DESTINATION – TRAVEL with DONG

Not until I stirred tea‑leaf dip into hotpot did I understand what “local” really means

This time at New World Qingyuan Hotel, I had no intention of rushing to any sightseeing spots. I simply wanted to follow the resort's own rhythm, immerse myself in the local way of life, and spend two or three days feeling both fulfilled and completely at ease. The hotel itself is a healing mountain retreat – natural wood finishes paired with hillside views, and rooms with comfortable balconies where just staying in feels wonderfully relaxing. The real surprise, however, was the set of carefully curated activities that you can slowly join in, each offering a genuine sense of participation.

Old Fish Sandwiches, New Kitchen Dreams – Istanbul Unhurried and Alive

A warm June breeze drifts over Istanbul. The Bosphorus ripples gently, tulips bloom along the streets. Old city mosques stand face to face with modern apartment blocks – one step can carry you from Europe to Asia. The historic bazaars hum with voices; the new commercial districts buzz with traffic. The whole city is unhurried yet vibrantly alive.

Why Are We Eating Japanese Food at the Crossroads of the World?

My friends and I were spending our last night in Istanbul. Tomorrow, they would pack their bags and fly back to their respective cities. So a local friend led us down a lively street — and then I froze. Why, in Istanbul, would we be eating Japanese food?

The True Taste of Istanbul Starts Here

I’ve always said that to understand a city, you must start with its breakfast. So on this Istanbul morning, a friend and I walked through the doors of Emirgan Sütiş. This breakfast spot in the Emirgan neighborhood holds an unshakable place in the hearts of locals. There’s no over‑styled “Instagram” vibe here; the customers are mostly local families with children. And that atmosphere itself is the most authentic appetizer.

Golden Horn Views & A Contemporary Reimagining of Turkish Flavors

At OCTO, the restaurant inside the JW Marriott Istanbul by the Golden Horn, the shimmering light of the strait is woven into a contemporary reinvention of traditional Turkish flavors. The restaurant’s philosophy, “Food From Home,” aims to use local Turkish ingredients to create a culinary map stretching from the Aegean coast to the heart of Anatolia.

Where Istanbul’s Breeze Meets Ottoman Elegance

As Istanbul's wind blows in, carrying the salty tang of the Golden Horn and the sweet aroma of the Spice Bazaar, I climb the stone steps beside the market. Slowly, the story of the century‑old Pandeli unfolds among its turquoise İznik tiles.

The Meal That Shattered Every Turkish Food Stereotype I Had

After wandering through Istanbul all day—from the cobblestone streets of the Old City to the evening breeze of Galata Port—I just wanted to collapse somewhere and gaze into space. So, led by a local friend, I ended up at Muutto, tucked away by the harbor, ready to reward myself with a good meal. Little did I know that this dinner would completely shatter every stereotype I had about Turkish cuisine.

A First Taste of Orthodox Turkish Cuisine at Seraf in Istanbul

Upon landing in Istanbul, I was introduced by a local friend to my first authentic Turkish fine dining experience—Seraf. Outside the restaurant, a full row of prestigious accolades gleams golden: the top "Five-Pearl" rating from Turkey's İncili Gastronomi Rehberi, a 2026 Michelin Guide selection, three toque hats from Gault&Millau, and core membership in the International Gastronomy Association—all proof of Seraf's elite standing in traditional Turkish cuisine.

DESTINATION

Chanthaburi: A Thai Gem of Fruits, Faith, and Cultural Charm

Two years later, I returned to Thailand. Starting from Bangkok, I drove eastward for over three hours to reach my destination this trip: Chanthaburi! The moment I set foot on Chanthaburi’s land for the first time, I was captivated by the unique charm of this coastal city. With its enchanting natural scenery, rich history and culture, and vibrant local vibe, Chanthaburi shines like a radiant pearl in eastern Thailand.

DESTINATION

Salzburg Symphony: Music, Mountains, and Mirabell

Until just a couple of days ago, I was torn between visiting Salzburg or Hallstatt, but ultimately decided to explore Salzburg first. It's about a three-hour train ride from Vienna. Situated in western Austria, Salzburg is nestled at the gateway to the Alps and ranks as the country's fourth-largest city. Its old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.

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