Cee Jay

Cee Jay

Founder and writer of heritasian.com, a website dedicated to historical travel and heritage. My background includes a diverse range of experiences, from hospitality and sales to writing and editing. Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand for the past 20 years. My mixed British and Straits Chinese heritage, has shaped my understanding of culture and history, which informs my writing.
Northern Thai food platter with khao soi, various curries, sausage, and sticky rice.

Northern Thai Food Guide

Northern Thai or Lanna cuisine is defined by earthy, herbal flavors and a rare use of coconut milk. Influenced by Burmese and Lao traditions, it features sticky rice as a staple alongside iconic dishes like Khao Soi and Sai Oua.

Archaeological dig site with workers uncovering brick foundations, ancient city in background. UNESCO relevance.

What is UNESCO? Digging Deep

UNESCO protects sites of "Outstanding Universal Value," balancing global tourism with cultural preservation. By providing a framework for sustainable development and ethical engagement, it ensures ancient wonders like Angkor Wat remain authentic while supporting local economies and community-led guardianship.

Ornate painting of a royal procession on a river in the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

The Ayutthaya Kingdom

Ayutthaya was Siam's glittering capital for four centuries, once rivaling Europe's grandest cities. Now a UNESCO-protected park, its majestic ruins and iconic banyan-entwined Buddha head offer a hauntingly beautiful window into Thailand’s golden age.

Monks walking Wat Phra Lat Hike Monks Trail through a lush forest.

Wat Phra Lat Hike Monks Trail

The Monk’s Trail is a scenic jungle path in Chiang Mai leading to Wat Phra Lat, a tranquil "hidden" forest temple. Originally a resting stop for pilgrims climbing to Doi Suthep, it features weathered Lanna carvings, cascading waterfalls, and a serene atmosphere perfect for meditation.

Wooden jetty leading to a covered structure at Clan Jetties Penang

The Clan Jetties | Marine Architecture of Weld Quay

Penang’s Clan Jetties are unique waterfront villages built on stilts by 19th-century Chinese immigrants to avoid land taxes. Now a UNESCO site, these tight-knit communities offer an authentic look into the living history and heritage of Penang’s early settlers.

DSLR camera for landscape photography with mountain views.