Divanun Guide/ Bangkok

 

The Divanun Guide is a one pager of everything to eat, see, and do in Bangkok

Historical

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  • The Grand Palace- home of the royal family

  • Wat Pho- Temple of the reclining Buddha my fav temple in Bangkok

  • Rattankosin Island (Old Town)- Historic district filled with tiny alleys and ancient beauty

  • Temples Galore- so many temples to post about but you could fill many days exploring these beauties

Cultural

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  • Chatuchak Weekend Market- Massive market filled with food and clothes galore. A must if you want to bring back souvenirs

  • Festivals

    • Songrkran- Water Festival. I’ll probably never go because its set during one of the hottest month. April 12-15

    • Yi Peng- Lantern Festival. (I celebrated this in Chiang Mai but the festival in Bangkok is nice too). Full Moon of the 12th Lunar Moon, ( November)

    • Chinese New year

  • Bangkok Arts and Culture Center- A free contemporary arts center in downtown. I saw a ton of art reflecting people’s feelings about the passing of King Rama IX

  • MOCA Bangkok- A paid contemporary art museum further north then the Chatuchak Market

  • MBK- A huge mall that has to be seen to believed. A great place to spend those hot summer months

  • Khao San Road- The party district for foreigners in Old Town.

  • Kathmandu Photo Gallery- Shows a collection of emerging artist and the owners work.

Food

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  • Som Song Pochana- I had this amazing soup dish called Sukothai noodles. OMG it was amazing. Its in a random part of Old Town and you have to walk down some weird alleys but its definitely worth it.

  • Kanom Beung Bang Mae Prapa- Had this amazing tiny Thai crispy crepes that are sweet called kanom beung. You see them everywhere in Thailand but they had the best

  • Kim Leng- This amazing spot has Mee Krob which is this crispy rice noodle that has the best balance of spicy and sweet. They also have dishes that are rare in most Thai restaurants.

  • Look Sao Kor Panit- this place has some of the best mango sticky rice. I got this recommendation from the cleaning lady at my favorite hostel and she did not disappoint.

  • Beef Lady- this is not the best description but outside of my favorite hostel NapPark there was a lady who sold beef that is the best beef I’ve ever had. I still think about this beef from time to time its so good. She sells beef and sticky rice by the kilo.

  • Krua Apsorn- This place has a delicious crab omelet and fish cakes. Also they have some bomb mushroom medley.

Miscellaneous

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  • Accomodation

    • NapPark is my favorite Hostel in Bangkok. It’s more expensive them some of its neighbors but it is definitely worth it. It is always clean even though it houses so many people. They have a great atmosphere and I met so many people relaxing in their lounge.

  • Transportation

    • Public

      • There is a bus and a train system that I used to get around pretty well.

    • Private

      • There are ride share apps like Uber and Grab. As well you can order motorcycles on these apps which is the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city.

Divanun Guide/ Vietnam

 

The Divanun Guide is a one pager of everything to eat, see, and do in Vietnam

Historical

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  • Hanoi

    • Temple of Literature- hosts the first national university built in 1070

    • Tran Quoc Pagoda- The oldest buddhist temple in Hanoi

    • Old Quarter- a historic district

  • Phong Nha

    • Caves- Phong Nha Cave and Paradise are the ones I explored but there are others here

  • Ninh Binh

    • Hoa Lu- the ancient capital of Vietnam

    • BIch Dong Pagoda

  • Hoi An

    • My Son- ancient temple complex

Cultural

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  • Hanoi

    • Weekends in the Old Quarter- a great place to see how locals spend their time

  • Phong Nha

    • Duck Stop- a duck farm where you can feeds ducks and make wishes.

  • Hoi An

    • Museums- this city has tons of museums about history, art, and culture

Food

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  • Hanoi

    • Bun Cha Ta Hanoi- bun cha is a dish comprised of grilled pork and noodles that is dipped in a soup with aromatic herbs

    • PIzaza 4P’s- amazing japanese pizza joint.

    • Pho Cuon Huong Mai- get the pho noodle wraps and other dishes using the pho rice noodles

    • Foodshop 45- a delicious Indian spot

    • Pasteur Street Brewing Company- amazing Vietnamese brewery make sure you try their passion fruit beer- its divine

    • The Hill Station- great cocktails made from Vietnamese rice liquor

  • Phong Nha

    • D-Arts Zone- had some amazing bun cha here

  • Hoi An

    • Madam Khanh The Bahn Mi Queen- the best Bahn Mi i had in Vietnam/ my entire life

    • Dong Au Restaurant Hoi An- really great noodle dishes

    • Lantern Town Restaurant- amazing dishes cooked in clay pots. I had this eggplant and beef dish that was phenomenal

    • Central Market- tons of little food stalls. Make sure you try the white rose dumplings

    • Boulevard Gelato & Coffee- really good place for an icy treat in the heat

Miscellaneous

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  • Hanoi

    • Accomodation: Vietnam Backpackers Old Quarter- really easy place to meet people and its near all of the travel agencies for when you want to plan your trip.

