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A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know Image

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A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know

I’ve been in Chiang Mai, Thailand for two weeks at the time I’m writing this, and I already feel at home. So much so that I haven’t really explored much yet. I’ve fallen into a nice routine of jiu jitsu training and working from home - which I absolutely love. So when my two best friends decided to visit, it felt like the perfect time for a proper weekend adventure. At the top of my list was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most sacred temples. Located on Doi Suthep mo

A Day Trip to Chiang Rai: 5 Beautiful Destinations to See Image

05 Apr 2026 by Bella in Asia

A Day Trip to Chiang Rai: 5 Beautiful Destinations to See

Chiang Rai is a city in northern Thailand, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar, about a few hours’ drive from Chiang Mai. It’s home to several beautiful temples and tourist spots you’ve probably seen advertised by tour agencies. While my parents were visiting Chiang Mai, I decided to take them on a little road trip to Chiang Rai. We wanted something chill, so instead of joining a tour, we booked a private car with a driver and set off early in the morning to spend the day without feeling rushed. These were the places we managed to visit. Long Neck VillageWhite TempleBlue TempleBig BuddhaSingha Park You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Long Neck Village We left Chiang Mai around 7am, and about an hour later we had already arrived at the Long Neck Village. By the way, this isn’t their original indigenous village - it’s a tourist site created to introduce visitors to the Kayan tribe. If you’re interested in learning more deeply about the tribe and their way of life, it’s also possible to visit their actual village with a local guide. The Kayan Long Neck tribe is an ethnic group originally from Myanmar - so they’re not native to Thailand, if I understand correctly. Many migrated across the border seeking safety as refugees, and unfortunately, many still don’t have full legal status in Thailand, which can mean limited access to education and healthcare. I can see why some people might view this tourist village as controversial. Personally, I felt that visiting, paying the entrance fee and supporting them by buying the handmade crafts and souvenirs they sell - was a small way to contribute directly to their community. I genuinely hope their culture continues to exist and be preserved. White Temple This temple is just as beautiful as it looks on the internet - maybe even more. The entire complex is pure white, covered in incredibly detailed mirror ornaments that sparkle under the sun. I read that it was designed and built by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The white colour represents the purity of Buddha, while the mirror fragments reflecting the sunlight symbolise Buddha’s wisdom. To enter the temple, you walk across a bridge with a lake of tormented hand statues reaching up from below, along with eerie figures symbolising human desire, greed, and suffering. A voice announcement asks visitors to keep moving and not stop on the bridge, representing the idea of leaving darkness behind. At the centre is the main hall, where photography isn’t allowed. Inside, a large Buddha sits surrounded by murals featuring pop-culture characters like Superman, Spider-Man, and Pokémon - not random at all, it is a portrayal of the modern world and the things people become obsessed with today; technology, consumerism, power, and fame. You could easily spend hours exploring this temple - it’s huge! But I’d recommend going in the morning. Not only does it get very hot by midday, it also becomes extremely busy with visitors. P.S. They have one of the most beautiful toilets I’ve ever seen. You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Blue Temple Located only about 10 minutes from the White Temple, is the Blue Temple. It was designed by Phutta Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat - the artist behind the White Temple. Dominated by vibrant blue with a touch of gold, the temple carries a similar artistic style, but here the colour blue represents Buddha’s infinite wisdom. The temple is also known as the “Temple of the Dancing Tiger.” Legend says that villagers once saw tigers roaming and leaping around the temple grounds many years ago. Visitors are allowed to enter and take photos inside the prayer hall, where a giant white porcelain Buddha sits beautifully at the centre, making it a striking space to admire. Big Buddha One last stop before heading back to Chiang Mai was the Big Buddha. Sitting atop a hill surrounded by greenery is a giant statue of Guan Yin - or Indonesians may know her better as Dewi Kuam Im, the Goddess of mercy and compassion. You can spot the statue from far away, but the closer you get, the more impressive (and of course, the bigger) it becomes. Unlike the White and Blue Temples, the Big Buddha feels much calmer and less crowded. It’s believed that praying here brings good health and fortune. Personally, I’ve always seen Dewi Kuam Im as a powerful symbol of compassion and I do believe in kindness and positive energy. Singha Park We originally planned to stop by Singha Park because there was a hot air balloon festival happening that very day. Since the park is on the way back to Chiang Mai anyway, we thought - why not? We arrived around 6pm, which I assumed would be the perfect time to catch the show, but unfortunately it turned out the balloons were scheduled to launch much later. We also had to take a shared songthaew ride to reach the lake where the festival was taking place. Because we hadn’t planned to stay overnight in Chiang Rai and didn’t have any accommodation booked, we eventually decided to head back home instead. The park itself was lovely, though and definitely worth adding to your list. It would’ve been nice to see the hot air balloon festival, which is apparently a big annual event with participants from all over the world. Oh well - next time 🙂 Image credit: Chiang Rai Balloon Fiesta Even though it was just a day trip, Chiang Rai felt quite different from Chiang Mai - quieter and full of little surprises (literally, like when we stopped for lunch and the restaurant owner realised we were Indonesian and told us he had visited Medan 20 years ago, haha!). We managed to see a lot in one day, but there are still plenty of places left on the list, like the Black House Museum (Baan Dam) and other lesser-known temples and viewpoints scattered around the region. Maybe that’s a good reason to come back. Chiang Rai feels like a place best explored slowly, and next time, I’d probably stay a night or two to really experience it properly (and hopefully watch the hot air balloon festival!).

