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Where To Find Bangkok’s Best Luxury Hotel Deal

Tucked in a quiet corner of a busy Bangkok neighborhood, there is a hotel that’s exceptionally comfortable, elegant, and a true oasis in Thailand’s capital city. With the right approach though and a few tricks, you can book a stay here for under $80 a night.

Here’s where to find that hotel and how to get a great deal on accommodation in Bangkok. You can watch the video above and then read on.

Heart Of The Action

Sukhumvit is a bustling district on Bangkok with high rise buildings dotting the skyline. A major artery of the city Sukhumvit Road goes through the heart of Bangkok and where popular celebrations like Songkran are most active. Between a quiet laundry shop and nearby a hospital is Ad Lib a hotel that’s decorated with hanging green vines, large glass walls, and remarkably quiet considering its location.

bangkok at night

The breakfast buffet is impressive and the rooms new with spotless mattresses and comfortable pillows. There’s a pool, gym, several bars and restaurant but the Ad Lib never feels like overbearing. The open design and friendly staff all add to the experience of being relaxing while at the same time making it easy to drop into the bustle of Bangkok’s beating heart.

Getting The Best Rate

One key piece of advice to getting the best deal at the Ad Lib is to never book from a third party site. Always book through the Ad Lib’s main site, where you’ll save at least 20% than booking elsewhere. I often find rooms listed for $120 in some places to regularly be $90 directly from Ad Lib. The site also has another perk which are the very frequent sales and promotions they run. Those included, you can find rooms for $75 a night or less. An amazing deal considering the level of luxury you get at Ab Lib and when compared to the cost of nearby luxury accommodation.

All Kinds Of Travel

To me, the Ad Lib is the perfect type of hotel if you want to recharge at the hotel during a trip to Bangkok or if you want a comfortable base to explore the city from. It’s comfortable enough to be the hotel you never have to leave but also situated in a place that gives you access to all Bangkok has to offer. An upgrade hotel experience and a competitive alternative to Airbnb in Bangkok.

Everything You Need To Know About Songkran In Thailand (Especially Bangkok)

Throughout Southeast Asia from about April 13th-April 16th the massive water festival Songkran takes place. Songkran is actually Buddhist New Year and in many places like Thailand has evolved into a water gun fight that takes place throughout the streets. One of the most exciting and active places to experience Songkran is in Bangkok.

Here’s everything you need to know about Songkran in Bangkok, from where to go, the ground rules, and how to have the best time of your life.

Songkran In A Soggy Nutshell

Buckets of water, hoses, and of course oversize water guns it’s hard to describe how widespread the soaking is during Songkran. (That’s what the video here is all about.) From the moment you walk out the door, at any hour, you are subject to getting water sprayed, splashed, and dunked on you by anyone on the street. You either accept it or don’t go outside during Songkran. You too however are free to shoot, spray, and splash back, with some exceptions.

Everything You Need To Know About Songkran In Thailand (Especially Bangkok)

Songkran Rules

A few groups of people are exempt from getting water thrown on them. This list of groups includes monks, the elderly, babies, people in shops and stores, as well as workers at food stalls or outside. People who may have trouble moving through disability as well shouldn’t be wet unless they’re participating. It take a bit of common sense but when you’re out during Songkran, you’ll quickly be able to figure out who’s in and those groups you shouldn’t throw water on.

Don’t shoot people in the eyes and don’t shoot drivers (especially those on motorbikes) either. Be thoughtful and observe how locals around you are behaving and you shouldn’t run into any trouble. Lastly, it’s not an official rule but try not to get the water in your mouth because chances are it’s not clean. Bringing along a towel or goggles to protect your eyes from water is also not a bad idea.

Where To Enjoy Songkran

I did say that Songkran happens across Bangkok but there are some hot spots. You can start at Wat Pho, one of the biggest temples in the city to see the religious side of Songkran. There’s music, offerings, as well as music and food. Songkran at Wat Pho is a laid back experience but it does get crowded so you can arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Another Songkran hot spot is Khaosan Road, the notorious backpacker street. Here Songkran is a full on party with lots of tourists in the mix. During the day it’s hectic and at night it can be described as mild chaos as the music (and drinking) all get turned up. Khaosan Road during Songkran is not for the faint of heart.

You can also go to Silom Road, which is even more crowded and a local favorite place to celebrate. There’s a beautiful barrage of water from all angles with large crowds, plenty of food and shops around to refuel and probably the best place to enjoy Songkran if you want to go all in. For a more family atmosphere there’s Siam Square where it’s known as “white Songkran” since alcohol is not served here. You still get the crowds but more kids so if you have little ones it might be the best spot for you.

The Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Vientiane, Laos

Not only is vegetarian food widely consumed in Laos, in Vientiane there are places where you’ll miss the local flavors by not visiting one of these restaurants. From vegan nuns to the friendliest chef you’ll meet, these are the best vegetarian and vegan places to eat in Vientiane.

1. For Fancy CoCo & Co

This is a very modern vegan cafe that’s open for breakfast and lunch. Don’t let the looks fool you though the portions are big and the food tasty at CoCo & Co. It’s on the pricier side for Vientiane but likely a place you’ll swing by on more than one occasion for its laid back atmosphere and central location.

The Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Vientiane, Laos

2. Vegetarian Master RUMA Restaurant

Every weekday a group of Vietnamese nuns serves up a vegan buffet as part of their Buddhist beliefs. As one tray gets finished and new one, with a completely new dish replaces it. For about $3 you can eat as much as you want and the food is incredible, one of the best hidden gems in Vientiane. Open only for limited lunch hours.

vegetarian laos

3. Reunion Vegan Cafe

For those of you looking for traditional Lao cuisine that’s plant based but not lacking in any of the spice or flavors, Reunion Vegan Cafe is the spot. Large portions and a very local atmosphere, a large meal will run you about $6. The menu is seemingly endless but make sure to try the laab salad, a Laotian classic.

vegan food laos

4. White Lotus Restaurant

This place is weird because you never know what the kitchen is cooking up or how long you’ll wait. When the stars align though the chef has a flavorful take on Laotian staples but the staff and owner are the reason to visit. Through a translator app they’ll talk with you and it’s a local experience not to be missed.

For other travels in Southeast Asia there are great vegetarian street foods to eat in Hanoi and vegan restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

How To Spend A Day In Vientiane, Laos

The capital of Laos, Vientiane is often a hoping off spot for visitors headed to the northern mountains of Luang Prabang or perhaps Vang Vieng. Vientiane’s central location in Laos with tempting destinations close by makes it a place most travelers quickly get in and out of. Don’t be fooled though there is a lot to see in town, here’s how to plan 24 hours in Vientiane.

Accommodation

There’s two type of stays in Vientiane. The first is a more resort type of experience and many of those pricier hotels can be found along the Mekong waterfront but are not very close to town. (Roughly a 40 minute walk or 15 minute car drive, depending on the highly variable traffic.) For shorter stays in Vientiane though it’s best to stay near the city center in a place like the Salana Boutique Hotel. You can watch my full review in the video below.

Temple Hop

Vientiane is a city of temples, most of which are within walking distance within a short radius. There’s the oldest, Wat Si Saket or the colorful Wat Ho Phra Keo. A short walk from the latter is Wat Si Saket, nearby to a Cafe Sinouk where you can cool off and try some locally harvested coffee from Laos. In case you haven’t seen enough temples (make sure you go inside for the impressive art, sculptures, and architecture) Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan is also nearby.

How To Spend A Day In Vientiane, Laos

A bit of a further drive (about a 20 minute car ride using the Loca ride sharing app) is Pha That Luang. There’s no much to see inside but rather it’s the large gold structure that is the main attraction. Bring your camera, sunscreen, and stay hydrated during your visit.

Enjoy A Buffet Run By Nuns

One of the most interesting places I stumbled upon is called Vegetarian in the Golden Age or Vegetarian Master Ruma Restaurant. Most days of the week there’s a highly varied vegan buffet offered for roughly $3 by Vietnamese nuns. As part of their Buddhist beliefs, they are strict vegetarians and the food is a tasty blend of Vietnamese and Lao flavors. Most of the dishes are replaced with completely new ones so arrive hungry. There is quite a selection and whether you’re omnivore or not, you won’t miss out on any flavor.

vientiane food

COPE Center

In the afternoon you should visit the COPE Visitor Centre. COPE is a center for medical rehabilitation and education about the effects of cluster bombs. Since the Vietnam War, Laos remains the most bombed country in the world and small unexploded ordinances are still injuring and killing thousands per year. You can learn more about this history and help with a donation by buying something at the gift shop.

As the hot sun of the day begins to set, make your way to the waterfront where Vientiane comes alive. There’s a carnival atmosphere, clothing stands, shopping, and a lot of street food to be found. For quick bites hang around the clothes vendors but for a more relaxed sit down, enjoy some seafood or a hot pot by the water. There’s often live music which makes for a great way to end your day in Vientiane.

WiFox Automatically Gives You The Best Airport Wifi Passwords Upon Arrival

WiFox Automatically Gives You The Best Airport Wifi Passwords Upon Arrival

Imagine you’re taking a trip with a layover in Istanbul but quickly realize upon landing the airport doesn’t have free wifi. So there you are, stuck with no way to pass the time other than staring off into space.

The other scenario is you downloaded WiFox Premium [Android/iOS] before leaving home and as soon as you land your phone shows you the top rated lounge password – all offline. Now you can text your friends, watch YouTube videos, and doom scroll until your flight.

