Spaces & Places
When the bus from Lan Ha Bay finally wound its way into the Ninh Bình countryside, I stepped off into the darkness and was instantly charmed. My homestay, Trang An Retreat, felt delightfully semi-remote. It glowed in the soft lamplight, and flower-laden walkways greeted me. I could hear a faint hum of night insects, and … Read more
Spaces & Places
Click here to read Part I.
I woke up on Cat Ba Island to the sound of birds chirping and morning light slipping through the curtains. Waking up in a quiet village was such a contrast to the city rush I’d left behind just a day earlier. Breakfast was a humble bowl of noodle soup.… Read more
Spaces & Places
Some adventures start with a high-octane surge of energy. Others begin with a series of buses, ferries, and electric carts. Somehow this is exactly what made getting to Lan Ha Bay feel so memorable.
I left Hanoi early in the morning, sleepy but excited. I was not expecting an intricate sequence of transportation: a short
Spaces & Places
Vang Vieng is one of those places that has a relaxed sort of energy. It’s surrounded by karst mountains, rice fields, and little roads that invite travelers to explore. While many folks opt for a full-day tour to hit all the ecotourist sights, I decided to do things a little differently: I rented a motorbike, … Read more
Spaces & Places
Vang Vieng, Laos, is known for its dreamy landscapes, winding rivers, and adventurous recreational offerings. For me, Vang Vieng was also where I had the most memorable experience of floating high above the earth in a hot air balloon at sunrise. I had read online about how stunning it was, but nothing could have fully … Read more
Spaces & Places
The name Bangkok is pretty much synonymous with street food. Talk to anyone who has a working knowledge of Southeast Asia, and they’ll know that this vibrant city is renowned for its incredible markets, unique food (and drink) offerings, and a not-so-great phenomenon known as “Bangkok Belly.”
As a self-proclaimed food adventurer, I’m always up … Read more
Spaces & Places
During my first full-day in Thailand, I embarked on an exciting day trip that took me away from the fast pace of Bangkok to a quieter, more open space. I had the chance to walk through the remains of one of Southeast Asia’s most important historical cities: Ayutthaya.
Once the capital of the Kingdom of … Read more
Spaces & Places
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 … Read more
Spaces & Places
Some adventures are measured in miles, like my epic 6-day wilderness trek on Rae Lakes Loop last June (~ 58 miles).
Other adventures are gentler on the body and measured more in moments, such as my puppy’s first backpacking trip.
With my pack snug on my back and my 8-month-old Yorkie-Poo bouncing at my heels, … Read more
Spaces & Places
Spending only a few days in Bogotá, Colombia, I had to be selective about how I prioritized my time. In such a large city, there were a seemingly unendless number of activities to occupy a traveler such as myself, but I decided, on the last day, to go beyond Bogotá’s bustling streets. About 16 miles … Read more