Chiang Mai Cafes: 5 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites  Image

24 Mar 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Cafes: 5 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites 

Chiang Mai has turned into one of my favourite cities for coffee - I don’t think I’ve had a bad cup here so far. They’re all good for my taste, my stomach, and my wallet. I find coffee prices here really fair, and even the fancy ones with cream, oat milk, and all that stuff are still reasonable (compared to Bali at least). I haven’t tried many coffee shops in Chiang Mai yet, so this list will keep growing as I discover more cute spots. But for now, here are some of my favourites -  places that are not only cute but also serve great coffee, pastries, and sweets. Monday AttackForest BakeGroonLondon BakeryMars You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 5 Popular Spots to Eat Monday Attack I like to imagine that the people behind this café simply weren’t built for office life, probably hated Mondays, and decided to start this coffee shop instead hehehe. Monday Attack has a cozy retro interior that looks cool from every corner, complete with a photobooth and nice cold air con (essential -  if you need a little escape from the heat outside).  I first came here after exploring Waroros Market nearby, and their iced latte topped with soft serve instantly won my heart. Turns out Mondays aren’t so bad when they involve good coffee and chilling.  Forest Bake This is where you go when you want to enjoy a slow day in the garden with tea or coffee and an artisanal cake. Their pastries are made in small batches every day, so it’s best to come in the morning when everything is fresh, also because they tend to sell out quickly. The main bakery sits inside a cute little cabin that looks like it belongs in a European storybook. Outside, there’s a garden with a woodland aesthetic where you can truly take your time. I especially like their tarts; the blueberry and lemon ones are my favourites. Image credit: Forest Bake Instagram You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Groon I have so many good things to say about Groon. Not only is the coffee good, but they also make great scones, honey shokupan, and sometimes I even come here for lunch because I love their chicken quesadillas and truffle pasta. This café sits between two other dessert spots; one frozen yoghurt place (which I also like) and a bingsoo shop. My guess is that they share the same owner because everything is connected, and you can order from whichever one you feel like. Pastry image credit: Groon Instagram London Bakery Spoiler alert: they don’t sell any London or British pastries here haha! Quite the opposite, they serve Asian-inspired items like matcha flan, ube soft bread, and salt bread, alongside classics such as blueberry cheesecake, croissants, and pretzels. The interior looks very 90s in a charming way, featuring a candy-coloured gate (to the toilets, lol) and a giant statue of their mascot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the world of Hansel and Gretel. And yes, of course, the coffee is good. But I usually come here for the munch, accompanied by coffee - not the other way around, hehe.  You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Mars Literally just a few steps away from London Bakery (I counted), you’ll find Mars café. The name already tells you what to expect the moment you walk in. Considering how Instagram-worthy this place is, it’s surprisingly not packed with people just taking photos. They actually come for the coffee too, which is nice.  By the way, this café shares its entrance with a hotel upstairs, which makes for some very funny moments; you’ll see confused guests walking in expecting a normal hotel lobby, only to find themselves on what looks like a Star Trek film set, haha! I really like Chiang Mai and it’s coffee scene -  every corner seems to hide another charming spot waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re here for serious coffee, sweet treats, or just a cozy place to slow down for a while, there’s always somewhere nice to try. And knowing me, this list definitely won’t stay at five for long. BRB checking out more cafes in town! ☕️

