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Hoi An day 2
April 23, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 40 °C
I was told Vietnam got cooler as you travelled north, but it's bloody boiling! Seems the country is experiencing a heat wave at the moment, so the next week is forecast 35-40°! 10° higher than expected temperatures for this time of year in this region -_-
Today we did a morning trip to My Son Sanctuary. A site full of temples, meditation halls and palaces built between the 4th and 13th century during the rain of the Champa Kingdom. It's spiritual origins date back to Hinduism from India: most of the temples were built for Hindu divinities such as Krishna and Vishnu, but predominantly Shiva (god of destruction). There is seemingly no cement between the clay bricks, and to this day, how they built the structures is a mystery. Some of them are over 1,500 years old and have stood against weathering. New parts that have been reconstructed haven't lasted as long as the original, and have had to be replaced!
The site was only rediscovered by the French in 1885, hidden in dense jungle unbeknownst to the Vietnamese people. During the cold war, the site was bombed by the Americans as they 'believed' Viet Cong soldiers were hiding in the buildings, where in fact they were hidden in the surrounding jungle and tunnels. This meant sadly most of the site was destroyed, leaving 10 out of 75 buildings remaining. It was interesting to look around, our tour guide was very enthusiastic, he had a voice like a cartoon character, and was super knowledgeable on the site, having previously worked on it as an a researcher. The site was in a valley surrounded by jungle so very little breeze reached us, was a whopping 40° so I had a constant stream of sweat down my face as we walked through the temples.
After lunch, the tour took us back to Hoi An along the river on a boat. In the afternoon we wandered around old town, visiting a pagoda, bahn mi store (my second of the day!) and a coffee shop. As sun was setting, we found a lantern making class. We sat outside a lantern shop on tiny stools, while we instructed how to assemble our lanterns (stick fabric on). Was actually harder than it seems, felt a bit like we were in primary school, our instructor was very lovely and encouraging, and praised us even though we knew we were doing a terrible job! 😅
In the evening we found a bar along the waterfront, then got Indian for tea before heading back to the homestay, being greeted by our new favourite friend Ri (the puppy).Read more
Traveler Oh I am soooo chuffed with it 😍
4/28/24Reply
Traveler How many marks did your lanterns earn? Love all your pictures 🦉
4/28/24Reply
TravelerAt a guess I would say 11/10 😉
4/30/24Reply
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SE Asia Traveler
2
Hoi An day 1
April 22, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
Hoi An doesn't have a bus or train station so our night bus dropped us off at the nearest city, Da Nang, at 4.30am. We grabbed a taxi down to Hoi An, and arrived just as sun the sun was rising. We were greeted at the homestay by the most excitable 10 month old black cockapoo puppy. Our host disappeared upstairs for 10 minutes while we played with the dog, and when she came back down, she said our room was ready and we could check in early for free. We were both so happy, I could've picked her up and given her a big hug. Instead we happily hauled ourselves upstairs and got a few extra hours sleep in.
After grabbing some lunch, we found the most lovely coffee shop tucked down an alley with a huge garden full of brightly coloured cushioned chairs under shady trees and plants. We refuelled, and found an afternoon walking tour to book onto.
Our guide was great, she took us down walking street, and to an old Japanese house and bridge, as well as a Chinese house and temple. Hoi An was a large trading port city between the 15th-19th century, it had a big influx of Japanese and Chinese merchants, so a lot of their cultures found their way into parts of Hoi An. It also facilitated trade from European countries such as Portugal, Holland and France, so had a lot of European architecture too.
Hoi An is just so pretty, colourful lanterns adorn pretty much every street along with blooming flowers in shades of pink, purple and yellow. By some luck we arrived on the eve before full moon which is when they have a monthly lunar lantern festival! All the street lights are switched off and the old town is only lit up only by lanterns. We were proper tourists and had boat ride along with hundreds of other lanterns lit up boats, and even released our own candle lit paper ones. From the bridge it looked crowded, and I was worried it'd be chaotic, but was very relaxing.
Kath befriended a feral kitten at dinner, then we headed back for an early night, but we already absolutely love Hoi An!Read more
Traveler Like the look of,the market did you go,round it?🦉
4/28/24Reply
TravelerWe did! But didn't buy anything, a lot of tat we didn't need but nice to look at!
4/30/24Reply
TravelerLooks so lovely! Especially the nighttime lanterns
4/30/24Reply
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1
Quy Khon / ➡️ Hoi An
April 21, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
We've only got one night in Quy Khon, just used the stop as a chill out day, and to break up the long journey. We arrived at 1am and lugged our bags to a hotel, which wasn't the best, but not the worse. Bed's were rock solid but I was so tired I just passed out.
We had a lie in and lazy morning before checking out, sorting bus tickets and finding breakfast. Wandered into town via a stroll alongside the main beach. Was odd seeing skyscrapers towering behind a white sandy beach.
