I left Mondulkiri (although I could have stayed forever) for Phnom Phen and had less than 72 hours to explore the city – as the bus for Kampot, my destination after Phnom Phen, was a morning bus. If you’re short on time, as I was, then these are the main sights to visit to grasp…
Category: Travel
Travel Review: Exploring with Elephants (Ethically) in Mondulkiri
Located five hours from Phnom Phen and eight hours from Siem Reap, you need to visit Mondulkiri if you enjoy nature and the company of animals. The Sen Monorom region colours the landscape varied strokes of green and is perfect for trekking – but more so for visiting elephants in their natural habitat. With eco-tourism…
Photo Diary: Chasing Waterfalls in Don Khon
Located near the Cambodian border, Si Phan Don (also referred to as 4000 Islands in English) is the ideal stop-over before entering the Khmer Kingdom. With three main islands to choose from, I decided on Don Khon, as it’s known for its scenic landscapes and impressive waterfalls – plus, just a bridge away from Don…
Photo Diary: The Plain of Jars in Phonsavan
Mainly known for The Plain of Jars, I recently visited Phonsavan, Laos, with the intention of satiating my ancient artefacts curiosity. Folklore believes the jars were used by Giants to ferment rice-wine whereas archeologist believe the jars were used for burial purposes. I’m still undecided… Fortunately, at Site 2 I managed to see an ancient…
Photo Diary: Falling In Love With Luang Prabang All Over Again
I last visited Luang Prabang in 2016 and if you haven’t read about my 24 hour adventure to the city via bus from Vientiane, you can do so here. Luckily, I was wiser this time around and chose to arrive from Nong Khiaw, a mere four to five hour bus journey – still as bumpy,…
Photo Diary: A Riverside Bungalow for 6$ (under 25MYR) p/n in Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw, Laos, is a sleepy village set amidst mountainous terrain and the perfect place to put your feet up – in a hammock on your balcony, that is! Connected to nearby villages by the Nam Ou river, there are numerous riverside bungalows to choose from but I recommend Bamboo Paradise; for 50,000 Laotian Kip…
Tips and Tricks: Cruising Hà Long Bay for 12$ (45MYR)
A slowly spreading secret amongst backpackers, Cat Ba Island is the smarter choice if you want to experience Hà Long Bay cheaply – not to mention, not be surrounded by hoards of tourists. Although Cat Ba Island has its own national park, I mainly visited for the tours. Along the main street facing the pier,…
Travel Review: Trekking Sa Pa With A Red Dao Guide
Sa Pa is known for its diverse ethnic groups, primarily the H’mong and the Red Dao, but it’s infamous for the luscious valleys dotted with rice paddies surrounding the city. While you can trek to nearby villages by yourself (with an entrance fee, of course), a traditional homestay in a tribal village is highly recommended….
Photo Diary: Exploring The Imperial City in Hue
The Imperial City in Hue was magnificently grand – so much so that I was inspired to write a poem, which I shall be sharing below: Everything’s moving Everything’s breathing Everything’s being And with each change of season These courts have witnessed scenes beyond reason From emperors whispering to concubines to the Queen Mother telling…
Photo Diary: Hoi An Ancient Town
After dreaming of backpacking through South East Asia for months, years even, I have finally embarked on the infamous “banana trail”, starting in Vietnam. As I will be traversing through towns, some obscure, wifi may not always be a given so until I return, most of my posts will consist of photo diaries – and…
Raisa Reviews 