Chiang Mai Food Markets: 5 Popular Spots to Eat Image

12 Mar 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Food Markets: 5 Popular Spots to Eat

If I live in Chiang Mai (which I kinda do now), I honestly don’t see why I’d ever need to cook. You’re spoiled with food options here, across all kinds of cuisines and prices. Sure, every few metres you can find a decent Thai restaurant, but while most of them are good, I find eating at the markets much more interesting because you can try a little bit of many different things in one place. Here are five popular food markets in Chiang Mai I keep coming back to. Chiang Mai Walking StreetLanna SquareKalare Night BazaarOne Nimman Street Food MarketCoconut Market You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Chiang Mai Walking Street This is probably the biggest market in Chiang Mai, held every Sunday. It stretches from Tha Pae Gate all the way to Wat Phra Singh - if you walk the whole route, it’s around 1 km long. Most vendors sell handcrafted items, clothes, and souvenirs, but you’ll also find buzzing food markets inside the courtyards of two temples along the way. Once your tummy is full, you can browse the street vendors or surrender to the joy of a foot massage which you can find right outside the temples - like....a whole street of pop up foot massage chairs. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: chicken and pork skewers, grilled oyster mushrooms, pad thai, longan juice💵 Prices: 10 - 150 baht⏰ Opening time: Every Sunday, 4pm – late📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town – walk from Tha Pae Gate🚽 Toilet: At the temple entrances (bring a 5-baht coin) Chiang Mai Walking Street, image credit: Destino Chiang Mai Lanna Square Still in the Old City area, there’s this outdoor food court - a good starting point for beginners, hehe. Why beginners? Because I feel like it's more geared towards tourists; prices are slightly higher, and the food selection is more international, not just Thai. You’ll find everything from Japanese dishes and Western comfort food like beef brisket and loaded fries, to ice cream. There’s even Burmese cuisine I've never tried before. There’s also live music on the front stage, which adds a nice atmosphere. It’s usually busy, but in a comfortable way - not too hectic and not overly loud (perfect for millenials, hehe). It does get a bit quieter when the Chiang Mai Walking Street market is on. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: prawn pad see ew from Thai Taste, black sesame mochi, chicken satay💵 Prices: 60 - 300 baht⏰ Opening time: Every day, 5pm - midnight📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town - 5 Ratvithi Rd , Tambon Si Phum🚽 Toilet: At the entrance of the market (bring a 5-baht coin) A busy night at Lanna Square, Image credit: Lanna Square Facebook page You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Kalare Night Bazaar Every time I come here or bring friends along, I have one very important mission: to eat the crispy pork belly from this stall right in the centre of the market. There are plenty of other tasty options too, but from what I’ve observed, many people come here for the seafood feast. It can get quite busy around dinner time and seating is limited, but if you’re patient and keep an eye out, you’ll eventually find a table. The market is part of the Night Bazaar, so it’s also a nice area to wander around and do a bit of shopping afterwards. And in case this helps with planning, there are a few five-star hotels nearby, like Marriott and Mövenpick. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: crispy pork belly, chicken and pork gyoza, pad see ew, fruit smoothies💵 Prices: 50 - 250 baht⏰ Opening time: Every day, 5pm - midnight📍 Location: 2 Changklan Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district🚽 Toilet: Inside the market (bring a 5-baht coin) The lively ambiance at Kalare Night Bazaar One Nimman Street Food Market This market is located in an open-air shopping space called One Nimman. They have a backyard area that regularly turns into markets and events; from vintage markets and wine festivals to flower festivals. On weekends, it usually hosts a street food market. If you’re going with friends or a group, I like how convenient the place is: you can explore the food stalls, sit and eat in the market area, and then grab coffee at one of the nice cafés afterwards. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: steamed buns, pizza, gyoza, Thai tea💵 Prices: 50 - 200 baht⏰ Opening time: Friday - Sunday, 3pm - 10pm📍 Location: 1 Nimmanhemin Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai🚽 Toilet: Within the shopping centre There's also live entertainment at One Nimman Street Food Market Coconut Market Just when you think you’ve already been to all the food markets in Chiang Mai, there’s the Coconut Market. At first, I assumed everything there would be coconut-based (which I don’t really like - ironic, I know). But it turns out it’s just a regular market, though yes, coconuts and coconut ice cream do make their expected appearances, hehe. I think the name simply comes from the setting: an open field surrounded by coconut trees. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: tom yum noodles, som tum salad, grilled chicken, watermelon slushies💵 Prices: 20 - 100 baht⏰ Opening time: Saturday & Sunday, 8am - 3pm📍 Location: 94 Soi Ban Tong 2 Mu 3, Fa Ha, Chiang Mai🚽 Toilet: Inside the market The relaxed weekend vibe at Coconut Market Food markets are honestly one of the best ways to experience Chiang Mai. They’re lively, affordable, and full of little discoveries - whether it’s a new snack you’ve never tried before or a stall you keep coming back to for that one dish you can’t stop thinking about. If you’re visiting the city, try to explore at least one or two of these markets. Hope you find this information useful, and thank you for reading! 😊

