Asia

Bangkok

Bangkok is a city that keeps you guessing—one moment, you’re gliding through a floating market, the next, you’re sipping cocktails in a rooftop bar overlooking the skyline. Every corner offers something new, and our trip was the perfect mix of culture, food, and adventure.

We kicked things off with a visit to the Grand Palace, home to the stunning Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The intricate gold details and sacred atmosphere made it one of the most breathtaking sights of the trip. From there, we hopped on a river cruise along the Chao Phraya River, passing by some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the towering Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). As the sun set, the temple’s shimmering spires lit up, creating an unforgettable view.

Bangkok’s temples are a must-see, each offering something unique. Wat Pho, home to the massive Reclining Buddha, was another highlight. The golden statue stretches an impressive 46 meters, and the surrounding temple complex is filled with intricate stupas and peaceful courtyards. We also visited Wat Saket (Golden Mount), where a climb up the 318 steps rewarded us with panoramic views of the city.

Exploring Bangkok’s markets was another unforgettable experience, especially the floating markets, where we weaved through canals filled with boats selling fresh fruit, sizzling Thai snacks, and handcrafted souvenirs. Later, we ventured to Chinatown, a paradise for food lovers. We tried everything from flavorful dim sum to crispy duck and legendary Thai-Chinese stir-fries—every dish was better than the last.

For a change of pace, we explored the city’s mega malls, including ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld, where high-end brands, quirky boutiques, and incredible food courts made for an unforgettable shopping experience.

As night fell, we found ourselves on Khao San Road, the city’s wildest nightlife spot. Neon lights, music, street food, and backpackers from all over the world created an electric atmosphere. We grabbed a famous Thai bucket and danced the night away.

Bangkok is fast, loud, and full of surprises. Whether it was marveling at golden temples, tasting something new, getting lost in a market, or soaking in the city’s energy, every moment was an adventure. And one thing’s for sure—we’ll be back!

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is the ultimate tropical escape—stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an unforgettable nightlife scene. Whether you're snorkeling in turquoise lagoons or dancing on the sand until sunrise, this island has something for everyone. 

We arrived by speedboat, greeted by the sight of dramatic limestone cliffs and endless shades of blue. Our first stop? The legendary Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach movie. The scenery was unreal—soft white sand, towering cliffs, and water so clear you could see the fish swimming beneath you. Snorkeling around Phi Phi’s reefs was an experience in itself, with vibrant coral and marine life all around. 

When it came to food, Garlic 1992 quickly became a favorite. This cozy little restaurant served up some of the most authentic and flavourful Thai dishes we had throughout all of Thailand. I also tried mango sticky rice, and it was hands down one of the best desserts I’ve ever had—the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and refreshing.

And the nightlife? Next level. As the sun set, Phi Phi transformed into a party island like no other. We kicked off the night with Mai Tai boxing, where brave tourists stepped into the ring for a chance to win free drinks. Watching the fights while sipping on cocktails was an experience we won’t forget! From there, we hit the beach bars, where fire dancers lit up the sand and the music kept everyone dancing until the early hours.

For a quieter moment, we hiked up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint to take in the stunning twin bays from above. The climb was steep, but the panoramic views were absolutely worth it.

Koh Phi Phi is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're swimming in hidden lagoons, eating incredible food, or partying under the stars, this island knows how to leave a lasting impression. One thing is for sure—we’ll be back!

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a little island with a big reputation—unreal snorkelling, laid-back vibes, and some of the best sunsets in Thailand. Staying at Cape Shark Villas gave us front-row seats to the ocean, with private access to the water and views that never got old.

One of the highlights of the trip was a snorkeling day tour with Oxygen, which took us to Koh Nangyuan, Ao Leuk, Mango Bay, and more. Each stop offered something different—colorful reef gardens, crystal-clear bays, and calm waters perfect for spotting tropical fish. It was the ultimate way to see the island from the sea.

When we weren’t in the water, we were soaking up everything Koh Tao had to offer. We climbed to the John-Suwan Viewpoint, which gave us a stunning panoramic look over the island. A sweaty trek, but 100% worth it.

For food, Barracuda in Sairee was a standout—fresh seafood and unreal cocktails. Blue Heaven offered gorgeous cliffside views with delicious Thai dishes, and 995 Duck is a must for crispy duck lovers.

