Well, if anyone had told me that I would be making road side stops to visit the local insect market I may have laughed out loud. But, that is exactly what we did on the road to Siem Reap. We made a number of interesting stops but I must admit that the insect market most… Continue reading On the Road to Siem Reap (includes big spiders and wood carvings)
Upon arriving in the southerly city of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) we checked into our Hotel and were immediately thrown into the bedlam of the city streets by taking a stroll (well more like a fast paced walk while trying to avoid cars speeding at you from every direction) to the Phở 2000 restaurant.… Continue reading The Lotus Boutique Hotel, Pho 2000, and Chill Sky Bar
Hoi An is a lovely city of lanterns. Yes, and it is not so busy as other cities we have visited, but, there are over 600 (yes, you read that right)...600+ tailor shops in Hoi An. It is simply put the 'capital of the stitches' of Viet Nam. You can literally have anything made in… Continue reading Happy Hoi An – a stitch in time, get suited
What a lovely little city. Our hotel was beautiful and our room was fresh, and lovely overlooking the city views. The hotel breakfast was exceptional with fresh cooked omelettes and an abundance of fresh fruit, breads and well...just about anything else you could eat in the early morning. Walking the streets we found coffee houses,… Continue reading Hey we’re in Hue (pronounced Hway) – Central Viet Nam – Asia Hotel
A modern and upbeat city Vientiane is bustling and busy but has a bit of a laid back quality as well. Some fantastic architecture, bakeries, and yes, silk factories such as Carol Cassidy's Laos Textiles... where I bought another silk wall hanging of exquisite design and work womanship! Our hotel, the treasure Hotel, was brand… Continue reading Vientiane – The New Capital of Laos – Beauty meets Modern
The next stop on our whirlwind tour of this area of Laos was a small town where we stayed in a Guest House called the Vilayvong. Check it out here: https://www.galahotels.com/en/Hotel/lao_people_s_democratic_republic_124/vang_vieng_652661/vilayvong_hotel_1888942 Located close to the river there were numerous water sports to participate in around the corner. Waterfalls, swimming, kayaking, and tubing can be purchased… Continue reading Vang Vieng Town and Vilayvong Guest House
The slow boat to Luang Prabang was delightful! We passed beautifully carved mountains and even stopped at a Buddhist Temple carved out of the rock where natural caves are located. Interesting and beautiful the many Buddha icons are everywhere! But, we were in for a wonderful surprise at… Continue reading The last day on the Mighty Mekong…to Luang Prabang
Don't be put off visiting this beautiful temple because of the 309 steps...there is a funicular that takes you to the top easily. Our guide explained how the white elephant brought (some)the ashes of the Lord Buddha to this place, circled the top of the mountain three times, trumpeted three times and then fell dead!… Continue reading Doi Sutehep Temple (The White Elephant Temple)
'The Park Hotel' was very nice! The absolutely beautiful lobby was reminiscent of bygone ages where carving was a life work more than a livelihood! Beautiful painted ceilings, carved wooden doors and furniture, and filigree planters brought me back to the turn of the century...yes the previous one! The Hotel staff were efficient and kind,… Continue reading Chiang Mai – The Park Hotel
The internet connections are sporadic at best and getting a strong enough signal for long enough to upload photos is a real special treat! Good internet connection today so I am working like crazy to get the photos sized and uploaded. We are 'taking it easy' at the Hotel this morning after a couple of… Continue reading Online…offline..online…off line and so it goes
TravelSpirit-The Hungry Traveler 