How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Image

18 Feb 2026 by Bella in Asia

How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days

If you’re Indonesian, you probably already know that Thailand is among the countries we can enter without a visa. But I only recently found out that not many people realise you can actually stay for a total of 90 days. You get 60 days visa-free when you first enter, and then you can apply for an extension at the local immigration office. At first, I thought I needed a visa agent because I’d never done anything like this before and was scared of getting rejected. But when I went to the immigration office in Chiang Mai for the first time, they happily explained the steps. It was surprisingly easy - and you can absolutely do it yourself. Check how many days you can stay in Thailand visa-free on Thai e-visa official website You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know The first 60 daysArriving in ThailandAfter your first 30 daysApplying for your extensionFinal Thoughts The first 60 days After checking several trusted official websites, the rule (at the time I’m writing this) hasn’t changed. Indonesians can enter Thailand visa-free and stay for 60 days, despite the uncertain news you might have seen on social media. What shocked me was that during check-in at Soekarno–Hatta, when I showed my return ticket, the staff questioned my 60-day stay - even the immigration officer seemed unsure. But don’t worry. If you’re ever in doubt, you can check the official Thai e-visa official website and enter your nationality (if you’re not Indonesian) to confirm whether you can enter visa-free and how long you’re allowed to stay. Fill in TDAC online before you fly Arriving in Thailand Don’t forget to fill in the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) form before arriving in Thailand - you can do it a day before your trip to stay organised. In the form, you’ll be asked for your return flight details. When you’re in the immigration line, you just need to scan the barcode sent to your email. As long as you haven’t been going in and out of Thailand a suspicious number of times in the past few months, you should be fine. I landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, and after scanning the QR code, they didn’t even ask me any questions. You may also like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life After your first 30 days Depending on where you’re staying in Thailand, you can look up the nearest immigration office. I was based in Chiang Mai, and the immigration office there is conveniently located inside a shopping mall called Central Festival Chiang Mai. After you’ve spent a month in the country, or basically before your 60 days run out, you can apply for a 30-day extension. Here’s what you’ll need: Applying for your extension It’s actually pretty straightforward once you have all your documents ready. You can show up during opening hours, but like most administrative offices, I’d suggest going early. I’m not sure about other cities, but in Chiang Mai they’re closed for lunch from 12–1pm. When I arrived, an officer checked our documents first. They’ll let you know if you’re missing anything or forgot to fill in a section. If everything’s in order, they’ll sign it off and give you a queue number. After that, you just sit inside and wait for your number to be called. When it’s your turn, hand over the checked documents and pay the 1,900 Baht fee in cash. Then you wait another 15–30 minutes (depending on how busy it is). Your name will be called, they’ll take a quick photo of you, and hand back your passport with a new stamp giving you another 30 days to stay in this beautiful country. In my personal experience, I wasn’t asked a single question, and the staff were actually pretty nice - you know how immigration offices can sometimes feel a bit intimidating? Anyway, that’s it. The whole process was done in one day, which was great and super efficient. Final Thoughts So yes, staying in Thailand visa-free for 90 days is completely doable for Indonesians and many other nationalities, and you don’t need an agent to make it happen. It might feel intimidating at first (especially with all the mixed information online), but once you understand the steps, it’s actually very manageable. My biggest tips are to double-check official sources, prepare your documents properly, and go early to the immigration office. That’s really it. Hope you find this article useful and happy holiday! 

