Smiling Albino

Planet Asia Podcast: What makes a great boutique hotel?

Hotels are an integral part of a trip. Finding one that suits your budget and style can really make or break a holiday. In a day and age when the word ’boutique’ has been over and misused, what really makes a boutique hotel great? On this episode of Planet Asia Podcast we chat with David […]

Thailand’s Beach Scene: Ko Samet & Ko Chang

  by Greg Jorgensen When asked which one of Thailand’s islands is the best, it’s easy to shrug your shoulders – there are so many! Choosing a favorite island or beach is very subjective – it’s like asking someone what the best ice cream flavor is – there’s no one answer (even though everyone knows […]

Planet Asia Podcast: Southeast Asian Elephants

Southeast Asian elephants have suffered severe territorial encroachment over the last few decades and their numbers are declining quickly. On this epidsode of Planet Asia Podcast we speak with John Roberts, the Director of Elephants at the Anantara Golden Triangle about their plight and future in the region. John’s a fascinating guy who’s worked with […]

Bargaining in Southeast Asia

by Greg Jorgensen Some of you may remember that classic scene in Monty Python’s Life of Brian where Brian, running from pursuing Roman soldiers, tries to buy a disguise from a vendor for full price. The vendor, insulted at Brian’s disinterest in haggling, schools him on the rules of getting the best price. It’s a hilarious scene […]

Planet Asia Podcast: Making a positive difference while traveling

Lending a hand, volunteering and ‘helping out’ while on vacation in SE Asia can be tricky. There are multiple layers to actually doing good and there are some important things to keep in mind before setting out to do so. Smiling Albino Team members Scott Coates and Greg Jorgensen chat and share some of their […]