Monthly Archives: June 2014

Bangkok

Everyone hears a lot about Bangkok. You never stop hearing about it, and I absolutely could not wait to romp around one of the world’s most famous cities. With our flexible schedule we were able to squeeze in an entire week … Continue reading

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Ko Tao – Scuba Heaven

There is nothing Thai about Ko Tao, the tiny 21 km² island in the Gulf of Thailand. The main road runs about 5 km long and hugs Sairee Beach, the longest beach on the island that runs a short 1.7 kilometers. You basically go … Continue reading

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Ko Phangan and the Full Moon Party

The other reason why we hastily left Cambodia was because we planned on attending Thailand’s world famous Full Moon Party. While we were in Siem Reap, Chris looked up the full moon party dates. June 12th marked the next party, which … Continue reading

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Angkor

People only come to Siem Reap for one reason: the wats, known as the Angkor Archeological Complex. Tickets are expensive by SE Asian standards—a 1-day pass is $20, a 3-day pass is $40, and a 7-day pass is $70. We … Continue reading

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Scambodia

There is no pleasant way to cross the border by land into Cambodia. I’ve heard and read so many bad stories of scams, so I figured purchasing slightly more expensive bus tickets from a Western-run business would guarantee a smooth journey. … Continue reading

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Poor Mr. Jefferson

Funny fact: In Cambodia the US Dollar reigns. Just the paper kind, though; in place of coins they use Cambodian Riel ($0.25 = 1,000 Riel). Jean received a $2 bill as change at a restaurant yesterday. Today I tried to … Continue reading

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Southern Laos (Don Det)

The Mighty Mekong stretches widely at the southern border between Laos and Cambodia, harboring hundreds (maybe thousands?) of little islands. The entire area is called Si Phan Don, or 4,000 Islands. Whether or not there really are four thousand islands, … Continue reading

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Southern Laos (The Bolaven Plateau)

Maps in Southeast Asia are only useful for travelers since the majority of locals cannot even read a map. Their sense of direction depends on memory and landmarks; the concept of cardinal points is nonexistent. Fortunately, motorbike rental companies provide hand-written … Continue reading

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Southern Laos (Pakse)

Prior to arriving in Pakse in Champasak province, I knew nothing about it. All I knew was that it was the gateway to the Laos-Cambodia border, and that we were going to stop by Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) smack … Continue reading

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