Southeast Asia Travel

My wife and I have just returned from three and a half weeks of travel. While it wasn't always comfortable, mentally or physically, it was definitely educational. I find that visiting cultures different from my own help me build empathy and compassion. I have definitely grown from being somewhere I cannot read or speak the predominant language. I like to think that learning about other social institutions and customs makes me a better person; at least it gives me more stories to tell.

Here are some of the highlights:


Bangkok, Thailand

• Hello: Sawasdee
• Met up with my friend, Liz
• Trains and tuk tuks
• Lots of walking
• Street food
• Night markets
• Hot and humid
• River taxi
• Mango sticky rice
• Intestinal parasite
• Bed & breakfast (Inn a Day) and fancy hotel (Mandarin)

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Cooking class
• Currency exchange
• Temples and shrines
• Farmers' Markets
• Street food
• Hot and humid
• Lush tropical forest
• Air B&B cottage (Uma's)
• Thank you: Kab kun ka

Luang Prabang, Laos

• Rice farming
• BBQd dog, rat, bird, snails
• Teaching English to students
• Rented a motorbike
• Street food
• Waterfalls
• Tried Mexican, Korean, and Pizza in Laos
• Guest house (Oudomsouk)
• Hot and humid
• Fed the guest house manager
• Hello: Sabaidi
• Thank you: Khob chai

Hanoi, Vietnam

• Hello: Xin chao
• Street vendors
• Street food tour
• Millions of scooters
• Glass-front hotel (La Selva)
• Hot and humid
• Lots of walking
• Women's Museum
• Prison
• "American War"

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Cu Chi tunnels
• Motorcycle tour
• Rubber plantation
• Street food
• Landmark tour on scooters
• Hot and humid
• Air B&B apartment (Christina's)
• Thank you: Cam on

I hope you are having a great summer as well. Tell me in the comments below what your experiences were.