by JulieLaughlin | August 28, 2018 | Vietnam | 4 Comments

  I spent the morning before I moved into Loc Phat Hoi An Garden Villa at a coffee shop working on the blog.  I was nearly ready to leave when an older Australian guy sat down next to me.  He introduced himself as Pinto and started chatting with me.  I'm always...

by JulieLaughlin | March 29, 2018 | Myanmar | 3 Comments

When I decided to move south from Yangon down to the Myeik Archipelago I had no idea it was going to take so long. I can't even handle a 13 hour flight so I didn't know how to feel about 24 hours on a bus. I really didn't want to spend the money to fly and they didn't...

by JulieLaughlin | April 11, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Right off the coast of Mawlamyine is Ogre Island.  It is said to get it's name from the way the inhabitants eat their meat with sharp teeth.  I saw nothing of the sorts.  It's an island littered with small villages, mostly in the tiki style homes that I do love so...

by JulieLaughlin | July 25, 2018 | Vietnam | 2 Comments

Mui Ne is a coastal fishing village in the South of Vietnam.  I believe the population is around 25k.  It's quite small now, but it used to be even smaller.  Back in the early 1990's someone declared Mui Ne to be one of the best spots to watch the solar eclipse. ...

by JulieLaughlin | April 9, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Now I've definitely seen a good amount of Temples and Pagodas since arriving in SE Asia.  They are a major part of the culture and religion.  All are stunning, beautiful, majestic and very well maintained.  Honestly though, once you see a few, you've seen them all. ...

by JulieLaughlin | March 25, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Tomorrow AM I leave Thailand and am flying to Myanmar.  I have had such a wonderful time exploring Thailand.  The culture, people, temples, ruins, caves, mountains, scooters and food will be forever seared in my heart.  I have made so many new friends and have become...

by JulieLaughlin | April 5, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

I took another over night bus from Myeik to Mawlamyine. This bus was only 12 hours so much more reasonable. I arrived at the bus station about an hour early and an attendant came over and grabbed my big backpack and put it on a bus.  I was ushered inside to check in...

by JulieLaughlin | May 24, 2018 | Laos | 0 Comments

When I first looked into Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, I read many mixed reviews.  Many people reported it to be dull and boring with not much to do.  Others really liked the city and enjoyed the simplicity of it.  I'm never swayed by what others have to say. ...

by JulieLaughlin | July 28, 2018 | Vietnam | 2 Comments

Dalat is known as the city of eternal spring.  Its temperate climate is far different from the otherwise tropical parts of Vietnam.  With its year round cool weather it is a major producer of vegetables and flowers.  Its architecture is predominantly French colonial,...

by JulieLaughlin | April 28, 2018 | Bagan | 0 Comments

I believe for most people when they think of Bagan, they think of the hot air balloons with the sun setting or rising in the background.  The rich orange and yellow glow of the sun reflecting off the ancient temples in the distance.  The burnt orange temples with...

by JulieLaughlin | April 5, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

I didn't have the greatest start to my Myeik adventure and was hoping to rectify that with a day out exploring the Myeik Islands. Myeik Archipelago spans the coast line of Myanmar. There are over 800 islands set in the Andaman Sea most of which are untouched. Several...

by JulieLaughlin | July 15, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

Can Tho was my first city to stay in on the mainland of Vietnam. I simply went to see their famous floating market but was shocked at how much I enjoyed the city. Can Tho is the 5th largest city in Vietnam and is situated on the Hau river, which is a distributary of...

by JulieLaughlin | April 26, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Joseline and I had a tough time trying to get around in Mandalay because of the water festival.  The taxis that were running were excruciatingly expensive and if you took a motorbike taxi then you would be soaked from head to toe by the time you reached your...

by JulieLaughlin | March 20, 2018 | Thailand | 0 Comments

I know the title of this post is off putting.  But if you still opened it and are willing to read then we can still be friends.  I've even been putting this post off just because I knew it would be an extensive one.  Especially editing all the photos.  But for you...

by JulieLaughlin | June 25, 2018 | Cambodia | 2 Comments

Kep is an adorable little town on the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.  It's a quick 30 minute bus ride from Kampot.  Many people rent a motorbike from Kampot and drive out to Kep as a day trip.  Which really is enough time because there is not a whole lot...