We visited a big pagoda which had a really beautiful garden full of bonsai trees and flowers, hundreds of potted plants and a tall lovely Buddha statue. Prayers were going on, so the sound of gentle chanting filled the air, was very soothing. However, was slightly disconcerting to see so many swastika symbols around the temple. Hitler actually stole the symbol from Asian culture, as it's been used in many religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, for hundreds of years before it was linked to the Nazi's. In Buddhism it's a good auspicious mark, and symbolises the footprints of Buddha. The shape represents the eternal cycle (life, death and rebirth). So it's a shame such a positive symbol in Eastern culture is associated with such awful atrocities in the West.
We ventured further down the coast to find a nicer beach, which had lots of locals enjoying the bath water temperature sea water, which had small fishing boats bobbing about in.
For dinner we saw a sign for a homestay which did home cooked veggie food, which was just what we needed. We hopped in a taxi back, and got on our 10pm night bus to Hoi An.Read more
Traveler 🤣🤣
4/27/24Reply
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Da lat day 2 / ➡️ Quy Khon
April 20, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
We had a sleeper bus booked for early this evening so we pretty much had the whole day to see more of Da Lat. We did debate doing a sunrise hike, but didn't want to be disappointed by a cloudy view, so picked the much cheaper option and went on a small trek.
We got a taxi early morning to an organic farm just outside the city where we met our guide, who was accompanied by 5 dogs! Was a lovely walk through the woods into a national park, we walked through a sturgeon farm, which harvested caviar. Learnt lots of sturgeon facts, including that they can live up to 120 years old and weigh over a ton! We walked along the concrete beams separately the pools, and saw fish that were 40 years old and over a metre and a half long! We continued our walk into a pine forest then along a river, up to a waterfall. The 5 dogs walked alongside us the whole way, was like being in a pack, a couple even came in the water with us.
The waterfall was so refreshing, not deep enough to swim but we could stand under and get a refreshing shower and on the edge of the water admiring the forest. Our guide was so lovely, and very knowledgeable on the area and plants and animals in it, as he was an agricultural student. He got very excited about a sparkling blue butterfly we saw, and some bolletta mushrooms we picked on the way back. We got a tour around the farm and had coffee at the cafe at the top while we waited for the taxi back.
In the afternoon we visited a place called crazy house. Was quite literally a huge house with the craziest architecture built in the 90's, with fantastical statues and objects hanging from walls, winding jungle decorated stairs and ladders which climbed over the roof and wacky murals all over. You can even stay in a room here, but most people just visit.
We got a sleeper bus at 5 which should get us to Quy Khon just before 1!Read more
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Da Lat day 1
April 19, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
I liked Ho Chi Minh a lot, but it's so nice to be out the city, it was a bit chaotic. Crossing the road was a minefield, cars and buses you had to watch out for, but with motorbikes, you're just meant to walk across at a consistent pace so they can predict your movement and drive around you. Sometimes I think just walking across with your eyes closed would be the easiest way to cross 😂
Da Lat is a city high up in the mountains so it's much cooler and less humid too. The area we're staying in is so hilly and a maze of small alleys, which motorbikes still find their way through.
We only have one full day here so did a tour to catch all the sights. Got picked up around 8.30, much to probably the dismay of the other 4 passengers, I ate my egg breakfast bahn mi in the minivan, and it was delicious.
One of the morning stops was a village coined 'chicken village', where a Vietnamese folk story took place. Long story short, was about a couple wanting to get married, the girl's family would only allow the boy to marry her if he brought them a rooster with 9 spurs, and he died trying, then she died looking for her. A Vietnamese Shakespeare tragedy of sorts, but there was a big chicken statue there to commemorate the couple. The village itself was home to one of 54 what they call minority groups in Vietnam, similar to tribes in Thailand, they have their own language and traditions. The village was surrounded by beautiful scenery and was very peaceful.
We stopped at two waterfalls which were nice, though the highlight of those stops was seeing pineapple's growing! I'd never seen one on a plant before, almost looked fake, like someone just glued a pineapple on a cactus!
In the afternoon we visited a coffee plantation. They had 40 weasels there which they use for 'weasel poo' coffee. Sounds gross, but the weasel eat the coffee beans and apparently some enzyme in their stomach breaks down/ ferments the beans making the coffee taste smoother. After the beans are collected from the weasel they're thoroughly cleaned and then the husk is removed, so it's hygienic process. Was first discover by tribal people. I did try some of the coffee, was tasty but wouldn't say it's the best coffee I've ever had, but the view from the coffee shop was pretty good.
We then visited a silk factory, cricket farm, and rice wine making cellar, and had the option to try the latter two delicacys.
In the evening we found a cute pub to play cards at, but was also to people watch as it was right on the corner of a two busy streets. After dinner, we went back to the dessert place from lst night as it was so good and they had a puppy there this time having the time of his life playing in the coconuts.Read more
TravelerVietnam - so far - looks a lot more prosperous and modern than I was expecting. And so lovely! I have heard of that weasel poo coffee! Did you try the insects?
4/30/24Reply
TravelerYes it really is! I'm sure if you head into the farmlands it's a lot more rural, but everywhere we've been has quite built up! I was a bad vegetarian and tried a cricket, was just crunchy tbh, no taste!
