What To Order: China - Iron Skillet Beef

Chinese cuisine is a rich tapestry of distinct regional specialities, national staples, and ethnic mainstays, ranging from delightful to surprising to hard-to-stomach. At first it can all seem overwhelming and, to some I have traveled with, wholly unappealing. However, there are so many options that finding your favorite is only a matter of the right advice and an adventurous spirit.

Chicken feet are a Chinese favorite
that many visitors find hard to stomach

Not surprisingly, each region of the country proudly declares their dishes "the best," but that is a hard-fought title that each visitor should bestow themselves. When traveling in China, my favorite dish luckily transcends regional boundaries and is widely available across the country and known by all Chinese, a dish called '铁板牛肉' (tiě bǎn niúròu) or "iron skillet beef."

Slices of tender beef sirloin are fried together with peppers, onions, and spices and presented on a sizzling iron skillet. Think: a fajita without tortillas.

While each restaurant has their own take on the dish, some choosing to include mushrooms or other vegetables as filler or using their own secret blend of spices, iron skillet beef is pretty standard across the country and is a safe bet for anyone worried of making an "exotic accident" when ordering.

Another plus for travelers hesitant to venture too far into the uncharted waters of Chinese cuisine, 铁板牛肉 (tiě bǎn niúròu) is not served with the usual blistering zest that is common in many regional dishes such as Hunan, Chongqing, Guizhou and Sichuan Cuisines.

Whether your travels take you to the Middle Kingdom or the Chinese restaurant across town, add iron skillet beef to your repertoire - you won't regret it!

"Into the Mind" - An Upcoming Film From The North Face

Later this fall, The North Face and Sherpas Cinema will debut their upcoming film "Into The Mind," which looks to be a simultaneous exposé on the factors that drive us into the mountains in search of adventure and the cultures that call those mountains home.

Resolving to explore as much of the philosophical as the aesthetic, the film's website ventures the questions: "What drives us to overcome challenge? How do we justify risk? What forces are at the core of a mountain addiction?"

The footage in the trailer is truly spectacular, showing a mix of pristine mountain environs, a slew of The North Face's athletes in action, and the mystique of Himalayan life. Per the website, "Unique athlete segments over a multitude of mountain sport genres, depict the connectivity of Earth and window into never seen before moments."

There are a lot of big-name sponsors attached to the film in addition to The North Face, including GoPro, Recco, Black Diamond, Arc'teryx, and Mammut, so there's no doubt that "Into The Mind" will be an experience worth waiting for.

What To Order: Thailand - Thai Tea

A barista whips up Thai tea on a train
platform in just a few moments

Whether you are navigating the bedlam of downtown Bangkok or enjoying the silence atop Chiang Mai's Doi Inthanon or lounging on one of Thailand's many island beaches, one thing is almost guaranteed - a delicious, iced "Thai tea" is probably only a stone's throw away.

Thai tea is a ceylon tea (though often now made with cheaper black tea leaves and colored with food coloring) that is mixed with evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk before being poured over ice for a cool and refreshing liquid refreshment. Thai tea's burnt orange hue and creamy, slightly smokey, sweet flavor make this iced drink quite distinct, with many devotees and the occasional detractor.

For myself, I will admit that I was not completely sold on my first sip. However, my second sip led to a third and it quickly grew into endearment, such that now I look forward to any chance to grab a "cha-yan" (Thai, lit. "iced tea"). There is also a variation of Thai tea with an added lime flavor called "cha-manao," if you are looking to increase the "tropical quotient" of your drink.

Mixed Thai tea ready to
be poured over ice

Thailand, especially the Lanna region of northern Thailand, has a long history with tea, and Thais love their tea, especially a Thai tea on-the-go to contend with the pervasive heat and humidity of this much-desired Southeast Asian tropical travel destination. This ocher-colored beverage is so popular that Thai restaurants in other countries and continents include it on their menu, a distinctive element of many Thai menus around the world.