by JulieLaughlin | July 6, 2018 | Cambodia | 0 Comments

I didn't intend on staying on Koh Rong Sanloem island for as long as I did.   I booked my guesthouse for 3 nights, which is typically how long I stay in one place.  I instantly fell in love with the island and the people who live there.   I  had been traveling for 16...

by JulieLaughlin | January 16, 2019 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

Finding a decent place to sleep and store my things is pretty important.  I feel like most people share this value.  With that being said, I've stayed in some pretty horrific hostels. Obviously, I'm a budget traveler so I anticipate that most of the time.   When...

by JulieLaughlin | July 31, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

Nha Trang is a popular beach destination in central Vietnam.  It's popular not only to tourists but for locals as well.  It's a fairly large city with ample amounts of beachfront resorts and more being constructed all the time.  There are two main beaches, both of...

by JulieLaughlin | March 26, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Today was my first full day in Yangon, Myanmar.  I did my favorite thing and got completely lost in the city!  I walked the streets for about 2 hours and took pictures and tried talking to the locals.  Mostly all I can do is smile at them because we don't share the...

by JulieLaughlin | November 30, 2018 | Solo Diaries, Vietnam | 0 Comments

Taking the train is an experience you must have when visiting Vietnam.  Da Nang to Hue on the train was one of my most memorable trips in Vietnam. The train is a fantastic way to see this undeniably gorgeous stretch of coastline and it's affordable. It's relatively...

by JulieLaughlin | March 25, 2018 | Thailand | 0 Comments

I've really become a fan of the all day tours when I get to a new city!  It's great because they pick you up, drop you off, drive you to all the destinations, offer you fun facts and most of the time feed you lunch!  When I first arrived in Pai I didn't want to do...

by JulieLaughlin | May 30, 2018 | Laos | 3 Comments

                I'm here to tell you about the most relaxing place I have ever been!  After my 3 days of zip lining, abseiling, hiking and rock climbing, I couldn't think of anything better to do then chill out.  My body hurt in...

by JulieLaughlin | August 29, 2018 | Vietnam | 1 Comment

I had been working at the homestay for about 2 weeks when the owner, Rocky, asked me to join him for a breakfast.  Besides a few business meetings, I hadn't spent much time with Rocky, so I was excited to get to know him better.  He didn't give me any details about...

by JulieLaughlin | April 27, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar with a rough population of 1.2 million.  It is a main stream hub of culture, education and economics.  There are many things to do and see in Mandalay from Pagodas, viewpoints, temples and Mandalay Palace.  Unfortunately,...

by JulieLaughlin | August 16, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

Quy Nhon is a small beach city in central Vietnam.   It wasn't originally on my list of spots to visit, but my friend Qua had told me that I would like it.   With a population around 300,000 people, it is much smaller than some of the other coastal cities of Vietnam,...

by JulieLaughlin | May 29, 2018 | Laos | 5 Comments

Laos is a stunningly beautiful country.  I'm constantly taken aback by the lush greenery, the endless mountains, the loving culture, deliciously spicy food and the ever flourishing Mekong river.  I wanted to get out into the jungle to be one with the nature and fully...

by JulieLaughlin | April 29, 2018 | Bagan, Myanmar | 1 Comment

I know in my past few blogs about Bagan I have mentioned Moe Moe.  I had too much to say about her to just write her into a paragraph.  Moe Moe is a very special little angel.  She single handedly made my time in Bagan absolutely unforgettable because she is someone I...

by JulieLaughlin | March 10, 2018 | Thailand | 1 Comment

I recently posted via social media a lot of photos of Ayutthaya, Thailand.  Its an amazing city full of history and character.  I had several people ask questions about the city.  So, this is a brief rundown of everything I learned about this beautiful place and some...

by JulieLaughlin | March 23, 2018 | Thailand | 1 Comment

I was really apprehensive to rent a motorbike here in Thailand. I'm so bad with directions, I've never been good on two wheels and I have heard countless stories of accidents here. When I came to Pai, I had a feeling this was the place to learn. It's quiet, calm and a...

by JulieLaughlin | April 23, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Oh The golden rock and Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.  I hadn't planned on visiting this monument but I was traveling with Julie, enjoying her company and it was on her list of things to visit.  My reasons for not visiting is because its the only attraction in a village that has...

by JulieLaughlin | September 22, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

