Luang Prabang is one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Laos. With an old city built on a peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan River, Luang Prabang boasts charming heritage French colonial architecture, over 30 gorgeous Buddhist temples, stunning river views, good shopping, and a diverse display of local cultures. Here are the best things to do in Luang Prabang.
Read MoreVientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos - and an important transit stop for the country. I spent three days in Vientiane and found it unremarkable - neither particularly livable nor noteworthy for tourist attractions. My recommendation is to only stop in Vientiane if you need to for transit - and to keep your stay short if you pop in. Here are the best things to do in Vientiane.
Read MorePakse, the largest city in Southern Laos, is the base point to begin a scooter road trip through the Bolaven Plateau - a region known for its mountain landscapes, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and hill tribe villages. Typically done in 2-4 days, I recommend scheduling 4-5 days for your road trip. Here are the best things to do on the Bolaven Plateau on a scooter road trip from Pakse.
Read MoreDon Det is a tiny island among the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) archipelago in Southern Laos. It’s an area of the Mekong river full of islets, sandbanks, rice paddies and lush vegetation - a tranquil, magical setting unlike anything I’ve experienced. A backpacker haven, Don Det offers a serene natural escape alongside bars and delicious restaurants. Here are the best things to do in Don Det.
Read MoreSiem Reap is home to the Angkor Archaeological Park - a 400 square kilometer historical site that includes Angkor Wat, 71 other major temples, and hundreds of smaller ruins. It’s also a backpacker epicenter of Southeast Asia and a really cool place to spend time. Here are the best things to do in Siem Reap.
Read MoreBattambang is a slightly off-the-beaten-path city in western Cambodia that offers some truly strange and incredible experiences. You can Donkey-Kong-style ride a bamboo mat through the countryside along the train tracks and watch over 5 million bats fly out of a cave at sunset. Here are the best things to do in Battambang.
Read MoreAyutthaya is perhaps the least known largest city in the world of modern times. 400 years ago, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and had over a million residents. Then, it was razed by the Burmese Kingdom. Nowadays, Ayutthaya is a pedestrian and biker-friendly historical park containing a treasure trove of ancient stone temples. Here are the best things to do in Ayutthaya.
Read MoreAmong tourists, Ipoh is most commonly known as a gateway city into the countryside of the Cameron Highlands or a middle point stop between Malacca and Kuala Lumpur to the south and Penang / George Town and Thailand to the north. For both, Ipoh makes a pleasant one or two day stop - with its Old Town, cave temples, and delicious Cantonese cuisine. Here are the best things to do in Ipoh.
Read MoreMalacca (also spelt Melaka) is a UNESCO-listed city in western peninsular Malaysia known for its charming architecture and fascinating blend of Malay, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British cultures. Stroll its idyllic historic quarter, pig out at its night market, and enjoy its fascinating fusion of cultures in a charming day trip. Here are the best things to do in Malacca (Melaka).
Read MoreYogyakarta, also known as Jogja, is known for its proximity to the two largest and most famous temples in Indonesia (Borobudur and Prambanan), its vibrant traditional arts and crafts scene, and its status as the only place in Indonesia that still has a monarch. Here are the best things to do in Yogyakarta (aka Jogjakarta or Jogja).
Read MoreMount Bromo is maybe the closest thing to Hell on Earth. Hikers walk the caldera of this active volcano, looking down to its bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and its near endless stream of steam and smoke. Caught in the smell of sulfur, the primary thing you’ll notice is the loud constant rumbling coming from the pit underneath. It’s mind blowing. Here’s how to hike Mount Bromo from Probbolingo.
Read MoreHiking Mount Ijen is one of the most beautiful experiences in Indonesia. At its peak, you’ll walk around an expansive caldera that plummets into a bright blue acidic crater lake. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the volcano complex’s blue fire and catch a wild sunrise from above the clouds. The whole experience is breathtaking. Here’s how to hike Mount Ijen from Banyuwangi.
Read MoreUbud is famous for its rice paddies, ancient temples, and cultural heritage (including medicine men). As its notoriety among travelers increased, the city became full of yoga studios, meditation centers, Balinese massage spas, art galleries, and handicraft shops. For anyone looking to relax, recuperate, and re-center themselves, Ubud has a wellness option. Here are the best things to do in Ubud.
Read MoreNusa Lembongan is a small island located just 30 minutes by boat from Sanur, Bali. Known for crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and abundant marine life, it’s as good for sunbathing all day as it is for surfing, snorkeling, or diving. From adventure seekers to sun bathers, the island offers a little paradise away from the crowds of Bali. Here are the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan.
Read MoreSanur is a quiet coastal town in Southeastern Bali best known for its harbor - where tourists catch fast ferries to the nearby islands. It’s charming and unremarkable - with a long oceanside promenade and gorgeous sunrises. Unless you’re going to use it as a base to explore the south by scooter, I recommend only stopping in on the days of your ferries. Here are the best things to do in Sanur.
Read MoreEl Nido is a town on the northern tip of Palawan in the Philippines - and is the most famous vacation destination on the island. Known for its sand white beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lagoons, the scenic island escape is buttressed by a beach town economy. Think western restaurants, clothing boutiques and bars to come back to after your day at sea. Here are the best things to do in El Nido.
Read MoreManila is the world’s most densely populated city - and one that generally lacks urban planning. For someone like me who does not thrive in crowded, noisy chaos, it is tough to enjoy. If you’re heading to the Philippines for an island vacation, I think your itinerary would benefit from only stopping in Manila as a layover. If you choose to stay longer, here are the best things to do in Man
Read MoreTainan is Taiwan’s oldest city, original capital, and sometimes thought of as it unofficial food capital. To me, what’s most memorable about wandering through the historic quarters is the atmospheric charm - narrow winding alleys bordered by historic row homes and often lined with bright lanterns. It can feel like stepping back in time.
Read MoreKnown primarily for its public art installations, Kaohsiung offers a warmer urban home than Taipei for locals. While it feels livable, is easy to get around, and has great food - its sites aren’t memorable. One day of exploring is enough to see all the highlights as a tourist. Here are the best things to do in Kaohsiung.
Read MoreA city that I fell in love with immediately, Taipei boasts incredible food, a vibrant urban culture, and high quality infrastructure. It’s an enchanting blend of highly livable urban design, preserved local culture, and thriving small businesses. Everything I did in the city delighted me. Here are the best things to do in Taipei.
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