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AMAZING VANG VIENG ADVENTURES
Vang Vieng ranks as one of the most scenic locations in Southeast Asia, and from the moment you arrive, the town’s dramatic karst backdrop instantly grabs your attention. As you sip your morning coffee at a riverside hotel along the Nam Song River, jungle-covered limestone peaks rise sharply from the western plains and create a landscape that feels almost unreal.
EXPLORING SAIGON’S WAR HISTORY
Thinking of a trip to VIETNAM and EXPLORING SAIGON’S WAR HISTORY sites, but not sure where to begin? Instead of spending hours researching, start with my SAIGON WAR HISTORY INTERACTIVE TRAVEL GUIDE and take the hard work out of planning your trip. After multiple visits to HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON) and VUNG TAU, I compiled in-depth details on GETTING TO all the major WAR HISTORY SITES (including the famous CU CHI TUNNELS) and using SAIGON as a CONVENIENT BASE to EXPLORE them all.
ULTIMATE CAMBODIA TRAVEL HACK
Thinking of a trip to Cambodia but not sure where to begin? Start with my ULTIMATE CAMBODIA TRAVEL HACK: Interactive Travel Guides that take the hard work out of planning your trip. After multiple visits to SIEM REAP and PREAH VIHEAR PROVINCES, I compiled in-depth details on GETTING TO Siem Reap and using it as a BASE to explore the famous ANGKOR WAT, and then, moreover, to venture further afield to OFF THE BEATEN TRACK gems like PHNOM KULEN NATIONAL PARK and the TEMPLES of PREAH VIHEAR PROVINCE. Consequently, whether you’re planning your first visit or you’ve already seen the big-ticket sites, these GUIDES will help you DISCOVER the places most travelers miss.
SOUTHEAST ASIA MOTORBIKE LOOPS
If you love the idea of combining OFF THE BEATEN TRACK ADVENTURE with MOTORBIKE TOURING, Southeast Asia offers several fantastic LOOP TOURS that deliver unforgettable sightseeing experiences. To begin with, VIETNAM and LAOS stand out as outstanding destinations for riders, since each country offers its own mix of DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES, vibrant local culture, and hidden gems that you simply can’t reach by bus or train.
BOLAVEN PLATEAU: WATERFALLS & COFFEE
Explore the breathtaking BOLAVEN PLATEAU in SOUTHERN LAOS, known for its vibrant coffee culture and stunning waterfalls. This elevated region attracts adventure travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Local companies in PAKSE offer the exciting PAKSE LOOP motorbike tour. Rent a motorbike and embark on a self-guided tour around the plateau. Detailed maps and recommendations help you find accommodations and highlight scenic waterfalls. Discover unique coffee culture experiences as you travel. Unleash your adventurous spirit and immerse yourself in the beauty of Laos!
MERAPI SUNRISE JEEP TOUR
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure as you embark on a volcano tour that offers breathtaking views of Mount Merapi at sunrise. This unforgettable journey also delves into the tragedies of its recent eruptions, providing not just a sightseeing experience, but also a deeper understanding of one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes.
JOMBLANG CAVE ADVENTURE TOUR
Are you ready for an exhilarating outdoor experience deep in the heart of Central Java? Just 52 kilometers east of Yogyakarta City lies Jomblang Cave, a gem for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. The adventure begins with an exciting 40-meter descent by rope and harness into a sinkhole, leading you into a captivating underground world. Here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable journey through Jomblang Cave.
IJEN CRATER BLUE FIRE
Mount Ijen, located approximately 34 kilometers from Banyuwangi City in Eastern Java, stands as a captivating beacon for adventurous tourists. Known for its stunning natural phenomena and challenging hiking trails, this semi-active volcano attracts both international and local travelers. The main attractions include the mesmerizing BLUE FIRE and the SULFUR MINING ACTIVITIES near the mysterious crater lake.
THE THAKHEK MOTORBIKE LOOP
The Thakhek Loop is a popular motorbike tour that takes adventurers through the scenic Khammouane Province in Laos. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a few key attractions that have become must-visits for travelers.
THE PLAIN OF JARS
Situated in the heart of Northern Laos, PHONSAVAN stands as the quiet capital of XIANGKHOUANG PROVICE. Unlike popular destinations such as Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, this off-the-beaten-path town receives far fewer tourists. Its remote location, not being on major tourist routes, deters many travelers. However, for adventurous explorers willing to venture onto less traveled roads, Phonsavan promises a wealth of history, striking landscapes, and cultural significance.
BOLAVEN PLATEAU MOTORBIKE LOOP
Exploring the Bolaven Plateau Motorbike Loop offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion. Whether you seek tranquil waterfalls or exhilarating mountain rides, this route promises memories to last a lifetime. Pack your gear, plan your route, and get ready for an unforgettable Laotian adventure!
GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK
Located in the heart of Sarawak, East Malaysia, Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and stunning caves. Surrounded by dense tropical jungles, karst mountain ranges, and swift-flowing rivers, this park offers adventurers and nature lovers an unforgettable experience.
PHONG-NHA NATIONAL PARK
Phong-Nha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a captivating journey into one of the world’s largest limestone karst regions. Located about 525 km south of Hanoi, this hidden gem of Vietnam remains an off-the-beaten-path destination that true adventurers cannot afford to miss. Despite its remote location and the nearest airport being 36 km away at Dong Hoi, Phong Nha promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking thrilling caving and trekking activities.
KEPPEL HILL JUNGLE HIKE
Adventurers seeking a unique experience will find the Keppel Hill Jungle Hike on the southern side of Mount Faber Peak in Singapore the perfect destination. This thrilling journey, located off the beaten path, captivates explorers with its blend of history and nature. As you trek through this undeveloped jungle track, you will uncover historical remnants amidst challenges like fallen trees, muddy slopes, and lush greenery. Each step brings both a sense of discovery and a test of endurance, making it an unforgettable adventure for those craving a closer connection with the past and the natural world.