4/30/24Reply
TravelerWow you were really brave!
4/30/24Reply
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Ho Chi Minh ➡️ Da Lat
April 18, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
We got an overnight bus to Da Lat very early this morning. When buying the ticket I thought it'd be a straight bus from 1.30am to 8.30am. We didn't actually get on our sleeper bus til 3.30, as we first got a mini bus and then had a long wait at the bus station, and didn't arrive into Da Lat til 10 o clock. We grabbed a taxi to our homestay /hostel, dropped our bags out then ventured out for food as I was absolutely starving (on the verge of hanger).
We were both pretty tired in the afternoon after the journey, I wanted a serotonin boost so we visited a puppy farm. It's not what it sounds, they don't eat the puppies here. It was cute farm with lots of animals, a garden and lots of dogs! Most of the dogs were pretty uninterested in us, but there were four 4 month old corgi puppies which were extremely cute and cuddly.
We did explore of Da Lat a little at night, finding a veggie restaurant and a place for dessert, before an early night as we've booked a day tour for tomorrow.Read more
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Ho Chi Minh day 3
April 17, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 35 °C
We ventured outside Ho Chi Minh today and went on a tour to visit the Cu Chi tunnels. These were a network of tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the cold war. They practically lived in them, with underground bunkers designated as the kitchen or hospital area. The original tunnels were made of clay and divided into three levels, the deepest reaching 4m underground. We got to clamber through some tunnels ourselves, however these were reconstructed ones made of concrete, slightly larger than the original ones so you could walk through crouched. They were still quite tight, and a bit claustrophobic, Kath completed one and then walked over land for the rest. Many tunnel entrances were booby-trapped to deter American soldiers, and things like kitchen smoke vents were placed far from the soldiers resting place to confuse the enemy. We saw an array of traps and tricks, each one more brutal than the next.
At the end of the tour, we got to go into a small one person hole in the ground which was a recreated tunnel entrance. With the jungle floor covered in dry leaves, the entrance is completely undetected when closed, and only located by a tiny X on a nearby tree. I successfully climbed in, however I got stuck on the way out and embarrassingly had to get hauled out by multiple people.
Our tour guide was very funny and extremely personable on the bus, but was on a military mission to get us through the tunnels, so felt a little rushed.
It was a 1 1/2 hour drive back to the city where we grabbed lunch, found a coffee shop to plan our next move and then wandered around a huge indoor market where I got to practice my bargaining skills.
In the evening we visited a sky bar which had pretty cool views of the city and enjoyed a few pricey cocktails.
We got veggie hotpot for dinner. The menu confused us so we ended up massively over ordering, but the food was delicious. We waddled back to the hostel so full, only taking one detour to show Kath the madness of walking street.Read more
Traveler Am impressed by the amount of energy you two have got you won’t be missing much. I could never go in those tunnels.! Wondered what happened to the queens corgis?
4/24/24Reply
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Ho Chi Minh day 2
April 16, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C
Today we went on a walking tour to get a bit of history about the city and our bearings. Ho Chi Minh was the capital of Vietnam during French occupation (1862–1954), and capital of the south of Vietnam when the north and south were divided. After the US left the country in 1975, the north and south unified and Hanoi became the capital.
Most of the big impressive buildings looked very European, as they were built by the French, including an opera house, post office and city hall. Unfortunately the cathedral, coined the Notre Dame of Saigon (original name of Ho Chi Minh), was under construction, so was covered in scaffolding and barely visible.
My favourite stop was a communist coffee shop hidden down an alley on the second floor of some apartments, next to the old American embassy building. This is where a famous event called the Tet offensive attack occured in 1964. Viet Cong was the communist front in Vietnam during the cold war, they blew up a parked car outside the embassy killing over 20 people, including 5 American figures. This event turned the opinion of a lot of the public, especially the American population to support the war in Vietnam. One of the American government's main driving forces for invading Vietnam was the fear of communism spreading to the US, so wasn't really a justification to start a war.
In the afternoon we visited a building called the apartment of cafes, which as it sounds, was a 9 story apartment block filled with mainly cafes, and a few cute shops.
In the evening we caught the ferry across the river and got a pretty spectacular view of the city at sunset and then lit up at night. We had to cross an insanely busy road to get to the ferry dock. From the other side of the road, we watched this middle aged Vietnamese lady cross, with her hand the air signalling for cars to stop, and the motorbikes drove around her. As we watched in disbelief, she crossed, looked at us with pity then grabbed my hand. I held Kath's, then this lovely lady guided us across this 6 lane hectic main road in a breeze, then she toddled off and crossed herself again! She was an absolute hero and didn't even speak a word to us!
