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easyfoodnetwork · 4 years

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Until I Can Go Back to My Favorite Restaurant, This Jerk Paste Is the Next Best Thing

I don’t know how I lived so long without a jar of Walkerswood jerk seasoning | Elazar Sontag

Walkerswood Jamaican jerk seasoning has quickly become a kitchen staple

I smear the dark brown paste on everything. I pat it onto salmon filets before I slide them into the oven and sneak it between tightly stacked leaves of cabbage layered into a steamer basket. I use my hands to massage it into Brussels sprouts, roughly chopped carrots, and broccoli florets. And every time I pull the container from my fridge, I ask myself how the hell I lived so long without a jar of jerk seasoning.

I didn’t grow up eating much Jamaican food in Oakland, California. This city, awash with some of the best Ethiopian and Eritrean, Filipino, Mexican, and Laotian food in the country, has comparatively few spots offering flavors of the Caribbean. And neither of my vegetarian Jewish parents were making a whole lot of curry chicken or braised oxtails.

My introduction to jerk chicken — its skin soaked in the flavor of sweet smoke, of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice berries, ginger, and green onion — was during my first year of college, across the Hudson river from a New York town called Kingston. That’s where I had my first meals at Top Taste, where you’ll find the best — and more or less only — jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtails in town. The snug restaurant, painted with wide stripes of yellow and green in the colors of the Jamaican flag, and set on the corner of a sleepy residential street, sells all sorts of groceries you can’t find elsewhere in the area: ackee, saltfish, canned callaloo and Tastee Cheese in vacuum-sealed aluminum containers.

As soon as the door swung open on my first visit four years ago, I was greeted by booming dancehall coming from a boombox propped above the entrance and the smiling faces of owners Melenda Bartley and Albert Samuel Bartley, known to a stream of friends and loyal customers as Sammy. For many, Top Taste brought familiarity and reminders of faraway homes. To me, everything about the experience was new, a welcome and deeply needed change of pace and scenery from the always-boiled, never-baked food of my college dining hall. I didn’t own a car, but whenever I could convince one of my new friends to drive me there, I was at Top Taste.

This wasn’t the sort of recipe I could transcribe, fold up, and stash away for safekeeping.

Over the years, Melenda and Sammy became friends, and their restaurant felt more like home than the cement-block dorm where I slept. I’d order from the menu scrawled on a piece of neon green cardstock on the wall, and while Melenda was filling my square plastic plate with rice and peas, stew chicken, oxtails, and plantains, I’d walk around to the restaurant’s snug concrete patio, where a plume of smoke tipped off the whole neighborhood that Sammy was making a fresh tray of jerk chicken.

That chicken was like nothing I had eaten. The meat was almost blackened by the time it absorbed the smoke, and while the skin was crisp, it gave way between my teeth. The flesh was ever so slightly past the point of juiciness, the fat and connective tissue broken down over hours of gentle cooking, so that the meat melted with each bite, mixing with starchy sweet plantains, steamed cabbage and peppers, and a dot of ketchup and scorching hot sauce.

A few months into my often twice-weekly trips to Top Taste, I asked Sammy how he made his jerk chicken. He sat down next to me with his spice-smudged apron still on, and explained the process in very matter-of-fact terms: The meat gets marinated overnight in a rich jerk seasoning blend (very, very heavy on the ginger), and the next day — rain or shine — he lights a spark under the pimento wood in his old barrel grill, caked with a thick layer of seasoning from good use, and cooks the chicken until it’s done.

I’d known as soon as Sammy first walked me through his process that this wasn’t the sort of recipe I could transcribe, fold up, and stash away for safekeeping. He’d made the dish on so many occasions that each step was second nature: an inkling that more scallion, garlic, or Scotch bonnet was needed, a sniff test confirming the salt, heat, and herbage was balanced to his liking.

When I moved to the city after leaving college, I made it a point to seek out jerk chicken whenever and wherever I could, always comparing it to the meat that came off Sammy’s grill. Some restaurants in Brooklyn had plantains more plump than the ones at Top Taste. Others had the perfect rice and peas, each grain and bean whole and separate, never mushy. Many served a jerk chicken that was good — exceptional, even. But despite following every recommendation, no one’s chicken compared to Sammy’s.

I came back to Oakland to spend the first month of shelter-in-place with my family. But like so many others who up and left cities with no real plan, a month turned into three, and then four, and now here I am, writing from my childhood home six months later. When I lived in Brooklyn, I hadn’t once tried to make jerk chicken in my own kitchen, knowing when a craving really hit — which it reliably did — I could buy an Amtrak ticket for $38 and be perched comfortably at one of Top Taste’s plastic-upholstered booths by lunch. Now, I feel pangs of sadness thinking about Sammy and Melenda and the plate of jerk chicken and rice and peas I could be eating 3,000 miles away.

But on YouTube, where I spend so much of my life now, I recently came upon Terri-Ann, a Saint Lucian home cook who walks viewers through hundreds of incredibly appealing recipes. They include pandemic classics — banana bread and dalgona coffee, our old friends — but also some favorite dishes I didn’t get a chance to peek into the kitchen and watch Sammy or Melenda make on visits to Top Taste. Terri-Ann has recipes for oxtails robed in velvety gravy, flaky golden beef patties, and, to my great satisfaction, jerk chicken. In one video showing viewers how she makes her chicken, Terri-Ann pulls out a glass jar of Walkerswood Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, a pre-blended mixture of spices and herbs which she says she swears by. She plops a generous spoonful of the deep brown mixture into a bowl of chicken drumsticks, along with a big spoonful of her herby green seasoning blend and a drop or two of browning sauce for color. I hastily switched tabs and bought three jars of the seasoning blend with expedited shipping. It wouldn’t be the same, but maybe it’d do the trick.

Since then, the Walkerswood blend has become a staple in my kitchen. The spicy mixture of scallions, Scotch bonnet, allspice, nutmeg, and plenty of thyme finds its way into more or less everything I cook. It’s notably lacking in the generous heaps of grated fresh ginger I know Sammy adds to his blend, but still, it’s excellent. I live just blocks from Minto, one of few Jamaican markets in Oakland, and I regularly stop in to add new sauces and seasoning blends to my growing pantry. I have a jar of browning sauce now, and I’ve bought as many of the hot sauces I remember seeing on the tables at Top Taste as I can find. But nothing I’ve added to my pantry since coming home comes close to my jar of jerk seasoning. In addition to using it in recipes from Terri-Ann and other Caribbean and Caribbean-American YouTubers and food bloggers, I add the paste to fried rice, to tofu, to — you get it.

