Sunday, January 31, 2016

3 Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign braces are a great alternative to permanently correct your alignment issues without experiencing many of the drawbacks of traditional braces.  Read on to learn about some benefits of Invisalign braces. No Food Restrictions Traditional braces make cleaning your teeth more difficult. The brackets and wires can also become damaged if you hazard to eat […]

The post 3 Benefits of Invisalign appeared first on Lakewood Orthodontics.



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3 Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign braces are a great alternative to permanently correct your alignment issues without experiencing many of the drawbacks of traditional braces.  Read on to learn about some benefits of Invisalign braces. No Food Restrictions Traditional braces make cleaning your teeth more difficult. The brackets and wires can also become damaged if you hazard to eat […]

The post 3 Benefits of Invisalign appeared first on Lakewood Orthodontics.



from Lakewood Orthodontics http://ift.tt/1Slw1jq

Friday, January 29, 2016

Sterling by Cressey – Kerrisdale Living at its Finest

Sterling VNC 3 Sterling VNC 2

Kerrisdale has long been the neighborhood of stately single family homes but the city is beginning to open the neighborhood up to new developments that cater largely to downsizers looking for the ease of condo living without sacrificing space. Sterling by Cressey is the latest, offering luxurious boutique living in one of Vancouver’s most desirable locations.

 

The post Sterling by Cressey – Kerrisdale Living at its Finest appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/1nUhdLI

Sterling by Cressey – Kerrisdale Living at its Finest

Sterling VNC 3 Sterling VNC 2

Kerrisdale has long been the neighborhood of stately single family homes but the city is beginning to open the neighborhood up to new developments that cater largely to downsizers looking for the ease of condo living without sacrificing space. Sterling by Cressey is the latest, offering luxurious boutique living in one of Vancouver's most desirable locations.

 

The post Sterling by Cressey – Kerrisdale Living at its Finest appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/1nUhdLI

Marc Tobias Interview with Terry Whin-Yates in Canada | Video

Marc Tobias Interview with Terry Whin-Yates in Canada | Video. For further info to to www.mrlocksmith.com

Marc Tobias Tobias is an American investigative attorney, author and a great lock picker since he was 15 years old. Tobias has conducted or reviewed investigations involving locks, safes, security and locking products and technologies for both public and private clients. Terry Whin-Yates is a 3rd Generation Locksmith, Criminologist, President and CEO of Mr. Locksmith and teaches locksmithing.

Terry started Locksmithing when he was 15. His dad didn't want him to get into Locksmithing, but was still willing to pay Terry $.50 per lock he master keyed. Since then, Terry runs the most successful locksmith company in British Columbia. His company, Mr. Locksmith, has been operating for over 15 years and is rapidly expanding. Terry has a passion for locks, but when he is on the job he has to separate his hobby from career. A hobby locksmith will spend hours tinkering with a lock to figure out how it works and how to defeat it. Terry states, when you're on the job, that's just not cost effective. When the customer needs in, we have to be able to get them in as fast as possible.

Locks and Locksmithing are his hobby, career, and passion. Recently Terry invented a new tool. The "Smart Key/Dumb Key Force Tool" http://ift.tt/1Tsxwew can defeat all Weiser Smart Key locks http://ift.tt/1TsxyDi in seconds.

For more information on Marc Tobias, check out this article on him by Wired Magazinehttp://ift.tt/1ZZATcP

Hobbyist vs. Professional Locksmith

Terry has a passion for locks, but when he is on the job he has to separate his hobby from his career. A hobby locksmith will spend hours tinkering with a lock to figure out how it works and how to defeat it. Terry states, when you're on the job, that's just not cost effective. When the customer needs in, we have to be able to get them in as fast as possible.

The post Marc Tobias Interview with Terry Whin-Yates in Canada | Video appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.



from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://ift.tt/1Tsxwey

Marc Tobias Interview with Terry Whin-Yates in Canada | Video

Marc Tobias Interview with Terry Whin-Yates in Canada | Video. For further info to to www.mrlocksmith.com

Marc Tobias Tobias is an American investigative attorney, author and a great lock picker since he was 15 years old. Tobias has conducted or reviewed investigations involving locks, safes, security and locking products and technologies for both public and private clients. Terry Whin-Yates is a 3rd Generation Locksmith, Criminologist, President and CEO of Mr. Locksmith and teaches locksmithing.

