But while the image itself is not the problem, the system in place that allows the image is often harmful – even deadly – to the animal.

The most egregious case of this was the recent shutdown of the “tiger temple” (actually Wat Pha Luang ta Bua Yanasampanno) in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, where investigators charged 22 people with animal trafficking, and found a slew of dead or mistreated animals, most of them rare or endangered, and some of which were preserved for… well, no one’s sure what, but it’s probably not good.

But, as is often the case in Asia, phone calls were made, and the facility will re-open at a new location this year – although reportedly with more oversight.

The only good thing to come out of this is all the publicity. Recently, stories about animal abuses on social media and blogs have helped spread the word to the point where awareness is higher than ever before – but it’s still very easy to find yourself in a dodgy situation, even if you never planned it to turn out that way.

Still, you may wonder how feeding a baby tiger some milk can hurt. The answer is: it doesn’t. It’s what goes on behind the scenes that’s the problem. There have been many reports – none of them substantiated, but it’s not hard to believe – that the tigers are drugged to keep them docile. And it doesn’t stop there – YouTube has a slew of heartbreaking videos that show humans restraining, hitting, and beating baby elephants to ‘break’ them to be more passive for tourists. The orangutan climbing on your shoulder didn’t leave his home of his own free will – someone captured him, sold him, and went back to capture more, depleting the habitat of its wildlife and forcing the animal into a pretty rotten life.

Practices like this are part of a large-scale pattern that’s causing great harm to animal populations around Asia. As travelers, it’s our responsibility to understand the dangers and do our part to not merely avoid the harmful practice, but actively work to make things better.

But hey, we’re not robots – we love animals, and we understand that it’s not everyday you can play with elephants, feed apes, or help rehabilitate injured or abandoned creatures of all sizes. So while there are plenty of dodgy zoos, farms, and animal centers, there are also many that put the best interests of the animal ahead of making a buck.

Smiling Albino puts a lot of work into finding ethical animal experiences for our guests to enjoy, should that be something they’d like to experience. For instance, non-riding elephant experiences at the Anantara Golden Triangle, Elephant Nature Park, Elephant Valley or Boon Lott’s provide a safe, enjoyable experience that both benefits the animals and provides our guests with a great story to take home with them.

Animal tourism is a controversial issue, but as always, we’re here to answer any questions you might have. If you really want an animal experience to be a part of your Smiling Albino trip, we can make it happen, and in a way that benefits you and the animals. Everybody (and every animal) wins!

The post Animal Tourism first appeared on Smiling Albino.

There are four tips, easily applied to any situation or country, which will go a long way to guaranteeing a fun and memorable trip:

Observe

Do a bit of research about the country you’re visiting. When booking direct with an operator they will be well versed and able to supply you with any information regarding customs and expectations for the destination. On a solo trip? Check with local tourism offices and once you’re on the ground take some time to look around. If you learn that shorts are frowned upon, wear long pants or skirts. You’ll be more comfortable if you don’t stand out unnecessarily.

Make children a part of the pre-trip learning process. Their excitement for the upcoming vacation will increase the more they get to know where they are heading. Customs, such as removing shoes prior to entering a Buddhist pagoda or greeting a shopkeeper in France with a, “Bonjour Monsieur (or Madame),” are important to know and will help children acclimatize quickly on the trip.

Listen

When travelling, listening is a valuable skill. Encourage children to notice how people speak to one another. Tone transcends language barriers and in certain countries, people express themselves in less boisterous ways than in others. This doesn’t mean shushing ourselves (or kids), but occasionally adjusting our volume. There’s a reason visitors to cathedrals speak in hushed tones; it shows respect for fellow travellers and those who are there for spiritual reasons. The same when dining out; know when to sing out loud — in a beer garden in Germany — and when to speak quietly — in an intimate restaurant where tables are closely set.

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Keep An Open Mind

Children are generally non-judgemental and open to new experiences, so there’s not much to teach them in that regard. It might be worth reminding them that people live with different circumstances and that we can all learn from one another. In some countries, children finish their schooling young. In others, boys and girls have different societal roles. Left to their own devices children will find a way to communicate with each other and some of the best travel experience they will have is unstructured, unplanned play time with other children.

Be Flexible

Greet new experiences with enthusiasm and your children will too. There will be times during a trip when plans derail — it happens — and nothing will take the joy out of a vacation quicker than not being able to adjust and move on. Children generally feel at ease with certain structure and knowledge for what is to come, but that isn’t always possible. When they see their parents calmly adapting to unforeseen situations, it will ease any trepidation they might feel. Flexibility in travel equals enjoyment in travel.

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It is a privilege to discover the world as a family. The planet is huge and there are so many nooks and corners and people to discover. Family travel is like mom and dad going to school with their children, but without textbooks to lug around and dates to memorize. The value of learning about the world and its diverse cultures cannot be measured and can only happen if we model respect in our own behaviour. Adults know not to run around airplanes, shouting and disturbing other passengers, and children can do the same. It’s simple, really. There’s a traveller’s code of conduct and it is spelled R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Teaching children to appreciate customs and different cultures has multiple benefits: it opens young minds to the beauty in differences and allows the people whose countries we visit to feel valued and understood. Any success in parenting young travellers will be measured in how well children can adapt and fully live every experience.