The boldly flavored mixture is a perfect match for chicken, but that’s where I use it least, instead opting to put it on a thick slab of salmon or slather it on vegetables before roasting. Perhaps there’s just too much dissonance when I pair it with chicken, the bar too high to meet.

I miss Sammy’s jerk chicken like I’ve never missed food before. It’s a yearning that’s become familiar during this pandemic, for those things I know I can’t have. There is no takeout order that will meet the craving, which is as much about the environment surrounding a plate of chicken as it is about the blend of spices or the kiss of smoke that permeates each bite. Those meals were colored by a sort of care and hospitality that you can’t pay for and that’s hard to even seek out. The extra steamed cabbage and carrots because Melenda knew I liked to run the mixture through a pool of curry goat gravy on my empty plate. A piece of bubblegum set on the table as I finished eating, just something to chew on during the drive back to campus. Later, Melenda would send me off with a warm slice of her homemade rum cake wrapped in aluminum foil. It sat in my coat pocket and warmed my hand as I boarded Amtrak to go back to Penn Station.

The first time I bit into a piece of baked chicken I’d marinated in the Walkerswood seasoning blend, I felt pulled in two directions: It was delicious — fragrant and hot, every spice and herb present but not overwhelming. I also felt a little disappointed, as if I’d really expected my thrown-together Wednesday night dinner to taste anything like what Sammy pulled off his smoker after hours and hours of slow cooking and constant attention. I know now, as I go on seven months without a single meal in a restaurant’s dining room or even on a reopened patio, that what’s missing isn’t a handful of grated ginger or the smoke from pimento chips (though both would improve my chicken game dramatically). What’s missing is something only a restaurant like Top Taste can provide, that can’t be found in a jar of seasoning. But right now a jar of seasoning is what I’ve got, and until I find myself in that tiny dining room again, this one is pretty damn good.

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/32ZNWqa https://ift.tt/3mNPQlT

I don’t know how I lived so long without a jar of Walkerswood jerk seasoning | Elazar Sontag

Walkerswood Jamaican jerk seasoning has quickly become a kitchen staple

This wasn’t the sort of recipe I could transcribe, fold up, and stash away for safekeeping.

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/32ZNWqa via Blogger https://ift.tt/2EBMbWY

#Blogger #cooking #Eater #food #recipes

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ridersam · 4 years

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I left in what I thought was a very organised way. But still managed to leave my best t shirt drying on the balcony. Known losses so far then are 1 shirt, one pen knife and one spinning top. Well I wanted to lose weight for the return. The cycling, heading now to Luang Prabang 150 km away, was fine despite some gear adjusting, chain blocking and a surprising spot of rain. The road was great to begin with...

... but after it joined that from Oudomxai there were a lot of large lorries sharing the road. Scenery OK but nothing marvelous. I saw kids playing with wheels like in India and like in England 100 years ago!

Lunch was a little pathetic, a very rough place in the town at the junction, just cold sticky rice with some cold veg, beans cabbage, river weed and bamboo stumps. Served with a little vinaigrette and style it could have been OK but as it was I did the round of the bottles of sauce in turn to give a little flavour.

Some interesting views and nice Wats! I also supported seeing this providential song and got my hair cut.

At what seemed about the halfway point I saw a roadside guesthouse and made a stop. It was early enough for a walk in the fields and a drink of soja milk next to some kids, 7 or 8 years old, playing a game. 1000 kip bills (10 centimes)were wrapped together round a stone, placed on the ground and then the kids took aim with their flip flops separating the bills and scattering them. Money seemed to be amassed each time.

I headed back to the guest house which is stock full of heavy wood furniture and carved pieces. They seem to be for sale. I went off to bed at eight to the sound of laotian music. They share their music to such an extent is hard to get completely away from it.

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pronititravelagency · 9 months

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Top Things TO Do IN Laos THROUGH A Trusted Travel Agent

Laos is nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia and known for its stunning landscapes, rich history and captivating culture. From the lush greenery of its mountains to the tranquility of its temples, this hidden gem offers an array of experiences for travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable journey. There are varied things to do, when you are here. Find the trusted Laos travel agent and you will be enjoying pleasurable time that you will keep remember for the time to come. Some of the best things that will surely keep you engaged are the following.

Discover Serene Beauty of Luang Prabang

Start your adventure in the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang. Witness the mesmerizing alms-giving ceremony at dawn, where saffron-robed monks silently collect offerings from devout locals. Explore the ornate temples like Wat Xieng Thong, and climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the city and the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

Cruise the Mekong River

Don’t forget to embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Mekong River. Absorb the breathtaking scenery of towering limestone cliffs, traditional villages, and lush jungles. Don't miss the mystical Pak Ou Caves, housing thousands of Buddha images and statues of varying sizes.

Immerse in Local Culture

Engage with the warm-hearted locals and gain insights into their way of life. Visit traditional Hmong and Khmu villages, where you can partake in crafts workshops, learn about silk weaving, and even enjoy a home-cooked meal with a Laotian family.

Experience the Kuang Si Waterfalls

A true natural wonder, the Kuang Si Waterfalls offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Swim in the turquoise pools, stroll through the surrounding lush forest, and encounter rescued Asiatic black bears at the Free the Bears Sanctuary.

Unwind in Vang Vieng

For a mix of adventure and relaxation, head to Vang Vieng. Kayak down the Nam Song River, explore limestone caves, and take in the stunning countryside from a hot air balloon. Don't forget to simply unwind in a riverside hammock, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Wander through Vientiane

Laos' capital, Vientiane, boasts a unique blend of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. Visit the revered Pha That Luang stupa, explore the COPE Visitor Centre to learn about the country's wartime history, and take a leisurely stroll along the Mekong promenade to witness stunning sunsets.

Trekking in Northern Laos

For the adventurous souls, Northern Laos offers remarkable trekking opportunities. Traverse through lush jungles, terraced rice fields, and remote ethnic minority villages. The town of Muang Ngoi is an ideal starting point for multi-day treks.

Explore the Bolaven Plateau

Delve into Laos' coffee culture at the Bolaven Plateau. This region is famous for its coffee plantations, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy freshly brewed cups amidst stunning landscapes.

Relaxation in 4000 Islands

You can enjoy your Laos tour on a tranquil note at the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don). Float down the Mekong, spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins, and embrace the slow pace of island life. Don't miss the stunning Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia.