Terry started Locksmithing when he was 15. His dad didn’t want him to get into Locksmithing, but was still willing to pay Terry $.50 per lock he master keyed. Since then, Terry runs the most successful locksmith company in British Columbia. His company, Mr. Locksmith, has been operating for over 15 years and is rapidly expanding. Terry has a passion for locks, but when he is on the job he has to separate his hobby from career. A hobby locksmith will spend hours tinkering with a lock to figure out how it works and how to defeat it. Terry states, when you’re on the job, that’s just not cost effective. When the customer needs in, we have to be able to get them in as fast as possible.

Locks and Locksmithing are his hobby, career, and passion. Recently Terry invented a new tool. The “Smart Key/Dumb Key Force Tool” http://ift.tt/1Tsxwew can defeat all Weiser Smart Key locks http://ift.tt/1TsxyDi in seconds.

For more information on Marc Tobias, check out this article on him by Wired Magazinehttp://ift.tt/1ZZATcP

Hobbyist vs. Professional Locksmith

Terry has a passion for locks, but when he is on the job he has to separate his hobby from his career. A hobby locksmith will spend hours tinkering with a lock to figure out how it works and how to defeat it. Terry states, when you’re on the job, that’s just not cost effective. When the customer needs in, we have to be able to get them in as fast as possible.

The post Marc Tobias Interview with Terry Whin-Yates in Canada | Video appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.



from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://ift.tt/1Tsxwey

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Forbes: “This Popular Fire Safe Can Be Opened In About One Second”

Marc Tobias and Terry Whin-Yates open a locked Sentry Fire Safe in seconds with a Rare Earth Magnet.

No sign of entry of damage.

This is a Sentry Fire Safe and not a Burglary safe.

For Hands-on Locksmith Training in a City near you.   Coming soon, online locksmith training including opening safes!

Electronic Sentry Safe opened in seconds with no signs of entry

Electronic Sentry Safe opened in seconds with no signs of entry

The post Forbes: “This Popular Fire Safe Can Be Opened In About One Second” appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.



from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://ift.tt/1JKpBHs

Forbes: “This Popular Fire Safe Can Be Opened In About One Second”

Marc Tobias and Terry Whin-Yates open a locked Sentry Fire Safe in seconds with a Rare Earth Magnet.

No sign of entry of damage.

This is a Sentry Fire Safe and not a Burglary safe.

For Hands-on Locksmith Training in a City near you.   Coming soon, online locksmith training including opening safes!

Electronic Sentry Safe opened in seconds with no signs of entry

Electronic Sentry Safe opened in seconds with no signs of entry

The post Forbes: "This Popular Fire Safe Can Be Opened In About One Second" appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.



from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://ift.tt/1JKpBHs

Creating Outdoor Living Spaces

We have worked with a few clients over the years that needed to have a larger living space but didn't have the land or the budget to build a 5,000 square foot custom log home. We recommended that they consider building a home to the maximum size that they could and then adding outdoor living areas to create additional living space.

Even if you don't live in a warmer climate like California, your outdoor living areas can be designed to complement the weather with fireplaces, overhangs and heaters.

Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Area

Creating a large cooking area outside can free up a lot of space in your home. We have built some beautiful outdoor cooking areas perfect for barbecuing or everyday cooking.

Outdoor Living Areas

A simple and cost-effective way to gain more space is to build large decks and overhang areas. Include a double-sided fireplace and you can make any deck livable anytime of the year.

Living Roofs

One of the recent projects we completed included the installation of two living roofs. This not only added living space but also helped with insulation and water runoff from the home. There are some design elements that need to be taken into consideration when building a living roof. Water pooling can eventually cause rot and water damage, but done right a living roof can be a great way to increase livable space.

Gazebo

Depending on your land restrictions and your lifestyle, building outdoor livable space directly onto your home may not be feasible. Consider creating a gazebo or other outdoor living structure further away from your residence. This is perfect if you have waterfront property and want a space closer to the water.

