Banging Bangkok: An Unexpected Addition to Your Wanderlust Wishlist

Travel enthusiasts beware: just when your bucket list was beginning to fill up, Bangkok appears. No longer are beach vacations the highlight of travel adventures; here comes Bangkok for something completely unexpected and tranquil: an electric city offering endless adventure and extraordinary tranquility all at the same time!

Photo by Braden Jarvis on Unsplash

The Symphony of Chaos and Calm

Bangkok is like a symphony where chaos and tranquillity dance harmoniously together. One moment you may be wandering the chaotic street markets, being overwhelmed by vibrant colors, scents and sounds; then suddenly finding inner peace in a centuries-old temple where monks serenade you. Bangkok’s never-changing, vibrant metropolis offers both thrilling urban exploration and moments of serenity all within its walls.

Street Food Galore: Gastronomic Delight

Get ready for an incredible culinary journey when visiting Bangkok. Street vendors line roadside stalls and bustling food markets offering culinary treats galore; whether that means indulging in Pad Thai from roadside stalls or Boat Noodle soup at markets; from sweet mango sticky rice – which could become its own religion – to spicy Pad Thai with crispy green papaya salad at street markets – your palate is in for an adventure. Get your fanny packs on, fellow foodies! It’s time to chow down!

Bangkok Is A Shopaholic’s Nirvana

Are You an Addict To Shopping? Before your heart races at the thought of Bangkok shopping sprees, be prepared for palpitations – this city truly is an absolute shopaholic’s utopia. Bangkok shopping offers an experience like no other; from luxurious malls such as Siam Paragon to the vibrant outdoor Chatuchak Weekend Market. Designer brand lovers may find paradise among the polished corridors of Siam Discovery. If it’s the thrill of the hunt you seek, Chatuchak with its over 8000 stalls offers plenty of treasure. Don’t miss the night markets for even more bargain hunting fun; haggle away till your heart’s content until you find the ideal keepsake! So get out there and shop till your heart’s content; don’t forget that shopping till you drop is more than a phrase; in Bangkok it is an integral part of everyday life!

Where You Stay: An Escape Amid the Hubbub

Deciding where to stay can make or break your trip to Bangkok. Each neighborhood in this vibrant metropolis boasts its own special flavor. Sukhumvit, with its luxurious malls and buzzing nightlife, is an oasis for modern travellers. If culture is your thing, Old City with its riverside charm of temples and palaces will enthrall you. Khao San Road offers budget travelers a range of cost-effective accommodations right in the thick of it all – high-end hotels, charming guesthouses, hipster hostels… you name it all you’ll find it in Bangkok! Bangkok hotel deals come in all shapes and sizes, so be sure to book smart for an enjoyable and unforgettable stay. With exceptional hospitality in every part of this vibrant city, no matter where you stay you will feel instantly at home – get ready to experience a city that never sleeps! Pack up your bags, and get ready to wake up in one that never sleeps!

Conclusion: Bangkok Lures!

In summary, adding Bangkok to your travel bucket list means more than simply adding another destination; it means immersing yourself in a city that never ceases to surprise and amaze

Mysterious Middle-Eastern Adventure In Jordan

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Most of us are planning for some kind of jaunt after all of this is over and the pandemic is but a recent memory. Jetting off to somewhere hot, sunny and adventurous is just what many of us need after such a long time from being able to go on holiday. There are a number of hot countries to fly off to. You are spoiled when you have Greece, Egypt and Cyprus in the runnings to welcome back tourists first and foremost. Jordan is also working hard to open it’s doors and allow travelers to hike around, go camping and explore their cities. Jordan is also overlooked because it’s neighbor in the form of Egypt, often gets the cake when it comes to tourists who want a mysterious Middle Eastern adventure. But we are now going to make the case for Jordan.

Jordan’s climate

Jordan is a hot, sunny and sandy country, with a lot of desserts and mountains. Being so close to Egypt has meant that a lot of cultural boundaries have been crossed and mixed over the years. Jordan has a very long history of cultures and civilizations that have thrived in the desert.

