Sandakan Town
Sandakan is Sabah’s gateway to the jungle. Not known for much else these days, this unassuming town’s myriad trekking agencies and backpacker hostels belie Sandakan’s unique history and quirky offerings.
Asia
Taking a Bush Plane into the Jungle
Our experience taking a DHC-6 Twin Otter across Borneo’s northernmost region of Sabah, Malaysia from Kudat to Sandakan. 40 minutes in a plane won out over 10 hours in a bus over rugged terrain.
Kudat Day Trip: Secret Beach
Kicking things into high gear, as the search for the perfect beach continues. Today’s contender, a little-known beach in the extreme north of Borneo.
Kudat Peninsula: Sunsets & Beaches
A last minute change in plans takes us to the north of Borneo—and by north, I mean the tippy-top north—rumored home to the island’s most beautiful beaches [and sunsets].
Kota Kinabalu: Arrival in Borneo
Finally arriving on Borneo—just in time to witness one of Sabah, Malaysia’s world-famous sunsets and grab some delicious island eats.
Petronas Towers & Jalan Alor Night Market
We make our necks sore and our tummy’s very happy making our way around some of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic landmarks.
Exploring the World’s Largest Aviary
Comprised of 20 enclosed acres, Kuala Lumpur’s KL Bird Park is home to 3,000 birds representing 200 colorful species, and quite unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Kuala Lumpur
We set off to explore a new country: Malaysia!
Two weeks in Borneo with a stopover in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Bound for Borneo
We’re off to Sabah, on the Malaysia side of the island of Borneo! Last year, we opted to stay Laos-side to experience (i.e. endure) Lao New Year. This year, it’s beaches, baby!
And Then There Were Four!
The cat’s out of the bag and another little travel bun’s bakin’ in the oven…
Out and About in Central Laos
Exploring the rural Lao community around our weekend island retreat with friends.
The Secret Island Hideaway
A traditional Lao house moved, piece-by-piece, to the tranquility of a riverine island — off the grid and completely offline. Yep, this is one special place, and one we’re not divulging the location of any time soon!
Laos Life: 1-20 March 2018
The Garden of Love, a tenacious fern, the gourmet hotdog of death, Houdini strikes again, fountains and dinosaurs, and…a lime.
Buddha Park and HI Get a Facelift
Checking in on one of our favorite area parks and celebrating Lori’s employer’s new name and rebranding, Lao style.
Vang Vieng with Visitors
Back to the Adventure Capital of Laos with Uncle Dan and Aunt Lauren, where sunsets (and sundowners) rarely disappoint.
Uncle Dan & Aunt Lauren Do Laos
Lori’s brother and fiancee come to town for ten fun-filled days, rounding out the 2017-18 Vientiane visitor season.
Laos Life: 4-13 January 2018
A birthday, a wedding, some dancing, and a short break between visitors.
Luang Prabang: No Reservations
Luang Prabang is a funny place — and even funnier in peak season. In Vientiane, no reservations? No Problem! In Luang Prabang…oh boy.
Welcoming 2018 in Luang Prabang
Our last post of 2017 takes us back to Luang Prabang! A journey over the mountains, world-class cuisine, and fish slippers await!
Riding the Ou River to the End of the Line
We take a boat up a Mekong tributary poised to be dammed in seven locations, visiting Muang Ngoi Neua and two other isolated villages along the way.
Nong Khiaw
We spend four nights in Nong Khiaw, a remote and subdued jewel of the north, soaking up the fresh mountain air and easy-going vibe.
North Into the Unknown
We venture to the remote north of the country, covering our first new territory in Laos in 13 months.
Friends for Christmas
What’s the best thing Santa can possibly bring for Christmas? Friends, of course! We got not one, but TWO (really good ones), all the way from Alabama!
Cold Snap
Temps in Vientiane suddenly drop to unsavory levels, forcing Noe and I to do the unthinkable: Wear socks.
Floating Lunch
We’re constantly trying to come up with stuff to do with visitors that isn’t in the guidebooks. A lunch on a barge drifting down the river seemed like just the ticket.
Grammy & Grampy Return to Laos
Grammy and Grampy are back in Laos for an encore of their January adventures…but I suspect mostly to see the kid we tote around with us.
Railay: Baby Overboard
Finally, the post you’ve all been waiting for… Noe (and friends…but mostly Noe) in Railay!
Railay Night Life
When the sun sets at 6pm, even Noe gets a sampling of the beach nightlife. And when the grandparents are in town, mom and dad get even more.
Railay: Reasonably Unseasonable
We spend five days on the Railay Peninsula with Grammy, Grampy and friends, soaking up the beach life and warm company, despite an unexpected visit from Old Man Winter.
Meet Me in Railay
Heading down south to one of our favorite places on the planet for five fun-filled days with four of our favorite people on the planet.
Vientiane DOs & DON’Ts
Some helpful considerations for planning your visit to Vientiane. A couple may surprise you.
Vang Vieng: If at First You Don’t Succeed
Last May, we attempted summiting Pha Ngeun, but the mountain had other plans for us. This time, we brought reinforcements.
Vang Vieng: Tubing & Swimming Through Caves
From caves to lagoons, ziplines to inner tubes, we make it a water-themed day in Vang Vieng with an out-of-town visitor.
Vang Vieng: Champa Lao Bungalows
We’ve wanted to stay at this rustic little hideaway as long as we’ve been coming to Vang Vieng, and finally got our chance.
Spaghetti, Snakes, and Suds
Gearing up for hosting a string of visitors, enjoying the lovely November weather, and other low-key adventures.
Almsgiving at the Festival of the Great Stupa
It’s that time of year again—That Luang Festival Time—time for topping up merit and paying respects to the Great Stupa.
Out on the Farm
When we heard that a local area farm was hosting an open house complete with activities for kids we knew we’d have to check it out. It is autumn, after all.
Lao-lloween
Yep. They do Halloween here…and with a vengeance. Thankfully, it’s still all about the little things for this 16-month-old.
West, Son, Along The Mekong
Our second attempt walking the picturesque (and completely exposed) river path from downtown to the ice factory. Will we succeed this time?
Laos Life: 15-20 October 2017
It’s festival time! For the Lao that means beer, parties, and temple time (seemingly, in that order). And for us—bad kale and a visit from Sherlock Holmes.
The Lao Zoo
The Lao Zoo may just be the most overlooked and misunderstood zoo in Southeast Asia. It’s not really even a “zoo” at all, but in fact something far more interesting.
Hiking & Kayaking the Nam Lik Basin
Making the most of a couple of much needed sun breaks to explore the lush Nam Lik area by foot and paddle.
Nam Lik Eco Village
Call it a Robinson Crusoe fantasy, outdoor enthusiast’s dream, or ad hoc creation of an isolated madman, Nam Lik is a lodging enigma of the best kind.
Tropical Depression
Boun Awk Phansa was meant to mark the end of the rainy season. Tell that to the three big storms that have soaked Vientiane in the past few weeks.
Vientiane Boat Racing Festival
For some in Laos — the Boat Racing Festival is the big reward after a long, hard planting season.
For many, many more — it’s one more excuse to party down.
End of Buddhist Lent
The full moon of the eleventh lunar month marks the end of the Rains retreat, when monks emerge from monastery and light spills out onto rivers and doorsteps.