Regardless of your budget or lot size, we can help you to design a space that fits with your lifestyle. Visit our gallery and plans section to get some additional inspiration and ideas.

The post Creating Outdoor Living Spaces appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.



from Artisan Custom Log Homes http://ift.tt/1KJpFlM

Creating Outdoor Living Spaces

We have worked with a few clients over the years that needed to have a larger living space but didn’t have the land or the budget to build a 5,000 square foot custom log home. We recommended that they consider building a home to the maximum size that they could and then adding outdoor living areas to create additional living space.

Even if you don’t live in a warmer climate like California, your outdoor living areas can be designed to complement the weather with fireplaces, overhangs and heaters.

Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Area

Creating a large cooking area outside can free up a lot of space in your home. We have built some beautiful outdoor cooking areas perfect for barbecuing or everyday cooking.

Outdoor Living Areas

A simple and cost-effective way to gain more space is to build large decks and overhang areas. Include a double-sided fireplace and you can make any deck livable anytime of the year.

Living Roofs

One of the recent projects we completed included the installation of two living roofs. This not only added living space but also helped with insulation and water runoff from the home. There are some design elements that need to be taken into consideration when building a living roof. Water pooling can eventually cause rot and water damage, but done right a living roof can be a great way to increase livable space.

Gazebo

Depending on your land restrictions and your lifestyle, building outdoor livable space directly onto your home may not be feasible. Consider creating a gazebo or other outdoor living structure further away from your residence. This is perfect if you have waterfront property and want a space closer to the water.

Regardless of your budget or lot size, we can help you to design a space that fits with your lifestyle. Visit our gallery and plans section to get some additional inspiration and ideas.

The post Creating Outdoor Living Spaces appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.



from Artisan Custom Log Homes http://ift.tt/1KJpFlM

The Leveson Vancouver – Granville Street’s Latest Luxury Residences

Leveson VNC 3 Leveson VNC 2 Leveson VNC 1

The Leveson development could not have come at a better time for Granville Street – the always-sought-after Westside neighborhood for both buyers and investors. Coromandel Properties is set to launch these 40 luxury condos, ranging from studios to large 2- and 3-bedrooms, that feature decidedly West Coast designs and choice finishings. The buzz is real and these certainly will not last long.

The post The Leveson Vancouver – Granville Street’s Latest Luxury Residences appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/1PWglfT

The Leveson Vancouver – Granville Street’s Latest Luxury Residences

Leveson VNC 3 Leveson VNC 2 Leveson VNC 1

The Leveson development could not have come at a better time for Granville Street – the always-sought-after Westside neighborhood for both buyers and investors. Coromandel Properties is set to launch these 40 luxury condos, ranging from studios to large 2- and 3-bedrooms, that feature decidedly West Coast designs and choice finishings. The buzz is real and these certainly will not last long.

The post The Leveson Vancouver – Granville Street's Latest Luxury Residences appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/1PWglfT

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

3 Common Causes of False Alarms

There are different causes of false alarms. In this post we’ll discuss 3 of the most common causes of false alarms, including:  corrosion and damage to wiring, power problems, and outdated or old equipment.

Corrosion and Damage to Wiring

Certain areas are especially prone to corrosion. These will generally be in coastal areas, but may also include certain industrial areas.

– Look for damp patches on walls, doors, windows and their frames, near showers, kitchens and sculleries.

– Corrosion causes increased resistance on circuit wires and will be most obvious on circuits with perimeter detection devices (vibration detectors, magnetic contacts, foil, tension switches, etc.), but will also have a substantial affect on electronic devices.

– Damage to wiring may be caused by virtually anything. Visually check wires or detectors near doors and windows, in passageways and high traffic areas or where boxes and goods are stacked against walls, etc. Rats love the PVC covering on wires and will generally attack cables in ceiling spaces, cupboards and other out-of-the-way places. Source: Property24

Power problems

Your alarm system will warn you when the system batteries become weak. Changing the system batteries on a regular basis can help prevent a false alarm. You’ll be happy to know that many wireless home security systems are outfitted with batteries that can last up to five years.  Source: Safewise

Outdated or Old Equipment

If it’s been awhile since your security system was installed and you’re experiencing a lot of false alarms, your equipment may need to be replaced. Here are just 2 types of older security equipment that can cause false alarms.