Don’t Forget to Indulge in Laotian Cuisine

No trip to Laos is complete without savoring its delectable cuisine. Visit local markets to discover a range of exotic fruits and street food delights.

There is a lot more that you will get during your tour. You have to search for the top Laos travel agent and get the best of your tour.

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wonderfultourslaos · 9 months

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Explore Vang Vieng Like Never Before with Wonderful Tours Laos!

Do you crave adventure? Are you longing for an escape that's filled with unique activities, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled experiences? If so, Wonderful Tours Laos has the perfect destination for you: Vang Vieng, Laos!

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HOT AIR BALLOON: Fly over Vang Vieng Revel in the breathtaking views of the lush landscapes as you drift through the clouds in a hot air balloon. A truly magical experience!

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Half Day Kayaking & Caving Explore the natural beauty of Vang Vieng's caves and waterways with this perfect blend of adventure and serenity.

Vang Vieng Zip Lining, Kayaking, and Cycling Adventures Dive into action-packed adventures that include exploring caves, villages, and the famous Blue Lagoon.

Vangvieng Eden Hiking Immerse yourself in nature's wonder as you hike through the heavenly landscapes of Vang Vieng.

VV-Rock Climbing Course Learn from the best and enhance your climbing skills with our specialized rock climbing courses.

Half Day Kayaking on Namsong River & VangVieng Tubing on Namsong Experience the gentle rush of the Namsong River with kayaking and tubing. Perfect for those looking to unwind!

We offer a plethora of other unique experiences tailored to your interests and adventure level. From kayaking and caving to zip lining and exploring local villages, we have it all!

Join Us for the Ultimate Vang Vieng Experience!

At Wonderful Tours Laos, we are committed to making your Vang Vieng adventure one for the books. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, our tours are crafted to offer you the most authentic and exhilarating Laotian experience.

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janikbesendorf-blog · 5 years

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Halong Bay and Mekong Delta: a Tale of Two Water Worlds

Lush green paddy fields, lumbering buffaloes and conical-hatted farmers make up the classic image of Vietnam. Once a lesser-known tourist destination, Vietnam has become widely popular in recent years. The northern capital of Hanoi consistently ranks among the world’s top 10 destinations on TripAdvisor. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), to the south, has transformed from a war-torn city to a thriving metropolis. Despite urban allures, centuries-old architecture, war history, and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences, it’s Vietnam’s striking landscapes that most impress.

Vietnam is known for its stunning landscapes, such as the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and Lao Cai.

Despite urban allures and centuries-old history and culture, it’s Vietnam’s striking landscapes that most impress.

To the south of its narrow waist, Vietnam fantails into the splendid Mekong delta. In stark contrast to the flat rice land of the delta where boats, houses, and markets float upon innumerable rivulets, canals and streams that criss-cross the scenery like arteries, is the legendary Halong Bay. Set in the northeast, the scatter of jagged emerald islands and wind-and wave-eroded karst caves topped by forests jut out of the sea at Halong – a magical spectacle in the early morning mist.

So how do you choose between Halong Bay or Mekong delta? Here’s the lowdown on the exclusive culture, cuisine, and activities along the two water worlds.

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta: Things to Do and Where to Stay

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? Lose yourself in the Halong Bay

‘Ha Long’, or the ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’, in northeastern Vietnam.

‘Ha Long’ or the ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’, four hours from the capital of Hanoi, is a spectacular seascape sculpted by nature in the Gulf of Tonkin. With over 1600 islands – most of which are uninhabited, there are several large caves located within the islands for you to discover. The biggest of these is a wooden cave, formerly known as the Grotte des Merveilles. Cannon Fort, on the Bay’s largest island – Cat Ba, offers one of the best views in Vietnam. From here you can survey astounding panoramas of Cat Ba’s jungle-clad hills rolling down to the karst-punctuated sea beyond.

Explore pristine beaches and lush, tropical islands at Halong Bay.

The best way to enjoy the many wonders that pepper this north-eastern Bay is by boat or cruise ship. Opt for the Indochina Junk Halong Bay tours and enjoy a luxury Halong Bay cruise aboard the Dragon’s Pearl – a traditional Vietnamese boat modeled on ancient wooden Chinese junks. For some romantic elegance, plump for the one-cabin L’Amour (Princess) Junk. With numerous venues at which to relax and rejuvenate as you drink in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage vistas of Halong Bay, the Stellar and Bhaya Cruises are also great options. Or venture to the idyllic La Han Bay on the Ginger Cruise for an intimate sailing experience amid breathtaking panoramas.

The best way to enjoy the many wonders that pepper Halong Bay is by boat or cruise ship.

Experience the beauty of this most acclaimed tourist spots in Southeast Asia as a guide shows you hidden lagoons, forested islets, stunning limestone cliffs and secluded bays, like the Bait Tu Long where you can swim and kayak. The sugar-white coastlines of Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach) and Soi Sim offer some unique barbecue experiences. Listen to the sweet melody of birds, winds and waves, as the crew delivers an array of succulent and grilled seafood under a blue sky! If you fancy a fishing excursion, visit the scenic fishing villages at Cua Van, Ba Hang, Vung Vieng and Cong Dam. The locals are very sociable and willing to guide you on how to row a sampan, spread the net, bait a hook….

Enjoy a cooking demonstration on your cruise ship.

Take a small boat and head out for the many islands scattered around Halong Bay

Kayak amid the limestone karsts of Halong

Sundowners on the bay can be stunning affairs!

Enjoy panoramic views of the Bay from the shore.

Begin a new day with Tai Chi sessions onboard, amid the early morning spectacle of Halong Bay. Getting yourself pampered at the spa when you are out at sea could also be an excellent treat. Make sure to book in advance.

If you choose to stay on shore, check in Hotel Novotel Halong Bay set on the coastline of Bai Chay beach, which provides great photo ops with panoramic views of the Bay.

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? Discover the Magic of the Mekong Delta

To catch a glimpse of the fifteen million people who live in the wetlands, you need to join them on the river.

The Mekong Delta is a bustling hub of activity.

The comma-shaped flatland stretching from south of Ho Chi Minh City, to the Gulf of Thailand is intertwined by land and water that provide the perfect conditions for growing rice – bestowing the Mekong Delta with the rightful title – ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. With its alluvial-rich soil, the Delta also nourishes the fruit basket of the country as lush orchards overflow with mangoes, papayas and dragon fruit, and plantations brim with bananas, coconuts and pineapples. With over 1,000 recorded animal species and new species of plants, fish, lizards, and mammals discovered in previously unexplored areas, including the Laotian rock rat that was thought to be extinct, the Delta has been dubbed as a ‘biological treasure trove’.