We passed a lot of the walking tour sites we saw in the day, in the evening, and they looked a lot more impressive lit up, with the night sky behind them. We grabbed dinner and beers at a food market, then stopped off at a pub on the way home, but could only manage one more beer as we were both so full!Read more
TravelerI cream looks lovely wish I had some here,Enjoyed reading accounts of your travels and looking at all the photos.llve🦅🦉
6/18/24Reply
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1
Ho Ch Minh day 1
April 15, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C
The sheer amount of motorbikes in the city is crazy, there's around 10 million people in the city, and 4-7 million motorbikes depending on who you ask! I decided to see what it'd be like to be one of the many motorbikes, and hopped on a bike taxi to the airport. Was slightly terrifying at times, but much less scary than to trying to cross a busy road here!
I found a corridor above the arrivals terminal where I could survey luggage collection and spy on Kath. Once I found her, we got a taxi back to the hostel, then went out to explore. I had my first egg coffee, which is a Vietnamese speciality. It's espresso topped with an almost meringue topping, made of egg yolks and condensed milk whipped up. Is so delicious, but so sweet, feels like a dessert.
We visited one of Ho Chi Minh's most popular attractions in the afternoon which is the War Remnants Museum. To be honest I barely knew anything about the cold war before coming here, and it was really interesting to learn about. Parts of the museum were quite hard to look at, photos in particular, but definitely important to see.
Kath didn't sleep on her flight so started to fall asleep if she sat down for too long, so we kept moving and walked across town to a pagoda (temple). We stood overlooking the pagoda as the sky lit up at sunset, with the noise from super busy roads behind us, and tiny bats and swooping birds dive bombing above us to catch emerging insects.
Had an early night, even though I had a full night sleep, walking about the city in 39°c heat is also exhausting.Read more
TravelerOh it’s your aunty! I bet you’re just about ready for a friendly face from home. Hope you both have a great time x
4/20/24Reply
TravelerYes for sure!
4/24/24Reply
Traveler Ha ha ha!
4/21/24Reply
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Can Tho ➡️ Ho Chi Mihn
April 14, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C
I had planned to spend the morning exploring Can Tho further, but I was so happy with the river tour I did yesterday, I didn't feel the need to do anything else.
I had a chilled morning at the hostel, then got an early afternoon bus back to Ho Chi Mihn.
I check into a private two bed hostel as Kath is arriving tomorrow! I was absolutely starving by the time I'd got to the hostel, but by some miracle there was a vegan bahn mi shop, less than 30 seconds around the corner!
I had a wander round, found some food and picked up some bits from shops. I was looking for somewhere to get dessert when I accidentally walked down the main walking street. It was so loud and busy, mainly filled with bars and clubs with girls dancing on tables, guys waving about menus trying to get you to come drink at their bar and constant loud music booming. Was a little overwhelming to say the least, especially when I had only come that way to find a sweet treat! I eventually did find somewhere, then headed back to the hostel for an early night.Read more
TravelerI like the little street with all the lanterns - but the main street looks a bit of a nightmare, exploitation of women being the main theme?
4/20/24Reply
TravelerAh wait til you see photos from Hoi An, so many beautiful lanterns! Yes that is for sure one of the main theme as well as lots of alcohol
4/24/24Reply
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Can Tho
April 13, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 36 °C
Dragged myself out of bed this morning at 5.15am for an early startinh tour. We got picked up outside the hostel and whisked away into town, down by the river. Four of us hopped into a small boat along with our tour guide, and the boat driver and adorned lovely fluorescent orange life jackets. We drove along the river (one in the Meekong delta) with the sun rising behind us, first stopping at the famous wholesale floating markets.
The main bridge across the city was only built in the early 2000's, meaning parts of the city weren't very accessible. Therefore markets took place on tethered boats in the middle of the river, and boats from either side of the shore could come to shop.
The market boats had tall bamboo poles at the front with produce hung from the top of them to advertise what they were selling, be in pineapples, onions or potatoes (was mainly fruit & veg). There was also a music boat, and small boats selling food and coffee. We pulled up to one boat, the lady attached a hook onto ours. Next thing we know, she started cooking eggs on a small gas stove in the boat and handing over egg Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) for breakfast. We also got coffee from another, and climbed onto a slightly larger boat, and sat and had tea and fresh fruit aboard.
We then got taken further down the river to a noodle shop where we were shown how traditional noodles were made and got to have a go ourselves.
Next a small diversion off the main river took us to a small canal surrounded by greenery. We drove past a fruit farm where our guide hopped off and bought a fresh pink dragon fruit for us to try. And then the engine got switched off and we gave rowing the boat a go for ourselves. I was not a natural, and caused the slowest, most anticlimactic boat crash of all time into some river weeds. Our driver was giggling with glee at our poor driving. We eventually gave up, and he then drove us to a Cocoa farm where we were given a demonstration on how chocolate is made by hand, as well as a sample and some cold chocolate milk.
It was an hour boat ride back to the dock, and the only downside of the whole trip was the amount of rubbish in the river, was sad to see :( and so many missing shoes!
We were dropped back off at the hostel at midday, had a nap then headed into town to explore. There wasn't a load to see in the city, we grabbed some food, coffee and had a wander. Then back at the hostel I tried to improve my pool game with some success.Read more
Traveler Reminds of the bridge across the Tyne at Newcastle
4/16/24Reply
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Ho Chi Min ➡️ Can Tho
April 12, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 36 °C
Was in no great rush this morning after getting in so late last night. I booked my coach through the hostel and got breakfast.