  • Non-supervised wireless devices
    Everything we use today, the panel checks in with the device every 24 hours so that the panel knows everything is working well. Old devices don’t communicate with the panel and can’t send signal
  • Old ionization smoke detector
    Ionization is an old smoke detector technology that’s not as reliable as newer photoelectric detectors and more susceptible to false alarms. Yet this type of detector is common in homes that were built 12-15 years ago (they were built with them installed.)
  • Outdated glass-break sensors
    Acoustic glass-break sensors listen for the sound of breaking glass. However, that also leaves them susceptible to false alarms from other sounds of glass breaking (like dropping a dish or watching a loud movie with crashing noises).
  • Newer dual-tech glass break sensorscombine acoustic and shock-sensing technology so the sensor only goes off if the window actually breaks.

How to prevent it: Contact a home security company to come take a look at your existing system and see if there are any weak points that should be addressed. Source: AckerManSecurity

The post 3 Common Causes of False Alarms appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.



from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://ift.tt/1UrSrg0

3 Common Causes of False Alarms

There are different causes of false alarms. In this post we'll discuss 3 of the most common causes of false alarms, including:  corrosion and damage to wiring, power problems, and outdated or old equipment.

Corrosion and Damage to Wiring

Certain areas are especially prone to corrosion. These will generally be in coastal areas, but may also include certain industrial areas.

– Look for damp patches on walls, doors, windows and their frames, near showers, kitchens and sculleries.

– Corrosion causes increased resistance on circuit wires and will be most obvious on circuits with perimeter detection devices (vibration detectors, magnetic contacts, foil, tension switches, etc.), but will also have a substantial affect on electronic devices.

– Damage to wiring may be caused by virtually anything. Visually check wires or detectors near doors and windows, in passageways and high traffic areas or where boxes and goods are stacked against walls, etc. Rats love the PVC covering on wires and will generally attack cables in ceiling spaces, cupboards and other out-of-the-way places. Source: Property24

Power problems

Your alarm system will warn you when the system batteries become weak. Changing the system batteries on a regular basis can help prevent a false alarm. You'll be happy to know that many wireless home security systems are outfitted with batteries that can last up to five years.  Source: Safewise

Outdated or Old Equipment

If it's been awhile since your security system was installed and you're experiencing a lot of false alarms, your equipment may need to be replaced. Here are just 2 types of older security equipment that can cause false alarms.

  • Non-supervised wireless devices
    Everything we use today, the panel checks in with the device every 24 hours so that the panel knows everything is working well. Old devices don't communicate with the panel and can't send signal
  • Old ionization smoke detector
    Ionization is an old smoke detector technology that's not as reliable as newer photoelectric detectors and more susceptible to false alarms. Yet this type of detector is common in homes that were built 12-15 years ago (they were built with them installed.)
  • Outdated glass-break sensors
    Acoustic glass-break sensors listen for the sound of breaking glass. However, that also leaves them susceptible to false alarms from other sounds of glass breaking (like dropping a dish or watching a loud movie with crashing noises).
  • Newer dual-tech glass break sensorscombine acoustic and shock-sensing technology so the sensor only goes off if the window actually breaks.

How to prevent it: Contact a home security company to come take a look at your existing system and see if there are any weak points that should be addressed. Source: AckerManSecurity

The post 3 Common Causes of False Alarms appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.



from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://ift.tt/1UrSrg0

Isaan: 7 Highlights from Rural Thailand

Isaan
Isaan

Isaan
Isaan
Isaan
Isaan
Isaan

Isaan
Isaan
Isaan
Isaan

Isaan

Thailand's Isaan region is one of the most under-visited parts of the country. The area is its most rural, and travelers simply pass through it on their way to Laos or skip it altogether in favor of places like Pai, Chiang Mai, or the islands of the south. While Thailand is thought of as this overrun country, tourist-filled place, most of the country is actually devoid of them.

