Thailand

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A beautiful, friendly, tolerant country (it is full of Buddhists after all). Unfortunately economic development and unbridled tourism has deformed this country. Check out Ko Samui or Ko Phanghan for a real getaway. Stay away from Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Chaing Mai too has changed for the worse. The hill tribes of the north are worth a visit though.

Maya Bay, Thailand

Many places were untouched by the Tsunami, including the famous Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island, where “The Beach” with Leonardo DeCaprio was filmed. This is perhaps the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been on (and that’s saying a whole lot!)

 

I haven’t been to Thailand for 22 years, when I took a 2 1/2 year journey around the world. Much has changed here in the intervening years. Thailand has industrialized, urbanized & developed to an amazing degree. Much of this development is haphazard, which has created a whole set of problems, particularly pollution and degradation of their beautiful country’s environment.

 

On top of that they are now recovering from the devastating Dec 26th, 2005 Tsunami which hit Phuket & surrounding areas & islands very hard.

Tsunami devastation on Phi Phi Don Island, Thailand There used to be a market, restaurants and bars where now there is only sand.

 

Despite the enormous toll in human life and property lost, the resilient Thai people are rebuilding and those areas untouched (the majority) by the Tsunami are open for business but suffering because tourism is down. Many Thai people working in the hotel & restaurants are having to take huge pay cuts to keep their jobs.

 

Visit our Hip Guide to Thailand for more information and beautiful Thailand photos.

 

Cambodia

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This is the HOT NEW HIPPIE DESTINATION!!! Unlike neighboring Laos & Vietnam, Cambodia has pretty easy to deal with visa formalities. It also seems to attract all sorts of interesting types, & seems to not attract the typical tourist types responsible for ruining Thailand for example. Its also a fairly relaxed place while being a bit crazy at times. They say its a lot like Thailand used to be. The ruins at Angor are incredible like nothing else I have ever seen. In addition, although international pressure is changing a few things, grass is all over the place. There was over a kilo in a cabinet in my guest house that was left by people leaving the country, & it is sometimes brought to your table free of charge in some travelers restaurants, so you will smoke it of course & buy more food! The civil war is over too now.

Madison, Wisconsin

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A beautiful downtown, with a beautiful university right on the lake, lots of housing co-ops, and really friendly and nice people. People from Wisconsin tend to be slightly dingy, and Madison is considered to be the craziest town in the state (it’s also the state capital) – but it’s the right kind of crazy, in my opinion. The only drawback is that it gets a little cold there in winter.

Madison is a VERY groovy place, and state street is chock full of head shops/coffee shops/every shop that deviates from the norm that you can think of……there is even a Nepali restaurant that I loved….also loads of interesting people throughout the town. I couldn’t believe how many street performers I saw, there were devil-sticks flying everywhere and lone saxophonists filling up the empty alleyways, soothing your mind like a mental Halls cough drop.”

Ashland, Wisconsin

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It’s a small town of about 8,000 people. There’s an Environmental Liberal Arts college there called Northland College. There’s also a vegan coffeehouse called The BlackCat that is totally vegan and it’s like the best environment for poetry and reading, or homework even-plus great organic food. Right next door there’s a natural food co-op. All the college students are way nice and there are no cliques. It’s like one huge family there.

They have this community program with “Sunshine Bikes.” It’s to stop pollution and all and give people a better taste of community and sharing. It’s a great place that has changed my life and it could for others!

Austin, Texas

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“Austin has the second largest vegetarian population in the nation….along with some great scenery here in the hill country. People should check it out. My older brother lives there, and works as a chef. Almost every night we get 2 or 3 bucks from each of his roommates, head up to Central Market and get tons of fresh fruit, vegetables, etc. – and have a giant veggie-kabob for dinner. It feeds everyone and also provides for a great way to get together at night in the backyard and just hang out. Barton Creek Park is another great hangout – it’s a linear park that follows Barton Creek – along the cliff walls there are several caves for exploring… just a totally surreal environment. Everyone in Austin just seems so mellow and content, i wish i could live there – but for now I’ll just be happy with visiting….”

Floyd, Virginia

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“Having grown up in the Blue Ridge, I am fortunate enough to have been thoroughly familiarized with the hippie pilgrimage that has taken place since the early 70’s…..and they’re all still heading to Floyd county. I believe there must be upwards of 10 intentional communities up on the beautiful plateau where Floyd County is situated and the numbers are ever growing. The nice thing, too, is that the population is fairly consistent, that is to say that it’s not really too transient. People go there and they tend to stay. It’s amazingly beautiful, and I’m so glad that it’s just right outside my back door.”