Posts tagged hidden gems
Wat Samphran: How To Get To The Dragon Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Discover how to reach Wat Samphran, also known as the Dragon Temple, a unique and fascinating Buddhist temple located just outside of Bangkok. In this article, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to travel to this hidden gem, including transportation options and what to expect upon arrival.

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the best kept secrets in Lisbon: an off-the-beaten-path guide to the Portuguese capital

One of my favourite things to do in a city that is frequented by fellow travelers is to get off the beaten path and find something {or, in this case, six somethings} that is off the beaten path or hidden, even if it is in plain sight.

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is Bangkok's Airplane Graveyard worth it?: everything you need to know before a visit + how to get there

Bangkok is home to a world of hidden treasures and off-beat delights. Perhaps one of the best kept secrets in Thailand’s capital, and in a world continually exposed by Instagram, is the airplane graveyard that sits right along a main road.

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how to get to Tad Thong waterfalls + what to expect

Tad Thong Waterfalls is likely a place you’ve never heard of, and don’t feel bad about that! Most people come to Luang Prabang with a short bucket list that includes the stunning {albeit crowded} Kuang Si Waterfalls. Laos has no shortage of waterfalls to explore and visitors shouldn’t limit themselves to only the most visually appealing and well-known. Those looking for a crowd-less cascade of water off-the-beaten-path should head to Tad Thong Waterfalls for a jungle trek and fresh water to cool-off in. It’s also a great place to play “Jane looking for Tarzan” in.

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the hidden hike in Chomphet District, Laos

While Luang Prabang may not be known for its hiking the way that Vang Vieng is, it only takes a ferry ride across the Mekong to find quality trekking in Chomphet. The ferry ride to the “Chomphet Hike” trailhead takes only a few minutes, but the difference between the city and its neighbouring village will make you feel like you’ve traveled hours. Chomphet’s side of the Mekong is much less developed and significantly less visited, making the hike an easy detour from tourist congestion. Though you won’t find tourists on the hike, you will discover five different temples, including Wat Long Khoune, and side of local life in Laos many visitors miss out on.

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Tam Thanh Mural Village: the painted fishing village near Hoi An you cannot miss

While doing my Hoi An research, I came across an article about a small fishing village about 40-minutes by hired car from the city filled with hand-painted murals down its many tiny alleyways and side streets. Sounds pretty perfect, right? So, I mentioned it in passing to my travel companion at the time who had no clue it existed. I then called to hire a driver, and we were off! I put together this post to give you all the insider details.

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homestay highlight: Vanvisa At The Falls in Luang Prabang, Laos

As a total surprise to me {and I can count the number of times I’ve actually been surprised on two hands}, I was told only to pack an overnight bag and swimwear, I was at an absolute loss for what to expect. Whisked away on the back of a motorbike, I was more and more confused as we got further and further south. Surely, we were heading to the waterfalls? But…there’s no place to stay the night at the waterfalls? I WAS CONFUSED. We pulled up near the gate of Kuang Si and took a turn down a dirt alleyway. Pulling up to an area filled with open seating and pools of teal water I’d never seen before, Luke jumped off the bike and said, “We’re here.” And that’s how our time at the hidden hotel I’d never heard of in all my time in Laos started— the Vanvisa At The Falls Homestay Resort.

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