Author: Amy

  • 11 Best Books About Thailand By Both Thai & Western Authors

    11 Best Books About Thailand By Both Thai & Western Authors

    I’ve been living in Bangkok for two years and it’s taken me just as long to compile this list of the best books about Thailand. Why? Because I didn’t want it to be weighted toward novels set in Thailand by predominantly white, Western authors, yet great Thai literature that resonates…

  • Reasons to Stay Alive: Matt Haig Quotes About Mental Health

    Reasons to Stay Alive: Matt Haig Quotes About Mental Health

    Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig should be made mandatory reading. When I was going through a rough time with depression and anxiety, a friend pressed this book into my hands and said, “I think you should read this.” That copy was quickly filled with underlined quotes and margin notes…

  • 9 Travel Books About Social Isolation

    9 Travel Books About Social Isolation

    The best of both worlds (that is, physical journeys and those undertaken through chapters) can be found in travel books about social isolation – a bit of an oxymoron, but nonetheless a relatable one during these “uncertain times.” Some are intrepid tales of solo adventures, while others are impressive feats…

  • How to Get Free Audiobooks & E-books Right Now

    How to Get Free Audiobooks & E-books Right Now

    Updated 4th April 2024 Welcome to a list of everywhere you can get free audiobooks and e-books right now. Some of the below are general subscription services from big names such as Amazon, whereas others are more niche and indy. Some catalogs can be accessed via apps, others include free…

  • Guide to Ko Sichang: An Easy Island Getaway From Bangkok

    Guide to Ko Sichang: An Easy Island Getaway From Bangkok

    Updated December 2024 Ko Sichang, a small, quiet island in the Gulf of Thailand, located just off the coast of Si Racha (yes, as in the sauce). The fact it’s often overlooked by tourists, has a strong Chinese influence—I even heard some Cantonese while I was there—and easily accessible from…

  • The Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani: A Natural Wonder in Thailand

    The Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani: A Natural Wonder in Thailand

    Updated December 2024 Located in Udon Thani, Thailand, the Red Lotus Sea (known locally as Talay Bua Daeng) is one of the country’s most impressive natural wonders. From December to February, this sprawling freshwater lake comes alive with millions of blooming pink lotus flowers, creating an endless, surreal expanse of…

  • The Best Bookshops in Chiang Mai: A Literary Guide

    The Best Bookshops in Chiang Mai: A Literary Guide

    Updated December 2024 Chiang Mai, known for its rich culture, historic temples, and mountainous beauty, is also a haven for book lovers. The city has an impressive array of independent bookshops offering everything from rare finds and local literature to international bestsellers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to…

  • The Best Hotels in Siem Reap: Where to Stay to Explore Angkor

    The Best Hotels in Siem Reap: Where to Stay to Explore Angkor

    Updated December 2024 While I was living in Thailand and working in the luxury travel industry, I had the amazing privilege to visit and stay in some of the best hotels in Siem Reap and beyond. So, I’m sharing those recommendations with you here.

  • How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Mexico City

    How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Mexico City

    Last September, I arrived in Ciudad de Mexico with no real knowledge about Mexican history or culture. However, I just had to look around at the glittering displays of green, white and red to know something was going on and indeed it was – I had stumbled into celebrating Mexico…

  • Asian Literature: 11 Best Books About Southeast Asia

    Asian Literature: 11 Best Books About Southeast Asia

    So, I recently made Southeast Asia my home by officially moving to Bangkok! I’ve celebrated in the only way I know how – adding the best books about Southeast Asia to my ever-growing reading wishlist and further expanding on my knowledge of Asian literature. Here, I’m recommending one novel set…