Wadi Rum is a great example of the Jordan climate. It’s yellow and orange sand goes on for miles and miles. If you didn’t have transport and access to food and water, you would be liable to panic. The Valley of the Moon as it’s called by locals, is known to have zero light pollution. So if you ever wanted to know what it would be like to camp out in the middle of a desert, underneath the stars, eating spicy and herby meats, you are not going to be disappointed here. They provide tours with camels and they can carry all of your baggage to where you want to go. The valley is surrounded by sandstone and if you look hard enough, you can find petroglyphs left behind by ancient civilizations. It is a protected area, so you cannot leave your rubbish lying around and you need to inform the local authorities of who you are and where you are going.

Carved into the rock

Al-Khazneh is an incredibly elaborate temple in Petra, which was a city of the Nabatean Kingdom as early as the 1st century. So the Treasury as it’s called, was built almost 2,000 years ago, right into the rock. The structure was carved right out of the sandstone rock face, which must have taken months to do. As you can see, there are early signs of scrolls and oak leaves in the columns that are holing up the structure. This is something that we see a lot in European designs, in the same period, but for it to be carved into the rock itself and not a column that has been carved from a block of rock, is very impressive. You can tell the then king, Aretas IV wanted something very specific to impress foreigners who come into his kingdom.

It only became a treasury or known as the treasury in the 19th century. It has been abandoned for a long time but it became popular as the rise of travelers occured the more railway lines were placed in the country.

Roman theater

In the city of Amman there is a Roman theater that can seat 6,000 people. It was built in the 2nd century and was obviously inspired by the theaters of the ancient Greeks. The vast open space in front of the stage allows for chariots and horses to race by. One can only imagine the kinds of theater stories that were told here and the kinds of props they must have used. The Romans stayed in Jordan for a long time, almost as long as Egypt. During their stay they must have captured and herded camels across the desert, to then be boarded onto their wooden ships and finally, showcased in triumphs and celebrations back in Rome.

You can experience this on good Jordan Tours which cover some of the best sites in 7-14 days. They take care of the travel arrangements and you see ancient sites one after the other, and enjoy good food. The theater is obviously very large, able to seat thousands of people. So one must imagine that it was not for any old stories. This is where they must have entertained kings, queens and emperors.

Hot springs in the desert?

Yes, the Ma’in Hot Springs are a resort that is carved out of the hills in the western part of the country. This is because you have a lot of water flowing in from the Dead Sea and the hot springs are the perfect place to be when you are in the desert at night. It can be very chili at night, with temperatures easily dropping to below zero in some places. The hot springs, however, balance this out and bathing in them while looking up at the stars is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here you will also find good food and company. Their Olive restaurant is lit up with candles and guests can wear the authentic clothing to dinner if they want. Here you will also be given a guinea Zarb dining experience. The chef will serve the meal communal style, which will be shared among everyone in a Bedouin tent. The guests are able to enter into the restaurant at 8 o’clock, at night and be given a welcome drink of Arak. This is a sweet spirit drink that kind of looks like lemonade. Because the dining is outside and in a tent, and the food is shared among everyone, the seating limit is going to be 24. So if you want to book a place, make sure you are quick to call and reserve your seats. You can also book group dinners so you have a portion of the restaurant to yourselves.

Jordan is a great country to visit once all of this virus stuff is over. It’s a great place with a very mysterious past. If the Romans thought it was good enough to build theaters, halls, temples and more, then it’s good enough for us now.

These Are The Reasons Why You Just Gotta Visit Jakarta!

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia. It’s also a bustling metropolis filled with fascinating sights, delicious flavors, and wonderful people as well. In fact, there is so much to see and do there that I might struggle to fit it all in one post. I’ll give it a darn good try though, so all you need to do is keep reading to find out the top reason why you just gotta visit Jakarta.

Great value luxury

One of the most significant reasons that Jakarta is such a popular tourist destination is the fantastic price of a luxury lifestyle there. In fact, high-end hotel chains like the Mandarin Oriental, that would be priced well out of normal person range are surprisingly reasonable there. Of course, you can expect the same impeccable interiors, fabulous facilities, and top rate service no matter what the price.

It’s not just the higher-end hotel that come at a reasonable price either, but the kontrakan rumah or rented homes as well. This being great news for people that are looking to visit in the capital for longer than just a few nights, and that still want to have all their home comforts during their stay.

Additionally, there are plenty of places where you can engage in some luxury activities including relaxing massages in one of the many spas that pepper the city. There are even some massive malls that have a range of high-end stores where you can give your credit card a bit of bashing too. Although, you’ll be pleased to note that prices are usually favorable compared to the US and UK for most things!

