Instead of packing our itinerary and making it hectic, we decided to spend a slow week in Luang Prabang. We based ourselves in Luang Prabang and spent our time exploring new things everyday. The city boasts of French influences and has some of the best cafés and bakeries in the country.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a 7-day itinerary for visiting Laos from India, with a focus on the enchanting city of Luang Prabang. From accommodation options and must-visit attractions to delightful culinary experiences, let’s dive into why Luang Prabang needs to be on your travel bucketlist

Flights and visa information

Luang Prabang is well connected to most major cities. If you are flying from Delhi, there are convenient flights to Laos while Thailand. If you have an Indian Passport, Laos offers an easy e-visa. Apply a week before you leave and make sure you carry a print out of your e-visa to the airport as well.

Best Restaurants in Luang Prabang

1. Tamarind is well known for its authentic Lao cuisine. You can also take cooking classes and learn local recipes here.
2. Manda de Laos offers an elegant setting and traditional Lao dishes with a modern twist.
3. Night Market Food Stalls in Luang Prabang are in a league all their own. Sample a variety of local street food, including grilled meats, noodle soups, and a really cute hotdog lady who has a fan club of her own
4. Saffron Coffee brew a great cup of coffee. Try their falafel wraps and lattes – thank us later!
5. Joma Bakery Café also has decent coffee. The pass is a mixed bunch – their breakfast burritos are great but we would suggest avoiding their burgers!
6. Due to the lasting French legacy, Luang Prabang is home to the cutest bakeries – try fresh baguettes and pastries at the likes of La Banneton Café

 

Day 1- Arrival in Luang Prabang

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, settle into your chosen accommodation. For a blend of luxury and traditional charm, consider staying in one of the city’s boutique hotels, such as Maison Dalabua or 3 Nagas Luang Prabang MGallery. Take a leisurely stroll along the quaint streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, soaking in the French colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Make sure you acquaint yourself with all the landmarks of Luang Prabang such as Sunset Point, Bamboo Bridge, and Big Bridge.

In the evening, visit the bustling Luang Prabang Night Market, a vibrant display of local handicrafts, textiles, and street food. This is the perfect place to taste small portions of local foods and also acquaint yourself with the rhythm of Luang Prabang.

 

Day 2: Exploring the Temples and Kuang Si Falls

Start your day with a visit to the sacred Wat Xieng Thong temple, known for its ornate golden stupa and intricate carvings. Continue to the Royal Palace Museum, which showcases the country’s rich history. In the afternoon, head to the stunning Kuang Si Falls, a series of cascading turquoise pools amidst lush forests. Take a refreshing swim or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the falls. You can opt for a guided day tour with a local company or rent your own scooty and drive to Kuang Si Falls

One of the must-visit destinations in Laos is the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. Located near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall cascades down into azure blue pools, creating a picturesque and refreshing oasis. Visitors can take a dip in the cool waters, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of nature. The site also includes a rescue center for Asiatic black bears, allowing visitors to observe these magnificent creatures up close.

 

Day 3: Alms Giving and Mekong River Cruise

Witness the ancient Buddhist tradition of alms giving as saffron-clad monks make their morning procession through the streets of Luang Prabang. Afterward, embark on a scenic Mekong River cruise, where you can admire the picturesque landscapes and visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues.

 

Day 4: Pak Ou Caves and Traditional Arts

Start the day with a trip to the local morning market to experience the vibrant local culture. Then, venture to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, where you can learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Laos. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Lao dance and music performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre.

Day 5: Mount Phousi

Climb the 328 steps of Mount Phousi to catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset panorama of Luang Prabang. Explore the hill’s sacred temples and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.

Day 6: Cooking Class and UXO Museum

We love taking cooking classes and learning new cuisines when we travel, whether it be in Cambodia or in Peru. And Luang Prabang was no different. If you have an extra afternoon, you can immerse yourself in Lao cuisine with a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes like sticky rice, laap, and green papaya salad. Afterward, visit the UXO Museum to understand the lasting impact of the Vietnam War and the history of the area

Day 7: Morning Alms Giving and Departure

Experience the morning alms giving ritual once again if you want before bidding farewell to Luang Prabang. Take a final stroll through the town’s vibrant streets, collecting souvenirs and memories, before heading to the airport for your return journey.

Extending your stay in Laos

Laos is often known as the “Land of a Million Elephants” and it truly has it all – from serene waterfalls to mystical caves and charming traditional villages. Slow travel in Laos is a unique and enriching travel experience but if you want to pack your itinerary, then here are a few offbeat scenic spots in Laos that you must visit:

•  Kong Lor Cave in central Laos is a hidden wonder. This 7.5-kilometer-long cave system stretches through limestone mountains, and exploring it by boat offers a truly otherworldly experience. As you navigate through the dark and surreal caves, you’ll come across stunning stalagmites and stalactites, underground rivers, and hidden chambers. The cave is steeped in folklore, adding to its mystique and allure.
• The Plain of Jars, located in the northeastern part of the country, is another unique attraction. This vast archaeological landscape is dotted with thousands of ancient stone jars, believed to be burial sites dating back thousands of years. The purpose and origin of these jars remain a mystery, creating an air of intrigue and fascination. The surrounding countryside offers stunning vistas, with rolling hills and rice paddies providing a serene backdrop.
• If you enjoy homestays or traditional village life, a visit to Muang Ngoi Neua is highly recommended. This remote village, nestled on the banks of the Nam Ou River, offers an authentic glimpse into rural Laos. With no roads and limited electricity, Muang Ngoi Neua exudes a peaceful ambiance. Visitors can embark on scenic hikes through the surrounding mountains, explore nearby caves, or simply relax and soak up the tranquility of the village.
• Another unique experience in Laos is the Bolaven Plateau. Located in southern Laos, this fertile highland is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and ethnic villages. Trekking through the lush greenery, you’ll encounter thunderous waterfalls like Tad Fane and Tad Lo, where you can take a refreshing dip or simply enjoy the awe-inspiring natural beauty. The plateau is also famous for its coffee, offering opportunities to visit coffee plantations and learn about the traditional production methods.
• If you love experiential travel, then one of the most unique festivals in Laos is the Boun Bang Fai, or the Rocket Festival. Held annually in various villages across the country, this vibrant event celebrates the arrival of the rainy season. Locals construct giant rockets and launch them into the sky, accompanied by music, dancing, and colourful parades and parties everywhere. The festival is not only a spectacle to behold but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and traditions.

That’s it – everything you need to entice you into planning a trip to Laos – we promise you the country will offer a wealth of experiences that promise an unforgettable Asian vacation. Whether it’s exploring mystical caves, immersing yourself in traditional village life, or witnessing unique festivals, Laos has something for everyone. With its untouched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, this lesser-known destination is waiting to be discovered and appreciated by intrepid travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. Hope you make it there soon

If you have any questions about planning a trip to Laos, don’t forget to leave them below. We will try to answer them asap

The post A slow week in Luang Prabang, Laos + Why you should visit Laos appeared first on Bruised Passports.

How to get there

Packing for Koh Samui

Where To Stay In Koh Samui and our favourite experiences

At this point, I should point out that if you’re a Hilton Honors member you can actually book most of these experiences and stay at Hilton properties using just your reward points! Irrespective of whether you travel frequently or once a year, we would highly recommend enrolling yourself as a Hilton Honors member (we’ve been members for over 11 years now!). You can enrol yourself for free here and start enjoying little perks. With every point you accumulate, you get closer to getting free nights at the hotel and/or experiences such as a special dinner set up on your anniversary or a spa treatment.

But the best part of this rewards program is, you can actually auction for Hilton Honors Experiences such as this entire Conrad Koh Samui experience (including hotel stay, activities, and experiences we experienced) and if you win the bid, you can use reward points to pay for the entire experience without spending a penny from your pocket. Money saved is money earned right?

