantic images tend to fade a bit upon arrival, however, as the reality of adjusting to and working in a new city…>
Brunching in Beijing: When, where and how much
Brunch has been a Sunday institution for more than a century, since the term was first coined in England in 1896. A hybrid of breakfast and lunch, brunch has come to symbolize an indulgent, lazy Sunday afternoon of good eats, perhaps a few cocktails to put out the fire from the night before, and for…>
Tips for dealing with extreme pollution in Beijing
NO ONE would ever accuse Beijing, China of being a clean city. Spit, urine, fecal matter and trash are not uncommon to see blobbed on sidewalks and the smell of sewage pervades pockets of the city. More disconcerting than any of that, however, is the air pollution, which has lately made the city look downright…>
In pictures: Mongolia’s timeless beauty, with some grit on the side
THE Mongolian steppe may be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and unique sites to be seen in Asia. How many countries in the region have a capital city that is surrounded on all sides by pristine hills, swaths of land that remind one of the massive, ancient nature of this planet? Ulaan Baatar, the…>
China in pictures: Xingcheng, a small town by the sea
IN mere decades, the opening up of China has made way for skyscrapers, a burgeoning luxury market and food scene, and an influx of foreign interests. But much of China remains untouched by this modernization and large swaths of the country remain behind the rapid advancements of first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. It…>
5 great happy hour bars in Beijing
AS any working stiff knows, the best hour of any weekday is happy hour, that magical window of time during which friends and colleagues gather to imbibe and forget the office for a while. Here are some of the best spots in Beijing to pop into for an affordable after work drink. 1. Brussels Bar,…>
The DOs and DON’Ts of visiting Beijing
CHINA tops many a traveler’s bucket list for places in the world to visit, and a trip to China isn’t really complete without spending a few days in Beijing. After all, you don’t want to leave the country without being able to say you’ve been to the Great Wall and there’s lots to love about Beijing.…>
Beijing’s burgeoning wine scene: 5 great places to imbibe
BEIJING is growing up, shedding its sealed-off past – when the expat nightlife options consisted of one seedy bar street – to become a truly cosmopolitan city. The restaurant and nightlife industries in Beijing are young, but growing all the time, and these great leaps forward are reflected in the burgeoning Beijing wine scene. Though…>
Hotel ICON, Hong Kong: Boutique luxury with a twist
FOR the quintessential Hong Kong experience — with a twist — you can do no better than to book a stay at Hotel ICON. This innovative boutique hotel invites guests to enjoy the best of modern style and ancient tradition, set with a backdrop of exquisite design and superior service. What makes it special? Owned…>
Beijing police hit the streets searching for illegal foreigners
BEIJING police made good on the government’s recent promise to crack down on foreigners living and working illegally in Beijing, disturbing revelers’ good times on weekend nights to check passports and registration photos. Text messages circulated among some ex-pats and reporters tweeted that police were out demanding to see identification in the Sanlitun neighborhood Saturday…>
Top 5 Green Spaces in Beijing
THE sticky, sweltering months of the Beijing summer will test the reserve of the staunchest travelers. But amid the smog and the traffic and the hurried throngs of people lie a handful of beautiful green spaces that will surprise and delight visitors with how aesthetically pleasing this city can be. Chaoyang Park Site of the…>
Beijing cracks down on expat community
CHINESE police began a 100-day campaign Tuesday, May 15, to lay a legal smackdown on any foreigner living or working in the country illegally. In an effort to crack down on the number of “illegal aliens” in the country who are working without the proper visas, have overstayed their visas or entered the country unlawfully,…>
10 things we adore about Beijing
TO see Beijing today, the city appears to be in a perpetual state of growth. New shops, bars, restaurants, businesses and social events spring up all the time. It’s hard to believe that only a few decades ago, Beijing was closed off to most of the world and that the high-rises and luxury department stores…>
Treetop Asia offers tours for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike
SO you’re in Thailand. You want to experience the natural beauties and wonders of this most exquisite place while getting your adrenaline kick as well. Fret not — the Treetop Asia people have got you covered. Treetop Asia puts on Flight of the Gibbon ziplining tours through the rainforest canopy, an experience unlike any other. You’ll…>
Top things to see and do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
WHILE beaches, aquatic adventures and raging parties rule the hotspots in Thailand’s south, Chiang Mai in the north awaits visitors with some gems of its own. The following should be on your must-do list if you make your way to Chiang Mai, the charming and unique city that is the second largest in Thailand. Markets…>
Beauty and the beast: The two sides of Koh Phi Phi
AQUAMARINE waters so clear you can see down to the sand. Lush greenery crawling over massive rocks that jut over the water. Waves lapping gently at pristine shorelines. And bars. Bars as far as the eye can see. Phi Phi Don, the largest of the Phi Phi Islands and the only one that is permanently…>
Room of the Week: Luang Poj Boutique Hostel, Thailand
MORE a charming guest house than hostel, the Luang Poj offers a charming respite for the travel-weary. The restored inn sits along a main street in Ranong, Thailand, a border town convenient for making visa extension runs into neighboring Burma. What makes it special? The Luang Poj team opened the hostel on Christmas Day a…>
Five adventures worth having in Sabah, Borneo
SABAH, one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo, is home to some of the loveliest and most fascinating creatures in the world. While travel to and around Sabah takes a bit more planning than your average trip, it is here that you will see some of the greatest wonders on the planet.…>
