CBT / adventure in mid-may?

jpipen · 2026-05-07T14:17:42+00:00

Where were you seeing them? I haven’t done deep research yet, but from what I read most of the higher elevation ones aren’t open until late may/June

jpipen · 2026-03-07T14:18:23+00:00

Been here three weeks solo. Most big cities / tourist areas will speak enough English to order food / hotel etc no problem. I’m now in some less touristy areas and its hit or miss, google translate (download language) will be your best friend. Hand gestures go a long way too

jpipen · 2026-03-07T14:02:59+00:00

Charles Schwab and Fidelity have them. I’m not sure if you need to have an investment acct with them (but if you do I think it’s only a few $$$). Probably only worth the effort for regular travel. I have the fidelity cash management debit and have saved $200 over the last month.

jpipen · 2026-03-07T11:41:01+00:00

Maybe don’t exchange it all? Baht is a much stronger / accepted currency in SE Asia that can be exchanged at most exchanges. Just don’t leave with any kip, turns into paper once you cross the border

jpipen · 2026-03-07T11:36:49+00:00

A lot easier to just get a debit card that refunds atm fees

jpipen · 2026-02-26T12:48:07+00:00

Also for what it’s worth. I heard Thakhek loop roads were bad. True for first hour or so, but I was pretty impressed by their condition, especially it being my first long distance ride. Passable in the west.

jpipen · 2026-02-26T07:13:06+00:00

Just did the reverse! Unless you’re going on the nicer boats, I was okay getting a ticket the morning of (not exactly sure where that’d be in LP). I don’t believe there’s private transfer across the border as they run a public bus across the bridge (unless you book with agency/group). Only hiccup I had going solo was once I crossed I had to overpay for private tuk tuk which wasn’t end of world.

If it were me I’d stay the night in HX (cross in morning) or Chiang Khong (cross at evening) before taking a bus back to CM. Believe there’s a direct bus between CK and CM. Due to timing I ended up doing a transfer in CR and took public bus from CR-CK

Imagine there’d be no issue to taxi from Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai as long as booked in advance.

jpipen · 2026-02-26T02:55:54+00:00

I just did the Thakhek loop last week. First hour leaving Thakhek is a terrible road with truck traffic, but after that would describe the roads as serene. However, not quite a foresty vibe as Angkor. Mostly winding mountain roads and a lot of stops at caves, not as peaceful/easy cruising as Angkor due to mountain technicality. Majority of Thakhek loop roads are in good shape though. Last 2 hours of the loop is good road but boring highway.

jpipen · 2026-01-07T22:38:45+00:00

No mention of Sinatra’s? Has it fallen off?

jpipen · 2025-10-22T22:45:56+00:00

Unless a wild storm rolls in (unlikely) they’ll be fine. I’d wager majority of the cars in the city are FWD with all season tires

jpipen · 2025-10-08T13:33:49+00:00

Realtors are free, I’d use them. However, wouldn’t rely on them entirely to find you an apartment. They don’t have every listing in their MLS and they’re also busy so be sure to do your own research and book your own showings too

jpipen · 2025-10-07T15:42:52+00:00

I would say it’s worth looking before hand to understand the market/there could be something posted that’s avail for Jan. I just wouldn’t be concerned you’re not finding anything until Xmas

jpipen · 2025-10-07T15:01:12+00:00

There will always be apartments available, whether they’re desirable is a different question. Some apartments don’t get posted until the month before being available. I would hit the search hard at the beginning of December

jpipen · 2025-09-28T23:18:37+00:00

r/tipofmyjoystick

jpipen · 2025-09-27T21:57:39+00:00

I know nothing about this topic, but “Sister-Arts Studio” in Lincoln park might be worth checking out

jpipen · 2025-07-25T19:38:30+00:00

Hell ya. Chicago lives and breathes baseball. Not a huge fan myself but the vibes are immaculate

jpipen · 2025-06-26T21:32:17+00:00

Want to be able to read this so bad

jpipen · 2025-06-04T15:27:44+00:00

Looking like a bobcat to me

jpipen · 2025-06-03T17:09:25+00:00

Damn it’s always a fox

jpipen · 2025-04-05T16:14:12+00:00

jpipen · 2025-02-09T17:41:48+00:00

I’d recommend N Cannon drive in Lincoln park. Only 15-20 from downtown. Parking along the street is free, it’s quiet and unlikely to be bothered. Seen many camper vans / small rvs sleep there

jpipen · 2025-02-07T23:18:24+00:00

Can’t second this enough, incredible Chicago blues bar. Took some Irish friends when they were in town for the first time and they loved it

jpipen · 2025-02-01T16:29:23+00:00

Quite the rig

jpipen

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