James Syhabout
Age: 35
From: Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Job: Chef-owner at one Michelin-starred Commis Restaurant, Oakland, U.S.
My favorite place: Bangkok
Bring there: Your best pair of walking shoes. Walking is the best way to get to know the city.
Must-do: Eat everything and anything. Eat at street food carts and restaurants along the avenues. Even durian.
Don’t do: Sleep in. You will definitely be missing out on a lot.
Must-see: Or Tor Kor market—one of best fresh markets I have been to—if you are into cooking and food.
Must-buy: Vintage Molam and Luk Thung records at Zudrangma Records, at Sukhumvit Soi 51.
Eat at: Janhom (273/4 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 21,) awesome Southern Thai cuisine
Drink at: The Iron Fairies at Thonglor, or Studio Lam located at Sukhumvit Soi 5 – what a fun joint and the music is always good.
Sleep at: The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok – over-the-top hospitality and comfort
Toby Allen Age: 53
From: Thailand/United States
Job: CEO of TAP Technology, an integrated spa management software company base in Chiang Mai
My favorite place: I’m a wanderlust who often spends from three weeks to two months in various destinations, but I love Chiang Mai. I think Chiang Mai is the most special place in Thailand because of its culture. This city has perfect size. It is big enough to have everything you want yet small enough to be able to find it. Also, I like the ease of getting here, with hourly fights you can come and go whenever you like. The value of what you receive for your money is great in Chiang Mai (actually, I think it’s the best in Asia)
Bring there: Bring your spirit of adventure and desire to have a good time and don’t forget mosquito spray, Thai rubber slipper, and panama hats
Must-do: Trekking at Doi Luang, Chaing Dao
Must-see: Doi Suthep
Must-buy: Hill tribe bags and traditional costume
Must-eat: Breakfast at Café de Oasis
Nightlife: A heavenly – after dinner spa treatment
Sleep at: Oasis Baan Saen Doi Spa Resort
Rodrigo AljaroAge: 31
From: Chile
Job: Marketing manager at Undurraga Vineyard, Chile
My favorite place: Koh Phi Phi
Bring there: Mosquito repellent
Must-do: Scuba dive by day, party at night
Don’t do: Drink one of those infamous buckets. You don’t know what you’ll get … except a definite hangover the next day.
Must-see: Viewpoint No.2, ideally just before sunset. The view is totally worth the long walk.
Eat at: Anywhere! The food is amazing all over the island.
Drink at: Reggae Bar
Sleep at: Any hotel on the port side of the island. The other bay is full of bars and nightclubs, which makes it messy, a bit dirty, and too loud at night to get a good rest.