The fifth largest city in Vietnam.  Being located on the coast of the South China Sea makes it a very important port city.   With it's central location it is a great hub for transportation.   It's a bustling city that is growing and changing all the time.   There's...

by JulieLaughlin | December 24, 2018 | Laos, Solo Diaries | 0 Comments

I had heard from many other travelers about the slow boat to Luang Prabang.  I had been in Chiang Mai for a few weeks and was looking for my next adventure.  So I decided I would head to Luang Prabang, Laos which is a completely landlocked country with stunning...

by JulieLaughlin | April 22, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

As I lay in bed on my final night in Myanmar, I can't help but feel sad.  Tomorrow I won't be here anymore.  I knew I was going to love Myanmar before I ever stepped foot on the land.  I felt something special and something strong through the research and stories I...

by JulieLaughlin | June 29, 2018 | Cambodia | 0 Comments

Koh Rong Sanloem island off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia is a very special place for me.  The indescribable beauty, genuine and authentic people, sandy roads, charming signs, endless hammocks and the abundance of beachside hangouts made this place somewhere I...

by JulieLaughlin | September 4, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

There are 2 main beaches that must be visited when traveling to Hoi An, Vietnam.   I had been to Cua Dai beach with my lovely friend An, but I hadn't been to the more popular An Bang beach.   In my blog about Ba Na Hills (it's here, if you missed it), I wrote about my...

by JulieLaughlin | April 26, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Thingyan, or Burmese New Years, is a giant water festival that lasts for the good part of 5 days in mid April.  It is a Buddhist public holiday and is celebrated throughout the entire country.  It marks the New Year as well as the end of the school year for students....

by JulieLaughlin | March 23, 2018 | Thailand | 0 Comments

I have finally left Pai. However, I left a part of my heart there. I already miss it. I love the calm, easygoing pace of life in Pai. I love waking up early and walking the streets before the bustle of backpackers begins. I miss the abundance of amazing food and cute...

by JulieLaughlin | November 16, 2018 | Travel Guides, Vietnam | 0 Comments

Hue is a city full of history and culture on the central coast of Vietnam.  It was the former capital and is most known for its 19th-century Citadel that housed the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945 and is protected by a moat and thick stone walls.  Within the gates...

by JulieLaughlin | January 2, 2019 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

Phu Quoc is a peaceful tropical island off the southern coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand.  It's said to have some of the most pristine white sand beaches in the world.With a vastly untouched natural environment, super laid back atmosphere and stunning...

by JulieLaughlin | March 26, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

I have finally arrived in Myanmar!   I couldn't be more excited to be here and I can't wait to explore!  As much as I loved Thailand I was ready for the change in scenery.  I decided to travel the luxurious way and bought a round trip flight from Chiang Mai into...

by JulieLaughlin | May 7, 2018 | Laos | 3 Comments

Luang Prabang is Laos most popular destination.  It is nestled on a peninsula created by the Nam Kham and Mekong rivers.  The entire city is a UNESCO world heritage sight and consists of 4 roads.  It is well known for its unique and well kept architecture, religion,...

by JulieLaughlin | May 31, 2018 | Cambodia | 5 Comments

I'm always taken over by emotions when I first enter a new country.  I'm overwhelmed by how much travel and culture moves me.  I love the new food, strange currency's, different mannerism, the beautiful children and being welcomed by smiles and genuine kindness.  ...

by JulieLaughlin | April 30, 2018 | Laos | 0 Comments

I've now been back in northern Thailand for a week in Chiang Mai.  With the internet lacking in Myanmar I had so much catching up to do on my blog, I'm sure you've all noticed my overload this last week.  I have read the internet in Laos is also pretty lacking so I...

by JulieLaughlin | September 23, 2018 | Solo Diaries, Vietnam | 0 Comments

    I was pretty happy to be leaving Hoi An.  As much as I loved it there, I wasn't loving staying in one place for so long.  The wanderer in me needed to get out desperately.  I had begun to get lazy and stopped doing much besides my work for the homestay. ...

by JulieLaughlin | August 23, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

One great thing about Hoi An is that it's a coastal city.  Vietnam in general has some stunning beaches, and its hard to pick my favorites.   I'm your classic beach bum, because give me sun, sand and a beer in my hand and I'm in Heaven.  There are two popular beaches...

