While the railway in Laos may be a topic of debate amongst locals and political and economical experts, there’s no arguing that the opening of the train is quickly transforming travel in Laos. In this article, we’re sharing all the details of the newly opened train system in Laos for intrepid travelers eager to sink their teeth into an “untraveled” Southeast Asia.
There’s never been a better time to explore Sarawak. Between their award-winning annual Rainforest World Music Festival in June and unparalleled year-round outdoor adventure, this Malaysian destination is bursting with culture, flavor, and activity.
“N.E.P.A.L: Never Ending Peace And Love” — the unofficial slogan for Nepal sits baking in the sun, carefully hand-painted onto the side of a small yellow taxi, its passengers unloading hiking packs from the roof. Some of the highest mountains in the world form a rock and snow panorama to the North. To the South, rolling forested hills dotted with small villages, terraced rice fields, and fast-flowing rivers fed from Himalayan glaciers.
“Which country is your favorite?” What a loaded question, eh? Everywhere I’ve traveled, I feel I’ve left a bit of my heart. Myanmar though—that country really stole my heart. Big smiles come to mind when I think of Myanmar—big, toothy, sometimes crimson, betel-stained grins. Genuine warmth radiates from the people there. From the charming mountain town of Hsipaw, we walked through farming communities up into the clouds where we were welcomed into small Palaung villages, and homes of the kindest and most curious folks I’ve met. Trekking in Myanmar was simply unforgettable.
Even on our honeymoon, we couldn’t just pick a relaxing vacation. Travel for us has always been about seeking adventure, meeting locals, taking in all the smells and sights, and feeling like we’re getting off the beaten path. Sri Lanka was becoming a hip destination by the time my husband and I married in 2017. I remember seeing Instagram smothered in images of young travelers hanging out of train windows, vistas over Sigiriya Rock, palm trees that seemed to spill straight into the ocean, and elephant safaris. It was attractive, but I knew our Sri Lanka vacation would offer us even more than what meets the eye.