tranestories

Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and the Ha Giang Loop

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and a fantastic base of operations for exploring Northern Vietnam. Bustling narrow streets filled with street vendors and motorbikes, a serious local coffee culture and beer scene and an outstanding selection of food options make this place an intoxicating experience. Hanoi has a reputation for being slightly insanely hectic andContinue reading “Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and the Ha Giang Loop”

Hoi An, Vietnam

Whether you are going north to south, south to north or just making a short visit to Vietnam, the picturesque, historic trading town of Hoi An is a must-see. This is also no longer a secret and Hoi An now draws hoards of visitors to its charming colourful streets and waterfront. Hoi An for manyContinue reading “Hoi An, Vietnam”

Cambodia #3, Pnom Penh & Vietnam #1, Ho Chi Minh City

After our incredible six days in Koh Rong Sanloem, our route took us through two major cities in back to back days: the Cambodian capital of Pnom Penh and the once capital of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). With just over two weeks left for our time in Southeast Asia, we decidedContinue reading “Cambodia #3, Pnom Penh & Vietnam #1, Ho Chi Minh City”

Cambodia #2: Koh Rong Sanloem

We had not had any beach time since our days in Zanzibar and the Swahili coast. After 2 months of winter in the Caucasus and Nepal and exploring inner Thailand and landlocked Laos, it was high time for our return. We could not have picked a better spot than the island of Koh Rong SanloemContinue reading “Cambodia #2: Koh Rong Sanloem”

Cambodia #1: Siem Reap

While George had been to Siem Reap on his last trip to Southeast Asia, the temples of Angkor are without exaggeration one of, if not the most impressive, vast and fascinating collections of archeological / historical monuments in the world. The scale and number of these vast structures is simply mind boggling. At its hayContinue reading “Cambodia #1: Siem Reap”

Laos #5: Don Det, 4000 Islands

We stated Laos with one of our favourite places we have been on this trip (Luang Prabang) and in 4000 Islands we ended in another favourite. Right at the bottom of Laos by the Cambodian border, the Mekong river swells and widens to 18 km wide creating an incredible area of seemingly thousands of islandsContinue reading “Laos #5: Don Det, 4000 Islands”

Laos #4: Pakse

Pakse is the main city in the south of Laos and a necessary stop through on the route towards 4,000 Islands and Cambodia. We had read plenty on the natural beauty of national parks, huge areas of coffee plantations, waterfalls, etc. in this part of the country. Unfortunately, we just didnt have the time toContinue reading “Laos #4: Pakse”

Coronavirus Update!

You have probably noticed we are a little behind on our blog posting and that quick updates as to our whereabouts are more important now with the global Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent travel disruptions! Rest assured we are safe and healthy and the good news is that we are continuing with our travel plans. WeContinue reading “Coronavirus Update!”

Laos #3: The Tkahkek Loop

The big thing to do for backpackers and intrepid travellers in central Laos is the 450 km Thakhek motorbike loop around the Phou Hin Poun national park. We had expected the scenery to be stunning based on what we had heard from other travellers, but we had not expected excellent quality, quiet roads (albeit withContinue reading “Laos #3: The Tkahkek Loop”

Laos #2: Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a place that burst onto the backpacking scene some twenty years ago, obtaining an almost mythical status as a party destination in Southeast Asia. The main attraction of this small town in the middle of the jungle surrounded by limestone karsts was (and still is to an extent) tubing on the NamContinue reading “Laos #2: Vang Vieng”