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Southeast Asia Summer 2023
  • Lani
  • Lani

Southeast Asia Summer 2023

Vietnam, Cambodia, Siam Reap, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapur, Indonesia Leggi altro
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  • Inizio del viaggio
    3 luglio 2023
    LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    New Start Point

    3 luglio 2023, Svizzera ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    When everything comes differently than thought, planned... Is what they call life. Originally, this trip was supposed to last until the end of July. Now the trip will unexpectedly last a month longer.
    In the first semester of 2023 was hard. The job made me unhappy. Again and again it is a matter of deciding for oneself. To care and to face the joy, the curiosity, the spirit of adventure. At the end of April after my Morocco and Amsterdam trip I decided to quit my job. By then, the first part of this trip was already planned.
    I am lucky to have found a super exciting job and will start in the fall.
    Until then I am now on the road. The first stop is Hanoi in Vietnam with a stopover in Dubai. Enjoy the following travel description. Don't forget: in the map you can track the stays.

    Also at this time I met an incredible man. When it just fits. It is just right. I may adjust my profile text, because I am no longer single. At the end of this trip at the end of August, I will meet him in Singapore and the last days with him my long-awaited dream "Singapore" fulfill. So it's worth reading this blogg, photos will follow for sure 😂.

    Already today I may announce that in December 5 adventurous weeks of "travel as a patchwork family“ in Thailand are in planning. With adult children, family members and friends: We turn 50.🤷🏽‍♀️    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Hanoi La Siesta Premium Hang Be

    4 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    So.... I have arrived in Hanoi. And I am just tired. The flight Dubai - Hanoi had over 3h delay. Already when I came out of the airport, the sky was full of rainbows, what a good sign

    As always, I treat myself to a good hotel on the first (and last) night.
    I chose this one because it has this fantastic roof terrace. Just arrive and enjoy the first drink, wash off the trip under the cold shower and into bed. The hotel is more than good and I can only recommend it to everyone. I had booked the suite, with a lot of luck you can find such rooms at a bargain price, so always watch prices and just dare!    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Meet the Group

    5 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Hanoi has a lot to offer. With over 70% humidity and 37 degrees, it was really warm today until the first monsoon😊. In the meantime it has cooled down a little. I am totally proud: I have crossed roads accident-free🤪 and angling from fruit juice to fruit juice!

    Tonight I met the group. As always, a colorful mix of nationalities.

    Los Angeles, Canada, UK, Ireland, London, Denmark, Italy, Scotland.... And Huyhuy the tour guide from Vietnam.

    The first time there are more couples than solo travelers.
    Tomorrow we leave early for Ha Long Bay…    Leggi altro

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Ha Long Bay

    6 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    At eight o'clock in the morning the bus picks us up directly in front of the hotel. The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay takes just over 3 hours.
    On the way we make a stop at an institution that offers people with a handicap an education and a job. During covid the institution had to close for 3 years and nobody cared about the people.
    We are in a communist country and it is important to support such places.

    Around noon we arrive at the port of Ha Long. Our boat is simple but comfortable. The food is good.
    Some enjoy kayaking or hiking. I stay on the boat and enjoy the sounds of birds and animals, the incredible environment.

    We stay 1 night and then go back to Hanoi tomorrow.    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Good Night ❤️

    6 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    I was asked to leave some tips here.
    For Vietnam you need a visa. I applied for mine online. You can do that directly at the embassy or use an agency. the visa cannot be bought on the arrival. If you do not have a visa when you check in at the airport of departure, you will not be allowed on the plane. There is the possibility to apply for an express visa, but it takes 2-3 days... so organize early!

    I have internet as I downloaded an e-sim from Airalo as usual. For little money you can buy different data packages for 5, 10, 15 or 30 days.
    To be able to access a media library in europe, I surf via nordvpn. Both apps can be downloaded for free from the app store and then you can choose the type of package you want.

    In Vietnam and Cambodia I am traveling in a group. For the 3rd time I booked a tour through gadventures. I like the style and have always been very lucky with the people. They all want to travel, and/or travel a lot and enjoy this kind of being on the road.

    In hanoi I met young women in a cafe. They travel alone, which is certainly cheaper. Vietnam can be well traveled without a tour. I personally appreciate that our guide "huyhuy" accompanies us and can give us a lot of information. About the history, the culture, the food and deliberately keeps us away from the tourist crowds.    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Impressions and some information

    7 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 36 °C

    Vietnam has a 2 children policy. Ideally, you get a girl first. 5 years later a boy, so the girl can take care of the boy when the parents are working. This leads to the 2nd pregnancy being aborted if it is a girl again.
    Thus, Vietnam has one of the highest abortion rates. As well as a very high divorce rate.

