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The 25 Best Temples to Visit in Kyoto
Standing as the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan, Kyoto is renowned for its immense amount of temples…many many temples! In fact, there are more than 1600 temples scattered throughout the city and 400 Shinto shrines to boot! While some find themselves amongst tranquil Zen gardens or beside rippling mirror-like ponds, others hide amongst creaking bamboo forests and overgrown moss. From big to small, Buddhist artwork and megalithic halls, Kyoto has it all! With such an immense selection to choose from, it can be difficult to work out which ones are worth visiting. So in that case, let me show you the 25 best temples to visit in Kyoto! This…
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Betel Nut: A South-East Asian Addiction
Blackened teeth and oozing, red saliva is a familiar image amongst many working-class and tribal societies throughout South-East Asia. The mind-altering substance responsible for this unusual look is used by one-tenth of the global population – betel nut. Once a sign of immense wealth and posterity, the practice has since crossed all socio-economic barriers and age ranges to become an everyday part of life. However, this highly stimulating plant has some very harmful ramifications. The once sought-after commodity has now become the scourge of South-East Asian society, and one that many countries hope to eradicate. So let me show you everything you need to know about the humble betel nut.…
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Hanoi: The Cultural Crucible
Never before have I visited a place with so much to write about. Many of my experiences in Hanoi were worthy of their own story. Yet along the way, there were several sites and peculiar moments that were equally fascinating and worthy of a tale, though not quite meaty enough to earn a whole post to themselves. As such, this is their story. These are the unsung and wonderful tales of all the sites and everything else Hanoi has to offer. This article may contain affiliate links which I may be compensated for at no extra cost to you dear readers! Finally Arrived in Vietnam As the first 2 days…
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Hanoi: Reaching My Travelling Peak in Sapa
I’ve been blessed with some unforgettable travelling moments. From swimming alongside manta rays to living with nomadic tribes and walking along the Great Wall thrice! With the COVID pandemic putting a 3-year hiatus on my travels during what should have been the prime of my life, it affected me quite a bit. Little did I predict that the first real international trip I would take after that involuntary break would be the best travelling experience I’ve ever had in my ENTIRE life. The universe and its divine powers culminated in what would become the pinnacle of my life, a moment that I would cherish for the rest of my days.…
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The DMZ: The World’s Most Dangerous Tourist Attraction
For many adventurous souls, travelling is about stepping out of your comfort zone. Others prefer to live life on the edge, walking that fine line between adventure and disaster. While there are plenty of countries that would be considered dangerous to travel to, they would never be regarded as a typical tourist attraction. Finding Syrian tour agencies or favela homestays is not very likely. Despite that, one of the most potentially dangerous and life-threatening destinations in the world quite proudly sees itself as a popular attraction which welcomes enormous convoys of tourists each day – the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the Korean peninsula. The fragile border which separates the authoritarian…
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Hanoi: A Snake’s Heart For Dinner
Exploring jaw-dropping landscapes and sampling mouthwatering local cuisine is an important part of the travelling experience. Yet, there’s a lesser-known side to travelling, one with a far more morbid tone – dark tourism. As the name might suggest, this is not everyone’s cup of tea, far from it in fact. While many are content staying snug within their comfort zone, others prefer venturing into the murky waters and experiencing the darker side of life. For better or for worse, I am one of those people. Vietnam had just the kind of experience I was looking for. It was one that would garner disapproving looks and vitriolic anger from some, particularly…
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Hanoi: Discovering a Lost World
Fresh off the boat from Halong Bay, Jess and I headed back to Hanoi for our first real evening in the city. With no time to lose, we had another tour booked for the next day to make the most of our time in Northern Vietnam. Naturally, it would be one of the other highly touted spots that has gained quite a reputation in the region – Ninh Binh. Renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, this region of the world has plenty of jaw-dropping locations. Ninh Binh is one of those must-see experiences amongst travellers, so it was time to jump on the bandwagon. This article may contain affiliate links…
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Hanoi: Halong Bay For the Holidays
Before I ventured out into the world as a full-fledged backpacker, there’s always been one nation that has always illuded me. Ever since I was a teenager, there was one country that has found itself placed firmly at number 1 on my must-see list – Vietnam. Now that where I currently reside – Taiwan – had FINALLY relaxed its COVID regulations, it gave me a golden opportunity to travel to some of the nearby countries. So where better to start than my dream destination? So, let’s get started. This article may contain affiliate links which I may be compensated for at no extra cost to you dear readers! A Bit…
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The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Bangkok in 4 Days
Bangkok – it’s a city that needs no introduction. Regarded as the pinnacle destination for any backpacker’s itinerary and a favoured spot amongst faithful Buddhists and ex-pats alike, Bangkok illustrates the splendid harmony between the country’s undeniable spirituality and complete mind-bending chaos! Never has there been a city with such polar extremes, and that’s the beauty of it! Among these streets, devout Buddhist monks walk alongside skimpily dressed prostitutes and ladyboys. Luxury 5-star hotels stand across the road from roach-infested hostels. It’s a city of total unpredictability! Though one thing is for sure, this Bangkok deserves a place on your travel itinerary! So in that case, let me show you…
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The 20 Best Highlights to See in Xi’an
There are few cities richer in historical significance than Xi’an. Once the ancient capital of Imperial China, it played host to countless dynasties and distant merchants. The city was brought to international recognition by its jaw-dropping archaeological discoveries and remains a travelling hotspot amongst local and foreign tourists alike. Amongst them, Xi’an has plenty of highlights on offer! So in that case, let me show you the 20 best highlights to see during your time in the ancient Imperial capital of Xi’an! This article may contain affiliate links, for which I may be compensated at no extra cost to you, dear readers! The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors We start…
