By John Liu Northwest Asian Weekly I recently took a long overdue vacation to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and it was a really exciting experience, one that I gleaned many lessons from. Here are my 7 tips for surviving Vietnam when you’re not Vietnamese! (The exchange rate on my trip was ₫22,500 Viet […]
BLOG: The many faces of Cambodia (Part 3)
Dispelling safety myths
“Is Cambodia safe?” Many readers asked me this after reading my first two blogs about my recent trip with my husband last November.
It is surprising that many have this misconception. While some may have concerns traveling to Cambodia, its tourism has actually increased 17 percent in 2013 and 7 percent last year. Just in Angkor, there are more than one million visitors every year.
China’s Black Friday was 11.11
By Jingyu Zhang Northwest Asian Weekly Nov. 11 (11.11) is notable because it is considered the “Singles’ Day Shopping Festival” in China. On Nov. 11, 2014,
Hong Kong dock workers shut down port, win raises
By Jane Mee Wong Northwest Asian Weekly Eight months ago, dock workers at Hong Kong’s Kwai Chung terminal went on a historic 40-day strike. Faced
EDITORIAL: Don’t forget Japan, many still in need
This week saw the one-year anniversary of the 9.0 Tohoku earthquake that unleashed a tsunami and terrible devastation onto the Japan prefectures Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi. It was one of the top five most powerful earthquakes since modern record-keeping began in 1900. It is the most powerful, that we know of, to have ever hit […]
Blog: 9 most embarrassing/surprising moments in China
I consider myself to be a smart traveler. I bargain wisely, eat well, and explore places on a budget. And hey, I was born in China and speak the language!
Commentary: Creating jobs from across an ocean
On Sept. 13, I, along with my colleague Randy J. Aliment, accompanied Gov. Chris Gregoire on a trade mission to China and Vietnam in an effort
How to be adventurous in Japan without speaking Japanese
If uncertainties and surprises thrill you, read on. If you can walk up big steps and traverse long distances in good spirit, this is the trip for you. If you enjoy experiencing new foods and striking up conversations with strangers, continue on.
Those Disney stars just don’t learn
March was a month of highs and lows for Asian celebrities. Yao Ming, Ichiro Suziki, and Freida Pinto flexed their star power. Michelle Kwan attempted a comeback, Bai Ling released a new film, and Lisa Ling’s sister, Laura Ling, ran into some trouble. Things aren’t looking so good for Joe Jonas, who has not seemed to learn from Miley Cyrus’ embarrassing debacle.
Beijing after the Olympics, is still wonderful
The best time to visit Beijing is now ? Cheaper hotels, less traffic, nicer weather. There is also an opportunity to get a sense of the Olympics before it?s too late.