In Thailand, street stands and small beverage shops are everywhere, whipping up Thai tea in no time. In fact, there are even iced coffee and Thai tea stalls on the Bangkok BTS skytrain platforms. So, get a leg up on the heat and start your Thai travels with a Thai tea!

Wild Yunnan - China's Hidden Gem

China is an intriguing mystery to many trekkers and adventurers, with nowhere more compelling than the wilds of western China: pandas in Sichuan province and the wide open Tibetan plateau in Qinghai province, to say nothing of Tibet itself. Owing largely to many travelers' only superficial familiarity with China, too many of the country's most worthwhile sights and experiences are missed - possibly nowhere more than in southwesterly Yunnan province.

Beautiful Lugu Lake in Yunnan's northern mountains

Not only is Yunnan where the Himalayas fade into the sultry jungles of Southeast Asia, it is home to 25 of China's 55 ethnic minorities and some of the greatest outdoor experiences you've never heard of. The pristine natural landscapes blend with the rich variety of minority cultures to offer a wealth of memorable adventure travel opportunities.

Enjoy a Climb Dali route
over Yunnan's Er Lake

Earlier we wrote about hiking the trails in Yunnan's Tiger Leaping Gorge, reportedly the deepest gorge in the world, where a tributary of the upper Yangtze cuts between two 5,000+ meter peaks to create thundering rapids, and Celeste LeCompte has just reported on her experience rafting Yunnan's Nu River with raft guiding outfit Last Descents in her Outside Online article China's Last Wild River. 

Other organizations, such as Climb Dali, Bike Yunnan, and Action Asia's Lijiang 3-Day Ultra Marathon, offer tailored experiences that delve deep into the treasures that lie hidden in Yunnan's far corners. While the outdoor sporting market is certainly still in its fledgling stages in Yunnan, there are a growing number of credentialed guide outfits offering forays into southwest China's best kept secret.

Last Descents leads Tibetan monks on whitewater fun

One additional aspect of choosing one of Yunnan's many adventures that should not go overlooked is the invaluable difference tourism dollars can make in tipping the scales in favor of conserving, rather than developing, China's vast but shrinking natural beauty.

A laudable example, Last Descents' owner Travis Winn uses his raft guiding as a platform to raise awareness among local Chinese policy makers and the many up-and-coming Chinese who are beginning to head for the outdoors of the need for conservation efforts in many of China's lesser-known travel spots which are in danger of being overrun by China's modernization efforts.

No matter what type of adventure you are looking for, chances are Yunnan has it!

World's Best Hikes According to National Geographic

Though it's just a tease for many, National Geographic has put out a list of "epic trails" to hike.

Santa Cruz Trek in Peru's Cordillera Blanca 

National Geographic - World's Best Hikes: Epic Trails

Hey, it can't hurt to dream, and with a little planning, it's not hard for you to take the initiative to turn your dream into an epic hike!

What To Order: India - Palak Paneer

Don't let the color deter you...

At first sight, palak paneer may not garner much interest from anyone new to Indian cuisine. The strong green color may even cause hesitation in a would-be enthusiast, much as guacamole's greenish hue might deter someone who has (sadly) never tasted its avocado goodness. Yet, for those willing to push past appearances, palak paneer is all flavor.

Palak paneer is a simple-but-tasty vegetarian dish originating in India's Punjab region. Made of pureed spinach (which accounts for the rich green color) and an Indian curd cheese called paneer, palak paneer is a thin curry dipping sauce usually eaten with naan or rice that can help curb the burning in your mouth after a plate full of spicy Indian curry.

Indian naan spread with palak paneer

The pureed spinach is mixed with mild curry spices and the non-aged farmer's cheese, and the result is savory goodness.

Palak paneer's watery consistency and rich spinach, curry, and paneer flavors make it a great dipping sauce and a nice addition to any Indian meal.

Hosteling Bangkok - The Best of Cheap AND Chic

Bangkok used to be well-known as Asia's home for cheap accommodations, affordable drinks, and budget thrills for backpackers and world travelers, but the Asian financial boom of the '90s and Bangkok's financial renaissance have cause prices to move in one direction - up.