And the rainy weather did not stop us from enjoying our private pool and the rainbow that put quite a show for us:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreaIJDgKd9/

 

• Dining to the sound of the waves

This is an experience like no other. Our experience included an indulgent 3 course meal by the beach and had our own little table, completely enveloped by twinkling fairy lights and music. Make sure you opt for an early dinner so you can relish starters and drinks as the sun sets, leaving the sky pink and orange. This one is perfect if you’re on your honeymoon!

• Sandbar Excursion

If you want to take your island getaway to the next level, then this one is for you. It is possible to book a picnic on a remote sandbar at Conrad Koh Samui. Hop on a boat and head to the sandbar for an afternoon of relaxation. Of course this is dependent on the vagaries of weather, so do check with the hotel before booking a tour!

• A cooking class

No holiday is complete without an experiential activity right? Our experience included a cooking class at our hotel and the chef taught us how to make Thai staples such as Tom Yum Soup and Pad Thai. Savi even made her own portion of mango sticky rice. Learning about local flavours is always our favourite part of visiting new countries. We’ve taken cooking classes in so many countries including Cambodia, Vietnam, and Peru and this will be filed under those cherished memories too.

• A rejuvenating spa treatment to wrap up your holiday.

We even had a romantic couples treatment including in our experience! There are dozens of treatments available at the spa  – make sure you choose a treatment with care as Thai massages don’t use oil and can be quite harsh for people who like soft oil massages. Conrad Koh Samui has one of the most scenic spas we’ve visited. Don’t believe us? Check this out!

• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary

Another unique experience we booked at our hotel included spending a day meeting, feeding, and hugging the most gorgeous elephants at the Samui Elephant sanctuary, Koh Samui’s first ethical sanctuary. Each of the elephants here has been exploited, blinded, hit by circus acrobats, or been cut by their owners in the past! But they’ve been rescued and given a new lease of life here! The volunteers protect and pamper them like their babies and the bond they share with the elephants is the cutest! The volunteers look after them ever so well and don’t leave any stone unturned to pamper them. On this note, I’d like to say – please make responsible choices regarding animals when you travel. Do your research and don’t visit places that exploit animals as extreme exploitation of animals is extremely widespread in Asia.

 

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A post shared by Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on Dec 17, 2018 at 8:31pm PST

More Things To Do & See In Koh Samui : Suggestions & Tips

• Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Street in Bophut is a lively street packed with shops, restaurants, and cafés. It comes alive in the evening and is the ideal place to grab a drink or two. It is also home to a couple of nice eateries including Fisherman House and Coco Tam. But both eateries and shops here tend to be overpriced for what they offer. If you’re hungry and have a car or scooter on you, we’d suggest driving just outside Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Street for much more reasonable and tastier options.  Try Malee Restaurant for a scrumptious Thai meal at competitive prices.
• If you’ve relaxed to your heart’s content at your hotel’s beach and want to steer clear of over-crowded beaches in Koh Samui, then head to Mae Nam beach or Choeng Mon beach. You can reach Mae Nam beach via the main entrance of W Hotel but entrance is free and you don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit as this is a public beach. Expect great panoramas and fewer people – this is a gorgeous stretch of beach not many know about. Choeng Mon on the other hand is easily accessible and can be combined with a visit to Wat Plai Laem complex.
• Of course you cannot leave Koh Samui without visiting some of its stunning temples. There are dozens of temples – small and big – but we suggest visiting the incredible Big Buddha and the expansive Wat Plai Laem complex. Both temples are close to each other and it is easy to spend half a day just admiring the intricate architecture, swooning over the colourful details, and photographing the huge murals.
• No visit to any Thai island can be complete without seeing its night markets. Chaweng is the focal point of several small night markets. It is also the ideal place to party the night away. Make sure you relish the food at the night market outside Central Festival Mall and sample local beers as you walk around Chaweng checking out the bars and nightlife.

• Admittedly Koh Samui’s waterfalls are not the best you would’ve seen. Places like Bali and Luang Prabang have better waterfalls. But if you have an extra day, you can use it to check out the cascading Na Muang Waterfall or Hinlad Waterfall. There are also several smaller waterfalls you might spot along the way. Entry is usually free although local ‘guides’ try and extort money from tourists in the name of admission fees
• If you have 2-3 days to spare, we’d suggest heading out to a neighbouring island such as Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Despite their proximity, these islands provide a different experience from Koh Samui as they are much smaller and in general, more party oriented. This makes them ideal if you’re travelling in a group with friends. So do include them in your itinerary if you have some time.

That’s it.  Everything you need to know to plan an epic trip to Koh Samui. Leave us a comment below with your favourite experience from Koh Samui or if you have any questions and we’ll try and help you out Do read all our articles on Asia if you want to experience other amazing places. Here’s a video from our time in Koh Samui:

Disclaimer: We have been Hilton Honors members for over 11 years now, much before we had a website or social media was even a thing! But this year we got the chance to work with them for the first time as digital ambassadors. We are so proud of this association with a program we’ve loved using so much during the last decade! You can read our detailed Disclaimer Policy here

The post A Romantic Island Getaway in Koh Samui appeared first on Bruised Passports.

I) SEYCHELLES

“It’s as though I’d drunk a bottle of anise and fallen asleep wrapped in a quilt of roses. It pulls me along – and I know I’m drowning” Seychelles’ seductive beaches make me think of Garcia Lorca’s gorgeous poetry – it draws you in and before you know it, you’re in love! Seychelles is ideal for those who like a mix of culture, luxury, nature, and hiking on a romantic getaway.

Overview of Seychelles 

PROS

Gorgeous beaches, perfect mix of culture and scenery, island hopping opportunities, amazing hotels

CONS

Hard (not impossible!) to explore on a budget, public areas and beaches can get really crowded during peak times so privacy is not guaranteed

PERFECT FOR

Romantic getaways and honeymoons

READ MORE

Bruised Passports Itinerary for Seychelles

II) MALDIVES

What’s more romantic than being marooned on a tiny private island, positioned strategically between Asia and Africa? A sun-drenched island paradise far far away from civilisation and all that comes with it – laughing and playing in the sparkling ocean, bare feet on sand, sipping on coconut water, and reading on golden beaches. That’s the MALDIVES in a nutshell. You just need to take a deep breath and unleash the skinny dips, flower-laden baths, beach-side breakfasts, and the bubbly ??

Overview of Maldives

PROS

Gorgeous beaches, private and luxurious accommodation, perfect watersports

CONS

You have to stay put in one hotel as island hopping is inconvenient and expensive, no cultural experiences perse

PERFECT FOR

Uber private romantic getaways and honeymoons

READ MORE

Bruised Passports in Maldives

III) BALI 

Along comes an island where it isn’t about the beaches but lush paddy fields, secret waterfalls, and sun-hazed countryside – about appreciating the thrumming rhythm of slow life. Ubud, with its labyrinth of smoothie bars, yoga studios, tie & dye boutiques, bohemian retreats, and vegan eateries is truly our ticket to the moon. The bustling resort areas of Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Kuta are similar to other beach-side getaways in South-East Asia. Unlike Ubud, the beaches of don’t scream special to us. Just head to Thailand or Vietnam if you want to hit beaches!

Overview of Bali 

PROS

Affordable, gorgeous highlands, amazing cultural experiences, vegan haven

CONS

Underwhelming beaches (in fact we don’t like most of Bali’s beaches), rowdy party goers, crowded touristy spots

PERFECT FOR

Wellness getaways, getaways with friends, long sabbaticals

READ MORE

Bruised Passports Guide to Ubud, Bali

IV) FIJI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA

It was when she smeared powder all over my face and held my hand like THAT … that I realised this dazzling paradise garlanded with frangipanis, sugarcane fields swaying in the sun, the palm-scented ocean, and golden sunsets every single day would be a favourite. ‘Bula Vinaka’ is the phrase that greets you when you first land in Fiji!! It literally translates to ‘a warm hello’ and boy do Fijians live up to that promise!  Here sarongs are the national dress and everyone works on Fiji time – slow and easyyyyy

Overview of Fiji and French Polynesia

PROS

Uber-picturesque beaches, culturally immersive experiences, convenient island-hopping, incredible dives and snorkelling, incredible luxury hotels

CONS

Remote/hard to reach (unless you live in Australia or New Zealand), can get expensive

PERFECT FOR

Honeymoons and romantic getaways, luxurious family getaways, island hopping cruises

READ MORE

Bruised Passports Itinerary for Fiji

V) CANARY ISLANDS

Canary Islands, Spain : these Spanish islands, located just off the coast of Africa, are perfect because they are warm even during winter months. They are accessible, affordable, and gorgeous but can get super crowded during summer months. Ideal for beach bums ?