Fascinating sites

Another reason to take a trip to one of the most popular capital cities in all of Asia is all the amazing sites to see. Most visitors make an effort to see the National Monument which is an impressive tower standing 123 m high that symbolizes the fight for Indonesian independence.

Then there’s the world famous Taman Mini Indonesia Indah which is a beautiful 250-acre park that comes complete with wonderfully executed scale models of some of the Indonesian buildings. It is also dotted with museums and religious buildings as well and is a place that can provide a glimpse for visitors into the daily life of the country.

Of course, no visit to Jakarta would be complete without taking a trip to the fabulous Ragunan Zoo. A place where you can get up close and personal with tigers, elephant and even orangutans. They also have plenty of facilities there for visitors to including bike and boat hire, and you can even take a ride on a camel or elephant if the fancy takes you! Something that makes it an unmissable stop on any Jakarta tour.

Finally, when it comes to sites to see and place to experience, the hot and humid climate in Jakarta provide the perfect excuse to head to a water park like Waterbom PIK to cool off.

Of course, once you arrive, you can expect not just to be spending time in the pool but riding the slides and flumes as well. Many of which are located in their own zones with names like the Hairpin, and Twisted. In worth knowing that if you take the kid along they get free rubber ring and life jacket when on the rides as well. Which makes it even better value for money.

Delicious food

Finally, one of the true jewels of any trip to Jakarta is the amazing cuisine that is on offer there. In fact, you can expect a wide variety of dishes from western items, to traditional Indonesian fair. There is even a molecular gastronomy restaurant that service Indonesian inspired food but in a fun way. Be warned though with only 28 sitting a day getting in could be the biggest challenge that you have during your trip to the Indonesian capital.

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Of course, if you are looking for something little more informal, then a place like Al Nafoura Lebanese Restaurant is a great choice. There you can sample their kofta, and hummus and their Pitta is said to be pretty good too.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a quick bite to refuel you so you can carry on exploring the city why not give a restaurant like Sate Padang Ajo Ramon a try? They specialize in Indonesian street food and there and their satay pandan is said to be the best in town! With the best thing being that the service is super quick so you can get back to your Jakarta adventure as soon as possible.

Travel Destinations With Public Transport To Die For

While the notion of public transport isn’t the sexiest, it is one of the most helpful, especially when you’re trying to find your way around a new destination. Quality public transport can often mean the difference between getting the most out of your holiday and failing to do so.

According to the World Economic Forum, a kind of inter-government agency that likes to keep score of how well various countries are doing, some places are a heck of a lot better than others when it comes to getting around on the public dime. No, the USA isn’t among them. Let’s take a look at the top travel destinations with public transportation options to die for.

Austria

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Austria, that little landlocked country in the heart of Europe, isn’t the first place you’d think of for having great public transportation. But the country needs it, due to the fact that a lot of its land area is right in the heart of the Alps, one of the most inhospitable places on Earth.

Public transport in Austria isn’t the traditional network of buses and trains (although you can still find these in the country), it’s a series of cable cars and gondolas which open up the mountains that set the country apart. Each year millions of tourists flock to destinations like Mayrhofen, and they rely on being able to take the cable car to enjoy their stay.

Netherlands

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The Netherlands is, in many ways, the complete antithesis of Austria – incredibly flat, and not at all landlocked. According to the World Economic Forum, it ranks an impressive third in the world for its public transport. But do people use a lot of bus accident lawyers here? That’s the interesting thing about the Netherlands: its public transportation is based around its industrial canal system and great ports along the coast. You can get to practically all the major cities by boat, both by public barge, ferry, and private boat.

Singapore

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Over the last four decades, Singapore has experienced something of an economic “miracle.” The Asian city-state was once just as poor as surrounding Malaysia, but thanks to some smart investment projects, it’s managed to supercharge its wealth in an unprecedented way, becoming richer on a per-capita basis than most Western countries.

How did it do it? Scholars have asked the question, and many say that it has to do with the country’s efforts to provide incredible public transport. Like many Asian city-states, Singapore’s wealth is built around its port – which, of course, is one of the best in the world. The city is also crisscrossed by rail and bus networks to rival those of New York and London.