Close encounters with the wilds of Sabah, Borneo
THERE are a few places on the planet that inspire a sense of wonder and adventure because of their untouched nature, their wildness and promise of things not before seen. Borneo is one of those places. Even the name suggests exoticism, mystery, a place far removed from rush and routine. It is indeed a remarkable…>
In pictures: Borneo’s Kinabatangan Rainforest
THE Kinabatangan Rainforest is part of Borneo’s lush ecosystem, a haven for wildlife and enormous life-giving vegetation. The Kinabatangan is located in Sabah, the side of Borneo known for its jungle landscapes, while neighboring Sarawak claims the area’s beautiful beaches. Within the Kinabatangan lies Sukau, a small village that welcomes travelers seeking a glimpse of…>
Essential iPhone apps for traveling in Beijing
THE iPhone has revolutionized travel, and is invaluable in a city like Beijing. While English is fairly widely spoken, travelers still run into standard issues such as not knowing the layout of the city and not being able to communicate with taxi drivers. Travel apps help alleviate those problems, and can make your Beijing experience…>
Beijing’s markets – a beginner’s guide
THERE’S not much you can’t get in the crowded, colorful markets of Beijing. From clothes to toys, fresh fruits to bizarre snacks, cameras to computers, the commerce centers of China’s capital have it all. But whatever it is you’re looking for, go in knowing you’re going to work for it. Anyone who has spent any…>
The best way to see the Great Wall of China? Go it alone
THE Great Wall of China. If any place is an absolute must-see during a trip to Beijing, it’s this. While not as ornate as the Forbidden City or as colorful as a stroll through the city’s hutongs, the Great Wall is in many ways symbolic of China’s history. It is the image most foreigners associate…>
Beijing Nightlife: Where to party with the young, hip and beautiful
RECENT years have been good to Beijing, particularly when it comes to entertainment and nightlife. The dining and drink scenes seem to constantly evolve and grow, and that includes the lounge and club sector. Clubbing’s not for everyone, and Beijing has plenty of low-key entertainment if, say, dive bars are your thing. But for those…>
Chinese New Year in Pictures: Spring Festival in Beijing
EACH year at Chun jie, or Chinese New Year, Beijing largely empties out as young Chinese flock home to their families. But a city this large is not a ghost town entirely, and traditional decorations, temple fairs and above all fireworks mark the city for the two-week period of the Spring Festival. Below is a…>
5 cheap and cheerful Beijing hostels
INTREPID travelers know that backpacker hostel experiences run the gamut from really great to really, really terrible. Sometimes it can be difficult to anticipate which of those it will be. The following five hostels are sure bets in Beijing, receiving positive reviews from travelers and boasting friendly staff who will help arrange sightseeing ventures, including hiring a…>
Enter the dragon: Celebrating Chinese New Year in Beijing
THE Year of the Dragon looms large, with Chinese New Year beginning at midnight this Sunday. Signs of the holiday are already evident in the Chinese capital, with locally-owned shops and businesses closing down days in advance. Doorways to homes and restaurants are festooned with bright red decorations. The mass exodus of professional Beijingers has begun…>
No guts, no glory: Beijing’s most bizarre street foods
IF there’s one thing that should be a must on your to-do list when visiting a new country, it’s sampling the local fare. However slimy, sticky, stinky or downright revolting the dish may seem, zany dining experiences usually end up making the most compelling travel tales. This is especially true in China, for what other…>
Best dive bars in Beijing
BEIJING’S ever-growing nightlife scene is chock full of fun bars, clubs and venues where you can get your drink on while mixing and mingling with locals and fellow expats and travelers. But sometimes nothing beats grabbing a cheap beer at a good dive bar, and Beijing has plenty of those as well. Here are a…>
Destination: Xinjiang Province, China
THERE are few places you can go in China that don’t retain at least some sense of the country’s ancient culture and colorful history. However, Xinjiang province in the northwest region of the country is a place unto its own, distinct from the rest of China in its landscapes, foods and people. Though modernization has…>
Chai Lai Orchid: A feel-good retreat in Northern Thailand
NORTHERN Thailand is in some ways a region of contradictions – the beauty of the area is unparalleled but there are many little-known communities there that suffer due to political circumstances beyond their control. Chai Lai Orchid presents an opportunity for guests to appreciate the beauty of this region of Thailand, and to not only…>
5 dishes you have to try in Thailand
THE reputation of Thai food is known the world over for being savory, spicy and all-around delicious. This reputation is well-deserved, as Thai cuisine is an endless smorgasbord of flavors and interesting combinations. And perhaps the best part about exploring the local food scene in various parts of the country? It’s all cheap, with most…>
5 best nightlife cities in Asia
WHEREVER you are in Asia, there is somewhere to party. Even in the wilds of Mongolia you’ll find someone who is willing to throw back a few with you. Or in Muslim Indonesia, there is still Bali, where you can always find a party or two. Here are five of our favorite cities in Asia…>
5 great yoga resorts and retreats in Asia
THERE are a few different types of people who come to Asia: backpackers on their Gap Year or spring break, NGO workers, retirees, digital nomads, people searching for serenity in a mad world. Nearly all of them, at one point or another, get caught up in visions of Thailand as a sanctuary, a place to…>
5 great cocktail bars in Asia
TRAVEL is all about adventure, new experiences, throwing yourself into the unknown – and sampling the best liquor a city has to offer. Capital cities tend to have the best selection of bars and nightlife options, and it’s always useful to know the best place to take a stiff drink at the end of a…>