Where to Eat in Sydney: 5 Spots I’ll Always Go Back to Image

16 Feb 2026 by Bella in Australia

Where to Eat in Sydney: 5 Spots I’ll Always Go Back to

Where to eat in Sydney - Every time I’m back in this beautiful city, one thing is guaranteed: I plan my days around food (other than hanging out with my family and friends, of course! hehe). From local restaurants, global chains, to comforting desserts, these are some of my personal favourites - the ones I genuinely crave, talk about, and immediately recommend to friends. The Grounds Coffee FactoryNando’s Peri Peri ChickenIsland RadioTenacious BakehouseYogurberry The Grounds Coffee Factory I know The Grounds of Alexandria is on pretty much everyone’s must-visit list when in Sydney. And yes, their art installations (which change every few months) are always impressive. But did you know there are other The Grounds locations too? And they’re just as special, with genuinely good food. My cousins took me to the one in Eveleigh, an area that was once a major locomotive and railway hub back in the late 19th century. This branch is an actual coffee factory, so while you’re eating, you can see (and smell!) the coffee being crafted through the glass windows. If you want to enjoy The Grounds’ great food without the long queues, this one’s definitely worth a visit. Image credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory Instagram You may also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken For those who have been touched by the deliciousness of Nando’s peri-peri chicken, let’s hug and agree it’s one of the best things to eat in the world. And if you’ve never tried it before, imagine this: tender, charred, flame-grilled chicken marinated in a spicy, tangy peri-peri sauce. Depending on the heat level, the spice builds into a warm, zesty kick rather than a burn-your-mouth moment. The flavour goes all the way to the bone. Pair it with peri-peri-sprinkled chips or corn on the cob and boom - you’ve got the kind of meal you find yourself craving again and again. Nando’s is a global chain and I’ve tried it in a few other countries, but in my personal experience, Nando’s in Oz is the best. Image credit: Nando's Australia website Island Radio “You can take a girl out of Asia, but you can’t take Asia out of a girl” - I guess that saying is true. As much as I love international cuisine, Asian food wins every time. No competition needed. This trendy spot in Redfern serves up a South-East Asian–inspired menu. They change their menu every now and then, by the way, which keeps things exciting - but this is what we had: sate Padang (Padang beef satay), grilled chicken, quinoa salad, their take on mie ayam (chicken noodles), and a Balinese pie susu (milk pie) for dessert. Nothing disappointed. The Indonesian dishes still had spot-on flavours, even with a modern twist - and I have to admit, their pie susu was actually better than the OG, whoops! Bonus points: they have a disco toilet. Because no night out is complete without a bathroom rave! What we had at Island Radio - sate padang, mie ayam, and pie susu Tenacious Bakehouse As a dessert person and a lifelong lover of Asian flavours like matcha, taro, and ube - I have to say this, and I’m really not exaggerating: their Taro Cream Croissant is one of the best pastries I’ve ever had. They claim to use natural sweetness with 60% reduced sugar, and I believe it, because it’s not overly sweet like most pastries. The cream somehow tastes rich and light at the same time (how is that even possible??). It’s best eaten cold, which makes the taro cream taste almost like ice cream. That purple dusting on top is sweet potato powder, and it ties everything together perfectly. I’m sure their other pastries are amazing too… but I’ll save those for next time. The star - Taro Cream Croissant and other interesting pastries at Tenacious Bakehouse You may also like this article: Pastries, Passion, and a Little Bit of Magic at Theo’s Wife Lois Yogurberry And another dessert spot...I know you can get frozen yoghurt pretty much anywhere, but going back to my love for Asian flavours, yogurberry has taro froyo! Woot woot! And that alone is why, even with all the newer and trendier frozen yoghurt spots around, Yogurberry is still my favourite. It’s pay-by-weight, so you can customise it exactly how you like.  I usually go for taro froyo topped with their unsweetened mochi, coconut jelly, and almond flakes. Simple, not overly sweet, and deeply comforting. I was so happy to see that even after years of not being back in Sydney, this place still exists. I wish them all the success so they stay open foreverrrr!!! Image credit: Yogurberry Australia Instagram Sydney’s food scene is massive, but these places hit that sweet spot between comfort, flavour, and personal nostalgia for me. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back like I was, I hope this list gives you a few delicious reasons to eat your way through the city.