Hong Kong

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The World Economic Forum says that Hong Kong has the best public transport infrastructure in the world, meaning that people who go there on vacation will have the easiest time getting around. Incidentally, Hong Kong is ranked 11th in the world for tourism, making the island dependency a double-whammy for people who love to travel. Will you visit this vertical city?

Things You Can Only Learn When Traveling to Asia

If you are a keen traveler and would like to experience a culture or nature trip in a new way, you need to choose your next destination in Asia. There are scenes you will not see anywhere else, and people with big smiles and hearts you will remember for the rest of your life. No matter if you are interested in the cultural, human, or natural aspect of this continent, you are sure to find new experiences that will stay with you and shape your future life.

Connection with Nature

Image via National Park Service

One of the things you will notice is that people living in rural areas of Asia are connected with nature on a different level. They can tell when it is going to be raining, when the river will rise, and even when the sun will set, even without a computer. Their traditional lifestyle and knowledge will help you develop your own connection with nature and your own environment. Just listen to the old stories and myths, and you will see that there are loads to learn from Asia.

The Importance of Water

You might also notice that people’s lives and schedules are determined by the monsoon and the flow of water. In many Asian countries, gods control the rivers and the rain, and this signifies the importance of water in people’s lives. If you happen to visit Thailand, don’t forget to check out Phi Phi Island, where you can embrace the real tropical lifestyle. Take the ferry and check out how locals respect the water and the environment.

Respect for Humans and Gods

In Asia, people are human-centered, and another person is the representation of gods in many religions. This is why family ties are so close, and parents don’t only look after their children and plan their future carefully, but also care for the sick and the elderly. If you are a visitor in Asia, in particular in India, you are likely to be treated as a god. As the ancient Sanskrit saying goes: Atiti Devo Bhava, or the guest is god.

Looking After the Natural Environment

Image via National Park Service

Another thing you can learn from people living in traditional villages and towns in Asia is that they look after the living and natural environment. If you would like to learn more about how humans, animals, and ecosystems can exist in harmony, you might want to book a borneo travel package with ecosystem tours and visits to traditional villages where you can find out more about the values and beliefs of natives. Spending a few days with villagers living in harmony with nature can be a life-changing experience.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to visit Asia. You can find out more about the religion of the country, the belief systems, the values, and the approach to education and work. On the other hand, you can witness how hard some of the conservationists work to protect the living environment of endangered species and restore their original ecosystem.

Brunei

Brunei Darussalam

Brunei is a tiny country located on the northern shore of the Island of Borneo. This small nation is surrounded by Malaysia’s Sarawak state and the south China sea. Brunei is one of the smallest nations on earth! It is also one of the richest, due to the countries natural gas and petroleum resources.

24 hours in Bandar Seri Begawan

We had two months off from University. We made a rough plan to visit Bangkok and then to travel from the North to the South of Vietnam, first arriving in Hanoi. There were four of us going on this backpacking adventure in South East Asia. Next step, we needed flights. Trying to find a good deal with stumbled upon Royal Brunei airways – who were offering a great deal from Melbourne to Bangkok! Perfect. This flight deal came with the option of a stop over in Brunei….I had never heard of this country until this moment. We quickly looked it up and saw that we could also visit other parts of the magical island of Borneo, so we decided to book with this airline, and add Borneo to our travel plans.

We departed Melbourne and flew about six hours to arrive in Brunei. Flying with Royal Brunei airlines was a great experience overall. When we fist arrived, we took a connecting flight to Kota Kinabalu located in the Malaysian part of Borneo. We spent four days in Kota Kinabalu, before heading to Bandar Seri Begawan. We had 24 hours to explore the capital of Brunei before flying to Bangkok.

We spent the day wandering around the capital of Brunei. We found the Royal Regalia Museum and looked around the museum for a good portion of the morning. A nice relief from the heat. The museum is a tribute to the Sultan, it was an interesting museum to explore.

The afternoon was spent exploring the markets and the pretty water front. The Tamu Kianggeh market was a highlight, so vibrant and filled with energy. Strolling the promenade was nice, I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Late afternoon, we were all quite hot and bothered…due to carrying our luggage around all day, and from being hangover. So we tried to find accommodation for the night. Being so late in the afternoon and having no internet access. This didn’t work out so well. In the end we decided to have dinner and then visit the impressive Sultan Abdul Samad building. This is a must see and looks so spectacular during the night with the city lights. After this we heading to the airport and spent the night there before flying to Bangkok early the next morning.

