20 tips + facts for your first trip to Laos

Planning your first trip to Laos might feel a bit daunting, since information is hard to find online or is missing altogether. Thanks to my extensive time in the country, I’ve put together a list of 20 tips and facts about Laos that will help you know what to expect, what to pack, and how to prepare for the exciting journey ahead! Visitors tend to pass through on their way to one of its more well-known neighboring countries. I’ve often read blogs about Laos and felt frustrated by the lack of quality and correct information on the web. That’s why I’m hoping my blog is a space with thorough information, maps, and all the details travelers need. And, in regards to Laos, I’m hoping guides like these will help first-time travelers feel prepped and ready.

Asia, Lao PDR, travel, destination guideWhere Tara WentApril 4, 2019asia, southeast asia, travel Comments

the perfect 2-day itinerary for Luang Namtha, Laos

Luang Namtha is the main city in Luang Namtha Province. Confusing, I know. It’s mostly known as a stopover town for backpackers crossing over from Thailand into Laos. However, I was recently invited by Luang Namtha Tourism with a small group of travel writers and bloggers to promote tourism in northwest Laos. After spending a week in the district and seeing all its main city has to offer, I feel as though Luang Namtha is highly underrated as a destination for cultural and ecological tourism.

Asia, Lao PDR, travel, destination guideWhere Tara WentApril 1, 20192019, asia, southeast asia, Laos, Lao PDR, laos, travel Comments

the best place to stay on a Bangkok layover: why Sloth Hostel is my pick on a layover from Don Muang Airport

What’s the worst part of a long, late night layover? Finding accommodation that’s in close proximity to the airport and affordable. Luckily, passengers flying in and out of Don Muang Airport in need of a place to sleep and shower need look no further than Sloth Hostel Don Muang.

a food guide to Hong Kong: 5 local foods to try + where to get your hands on them

There is heaps of food finds in Hong Kong. This list could have been seemingly endless. I’ve put together a list of 5 foods every first-time visitor to Hong Kong should try. I have also listed the exact establishments where I tried each of these, so that you can either find somewhere better or give it a go in the same place I did!

food guide, Asia, Hong Kong, travelWhere Tara WentMarch 13, 2019eats, chinese food, 2019, hong kong, asia, east asia, food guide, travel Comment

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.

the best Instagram spots in Hoi An, Vietnam

Modern travel trends are heavily influenced by the images people see online; something I feel two ways about {but I'll save that for another post}. Hoi An is an incredibly photogenic town that often gets skipped over in favour of Hanoi or Saigon {Ho Chi Minh City}. Here are my favourite places for photos in Hoi An, Vietnam.

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.

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.

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.

a review of Mekong Kingdoms' sunset cruise in Luang Prabang, Laos

Right before the daylight dips behind the jungle-covered mountains of Luang Prabang, tourists sit on the banks of the Mekong to witness the end of the day that was. Basking in the golden light of the low-hanging sun, Luang Prabang steps fully into its best self. It’s because of this, its “unspeakable beauty” as the late Anthony Bourdain put it, that sunset cruises along the Mekong River has become a “must-do” for most travelers visiting this tiny UNESCO town.

Asia, Lao PDR, travel, destination guide, collabWhere Tara WentJanuary 31, 20192019, asia, southeast asia, Lao PDR, Laos, laos, mekong river cruise, hosted, Mekong Kingdoms, luang prabang, tours, travel, collabComment

what to expect from Tamarind Cooking School in Luang Prabang, Laos

Long-time readers of this blog will know, ya girl is a fan of cooking classes. I think there are so many benefits to learning about the cuisine of a culture. So, when I was asked to check out Tamarind cooking school to see what they’re evening classes offer guests in Luang Prabang, I was over the moon.

how to get to Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves are one of Luang Prabang’s most famous tourist attractions. Limestone caves sitting alongside the Mekong as a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years sounds like magic, amirite?

But, I simply wasn’t as dazzled as everyone else.

Asia, Lao PDR, travel, destination guideWhere Tara WentJanuary 23, 20192019, asia, southeast asia, luang prabang, pak ou caves, Laos, laos, Lao PDR, travelComment

renting a motorbike in Laos: questions to ask + things to consider

Wind in your hair. Dust on your face. Sun at your back. Freedom as far as the road extends. That’s the beauty of a motorbike. Renting one is popular with tourists, but there are many things they should consider before they hop on two wheels for a joy ride through a beautiful country like Laos.

Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park: where to catch aerial views of KL in nature

I love exploring new cities. That being said, what I miss most when I’m hitting the pavement of a cosmopolitan locale is nature. Ya girl likes her greenery! So, when I found out via Travel Dream Seekers Instagram account that there was a park where you could get aerial views of Kuala Lumpur with a dose of Mother Nature, I was more than a little eager to visit!

Asia, eco travel, Malaysia, travelWhere Tara WentJanuary 18, 20192018, malaysia, asia, southeast asia, kuala lumpur, things to do, eco travel, nature, parks and recreation, travelComment

a complete travel guide with 18 unique things to do in Berlin

Berlin is truly a city with something for everyone! History, art, beautiful outdoor spaces, delicious coffee, and affordable food— I’ve included it all in this complete guide.

Europe, Germany, travel, destination guide, city guideWhere Tara WentJanuary 16, 2019Berlin, Germany, 2018, Europe, city guide, travel Comments

where to find the best views of Prague, Czech Republic

Given Prague’s compact layout, fantastic public transportation system, and Bohemian-meets-Gothic architecture, it’s easy to cover a lot of ground in only a few days and stumble upon fantastic views of the Czech capital. During my 4-day return to Prague, I got to see the city from a variety of angles. Here are my favourites, and some alternatives {just in case}!

Eating Europe's tour of the best food in Prague

I was invited to be a guest of Eating Europe’s Prague Food Tour. I’ll be the first to admit that, initially, I knew nothing about the food scene in Prague. After my 4-hour walking tour with Eating Europe, however, I found myself filled to the brim with Prague urban legends, Czech folklore, cultural and historical trivia, and….well…food.

10 of the best Instagram spots in Berlin: an urban photo guide for Berlin, Germany

If you’re looking for fantastic photo spots in Berlin, Germany, then this is the guide for you. In this post, I detail 10 of the very best Instagram locations in Berlin for urban photographers!

The 10 Best Kept Secrets in Prague: An Off-The-Beaten-Path Guide to The Czech Capital

Looking for something truly unique to do in Prague? This guide includes secret art, local bars, and historical hidden gems you won’t want to miss on your trip to Prague.

the most unique place to stay in Berlin: the Hüttenpalast Caravan Hotel

Where’s the coolest place to stay in the coolest city in Germany? Easy. The Huttenpalast Caravan Hotel.

Germany, Europe, hotel highlights, travelWhere Tara WentDecember 16, 2018Germany, Berlin, Europe, 2018, travel, hotel highlight Comments