Overview of Canary Islands

PROS

Proximity to Europe, picturesque beaches, Spanish villages and tapas bars, warm weather almost all year round

CONS

Rowdy tourist and crowded beaches during peak times

PERFECT FOR

Family holidays, mini roadtrips, partying

READ MORE

Bruised Passports Itinerary for Lanzarote

VI) GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Don’t go here for the beaches but the rare wildlife, birds, flora, and fauna. Expect playful sea lions, lackadaisical iguanas, rare birds and blue-footed boobies diving into ocean in front of your eyes. The Galápagos Islands are heavily protected and expensive, but they’re amazing for nature enthusiasts! Swim with turtles and cherish this rare holiday in some of the most remote islands in the world.

Overview of Galapagos Islands

PROS

Extremely rare birds and wildlife, one of the most unique places on the planet

CONS

Extremely expensive as they are heavily protected

PERFECT FOR

Bird-watchers, wildlife enthusiasts

READ MORE

Bruised Passports Itinerary for Galapagos

VII) MAURITIUS

Mauritius is known for its ethereal beaches with powdery white sands and warm azure waters. While it does have some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, there is no dearth of things to do in Mauritius – it isn’t called Paradise Island for nothing! Even though we had to tear ourselves away from our lovely hotel, we are glad we did. Mauritius is perfect if you like your holidays jam-packed with activities and beaches.

Overview of Mauritius

PROS

Gorgeous beaches, perfect mix of history, culture and scenery, suits both luxury and budget travellers

CONS

Hard to find complete privacy if that is what you are after, beaches and markets can get really crowded during peak times

PERFECT FOR

Family holidays and couple getaways

READ MORE

Bruised Passports Things To Do In Mauritius

Read about our Top 10 honeymoon and romantic getaways for more ideas

The post 7 Island Getaways with pros and cons – choose one that is right for YOU appeared first on Bruised Passports.

Images make travelling special – a baguette tucked under an old man’s arm in Paris, dining under the moon in a busy Moroccan souk, strolling in the orange scented streets of a Spanish town, playing with colour at a historical monument in India, and devouring cannelloni in a seaside village in Italy. That’s the fun part!!

But there’s also another side to travelling- factors like illnesses, traffic, pollution, conservative ideologies, or crowds which spoil our idyllic vision of fabled cities around the world. When we first visited Venice and Rome, we’d hoped for fairytale cities but we got traffic, pollution, and travel agents instead – let’s just say we had to work HARD to find the magic in Venice.

That’s not all. Despite being a keen purveyor of street food we couldn’t quite get the bravado associated with gulping a snake’s beating heart in Vietnam. The list of course, goes on. Nobokov is right – it’s fun to acquaint oneself with local customs and traditions, but they aren’t always the best!  We usually don’t write too much about this sort of thing on social media but we wanted to share the stumbling blocks one encounters while travelling too since we’re always focussing on the fun stuff Here are the 5 things we’ve discovered on our travels that annoy the heck out of us:

• Touts and vendors in Morocco and Egypt

  If you’ve been to touristy cities in Morocco or Egypt, you will know this. Sellers hound tourists. One way of harassing tourists that is popular in Marrakech is when vendors thrust their wares in tourists’ hands and then demand money for them. They insist they have to sell the items to you because you ‘touched’ them. If you do not pay, expect swear words at the very least. Things escalate very quickly there, so it’s best to give in. But aggressive vendors aren’t the only problem! There are lots of conniving groups and individuals that devise scams to fool tourists in this area. Watch out for them when you visit.

  We wrote about some scams we encounters and precautions you should take in our article on visiting Marrakech’s souks.

• Outrageous cost of living in Switzerland and Scandinavia

  Now we’ve been to our fair share of affordable and expensive countries. And I know exactly why a pizza in London costs more than the exact same pizza in Siem Reap. The developed world has more amenities to offer to the average tourists, real estate prices are high, and labour costs a lot more. Despite this, there are some countries in the world which are just too expensive – expensive enough to dampen the fun of travelling around in that country. Switzerland is one such country – it physically hurts me to pay €12 for a cold stodgy sandwich in a supermarket in the Swiss Alps.

  Here are a couple of ways in which you can cut down costs in these areas:

  1. Rent a reasonable chalet in Switzerland instead of staying in a traditional hotel.
  2. Choose a road trip in Bavaria instead of the Swiss Alps. It’s as scenic but costs half as much.
  3. Choose an all-inclusive cruise in Norway instead of exploring individual cities by train or car and eating out at every meal.

• Casual Sexism in India and Fiji

  I think it’s no secret – as I’ve said before, Vid and I are vociferous feminists. And we think everyone should be. It’s the twenty first century – shouldn’t equality between sexes be the norm?

  Unfortunately it isn’t. And this riles us. We get REALLY irked when we encounter sexist practices engrained in daily life while travelling in countries such as India and Fiji (the list of countries doesn’t end there!). Casual subjugation is evident in the locals’ way of life in both countries. For example – men sit in first row and women in the second row during the sacred Kava ceremony in Fiji. Similarly in many parts of India, it’s considered the woman’s duty to cook and tend to the family. Even the most educated families hanker for boys to be born in the family and the rate of female foeticide is very high, especially in rural areas. A lot of women don’t have the independence of choosing careers, dating people of their choice, mingling with men, or expressing opinions in public gatherings.

  We end up having a lot of heated debates every time we encounter casual or regimented sexism while travelling – we’re hoping we’ve converted a few people along the way. Go equality

Here’s another way you can address this issue while travelling – just educate, as much and as frequently, as you can

There’s something I haven’t told you. But first look at that cherubic smile?? ** Just a month ago it was my birthday. Instead of birthday gifts, I asked all my friends and family to give me as much stationery as they possibly could. They got me TONS of stationery. Vid and I went and added some more stuff to this stash and set out on our road trip to Ladakh with a whole backseat full of stationery- notebooks, crayons,paints, pens etc ??? . Throughout our road trip we’ve been visiting local schools that work with less privileged kids in order to give them however much stationery they need for their kids. . I know I say this all the time because my heart belongs to working with lil kids but I will say it again ?? . The more I travel, the more I realise something : education, something most of us take for granted, is truly the greatest gift of them all. It’s the ONLY way to dispel ignorance and all sorts of societal evils (be it patriarchy, homophobia, casual sexism, or casteism) . So make sure you educate someone today. It DOES NOT have to be an earth-shattering endeavour because every little helps. You could teach less-priveleged kids while travelling, take 1 child under your wing, volunteer at a local orphanage in your own city, or donate wherever you deem fit – do WHATEVER it takes to spread the gift of education. It’s so rewarding and SO much fun?? . And if you ever travel within India make sure you carry food or stationery (pens, pencils, notebooks) instead of money or toys. Donate it to the local schools here- they could use a helping hand or two ??

A photo posted by Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on Jun 20, 2016 at 2:54am PDT

• Conservative temple notices in Bali, Indonesia

Now you know just how much we love Bali. Ubud is our second home and we spend entire months living there and working on Bruised Passports. However daily life on the island is steeped in religious practices that promote inequality.

You will find deeply patriarchal notices adorning most temple gates in Bali. We’re all for respecting cultural idiosyncrasies and despite being atheists, we love visiting religious sites when we travel (purely out of anthropological curiosity!). However you will find notices prohibiting women on their period from entering temples because they are ‘unclean’- the stigmatisation of bodily fluids really annoys both of us. It takes sexism to a whole new level!!