At the floating market in the Mekong Delta, you can buy everyday articles or exotic goods.

The Delta is famous for its lush green rice paddies, which you can explore on your tour.

How about a ride in a traditional bullock cart, the local way?

The Delta is famous for its fresh, tropical produce which you can sample at the floating market

With everything revolving around the waterways, the Delta is a world afloat. To catch a glimpse of the fifteen million people who live in the wetlands, you need to join them on the river. Hop onto the Bassac Cruise from My Tho, but before you do, a visit to the ancient southern architectural gem reflecting a mixture of Chinese, Vietnamese and Angkor (Cambodian) building styles with elaborately carved oblong and horizontal net like panels – the Vinh Trang Pagoda (in My Tho itself), would be worth your while. Bricks and mortar aside, the temple will be memorable if you can arrive when the monks are chanting, in the morning.

See the elaborately carved Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho.

Hop into a traditional boat and explore the many channels around the Delta.

Dried fish is a popular snack for the local people at the Delta.

How about a rest stop during you cruise?

Read about the floating life on the Mekong Delta

To enjoy countryside scenery and river life, board a smaller wooden sampan (boat), hopping off to explore scenic villages every now and then.

Continue exploring the Mekong landscape with a stopover at the Thot Not Bird Sanctuary, a magnificent 1.3-hectare area overgrown by huge bamboo and home to thousands of resident storks, snowy egrets, and other avians. At the quintessentially Vietnamese ‘craft village’, small communities work together to manufacture products such as knives, rush mats, bamboo bird cages, ceramics, rice wine, and dozens of other commonplace and unusual articles. Visit a bamboo-knitting hamlet in Thot Not or a carpentry craft town in Chomo. Or visit the local coconut-candy factories in Ben Tre, the ‘Land of Coconut’. Sold throughout the country, and also exported to other Asian countries, Australia, Europe, and North America, the keo dua or coconut candy of Vietnam is world famous.

Farming in the Mekong Delta

Fishing on the Mekong Delta

Local farmer at work in the countryside

Boats in the Mekong Delta

To enjoy countryside scenery and river life, board a smaller wooden sampan (boat). Encounter monkeys and scampering macaques that dangle from ancient temples and parked vans around the villages. Then stretch your legs and hop on a bicycle for a short ride along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards, never ending water canals, hundreds of rickety bridges and small ferry crossings and all those locals waving at you and greeting with “xin chao” as you pedal by. Taste fresh fruits, like the juicy yellow-fleshed sapodillas when you arrive at the home of a tropical fruit farmer and amble around his orchard – this is traditional hospitality at its truest!

While cruising down the meandering Mekong, stop at smaller sampan boats that serve as cafes and you may just be rewarded with the best noodle soup you’ve ever tasted!

Board the Mekong Queen, a wooden, motorboat and sail to the enormous Cai Rang floating market early in the morning. Witness the lively panorama around as hundreds of sampans bump and jostle to trade everything from sugar cane to pigs, and mountains of fruit. It is quite possible to stop at smaller sampans serving as cafes, and enjoy an iced cup of coffee, soft drinks, or a Vietnamese noodle soup for breakfast.

Sample some local fare at the floating market

At the floating market on the Mekong Delta

Vendors get together at the floating market

Cruising leisurely down the river

Stay at the Victoria Hotel Can Tho. Set within magnificent gardens and colonial style architecture, it is situated on the banks of the Hau River – known for its charming sunsets and peaceful scenery. Alternatively, located on the banks of the Bassac River crossing, the handsome Indochina-inspired Victoria Hotel Chau Doc offers the ever-changing scenery of the fascinating Chau Doc region.

Food Fare: What to eat at Halong Bay or Mekong Delta

Whether you choose Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, do make a trip to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City, as Saigon is now called, is rated by Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 street food havens in the world!

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its freshness. Not a place for curry lovers, the noodle dishes and stir-fries here are light, citrusy, and loaded with herbs. While North Vietnam food has more Chinese influence –fresh, light broths, with mainly noodles, South Vietnam food is sweet and spicy with more colorful and heavy broths accompanied with rice.

Vietnamese noodle soup or Pho, from the North

Known for its abundant seafood, the Halong Bay Market offers some truly unique food experiences that would satisfy even the pickiest tourists. Enjoy the famous dipped squid; feast on the Halong grilled oysters served with cold beer; or slurp the sweet, sour, spicy, salty (all in one salver) limuloid.

As the largest city in the Mekong Delta that still retains a small town feel, Can Tho is an excellent place to experience the food of Vietnam’s deep south, including many local specialties like the Sa Dec and My Tho noodles – hugely popular thanks to their sweet taste, chewy and distinctive flavor; or the noodle made from sliced flour cooked to perfection with duck meat and with a pinch of ginger fish sauce in Ben Tre.

A typical meal at the Mekong Delta

Read more about the food of Vietnam.

When to go to Halong Bay or Mekong Delta

Although you can travel to Halong Bay all year round, the best time to visit the region is during spring (March-April), and fall (September-October) when the weather is cool.

The Mekong Delta reveals its best during the dry months – December to May when the sky is crystal clear, the land is lush and the water is calm. But if you are a fruit lover, June to September, although hot and humid, could be just as good with the greatest variety of tropical fruits available.

Best time to Visit Vietnam

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta: The choice is yours!

While the picture-perfect bay, towering limestone karsts and secluded islands of Halong attract a lot of tourists, Mekong offers personal, exploratory and cultural experiences with historic relics and temples, rice paddies, and vibrant floating markets and villages on the river.

Cruising in the Halong Bay

Cruising in the Mekong Delta

Sapa in the Tonkinese Alps of northern Vietnam

Lush deltaic landscape in southern Vietnam.

So back to the question – Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? It really depends on your taste. Halong Bay with its ethereal beauty of karst scenery, emerald isles and spectacular seascapes at every turn, is one of the foremost attractions in Vietnam. Additionally, Hanoi, the point of arrival and departure for Halong, offers interesting and unique cultural experiences in Vietnam as does the the hilly region of Sapa nearby.

So, Halong Bay or Mekong Delta – which should you choose? While picture-perfect Halong attracts a lot of tourists, Mekong offers personal, exploratory and cultural experiences with remains of Viet Cong bunkers, ornate Khmer pagodas and Buddhist temple, stilt houses, lush rice fields, vibrant floating markets and villages on the river. Visit the Mekong Delta for a classic Southeast Asian experience, and if you wish to see Cambodia, you could get there via boat from the Delta. Or cruise the emerald waters of the ethereal Halong. Whether it is Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, they will remain etched in your memory for a lifetime.