In my two weeks in the region, I saw six other travelers. SIX! Travelers are so rare in this part of Thailand that I was often met with quizzical looks by locals — faces that seemed to ask "Are you lost? Chiang Mai is the other way." (For all the talk of "getting off the beaten track," few backpackers leave the banana pancake trail.)

After spending close to ten years traveling and living in Thailand, I had decided it was time to get off the beaten path and visit this region (it was the main reason I took the cheap flight to Thailand in November). There's only so many times one can go to Chiang Mai! I wanted to see the rural interior — Thai life away from Western influences and tourist infrastructure — and get to know Thai culture a little better.

Isaan — a land of mostly farms and villages, architecturally uninspiring cities, spicy and delicious food (some of the best in Thailand) — exceeded all of my expectations. Isaan is one of those places where you can get off the trail and see what life, unspoiled by tourists, is really like in Thailand.

While I'll get into the logistics of traveling Isaan in another post, today I want to share my favorite sights and activities:

Korat

Isaan
Isaan's gateway city, Korat is the nickname given to Nakhon Ratchasima. It's the region's largest, most well-to-do town and features a big university. Like most Thai cities, it lacks any really inspiring architecture, but it does have a lot of beautiful temples, including Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap. The city is definitely worth a day or two as you make your way deeper into Isaan. When you're there, head to the Yellow Pumpkin for a cool coffee shop, stay at Tokyo Mansion, and eat at the soup stall on the corner Buarong and Suranaree Rds. It's open at night and incredibly popular. I stumbled on it, and it was the best noodle soup I had in Isaan.

Phimai

Isaan
This historic ruin is an easy day trip from Korat. It was mostly built around the 11th and 12th centuries by the Khmers when they controlled the area. Beautiful and under-visited, this site features a center temple surrounded by a few mini-strictures and square gigantic wall. To get to the temple, you walk across a naga bridge (naga serpents were guardians of heaven), through a crumbling wall, and across a field. The complex inspires awe as you approach it, and it reminded me a lot of Angkor Wat (they were built in the same style) but without the crowds. I saw only two other foreigners there, as this ruin is mostly frequented by Thais and school groups.

Nong Khai

Isaan
Mostly a stopover city for tourists coming in and out of Laos, Nong Khai was awesome. There are amazing food and coffee shops (try Macky's Riverside Kitchen or Cake at Toey's), river cruises up and down the Mekong, and a cool market. Also, lots of temples: I'm a big fan of Wat Pho Chi and Wat Phra That Khlang Nam. While I really liked the slow pace of life, what really blew me away was Sala Kaew Ku. This sculpture park, built by Bunleua Sulilat in 1978, has hundreds of statues (mostly of Buddha) in all shapes and sizes. It was the coolest thing I saw in all of the city, and I especially loved the giant Buddha with the naga snakes over it (that's a lot of concrete!).

Ubon Ratchathani

Isaan
Another stopover city for tourists on their way to Laos. I liked the relaxed feel here. The only foreigners who stay in this city either married a Thai or teach English. There isn't much to do here, so it's a good place to unwind. You can overload on one of the Buddhist temples in the city (my favorites are Wat Tai Prachao Yai Ong Tue and Wat Thung Si Muang), visit the famous night market or the surprisingly detailed national museum, and eat dinner on the river, but there's not much more to the city than that! I would also suggest a cab to the Wat Nong Pah Pong outside the city (300 baht round-trip). A tiny temple, the tree-covered grounds, and numerous paths make it an incredibly tranquil and Japan-esque place to walk around.

Prasat Ta Muan

In between Korat and Surin is Prasat Ta Muan, a historic consisting of two large temples built by the Khmers in the 11th century. The first site is located on top of a hill and, well, quite underwhelming. It's a beautiful temple, with a large prasat (temple) in the middle and Indiana Jones–style ruins surrounding it. In this main structure is where they would pray. There's a large Buddha shrine and some cool pits and drains where they would purify themselves during rituals. The highlight, though, is really the view of the surrounding area. You get this sweeping view of the hills and farms in the area. I liked the smaller Ta Muan Toch complex better (it's about a 20 minute ride from the big temple). There are far fewer people (I counted eight on my visit), and four beautiful ponds and a well-preserved wall surround the temple. The inner area itself is mostly a pile of ruins, however. You can visit both as a day tour from Korat or Surin, but with more time, stay in Nang Rang for a night and rent a bike to get around. If you do, stay at Honey Inn. It's cheap and the owners are amazing (and they will drive you to the bus station in the morning).

