For years intrepid backpackers (our co-founder Tom Armstrong among them) have raved about the quality of Beer Lao, the locally brewed beer served throughout Laos but rarely found elsewhere. More recently people on shorter holidays to Laos have discovered for themselves the fine beer, along with the wonderful laid back hospitality of the country.
A holiday in Laos?
Great post from harry and Ben in Vietnam there – tales of random street food from Asia always makes me crazy with jealousy!
We are hearing great things from our clients about Cat Ba. It’s a great way to see Halong Bay away from the busy junk boat routes – and with trekking in the jungle as well as a beach you can’t really go far wrong!’ We use the excellent Cat Ba Sunrise Hotel.
Cat Ba Island
Hanoi is a very different city to Bangkok.’ One of the first things you notice is the architecture which is very French in style.’ Shutters and balconies on tall thin buildings painted in vibrant colours.
Halong Bay
The other things you notice on the drive from the Airport are somewhat stereotypical.’ Numerous paddy fields and the Vietnamese “Non” hats made of palm leaves and bamboo.’ It takes you back to the movies!
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We have enjoyed our second time in Bangkok perhaps a little more than when we first arrived.’ We had only spent a day here when we first arrived and I think it takes a little time to become adjusted.’ We have used the river boat a lot to get around this time as we are staying in the Banglumphu area and it is convenient.’ As with the skytrain, it is a great way to see the city.’ Yesterday we went down to the Oriental Hotel, which was impressive and seemed like it would be a great place to have a pleasant evening drink.’ The whole area has an array of what seem like very smart suit shops and lovely jewellery stores.’ We plan to return if there is any money left in the pot at the end of our trip!
Bangkok Temples
Diving with Whale Sharks in Koh Tao
Well, after all the anticipation and concern that we would somehow be the only ones on Koh Tao who did not manage it, on our final dive we saw a whale shark.’ It was an awesome experience to be under water with such an impressive and elegant creature.
Great news from those of us based in South East Asia or South Asia: Air Asia have announced the opening of a regular flight bewtween Kuala Lumpur and Colombo starting in August 2009, putting Sri Lanka on the region’s low cost travel map for the first time. This will come as a relief to anyone who previously considered the Sri Lankan government’s misguided foray into the budget market with Mihin Lanka – a company so in debt that they have no planes and no ground handler at the international airprt to work with! They had more cancelled flights than anyone could remember and rumours of their revival need tempt nobody after this!
The Sri Lankan Government today announced that the 25 year civil year that has blighted the country was over – prompting celebrations throughout Sri Lanka.’ Let’s hope that the government can get the huge number of those displaced by the war back to their homes as quickly as possible and in the longer term, find a lasting and fair political solution.
Although it’s become something shameful to admit to recently I confess to having flown many times over the last ten years. It began in 1997 when I was just 21 with a £300 Garuda Indonesia flight to Australia. Since then my standards have gone up some what as have airfares and Garuda have long since been banished from my thoughts. In truth, I’ve become a bit an airline snob and have worked out ways to get the most benefits and the most comfortable seats for the least price, get upgrades for less, ensure I’ve always got at least 200 films to watch and a nice selection of wine to quaff.
Low cost - long haul with Air Asia?
Life has truly been a’ beach for well over a week now…
Life's a beach...
Bottle Beach in the north of Ko Phagnan was the ultimate chill out.’ You could laze your days away in a hammock listening to the gentle sounds of the waves, whilst reading.’ In the evenings we would watch a film in one of the restaurants and then retire to bed after a couple of Changs.’ (more…)
Sri Lanka Rice and Curry Spices....
Top 5 misconceptions about Sri Lankan Rice and Curry
1: It’s basically a type of Indian curry.
A myth propagated by Indian restaurants abroad with their Ceylon curries – generally meaning one made with coconut milk. Sri Lankan Rice and Curry is a completely distinct meal from any one would have on the Indian subcontinent: it’s a way of preparing serving and eating food – hell it’s a way of life!
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