Whether it’s the Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, our destination experts are happy to help you customize your private tour to suit your specific interests. Get in touch with us today for your tailor-made itinerary!

PLAN YOUR VIETNAM VACATION WITH US

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domhovasse · 6 years

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We'll wish we could come back to these days.

Laos was incredible. I had heard amazing things going into it, and it absolutely did not disappoint. We caught an overnight bus from Chiang Mai to Nong Khai, a city right on the border of Thailand and Laos, got our visas on arrival, and took a bus across the border to Vientianne. Once there, we bartered with a tuktuk driver (we were becoming professional at bartering), who took us to the bus station. Our timing was impeccable - we got the last 2 seats on the bus, and it took off about 10 minutes after we boarded. We arrived in the beautiful town of Vang Vieng around dinner time, checked-in to our hostel and then went for a little walk. We ended up at Smile Bar, a tranquil, outdoor bar, where we spent the next few hours sitting in hammocks along the river, watching the sun set behind the mountains, with a beer and a baguette sandwich in hand. It was the nicest little “welcome to Laos.” That night we walked around town a little, and stopped at a bar for a little game of beer pong.

The entire following day was spent on a scooter, exploring the countryside, going into caves, and jumping into lagoons. It was so magical, and felt amazing to be surrounded by beautiful mountains again. That evening, we walked around town some more before getting dinner, and then returning to the same bar as the previous night. We ended up sitting at down at a table and making friends with this couple from Paris, who were super sweet! The next day, we partook in a tubing/river bar crawl. Vang Vieng is pretty well known for it, although the government had to crack down a couple years ago because the yearly death toll among travellers was at an all time high. We essentially spent the entire day floating along the river and stopping at a couple bars along the way. The rest of the evening was spent eating, socializing, and trying to recover from our long & very crazy day. Alyssa’s phone took a little swim during our tubing adventure, so she was mourning its death and we were hoping it would make a full recovery after a few days spent in a bag of rice. (Fun fact: a dry bag does not serve it’s purpose if it isn’t sealed shut.) Both of us had already purchased tickets to the famous “Jungle Party”, which neither of us were too keen on anymore. We went anyways, just to check it out, but left not too long after, as we were exhausted from our crazy day, and not big fans of the deep house music being played.

The following morning, we checked out of our hostel, hopped on a minivan bus, and began the long journey to Luang Prabang. Laos doesn’t have proper highways so a 200km drive took almost 7 hours. We finally arrived in the evening, checked-in to our hostel, and went to get some drinks at Utopia, a nice bar along the Mekong River, and walked around town for a bit before sitting down at a restaurant to eat dinner. Before heading to sleep, we took a walk across town to a bar, where we ran into 2 australian guys from our hostel room. Our second day, we slept in, and then spent the majority of the day walking around, eating and exploring. In the evening, we walked up to a temple and lookout spot as the sun was setting over the valley. It was so so pretty and honestly made me fall in love with Laos.

The following day, we woke up quite early, ate breakfast at our hostel, and went on a half day excursion to the Kuang Si waterfalls, which was easily one of the prettiest things I’ve ever experienced. Thanks to our tolerance to cold BC water, we were brave enough to jump in and spend some time swimming in the falls. There was also a bear rescue sanctuary, so we spent some time watching them. We got back to the city in the early afternoon, got some sandwiches for lunch, and Alyssa decided to hang out at the hostel, while despite the scorching heat, I went to check out Wat Xieng Thong, since I hadn’t visited a Laotian temple yet. That evening, we took it easy again, wandering around the market area to grab some food and souvenirs. On our last morning, I woke up early to catch the Alms Giving Ceremony (a sacred Lao tradition) before sunrise, and then we got a tuktuk to the airport, where we caught our short flight to Vietnam.

Next up was Vietnam. We had pretty high hopes for Vietnam, and I can fully understand the hype now. The only regret I have is not planning our days/transportation better, because we had to skip a few places that were highly recommended by several friends. Oh well - you can’t do it all, and I definitely plan on going back hopefully one day soon! We decided to begin in the north and make our way to the south, stopping at all the major stops along the way, starting with Hanoi. This was a super cool, bustling city, with an old city center where I could walk around for days on end. The shops in the center were all grouped together by category for example there was a bamboo street, a lantern street, a stationary street, etc. and there are so many great museums to visit. The French influence in this city was pretty visible, even in the way locals sat outside of cafes/restaurants, creating a sort of ‘terrace’ - which obviously made me love it even more. The coffee scene was HUGE here, which Alyssa and I fully embraced, although their traditional coffee is served with condensed milk, which Alyssa found way too sweet. Our first day, after arriving, Alyssa went out to buy a new phone while I stayed back to catchup on some TV shows and social media. We met up for lunch and the went to Maison Centrale (Hoa Lo Prison), an old prison used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. In the evening, we got dinner on this street with tons of bars and restaurants, and then participated in our hostel’s pubcrawl. On our way home that night, we got introduced to the most life-changing Banh Mi sandwiches ever. My life actually has not been the same since.

The following day we went on a waking tour, which brought us to all the major sights, giving us an overview of the city and highlighting some important history, including the turbulent relationship that Vietnam has had with both the French and the Chinese over the years. Considering my heritage, I had a nice little awkward laugh at this information. We then visited the Women’s museum, which taught us about everything from customs/rituals, to the role of women during the war, to their role in modern day society. It was so well curated and ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. In the evening, we decided to check out a water puppet show, which originated in Hanoi, then got some delicious bun cha for dinner, before participating in our hostel’s pub crawl (again). The following morning was quite slow, first switching hostels, and then we spent the entire day on foot, between Alyssa wanting to do a bit of shopping, and me stopping at every single bank, trying to withdraw money. In the afternoon we stopped to take some pictures at ‘Train Street’, a very narrow, residential street with a train track running through it. We were there for a while, but unfortunately weren’t lucky enough to see a train pass by. Eventually, we made our way back to the old city center and got dinner at a hole in the wall restaurant filled with locals and non-English menus, before getting to bed early.

