Thailand and temples go hand in hand but Chiang Rai’s three main temples take quirkiness to another level. Sharing a three-way border with Myanmar and Laos, the northern Thai province of Chiang Rai earned the notorious nickname - the Golden Triangle. From the 1920s up until 1959 when the Thai government banned its trade, opium was the Golden … [Read more...]
Solo traveller exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi
A pitstop in Abu Dhabi and Dubai The sparkling lights from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa dominates the view from my hotel window. I’m perched on the sofa in my 15th-floor room in the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai waiting for my large bath to fill. It’s been a hectic couple of days since my early morning arrival in Dubai … [Read more...]
Edinburgh culture, history and a shiny nosed dog
Edinburgh what's not to love? As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh commands attention. But apart from being the country’s epi centre, Edinburgh exudes a distinctive charm that is difficult to resist. The compact layout of the city means it’s easy to get around and explore, even for someone like me with a hopeless sense of direction! I'd come … [Read more...]
Where to get a drink in Hoi An the top five bars I recommend
When night time falls When the sun dips and nighttime descends on Hoi An, the streets of the old town magically transform into a labyrinth of colour. The strands of multicolored Japanese lanterns casting an ethereal glow add to the special atmosphere. Wander the town's streets and absorb the festive ambiance. Make the most of the lack of crowds … [Read more...]
Day Spa in Hoi An
Relaxation and pamper in Hoi An Another favourite activity in Vietnam were the spa visits for massage, facials, pedicures and manicures. Thanks to Rachel in our tour group, who did the research and initial test (after which she gave the thumbs up,) a number of us made appointments at *Palmarosa spa, located conveniently around the corner from our … [Read more...]
Cambodia on the radar
A few years ago I had one of the best experiences travelling through Vietnam. Travelling solo and being my first visit to Vietnam I decided to take a tour – let someone else worry about the logistics. I also managed to tack on some additional days on either side of the tour and travelled independently doing my own thing. My tour ended in Ho … [Read more...]
Naked communion – a divine onsen experience
My first onsen experience Walking carefully along the snow-covered village street, I’m unable to look up and take in my new surroundings. The snow on the ground is thick and crunches underfoot. I'm aware discreet patches of ice wait for the unwary. I’m doing my best not to slip and fall. Usually a curious observer, today I’m cautiously following … [Read more...]
Sydney reveals its wow factor during Vivid
How to impress a teenager Teenagers these days are pretty hard to impress. With easy access to instant on-line entertainment and their inherent immediate gratification attitude, it’s difficult to know what (if anything) will “wow” them. How about Sydney during the Vivid Festival? Sydney’s 2017 Vivid festival is from May 26 – June 17. Last … [Read more...]
When travelling Japan with teenagers be prepared for anything
Expect the unexpected when travelling with teenagers The Japanese Shinkansen is fast. They traverse across the Japanese countryside at lightning speed! One of my boys clocked it at 220km/hour using an app on his phone. And they run to a clockwork tight schedule. They pull up at the station, passengers alight and the Shinkansens move off with … [Read more...]
Saigon – my five insider tips
Nestled adjacent to the Saigon River, some 80 kilometres from the South China Sea – Ho Chi Minh City is the main commercial and economic hub for Vietnam. With nine million people and over six million motorbikes bursting onto the city streets at all hours of the day and night, Ho Chi Minh City is a mesmerising chaos, filled with hole in the wall … [Read more...]