• Personal Stumbles Along The Way

We get a lot of comments on our social media posts about how perfect our life is. As we’ve said multiple times in the past, that’s not true. We have ups and downs like everyone else but we always choose to look at the light at the end of the tunnel. We’re both just glass half-full kinda people

Take for instance the month of January 2017. We had decided to spend 2-3 months working in Bali and we were super excited about it because we love living in Bali. But on this particular trip, things were just not meant to work out. I had an asthma attack within days of getting to Bali. But it didn’t stop there. Something about the intense humidity in Bali at this time of year made me really unwell. Despite visits to the local pharmacy and hospital, we just couldn’t get my asthma under control. After 4 weeks of struggling, we finally decided to fly out of Bali much earlier than we anticipated. Re-scheduling tickets was VERY expensive and it saddened us to leave our second home so soon.

But what can one do? Sometimes things just don’t go according to plan. And that’s ok. These little niggles come and go. The important thing is to focus on surrounding oneself with people who love the living daylights out of you. And not to let this little stumbling blocks make you lose sight of the bigger picture

That’s it – 5 of our top travel annoyances! Want to know the best thing about encountering these annoying traits while travelling? Each of them give you an amazing perspective on life – every time you see something you don’t like, you can make a conscious effort to avoid replicating it in your own life. That’s just one of the many ways in which travelling can educate you and hone each of us as individuals

What is the one annoying thing you’ve encountered on your travels? We’d love to know so do share with us

The post 5 Travel Annoyances: A Rant appeared first on Bruised Passports.

‘Planning a trip to Myanmar’ isn’t a phrase one hears very often while talking to travellers. This isn’t surprising. Myanmar’s fraught political situation and harsh military regime led to the country being completely closed off to the outside world. As part of broader political and democratic reforms, tourism in Myanmar has been flourishing since 2010.

Tourism is on the rise in Myanmar. Hotels, roads, and airports are still being upgraded. But what the country lacks in infrastructure, it makes up in sights. Myanmar has so much to offer to the curious traveller who loves going off-the-beaten-path. We were spellbound by the pagodas, villages, and temples we saw during our trip to Myanmar.

Myanmar is unique and unlike any other Asian country we’ve visited. The commotion on the streets is very different from countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Tourists are fewer and the sights intriguing. Here’s a detailed itinerary and guide for Myanmar based on our experience in the country. We hope it encourages you to visit this li’l known corner of the world and discover its incredible wonders for yourself

Arriving at Yangon International Airport , Myanmar:

Visa:

Citizens of most nationalities need to apply for a Myanmar visa but the good thing is that this can be done online. The visa costs $50/person. Application is fuss-free and it took just 2 days for us to get the letter of approval. Make sure you print the letter because you’ll need it at the immigration checkpoint at the airport.

Best time to visit

We visited Myanmar in April so we could attend the annual Thingyan water festival*. The country isn’t frequented by tourists during summer months, so it’s also possible to get some great deals on accommodation. However, in hindsight, it wasn’t the best decision. The water festival was a whole lot of fun but it was really really hot at that time. 45°C temperatures made it impossible to explore at any other time of the day except dawn and dusk. So many authors including George Orwell, Rudyard Kipling, and William Somerset Maugham mention Myanmar’s oppressive heat in their memoirs from the country. They’re right. The scorching heat just isn’t conducive to exploring towns full of unpaved dusty roads (yes Bagan,I’m looking at you!). So we would suggest planning a trip to Myanmar during winter months (November – January).

*If you do decide to visit Myanmar during the annual Thingyan water festival, time your visit in such a way that you can attend a day or two of the water festival before it ends. The water festival lasts for a week and most shops, markets, and restaurants are closed during that time. Taxis charge more.

ATM:

There are a number of ATMs at the Yangon International Airport. Make sure you withdraw money here as it’s hard to find functional ATMs in the city.

Taxi:

There is a taxi counter at the Yangon International Airport as soon as you exit the arrival gates. Booking a taxi here saves tourists the trouble of finding a cab and negotiating fare. Service is courteous and they even escort you to the taxi. The ride from Yangon International Airport to the city centre takes 45 minutes and costs approximately 8000 kyat (approx. $8/£6).

Food:

Burmese food is heavily influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Thai flavours. Now as you probably know we love experimenting with local food and relish it in most countries. But Myanmar is the first country where we didn’t quite relish the local food. We disliked the food here for the same reason we love it in Ubud, Bali. We love healthy food and most food, street food, and snacks in Myanmar are dripping with oil and laden with salt.

We tried a lot of local food – dosas, curries, salads, breakfast soups. But we didn’t really enjoy the food in Myanmar. I did like the flavours of a couple of the traditional salads but I took a cooking class and realised that even traditional salads including Lah Pet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad) and Gin Thoke (Ginger Salad) use re-fried beans and ladles of peanut oil in every serving. I hate saying that Mohinga, a popular breakfast soup, was probably the only Burmese dish I truly enjoyed. But what Myanmar lacks in food, it makes up in sights and smiles. It’s a gorgeous country full of little historical and cultural gems at every corner.

Suggested Itinerary for a trip to Myanmar:

• Fly into Myanmar, spend 2 days in Yangon
• 3 days in Bagan
• 4 days cruising along Irrawaddy River with stops at Mingun and Ava (Inwa)
• 2 days in Mandalay
• 1-2 days in Yangon and departure from Myanmar

A few optional stops in case you have more time to spend in Myanmar:

• Inle Lake is famous for its floating markets, stilt houses, and the unique one-legged rowing style of local fishermen. It’s also the starting point for the hidden Shwe Inn Thein pagodas
• Ngwe Saung (Silver Beach), located in the Rakhine mountain range of western Myanmar is off-the-beaten track. Its white beaches are perfect if you’re craving a beach getaway.
• Ngapali Beach is more popular with tourists and boasts of a number of resorts and hotels.
• The Mergui Archipelago, just off the coast of Thailand, comprises a series of pristine Burmese islands, perfect for a romantic getaway.

That’s all the information you need to plan your trip to Myanmar out of the way. Now onto our adventures in Myanmar

YANGON

Accommodation in Yangon:

There’s no shortage of accommodation to suit every budget in Yangon. Whatever your budget, we suggest staying in downtown Yangon, close to Sule Pagoda. That way you will be a short walk or taxi ride away from most prominent sites in Yangon.

We chose to stay at Sule Shangri La Yangon. It’s conveniently located – a short walk away from Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Market, and hustle bustle of downtown Yangon. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed but I wouldn’t expect anything else from Shangri La. The extensive breakfast buffet comprises a host of Burmese specialities including curries, dosa, Lah Pet Thoke (fermented tea-leaf salad), Mohinga (rice noodle and fish soup), dosa (savoury crépes), and Burmese curries. The best part? We found the fastest wifi in Myanmar at Sule Shangri La Yangon (you know my love affair with fast wifi, so I’ll stop at that) ;-). You can book here.

Getting Around in Yangon:

We walked around a lot in downtown Yangon and took taxis everywhere else. If you’re staying in or near the city centre, then most tourist attractions are less than a $3 taxi ride away. Just make sure you bargain and fix a price BEFORE you get in the taxi.