We spent the next 2 nights and 3 days on a Ha Long Bay cruise, taking in the beautiful scenery by boat and kayak, with a night spent on Cat Ba island. It’s a bit of a touchy subject, because essentially we got scammed, but in the end, we made some awesome friends and made a good time of it. (And we ended up getting a partial refund, after much arguing.) After arriving back in Hanoi, we grabbed our luggage, got dinner with some cruise friends, and then caught our overnight bus North to SaPa, to spend 2 days trekking through villages and rice fields with a local, & staying the night in her family’s home. We hiked a total of 20km over 2 days, with our personal Hmong tour guide, learning about her life and the lives of the Hmong people. This was definitely an experience I’ll never forget, and one that taught me a lot! We spent an extra evening and night in SaPa, which was spent visiting the market, wandering the streets, and freezing our asses off. (It was -2 degrees!) In hindsight, we should’ve taken an overnight bus back to Hanoi instead of wasting a day in transit, because our bus back to Hanoi the following morning ended up being quite delayed, and then we got scammed by a taxi driver who had a rigged meter. It was another one of our low points on the trip, and put us both in a terrible mood, but in retrospect, it wasn’t that much money.

Next was Hoi An, where we spent most of our days walking the cute, lantern-filled streets, taking pictures, browsing the markets, and getting clothes custom made. We also got manicures one day and spent the afternoon at the beach. It honestly was one of, if not THE cutest city I’ve ever been to! It’s not very big, but I could’ve spent days on end walking around. The city’s even prettier at night, and one evening, we went on a nice little romantic boat ride along the river; it was soooo cute! There were also some of our cruise friends in Hanoi at the same time as us so we all went out to a bar together one night. On our last day, Alyssa and I split off and went on separate excursions: Alyssa a cooking class, and I, a tour of the famous My Son ruins. We met back up at our hostel in the evening, and spent the rest of our last night getting dinner, and socializing at our hostel before getting to bed early.

We woke up bright and early the next morning to catch our flight to Ho Chi Minh, which was both an eye-opening and very educational stop on our trip. We spent most of our time in museums, and walking around, learning about the history, and eating A LOT. I can’t imagine what it would’ve been like to live in Saigon in the 70s when GongGong (my maternal grandpa) was living there. After checking into our hostel in Ho Chi Minh, I wandered around a little, and went to the market to get some lunch, while Alyssa got some extra sleep since she was feeling sick again. We met up at the Independent Palace, which was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and then spent some time at the War Memorial Museum, which was quite a heavy, sobering experience, especially the exhibition on Agent Orange. We spent the rest of the evening walking around, down the rich shopping/hotel street, then to the river, and eventually returning home to get dinner close to our hostel.

The following day was super chill. After breakfast, we headed across town to Chinatown and the Binh Tay market, which was actually under renovation and therefore relocated into big storage containers. We wanted to get lunch there, but we saw a huge rat run past us and immediately squealed & turned around. We ended up going back into town to get a late lunch at Ben Thanh street food market, before doing a bit of shopping in the area. From there we went to a sky bar for some rooftop drinks and watch the sunset over the city.

We also spent half a day on a trip to the Cuchi Tunnels, and actually got to crawl through them, which was also quite eye opening. I’m not someone who easily gets claustrophobic, but I was starting to feel anxious after a minute; I really don’t know how people stayed underground for hours on end. The rest of the day was spent walking around and browsing markets for cheap finds. We got our final Vietnamese dinner at the market, and then spent our last night together going to a bar and dancing the night away with one of our roommates.

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tripcom · 7 years

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Hit The Road! 5 Budget Backpacking Routes To Conquer South East Asia

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime when you take on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. It would be quite the feat to conquer this wonderful region in one backpacking go, so unless you’ve decided to take the year off, we recommend our 5 backpacking routes to conquer South East Asia on a budget.

The Philippines

Route: Manila – Coron – El Nido – Puerto Princesa – Cebu (& Bohol Island) – Camiguin – Siargao – Boracay

The Philippines is a bustling destination in South East Asia with so much to offer and a proper backpacking itinerary should allow you to make the most of it. There’s no better place to start than throwing yourself right into the heart of it all, Manila. Opt for a complete change of scenery by visiting Coron in Palawan. El Nido offers a similar experience and equally clear waters to snorkel and relax in. Make a trip out to Bohol Island to gawk at the amazing geographical formations known as the Chocolate Hills. For a less touristy experience, visit the relatively untouched island of Camiguin with its blue waters and springs. Finally, you can’t visit the Philippines and not spend a bit of time in Boracay, one of its most popular islands.

Vietnam

Route: Ha Tien – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh – Vung Tau – Mui Ne – Nha Trang – Hoi An – Hue – Ha Noi – Ha Long – Lao Cai

Visit Mui Nai beach before heanding to Can Tho, where the floating markets and canal network are truly a sight to behold. The city of Ho Chi Minh is a necessary assault to indulge in the incredible street food. Don’t miss the port city of Vung Tau and spend a bit of time at the beaches there. Mui Ne should be the next stop for adventure seekers who would love this isolated stretch of beach. Grab a cable car ride in beach resort Nha Trang before cycling or floating around beautiful Hoi An. The 19th century citadel in Hue is a spectacular must see before you go back to the bustling city life of Ha Noi. It would be an absolute shame not to spend a night or two floating around the famous Ha Long Bay before taking on mountainous Lao Cai.

Cambodia and Laos

Route: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap/ Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh – Kampot – Si Phan Don – Champasak – Savannakhet – Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang

Begin this adventure in the busy Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Carry on to Siem Reap and visit the famous and amazing Ang Kor Wat. If you’re after more of a beach holiday, head to Sihanoukville instead for white sandy beaches before going back to Phnom Penh and making your way to check out the plantations in Kampot. Get on a mini bus to check out the waterfalls in Si Phan Don in Laos. Continue to explore the Khmer ruins in the other part of Champasak and relive old Laotian life in Savannakhet. Enjoy a sunset in the capital of Vientiane before getting ready to party in nearby Vang Vieng. The last leg of the trip will bring you to Luang Prabang, which may be on the tourist path but certainly retains most of its old charm.

Myanmar

Route: Yangon – Mawlamyine – Hpa-an – Kyaiktiyo – Kalaw – Inle Lake – Bagan

We recommend you to start this route from Yangon, where you have to visit the golden Shwedagon Pagoda. Mawlamyine will be your next stop, where waking up early will help you make the most of meandering through the markets and many temples. Backpack to the picturesque town of Hpa-an and explore the surrounding caves and mountains before heading to Kyaiktiyo. Trek around the hill town of Kalaw and make time to visit Inle Lake to stay in over-the-water bungalow. End your trip in Bagan, the so called Machu Picchu of Asia where, if you budget correctly, you can indulge in a hot air balloon ride to remember.