  • Phong Nha

    • Accomodation:

      • Gecko Hostel & Bar is where I stayed very clean and nice

      • Easy Tiger Hostel- this place was highly recommended and I would have stayed here if I was in town any longer

  • Hoi An

    • Accomodation: Tribee Kinh Hostel- one of the best hostels I stayed at in all of SE Asia. The people were super friendly, they always have events, and they genuinely created a warm atmosphere

    • Tailoring

      • Bao Khanh Silk- this place is mid range price wise, however they have great quality and a really fast turn around. I would show them pictures of what I wanted and they would come out great. When it comes to alterations they really know their stuff.

      • Happy Day- this place is where you go for leather goods. I got a cute bag made and some shoes. My only advice is to ask them to stitch the soles instead of gluing them.

    • Really great night market across the bridge.

Divanun Guide/ Laos

 

The Divanun Guide is a one pager of everything to eat, see, and do in Laos

Historical

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  • VIentiane

    • Patuxai Monument- Historical Landmark

    • Pha That Luang- Historical Gold Stupa

    • Buddha Park- Large park filled with Hindu and Buddhist sculptures

  • Luang Prabang

    • Wat Xieng Thong- Buddhist Temple Complex

Cultural

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  • Vientiane

    • Night Market

  • Vang Vieng

    • Tubing

    • Caving

  • Luang Prabang

    • Sai Bat (Morning Alms)- see buddhist monks collecting offerings

    • Night Market

    • Tat Kuang Si- gorgeous waterfall

Food

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  • Vientiane

    • Jamil Zahid Indian and Pakistani Food- amazing taste of India in this sleepy capitol

    • Food Stalls at the Night Market

  • Vang Vieng

    • Space Bar and Tifalcony Pizza- great place to relax

    • LaungXaiKham Restaurant

  • Luang Prabang

    • Food Stalls at the Night Market

    • Tamarind

Miscellaneous

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  • Transportation

    • Intra City Tuk Tuk’s are the way to go just be sure to hassle

    • Around the country you can easily find buses both local and tourist that will take you where you need to go. Make sure you shop prices because some hostels or bus stations will charge different prices for the same thing

  • Accomodation

    • Vientiane

      • Dream Home Hostel 2- very dingy hostel but also super cheap. Had great atmosphere among other backpackers

    • Vang Vieng

      • Easy Go Hostel- Has an airconditioned dorm that is more modern than the main house. Also the cheapest hostel I ever stayed in all of my travels. It’s a short walk to the main downtown area

  • Next Time

    • I did not get to see the Plain of Jars which looked really cool

    • South of Vientiane is a lot less explored by tourists but still extremely beautiful

Divanun Guide/ Chiang Mai & Pai

 

Historical

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Chaing Mai

  • Wats

    • Wat Chedi Luang

    • Wat Sri Sutphan

    • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

  • Tha Phae Gate

Pai

  • Pai World War II Memorial Bridge

  • Wat Phra That Mae Yen: Temple of the White Buddha, huge buddha statue up a hill consisting of 250 steps

Cultural

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Chaing Mai

  • Loi Krathong Festival

  • Elephant Sanctuary: There are many to choose from just make sure they are ethical and do not involve riding the elephants.

  • Songkran: a water festival that happens all around Thailand

Food

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Chaing Mai

  • Khao Soi

  • Night Markets

  • Rustic & Blue

  • MIxology

  • The Riverside Bar & Restaurant-

Pai

  • Om Garden Cafe

  • Pai Walking Street

Miscellaneous

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Chiang Mai

  • Thailand Wow Guest House: The only hostel I will stay at in Chiang Mai. Kai the hostel manager is so kind and sweet and he really gives his backpackers 110%

  • There are cheap red tuk tuk’s that will take you all across the city for a fair price

  • Inside of the moat is the older stuff but once you go outside the moat especially to the West you will find a more upscale area with all the digital nomads.

Pai

  • I stayed at Pai Circus Hostel which I would do again only if I stayed in one of the private bungalows.

  • If you get motion sick easy then you have to fly into the airport because the road is not a Joke.

  • You pretty much have to either rent a bike or ride on the back of one to see all the beautiful sights and nature in the area.

