There’s too much food in Bangkok. Whether you’re there for street food, ample buffets, or restaurants, Thailand’s capital manages to combine a diversity of flavors and cuisines with quality. Consequently, for those of you stuck in the indecisive camp, let me make a recommendation– The Allium at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok. Address-wise, it’s a very […]
Asia (Non-Middle East)
Crossing China’s Newest Border with Hong Kong
Last week, after flying in to Hong Kong, I wanted to use the new(est) China Hong Kong border crossing to reach Shenzhen. For background, the Chinese side is called Liántáng (莲塘), and the Hong Kong side Heung Yuen Wai (香園圍). It is located in the Luo Hu district of Shenzhen, in a more residential part of town […]
Downtown Check-In Reopening Next Month in Hong Kong
After more than three years, it appears that downtown check-in is finally returning to Hong Kong. Starting 5 July, passengers on select airlines will once again be able to realize downtown check-in for their flights at the Hong Kong Island Airport Express station, by the ifc Mall in Central. Lamentably, the last time I was […]
No More PCR Tests to Enter China, But …
No more PCR tests will be needed to enter China, as of 29 April. Indeed, with regards to COVID-19 entry requirements to China, things have come a long way, even since the first quarter of 2023. In other words, it’s no longer a sisyphean task to enter the country, particularly as a non-resident. The […]
Sapporo, Japan’s Miso Ramen (味噌ラーメン)
In addition to Japan’s most well-known home-grown soup, miso soup, there have historically been others – houtou, with pumpkin, mushrooms, and meat, and miso nikomi made in a clay pot – that employ both noodles and miso, or fermented soybeans. Miso is beneficial for immune and digestive support, and has a fair amount of protein, […]
Next Month, Japan Is Eliminating All COVID-19 Restrictions
Japan eliminates all COVID-19 restrictions … that has nice ring to it. Especially after all of those months of waiting in vain for the country to open (i.e. to reciprocate). And then seeing it open to badly planned tour groups. And then this: Yep, that was back in September 2022. I was able to get […]
Review: JAL Sakura International Lounge, Tokyo Haneda
Does the Tokyo Haneda Sakura International Lounge have anything on the Tokyo Haneda Sakura Domestic Lounge? You betcha. Ish. Access There are two security/immigration queues at Tokyo Haneda’s Terminal 3, aka the International Terminal. Regardless of the one you choose, look for escalators by Gate 114. Go to the 4th floor to access this Japan […]
Two Lounge Reviews: ACV Business & Song Hong in Hanoi
At Hanoi Airport (HAN) in Vietnam, the international terminal (Terminal 1 is domestic, Terminal 2 is international) has three airline lounges: Vietnam Airlines, ACV Business Lounge, and the Song Hong Business Lounge. All three are airside, that is, you must first pass security/immigration to reach them. Let’s pay a visit to the two non-airline affiliated […]