I'd never got on a motorbike with my big rucksack and all my stuff before, as I didn't think it'd be possible. But the hostel owner gave me a lift to the bus station on her bike, turns out is it possible, just not the most practical 😅
It was a four hour drive down south to Can Tho, which is the largest city in the Meekong delta. My hostel is a little out of the city, but right by the river and very chill. Didn't quite realise how far out we were until I tried to find food with a couple of guys from the hostel. After an unsuccessful wander, we just went back to the hostel, drank some beer and ordered food, so not a bad result.Read more
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Vang Vieng ➡️ Hanoi ➡️ Ho Chi Min
Apr 12–14, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
Decided not to hot air balloon as it was a lot of money and didn't want to disappointed by the view. Pleased with my decision as the rain had only half cleared the smoke when I woke up this morning.
Today's travel was a mission and a half. I bought a ticket online thinking it'd be one long coach. But instead it was 4 minibuses across 5 hours to get to Vientiane bus station with various stops-offs and breaks (it should've been a 2 hour drive), and then a 24hr sleeper bus across to Hanoi. The sleeper bus was an experience...
We left at 6pm, I had just got just lovely and cosy in my windowless bus bunk, when I realised there were two pillows, two blankets and the bunk was meant for TWO people. There was barely enough room for one, let alone two, especially when the other person is a stranger 🙃
Safe to say I didn't get much sleep on that bus. I spent most of it, hunched over in one corner of the bunk watching TV, and when I tried to get some sleep I moved into the aisle to lie down. It was a bumpy shaky ride to the border, which I didn't realise wasn't open 24hrs. We got there at 3am, the engine got switched off, I thought I could get some solid sleep as we were no longer moving, but with the engine went the Aircon, so the bus got increasingly warm. At 5am it was too hot, so I escaped the bus and found somewhere to chill out before the border opened at 7.
We had our passports checked about four times just to exit Laos. And then had to walk across the border to Vietnamese border control which didn't feel the safest haha. Only took maybe an hour to get through to the other side, but then an additional hour for our bus to get through all the luggage and security checks. I had foolishly left my snacks and water on the bus, so I was actually thankful to hop back on.
Only an hour after lunch we broke down, and I had a mini panic thinking I may miss my flight, but we were off again in less than 20 minutes.
We actually got into Hanoi 15 minutes ahead of schedule. My flight had been delayed an hour, so I had 5 hours to kill; I visited an atm, cafe and restaurant. At the airport I absolutely breezed through baggage and security and hopped aboard my flight, which I slept for the majority of. Got a taxi and arrived into my hostel at 3am, 39 hours after leaving Vang Vieng!Read more
TravelerHey Pheebs it’s Erika!!! Looks like you’re having such a cracking time eat as MUCH AS YOU CAN!!!!!
4/12/24Reply
Traveler Thanks for lovely selection of pictures . Walked round docks with mum on Saturday morning good weather and then came home on the bus
4/14/24Reply
TravelerWhew what an arduous journey
4/19/24Reply
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Vang Vieng day 3
April 9, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C
Been waiting for the smoke to clear up the last couple days to do a famous viewpoint. But as it was my last full day here, just did it this morning. It's become the most popular view point in Laos as there's two motorbikes either side, which you can sit on and take photos. No one knows how they got up there, but other viewpoints have now got things at the top now too, like for instance a small plane aha.
It was only a short 30 scramble to the top, but it was a steep uphill climb the whole way. I don't think I've ever been so sweaty. View at the top was nice, but the fact there were literal mountains of empty plastic water bottles ruined it slightly. If people can hike up a steep mountain, they're definitely capable of climbing down with their empty water bottle 🙃 very frustrating.
Spent the afternoon chilling out, and planning my onward travel. I've changed my route (plan) to get to Ho Chi Min about three times, originally was going to travel down through Laos to the south, then get a bus through Cambodia to Vietnam. But I've heard the Laos Cambodia border can be challenging/ unpleasant, and I'd also have to pay for a Cambodian visa. I then looked at flying, but there was no direct flights, and with baggage was going to cost £180! So I've settled on getting the coach to Hanoi, and then flying down to Ho Chi Min city from there. I also was only planning to stay 3 nights here in Vang Vieng, and then spend two in the capital, Vientiane, but I've heard that's not a lot to do there. Instead I've decided to stay an extra night in Vang Vieng as it's supposed to rain tonight, so will hopefully clear up for a hot air balloon ride, but I'm not hopeful.