Wat's of Chiang Mai

 

Chiang Mai is a city of wat's the name for Buddhist and Hindu temples in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. The word wat is borrowed from Sanskrit and means enclosure. There are so many different temples to see here some are high up in the mountain others are hidden down small alleys and but most are on proud display at the intersection of big streets. It can often feel overwhelming to decide to which temples to go to because you don't want to get burnt out by seeing 4 temples everyday but you also want to take in all their beauty. The two temples I chose to visit before I head for the south was Wat Chedi Luang which is a temple in the middle of the city and has deep historical value and Wat Sri Suphan which is a temple made of silver. 

 

Wat Chedi Luang started construction in the 14th century. However, it wasn't until the 16th century that it was finished. The grounds were originally composed of 3 smaller temples. A powerful earthquake destroyed the main stupa, a mound-like structure that holds Buddhist relics and is used as a site of meditation, and it presently sits in a state of beautiful destruction. The rest of the grounds is still in tack and full of beautiful little details and statues. In one of the rooms, the walls and ceilings are all decorated with a detailed story of gods and monsters from Thai mythology.  

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Hands down the most beautiful temple I've seen in my life was Wat Sri Suphan. It was originally built in the 1500's as the main temple for the silversmith village. The temple itself was built and rebuilt so many times over the years but it wasn't until the early 2000's that it was covered in a mixture of aluminum, silver, and zinc. In the sunlight the entire temple shines so magnificiently, I could stare for hours. 

Unfortunately, women are not allowed in the temple due to the idea that either they will be corrupted or they will corrupt the holy objects buried 500 years ago. But there is more to see then just the temple on these grounds. From 5:30-9pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays you can chat with monks about whatever you want to. As well on Saturdays there is a big market that radiates from the temple. Though, its not as big as the Sunday market.

Chiang Mai has so many Wat’s to choose from you really can’t go wrong, next time I visit I want to go to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which is located in the mountains overlooking Chiang Mai. But whatever you do remember that you don’t have to see everything just because you are traveling. Its ok to take some time and be picky otherwise you will exhaust yourself and won’t find any enjoyment in the sights that you do see. Traveling long term is always about striking the right balance! Subscribe below so you never miss an addition to the Archive!

Divanun Guide/ London

 

This DivaNun Guide is a one pager of everything to do, see, and eat in London.

Historical

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  • Big Ben

    • It was covered in scaffolding when I was there so I never visited but I did see it while on a bus.

  • Tower Bridge

    • Really gorgeous bridge great spot to take photos

  • Buckingham Palace

  • St Dunstan's in the East

    • this really cool dilapadated church which is great for photoshoots

Cultural

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  • Carnival

    • An annual summer celebration towards the end of August. One of the most crowded events I've ever been to. It honestly stressed me out and was very difficult to leave.

  • Tate Modern

    • An amazing museum you need to go

  • RIflemaker

    • a really cool museum in an old rifle making shop

  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

    • If you love botanical gardens like me then this place is a must.

  • Guest Projects

    • a really cool art space that is right off a cute canal

  • Barbican Centre

    • Beautiful brutalist architecture that enclose a cafe, art space, and gorgeous views

  • Black Cultural Archives

    • A National Heritage Center dedicated to telling the stories of African and Caribbean People in Britain

Food

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East London

  • Pivaz

    • A cute little restaurant on Chatsworth Road where I used to live. Great meditterean food for a bomb price

  • Martello Hall

    • PIzza shop right next to London Fields that has a really good brunch special

  • Netil360

    • Rooftop bar with great city views and a good atmosphere

  • The Barge House

    • Brunch spot known for their bread baskets, very delicious

  • Waterhouse

    • Tiny spot on a canal that has amazing sandwiches. Try the fried chicken or mushroom burger.

  • Dishoom Shoreditch

    • really good indian

  • Andina London

    • very good spot for juices or South American themed cocktails

  • PIzza East

    • really delicious pizza spot

  • The Boundary Project

    • rooftop restaurant that might require a reservation. Best time to go is on Sunday night when they have half priced shell fish!