Other must-dos? Rent a kayak and paddle around the coastline, catch the sunset at Sun Suwan Viewpoint, and explore the chill beach bars along Chalok Baan Kao for a quieter vibe.

Koh Tao has this easy, barefoot energy that makes you slow down and just enjoy. Whether you're floating in warm water, hiking to views, or sipping a cold Chang at sunset, it’s the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, as the locals still affectionately call it) hit me like a wave—loud, vibrant, slightly chaotic, but full of heart. It’s a place where every street has a story, every dish has depth, and the energy never really slows down.

Our first day began in the thick of it at Ben Thanh Market, where the smell of sizzling street food mixes with the buzz of haggling and motorbike horns just outside. It was sensory overload in the best way. We tucked into bowls of hot, fragrant pho at a tiny food stall and picked up a few souvenirs (and maybe some fake designer sunglasses I definitely didn’t need).

One of the coolest discoveries was the Café Apartments on Nguyen Hue Walking Street—a crumbling, 1960s-era apartment block that’s been completely transformed into a maze of hipster cafés, boutiques, and tiny creative spaces. Each floor offered something different—one moment we were sipping egg coffee on a balcony, the next browsing local art with chilled jazz playing in the background. It’s quirky, charming, and full of character.

For a deep dive into Vietnam’s complex past, we visited the War Remnants Museum, which was incredibly powerful and sobering. But nothing stuck with me quite like our visit to the Củ Chi Tunnels. Crawling through those narrow underground passageways (which were widened slightly for tourists!) gave me a real sense of what life must have been like for the Viet Cong soldiers. It’s one thing to hear about the war in history class—it’s another to physically feel the weight of it beneath the earth.

Evenings in Saigon have a totally different energy. We braved the madness of Bui Vien Street—the city’s backpacker party strip—where neon lights flash, people spill out of bars, and fire dancers light up the night. We grabbed a round of cocktails (in plastic cups, naturally), pulled up plastic stools, and just people-watched—it was wild, but so much fun.

To end the night, we swapped chaos for calm at a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Watching the motorbikes buzz below while the Bitexco Tower sparkled in the distance was one of those surreal travel moments where you pause and just take it all in.

Ho Chi Minh City is loud, proud, and unforgettable. It doesn’t try to be polished or perfect—and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. Whether you're sipping iced coffee in a hidden café, crawling through war tunnels, or racing across the street through a sea of scooters, Saigon leaves its mark on you—in the best possible way.

Hanoi

Hanoi was a full-on sensory experience from the second we landed—buzzing scooters, the smell of sizzling street food, ancient temples tucked beside French colonial buildings, and cafés on every corner. It’s hectic, it’s beautiful, and somehow it all just works.

We kicked things off in the Old Quarter, where crossing the street felt like a game of Frogger—no traffic lights, just pure confidence. We wandered through narrow alleys filled with tiny shops, hidden cafés, and the sound of horns constantly beeping. It was chaotic, but kind of magical.

Next stop: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the calm heart of the city. Locals were out walking, dancing, and doing tai chi. We crossed the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, soaked up the calm, and then jumped straight into a street food tour—because you can’t come to Hanoi and not eat everything.

We tried it all:
🍜 Pho so rich and fragrant it made us emotional.
🥖 Banh mi packed with pâté, herbs, and chili.
🥚 And yes… egg coffee—a creamy, sweet, whipped caffeine dream that weirdly works.

One of the most unique parts of the trip? The Thang Long Water Puppet Show. It was honestly fascinating—traditional Vietnamese puppetry on water, with live music, storytelling, and folklore. We didn’t understand every word, but we were so into it. It’s weird, it’s cultural, it’s a must-see.

We also visited the Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s ancient university, and learned how Confucian scholars used to study under banyan trees. Very zen.

By night, we hit up Train Street—literally a narrow alley where cafés and locals sit on the train tracks. Then, when the train comes? Everyone clears out. It’s wild and 100% worth seeing.

Hanoi surprised us. It's chaotic and peaceful, gritty and beautiful, all at once. From its tangled traffic to its tangled history, it’s a city with a heartbeat—and we definitely felt it.

Already planning a return. With more pho. And maybe another puppet show.