South of Thailand

Route: Phuket – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi – Koh Lanta – Krabi – Ko Samui – Ko Pha Ngan – Ko Tao – Bangkok

Island hopping in Thailand isn’t actually as expensive as it sounds. Start by flying into Phuket and choose between day trips to the famous James Bond Island or Koh Panyee. Head to Koh Phi Phi for white sandy beaches and great nightlife before stopping off in famous Krabi to experience the bustle of the night markets. Do a day trip to Koh Lanta for less touristy coral-fringed beaches and mangroves before moving on to Thailand’s second largest island, Ko Samui. If an epic party is what you’re after, plan your trip around the world famous full moon party, which takes place on the Thai island of Ko Pha Ngan. Nurse your inevitable hangover in Ko Tao before completing your trip back in Bangkok.

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indochinavoyages · 4 years

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Vientiane Laos – All things you should know

Vientiane Laos – All things you should know https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/best-time-visit-vientiane

Being the capital of Laos, Vientiane has its own charm; and it is one of the places that every traveler needs to put on their schedule when paying a visit to this country. Although it is not as busy as Luang Prabang or not granted with magnificent natural scenery as Pakse, this little city has much to see. Especially it offers great sightseeing of temples or pagodas. Let's discover all the information about Vientiane Laos.

Many travelers say that they thought Vientiane as a small village more than a modernized capital as other countries’ capitals. This city sits next to the Mekong river bank and has a long history which dates back to around 1000 AD. In the 16th Century, Vientiane became the capital of Laos because of its advantageous topographic: this is a land of fertile and lush alluvial plains.

The images of Vientiane still appear so vividly when I recall the trip to Laos last year. It was during the Laos New Year (or as known as “Pi Mai”) hence the city was filled with exciting crowds of people who celebrate the new year, loud music and plentiful colors of flags, flowers, and people dressing up. It totally contrasts with what I had learned about Vientiane before traveling there. However, I guess that if I had not come to Vientiane on such special occasions, I would have seen the “real vibe” of daily life – a relaxing and serene city ever.

Vientiane Laos weather

The capital of Laos is located in the northwest with 2 seasons: dry and wet. The dry season is from October to the end of April. The rainy season starts from May to late September. The time between November and February is the most comfortable with lots of sunny days.

[caption id="attachment_5707" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, on the banks of the Mekong River[/caption]

The wet season

The wet season in Vientiane runs generally from around May to October, in which June to August are the wettest months. As many areas in Laos, the weather is characterized by a sharp downpour for a few hours a day. Located on the banks of Mekong River, Vientiane is one of the areas getting a bit more rain.

This instinct monsoon time wreak havoc muddy roads, landslides. Therefore, traffic tends to be slow. Travel time for road routes can double trouble. However, the rainy season brings a lovely green landscape to Vientiane. As it is not raining all day, there is still a clear sky together with the stunning mountain, rice paddies bursting with neon green. Traveling to Vientiane in this wet season may be challenging but it will be rewarded with beautiful attractions in the amazing green landscape.

Also, you do not want to miss one of the biggest and most significant festivals, Laos boat racing, taking place every year during September and October. It attracts the racers from many villages around Vientiane, therefore, it strengthens the relationship among people from various communities.

[caption id="attachment_16681" align="alignnone" width="960"] Laos boat racing, the biggest and most significant festivals taken place in Vientiane[/caption]

The dry season

The dry season of Laos weather has two distinct periods: the cool dry season and the hot dry season. The cool dry season runs from late October to February and the hot dry season spans from March to April.

Be prepared to the blistering heat if you travel to Vientiane Laos in April, the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of about 35°C.

November is the first month of the cool dry season and also the best time to visit Vientiane in particular and Laos in general. At this time, heavy rainfalls have passed, leaving the green and lush to this laid-back capital. The average temperature is around 25°C with dry conditions throughout the city. November through February is the most comfortable with great sunshine in Vientiane. Temperatures are relatively low with the pure air. The rivers are high enough to make river travel a breeze. You will feel relaxed when visiting Vientiane temples, wandering down to the Mekong riverside, enjoying Beer Lao and the sunset on the Mekong in this cool weather.

Things to do in Vientiane

Patuxay – The Victory Monument

Patuxay is one of the most well-known attractions and check-in spots for travelers in Vientiane. It is a massive and intricate concrete arch, situated on Lang Xang Avenue, inside the area of Patuxay Park. Looking through the picture, it might seem familiar, it is true since people erected it in reminiscent of the Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. Still, it has the traditional Laotian buildings making traits, it is therefore a harmony mix between East and West design. When going inside the arch, you will see the carves and ornaments of Buddhist symbols as well as Hindu deities with 5 towers inside.

Coming here, you can take beautiful pictures at the front arch of the monument, or even climbing up to the top to see the view from there. There is no need for buying the tickets if you do not climb up to the tower.

[caption id="attachment_16682" align="alignnone" width="960"] Patuxay is one of the most well-known attractions and check-in spots for travelers in Vientiane[/caption]

Xieng Khuan – The Buddha park

The Buddha Park is not in the center, it lies 25 kilometers outside of Vientiane; which requires you to get a taxi, a bus or hiring a motorbike. Laotian people call it a park because it makes up a vast land to display more than 200 religious statues of all sizes and shapes. It was constructed in 1958 and was the brainchild of a monk with a hand help of a sculpture artist.

However, all of the statues do not depict only Buddha but also the gods of Hinduism. Many statues are of impressive size, the most outstanding one is in the shape of a reclining Buddha, which is 40 meters high. Besides that, the Indra god (a god in Hinduism) riding the three-headed elephants and the four-armed deity sitting on a horse, the artistic deity with 12 faces and many hands are the most prominent sculptures in the park.

[caption id="attachment_16683" align="alignnone" width="960"] Xieng Khuan – The Buddha park[/caption]

Pha That Luang – the symbol of Laos

Pha That Luang – or also called the Vientiane Great Stupa, is said to be the most scared building as well as the most picturesque sites in Laos. The That Luang foundation dated back to the 3rd century, however, the current structure was later built only when Vientiane became the capital of Laos.

With a height of 44 meters, its pinnacle is actually covered in real gold, which makes it a very special characteristic. Surrounding the center stupa is sophisticated painted turrets in the Laotian style. The whole complex makes up approximately 4 kilometers.

[caption id="attachment_16684" align="alignnone" width="960"] Pha That Luang, also called the Vientiane Great Stupa[/caption]

Laos National museum

Should you are fond of digging more about the history and culture of Laos, there is one site you cannot miss: The Laos National Museum – or simply known as The National Museum.

