There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, a line which I’m in danger of crossing. Is this really the ultimate, best most awesome list of things to do in Hoi An? Well, I did kind of live there for a few months earlier this year and I have visited this historic port city several … Read more
There are many facets which make up the perfect trip to Indonesia. You’ll want to visit some beaches, climb a volcano and get to know some of the many cultures which make up this fascinating country (or, like many Australians do, you could stick to the trashy beaches of Bali and sink dozens of Bintangs). … Read more
So, you’re looking for a Thai Island paradise…? You’ll want perfect white-sand beaches, crystal clear water, colourful sunsets and swaying palm trees. The beaches should be almost deserted and the interior of the island should be full of waterfalls and emerald green hills. Koh Mak isn’t that island. It’s nice enough, and some may even … Read more
One of the toughest decisions you’ll have during a trip to Kuala Lumpur is how to refer to Malaysia’s biggest city. Is calling it KL pretentious? Does it sound too much like the O.C., the horrible show about Orange County starring that guy who looks a bit like a young Russell Crowe? Will your friends … Read more
Limestone mountains of all shapes and sizes dot the landscape around Ninh Binh. Even though winter isn’t the best time to visit, due to the rice fields being little more than brown puddles of water, I decided to hop on the back of a motorbike and take a tour around the countryside. The weather was grey … Read more
We arrived at the entrance to the ancient city of Sukhothai and glanced skyward. It was a grey, hazy morning — our luck for having clear skies above almost every archaeological site we’d visited around the world had deserted us. Things would improve though — the sun eventually shone (for a while) and the ruins … Read more
For me, one of the highlights of travelling in Asia is seeing history embodied in elaborate ancient temples and ruins. Here are some of my favourite temples and ruins in Asia, including Angkor Wat, the erotic temples of Khajuraho and the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Bagan, Myanmar (Burma) Do you watch romantic comedies and think … Read more
“My Son Tour” signs are scattered all over Hoi An, but what are they actually advertising? Thankfully, it isn’t a sightseeing trip around Hoi An with the travel agent’s son. Instead it’s an incredibly cheap tour to My Son (pronounced Me Sun), a collection of ancient Cham ruins 40 km from downtown Hoi An. Should … Read more