The Samoeng Loop is a haven for the complex soul of Chiang Mai. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got lost on its web of backroads in search of abandoned buildings, cafés and a sense of peace amidst uncertainty. Five years later, its essence remained unchanged, calling me back to get lost in the hidden treasures tucked into its lush forests, mountains and winding roads.

The truth is that many of Singapore’s photographic gems lie on quiet side streets and in the heart of the city's gardens. Here are my top 6 photo spots for visitors who want to capture the heart and soul of Singapore. 

I did it—but I wouldn’t have survived 14 days in Beijing without a Chinese-speaking companion. Here’s where I went wrong: I assumed all VPNs were created equal—a big mistake.

Any trip to China should include visiting a bustling metropolis like the capital Beijing, or the famous business city Shanghai, even the growing metropolises of Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Canton.