Before setting out for 5 weeks of travel through Southeast Asia, I stocked up on the Rough Guides to the region.

For my time in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, I not only researched using the individual country guides but was delighted to find that they publish a complete guide to the area called Southeast Asia on a Budget. This guide includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, plus Hong Kong and Macau.

A comprehensive guide like this has 2 huge benefits. The bennie of most value to me is that if I’m visiting more than one of the included destinations, I don’t have to carry around more than one guide. But, the other great bennie is that the budget traveler won’t have to pay for multiple guides. Backpacker heaven!

In addition to the great ideas for budget travel, the SE Asia guide also includes highlighted boxes for treating yourself to a night out. A nice little perk if you find yourself with a little extra cash.

The country guides, such as the Rough Guide to Vietnam, are less about budget travel but provide a great overview of the area including a wide range of restaurants, cafes, hotels and bars. There’s also loads of information on culture and history.

The Rough Guides are all available on Amazon.

Travel Well!

Beth

Related links:
Ahoy Hoi An (Vietnam)
Trekking in Mau Chau
Vietnam: Same Same but Different
Photo of the Day: North Vietnam
Preparing for 5 Weeks of Travel

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Hoi An is a charming town in Central Vietnam, located just south of Danang. In about 15 years, it’s gone from a small fishing village to a full-on tourist destination with a wide range of hotels (including many 5-star resorts in nearby Danang).

Throughout the city, lights hang and are illuminated at night (such as the ones above).

Locals flock to Hoi An as well, such as these newlyweds having their picture taken near the famous Japanese covered bridge.

Most tourists miss the bustling fish market, tucked deep into the covered market area next to the river. I happened upon it early one morning and despite the smell, I loved the energy and vibe.

Even if your reason for visiting Hoi An isn’t to purchase custom-tailored clothes, most people can’t pass up at least one item from this town famous for being able to create an item within hours. I had a pair of capris custom-made (with embroidered geckos!) in less than 6 hours for $10.

Travel Well!

Beth

Related links:
Trekking in Mau Chau
Vietnam: Same Same but Different
Photo of the Day: North Vietnam
Preparing for 5 Weeks of Travel

Join other Wanderlusters and stay updated on travel-related items by subscribing via email or RSS feed.

Southwest of Hanoi lies a beautiful region that has become popular for light treks. The area is Mai Chau and it remains nearly as quiet as when I first visited there in 1994.

The trekking is not difficult, it’s generally along motorbike routes through the mountains with no steep inclines, but while we were there it was HOT. Close to 100 degrees! Regardless, we spent a couple of days in the area soaking up the views of rice fields and limestone mountains ranges.

The homes in this area are built on stilts, providing the only shade and cool breeze for the family.

The area is inhabited by tribes including Muong, Thai and Mong. Each group has their own style of dress including this common pattern in a skirt that was hanging out to dry.

The people were delightful and quite friendly. Though we didn’t share a language, this woman was eager to “listen in” to our conversations and loved being photographed.

Despite the relatively remote location, satellite dishes could still be seen throughout the area!

Travel Well!

Beth

Related links:
Vietnam: Same Same but Different
Photo of the Day: Pushkar Camel Fair
Photo of the Day: Vietnam Temples