The rain did finally arrive this evening after dinner, accompanied by thunder and lightening and a bonus 2 hour long power cut!Read more
TravelerSad to hear about the piles of plastic rubbish:( Enjoying all your food photos- and I like that you score them out of 10 :-))
4/19/24Reply
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Vang Vieng day 2
April 8, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ⛅ 37 °C
Got up fairly early this morning to get a tuk tuk with a group of other hostel goers to one of the blue lagoons. There's about 6 I think, the further away from town you get the more pristine they are, but less infrastructure they have around them. We went to number 3 which had a happy medium of the both. It was about a 40 minute drive along some seriously bumpy and pot hole ridden roads, but it was worth it, @# when we arrived at 9.30 we were some of the only people there. The water so lovely and blue, very refreshing, and this time the fish didn't nibble your toes. There was tubes you could bob about in, and a rope swing and zip line you could use to jump in. I did attempt the rope swing, but as predicted before I got on, my arms were not strong enough and I fell off before making the full swing 🤣
I could've stayed there all day, there were little wooden huts you could lay out on, and a cafe I got a very delicious mango smoothie from! But one of the girls had a train to catch so we headed back around lunchtime.
After lunch and yet another afternoon nap, I popped down the road to a fancy hotel I had booked an outdoor sunset yoga class with. We grabbed mats then walked down through town, over a small rickety bridge, through a field with horses in and then into a rice field, where in the corner stood a wooden hut on stilts. The walk itself was picturesque, but as we set up our mats on the wooden floor, we overlooked the sun setting behind the mountains which was pretty cool. It was a pretty simple beginner level yoga session, but with the walk over and the heat combined , it felt like a hot yoga session and was very sweaty. Nevertheless, it was still very relaxing, the sound of cow bells rang through the field with the occasional rumble from a paramotor overheard.
After the session, we got to use the fancy hotel infinity pool, which was a little slice of luxury. Then grabbed some food on the way back, and was an early enough night in.Read more
TravelerI'm having such a great time seeing where you are. My stomach did go over
4/10/24Reply
TravelerOn the zip line. What a fantastic place to swim, the ice cream did look good very different 😋
4/10/24Reply
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Vang Vieng day 1
April 7, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 38 °C
First day in Vang Vieng. There doesn't seem to be a lot to the town itself, it's fairly small and you can probably do a loop of the area with all the main hostels, bars and restaurants in 20 minutes. However it is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, rivers and lagoons, plus there seems to be a lot of outdoor activities to do. I signed up for a lil tour which ticked off three of these activities.
In the morning we did an 1 & 1/2 hours of kayaking down a small river. There were only three of us, so I got paired up with our tour guide which was great, as I didn't have to worry about crashing and barely had to paddle haha. The two guys in the other boat weren't the most athletic shall we say, and kept crashing into the bank or stranding themselves on rocks in parts of the river that were low.
We paddled 7km downstream until we reached a bridge, where we disembarked and were taken into some caves and a walk through a small gorge. We then did tubing down a lil cave which was fun. Unfortunately there was no currant so we had to pull ourselves along with a rope using head torches to guide the way. Our tour guide Duang was very funny, and sang songs as we bobbed down the cave.
Then it was lunch, which wasn't too exciting, egg fried rice and some vegetable skewers. My lunch had only just settled before we were whisked away and harnessed up for ziplining! We climbed over bridges and up steps, and zipped along 8 lines, flying over the caves and river, with some nice views. For the last two lines, the wires were attached to the back of our harnesses so it was an awkward half superman half sitting sorta position through the air, which felt a bit ridiculous.
I got dropped back off at my hostel in the afternoon. I had every intention of doing something else with the rest of my day, but after moving hostels, I promptly had a nap in my lovely private dorm double bed! Treated myself as it was only £8.50 a night!
Had a wander round in the evening, grabbing some food and hitting up a couple of bars.Read more
Traveler That looks so good
4/10/24Reply
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Luang Prabang ➡️ Vang Vieng
April 6, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C
Although the journey wasn't far today, it consumed the middle of the day and was accompanied with lazing about either side. I got the high speed train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. The train connects the North of Laos to the South of China (specifically the Yunnan province). Even though I wasn't heading in the direction of China, my bag was scanned at the station. It's allegedly airplane rules; no 100ml+ liquids or sharp objects, but my bags made it through with a full water bottle and scissors, so was all good.
I did have a window seat but when I got there a lady was sitting in it. I did try to say to her she was in my seat, but either language barrier got in the way, or she was pretending not to understand what I was saying (and pointing to) and just wanted to keep the window seat haha. Anyhow, I ended up on the aisle and promptly fell asleep for the first 40 mins, so the window seat would've been wasted on me anyway.
The train travels at 100mph so we got there in no time. I checked into my hostel by 3 and then went to have a wander and find some food. I went back to the hostel and did a bit of planning, and booked an activity tour for tomorrow. It's meant to rain here on the 9th, which in theory should clear up the skies, so I'm not sure if I should hang around til then so I can hot air balloon. Thinking about flying out on the 11th from the next city, so wouldn't give me a lot of time, but we shall see.Read more
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Luang Prabang day 2
April 5, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 43 °C
It was 43° again today!! A late-ish one last night combined with the heat made today a very lazy day. I chilled out at the hostel mostly, even just sitting outside in the shade brought on sweating, so I didn't venture out til late afternoon. I grabbed some food, then ice-cream before visiting a couple temples.