by JulieLaughlin | July 12, 2018 | Vietnam | 2 Comments

When I got to Phu Quoc Island, located in the Gulf of Thailand I was more than happy to be in Vietnam.  The Island is 222 sq. miles, making it the largest island in Vietnam, and has a permanent population of 103,000.  Their economy is fishing, agriculture and a fast...

by JulieLaughlin | April 28, 2018 | Bagan | 1 Comment

It's absolutely undeniable the beauty of a Bagan sunrise and sunset.  The location and climate cause it to be a level plain with little vegetation, making the visibility of the temples and pagodas almost completely unobstructed.   The orange, yellow, purple and pink...

by JulieLaughlin | July 7, 2018 | Vietnam | 8 Comments

It's true people I took a SuperDong to Phu Quoc (Foo Cock) Island in Vietnam.  If this doesn't make you giggle, well then you're a lost cause.  I've been saying it, probably too many times, to anyone who would listen.  I think it's hilarious and I bust up laughing...

by JulieLaughlin | July 23, 2018 | Vietnam | 1 Comment

I've never been a fan of any war.  I'm a very simple person and I know it's naïve but I think that we should all just live in peace and harmony.  I know, I know shake your head and maybe don't even read this post.  It doesn't bother me one bit.   I have never...

by JulieLaughlin | June 25, 2018 | Cambodia | 1 Comment

  Koh Tonsay Island, more commonly known as Rabbit Island, is a small island about 2 miles off the SE coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.  The island is about 1 sq mile in size.  Between 1953 and 1970 it was used as a rehabilitation center for convicted...

by JulieLaughlin | July 31, 2018 | Photos, Vietnam | 2 Comments

The Crazy House in Dalat is just that, CRAZY!  It's a hotel that is open to the public during the day where you can wander through this wild maze of color, windy stairs, sculptures and decorations.  I had an over abundance of photos so I decided best to make a picture...

by JulieLaughlin | June 27, 2018 | Cambodia | 3 Comments

Koh Rong Sanloem island is 16 miles off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. The word Sanloem translates to a) drowsiness and b) far out and hard to discern.  It is approximately 6 miles long and 2 miles wide.  The terrain is hilly with a few small mountains and...

by JulieLaughlin | March 15, 2018 | Thailand | 0 Comments

I can't count on my fingers and toes how many people told me to do a Thai cooking class while in Chiang Mai.  They have them all over Thailand, especially in the bigger cities, but Chiang Mai seems to have the best ones.  At first I was a little turned off by the...

by JulieLaughlin | September 27, 2018 | Solo Diaries, Vietnam | 0 Comments

"A deserted ribbon of perfection- One of the best coast roads in the world" -Jeremy Clarkson- BBC's Top Gear Presenter The Hai Van is a 13 mile stretch of mountain pass in central Vietnam that twists, turns and cuts through the Truong Son Annamite range as it juts...

by JulieLaughlin | November 7, 2018 | Travel Guides, Vietnam | 0 Comments

I had a feeling I was going to love Hoi An.  Everything I had read online made it sound like my kind of place and every traveler I met raved about it.  Honestly, I was getting sick of hearing “oh my god, have you been to Hoi An yet?”  There’s something so captivating...

by JulieLaughlin | April 23, 2018 | Myanmar | 4 Comments

Trains have always excited me.  I love that someone else does all the work and I can sit back with a cocktail, enjoy the scenery, read a book and use the restroom whenever I need.  I even love the way they bump and jolt you along the tracks and the way the brakes...

by JulieLaughlin | May 17, 2018 | Laos | 0 Comments

Nong Khiaw is a small sleepy little village in the north of Laos, located on the Nam Ou River.  I had spent 5 nights in Luang Prabang and was ready to make a move so I decided to take the quick 3.5 hour trip north to chill out and see some well known viewpoints.   I...

by JulieLaughlin | March 11, 2018 | Thailand | 0 Comments

  If you've spoken to me recently then you know that I absolutely love Chiang Mai.  It's hands down my favorite spot thus far.  It's one of Thailand's largest cities but somehow seems to keep a small town feel.  It's beautifully situated amongst the highest...

by JulieLaughlin | March 29, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

This is my first post about a hostel. I've been traveling for about five weeks now and have stayed in several different hostels. Some are good, some are ok and some just straight suck. Every traveler is unique and looking for different things from their accommodation....

