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.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
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
Injury-free Skiing!
You've compared the various resorts' vital statistics, après ski options and historical snowfall data, and you're ready to hit the slopes this holidays! In this first of two articles, orthopaedic surgeon and ski-tragic DR DERRICK OH gives advice on how you can prevent skiing injuries.
Braces Vs Invisalign First!
Teeth straightening for kids can achieve more health benefits than just a great smile. Here, dentist DR ALEXIA KWAN talks about the pros and cons of the two main options: traditional braces and Invisalign First.
CAN OBESITY LEAD TO HEART ATTACKS?
Maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a matter of appearance - it's a vital aspect of heart health. DR MICHAEL ROSS MACDONALD, a senior consultant cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre, discusses how weight affects our heart and ways to manage it.
Achieving with Development Assessments
Every parent prioritises the wellbeing and optimal development of their child. Paediatric physiotherapist WAN YING TEH specialises in babies and children and tells us why a physiotherapy development assessment can help you achieve just this.
POWER WORKOUTS REDEFINED
It's easy to let fitness slide during the festivities, but keeping up your routine doesn't have to be a chore. These quick, high-burn workouts make it simple to stay active, boost your energy, and keep that waistline in check - no matter how packed your calendar gets!
TROPICAL TOWer
If you love a staycation option with strong eco credentials, try this lofty - and leafy - hotel in the heritage district of Tanjong Pagar.
A Boutique Resort in Malaysia
Inside a serene tropical sanctuary that combines contemporary design with nature.
A Guide to Lombok
As I floated on a surfboard, my instructor called out “go, chilli man!” to his friend carving along a breaking wave. He turned to me and said, “Have you tried the chillies here? They’re just like our island and our surfers: small but spicy.”
Thailand: City & Mountains
My two daughters are well into their teens, and in the blink of an eye they'll be heading off on holidays with groups of raucous friends rather than with their annoying parents.
Recipe CORNER
This holiday favourite combines the warmth of traditional spices with the rich textures of dried fruits. Enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine!