Things to do in Yangon:

There is no shortage of things to do in Yangon, but here’s a few things you can do during the 3 days you spend in Yangon:

1. Yangon’s streets are spilling with street food at every corner. Visit local fruit and vegetable markets and sample local delicacies on Anawrahta Road in Yangon
2. Walk around Streets 26-32, home to China town and India town. These offer the perfect introduction to the myriad influences that have helped shape contemporary Burmese food and culture.
3. Stand at the feet of one of the largest reclining Buddhas in Asia at the little known Chaukhtatgyi Temple in Yangon.
4. If you want a respite from the hectic rhythm of the city head to Kandawgyi Lake. The surrounding park is full of idyllic lotus ponds, overlooking the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda.
5. The glistening Sule Pagoda stands tall at the centre of downtown Yangon. It’s possible to go inside the pagoda but you could skip it. This is because the activity surrounding Sule Pagoda – colourful buses ferrying locals, pedestrians rushing to work, fruit vendors peddling their wares – makes it special.
6. You can’t visit Yangon and not see the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. The elaborate gilded structure is probably one of the most impressive and underrated historical monuments in the world. Legend has it that it’s the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. The complex is intriguing and it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring it. Large parts of Shwedagon Pagoda  are made of gold and bejewelled with diamonds and rubies. If you’re in Myanmar during summer, then visit Shwedagon Pagoda during the evening or early morning because you have to explore it barefoot. Entry is 8000 kyat ($8) and you can enter and exit the pagoda multiple times in a day. Cover knees and arms or take a sarong along. Make sure you take a plastic bag to put your shoes so you can carry them with you instead of leaving them at the entrance – this is handy if you enter from one gate and exit from another.
7. If you love exploring little known parts of cities or chatting with locals, hop on to Yangon’s Circular Train. The local commuter train goes around the city in a loop and stops at 39 stations along the way. The journey takes 3 hours and costs $1. If you feel bored or think the ride is getting monotonous, just jump off the train and hail a cab.
8. If you do plan your trip to Myanmar during the Thingyan water festival, then make sure you visit the central stage in downtown Yangon. The area is swarming with locals, street-food vendors, and tourists. The stage lends a carnivalesque air to proceedings and gets the party started. Just get a water gun or a hosepipe and join the revelry

BAGAN

Whoever knew that deep within Myanmar’s countryside lies an offbeat archaeological site that is bigger and much less crowded than the Angkor temples in Cambodia?! There are over 2200 stupas, temples, and pagodas in Bagan – no wonder every sunset and sunrise seems special here. Bagan is the focal point of tourism in Myanmar and it delivers. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Myanmar.

Accommodation in Bagan:

Most accommodation in Bagan is either in New Bagan, Old Bagan, or Nyaung U (more backpacker type accommodation). All these places work well. This is because in both cases, you will need to rent a taxi or e-bike to explore the temples. There are a number of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Bagan.

Both of us wanted to stay at Bagan Lodge because it has great reviews online but it was fully booked during the time we were in Bagan. So we settled for Hotel Areindmar in New Bagan.  To be honest, we didn’t expect much from it but the hotel was surprisingly good. The property is charming and rooms are spacious and well furnished. Our room was well equipped with bathrobes, slippers, and an electric kettle etc. The pool and breakfast area is charming and laden with flowering vines. However do be warned that breakfast at Hotel Areindmar is a bit lacklustre – there is a small selection of cheeses, local specialities, fresh juices, and bread. Additionally the quality of food is, at best, passable.

Getting Around in Bagan:

You can either rent a taxi for the day or ferry yourself around on an e-bike! We opted for the latter and paid $7/day for our e-bike (if you’re quoted a higher price, bargain). When renting an e-bike, make sure it’s been charged overnight. We had tons of fun going around Bagan on our li’l e-bike and would recommend it. There’s a e-bike rental place right opposite the hotel.

Things to do in Bagan:

Bagan is home to some stunning pagodas and temples. Expect to find gargantuan gold and terracotta Buddhas, intricate architecture and expansive terraces that look out to hundreds of pagodas and the winding Irrawaddy river. Most tourists frequent a fixed route that includes less that a dozen temples. Most other pagodas, stupas, and temples are left unattended. You must visit some of these little-known buildings if you have the time.

Here are some of our favourite experiences in Bagan. Make sure you put them down on your itinerary while planning a trip to Myanmar:

• Sunrise at Law Ka Ou Shaung – this tiny temple is a great spot for photography enthusiasts. There weren’t many people when we went which allowed us to enjoy the sunrise in peace
• Sunrise at Shwe San Daw. This is one of the most crowded and touristy pagodas, so expect a lot of tour buses and people. However it is worth the hype and the view at both sunrise and sunset is quite something.
• Sunset at Sulamani temple. This is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in the area but well worth the hype.
• Sunset at Tha Beik Hmauk Gu
• Sunrise at North Gu Ni
• Sunset at Thit Sa Wadi : We liked this best of all the temples we visited. Perhaps because it is off-the-beaten track and less crowded.

We also explored tons of anonymous/little known buildings in the area. Bagan’s stupas are solid cylindrical structures with no entrance while its temples have either 1 or 4 entrances and house impressive statues of Buddha. A couple of things to keep in mind while exploring Bagan:

1. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers or carry a sarong with you as you might be asked to cover up at some temples
2. Carry a plastic bag for your shoes. Put your shoes in it and carry them with you. This is especially useful in larger temples with 4 entrances. You might enter using one entrance and exit using the other but you won’t have to go looking for your shoes
3. Your feet will get very dirty as all temples and pagodas need to be explore barefoot. Make sure you book yourself a spa appointment in Bagan or on the cruise boat you will board from Bagan.

AVA, MINGUN, AND CRUISING ON THE IRRAWADDY RIVER 

Imagine gliding on the Irrawaddy river as you sip on a chilled cocktail. A river cruise is one of the best ways of experiencing the countryside of Myanmar and seeing its little-known towns for yourself.

There are dozens of river cruises on offer. Boats offer varying levels of luxury – everything from bunk beds to luxurious cabins and fine dining is on offer. Just make sure you check all details including the size of rooms, food available on board, and excursions before you book a river cruise. This is because you will be spending the better part of a week on the boat. It’s best to be well aware of what lies in store. We chose The Strand Cruise, which is in a league all by itself. The boat boasts of ultra-spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open to the Irrawaddy river. Unique cocktails, comfortable excursions, and luscious three-course meals made it an extremely memorable experience.

Here are some cruise ports and experiences that should definitely be on your itinerary of Myanmar irrespective of the river cruise you book

• Mingun: Mingun’s unusual white temple Hsinbyume, with its seven concentric terraces is fascinating
• Ava aka Inwa: Imagine exploring an ancient kingdom full of mystical treasures. Going off-the-beaten path was never as rewarding as it is in Ava, the ancient capital of Myanmar. Monuments and nature are completely intertwined here – we just couldn’t get enough.
• Amarapura: This busy township of Mandalay is home to a host of attractions including the Amarapura Palace ruins and the U-bein Bridge that definitely need to be a part of your trip to Myanmar.
• A cooking class: Taking a cooking class is the best way to acquaint oneself with the culinary culture of a new country. Burmese cuisine boasts of interesting dishes with a mix of Thai, Indian, and Chinese flavours. Don’t forget to try your hand at making a local delicacy or two aboard your river cruise
• Understand the local way of life: Try to understand the importance of Thanaka, the yellowish cooling paste that is used as sunscreen all over the country. We saw it applied in hundreds of different patterns by people all over Myanmar. Vid and I tried our hand at grinding the ground bark and making the Thanaka paste. We were going for intricate patterns but ended up smearing it over our faces If that’s not for you, try to learn how to tie a longyi. The traditional Burmese garment resembles a sarong and is worn by both men and women around the country.

Planning a river cruise in Myanmar? Read our detailed review of The Strand Cruise

MANDALAY

Accommodation in Mandalay:

We opted for a longer cruise and explored Mandalay while we were still on the boat. However we would recommend spending a night or two in Mandalay. There is no dearth of accommodation if you do want to stay in Mandalay. There are dozens of hotels to suit all budgets. We heard great reviews of Sedona Hotel from fellow travellers.

 Getting Around:

There are loads of options here. You could hail a taxi or a cycle rickshaw. Alternatively rent a cycle or a motorbike. We were in Mandalay for a short time, so we just hailed taxis to visit most sites.

Things to do:

We reached Mandalay towards the end of our trip in Myanmar. By this time, we were all templed out! Mandalay is home to some impressive temples and monasteries, but having seen so many of those in Bagan, Mingun, and Ava, we chose to skip some temples and visited the popular spots. Here are some of our favourites:

• Shwenandaw Monastery, a historic Buddhist monastery made out of teak wood is different from anything else we saw in Myanmar
• The Ubein Bridge in Amarapura is a long bridge made of teakwood. It seems popular with locals and is great for those sunrises and sunsets.
• Dee Doke Waterfall makes for a great day trip if you’re in Mandalay for a longer time. However this can get quite crowded.
• Visit Dattawgyaik Waterfall aka Anisakan Falls for a less touristy experience. This is located mid-way between Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin
• The scenic train ride to Hsipaw, a rural town located north of Mandalay is also extremely popular with tourists but we chose to skip this!