A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know Image

29 Jan 2026 by Bella in Asia

A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know

I’ve been in Chiang Mai, Thailand for two weeks at the time I’m writing this, and I already feel at home. So much so that I haven’t really explored much yet. I’ve fallen into a nice routine of jiu jitsu training and working from home - which I absolutely love. So when my two best friends decided to visit, it felt like the perfect time for a proper weekend adventure. At the top of my list was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most sacred temples. Located on Doi Suthep mountain, it overlooks the city and it’s only 45 minutes drive from the city centre. Known for its golden pagoda, beautiful view, and the famous 306-step dragon staircase, it’s one of those places that feels both grounding and magical. First Thing First: How to Get to Doi SuthepGetting to the Top: Stairs or Cable Car?Temples, Rituals, and Quiet MomentsA 50-Baht Ride Down The Mountain First Thing First: How to Get to Doi Suthep After researching how to get there (the options are a private car, public transport from Chiang Mai Zoo, or a Grab car), we decided to just book a Grab car so we could head up early. And by early, I mean 7am - which, by the way, was a huge achievement for the three of us, considering we love a good sleep-in. I read that the sunrise from the viewpoint is amazing, but let’s not push it right? 7am felt ambitious enough, lol. One thing about taking a Grab car up there: some drivers might be a bit hesitant as they might struggle to find passengers on the way back down. In our case, the driver just asked if we could pay cash instead, which was absolutely fine.  You may also like this article: Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops: A Chilly Christmas in Bromo Outside of the temples - people often pray here too The drive up the mountain didn’t feel long at all, especially with good company. Once we reached the foot of the mountain, the road began winding upwards. On the way up, we passed keen runners and determined cyclists. There’s also the Monk’s Trail if you fancy a hike up, which is popular among locals and hikers looking for a more challenging route to the top. Distance-wise, it’s only around 10km from the city. Technically, I could run to Doi Suthep… but my poor knees would never survive the elevation! Haha. We were dropped off right at the temple entrance, where loads of songthaews (Thai public transport vehicles) were parked. That instantly allayed my worries after all the earlier stress about whether we’d be able to find a Grab car back down.  Getting to the Top: Stairs or Cable Car? Okay, so there are two ways to get to the top: the famous 306-step dragon staircase or the cable car. With a little bit of persuasion, I managed to convince the girls that the stairs were the right choice! It’s totally up to you if you want to take the cable car, but there’s usually a queue. The morning air is pretty chilly too, which makes a huge difference. Climbing the stairs when you’re not hot and drenched in sweat is way more pleasant. So yeah… give it a try 😉 Me and my best friends in front of Doi Suthep's famous 306-step dragon staircase Temples, Rituals, and Quiet Moments Once we made it to the top, there are several temples you can to visit. Just a few things to keep in mind: wear respectful clothing; no tank tops, no shorts, and no shoes inside the temples. You’ll find shoe racks by the entrance where you can safely leave them. Within the temple areas, keep your voice low and your movements calm. You’ll often see people circling the pagoda clockwise three times, and you’re welcome to join in. There’s also a prayer you can recite to worship the pagoda. There are prayer rooms you can walk into as well, and you’re free to pray in whatever belief you hold. I believe gratitude and blessings exist in every religion, so I visited a few of the prayer rooms with my friends - it felt very soothing. And if praying or rituals aren’t your thing, you can simply wander around and admire the beautiful Buddhist architecture. Once you’re done, take some time to soak in the view of Chiang Mai from the viewing point before heading back down. Oh, one interesting thing I found in one of the prayer rooms - which I later read that it is actually a fortune-telling area, is that you can step in and say a personal prayer, whether it’s about life, love, decisions, or anything. Once you’re done, you shake a bamboo cylinder provided there until a numbered stick falls out. That number is considered your sign. You then match it to a paper on the wall that you can take, with a written fortune. People usually make a small donation afterwards. You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam: A Quick Trip, Big Memories My friend Jessica in the fortune-telling area A 50-Baht Ride Down The Mountain We wrapped up our trip with coffee at one of the local food stalls near the dragon staircase. We sat outside on the balcony, watching songthaews line up to head off to different destinations. We then decided to stop by the closest national park, which I’ll cover in the next article. By the way, a one-way songthaew ride to the national park (it’s close enough to the city) costs just 50 baht! Super affordable and so much fun. We shared the ride with other travellers - an experience I hadn’t had in years.  The iconic red songthaew (Thai public transport vehicle) lining up by the entrance of Doi Suthep Anyway, that’s my Doi Suthep adventure with my girls. Hope you found some useful tips if you’re planning a trip there or to Chiang Mai in general. I’ll be in this beautiful city for a while, so expect more articles on other spots, restaurants, events, and whatnot. Stay tuned on www.kata-bella.com and follow us on Instagram @katabellamag. Planning your trip to Doi Suthep ⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 6am - 6pm 🌅 Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset for the magical views 📍Location: Around 10 - 13 km from the city centre, on Doi Suthep Mountain 🎟️ Entrance fee: 50 baht for foreign visitors (for temple maintance) 🚘 Transportation: Grab car, songthaew, private car, or a mountain bike! ;) 🚶🏼 Access to the temple: Stairs or cable car 👗 Dress code: Clothing that covers shoulders and knees 🚽 Toilets: Available downstairs near the cable car entrance (they're clean!) Personal tips: Get there as early as you can - the weather is cool in the morning and there are fewer people. Try the fortune-telling area and do the pagoda loop for the full experience. Go to the toilet before heading up and bring a water bottle. It gets really hot once the sun comes out.

