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Stay like a pauper but live like a king in Pattaya, Thailand
I remember taking the bus one time in Thailand, and a local asked me where I was from. When I told her, she replied “You American. You rich. Why you take the bus?” I replied “I’m rich because I take the bus.” A few weeks back I wrote a story about getting rich by saving.…
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My favorite experiences in Laos
My experience on the rice farm inspired me to return to Laos one last time before leaving Asia. While Laos is an enjoyable destination on its own, what impressed me even more is the number of activities and learning experiences available in this simple remote village. I’d collected a list during my last visit and…
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Finding a beach paradise in Nha Trang, Vietnam
The town of Nha Trang in Vietnam has to be one of the biggest surprises of my trip to SE Asia this year! It is a coastal town about an hour and a half flight from Saigon. I didn’t expect much since I hadn’t seen any nice beaches in Vietnam, but what I found is…
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Is Da Lat the Switzerland of SE Asia?
I expressed disappointment to my Saigon tour guide that SE Asia lacks any mountain towns to escape the heat. I further explained to him that Mexico is filled with charming high altitude villages when he asked, “have you not heard of Da Lat?” To be fair I’d heard of it but only as the region…
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Two days in Da Nang
Whenever I’ve been asked about Da Nang, I always tell people it is nothing more than a transfer hub. At least that’s all I’ve ever used it for. It has the closest airport and train station to charming Hoi An, which should be on everyone’s visit list when visiting Vietnam. My friend Vora had visited…
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Food, fun, and friendship in Vietnam
Things took a turn this week when my long time friend and fellow traveler Vora Dollar joined me in Vietnam. Our relationship has changed over the years, and now I think I’m learning more from her than she is from me. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is our mutual curiosity about the world and…