YANGON AND FLYING BACK FROM MYANMAR

If you have an international flight to catch out of Myanmar, chances are you will find yourself back in Yangon. We spent the final part of our trip at the iconic Strand Hotel in Yangon. The colonial gem has hosted so many of my favourite authors including Rudyard Kipling, George Orwell, Somerset Maugham over the century. So I was really excited about staying at the hotel

The Strand Hotel epitomises vintage luxury. It boasts of uber-spacious suites with old-school bathrobes, traditional faucets, tons of fresh flowers, and luxurious toiletries in glass bottles. Little touches such as 24 hour butler service, starched white linen, and exquisite food amplify the experience. We spent our time at The Strand Hotel winding down from our trip across Myanmar. Think pillow nests, bubble baths, and breakfast in bed

Just like that it was time to say goodbye to Myanmar. The country surprised us in so many ways. We explored gorgeous historical sites, spoke to locals, sampled a new cuisine, and visited so many places we’d never heard of! Both of us were greeted with SUCH huge smiles everywhere we went in Myanmar – we’d definitely urge you to plan a trip to Myanmar while tourism is still in its nascent stages in the country and experience its charms for yourself.

*All costs true of April ’16.

Planning a trip to Myanmar? Read all our articles on Myanmar 

Love Asia as much as we do? Read all our articles on Asia here

The post An Offbeat Rendezvous – A 2 week itinerary for Myanmar appeared first on Bruised Passports.

We arrived at Bon Ton Resort late one morning and couldn’t help marvelling at how peaceful it was.

Our room was equipped with every luxury we could possibly want – fine mosquito nets, a large king-sized bed, lots of storage. As far as bathrooms go, this one was pretty unique – a large vintage bath tub with an open-plan shower. Little touches – organic mosquito repellent, tiny bars of soap scented with lemongrass – made everything that tad bit more special.

There was no pressure to wake up for breakfast because our refrigerator was stocked with breakfast the night before. Everyday, we would laze around for a while before we managed to rouse ourselves and get to it. Breakfast was simple but filling – cakes, yogurt, bread, and tea/coffee. We devoured it in our rustic balcony, overlooking the swimming pool.

Every night we ate at Nam Restaurant, the proverbial feather in Bon Ton Resorts’ cap. Nam Restaurant is widely known as one of the best restaurants on the island and it lives up to that reputation. Dimly-lit lanterns bathe the proceedings with luminiscent glow. The cocktails were amazing but we couldn’t get over the traditional Nyonya Platter – a perfect introduction to Malay cuisine!

We loved our stay at Bon Ton so much that we decided to stay at their sister hotel, Temple Tree, for a few nights as well. Temple Tree was very different from Bon Ton. It’s akin to a museum, laden with cultural artefacts.  Understated luxury and dollops of culture come together to offer guests an experience like no other. Every room at Temple Tree is different – some have Malay characteristics, others have Chinese furnishings, and the rest have Indian artefacts – a true ode to the melting pot of Malaysia.

Our bedroom at Temple Tree had 6 large windows that would flood the room with natural daylight everyday – don’t even get me started on the vintage bath-tubs, the chirping of the birds, or the stunning ethnic furnishings.

Both hotels are exciting yet incredibly peaceful. Rice paddies and palm trees might seem like a rural idyll but the hotels are minutes away from Langkawi’s most crowded strip, Pantai Cenang. Bon Ton Resorts offer the perfect introduction to local Malay culture – a stepping stone that will ease you into adjusting to life in Malaysia.

The hotels offer an apt prelude for what lies next – night markets serving local food, bustling villages, and hectic streets.

Bon Ton has some of the things I enjoy most about holidays in Asia – culture, history, luxury, and a high level of service.

Fact File

• Bon Ton Resort and Temple Tree Hotel have only 8 villas each. All villages are over 100 years old. These antique villages are all furnished to a high standard. Understated luxury is the keyword here. Prices start at £80/night. More information on their website www.bontonresort.com.my
• The hotels are a 10 minute drive from Pantain Cenang. Taxies are plentiful and cheap.
• Aamir, the manager at Bon Ton Resort is amazing – don’t come back without listening to some of his tales
• Bon Ton Resort & Temple Tree are not for you if you like big breakfasts
• Both hotels support a local animal shelter. As a result there are a number of cuddly stray cats and friendly dogs around. It’s definitely not for you if you’re not an animal person.
• Bon Ton Resort is located next to sugarcane plantations. You will wake up the sound of birds and coconuts falling from trees – priceless

Hungry for more? Here are the videos of our rooms at Bon Ton Resort and Temple Tree Hotel

OUR ROOM AT TEMPLE TREE BY BON TON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRVR0amdL5s

OUR ROOM AT BON TON RESORTS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XdWFVdFBNg

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Looking for Things To Do in Langkawi? We have the lowdown

Have you read our post on attending at a Chinese Wedding in Malaysia yet?

Planning a trip to South East Asia? Don’t forget to read our tips on accommodation, street food, and sightseeing

We were guests of Bon Ton Resorts, Malaysia. We are two extremely opinionated ninjas – so all views (good and bad) are entirely our own. Click on to read our full Disclosure Policy

The post Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi – The Perfect Boutique Hotel? appeared first on Bruised Passports.

Currently we are taking a career break, so our priority is to see as much of the world as we possibly can. But we’re considering slowing down a bit and spending longer periods of time in one place. As you probably well know, we like living comfortably when we travel. Having consulted a lot of our traveller friends we’re beginning to think of taking up a teaching job in an exciting part of the world in order to make this happen.

Teaching English as a foreign language is a popular option because it provides travellers with flights, accommodation, and a stipend. More importantly, it gives them an opportunity to interact and live with locals and understand local culture in a way a fleeting encounter never can. It’s also an easy way to pick up a foreign language. In other words, it’s a bit of a win-win situation for someone who loves travelling.

The agency that we’re currently considering is the ESLStarter. We were drawn to it because we read a fair few glowing reviews of it online. On reading more we discovered they’ve placed over 5000 teachers in the last 10 years. The only pre-requisite for most programs is the TEFL certificate. There are so many choices but here are the 4 countries we’re currently considering. My top picks of the lot are Colombia and China while Vid is veering towards Peru.

• Colombia

My love for South America is endless. I love the chaos, the people, the food, and the culture. South America fascinates me to no end. ESLstarter’s programme in Colombia is also open to non-native speakers of English who are fluent in the language. This is pretty rare and extremely exciting, especially if you’re from a country where English isn’t the first language but is widely taught and spoken. There are over a 1000 openings in Colombia this year and things are a bit different from China because the stipend is quite generous by Colombian standards – USD 500/month.

Internal flights from Bogota are included and the entire programme is carried out in collaboration with the Colombian government, which just makes it that little bit safer. The main draw here is learning Spanish – having travelled extensively we’ve figured Spanish is an extremely helpful language to know since it is spoken in so many countries around the world.

• China

China has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. But I don’t want our skirmish with the country to end in Beijing or Shanghai. I want to get my teeth stuck into Chinese culture and ESLstarter’s programme in China provides the perfect option.

It doesn’t need any teaching experience and even fresh high-school graduates can apply. There are 100s of other interns learning Mandarin or taking TEFL lessons, so making friends should be easy. On getting to China, a number of cultural excursions and orientation lectures introduce teachers to Chinese culture. Accommodation and flight allowances are included as well. On teaching days, even meals are included. In addition to this there is a monthly living allowance of USD 300. Teachers are expected to teach 15 classes weekly so there is plenty of time to explore the area. What excites me is the opportunity to explore little known parts of China and get to know local culture better.

