Thailand, Burma - 1999

of the wildest, most colorful, and chaotic experiences in Bangkok was the Chatuchak Weekend Market — a sprawling maze of over 15,000 stalls that seemed to go on forever. We wandered through narrow aisles under corrugated roofs, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and tourists, surrounded by a cacophony of voices, music, fans, and sizzling grills. The air was thick with the scents of grilled meats, incense...

We visited one of Bangkok’s iconic floating markets, where boats glide through narrow canals selling everything from fruit and flowers to soups cooked right onboard — but we didn’t get on a boat ourselves. Instead, we explored from the banks and footbridges, taking it all in from a dry and lively vantage point. From shore, we watched the colorful scene unfold: Vendors in conical hats paddled slowly along the...

We flew into Chiang Rai, where we were warmly greeted by Roth and her husband, Mr. Bai. From there, we drove north into the hills, toward one of the most storied corners of Southeast Asia: the Golden Triangle. Our base for this leg of the journey was what is now the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Saen. The setting was stunning—perched high above the river confluence where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar...

On our visit to Mai Sai, the northernmost town in Thailand, we explored the usual sights—posing with the giant black scorpion statue, strolling through the lively markets, and soaking up the distinct border-town energy. But what made this stop memorable was the unexpected human connection and a surreal detour across international lines. We met Steve, an American ex-pat who had married a local Thai woman and...

We flew into Chiang Mai after our time in the Golden Triangle, descending into a patchwork of green rice fields and low mountains. As soon as we stepped off the plane, the city greeted us with a warm breeze laced with a mix of lemongrass, incense, street food, and the faint smell of gasoline from nearby traffic—a signature blend that would follow us throughout our stay. From the airport, we hopped into a TukTuk...