Went back to the hostel to try to improve my pool skills, before dinner and more pool. I had one good game playing doubles where I potted over half, so there may be some improvement!
Tomorrow I'm getting the train to Vang Vieng. I was hoping to do paramotoring or a hot air balloon ride there, but if it's too smokey, it may not be worth the money as the view won't be great. Will have to wait and see, and I'm also hoping it cools down a bit!Read more
Traveler Brilliant 🤣
4/6/24Reply
TravelerHave absolutely loved looking at your pictures and reading about your trip Phoebe. Looks great . Xxx
4/6/24Reply
Traveler I can see the resemblance 😃
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Luang Prabang day 1
April 4, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 41 °C
Got up and out early today. Met up with girls from last night in the city centre and bargained with a taxi man to take us to the waterfall. I thought we were gonna be in a lil tuk tuk, but it was a very fancy 6 seat minivan, so defo worth the price! The roads here are noticeably worse compared to Thailand, so it was a bit of a bumpy journey!
After arriving, we walked up through this gorgeous jungle path, up to the main waterfall which was absolutely breathtaking. I can't even imagine what it's like when it's rainy, as it was still spectacular during dry season!
Two of the girls hiked up to a pool above the main waterfall, however the other two of us were in rubbish footwear so we went for a swim in the lower pools. The water was an amazing baby blue colour and so refreshing. There were little fish in there that would nibble your toes if you stayed still too long. I've seen some spars that charge a lot for a fish pedicure, so I guess a free one's not bad 🤣
There was also, to our surprise, a bear sanctuary there too which was free with the waterfall entrance ticket. It was full of rescued moon bears, who are like medium black bears with a fuzzy fur collars and a crescent shape white patch on their necks. There were areas where you could watch them at eye level from 3 metres away, with nothing but a small fence as a dividee. I think if they wanted to, they could defo jump over, but they seemed pretty content munching on fruit.
After being mesmerised by the bears, we had another swim in a different pool before hopping back into our fancy minivan. I could've spent all day there alternating between swimming and bear watching, however 3 hours was sufficient.
In the evening, I tagged along with a group from the hostel for fancy pizza (which was 100x better than the one I had in Thailand aha) and then we went bowling. The bowling alley is one of the only places serving alcohol past 12 in the city, and of course was full of other tourists. We played a couple games, which I was spectacularly bad at, only narrowly avoiding last place both times before heading back to the hostel to play more pool, which I was equally poor at.Read more
Wowee [Eims]
4/6/24Reply
Traveler Looks hot but nice to have some cool fresh water close to hand
4/8/24Reply
TravelerThe waterfall is astonishing
4/9/24Reply
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SE Asia Traveler
Pak Beng ➡️ Luang Prabang
April 3, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C
Second day on the slow boat today. Slightly nicer boat, we managed to get a table which was not so great for napping but perfect for playing cards and games. Views were slightly better, but still smokey.
Was another 7 hour journey, arriving in Pak Beng late afternoon. We hopped into a tuk tuk to our accommodation, and then ventured out after cooling down. We climbed to a small temple called Phusi hill to watch a rather disappointing sunset before checking out what the night market had to offer.
Our hostel has a pool table so we came back and played a couple of games. I really need to up my game as I was absolutely terrible. Hoping to head to the star attraction of Laung Prabang tomorrow, a big ol' waterfall, which should be very nice to swim in in this heat.Read more
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Huay Xai ➡️ Pak Beng
April 2, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
The slow boat was somehow just what I imagined, the seats were a mismatch of ones rescued from buses and was full of a mix of tourists and locals. For the first part of the Mekong river, the border between Laos and Thailand is in the middle of the water, so we had each country either side.
Unfortunately the smoke seems pretty bad in northern Laos, so the views weren't spectacular, but it was still nice watching water buffalo grazing on the river banks and local kids swimming and waving at the boat.
It took about 7 hours to get to Pak Beng, where we were greeted at the top of the pier stairs with locals trying to flog accommodation. Four of us got a room in a homestay, which wasn't the best but only £3 each. Luckily the drive wasn't far to the accommodation as we were sat in the back of a railed pick up surrounded by our and other luggage, going up a very steep hill with no back to the car, was an experience aha.
We found somewhere to grab food and a beer, which had a nice view of the smokey bay. As it got dark we could actually see fires on the hillside and there were bits of ash floating down from the sky which was kinda crazy.
Got another 7 hour day on the boat tomorrow before we arrive in Luang Prabang.Read more
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Chiang Rai ➡️ Huay Xai
April 2, 2024 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Arrived in Laos today!
I had a 5am pickup from my hostel this morning which wasn't the most fun. Went to 7/11 which amazingly is open 24hrs to grab breakfast and loads of snacks. Was absolutely devastated when I bit into one of my toasties at 4.30am to find in my sleepy haze I had accidentally bought cheese and sausage instead of cheese! Was a tragedy.