Kota Kinabalu

Gateway to Borneo

Kota Kinabalu also referred to as KK is located on the northwest coast of Borneo, in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Kota Kinabalu, which was once formally known as Jesselton is the state capital of Sabah. The location is an ideal base to explore the northern region of Borneo.

Borneo

Borneo is the third largest (non continental) island in the world. Located in South East Asia, and surrounded by the south China sea to the north and northwest. The Island is divided by three separate countries. Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. Brunei has the smallest portion of the Island. The Malaysian part of the Borneo is split between two different states, Sabah and Sarawak. The Indonesian state of Kalimantan controls the largest portion of Borneo.

Borneo is a nature lovers playground. The majority of the island is covered by dense rainforest, with a great richness of species diversity. This rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world! Estimated to be 140 million years old. Home to a range of unique fauna and flora, and the center of evolution and distribution of many species. It is understandable that a lot of ecological research is conducted here. With this, Borneo is also home to a number of sustainable, conservation and responsible travel projects. The Island of Borneo is a really unique and magical place.

Four days in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu was our first introduction to this amazingly unique island. Spending four days in this city was truly wonderful, the only negative was that it was not enough time! We stayed at a backpackers hostel, close to the center of the city. As we arrived in the afternoon, our first day was spent walking around and taking in the atmosphere of the city. Our first evening was spent at the night market, then on to an all you can eat buffet – and buckets of beers, the price was ridiculously cheap. The next morning, we woke up and started to explore more of the city. In addition to visiting the sights and attractions of KK, the majority of our stay was spent island hopping, which included snorkeling and hiking adventures.

City highlights and attractions

KK water font and times square

With crystal clear waters and sunny skies the waterfront is gorgeous to walk along. Times square represents the commercial downtown area of Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah state mosque

Located close to the city center, the mosque is worth a viewing. The architectural design is very impressive.

Signal hill observatory tower

Provides gorgeous views of the city at the highest point.

Atkinson clock tower

This is the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu. The towers sits on a hill overlooking the city.

Central market

A vibrant and busy market located on the waterfront. A great place to explore and take in the atmosphere of the city.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman park is a marine park with a cluster of five islands (Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik) located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. These islands are easily accessible. The distance ranges from three to eight kilometers off the coast, and you can take a 15-20 minute speedboat ride from the Jesselton point ferry terminal. Plus, all of the islands are a short boat ride from each other. Island hopping was the highlight of our time in Kota Kinabalu. We were able to visit many stunning beaches, go snorkeling, hike through jungle trails and see some pretty impressive animal and plant species.

Kota Kinabalu, with its tropical islands and stunning landscape is a nature lovers playground, and is rapidly becoming a more popular tourist destination, due to the city being a cultural hub with natural beauty. Kota Kinabalu was the perfect introduction to the island of Borneo. I am so eager to return and explore even more of the Island. I would love to experience a wilderness trip, absorbing the true remoteness and adventure that Borneo can offer.

Kuala Lumpur

Muddy confluence

Kuala Lumpur, also referred to as KL by the locals is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. Located close to the center of peninsular Malaysia in the Selangor state. The name Kuala Lumpur translates to “muddy confluence” and the city is called this, as it is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers!

Kuala Lumpur was once a small Chinese village, with the locals working within the tin mining industry. The city has come a long way from this once sleepy village. The city is described as being the cultural hub of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is a cultural melting point, the mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian communities brings this city to life. The city is vibrant and full of energy. From modern skyscrapers to ancient temples, the mix of old and new is impressive. From the sights in and around the city, the modern shopping options and dinning experiences. Kuala Lumper is a great city to explore for short stays or even for a stopover.

Five days in KL

We had just spent two and a half weeks exploring parts of Thailand; Phuket, Phi Phi Island and Bangkok and we had the chance to explore a new country before flying to London for the beginning of an eight month work and travel experience in Europe.

We stayed at a guest house in the Bukit Bintang district, the ‘trendy’ area of the city. The Bukit Bintang area is well known for its shopping and entertainment. From fancy shopping centers/malls to night markets. The nightlife is also happening here, with many cafes, restaurants and bar options. Popular among the local youth and tourists, this is probably the best area to stay in for a first time visit to Kuala Lumpur.

Five days was enough time to explore the city and see most of the sights, we were also able to enjoy two day trips from the city.

