Of all the places I’ve visited in Southeast Asia, Hoi An, Vietnam is my favorite. Great swaths of hot pink bougainvillea blanket sunny yellow shop houses, which sit along dusty roads dotted with temples. The old town’s many coffee shops and chic boutiques hint at the bygone French colonial era. UNESCO has recognized the historic […]
Asia
How to Enjoy Three Days in Vientiane, Laos
I am not someone who is easily bored. I’m happy to amble along snapping photos and taking countless coffee breaks as long as there is something interesting to grab my attention along the way. That is probably why I enjoyed my three days in Vientiane, Laos so much. The city is compact with a limited […]
Three Perfect Days in Kyoto
Kyoto was built in 794 AD and served as the capital of Japan until WWII. The ancient city was spared during the war, and much of its 1,000-year history is still on display. Kyoto has such a great wealth of cultural attractions that one could spend a month there and still not see them all. […]
Fun Things to Do and Eat in Osaka, Japan
Osaka is quirky, colorful, and loud, like a Japanese game show come to life. (If you haven’t watched one, head over to YouTube to see what you’re missing.) Osaka is also Japan’s reigning food capital, making it an awesome destination for first-time visitors. This Osaka travel and food guide provides an introduction to some of […]
Two Weeks in Japan: An Itinerary for First Timers
Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. It has so much to offer, from delicious cuisine and atmospheric temples to some of the nicest people you will meet. If you are visiting for the first time, you will need at least two weeks in Japan to do it justice. And if you […]