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park

An hour outside of Nong Khai is Phu Phra Bat, a national archeological park that features ancient stone houses and rock formations. After a beautiful scenic drive, you'll arrive at the park (it's going to be just you and school kids) where you can wander a forest and see some rock art. The purpose of the area is still a mystery to historians and archeologists alike, but the 3,000-year-old rock formations are thought to have been formed initially by river erosion and then later modified by religious groups.

Biking around the countryside

The best part of Isaan is wandering the rural countryside, and that's very hard to do if you don't have your own transport. Isaan lacks an extensive transportation network outside the major towns. My favorite memories were the scenic bike rides through the rice fields, farms, and small towns, and down dirt roads. But I wouldn't have had those if I hadn't hired drivers to take me around, which was an expensive thing to do. And, I never got really far because I could only hire some for the day. As I wandered Isaan, I wished I had my own method to get around. Rent a bike or car, go at your own pace, get far off the road, and enjoy lush and vibrant green farmland, friendly and curious locals, cheap meals, and cows blocking your way!

It's a shame not many people visit this part of Isaan and I kick myself for not visiting sooner. This area may be rural and lack the activities of other regions, but Isaan is a diamond in the rough, and a visit here will give you a fascinating look at small-town Thailand. It's an area to get away from it all and enjoy the country.

More resources to help you plan your trip to Thailand: 

The post Isaan: 7 Highlights from Rural Thailand appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.



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Isaan: 7 Highlights from Rural Thailand

Isaan
Isaan

Isaan
Isaan
Isaan
Isaan
Isaan

Isaan
Isaan
Isaan
Isaan

Isaan

Thailand’s Isaan region is one of the most under-visited parts of the country. The area is its most rural, and travelers simply pass through it on their way to Laos or skip it altogether in favor of places like Pai, Chiang Mai, or the islands of the south. While Thailand is thought of as this overrun country, tourist-filled place, most of the country is actually devoid of them.

In my two weeks in the region, I saw six other travelers. SIX! Travelers are so rare in this part of Thailand that I was often met with quizzical looks by locals — faces that seemed to ask “Are you lost? Chiang Mai is the other way.” (For all the talk of “getting off the beaten track,” few backpackers leave the banana pancake trail.)

After spending close to ten years traveling and living in Thailand, I had decided it was time to get off the beaten path and visit this region (it was the main reason I took the cheap flight to Thailand in November). There’s only so many times one can go to Chiang Mai! I wanted to see the rural interior — Thai life away from Western influences and tourist infrastructure — and get to know Thai culture a little better.

Isaan — a land of mostly farms and villages, architecturally uninspiring cities, spicy and delicious food (some of the best in Thailand) — exceeded all of my expectations. Isaan is one of those places where you can get off the trail and see what life, unspoiled by tourists, is really like in Thailand.

While I’ll get into the logistics of traveling Isaan in another post, today I want to share my favorite sights and activities:

Korat

Isaan
Isaan’s gateway city, Korat is the nickname given to Nakhon Ratchasima. It’s the region’s largest, most well-to-do town and features a big university. Like most Thai cities, it lacks any really inspiring architecture, but it does have a lot of beautiful temples, including Wat Ban Rai and Wat Phayap. The city is definitely worth a day or two as you make your way deeper into Isaan. When you’re there, head to the Yellow Pumpkin for a cool coffee shop, stay at Tokyo Mansion, and eat at the soup stall on the corner Buarong and Suranaree Rds. It’s open at night and incredibly popular. I stumbled on it, and it was the best noodle soup I had in Isaan.

