Eclectic crime fiction & informed, irreverent non-fiction from Asia & beyond
My thoughts on the imminent demise of Bangkok’s incredibly varied, often delicious and pretty cheap streetfood in today’s Daily Telegraph. “Since the May 2014 military coup, Bangkok has been gradually changing from a chaotic, bustling happy-go-lucky south-east Asian capital with a hedonistic bent into an increasingly drab and orderly bargain basement version of Singapore,” said […]
Continue ReadingI’ve recently reviewed six hotels in Kandy, Sri Lanka for The Daily Telegraph. Kandy House, the former home of the last king of Ceylon, now a stunning hotel property amidst jungle and paddy fields outside of town, was a particular highlight.
Continue ReadingGandhi stayed here and Paula Yates loved it. A handsome mansion built in the 1930s, run by the eccentric Helga De Silva, the property is now a faded but incredible Alice-in-Wonderland-meets-Hammer-Horror bohemian ghost ride experience. If you are looking for conventional accommodation, don’t stay here. Hotels don’t get any more unique than Helga’s Folly. Every […]
Continue ReadingHere’s my new and very slick professional profile at Clippings.me. Thanks for taking a look. Sure beats LinkedIn.
Continue ReadingI have been traveling in Sri Lanka recently. it was a blast and my first time on the island. Mellow people, so long as you don’t dig into the war (and I was not there for that), luscious green hills, great food, wonderful festivals and no stress. I did a bunch of hotel reviews for […]
Continue ReadingMy guide for The Daily Telegraph on where, when and how to best celebrate Thai New Year.
Continue ReadingMy lowdown on Thailand’s New Year celebrations in The Daily Telegraph today. Among tourists, Thailand’s Songkran festival is best known for its exuberant and anarchic water fights. For three to five days, depending on the region, Thais of all ages throw ice cold water at each other and at visitors, along with copious ladles of […]
Continue ReadingI have completed a long term project for The Daily Telegraph, reviewing 20 or so luxury hotels in Bangkok. It’s been an intriguing assignment, stretching over several months with great insights into the hotel and restaurant business in the Thai capital. Working with a host of PR staff has been a joy. Many of the […]
Continue ReadingThailand’s unspoilt islands: Paradise mapped Looking for the perfect beach in Thailand? Tom Vater, our local expert, reveals his favourite island secrets… Read the full text here. Or check out this wonderful photo series presenting Thailand’s most sumptuous and low key hideaways.
Continue ReadingHolidaymakers in Nepal were helping dig locals out of the rubble in the aftermath of Saturday’s earthquake. Tom Vater assesses the damage to the country’s tourist industry. Read the full story in The Daily Telegraph today.
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