More details can be found here.

• Vietnam

I remember visiting Vietnam for the first time three years ago. Almost immediately I was sucked into the Vietnamese rhythm of life. Over the next few weeks I took cooking classes, devoured street food, met locals, went on trips to floating islands, and shopped at little markets. When it was time to leave I just did not want to. That month in Vietnam felt too short, so I’d love to go back and see what staying in the country feels like. I’m not as keen to learn the local language as I am to learn more about Vietnamese customs and traditions.

• Peru

There’s only 1 reason I’m considering Peru is for all the smiling faces we encountered during the one month we spent there. We explored Peru to our heart’s content last year and saw the cutest kids while travelling around the country. It’s hard to pass the opportunity of educating them while learning Spanish and spending yet more time in the country. Aah decisions decisions!

Visas are usually arranged by the company itself and most nitty gritties are well taken care of. However it’s best to check beforehand before you invest any money in a TEFL certification course or book flights. You can apply here.

So many of our friends are currently teaching English in South Korea and Peru. Do you have friends who’re currently travelling and teaching English abroad? Have you ever volunteered to teach English abroad?

The post Teaching English Abroad: Travel and earn as you go along appeared first on Bruised Passports.

Come summer, Europe is abuzz with festival calendars, and getaways and itineraries tailored around music festivals. While festivals like Tomorrowland, Benicassim, and Lovebox reign the popularity charts, Vid and I wanted to attend something a bit more laid back. We enjoy alternative, indie, and electronic music, so we knew Wilderness was the one as soon as we saw London Grammar, one of our favourite bands, on the line-up

The Wilderness Festival takes place deep in the English countryside. Cornbury Park is just 2 hours away from London. This August, we spent 4 perfect days with our best friends camping along with thousands of other wild ones at Wilderness ’14. Lazy days were spent attending forest raves under the glorious full moon, discovering trippy music at the Busking Stage, partaking in neo-pagan rituals, drowning ourselves in feathers and body glitter, attending spiritual workshops, and participating in book clubs. Wilderness Festival is a hedonistic wonderland peppered with fairy dust – highly recommended if you’re a hippie at heart!

If you’re just venturing into the world of camping at music festivals, here’s what you should be packing :-

#1 Camping Gear

The foundation of an amazing camping experience is a weather-resistant tent and warm cushioned sleeping bags. So it’s only fitting that we begin our guide to packing for a music festival with examples of some sturdy camping gear. We researched quite a lot before buying our camping gear. For this we hit Millets, UK’s premier outdoor store – the store has an enviable range of tents and sleeping bags to suit all budgets, so it worked perfectly for us.

We ended up choosing a tent that has received good reviews from the pros. The Vango Beta 350 XL is a spacious tent that is easy to pitch and folds into a compact case in less than 10 minutes. It shielded us from UK’s infamous rain and windstorms on more than one occasion during the 4 days. As for sleeping bags, we opted for Blacks‘ own-brand sleeping bags and they were snuggly as ever.

#2 Cheap and cheerful clothes

You’ll be camping aka roughing it out, so leave your pretties behind. Don’t take anything you might regret losing – branded sunglasses and watches, expensive tablets and laptops, and designer shoes should stay firmly stationed at home.

Instead opt for quirky but reasonable clothes. Rich colours and breezy silhouettes work best. This watermelon tee and these Lennon-esque sunglasses are perfect for the laid-back vibe of music festivals and their affordable price means you won’t think twice before stepping into that mosh pit and enjoying what you’re there for – the music!

Outfit Details :-

Watermelon t-shirt (nom, nom, nom!) – still available on OASAP

Mirrored round sunglasses – still available on OASAP

Coin necklace – OASAP

#3 Kimonos

Kimonos might be a festival staple for some people but if you’re anything like me, I’m sure you enjoy wearing them on city breaks, beaches, and everything in between. The loose fit of the kimono is perfect for channeling a bohemian vibe, something I just can’t say no to

Recently I’ve been loving this tie-n-dye number in black and white. It’s perfect for throwing over maxi dresses, playsuits, and loose trousers or wearing as a dress (just belt it up and voilà dress!). The white printed kimono is just tasselled perfection – I’ve been living in it this summer. It’s perfect for prancing around in golden fields while the clouds roll overhead

Outfit Details

Black tie-dye Kimono –  Rosewe

White printed tasseled kimono – Rosewe (hurrah for free worldwide delivery )

#4 Wellies

This one is dedicated to those of you who are planning to attend a music festival in UK. The atmosphere at a music festival might have you dreaming about tropical flowers and palm trees but a downpour is never far away when one is in UK. Make sure you pack waterproof shoes and a rain coat. Millets have a great selection of Wellington Boots, with everything from the iconic Hunter boots to more affordable ones. Vid chose funky Peter Storm wellies, befittingly adorned with vinyl records, while I went for a sedate black pair.

#5 The Crazy Stuff – Flower crowns, moustaches, body glitter 

Aah now comes the fun part. Once the essentials are out of the way, it’s time to go wild (quite literally). Music festivals provide the perfect excuse to play ‘dress up’ with flower crowns, feathered ear cuffs, fake moustaches, body glitter, and body stamps.

All you’re getting ready for are lazy afternoons spent sitting cross-legged on picnic rugs with friends, endless conversations, and night-long concerts. Who can argue with that?

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PACKING CHECKLIST FOR A MUSIC FESTIVAL

1. 1 sturdy tent
2. 1 pair of Wellies or waterproof walking boots per person
3. 1 waterproof parka/raincoat per person
4. Torchlight – you never know when you might need it
5. 1 secure yet colourful backpack
6. A battery pack for your photo/camera unless you want to opt for a bit of a digital detox like we did
7. Swimwear – you never know when you might be overwhelmed by the need to take a dip in that country-side lake
8. Colourful, bohemian, and quirky clothes – we love kimonos, maxi dresses, and Lennonesque sunglasses
9. Dry shampoo and Hand Sanitizer – you won’t have regular access to running water, so these are a must
10. Wet wipes – let’s just say these are the only things that will help you navigate grubby port-a-loos
11. Flower crowns, moustaches, body glitter – go all out!!
12. First aid kid
13. Your most adventurous and bohemian self – get out there and have a blast without a worry in the world

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If you enjoy bohemian fashion, check out our posts from the time I wore an oriental kimono in Saigon, a maxi kimono in Mauritius (which I still love!), and an eye wateringly bright one in Mui Ne

Do you guys enjoy music festivals? Which is your favourite festival?

Till later, Happy raving

The post A first timers’ guide to packing for a music festival appeared first on Bruised Passports.

But we love urban spaces, so we really enjoyed the pace of this chaotic city. Saigon’s frenzied rhythm, colonial architecture, and dynamic food culture can be endlessly fascinating and endearing all at once. The city might not have seductive beaches or plantations enveloped in bewitching mist but there is no dearth of things to do in Saigon. From day tours and cultural monuments to food tours and country-side jaunts, Saigon offers everything one could ask for. Here’s 10 of our favourite things to do in Saigon :-

1) Celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year)

This is definitely a controversial one. This is because Tet is a special time of the year for Vietnamese people – houses are cleaned and painted, gifts are exchanged, ancestors are honoured, prayers are conducted, and special meals are prepared from scratch.

For tourists this translates into closed shops and markets. In addition to this, most restaurants have special menus for Tet which are much more expensive than regular menus. Shops only open on the sixth day of Tet with a small ceremony.

But happiness is in the air. Locals are in a celebratory mood and there are processions and fairs almost everyday. The entire city is adorned with bunting and lights. Then there are bright red trees, bedecked with Chinese lanterns, wishing papers, and trinkets that pop up everywhere. Saigon transforms into a magical, albeit chaotic, wonderland over Tet – it needs to be seen to be believed

2) Take a Food Tour

Eating is such an intrinsic part of Vietnamese culture that a food tour offers the perfect introduction to the city. We opted for an amazing street food tour with Tiger Tours in order to familiarise ourselves with Vietnamese street food staples. We would highly recommend taking this tour on your first or second day in the city because it offers a great introduction to the sights and sounds of Saigon. 