What Is WiFox?

WiFox is the popular mobile app I released for iOS and Android in 2016 that’s been written about in the New York Times, Mashable, and topped the homepage of reddit multiple times. Since then I’ve continued to develop, expand, and enhance the WiFox experience so you can stay online when you travel. WiFox gives you access to 1,350 wireless lounge and airport passwords for nearly every airport in the world.

wifox ios app store     wifox google play android
Updates To Android!

The latest version of WiFox for Android available now for download brings with it WiFox Premium, which gives you automatic notifications of passwords and updates, password ratings for each connection, and 24/7 wifi support. These features are also available for WiFox iOS, in addition to working fully offline, a password copy function, and real-time updates when you’re back online.

Giveaways For Premium

Premium users also get special access to a number of giveaways throughout the year, so keep an eye on your notifications for a chance to win lounge passes, cash, and other prizes you can use toward your next trip.

Available Now For Download

WiFox is available now for download on Android and iOS (for iPhone, iPad, Macs, and Vision Pro) with the special price of FREE for the next two days only! Join hundreds of thousands of travelers and download WiFox so you’ll never be without wifi again!

travel smarter,
-Anil

The Ridge Check In Luggage Suffers From Scale

The Ridge Check In is a rugged piece of luggage made of highly durable materials very similar to their Carry On. In many ways it’s like Ridge took their popular Carry On and zapped it with an enlargement ray. The result is a hard shell 4 wheel roller that is strong and spacious but suffers from growing pains.

You can watch the full video review above and read on for more.

Hard Body

The Ridge Check In comes in 5 different colors from bright basecamp orange to the sleek alpine blue. No matter which color you decide on all of the Check In versions have a matte poly-carbonate shell. In theory the matte finish, instead of a flat or glossy one, should help with scratches and scuffing, something hard shell luggage is especially prone too. Even with the two rubber bumpers running vertically down the front of the Check In it won’t take more than a flight or two for the first signs of wear. (To help combat this Ridge have included a cleaning eraser that does a decent job of wiping off scuffs but you’ll have to be diligent about using it after each trip.)

The Ridge Check In Luggage Suffers From Scale

The poly-carbonate shell is thick to help add to the durability of the case and other Ridge luggage I’ve tested has held up well to frequent travel wear and tear. Like the Carry On the Check In also has aluminum corner protectors to prevent the corners getting turned inward from being tossed around. Those too scratch fairly quickly but again, no luggage looks like new for long.

Water Shell

The Check In has YKK zippers and an IPX3 rating meaning it can resist a strong downpour of rain and keep the contents dry. Most luggage doesn’t have (or the manufacturers don’t bother) to get an IPX rating for their bags so Ridge have gone above and beyond here. They’ve also made the most of the interior space – the Check In is 70 liters and compared to other premium bags of similar dimensions – Ridge have been able to squeeze out just a few more liters in the same space.

ridge check in

What’s Missing

The weight is also on the lighter side for hard shell luggage of this size (67.3 x 47 x 26.7 centimeters or 26.5 x 18.5 x 10.5 inches). The Check In has a few kilos on soft sided luggage but at 4.6 kilograms or 10.2 pounds, isn’t has heavy as the hard shell competition average. The interior is lined with light but durable 210 denier polyester (labeled with plenty of Ridge logos) with a clam shell design. One side has compression straps while the other has a mesh zippered window to keep contents in their place. I’d prefer compression straps on both sides to better keep contents in their place during baggage handling but being hard shell helps compensate just a bit.

ridge check in luggage

The lack of a handle or hard plastic bar on the bottom of the Check In is also a major lacking. On the smaller Carry On a handle not being there isn’t as big of an issue because presumably the bag will be lighter simply by being a smaller bag. For the much larger Check In though, picking up 20 kilos (or 30 plus pounds) of weight with nothing but the rubber zipper lining to grip isn’t very comfortable at all. I’m afraid it will wear on the bag over time and eventually give out. Not to mention drops or mishandles trying to pack the Check In on trains, car trunks, or other higher surfaces.

The Check In has the durability and lifetime warranty to set your mind at ease but keep in mind this is a $450 piece of luggage. There is a lot of competition at this size though with Away, Monos, and Samsonite all making luggage that’s nearly as durable but runs $100 or more cheaper. If you’re the kind of person that changes your checked luggage frequently, then you might want to look at some of the less expensive but still premium alternatives. But if you don’t mind the higher premium price for the minimalist look and rugged build, the Ridge Check In is a bag that should last you a long time.

About Anil Polat

foxnomad aboutHi, I'm Anil. foXnoMad is where I combine travel and tech to help you travel smarter. I'm on a journey to every country in the world and you're invited to join the adventure! Read More

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