Highlights and must sees

The Petronas towers

The most famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur. These towers are very impressive, both from the ground and from the top! Standing at 451.9 meters tall and with 88 stories. These towers were once the tallest buildings in the world, from 1998 to 2004. They still remain the tallest twin towers in the world.

Kuala Lumpur bird park

A great way to escape the heat and humidity of the city is by exploring this eco tourism park! The worlds largest free flight walk in aviary, I was very impressed.

Perdana botanical garden

A nature sanctuary in the city, another option to try and escape the heat! This makes for the perfect early morning or late afternoon walk.

Kuala Lumpur butterfly garden

This park is so impressive, walking around lush gardens in amongst 6,000 butterflies! Show casing 120 species.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Impressive architecture and represents a historical landmark of the city.

Menara KL tower

Another well known landmark of the city. Sitting at 421 meters tall, this tower offers impressive views of the city.

Chinatown

Vibrant and filled with energy. The perfect place for bargain hunt shopping and to enjoy the nightlife.

Jalan Alor

A strip representing the city’s local cuisine. The perfect place to explore the various food options.

Day trips from Kuala Lumpur

Batu caves

A limestone hill over 400 millions year old, containing three caves and a series of cave temples. Batu caves is a place for hindu festivals and pilgrimages. This place is well worth a visit. We took a train from the Kuala Lumpur central station and travelled for approximately 17 km, north of the city to the Batu caves train terminal. A very easy and affordable (50 us cents) journey.

When you arrive, the first sight is the impressive statue of the Hindu God. After climbing the steep staircase you can enter the caves and explore. The limestone formations are impressive and I also enjoyed watching the cheeky monkeys.

Kanching rainforest waterfalls

A refreshing break from the heat of KL, we took a local bus from the Kuala Lumpur central market bus terminal to the Kanching rainforest waterfalls. The falls are located inside a forest reserve. It was nice to walk through this park, and a great hiking experience to see the waterfalls. A couple of the waterfalls had a pool large enough to swim in. Many monkeys occupy the area, I know that they are a nuisance for some people, they are not for me. I was disappointed to see the amount of rubbish people left in this beautiful place. Remember, if you’re traveling, don’t leave your mark and take only memories.

I enjoyed my time exploring the city of Kuala Lumpur and the nearby areas. Hopefully one day I can return and explore more of Malaysia!

Mekong Delta

Nine dragon river delta

The Mekong delta is located in southern Vietnam, a four hour drive (196.5km / 121 miles) south of Saigon. The area covers 40,500 square kilometers (15,600 square miles) of southwestern Vietnam. Incredible. Extending south and west from Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City to the gulf of Thailand and also to the border of Cambodia. The Mekong delta is a low laying plain, only three meters above sea level, and contains a maze of canals and rivers.

The Mekong delta is described as the food bowl of Vietnam. The agricultural importance is huge. The delta is able to produce more than a third of the countrys’ annual food crop! As, approximately 10,000 square kilometers of the Mekong delta is under rice cultivation. In addition to rice, the ecological diversity found here can also produce other crops/food. Not only does the Mekong delta provide food to the people of Vietnam, this area is also one of major rice-growing regions of the world.

The biodiversity found here is incredible, from rice paddies, dense jungle to mangrove swamps. Home to not only people, but over 1,000 animals species can be found here and not to mention the rich plant life. With such rich diversity, the Mekong delta is also under threat from climate change and over exploitation. Environmental protection is required to protect this amazing region and its inhabitants.

Two day, one night tour

As we were based in Ho Chi Minh City we decided to take a tour to visit the ecologically impressive Mekong Delta. The Mekong river is one of the most impressive rivers in the world. The Mekong river is the 12th largest river in the World, the 7th largest in Asia and the largest river in southeast Asia. The river flows from the Tibetan Plateau to the southeast through Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, finally flowing out to the south China sea.

Day one

We departed Ho Chin Minh City by mini van and drove for two and hours, arriving at My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong delta. Our guide was very informative, telling us about the local region. At My Tho we boarded a boat to take a cruise around the Mekong delta. We stopped at an island, where we departed the boat to walk around the lush gardens and sample some of the local fruit, so delicious and refreshing. Next stop, a local coconut candy factory, here we tried samples and learnt about the local industries from the people who lived in the nearby villages.

