Tell us a bit about yourself and your experiences in Asia.
I was born and raised in Canada and moved to Thailand in 1995. I’ve lived here full time since founding Smiling Albino in 1999. Pre-pandemic, I was roving around Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. Now I spend most of my time exploring the areas in Thailand that are an inch off the map, going deeper into the far-flung regions that have yet to make it to most travellers’ bucket lists.
For readers who might not know, what is Smiling Albino?
We design and execute customised travel programmes for people from around the world. That could be something very simple, like a one-day trip in Bangkok for a family, right up to trips that are 25 days long for people crossing all of Southeast Asia, through Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. We also do corporate events – everything from executive-level scavenger hunts to motorcycle trips. We’re always looking to put a new, fun spin on travel in Southeast Asia. Our clients choose us because we’re “raving travel-mad humans”, and we care and listen.
Many of the countries where you’ve taken travellers for years have seen their tourism industry virtually disappear in the pandemic; how are your partners faring in those places?
The pandemic has without a doubt had a direct impact on the citizens of the region. It’s been a challenging time for everyone from our guides to the local restaurateurs, bar owners and shop owners. The countries have been so reliant on tourism that without it, opportunities have been limited.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2022 من EL Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2022 من EL Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Save your Spine at Work!
Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.
Festive Fashion Show!
As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
Ticket to Thailand
Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!
Laying Out Memories Through Food
YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.
A Musical Community
The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.
