Scuba Diving in Koh Tao…and a list of things to do
Scuba diving in Koh Tao, Thailand might not have happened if it wasn’t for visa issues. As a teacher here in Thailand, I’m tied to my visa. I didn’t want to pay for another re-entry permit at 1000 baht to visit another country. That meant I had two weeks left of my school holiday and I needed to go somewhere within Thailand. As a scuba diver, it was a pretty easy decision. I cannot tell you how many friends and other travelers who have said “You have to go Scuba Diving in Koh Tao.” I knew I would regret not going scuba diving in Koh Tao if I ever left…
Experiencing Songkran Festival for the First Time
I’m usual sad about leaving somewhere and moving on to the next place. However, this time was different. I was getting ready to start my journey from Penang Island back to my home of Lampang, Thailand for the Thai New Year Celebration called Songkran Festival. Getting Home The time finally came for me to fly from Penang to Bangkok to catch my over night train. I was ecstatic. Ecstatic to be returning to my closet with all my clothes. Ecstatic to be able to sleep and shower in my own apartment. It’s these little things I forget about when traveling for a long period of time. I understand for some…
Penang Island | Beyond the Street Art
After an amazing time in Kuala Lumpur, I headed north to the city of Georgetown, Penang Island. Penang Island is a popular destination when traveling within Malaysia. I was intrigued to go because many friends and backpackers told me about beautiful street art and the UNESCO World Heritage Site label. I couldn’t pass up a lovely city filled with street art. Getting There Traveling within Malaysia is identical to other Southeast Asian countries, bus or plane. I was limited on time so I decided to take the quickest route and fly. However, be aware that there is tons of bus availability between these two cities. If you have time, busing…
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What it was Like Living Like a Local in Kuala Lumpur
What it was Like Living Like a Local in Kuala Lumpur
I always knew I wanted to head to Malaysia and roughly planned a visit back in February. When I shared my tentative plans with my family, I didn’t know what it was going to result in. It ended up being the best decision ever as I got the experience to live like a local in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was all thanks to my aunt’s friend, who had friends living in Kuala Lumpur. She connected me with this family and they offered to host me during my few days and it was more special than I could have imagined. Getting to Kuala Lumpur Getting from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is…
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Penang Island | Beyond the Street Art
Living the Island Life on Koh Rong Samloem
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links. This means that I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and companies I use personally. My friends and I woke up the next morning excited for our next destination, Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia. I was ready to get back on an island and the boys were just as ready. We didn’t want to waste a full day traveling from Kampot to Koh Rong Samloem. With small amount of research we’d done and with the help of our hostel, we had a goal of making the 11:30…
How to Spend One Day in Kampot Cambodia
After two solid nights out in Phnom Penh, my friends and I decided to keep moving through Cambodia. We talked to several other travelers who recommended spending one day in Kampot. Neither of us knew much about Kampot so we did a little research. We learned that it’s a quite town along the south coast of Cambodia. It sounded like exactly what we wanted and needed. It was easy find a bus that was leaving mid-day, which would make our arrival into Kampot just past dinner time. We thought it was the perfect timing for a bus. However, like most things in Southeast Asia, it took WAY LONGER than expected. What…
Party Mixed with History in Phnom Penh Cambodia
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links. This means that I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and companies I use personally. Following a relaxing day in Siem Reap, my friends and I decided it was time for a change of scenery. We talked it over and choose our next location, Phnom Penh, which is the capital of Cambodia. One thing that I love about staying at hostels is how easy it is to make a change of scenery. You simply walk up to the reception desk, ask them about transportation to a…
Experiencing Both Sides of Siem Reap: History & Nightlife
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links. This means that I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and companies I use personally. While in Siem Reap, I found out that twice a year, the sun rises directly behind the middle tower at Angkor Wat. This sunrise occurs in March and September, which corresponds with the Spring Equinox and Fall Equinox. I just happened to be exploring Angkor Wat around this time in March. Talk a truly special yet totally unexpected sunrise. The rumor was that this event was going to occur Friday, March…
Things to do in Siem Reap Outside of Angkor Wat
After two days of super early mornings and temples, I knew I needed a break. I wasn’t done exploring Angkor Wat, but I needed a break. There was more to Siem Reap than just the temples. I was excited and ready to go sightseeing around the town. If you know me, then you know I love being active. Whether it’s playing volleyball, hiking, kayaking, or bicycling, I want to be outside, enjoying nature and sightseeing. When researching “Things to Do in Siem Reap,” I was looking for something non-temple related. Thanks to the knowledge from a travel facebook group I am in, South East Asia Backpacker Community, I found a…
A Day on the Grand Circuit at Angkor Wat
Several people told me that one day is enough time for Angkor Wat, especially if you are on a budget. But, Angkor Wat has so many temples divided into two route; small circuit and grand circuit. Wouldn’t I miss a bunch temples if I only went for one day? Although I was on a budget, I knew that I was me going to want to go back so I purchased the $62 3-day pass ticket in advance. I can tell you now, with a high level of certainty, that ONE DAY is not enough. Tuk-Tuk vs. Group Tour My first experience at Angkor Wat was far from perfect with the…
