In May 2025, I stepped onto a plane at Greenville airport, the start of my journey through Southeast Asia. The 27+ hour plane rides were horrendous, but what followed was a delightful whirlwind of temples, street food, scenic landscapes, and quiet reflections. I made my way through Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam with each place revealing its own rhythm and beauty.

First Stop: Bangkok, Thailand

After a long travel day, I arrived in Bangkok late on May 7 and settled into Jam Hostel, which became a comfortable home base in the Old Town part of the city. My time in the Thai capital was spent temple-hopping and people-watching, with moments of awe at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. One day I ventured out to Ayutthaya to see ancient stone ruins and Buddha statues wrapped in tree roots. Another day was dedicated to the sweet chaos of floating markets and the serenity of Wat Pho. Bangkok was bold and full of movement. It was the perfect energetic way to kick off my trip.

Into Laos: Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang

From Bangkok, I flew into the calm embrace of Laos, starting in Vang Vieng. What a contrast! Here, my days took on a slower rhythm with lots of adventures still sprinkled in. I relaxed along the river, explored blue lagoons on my motorbike, and even took a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

A short train ride later, I arrived in Luang Prabang, where French colonial charm intermixes with Buddhist tradition. I enjoyed walking unhurried through the small city markets and learning about the local artisan culture.

Vietnam: A Country in Motion

The next chapter began in Hanoi, Vietnam, where I jumped headfirst into the Old Quarter’s tangle of motorbikes and street food (noodle soup!). The city buzzed with life and had lots for me to see. After a couple days, I set sail for Lan Ha Bay, where the most gorgeous waters and limestone cliffs awaited me. The cruise I took offered a welcomed change of pace, and I was able to kayak and swim in the beautiful bay.

From there, I headed to Ninh Binh, often dubbed “the inland Ha Long Bay,” and stayed in Trang An, surrounded by rice fields and karst cliffs. It was a perfect mix of rural quiet and rugged beauty, giving me plenty of time for biking, cave exploring, and simply relaxing.

Coming Full Circle

I ended the trip with one last night in Hanoi before flying home on May 22. In just over two weeks, I had traveled through three countries, each unique in its culture and rhythm. From the spiritual pulse of Bangkok to the soft skies of Luang Prabang and the cultural layers of Vietnam, this trip offered many adventures and reflective moments.

This post is just a glimpse. In the coming entries, I’ll dive deeper into the highlights, share the best local eats, and offer travel tips from each stop. For now, I’m still carrying the memories of riverboats, street vendors, and early morning sunrises. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.