I lived in Chiang Mai for over a year and in this post will reveal my favorite restaurants, gyms, apartments and secret spots that I found throughout that time.

My plan is to make this the definitive guide to the best spots in Chiang Mai, Thailand.   I hope you find it useful.  Please leave any comments or your own tips in the comments section below.

This will be a long list and an ongoing project so please come back for updates.

This mall is very convenient and has just about everything you need.  Located at the junction of Nimman Road and Kad Suan Kaew, you'll definitely be stopping by here a lot, especially on a hot and humid day.

You can start your mornings with breakfast in the food court on the bottom floor, move up to CAMP co working space to get some work done, catch a movie in the theater right next to it, then grab dinner at Duke's.  Before going home, get your groceries done at the Rimping grocery store downstairs.  There's even a gym!  

Other favorite spots here are the AIS store, Fuji restaurant, and Wrapmaster restaurant.

Free Uber promotion code and coupon

One of the best new travel apps is Uber.  All you have to do is download the app, link a credit card and you can skip the taxi line and get to anywhere you need to go without using cash.  If you haven't tried it yet, sign up using the following link to get $20 off your first ride!

By:  Joseph Le

Listen closely to the lyrics.  Try to absorb the culture by dancing all night long until your legs feel like jello and you're glistening with sweat.   Then you will start to get a sense of the pain and the pleasure, the love and the loss ever-present throughout Latin America that is expressed beautifully through salsa music.

Previously I posted a top 10 reggaeton list that was popular.  Some of you asked if I would do the same with salsa and so here it is.  I also added some great bachata songs at the end because I love that style of dance as well.  

Most international flights will arrive at Cancun airport.  Exit the airport and find the ADO bus counter.  ADO is one of the biggest companies with very safe air-conditioned buses.  You can pay by credit card at their stand.  Current price as of July 2017 is 178 MXN one way to Playa del Carmen.  The journey will take you about an hour and terminates at the ADO station in Playa on 5th and Benito Juarez. There's no need to book in advance.  Buses leave every half hour.

In Colombia, every time you purchase merchandise, goods and services there is a 16% value-added tax (IVA) included in the cost.

If you are a tourist, you can get this tax refunded to you at the airport before departing the country.  
Here is what you need to know:

After spending years on the road, my best recommendation would be to pack as light as possible.  The less you are carrying the more freedom you will have to efficiently get from one place to another.  Once you have pared down your gear to the essentials, use packing cubes to keep it all organized.  ​

By:  Joseph Le

(Updated 3/1/2018)
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There are 2 airports in Medellin, the Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, airport code EOH, and the José María Córdova International Airport, airport code MDE.  EOH is mainly used for regional and domestic flights and is really easy to get to.  Located right next to the South Terminal bus station, it's about 10 minutes from El Poblado.   Just hop in any taxi and it should cost you around $5,000 COP to or from Poblado.

The MDE international airport is a lot further away from the city center and more expensive to get to, so that is the focus of this post.  Most travelers arriving or departing on international flights will be utilizing this airport.  The MDE airport is also referred to as the Rio Negro airport due to it being in the municipality of Rio Negro.   All methods of getting to the airport listed below can simply be done in reverse if you are arriving and trying to get into Medellin. 

Method 1:  Taxi or "Gringo-style"

By:  Joseph Le

Previously I focused on my favorite restaurants in The Best of Medellin, Part 1 and Part 2.   In my final installment of "The Best of Medellin" series, I move away from food and reveal the rest of my favorite spots!

My favorite gym in Medellin is located at the Charlee Hotel in Parque LLeras.  It occupies 3 of their top floors and you can enjoy the stunning views over the Medellin valley while you work out.

I have been travelling around the world the last 6 years in search of the most beautiful and secluded beaches.  

I personally enjoy soft white sand beaches, cool tropical breezes and remoteness.  I want to feel like I am miles away from everything, both literally and figuratively.  

​Here are my secret, hidden spots.  Enjoy!

Often called the Maldives of Thailand, this island boasts warm crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.  A bit tough to get to but worth the journey.  Stay tuned for my travel guide for this island.