After lunch from a local restaurant, we transferred into small rowboats, and rowed through narrow canals of the delta. This was an incredible and surreal experience. After this, we transferred back onto the bigger wooden boat and sailed to My Tho, here we continued on to Can Tho by mini van. In Can Tho we stayed at a hotel for the night. Can Tho is a city based on the southern bank of the Hau River, we had time to explore the city before and after dinner.

Day two

We woke up in Can Tho and had an early breakfast, before boarding another boat for a 40 minute journey to reach the impressive Cai Rang floating market. This is the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Floating markets are so amazing to see in person. We continued on to visit a noodle and rice paper factory learning about this trade. Then it was back to Can Tho for lunch! After lunch to was time to head back to Ho Chi Minh City.

The Mekong delta is a really fascinating place, the biological diversity is incredible and meeting the local people who live and work here was so rewarding. A must see.

Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon

The largest Vietnamese city by population is located in the south-eastern region of Vietnam, 1,760km (1,090miles) south of Hanoi. The city has undergone several name changes, which reflects the settlement of various ethnic groups, and the various political and cultural groups. Ho Chi Minh City is the official name of the city, however the former name of Saigon is still commonly used. When Saigon was the official name of the city, it was the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina before becoming the independent republic of south Vietnam. In 1976, Saigon merged with the Gia Dinh province, which surrounded the city and was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City, named after the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh.

Ho Chi Minh City has a lot of history. The area that reflects the city was once a part of the Kingdom of Cambodia. In the 18th century, relations with France began. Even when the Japanese occupied Saigon, the French still continued to administer Vietnam until 1945. Although the city of Saigon was relatively unaffected by world war two (compared to other areas of Vietnam), it played a huge role in the Vietnam war, the fall of Saigon is described as marking the end of the Vietnam war and as illustrating the beginning of the transition period of the unification of Vietnam.

This city has undergone so much change, and nowadays resembles city life, full of pulsing energy. The city is bold and dynamic.

District one

We left the beaches of Nha Trang on an overnight train to the largest city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. Our train ride was about nine hours long. We arrived early and checked into our guest house and set out to explore the city. The city is separated into twenty four districts, we were staying in district one. District one is the commercial and financial center and is a very popular district for travelers. District one and district three is home to the majority of sights and filled with bars and restaurants.

With its rich history, fascinating culture and ever growing into a modern city, Ho Chi Minh City is very interesting place to explore. The city has a mix of old new, from buildings with the classic French architecture to sleek new skyscrapers, from the typical vietnamese street food to fancy rooftop bars and restaurants, plus the charm of the ancient ornate temples and pagodas. This city was different from the seemly reserved capital, Hanoi, and contained different vibes from the other places that we visited on our journey through Vietnam. It was so interesting to see the diversity throughout Vietnam.

Highlights and must sees

Ho Chi Minh square

Surrounded by stunning French colonial buildings, this historic square is a symbol of history of south Vietnam during the 19th and 20th century.

Independence Palace

Also called “Reunification Palace” and was a significant government center during the war.

Saigon Notre- Dame Palace

Represents the French architecture and charm of the city. A cathedral built by the French.

Saigon opera house

Elegant French architecture, I was in awe of its beauty.

Central post office

A remnant of French colonial times, withs its stunning architecture.

War remnants museum

A museum which greatly documents and showcases the brutal impacts that war has on the civilian victims.

Ben Thanh market

A huge market, a great place to buy local art and souvenirs. I enjoyed walking around amongst the chaos of this busy market.

The end of this backpacking adventure

We spent seven nights based in Ho Chi Minh City, after exploring areas of the north and central region of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City was a great place to finish the trip, we were able to explore the culture and beauty of the city and enjoy the nightlife, with both the local people and other travelers.

Mid way through our stay in Ho Chi Minh City we took a one night, two day tour to the amazing Mekong Delta . Another great tour and very easy to access from the city.

Traveling through Vietnam was a really enriching and enjoyable backpacking journey. My knowledge of the history of Vietnam greatly increased. I loved experiencing the diverse climate and different landscapes throughout the country. This was a really rewarding and memorable trip, arriving in the north at Hanoi and traveling throughout the country to reach the south. From looking into the effects of war, to the breathtaking world heritage sites, Vietnam has a lot of beauty to offer. From the history, culture, people, diverse environment and the delicious local food, Vietnam is a great country to explore.