Sleepy Sapa in the extreme North is a major port of call on the Vietnam tourist trail, even though it’s quite remote, stuck up next to the border with China. You go there to experience the ethnic communities and their daily village life and to trek around the jaw-dropping rice terraces that are cut into the mountainside. Read More »
Angkor is an astounding complex of temples, near Siem Reap in North Western Cambodia. Angkor Wat is the best-preserved and the centrepiece, although others are hugely impressive in different ways; the diversity is one of the attractions. Read More »
Pakse is the major town of South Laos and serves as a good hub to access the Bolaven Plateau and Laos' most significant ancient temple - Wat Phu. It also served as the location where Ben broke his toe. Read More »
Thakhek, a minor but sprawling town nestled next to the Mekhong river in Laos, is popular as a base for a 400km motorcycle tour of the surrounding pretty countryside and attractions. It’s known as the Thakhek Loop. Read More »
The Plain of Jars is around 90 sites in North Laos with each site containing huge, ancient limestone jars, the origins of which are still unknown. It's an interesting place to visit with other activities nearby even better but the enduring legacy of the "Secret War" looms large. Read More »
After a two day boat journey down the Mekhong River from Huay Xai, in freezing temperatures and driving rain, with Carly being sick over-board, an encounter with a strange Russian, and Ben reduced to drinking neat Sangsom (Thai rum), we made it to Luang Prabang, Laos. Read More »
We instantly fell in love with Cave Lodge as soon as we arrived. We were greeted with an open-plan wooden communal space, decorated with a hammock, cushions galore, a two-person day bed made from rubber tires(!), a table-tennis table, a swing and large fireplace in the centre. Read More »
After a few days on Koh Samui we were ready to move on - to the national park of Khao Sok on the mainland. After an early morning boat to Surathani, we were then whisked away from the pier on a bus to a holding area 30 minutes away. Read More »