CheQinn hostel brings bright color and modern style together

Now, finding cheap room and board can be a challenge for travelers on a shoestring budget, and often "cheap" comes at the expense of cleanliness and comfort (and sometimes even safety).

However, the BBC has set out to remedy that by scouting a handful of Bangkok hostels that are economical without sacrificing the standards of today's "flashpackers."

BBC Slideshow - Bangkok's hippest hostels

If you're looking for cheap digs while you tour Bangkok's ornate temples, instead of reserving a room in Thailand's tallest building, check out one of these modish hostels:

• @Hua Lamphong - No frills but right in the thick of it, @HL is just down the street from Silom Plaza
• CheQinn - Ideal location near world-renowned Bumrungrad Hospital, east of Siam Square
• HQ Hostel - Located halfway between the river and Lumphini park in the Patpong district
• Lub d Siam Square - Right at the flashy Siam Square shopping complex, this is the heart of Bangkok
• Lub d Silom - Another option near HQ Hostel in Patpong district
• Suneta Hostel Khaosan - We weren't able to find an official website for them, so your guess for contacting them is as good as ours
• Take A Nap - Great location near Lumphini Park and the Saladaeng BTS station

Tibet Travel: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway

In 2006, China made possible a new way for trekkers and adventurers to get to the "Roof of the World" - a high-elevation railway that connects the Chinese province of Qinghai with Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

Covering over 1,200 miles across the Tibetan Plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway passes some of the most beautiful scenery in Asia.

From the windows of the train, it is possible to take in some of Tibet's most pristine vistas and natural wildlife as the train rolls across the highlands. In the summer, it is possible to see herds of yaks or, if you're lucky, Tibetan antelopes roaming. In the winter, there is a good chance you will roll through at least one blizzard along the way, the route rising as high as 16,640 ft. (5,068m) as it crosses the Tanggu Pass. A winter view from the window makes it easy to see why Tibet is called "the Land of Snows."

Baiyoke - Bangkok's Tallest Building

Baiyoke over Bangkok

Out of the heart of downtown Bangkok juts the Baiyoke Tower II, an axle hub that the city's daily commotion seemingly revolves around. At 997 ft., the 85-story Baiyoke (pronounced "buy-yo-kuh") is the tallest building in Thailand and the fourth tallest all-hotel structure in the world. The Baiyoke Tower II is home to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, a number of eateries, and an observation deck with a commanding view of the city.

Joy Is Up in Bangkok

Easily identified from many places in downtown Bangkok, Baiyoke can also be recognized by the multi-story advertisements that often grace the sides of the building.

At ground level, you would hardly know you standing below Thailand's tallest building - the streets and alleys around the hotel and even the lobby area itself feel much more like a bazaar or Thai street market than a luxury hotel.

However, once you push past the congestion and into the elevator, you begin to feel the elegance that is the heart of the Baiyoke.

Restaurants and cafes abound in the Baiyoke, including the Roof Top Bar (83rd floor), Stella Place Chinese Restaurant (79), Crystal Grill International Buffet (82), Bangkok Sky (76/78), Tee Off Cafe (next to the open-air golf range - 18), and the Bangkok Balcony (81). Sitting on top of it all is Baiyoke's Observation Point - an observation deck on the 77th floor and the open-air revolving view point on floor 84. Open daily from 10:30 to 23:30, the view is spectacular, especially after dark.

Bangkok's nightlife from Baiyoke's observation point

Bangkok's tallest building is a unique contrast to the traditional sites and numerous temples that draw many to the city. Cool off after a hot day of Bangkok travel at Baiyoke with a drink and a view!

Hong Kong's MTR - Getting Around "The Pearl of The Orient"

Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station in Hong Kong

"The Fragrant Harbor," where East meets West, the Pearl of the Orient - China's Special Administrative Region has a rich history, an intriguing modern posture, and occupies a unique position in the Asian landscape. Hong Kong is home to a booming movie industry, cosmopolitan shopping districts, an iconic skyline, and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Like an Asian version of New York City, Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, and while all the hustle and bustle may seem overwhelming to travelers, Hong Kong consistently ranks in the top 5 best public transportation systems in the world. Consider this: over 90% of Hong Kong travel is done by mass transit every day, over 7 million people.