Phimai

Isaan
This historic ruin is an easy day trip from Korat. It was mostly built around the 11th and 12th centuries by the Khmers when they controlled the area. Beautiful and under-visited, this site features a center temple surrounded by a few mini-strictures and square gigantic wall. To get to the temple, you walk across a naga bridge (naga serpents were guardians of heaven), through a crumbling wall, and across a field. The complex inspires awe as you approach it, and it reminded me a lot of Angkor Wat (they were built in the same style) but without the crowds. I saw only two other foreigners there, as this ruin is mostly frequented by Thais and school groups.

Nong Khai

Isaan
Mostly a stopover city for tourists coming in and out of Laos, Nong Khai was awesome. There are amazing food and coffee shops (try Macky’s Riverside Kitchen or Cake at Toey’s), river cruises up and down the Mekong, and a cool market. Also, lots of temples: I’m a big fan of Wat Pho Chi and Wat Phra That Khlang Nam. While I really liked the slow pace of life, what really blew me away was Sala Kaew Ku. This sculpture park, built by Bunleua Sulilat in 1978, has hundreds of statues (mostly of Buddha) in all shapes and sizes. It was the coolest thing I saw in all of the city, and I especially loved the giant Buddha with the naga snakes over it (that’s a lot of concrete!).

Ubon Ratchathani

Isaan
Another stopover city for tourists on their way to Laos. I liked the relaxed feel here. The only foreigners who stay in this city either married a Thai or teach English. There isn’t much to do here, so it’s a good place to unwind. You can overload on one of the Buddhist temples in the city (my favorites are Wat Tai Prachao Yai Ong Tue and Wat Thung Si Muang), visit the famous night market or the surprisingly detailed national museum, and eat dinner on the river, but there’s not much more to the city than that! I would also suggest a cab to the Wat Nong Pah Pong outside the city (300 baht round-trip). A tiny temple, the tree-covered grounds, and numerous paths make it an incredibly tranquil and Japan-esque place to walk around.

Prasat Ta Muan

In between Korat and Surin is Prasat Ta Muan, a historic consisting of two large temples built by the Khmers in the 11th century. The first site is located on top of a hill and, well, quite underwhelming. It’s a beautiful temple, with a large prasat (temple) in the middle and Indiana Jones–style ruins surrounding it. In this main structure is where they would pray. There’s a large Buddha shrine and some cool pits and drains where they would purify themselves during rituals. The highlight, though, is really the view of the surrounding area. You get this sweeping view of the hills and farms in the area. I liked the smaller Ta Muan Toch complex better (it’s about a 20 minute ride from the big temple). There are far fewer people (I counted eight on my visit), and four beautiful ponds and a well-preserved wall surround the temple. The inner area itself is mostly a pile of ruins, however. You can visit both as a day tour from Korat or Surin, but with more time, stay in Nang Rang for a night and rent a bike to get around. If you do, stay at Honey Inn. It’s cheap and the owners are amazing (and they will drive you to the bus station in the morning).

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park

An hour outside of Nong Khai is Phu Phra Bat, a national archeological park that features ancient stone houses and rock formations. After a beautiful scenic drive, you’ll arrive at the park (it’s going to be just you and school kids) where you can wander a forest and see some rock art. The purpose of the area is still a mystery to historians and archeologists alike, but the 3,000-year-old rock formations are thought to have been formed initially by river erosion and then later modified by religious groups.

Biking around the countryside

The best part of Isaan is wandering the rural countryside, and that’s very hard to do if you don’t have your own transport. Isaan lacks an extensive transportation network outside the major towns. My favorite memories were the scenic bike rides through the rice fields, farms, and small towns, and down dirt roads. But I wouldn’t have had those if I hadn’t hired drivers to take me around, which was an expensive thing to do. And, I never got really far because I could only hire some for the day. As I wandered Isaan, I wished I had my own method to get around. Rent a bike or car, go at your own pace, get far off the road, and enjoy lush and vibrant green farmland, friendly and curious locals, cheap meals, and cows blocking your way!

It’s a shame not many people visit this part of Isaan and I kick myself for not visiting sooner. This area may be rural and lack the activities of other regions, but Isaan is a diamond in the rough, and a visit here will give you a fascinating look at small-town Thailand. It’s an area to get away from it all and enjoy the country.

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