Written by: Katja Wulfers

Katja Wulfers is a freelance travel writer who’s visited four continents so far and has been carting her children around the world with her their entire lives. She’s taught her kids how to pack lightly, order a meal using elaborate miming techniques, and sit on a plane for 15-hours. Now they’re flying off on their own and she couldn’t be prouder.

Katja also writes about culinary travel, food, and family and her work has been featured onYummy Mummy Club, Life In Pleasantville, and Canadian Living as well as other publications.

The post How to teach children to observe and respect the cultures you’re visiting. first appeared on Smiling Albino.

Thailand's two famous northern cities sound similar, but are actually quiet different. It's very possible to love both equally, but for wholly dissimilar reasons.

Family Dynamics

Ah, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai—two destinations that sound so similar yet offer such delightfully different experiences. If Thailand’s north were a family, Chiang Mai would be the big sister—cultured, sophisticated, and bursting with artistic flair—while Chiang Rai would be the younger, wilder brother, more about the great outdoors and a thirst for exploring.

If you’re trying to decide between these two, fear not! We’ve explored both extensively and are here to break it down for you—no fluff, just the juicy details.

Chiang Rai – Adventurous Little Brother

Nestled in Thailand’s far northern reaches, Chiang Rai is actually older than Chiang Mai, founded in 1262 by the legendary King Mengrai. While Chiang Mai stole the limelight as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Rai remained blissfully unbothered, maintaining its small-town charm and developing into an outdoor wonderland.

Chiang Rai is a dream for those who want to ditch the crowds and dive headfirst into nature. The city itself is relaxed, spread out, and delightfully slow-paced, but just beyond its edges, you’ll find a landscape that begs to be explored.

Want to pedal your way through emerald-green rice paddies? Go for it! Prefer to zip through the treetops like a gibbon on an espresso shot? No problem! Fancy a leisurely riverboat cruise past jungle-clad banks? Done and done.

For adventure junkies, Chiang Rai delivers in spades. Rock climbing, abseiling, spelunking, ziplining—you name it, Chiang Rai’s got it. And if you prefer your excitement on two wheels, the region’s mountain biking trails are nothing short of world-class. From gentle rides through tea plantations to adrenaline-fueled downhill runs, there’s something for every level of rider.

Of course, it’s not all just daredevil stunts and mud-splattered fun. Chiang Rai has its fair share of fascinating cultural sites, from the gloriously bizarre White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) to the darkly intriguing Black House (Baan Dam Museum). And don’t forget the hill tribe villages, where you can learn about the rich traditions of the Akha, Hmong, and Karen people.

The Chiang Rai Lowdown

✅ Small-town charm with fewer tourists

✅ Quick, easy access to jaw-dropping nature

✅ Thrilling outdoor activities galore

✅ A more authentic, Thai-style experience

❌ Dining options are mostly local, so don’t expect five-star fusion cuisine

❌ Not as many international hotel brands (though the Four Seasons Tented Camp and Pa Sak Tong Private Estate are standouts!)

❌ Less structured for independent travelers—better with a guide

Chiang Mai – Cultured Big Sister

A few hours southwest, Chiang Mai stands tall as Thailand’s cultural capital of the north. Founded in 1296 by (you guessed it) King Mengrai, it became the beating heart of the Lanna Kingdom and remains Thailand’s second city—bustling, creative, and absolutely brimming with things to do.

Imagine a city where ancient temples, hipster cafés, Michelin-starred restaurants, and bustling night markets coexist in glorious harmony. That’s Chiang Mai. With over 300 temples, from golden-spired stupas to hidden cave sanctuaries, the city is a playground for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike.

But wait, there’s more! Chiang Mai isn’t just about its past—it’s also Thailand’s arts and culture hub. Wander down its atmospheric streets and you’ll stumble upon gorgeous silver shops, intricate wood carvings, artisan textile studios, and boutique galleries showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art. If you love craftsmanship and creativity, Chiang Mai will have you swooning.

And the festivals? Oh, they’re spectacular. Imagine launching a floating lantern into the night sky during Loi Krathong, or getting into an all-out water war during Songkran. Chiang Mai doesn’t do things by halves—when it celebrates, it goes all out!

Food lovers, rejoice! Chiang Mai is a gastronomic wonderland, boasting everything from hole-in-the-wall khao soi noodle joints to fancy rooftop dining with panoramic mountain views. Want to learn how to cook like a Thai master? Cooking classes are everywhere, and they’re seriously fun.

Now, let’s talk about the great outdoors. Yes, Chiang Mai has stunning nature too, but it requires a bit of a commute. Doi Suthep National Park, Mae Sa Valley, and the lush hills beyond are all spectacular, but you’ll have to deal with the city’s growing traffic to reach them.

The Chiang Mai Lowdown

✅ A thriving arts, culture, and shopping scene

✅ World-class hotels, restaurants, and entertainment

✅ A smorgasbord of activities, from cooking classes to monk chats

✅ A major transport hub, making it easy to get in and out

❌ The countryside isn’t right at your doorstep—you have to commute to it

❌ Lots of tourists—if you want solitude, this ain’t it

❌ Traffic can be a headache

The post Culture vs Adventure: The Difference Between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai first appeared on Smiling Albino.