We visited Chiang Mai in April, just before the Songkran Festival and the air was so hazardous that the authorities were considering cancelling the festival. It definitely tarred the experience of Northern Thailand for me and I’ve had bad times…
Your guide to watching a traditional water puppet show in Vietnam
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital as well as one of its most happening cities and it’s a great place to engage in the culture, including traditional shows like the water puppet show which I absolutely loved and would be great for…
What happens during the Rocket Festival in Laos at the 4000 islands?
The Rocket festival in Laos, known as Boun Bang Fai, is held to bring the rain from April to June and we were lucky enough to bump into it in Don Det on the Mekong River. I had high hopes…
11 top tips for dealing with monkeys while travelling in Asia and beyond
I’ve always been a big fan of monkeys and I’ve even worked with them, but travelling in South Asia really tested that love at times! While in South Asia I encountered moments of aggression or harassment in Nepal, India and…
War, Gill Nets and Dams: The Devastating Plight of the Mekong River Dolphins
The Mekong River in Laos is undoubtedly beautiful, but beyond the gorgeous sunsets, happy pizza parlours and sedate stilt houses, lies the irreparable threat of extinction. I came to Don Det in the 4,000 islands after reading the blogs, seeing…
5 tips for dealing with stray dogs while travelling
I absolutely love dogs but stray dogs can be a nuisance when travelling, especially if you don’t encounter unfriendly dogs at home. I’ve had wonderful experiences with dogs on my various trips, but I’ve also encountered aggressive dogs, especially in…