Visiting Bangkok's Gilded Temples - Proper Attire and Customs

Bangkok's "Marble Temple"

One of the highlights of Southeast Asia are the numerous Buddhist temples, ranging from the rugged and earthy Angkor Wat (in Cambodia) to the polished architectural wonder of Wat Benchamabophit (in Thailand).

Thailand's population is roughly 95% Buddhist, and as a result, Thailand is dotted with Buddhist temples - Bangkok alone is home to hundreds of temples, or "wats," throughout the city. According to CNN Travel, the 7 Best Bangkok Temples are:

1. Wat Arun - the iconic temple on Thai currency
2. Wat Phra Kaew - located on the grounds of in Bangkok's Grand Palace
3. Wat Pho - adjacent to the Grand Palace and home to Thailand's largest reclining Buddha
4. Wat Benchamabophit - the magnificent "Marble Temple" from Thailand's 5-baht coin
5. Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit - one of Thailand's most religiously significant temples
6. Wat Saket - located on a prominence offering great views of the city
7. Wat Traimit - home to one of the world's largest gold Buddha statues

Wat Phra Kaew in Thailand's Grand Palace

As a world traveler, cultural sensitivity is always paramount, no more so than when visiting revered religious sites. Here are a few important items to keep in mind when visiting Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia:

• Keep your legs and shoulders covered (cover below the knees and past the elbows) - despite the heat, beach attire is inappropriate
• Take off your shoes in and around the temple complex
• Refrain from any public displays of affection
• Do not point/show the bottom of your feet toward monks/nuns
• Do not touch the head of any of the statues or monks/nuns

Add Thailand to your list of world travel destinations - jungle treks in Chiang Mai, scuba diving the islands, and of course, the impressive temple structures in bustling Bangkok.

Biking Ganden Monastery - Tibet

Tibet is one of those places on earth that is a must-visit at some point. A land of obscurity and mystique, with a colorful history and beautiful landscapes, a Tibet trek is absolutely worth the not-insignificant hoops that generally must be jumped through to gain access to the region.

Entering the Ganden Monastery complex

Beyond the oft-visited tourist sites, there are a wealth of unique and superb treks and day-trips that would certainly afford once-in-a-lifetime memories. One such pursuit is a day-long bike ride to Ganden Monastery (sometimes written Gadan), one of Tibet's "great three Gelukpa monasteries."

The monastery is just over 30 miles from Lhasa, making it every bit of a rigorous one-day ride, not to mention the final approach up the mountain, an elevation gain of 2,000ft.

Pass by Tibetan villages and towering mountains as you ride

All that notwithstanding, the ride is beautiful and straightforward. The first 30 miles, from the city to the base of the mountain, are flat and pass through the beautiful central Tibetan countryside, surrounded by mountains on all sides.

Swithbacks carry you high
above the Lhasa River

Once you arrive at the turnoff for the monastery at the base of the mountain, begin climbing the grueling collection of switchbacks, rising ever closer to your goal. As you ascend, your view of the Lhasa River, the valley floor, and the adjacent mountains gets increasingly breathtaking, until you reach Ganden and a commanding view of the surroundings.

A walk through the monastery complex and a rudimentary meal in the monastery cafeteria make for a fine respite before heading down the mountain and back to Lhasa.

Dine alongside monks in the monastery cafeteria

See Guides We Trust to help arrange your Tibet trek.

Chengdu Panda Base - Sichuan

One thing China is most well known for is the endearing panda bear. These lethargic but lovable creatures are a "must see" for anyone who visits China, and where better to see them than in their natural habitat?

Taking it easy in Sichuan, China

Indigenous to small section of southwest China's Sichuan province (also known worldwide for its spicy cuisine), pandas like to lounge in muggy bamboo forests, slowly eating chutes and lazing the day away.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, also known as the Chengdu Panda Base. The Panda Base is dedicated to researching these lovable creatures and educating visitors about them.