A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience Image

09 Mar 2025 by Bella in Europe

A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience

Those who know me know I’m not the luxury type - whether it’s what I wear, where I go, or how I travel. I always choose charming boutique hotels with characters over lavish ones (nothing against them, they’re just not me).Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Europe, with Copenhagen as one of my destinations. While scrolling through all the beautifully designed, Scandi-chic hotels, one instantly caught my eye: 25hours Hotel Indre By, Copenhagen.“It’s very electic!” - that’s probably the first thought that comes to mind when you see the bold, colourful, and unconventional design. As soon as you step through the front door, you’re greeted by a pastel-coloured bar right in the middle, leading the way to the lobby. Past the bar, there’s a music room on the right and a lounge on the left. I did spend some time in the music room - not to listen to music though, just to chill - and it was nice. The interesting design of the lobby, and the lounge The lobby itself is full of character, with a striking display of stacked books in the centre and a cosy corner with typewriters for guests to write poems. There’s also a little shop that I only glanced at quickly, but it seemed to have all sorts of quirky, novelty items (I would expect nothing less!). The staff were friendly, check-in was smooth, and then came the most exciting part… the room! My husband and I booked the Superior King Room because we wanted extra space for our big suitcases and coats. The interior was, again, bold and colourful - like stepping into a Wes Anderson film. There was a vintage phone that actually worked (this millennial had to figure out how to use it, haha!), and the bathroom had underfloor heating, which was a dream. Everything about the room made me want to scream, Aaaaaa! I love, love, love this hotel! If I had to be really picky, I wasn’t sure about the pillow selection, it was a little too soft to my liking - but honestly, that was such a minor thing compared to the overall experience! Oh, and as you head to the rooms, the corridor has this fun wallpaper that gives off Toy Story vibes. Spacious room, and unique design of the public toilet But that’s not the only thing I loved about this place. The breakfast was great - they had all the usual Western favourites, plus plenty of bread and cereal. But since I was in Denmark, I made it my mission to eat as much fresh salmon as possible, and eating it with rye bread was the highlight of my mornings! They also have a gym. It’s not huge, but it does the job. There’s a sauna as well, though if I’m not mistaken, it only operates at certain times. Overall, I had such a fun stay in 25hours Hotel Copenhagen. Not only did they wow me with their playful design and cool features, but the location was also super convenient - within walking distance of shops and restaurants. In fact, we averaged 20,000 steps a day just exploring the city! If you love contemporary, quirky hotels with personality, I highly recommend this one for your stay in Copenhagen.