    Whoever has more children loses his job and has to pay a fine.
    Who "only" has girls, loses his face. At important celebrations, the man must then eat with the women in the kitchen. Who has a boy, may sit at the vip table….

    China has had a 1 child policy for 20 years. Preference is given to boys. With the result that there are too few women to marry in China. It is possible for a chinese to buy a wife in vietnam. Who is not satisfied, can send the woman back and gets the 2nd free...

    By the way, birthdays are not celebrated in Vietnam. Most people do not know their birthday. But they do celebrate the anniversary of their death.    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    The only rule: there is none

    7 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Except never stop and just keep walking.... Crossing the streets stresses me out. It is noisy, everyone honks and just drives. If you want to cross the streets, you just have to walk. And never stop. Unfortunately, I did not manage to capture the crazy streets in Hanoi. In Saigon I will try it again.

    Each street has a sales theme:
    If you want to buy jewelry, you have to go to Jewelry Street. If you need household appliances, you go to the appropriate street. And there is also a street for clothes and shoes. This has its advantages. So you don't have to crisscross the city to compare the offers.
    So there is the Beauty Street where you can also do cosmetic surgery🤷🏽‍♀️.    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    10min to Hue….

    8 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Huế is the capital of Thừa Thiên Huế province in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam. Hue was the capital of Đàng Trong from 1738 to 1775 and of Vietnam during the Nguyễn dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

    The city served as the old Imperial City and administrative capital for the Nguyễn dynasty and later functioned as the administrative capital of the protectorate of Annam during the French Indochina period.

    It contains a UNESCO-designated site, the Complex of Huế Monuments, which is a popular tourist attraction. Alongside its moat and thick stone walls the complex encompasses the Imperial City of Huế, with palaces and shrines; the Forbidden Purple City, once the emperor's home; and a replica of the Royal Theater.    Leggi altro

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    The Imperial Citadel

    8 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Established as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hué was not only the political but also the cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. The Perfume River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City, giving this unique feudal capital a setting of great natural beauty.Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    For Chun❤️: Thien Mu pagoda

    8 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    There’s a religious site in Hue, Vietnam that lures tourists by its beautiful and ancient architectural structures of worship, Thien Mu pagoda in the ancient Hue city.

    Where is Thien Mu Pagoda Located?

    Thien Mu Pagoda (namely Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda), also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is one of the most fascinating and ancient pagoda in Hue city. It is situated on Ha Khe hill, on the north bank of the Perfume River, in Huong Long village, 5 kilometers from Hue city, which is easy to reach from the city center.

    The name of the pagoda derives from a special legend. Long time ago, an old woman appeared on the hill where the pagoda stands today, telling local people that a Lord would come and build a Buddhist pagoda for the country’s prosperity. Lord Nguyen Hoang therefore ordered the construction of the pagoda the “Heaven Fairy Lady” or Thiên Mụ in Vietnamese (also called Linh Mụ). Thanks to such a mysterious history, the pagoda has attracted a great number of tourists from both inside and outside of the nation to come and explore the legend themselves.

    Besides the architectural value, Thien Mu pagoda features a great historical role, which is also of absorption to visitors. During the summer of 1963, Thien Mu Pagoda, like many in South Vietnam, became a hotbed of anti-government protest. South Vietnam’s Buddhist majority had long been discontented with the rule of President Ngo Dinh Diem since his rise to power in 1955. Diem had shown strong favouritism towards Catholics and discrimination against Buddhists in the army, public service and distribution of government aid. Discontent with Diem exploded into mass protest in Hue during the summer of 1963 when nine Buddhists died at the hand of Diem’s army and police on Vesak, the birthday of Gautama Buddha. Accordingly, Buddhist protests were held across the country and steadily grew in size. In those historical days, Thien Mu Pagoda was a major organising point for the Buddhist movement and was often the location of hunger strikes, barricades and protests.

    Today, the pagoda is surrounded by flowers and ornamental plants. At the far end of the garden stretches a calm and romantic pine-tree forest. It is much well-maintained and very welcoming to all visitors.    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Emperor’s tomb

    8 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Spread throughout Hue’s quiet rural surroundings are six large and opulent tombs which remain architectural marvels to this day. The Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945, spent much of their time and immense wealth building extravagant monuments to none other than themselves. Though it can be disheartening to learn how the projects were funded by taxes squeezed from the lower classes, one thing is for certain: the Nguyen rulers had impeccable taste.