The minibus took just under 7 hours to the border where we arrived just before it opened at 7. Breezed through passport control then had to wait around and hop on another bus for a 5 minute ride over the 'friendship bridge'. Which one one side has immaculate Thai flags on one side and tattered Laos flags on the other, as soon as we got into Laos too the roads were a lot bumpier.
We then had to faff about filling in forms for visas, which were $40, so my emergency American dollars already came in great use! We got bundled into trucks, and then driven to the ferry terminal at Huay Xia.
We got a free sandwich on arrival to take on the bait with us, the vegetation option much to my disappointment seemed to just be salad and mayonnaise in a baguette :(Read more
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Chiang Rai day 2
April 1, 2024 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 38 °C
It was 38° again today!! So I avoided outdoor activity as much as I could.
I got up early so I could catch the 9.30 free tourist tram around the city to see the sights before it got too hot. Unbeknownst to me, where the tram started was different to online sources, and I couldn't get on. I did walk to the first stop, which was a temple, but gave up following it after that. Went to a cat cafe instead 🤣 It had aircon, WiFi, cute cats and good coffee, what more could you want!
After spending way too long at the cafe, I visited another temple, the original home to the Emerald Buddha (now kept in Grand Palace Bangkok) and the Hill Tribe museum. I would've liked to have visited a tribe in Northern Thailand but have heard mixed reviews, though tourism brings in money, it can be exploitive and destroys their culture a little. The museum was nice, a little outdated, but interesting. They explained the downfalls of tourism, like children in some tribes no longer wear traditional clothes as they are time consuming to make and get sold to tourists. But then the museum was also offering to book tours to visit tribes, so it was a bit confusing. I did learn a lot of the tribes used to (and some still do) produce a ton of Opium, and there are over 1 & 1/2 million people belonging to over 9 different tribes in Thailand, but the government doesn't recognise them as Thai citizens, even if they were born here (go figure that one).
Anyway, off to Laos tomorrow! I will hopefully be returning to Thailand later in my trip to do the south. I've got a 5am pick up tomorrow morning to get the slow boat to Luang Prabang.Read more
TravelerThat’s over 100f! I envy your visit to a cat cafe:)
4/1/24Reply
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SE Asia Traveler
Chiang Rai day 1
March 31, 2024 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 38 °C
Chiang Rai is mainly known for its temples, so that's what I did today! There was a full day tour of all the sights, but the half day one in Pai tired me out, let alone a full day in 38° heat! so did this solo.
Was up and out the hostel by 8 to beat the crowds and weather. First stop was Rong Suea Ten Temple, nicknamed the blue temple, as every building and statue was a vibrant shade of blue. It was quite small, but the blue and gold looked gorgeous in the morning sun.
I then ventured over to Wat Rong Khun, the white temple, arguably one of the most famous temple complexes in Thailand. It was pretty specular, the white buildings were accented with pieces of mirror, making them sparkle in the sunlight. It was also one of the quirkier temples with artistic aspects and decorations, not just religious. Inside the main hall, you weren't allowed to take photos, but painted on the back wall amongst a Buddhist mural were small cartoons like pokemans, superheroes or characters from films which was really cool. The temple complex also included a gold exhibition temple, a cave full of sculptures, plus several art galleries and collections. I was so glad I got there early, as I was leaving the main temple was swarmed with people.
Next stop was the Baan Dan museum, or the Black House. It was an area full of 40 black houses varying in shape and size, each displaying sculptures, artwork and artifacts. It was curated by a guy called Thawan Duchanee, over 40 years. Was a little bizarre, but interesting to wander round.
In the evening I visited Wat Huay Pla Kang, which had several temples and a 90 metre statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy. Although the sunset wasn't spectacular, the lighting was so nice.
Though it wasn't expensive to get around today, I do wish I could drive a scooter as it would've been a third of the price to drive, compared to getting scooter taxis, which is a little annoying. I just need to make more friends that can drive aha.
The heat from the day absolutely knackered me out, so sat in my hostel watching the footy (Arsenal Vs Chelsea women cup final), which Arsenal won, whoop whoop!Read more
TravelerWow
4/1/24Reply
TravelerI love looking at all your travels good pictures it is the first thing I do is read about your travels food links good lots of love🦉
4/1/24Reply
Traveler❤️
4/1/24Reply
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Pai ➡️ Chiang Rai
March 30, 2024 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 36 °C
Travelled from Pai to Chaing Rai today, there is no direct route, so first had to get a 3hr minibus from Pai to Chaing Mai, then a 4hr coach to Chiang Rai. When I got to Chiang Mai I realised I had booked my coach for the wrong date (whoops), but luckily I could buy a cheaper and earlier one from the bus station counter!
After dropping my bags off at the hostel in Chiang Rai I immediately went to get food as all I eaten was a 7/11 cheese toastie and crisps. Made the mistake of eating soupy noodles with chopsticks in a white t-shirt... that shirt is now splattered with Khao Soi. Later on I briefly explored the Saturday night market, before getting dinner and having an early night.Read more
Traveler I love those crisps
3/31/24Reply
TravelerSo yummy
4/1/24Reply
TravelerThe roundabout is astonishing!
4/1/24Reply
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