Kim and Ngoc, our guides, took us around the city on motorbikes and showed us most of the major landmarks. The highlight of the tour is definitely the scrumptious food but we also loved Saigon’s wholesale flower market – it’s easy on the eyes and offers amazing value for money. It’s possible for pay less that £2 for 50 stems of roses (yes FIFTY) – perfect for an impromptu romantic surprise eh?

Interested in exploring the street food scene of Vietnam? Don’t forget to read our detailed Guide to the Street Food of Vietnam (opens in new tab)

3) Explore China Town (Cholon)

Ho Chi Minh’s teeming China Town is the largest in Vietnam. China Town, or Cholon, is laden with pagodas, street food hawkers, and tea houses at every corner. The area is away from the tourist centre and there are few tourists here. But it’s one of our favourite parts of the city purely because it has so much character.

Come without an itinerary and let yourselves loose in the narrow bustling lanes of this area. Observe the rhythm of daily life and watch locals go about their routine, explore crumbling Chinese buildings, or follow the wafting aromas of food. It’s hard to go wrong here – the labyrinthine alleys are brimming with things to do and wandering aimlessly is bound to yield returns

4) Go offbeat with an immersive tour in Cholon

If you want to do something completely different, we suggest Urban Tales’ scripted tours as one of the unique things to do in Saigon. We’ve experienced several investigative treasure hunts in Europe but none in Asia. Urban Tales offers an exciting way to explore Saigon’s Cholon District for independent travellers like us who like to discover little-known sites, talk to locals, and really get to know a new city.

The thick plot is laden with all the usual suspects : a murder, red-herrings, and the chaos of Cholon district. In finding out more information about the ‘murderer’, the participants will experience a self-guided tour of the bustling area. We love such immersive tours – definitely a fun way to go off-the-beaten path and come back home with a tale to tell. Make sure your camera has loads of memory – who knows when you’ll find yourself in tiny Chinese medicine shops, little-known pagodas, or restaurants known only to locals again?

5) Visit The Mekong Delta

Less than 3 hours away from the chaos of Saigon lies the idyllic Mekong Delta. Here dozens of sampan boats peacefully glide down the river that is the lifeline of South East Asia. The seductive flow of the Mekong River is enchanting and offers the perfect respite from Saigon’s urbanity. It is possible to explore The Mekong Delta on a day trip but we would highly recommend keeping aside 2-3 days for this experience.

Hop over to our full-length article about A Day Trip To The Mekong Delta for details on planning your trip from Saigon to The Mekong Delta (opens in new tab)

6) Shop

Don’t you know what they say? When in South East Asia, shop Ben Thanh Market is usually the recommended shopping mecca to tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can find everything from coffee beans and bags to fruit and street food. However it tends to be overpriced and really crowded. If you want to grab some good bargains on clothes and accessories, head to Saigon Square, which can best be described as a flea market in an air-conditioned building. Put your bargaining boots on and go, go, go

7) Explore Saigon’s religious buildings

Saigon’s streets are dotted with religious buildings – temples, cathedrals, pagodas – that bear testimony to its troubled past and its cosmopolitan fabric in the present day.

Saigon’s colonial past ensures the dominance of French architecture in the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral, established by French Colonialists, is one of the prettiest buildings in downtown Saigon and is frequented by Vietnamese Christians on a regular basis. We also enjoyed visiting the Mariamman Hindu Temple that serves the small community of Vietnamese Tamil Hindus in the city. The colourful facade is adorned with Hindu deities while the atmosphere is clouded by the smoke and fragrance of incense sticks. These buildings offer an engrossing peek into Vietnam’s history and must be explored, irrespective of whether you’re believers or atheists like us.

The highlight of a visit to China Town is definitely its pagodas. They offer a spiritual experience like no other. The fragrance of incense sticks hangs heavily in the tepid air while devotees pray with conviction, and unravel in the pagodas’ expansive courtyards.

There are 3 prominent pagodas in China Town. At the Thien Hau Pagoda hundreds of spiral incense sticks impart a smoky, hazy glow to the surroundings and bright pink wishing papers adorn walls. Then there is Phuoc Hai Tu (Jade Emperor Pagoda). A tortoise pond occupies pride of place here. Chinese people believe that  turtles are ambassadors from heaven. They buy turtles from vendors outside the pagoda, write messages on them, and free them from captivity by letting them loose in the pond. At Hôi Quán Nghia, deliciously lacquered porcelain figures are everywhere to be seen. Despite the number of devotees, the atmosphere is extremely peaceful, almost sublime.

There are very few tourists at these pagodas since they are off-the-beaten-path but we were greeted with warm smiles everywhere we went. A young Vietnamese couple even took upon themselves the task of explaining the importance of turtles in Chinese mythology to us Highly recommended.

8) Hang Out With The Locals

If you’ve ever been to South-East Asia, you’d know that the people here are extremely friendly and love to share their culture with visitors. If you’re really interested in making some friends and learning more about Vietnamese culture, try taking tours with locals in Vietnam through WithLocals. Given the amazing variety of street food in Saigon, it’d be perfect to get on a scooter with a local and visit those hidden alleys for scrumptious street food that only the locals know about. We love interacting with locals wherever we go – be it for discovering local hidden gems or for sharing stories with them – we feel that such interaction with locals enhances our travel experiences and gives us a different perspective on life.

9) Visit The War Remnants Museum

This museum might not be as haunting as the Killing Fields of Cambodia but it is a scary reminder of the atrocities committed by the US government and soldiers during the Vietnam war. Graphic photographs, paraphernalia from the war, and propagandist posters are bound to send a chill down your spine. Put this on your list of things to do in Vietnam. The museum definitely offers a watered down version of history due to diplomatic reasons but it is definitely worth the 15000 VND (£0.50) entry fee.

10) Take in the Coffee Culture

We’ve already spoken about Vietnam’s obsession with coffee in an earlier article, so we won’t write reams about this but it is safe to say that coffee, especially Iced Coffee, is a national obsession here. Of course it is possible to sample coffee at street food vendors, breakfast buffets, and every restaurant in town. But Saigon’s increasing number of modern cafés, which serve nothing but coffee and tea based drinks, offer a perfect chance to unwind after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. Then there’s the free wifi – we’re not complaining

FURTHER READING ON VIETNAM

• You can apply for your Vietnam Visa online and save the hassle of going to the consulate.
• Going to Vietnam? Stuck on where to go, where to stay, or what to pack? Check out all our recommendations here 
• Packing for Vietnam? Check out our outfit posts from Vietnam for some fashion inspiration
• Looking for a place to stay in Saigon? We stayed at Intercontinental Asiana and loved it 
• Read our article on the Top 10 Things To Do in Mui Ne to get off the beaten track in Vietnam

The post Vietnam Diaries – 10 Things to do in Saigon appeared first on Bruised Passports.

Every evening local fishermen leave for a long night of fishing. They are effectively surrendering themselves to the sea because their small boats are ill-equipped to handle bad weather or rough seas. At dawn, the fortunate ones return with seafood by the kilogram and their wives take over.

The catch is meticulously sorted, cleaned, and sold to local restaurant owners and street food vendors on the spot. The frenzied rhythm of the market is hard to understand for a mere bystander but closer inspection reveals the method underlying the madness. We loved experiencing the chaos of Mui Ne’s fishing market and wanted to share it with you. This is the story of dozens of humble fishermen and their wives that makes Mui Ne special

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have these photos tempted you to visit Mui Ne? Read our article on the Top 10 Things To Do in Mui Ne to see how you could be spending your days in this part of Vietnam

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Don’t forget to read our tips on accommodation, street food, and sightseeing in Vietnam

Read about  a natural wonder of the world in Mui Ne – The surreal White Sand Dunes of Vietnam

Looking for a place to stay in Mui Ne? Read about our experience at Pandanus Resorts

The post Mui Ne, Vietnam – The story of a fishing village in photos appeared first on Bruised Passports.