    This tomb is like no other in the area: a series of climbing platforms ascend a pine-covered hill rather than a landscaped, flat esplanade. You’ll notice Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and even Cambodian architectural influences. What’s perhaps most striking is the contrast between the outside and the inside: Khai Dinh selected white concrete for the façade (now blackened by the elements), and intricate, opulent mosaics and murals for the interiors.    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Lunch by the Monks

    8 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Quoc An pagoda is located in the west of Ngu Binh mountain, Hon Thien hill, Truong An ward, Thua Thien Hue province. Constructed in late 17th century, Quoc An pagoda was founded by monk Nguyen Thieu, also known as Hoan Bich Nguyen Thieu, the 33rd generation of Linji meditation. He was a Chinese monk traveling to Dai Viet (the early name of Vietnam) for preaching works.Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Fruits + Cocktails 🤷🏽‍♀️💃🏻🤷🏽‍♀️

    8 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ 🌙 31 °C

    The fruits taste so good that I constantly buy some. With the result that I will eat in Europe again for months none, because they taste like nothing.

    In this heat I drink 6-10 liters of water per day. Plus my iced coffees and smoothies.

    Vietnam is a "beer country" and I don't like beer. So I treat myself to cocktails in the evening.

    The espresso martini was terrible. So was the watermelon martini.
    What's really good is the passion fruit mojito. Or the mango mojito. My favorite: Passionfruit -Margarita.
    The blue lagoon tastes like it looks😂.
    And do not misunderstand: sex on the beach always goes    Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Parfum River

    8 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ 🌙 29 °C

    Huong River, or known in English as Perfume river is located in Hue city and considered as one of the most famous rivers in Vietnam as its beauty has been mentioned by innumerable poets and writers. The Perfume river is the symbol of Hue city along with the Ngu Binh mountain that oversees it. A trip to the Imperial city isn’t complete without appreciating the splendor of the Perfume river.

    The Huong river runs through a forest that carries the flagrant odor of herbs, therefore the river is said to be sweet-scented. People in the city simply name the river after “Perfume” (Vietnamese: Huong) to describe the aromatic smell of the river.

    Those who have been to Hue city know that the Perfume river splits the city into two parts, the Northern and the Southern part. The Perfume river has a length of 80 kilometers and the river runs through Hue city and various villages and then reaches its final destination, which is the ocean.    Leggi altro

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Local Market

    9 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ 🌩️ 31 °C

    I am always amazed. We have so many hygiene rules in Europe and all food is packed x times. In the supermarkets there are hardly any differences to Europe, but the markets are completely different.
    It is always worthwhile to visit one in a foreign country. Sometimes it takes a good stomach or a bad nose to endure the smells. But nowhere is life as authentic as in a market.Leggi altro

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  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    Incense sticks

    9 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ 🌩️ 33 °C

    Incense sticks have long been considered by Vietnamese people a tool for connecting the land of the living with the divine world. Lighting incense sticks on the ancestral altars or Buddha shrines on special occasions like Lunar New Year Festivals has long been an indispensable cultural and religious activity of the Vietnamese.
    The incense-making craft in Thuy Xuan village is believed to be dated back to the Nguyen Dynasty in the 1800s. In the past, local villagers used to supply incense sticks to the Court, the nobility and common people in Thuan Hoa-Phu Xuan region, which is now Thua Thien-Hue province. The traditional craft has been passed down for generations of Thuy Xuan villagers, not only providing them a livelihood but also constituting a part of their spiritual life.

    The making of incense sticks must go through a traditional process of various steps, including preparing raw materials, mixing aromatic paste and rolling the paste around the bamboo sticks.

    Bamboo, aromatic powders and glue powder are important materials to make hand-rolled incense sticks. Thuy Xuan villagers often take bamboo from Nam Dong, Binh Dien or Phong Son forests. They chop bamboo internodes into thin, equal and smooth sticks, soak them in water for many days and then dry them in the sun. After bamboo sticks become completely dry, they are tidied into bundles and partly dipped in hot liquid dyes for several times until the lower portion of every bamboo stick gets the desired color shade, and then once again dried to the sun.

    To ensure the quality of their products, Thuy Xuan villagers use only natural non-toxic ingredients to prepare aromatic paste, the most important material for making incense products.    Leggi altro

  • LaniSoutheast Asia Summer 2023Viaggiatore

    From Huê to Hoi An

    9 luglio 2023, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Around noon we left Hue. We are now on the road by bus. On one side you can see the sea while curving through the mountains. The trip takes about 3.5 hours, with stops to eat or for the happie room. What is the happie room???? In Vietnahm the toilets are called happie room. So if you ask for the bathroom, you ask "where is the happie room"!

    For all those who have already been to Thailand, happie end is not the same🤪🤣.

    I finally have time on the bus to text my footprints.
    I like the group.
    We have good conversations and laugh a lot. Our guide is the best guide I have ever had.

    We will spend the next 3 days in Hoi An, the lantern city.    Leggi altro

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