48 Hours in Amsterdam: A Quick Trip, Big Memories Image

15 Jan 2025 by Bella in Europe

48 Hours in Amsterdam: A Quick Trip, Big Memories

As part of our wedding trip, my husband and I spent two nights in Amsterdam. Why? Well, because my Schengen visa entry is through Holland, and I had never been before - so why not. Flying directly in from Scotland, the temperature felt a lot warmer. It was cool enough to keep us comfortable while walking around, but not cold enough to need a thick jacket (it was the end of October by the way). It was my first time in Amsterdam, yet it already felt like home. For those who don’t know, Indonesia was colonised by the Dutch for a long time - long enough for their influence to shape our culture and daily life, from language to food and so much more. So many things I came across like home decorations, familiar snacks, chocolate sprinkles for breakfast brought back memories of my childhood at grandpa and grandma's house. Anyway, during the 48 hours I spent there, of course I did all the tourist things - and here they are. RijksmuseumMoco Museum Food HallenAmsterdam CanalsVolendam  You may also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen - My 25hours Hotel Experience Rijksmuseum It’s one of the most iconic museums in Amsterdam, home to a collection of Dutch art by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. When I was there, they were running a collaboration with Disney, exploring the intersection of Disney’s iconic Donald Duck and the traditional art world. There were workshops and activities, like this one I did, sketching King William I from the 1800s... as Donald Duck. Quack! Left - Donald Duck drawing activity at Rijksmuseum. Middle and right - Moco Museum. Moco Museum  Why not Van Gogh? Well, I didn’t have time for both, and I was drawn in by the artists they featured on the poster, like Banksy and Andy Warhol. They didn’t have an extensive collection though, but it was nice to feel like an art student again, when I used to visit galleries all the time. Left - Canal walk near the hotel. Middle and right - Bitterballen and Sate Ayam from the food hallen. Food Hallen We love food, but we’re not exactly the Michelin-starred-restaurant type of couple. Plus, I can only manage itty bitty portions, but I still want to try a little bit of everything. So, what’s a better spot than a food court? I sampled all sorts of snacks, but two highlights stood out: the Bitterballens and Sate Ayam. Now, you might be wondering, why would I eat Indonesian satay in the Netherlands? Well, I was curious - and I was pleasantly surprised that it was so delicious! Not very authentic, but it was pretty good. You may also like this article: A Magical Day at Harry Potter Studio Tour London Amsterdam Canals I am now officially one of those people who take photos in front of a canal, and I have absolutely no shame about being a typical tourist, haha! There’s something undeniably charming about the Amsterdam canals. I loved watching boats drift by, listening to the soft ripple of the water, and doing nothing. Day trip to Volendam - first time seeing a windmill! Volendam  On our last day, my aunt, who lives there, took me to this charming fishing village, Volendam. It reminded me of Fife in Scotland - so nice. The highlight was a visit to a cheese and wooden clog studio, Henri Willig. I still don’t know how cheese and clogs are connected - and why I didn’t ask, lol. P.S. It was dangerous that they had cheese samples because, whoahh they were so good! I ended up going home with three different cheeses. Amsterdam left me with such a warm and fuzzy feeling - I’d happily return to again and again. In just 48 hours, I got a little taste of everything; the history, the art, the food, and all the charm. Two days wasn’t nearly enough, but it definitely left me wanting more. Until next time, Amsterdam!

Brazil and Indonesia: Fun Finds in Similarities Image

10 Dec 2024 by Bella in South America

Brazil and Indonesia: Fun Finds in Similarities

Brazil has won my heart twice. I first went there to train Jiu Jitsu because, well... Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Plus, my former coach lives there, on a charming little island called Florianopolis, just an hour’s flight from São Paulo. So, yes, imagine the journey from Bali! But it was totally worth it.  Anyway, Kata Bella not here to write about my Jiu Jitsu trip, but what really fascinated me was how similar Brazil is to Indonesia. Here are a few interesting things I noticed. Can’t wait to go back soon! The Language I know it’s obvious - because Brazilians speak Portuguese, and Indonesia was colonised by the Portuguese (among others). So, when I first landed at the airport, many words already felt familiar to me. I could pretty much guess their meanings. As I started learning Portuguese, I found it surprisingly easy to memorise the vocabulary because of the similarities. Some words are even the same in Indonesian, just pronounced differently. Here are a few for fun: Mesa (Indonesian: Meja) - Table Manteiga (Indonesian: Mentega) - Butter Festa (Indonesian: Pesta) - Party Janela (Indonesian: Jendela) - Window Sapato (Indonesian: Sepatu) - Shoes Igreja (Indonesian: Gereja) - Church Escola (Indonesian: Sekolah) - School  The Snacks I have this habit of exploring supermarkets when I travel overseas because I love discovering products we don’t have back home. And there was one aisle in Hyperbom that instantly took me back to my childhood days in Java - basically, it was filled with traditional snacks from Java, but in Brazilian versions. Paçoca vs Enting Enting (Caramelised peanuts pressed into bite-sized bars) Flocos de Arroz vs Jipang (Puffed rice coated in sweet syrup) Pé de Moleque vs Ampyang (Roasted peanuts in caramelised sugar) Cocada com Açúcar Mascavo vs Kembang Gula Kelapa (Candied shredded coconut) Geladinho vs Es Lilin (Ice lollies) Speaking of childhood snacks, I also found Trakinas, those chocolate sandwich snacks I haven’t seen in Indonesia since the 90s! That was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. Alright, that’s all for now about Brazil! I’ve got more to share from another trip, but I’ll save it maybe for Part 2. Tchau tchau!