  • Gunpowder

    • Indian

  • Som Saa

    • Thai spot

  • Clapton Craft

    • nice spot to pick up craft beers

  • Damascus Bite

    • amazing middle eastern place in Brick Lane

  • The Boundary Project

    • A chic rooftop restaurant and bar that has great specials on Sundays

  • Pepper & Spice

    • Jamaican food in Dalston

 

West London

  • Shackfuyu

    • Asian fusion place get the sampler platter so you can try everything this place has to offer

  • Bun House

    • get your fill of dumplings at this spot

  • Crosstown Doughnuts & Coffee

    • delicious confectionary goods

South London

  • Mango Indian

    • one of my fav Indian spots in the city

  • Fish, Wings, and Tings

    • get the appetizers which are fried codfish or peas and a cocktail and you have yourself a good afternoon

  • Healthy Eaters

    • my favorite spot to get some goat curry and a beef patty

  • Ghost Whale

    • nice spot to pick up some craft beers

  • Persepolis

    • Vegetarian and Vegan MIddle Eastern food

  • Ganapati

    • the location of some amazing swordfish curry and other south Indian fare

  • Pedler

    • a nice brunch spot

  • Morley’s

    • This fast food chicken shop is only on the south side of the Thames but it’s worth a trip. The best chicken shop chain in London.

Miscellaneous

  • Transportation

    • The Public Transportation in London is amazing. The buses are the best fleet ever, they take you all around the city. The trains have numerous stations and plenty of transfer points which make navigating the city a breeze.

  • Nightlife

    • Dalston Superstore

      • a great queer club, had so many good nights dancing here

    • Eagle London

      • hosts a party every sunday called Horse Meat Disco

    • Pxssy Palace

      • an amazing queer and femme of color centered dance party that happens every couple of weeks

    • BBZ

      • another queer and poc centered art and party space that hosts amazing events

    • 5Miles

      • a cool event space in Tottenham that my friends threw parties at often

 

  • Facebook Groups

    • Hackney Wick Spaces

      • How I searched for housing in East London

    • London Fashion Creatives

      • a facebook event where artists and creatives and models can come together and collbaborate

Divanun Guide/ Tokyo

 

This DivaNun Guide is a one pager of everything to do, see, and eat in Tokyo. 

Historical

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  • Imperial Palace
    • The site of a beautiful garden and the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan
  • Senso-ji Temple
    •  An ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo
  • Meiji Shrine
    • The Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken

Cultural

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  • Kanda Matsuri
    • One of the 3 great Shinto festivals in Tokyo
  • Yoyogi Park
    • A nice large outdoor space to sit and enjoy some nice weather. It is not connected to Meiji shrine they have different entrances. 
  • Museums
    • Tokyo National Museum
    • Mori Art Museum
    • The National Art Center Tokyo
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Park
    • A large park and garden located in Shinjuku that has phenomenal landscaping and a green house. Great for photo shoots and an extensive rose garden
  • Harajuku
    • A neighborhood south of Shinjuku with great fashion and food 
    • be sure
  • Ni-Chome
    • The gay district of Tokyo located in Shinjuku
  • Craft Sake Week
    • A great even where you can sample different types of sake from Japan. Happens in the spring in Roppongi
  • Shimokitazawa
    • Tokyo's answer to Brooklyn. A cool hip neighborhood filled with thrift stores and cute little shops
  • Golden Gai
    • A series of narrow alleys filled with bars that can only fit 5-8 people at a time. I visited a couple of these and I found them to be extremely expensive and super touristy. Most of the bars charge an entrance fee and the drinks were expensive. I would suggest getting a bottle of your choice from 7/11 and then wandering these streets. 
  • Piss Alley
    • A narrow side street next to the bustling Shinjuku metro station which has a series of small bars, yakitori grills, and food stalls. I walked down this street a bunch of times and the smell of food is so delicious but I never actually ate at any of the stalls. I would definitely suggest coming here to get a quick bite. 
  • Meguro River
    • During Cherry Blossom Season the Meguro river which is lined with this pale pink blossoms becomes a huge outdoor market with stalls selling food and alcohol as you wander and enjoy the natural beauty
  • Karaoke
    •  There are many places scattered across this city where you can sing popular songs with your friends in private rooms. The only place I went to where you sang karaoke in public was a bar in Ni-Chome. They are open all night so it's a great place to go before the train comes in the morning

Food

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  • With the most restaurants of any city you can literally eat anywhere and have a world class dining experience but here are some of my favorite spots
  • Tsukiji Food Market: There are some of the more famous shops here for sushi but in my opinion they are over priced and you can get the exact same fish from a shop a little deeper in the market. Just wander around and check prices. There's also a stall selling snow crab buns that are absolutely divine. 
  • Ramen
    • Asuka: In Shibuya serves a special tan-tan ramen thats hard to find. It is a sesame flavored ramen, very spicy, and it topped with fried pork
    • Hayashi: In Shibuya very delicious
    • Kikanbo Ramen: Has some of the best spicy miso ramen in Tokyo
    • There's more but I made the mistake of not saving a number of restaraunts to my google maps.
  • Gyoza Restaruant in Ni-Chome: On the weekends there's a late night gyoza places that slings some of the most delicious morsels of heaven I had. The name is in Chinese so its impossible to say but the location is across the street from the Apa hotel.
  • Tsurutontan Shinjuku: it's a chain and a little pricey but one of the best bowls of Udon I had in my life
  • Coco Ichibanya: Yes this place is a chain but it has such a reliably spicy pork curry that my heart will forever sing. 