Though the facilities at the Chengdu Panda Base are pretty basic in the grand scheme of zoological parks, the opportunity to see these iconic creatures in a facility that is located in their natural environment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There are also opportunities to volunteer at the Base which provide even more exposure to giant pandas and their jittery cousins, the red panda.

Check with WindhorseTour (see Guides We Trust) to set up your Panda Base tour, and ask about the possibility of holding a baby panda... sometimes they can arrange it.

Tiger Leaping Gorge - Yunnan

Yangtze River cutting
through the Gorge

Hidden deep in the northeast corner of China's Yunnan province lies Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. The gorge has been cut into the Himalayan foothills as the Yangtze River powers through, creating some breathtaking landscapes.

Luckily for world travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, a system of trails and primitive guest houses have cropped up around the gorge, making it one of the finest hiking destinations in all of China.

Lijiang Old Town

From the town of Lijiang (whose historic "old town" is also worth a visit), a bus can be taken to the trailhead in the town of Qiaotou (桥头 in Chinese) for ¥30 (~ US$5). Hiking the length of the trail, which is approximately 15 miles long, should take between one-and-a-half and three days, depending on your pace.

The beginning of the well-marked trail winds through rural Naxi villages and terraced farmland. As the trail continues, some of the sights worth seeing include 28 Bends, a grueling introduction to the trail, a vertical climb composed of 28 switchbacks ("bends"), waterfalls (including one that flows across the trail), the local guesthouses, the site of the "Leaping Tiger Legend," and the occasional rockslide.

Sunset at Half-Way Guesthouse

Helpful information about preparing for and hiking the trail can be found here: Wikitravel - Tiger Leaping Gorge

I would recommend pushing to the Half-Way Guesthouse if possible. The restaurant and rooms are adequate and the view from the porch is quite possibly the best on the trail. Catching the sunset on Haba Snow Mountain (17,074 ft.) is a great way to end a day's hike.


Most of the available trail maps are hand drawn and approximate at best, but the trail is well marked and there are plenty of locals along the trail to help point you in the right direction. Below is one of the more helpful trekking maps:

See China By Rail

For the budget or adventure-minded traveler, seeing China by train is a great choice. China's rail system is extensive and almost any destination can be achieved, at a fraction of the price of airfare.

Both of the following websites offer expedient search capabilities for all of the train routes in China:

CNVOL - Search by cities or by train number; also, a convenient drop-down menu aids in locating train ticketing offices in 32 of China's most commonly traveled cities.

Travel China Guide - This travel agency website also provides reliable searching by city or train number, as well as a ticket availability search.

In addition:

12306 - This is China Railway Ministry's online ticketing site, but it is only in Chinese at this point. If you choose to reserve tickets through this site, tickets must still be picked up at a ticketing office and a valid passport be provided.


Finally, once you do procure your tickets, you may still have trouble reading them. See the image below for a helpful guide to what your ticket actually says:

The Duke's - Chiang Mai

If your travels take you through the mountains of northern Thailand, make sure to stop into any one of The Duke's three Chiang Mai locations (as of this posting). Touting itself as home to "American steak, ribs, seafood, and pizza," The Duke's always delivers.

A casual sit-down atmosphere, the Duke's is a great place to unwind after a jungle trek or Flight of the Gibbon zipline excursion, or as a preliminary to the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The ribs are certainly worth mentioning, but all of the entrees are done well and worth a try.

Originally opened in 2005, The Duke's first location overlooks the river from the east side, just south of Tha Pae Rd., while the second location is in the heart of the Night Bazaar, only a few blocks away on Loi Kroh Rd, east of the Chiang Mai old town wall.

Recently, a third location has opened just across the canal from the Tha Pae (East) Gate, pursuing more of a "grill and diner" feel. The menu is complete with onion rings, malt shakes, fries, hot dogs, and delicious lemonade - a nice respite from the Thailand heat.

In case you can't find The Duke's, give them a call: +66 5324 9231