Traveling to Nong Khiaw from Luang Prabang After six nights in Vang Vieng, we choo-chooed back north through Luang Prabang where we snagged three more days in its alluring wonder. It was here we both started showing signs of nasty head colds that would continue to inject misery on our systems for the next 7-10 days. Oh no…fast travel was catching…

Continue ReadingFinding Peace & Recovery in Nong Khiaw, Laos

The Adventure from Nong Khiaw to Luang Namtha As alluded to in a previous post, the next phase of our journey in Laos from Nong Khiaw to Luang Namtha would involve the most bone-shaking bus ride we’ve had in several years with road conditions that made us have flashbacks of Ethiopia or Nepal. The good news is, this time one…

Continue ReadingOff the Beaten Path in Luang Namtha, Laos

Getting to Chiang Khong from Luang Namtha (Laos) After three nights in our bamboo bungalow, it was time to board one more mini van for the last adventure of Laos…from Luang Namtha to Huay Xai, Laos to Chiang Khong, Thailand. Would it be more crater covered thoroughfares?  More closed cabin induced motion sickness? Bribes at the border?  In short…it was…

Continue ReadingExploring and Celebrating Loy Kratong in Phayao & Chiang Khong

From Chiang Rai, we could have turned our toes in any direction and had an excess of exploration options thanks to the overwhelming number of pins we had saved on our Google map over the years. But, ultimately, we decided to grab a 160 cc motorbike for $12 and head north/northwest for the day to get off-the-beaten path with a…

Continue ReadingA Day Trip Motorbike Loop from Chiang Rai, Thailand

When we landed in Chiang Rai, our vision was flooded with signs of Buddhism in the same way it was flooded with signs of Islam when we landed on Java….towering Buddhas, soaring stupas and sweeping golden rooflines. Indeed, Chiang Rai is predominantly known on the tourist circuit for its extraordinary wats or temples…some of them draped with traditional elegance and some…

Continue ReadingThe White, the Blue and Some Lesser Known Temples of Chiang Rai, Thailand

We are always a bit wary about visiting tribes or places that are portrayed as a spectacle of animal or human tourism. One such place was the Hill Tribe and Long Neck Karen Village outside of Chiang Rai, which according to Google reviews, can definitely feel like a gray area. However, after understanding the motive and history behind the village,…

Continue ReadingVisiting a Long Neck Karen Village in Chiang Rai, Thailand

The Charm of Luang Prabang Thanks to its cultural heritage, distinct spiritual vibe, culinary wonders and rich French colonial architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage jewel of Luang Prabang is a place that oozes culture, history, class, and charm at every turn. Therefore, it’s easy to understand why it has become an undeniable hit along the Southeast Asian traveler trail.  Unfortunately,…

Continue ReadingTranquility, Charm and Tasty Temptations in Luang Prabang, Laos