We returned to Hanoi and stayed in the West Lake or Ho Tay area of the city. We passed a portion of the long mosaic mural along Red River dike system. All of the tiles were produced in the nearby village Bat Trang and the incorporate images from the different Read more…
Many travelers and locals recommend that we take a cruise in Halong Bay. The bay itself was beautiful. The limestone rock formations and emerald green water were stunning. We got to swim on a private beach and kayak the first day (we forgot our camera). We selected a two-night Read more…
We had a long list of things to do when arrived in Hanoi but the 95 degree temperature (115 with the heat index) slowed us down. Sunshine was also a little under the weather—she got a small rash on her neck while in Siem Reap. Generally this is not a Read more…
Sala Lodges was a small hotel with eleven traditional wooden homes that were relocated and restored. Our lodge was once home to a woodworker/construction business man and his family. It was spacious and comfortable albeit a little dark (windows were small and covered to keep the air conditioning more effective). Read more…
Preah Khan is a Buddhist temple constructed in the late 12th century in the Bayon style. Preah Kan means “sacred sword.” It is a huge complex that once served as a Buddist monastery and school. It is thought that King Jayavarman VII lived there while his permanent home in Angkor Read more…
Angkor Wat Temple is awe-inspiring for its size and detail. Photos don’t do it justice. Built by Suryavarman II, it is the earthly representation of Mt Meru, Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith and the home for the ancient gods. Unlike most Angkor sites, it was not abandoned and Read more…
We made a last minute change and made a multi-hour detour on our the drive from Battambang to Siem Reap. Our driver was a former police detective and was saluted at each check point we crossed on the drive. We made three stops on our all day adventure: Banteay Torp, Read more…
The drive to Battambang should be around four hours but there was construction so it took closer to five and a half hours. Our driver honked as we passed each motorbike, tuk tuk and car. We had an accident when our side mirror clipped another car, however our driver as Read more…
It was a quick flight from Singapore to Phnom Penh. Once again we arrived late afternoon and needed to eat. We read about a vegan restaurant called Backyard Cafe a few blocks from our hotel and are happy we decided to try it. The Palace Gate Hotel was across the Read more…
After an easy flight from Semarang to Singapore we arrived to our hotel hungry. It was after lunch but before dinner so the concierge recommended Komala Vila (a place suggested by a fellow traveler in Ubud). We had the most delicious dosai and uthappam at one of Singapore’s Read more…