by JulieLaughlin | June 23, 2018 | Cambodia | 0 Comments

Kampot is a quiet little river city. It is most known for it’s Pepper, Bokor National Park, salt flats and a rapidly growing ex-pat community. I read that it is a bit of a hippy town and I’m a sucker for a laid back place to hang out.  Kampot is a south western...

by JulieLaughlin | March 23, 2018 | Thailand | 0 Comments

Doi Inthanon, also known as the roof of Thailand, is a large National Park in Northern Thailand.  It lies about 38 miles outside of Chiang Mai and is approximately 186 square miles in size.   It encompasses Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountain in Thailand,...

by JulieLaughlin | August 19, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

I had a feeling I was going to love Hoi An.  Every thing I had read online made it sound like my kind of place and every traveler I met raved about it.  I was actually getting sick of hearing "oh my god, have you been to Hoi An yet?"  There's something so captivating...

by JulieLaughlin | July 24, 2018 | Vietnam | 2 Comments

I typically don't like the big cities.  I'm more of a small, remote village type of person.  I like places where I can walk from one end of the town to the other in one days time.  Ho Chi Minh City shocked me.  I completely fell in love with it.  It's clean, there's...

by JulieLaughlin | July 19, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

I left Can Tho, South Vietnam on a very ugly, rainy day.  I had a shuttle that picked me up from my hostel and was driven down to the bus station where I was directed to my bus.  It was 11am and my ride to Ho Chi Minh City was supposed to be about a 4 hour ride.  The...

by JulieLaughlin | April 3, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

When I first arrived in Myeik from a 24 hour bus ride from Yangon, I was mostly just happy to be off the bus. My taxi to my guesthouse was actually a scooter and I don't know how we managed to arrive with 2 backpacks and 2 humans on a small scooter but this wasn't my...

by JulieLaughlin | December 10, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

Paradise Cave is the largest dry cave in Asia and is known as one of the most beautiful caves in the world.   It's truly an unbelievable site that will have you wandering around with your jaw on the ground and your eyeballs bulging. Being inside the cave feels as if...

by JulieLaughlin | April 29, 2018 | Bagan | 0 Comments

When I first arrived in Bagan I was still traveling with the lovely Joseline.  She stayed in Bagan with me for the first couple of days then we parted ways as she left to head to Kalaw and Inle Lake.  The first day we were in Bagan we rented E bikes (whimpy electronic...

by JulieLaughlin | July 28, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

I have met too many travelers who rave about riding motorbikes through Vietnam.  It's a fairly inexpensive way to travel from North to South or vise versa.  The beautiful coastline, the lush mountains, jungles, countryside and the bustling big cities are something...

by JulieLaughlin | May 12, 2018 | Photos, Thailand | 1 Comment

Umm this place is truly something different.  More of a giant piece of art than a temple.  I have so many photos so decided to do a full picture book.

by JulieLaughlin | April 19, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

Hpa An is a cute little town located East of Yangon and North of Mawlamyine. It's a common stop over for travelers crossing the Thai/ Myanmar border by foot.   Many backpackers only spend one night and use this only as a transit spot. I truly enjoyed this quint little...

by JulieLaughlin | December 4, 2018 | Resources, Solo Diaries, Thailand | 2 Comments

Thailand has become a top travel destination with over 6,000,000 visitors per year.  Before I embarked on my own travels through Thailand I read several reports about the country and the culture.  None of them explained some of the more bizarre things that I found.  ...

by JulieLaughlin | August 21, 2018 | Vietnam | 0 Comments

I'm a review reader, I love to hear what other people have to say about their experiences in a place.   I enjoy the pictures and the stories and peoples points of view.   However, I'm never captivated by a review and a photo can be altered to change its reality.  I'm...

by JulieLaughlin | July 30, 2018 | Photos, Vietnam | 2 Comments

The Maze Bar in Dalat, Vietnam is hands down the most unique bar I have ever visited.   As you follow the maze up, down, left and right, there is an eclectic mix of art, colors and sculptures.  It was quite hard to capture this experience in a picture and due to how...

by JulieLaughlin | April 11, 2018 | Myanmar | 0 Comments

When we decided to take a boat from Mawlamyine to Hpa An, we had no idea what we had signed up for.  In my head I pictured it as a fancy speed boat with ice cold beers.  This was not the case.  Joseline had decided to join us to Hpa An so it was Julie, Joseline and I....