We left the busyness of Hanoi for a couple of days in Sapa.’ This mountainside retreat was originally built for the French as a cool getaway in 1922 and after some years’of neglect has in recent years undergone a revival and is now a key tourist destination in Northern Vietnam – and with good reason.
Archive for the ‘Guest Contributors’ Category
Hanoi and Halong Bay
28 May 2009 by Harriet Clark
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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Bangkok sights and sounds
22 May 2009 by Harriet Clark
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!!
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.
Ko Phagnan and Ko Tao
17 May 2009 by Harriet Clark
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…)
End of week one…
12 May 2009 by Harriet Clark
It’s amazing how quickly you adjust to the laid back, slow pace of south east asian life!’ Only a week away and already we can while away several hours doing nothing in particular.
Our journey began in Bangkok, where we immediately made our first error.’ Despite being told to only use the meter taxis, we found ourselves heading…
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Travel tip for first time Thailand visitors…
The Skyrail
It is best to get around in Bangkok on the skyrail and metro if you can; they are really pleasant very easy and cheaper than a tuk tuk or taxi.
