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 Guide

Bowl of Khao Soi, a Northern Thai noodle curry soup, with garnishes on a wooden table.

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.

The Rise of the Foodie Traveller in Southeast Asia

Woman with backpack checks airport flight board for her foodie traveller destination.

The "foodie traveller" uses local cuisine as a lens to explore Southeast Asia’s culture and soul. From iconic street food to farm-to-table experiences, this trend prioritizes authenticity, helps preserve heritage recipes, and drives economic support directly to local communities.

What is UNESCO? Digging Deep

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

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.

Luang Prabang UNESCO Timeless Jewel

Monks collecting alms in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its harmonious blend of traditional Lao wooden architecture and French colonial villas. As the spiritual heart of Laos, it preserves ancient Buddhist traditions, golden temples, and a serene riverside atmosphere.

Amazing Thai Food Heritage

Friends enjoy street food in a bustling Asian market, a great experience for heritage travel.

Thai food heritage is a tasty map of regional identities, from Central Thailand’s royal refinements to Isan’s bold, rustic flavors. This culinary legacy blends indigenous ingredients with centuries of global trade, creating a world-renowned balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.

The Ayutthaya Kingdom

Ornate painting of a royal procession on a river in 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.

Wat Phra Lat Hike Monks Trail

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

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.

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang

Monks meditating at Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, Malaysia. Buddha statue in background.

Kek Lok Si is Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, a sprawling hillside sanctuary in Penang. Its iconic pagoda uniquely blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture, while a towering bronze Kuan Yin statue watches over George Town, offering devotees and travelers "Supreme Bliss."

History of Phuket | Heroines of Thalang

Heroines of Thalang: Thai women warriors on a fortress wall, celebrating victory. History of Phuket.

In 1785, sisters Lady Chan and Lady Mook saved Phuket from a Burmese invasion after the island's governor died. Using a "Sun Tzu-style" ruse, they dressed local women as soldiers to feign a larger army, successfully repelling the siege and earning lasting national honors.

DSLR camera for landscape photography with mountain views.