This site is a small and ancient building that was founded during the French Colonial period. When going inside, you will have the opportunity to see both the primeval period, with dinosaur bones, fragments of pottery. Additionally, you can find various interesting art pieces are on sale here, for instance: local paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.

Vientiane night market

People of Vientiane make use of the Mekong River Bank to organize the night market daily. Vendors start their businesses after sunset and it gets busiest from 8 pm. During the night time, you can take a walk through rows of red-roofed stalls, either to enjoy street foods or to buying souvenirs, clothes or many other types of products.

[caption id="attachment_16685" align="alignnone" width="960"] Vientiane night market[/caption]

Suggested Laos tours including Vientiane

Jewels Of Laos 13 Days

Laos Overland 7 Days

A Glance At Laos 5 Days

All the information above is about the best time to visit and the suggested schedule if the traveling time does not allow you to spend many days in Vientiane Laos. If you have more time, you should also visit other sites such as Ho Phra Keo, Wat Si Muang, Wat Si Saket and also having fun in the Laos Bowing Center or get a massage in a spa. Happy traveling!

Minh Vu - Travel Specialist

#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours

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lamoille-house · 5 years

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Backpackers Delight: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Southeast Asia is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the world. This corner of the Asian continent is big and diverse offering many great activities for everyone. Natural beauties, fascinating landmarks and many cultures are assets that Southeast Asia has in abundance. Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos are especially rewarding in this regard. These countries are very popular among backpackers. Affordable lodging, cheap transport and endless friendliness of the locals are faithful companions to members of the backpacking community. So is planning essential in many things in life, including travelling.

Let’s find out how you should plan a Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos backpacking tour.

Laos: there is something special about Laos that we just love. If you’re looking for a bit more authenticity and calmness than Laos is the place to visit. Laos lacks iconic sights. There is nothing necessarily epic that draws people to it. Laos is a paradise for backpackers, offering satisfying backpacking experience, irresistible gastronomy, undiscovered wilderness, spell binding scenery, mysterious river village and adrenaline pumping adventure activities and budget friendly travel option across the country. Laos is the destination for adventurers. Thanks to its pristine jungles and Karsts mountain landscape. It is the best country in mainland Southeast Asia for hiking and trekking. It’s also an excellent place for other outdoor activities like kayaking, zip-lining, carving and rock climbing.

The standard backpacker route through Laos includes Lang Prabang, Vang Veng and Vientiane. These towns offer excellent western Style accommodations and restaurants.

Activities for backpackers: admire the beauty of Kuang Si waterfall one of the prettiest waterfall of Asia. Take a ride in a hot air balloon in Vang Vieng and swim in the secret Pool at Kuang Si the most famous waterfall.

Chill in a hammock at Si Phan Don: No backpacker’s trip to Laos is complete without some major chill out time on 4000 islands. Choose a village home stay or stay at Mekong riverside bungalow.

Vieng: Explore the caves, blue lagoons, tube down the river or go Zip lingo by day and then party the night away in this backpacker haven three hours north of Vientiane.

Join a cooking class in Luang Prabang and learn how to cook some Laotian delicacies.

Laos is not cheap to travel as Thailand or Vietnam but by staying in hostel and eating local food you can save on that. The local currency is the Lao Kip; however Thai Baht and USD are also widely accepted.

Laos is a special place where you’ll long to return to.

CAMBODIA:

Cambodia is a fun and cheap destination for backpackers. But what really make it an enchanting destination to visit are its beautiful friendly people.

The ancient mysterious and breathtaking vine clad temple complex of Angkor Wat is one of the most mesmerising sights you will ever set eyes upon. Such is the rustic beauty and appeal of Cambodia that once you backpack across it mystical terrain a part of your soul never leaves from there.

Start off at Siem Reap and take a self tour at Angkor Wat: You can also take the Angkor wat sunrise Tour. The place contains the magnificent remains of the capital during Khmer empire dating from the ninth century. Move out before dawn to catch the sunrise behind the site’s most famous temple.

Kampot is a laidback river town for those seeking a vacation. Book a riverfront hostel, open a can of Angkor beer and watch the world for by. Adventurous tourist may hire a motorbike and head up towards the Bokor Mountain.

Koh Rong Samloem is a perfect postcard tropical island. It is a home to simple beach huts and swathes of untouched stretches of white sand. This island also boasts of translucent turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling.

Ride the bamboo train: another unforgettable experience that sits in Battambang is the bamboo train. The train is made up of a small bamboo platform covered with a mat and a few thin cushions to sit on. This sits on two sets of bogies with a simple motor at the back. A wooden pole is used as both the brakes and accelerator with the train hitting speeds of up to 50km/hr a truly exhilarating experience. Visit the exotic markets and night markets in Phnom Penh.

VIETNAM:

Vietnam is easy to explore with a backpack with a super efficient transport including public buses and easy to use train. Rich culture and currency makes you feel like a king. Vietnam is a paradise for backpackers. If you are seeking epic adventures, unique experiences, mouth watering foods and ancient historical sites, glistening pagodas, lush rice paddies, magnificent limestone rock formation, amazing caves, bustling food markets, idyllic mountains, shimmering coastlines that’s Vietnam for you.

Many travellers opt to explore Vietnam by motorcycle which is the best way to get around if you have plenty of time.

Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam. It is a great place to start your journey or end it, depending on whether you plan your backpacking trip from the north to south or vice versa. Hanoi also home to the famous water puppet show .The city has many attraction to see, most of which are lakes, pagodas and museums and of course the Old Quarter.

Make a trip to the country side of Sapa where you can ride your motorcycle through the hills and explore waterfalls. Arrange a trip to Halong Bay being a highlight on any Vietnam trip.

Shop in the quaint town of Hue to Hoi an, where you can get an affordable, good quality suit made. Then go to Nha Trang to let loose, feel a bit wild and have some fun on the water. A popular water sports area with the likes of windsurfing, paragliding and jet skiing on offer. There’s enough of adrenaline here to keep the most adventurous happy.

Party at the clubs or bars at Nha Trang beach. Munch on Vietnamese cuisine especially the lip smacking street food.

Make a trip to Phu Quoc Island and discover its immaculate beaches.

Mui Ne is a great place to go kite surfing for its strong waves on the shore but very good wind for all water sports.

So while planning your Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia backpacking tour you don’t need to book a return flight, since the prices of 2 one-way flights are similar to those of return flights.

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