Miscellaneous

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  • Irori Hostel
  • Night Life: Going out in Tokyo is all about making the last train home or staying up until the first train in the morning. Any bar or club you're in will stay open after the last train leaves so don't fear what you'll do inbetween. 
    • FancyHim: a queer underground dance night hosted in Ni-chome https://www.facebook.com/fancyhimtokyo/
    • Slideluck Tokyo: An event where food meets art and you can meet cool local artists http://slideluck.com/city/tokyo/
    • Aiiro Cafe: Where the gays congregate as the night begins. They have a beer blast HH that always brings a crowd
    • Eagle Tokyo: This cute establishment has a very long bar and is popular with the bears. I suggest ordering a double whiskey highball you won't regret it
    • Dragon: The top 40 music dancing destination. Not a personal fav of mine but they are a staple on the weekends. 
    • Trump Room: By far my fav venue in Tokyo. This is located in Shibuya and its a hassle to get to but the inside is filled with gold-plated tables and mirrors with super cool Dj's spinning until the early hours of the morning. 
  • Facebook Groups
    • Tokyo Expat Network: a place where I learned the most about renting an apartment and other information about settling into Japan
    • Fruits in Suits Tokyo: a LGBT buisness related facebook group great for networking and meeting other people
    • Couch Surfing Tokyo: Host weekly meetups and great for expanding your social circle.

 

Travel/ Navigation

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  • In Tokyo
    • The Tokyo subway system while sprawling and large is actually not that hard to navigate. Its like New York its much scarier then it looks. There are signs in english in most places and google maps will be so helpful for navigating your way around the city. The trains do not run after midnight so make sure you want to stay out all night. Thankfully you can buy alcohol at 7/11 or any convenience store all night long
    • Ubers and taxis are super expensive so I suggest avoiding them at all costs like the price is wild no one is trying to pay that.
  • From Tokyo
    • There are night buses that I took to Kyoto. 
    • You can find cheap flights on budget airlines like Peach
    • BEFORE YOU ARRIVE you can apply for a discounted bullet train rail pass in 1-3 week incrememnts. I didn't do this but there's more information here

Next Visit

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  • Get some custom clothes made at Y. & Sons
  • More Day Trips
    • Chiba
    • Hakone
  • See Mt Fuji
  • Eat Ramen

Bamboo & Kimono Forest

 

The morning light danced across the tall stalks of bamboo. When I looked up the sky was replaced by a field of green. My legs were still sore from the four-hour hike up Fushimi Inari, as Sejan and I explored another one of Kyoto's wonders the Sagano Bamboo Forrest. Located on the western edge of the city at the foot of the Arashi mountain the Bamboo Forrest is one of Japan's premiere soundscapes. Peace and tranquility are embodied in every swish and sway of the bamboo stalks.

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I reached out and touched the tall stalks and I was surprised by how thick and strong it was. After seeing them sway in the wind I had expected the bamboo to be soft and pliable, easily broken.  However I was mistaken, bamboo has long been revered in Asian cultures for its resiliency and strength. There's an ancient Japanese Proverb "The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists." When this proverb is applied to travel, I interpret it as praising the benefits of being adaptable and going with the flow. Things don't always work out how you plan but whats best in those moments is to figure out what you can do in the present. 

Despite being called a forest the grounds of Sagano weren't actually that large. Which was good for us because we couldn't have handled as much walking as we did the previous day. However, I've seen photos from the bamboo forest on Instagram that Sejan and I could not find during our exploration but assume were behind some of the locked gates.

 

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After we left Sagano we made our way to another colorful and unappreciated site in Kyoto- the Kimono Forrest. 

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While in Seoul, one of the people in my hostel mentioned that there was really beautiful place near Arashiyama station that see no tourists.  When I saw the photo he showed me I knew I had to go. Six hundred tall pillars of dyed fabric make up the Kimono Forrest. The fabric is dyed in the traditional Kyo-Yuzen method. At night the pillars are lit up and the illuminated trail takes you to a gorgeous pond with an orb and a dragon sitting in the middle. 

Starting off your day with a stroll around the Sagano Bamboo Forest and then the Kimono Forest is an amazing way to spend a morning in Kyoto. Make sure you Subscribe below so you never miss an addition to the Archive!

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