Experiencing the slow boat from Thailand to Laos
September 24, 2013
An Irishman named Neil boarded the minibus, already drinking at 9am, with a clinking plastic bag bulging with Chang beer bottles, and a toothy grin on his face.
Tag: backpacking
A few nights on the banana pancake trail
September 18, 2013
The banana pancake trail: a nickname given to the popular tourist routes through South East Asia, where foreign influence has shaped that place to cater for foreign taste (ie. banana pancakes for breakfast in Asia!).
The Unique Backpacker Culture of Khao San Road
September 18, 2013
Bangkok’s Khao San Road might be the quintessential stop for backpackers in Thailand. It’s where hotels, hostels, bars and clubs congregate in a few fun pedestrian-friendly streets. And of course, there are carts selling street food and tuk tuks galore. But, this place does not represent Bangkok, not even close. It’s very westernised, which makes … More The Unique Backpacker Culture of Khao San Road
Getting a Myanmar visa in Bangkok
September 18, 2013
It seems scary, applying for the Myanmar visa, with many rules and limits and strictures, just like ordering a soup from Seinfeld’s ‘Soup Nazi’. But don’t worry, it’s dead simple.
Visiting the Mekong floating markets in an empty boat
September 2, 2013
We were an hour too late. The market at Vinh Long took place on the waters of the Mekong Delta, the dramatic labyrinth of rivers, canals and islets that signal the end of South East Asia’s longest river, the Mekong. Boats heavily laden with fresh produce congregated near Vinh Long. But it was over.
Hoi An – Vietnam’s most charming city
August 26, 2013
The houses in Hoi An ancient town were all painted in yellow, a washed, pale yellow. Rich, dark wooden beams and old sun-bleached timber planks built the shade, the support, the doorframes, the carved and ornate balcony railings. It was beautiful here.
Ha Long Bay – An Illustrated Visit To Vietnam’s Limestone Karsts
August 23, 2013
Jeff and I were sunbaking under the hot Vietnamese sun, passing a large plastic bottle of clear liquid around the deck of the boat. Inside was tonic, with a considerable amount of cheap gin, and we were sharing it with the other passengers to celebrate my 26th birthday. What better way to celebrate than to … More Ha Long Bay – An Illustrated Visit To Vietnam’s Limestone Karsts
Seeing Hanoi On Foot
August 18, 2013
The streets of Hanoi rumbled into life in the morning like a great machine coughing into life, intoxicatingly fragrant with noodle soup, vibrating with motorbike engines, horns, shouting, conical straw hats, fruit and Buddhist shrines, pulsing and pumping like a heartbeat.
Sketching Malaysia And Batu Caves
August 13, 2013
The first week of a round-the-world trip. I knew something big and exciting lay ahead of me. I was free from work and responsibility and my savings were at their maximum. But that first week, I had a funny feeling of directionlessness. Am I spending too much? Not enough? Am I making the most of this?
Recovering From Post Travel Blues
July 15, 2013
I can’t believe it’s actually finished and I’m home again. I really can’t. The last 14 months of travel just flew past in the blink of an eye, and the familiarity of people and places of home makes me feel like I’ve been gone a week or two.
StickyMangoRice 