KAI MOOK CAVE ADVENTURE
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Laos, Kai Mook Cave promises an unparalleled caving adventure for those seeking the thrill of exploration. Often touted as one of the best single-day caving tours available from Thakhek, this hidden gem remains off the radar of mainstream tourism, enhancing its allure for intrepid travelers.
THONG XAM HIKING TRAIL
The Thong Xam Hiking Trail (aka the Houay Ork Hiking Trail) is an off the beaten track adventure, located in a remote area of Central Laos. The trail, and it’s associated caves, are situated in the HIN NAM NO NATIONAL PARK, a pristine wilderness area near the Vietnam Border in Khammouane Province. The trek takes you into a jungle covered karst terrain and provides the opportunity to visit one, two, or three, caves depending on which tour you decide on.
THE LAOS KAYAKING ADVENTURE
An Epic Adventure: In December 2019, I embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—a 60 km kayaking expedition along the Xebangfai River in Khammouane Province, Central Laos. Nestled in a pristine wilderness, the journey took us through breathtaking landscapes skirting the edge of HIN NAMMO NATIONAL PARK and culminating at the magnificent XEBANGFAI CAVE, the world’s largest river cave. This thrilling adventure was organized by Mr. Terry Bolger, a noted caving consultant for the Lao Government, and expertly guided by Green Discovery Laos (GDL).
PHNOM KULEN NATIONAL PARK
Nestled in the stunning landscape of Cambodia, Phnom Kulen National Park is a captivating blend of nature, history, and adventure. Located about 50 km north of Siem Reap, this mountainous region is not just a scenic escape but a portal into the country’s rich cultural past. With attractions such as The Amazing Cliff, Kulen Waterfall, The 1000 Lingas, the ELEPHANT POND LOOP, and The Reclining Buddha, the park offers a diverse and rewarding journey for all travelers.
KBAL SPEAN JUNGLE RUINS
Nestled in the verdant beauty of Cambodia, Kbal Spean offers an intriguing blend of natural wonders and ancient history, appealing to both nature enthusiasts and cultural aficionados. Located 48 km north of Siem Reap on Route #67, this site is renowned for its picturesque waterfalls and ancient Hindu rock carvings. Beyond Kbal Spean, two other significant sites—Bantaey Srei and the Cambodia Land Mine Museum—promise to enrich your journey with unique insights into Cambodia’s past.
PA TAEM NATIONAL PARK
Pa Taem National Park, in Eastern Thailand, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural history along the Mekong River. With its unique geological formations, ancient rock art, and impressive viewpoints, this park is a must-visit for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility off the beaten path.
ROCK VIEWPOINT ADVENTURE BASE
For those seeking a thrilling escapade amidst the stunning landscapes of Central Laos, The Rock Viewpoint Adventure Base, operated by Green Discovery Laos, offers an adrenaline-packed retreat at the heart of the Thakhek Loop. Nestled on Highway #8 in Khammouan Province, this adventure base has become a premier destination for ZIP-LINING and exploring the mesmerizing karst terrain.
Two New PDFs Added – Cambodia & Vietnam travel guides
New Interactive Travel Guides For Cambodia & Vietnam Added If you've been dreaming of an adventurous getaway to Southeast Asia, our latest Interactive Cambodia & Vietnam travel guides at Megaworld Asia will peak your interest. Get ready to explore the hidden...
EXPLORING SAIGON’S WAR HISTORY
Saigon sightseeing – exploring Saigon’s war history: Prior to arriving in Saigon, I had a rough sightseeing plan mapped out for the five days I’d be there. For any newcomer there’s a number of attractions in District One which most put on their tourist bucket lists: Ben Tanh Market, the Grand Post Office, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Opera House. I’d already seen them and decided to concentrate on the War History Sites in and around Saigon.
DISCOVERING CAT BA ISLAND
For the final day of my Halong Bay Tour I was going to CAT BA ISLAND. This beautiful island isn’t actually part of Halong Bay (which lies directly to the north of the island) and has its own island archipelago to the south – LAN HA BAY. In hindsight, you need to spend a few days on Cat Ba for a full sightseeing experience (which would also include touring Lan Ha Bay). A one day tour, although very interesting, doesn’t do it justice.
CRUISING SPECTACULAR HALONG BAY
Cruising the spectacular Halong Bay: This is a mainstream tourist destination, in the north of Vietnam, which is normally on most people’s bucket list of must see attractions. Because of its popularity, and the inevitable crowding, it was a place I’d tended to avoid. With late May being the off season, I decided to bite the bullet and booked a 4 day/3 night tour to Halong bay and the nearby Cat Ba Island. Note: Halong Bay is also an extremely popular sightseeing destination for the locals. The place tends to get packed out on weekends and the school holidays.
CAMBODIA 2024: BATTAMBANG KILLING CAVES AND BATS
BATTAMBANG is an off the beaten track location which a lot of people tend to miss. Most likely because getting there involves a lengthy road trip from either Siem Reap, or Phnom Penh. For those who can put up with the lengthy road travel there’s some interesting sightseeing locations, just a few km outside the city. The highlight attraction being BAT CAVE exodus at Phnom Sampow Mountain.
CAMBODIA 2024: DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF KAMPOT
Kampot is a coastal province located approximately 150 km southwest of Phnom Penh. Due to the over-development of nearby Sihanoukville, it’s becoming more popular with foreign tourists (and residing expats) looking for a more idyllic (less developed) location to spend some time on the southern coast of Cambodia. The main attractions are the riverfront area (eastern side), the nearby BOKOR NATIONAL PARK, and some interesting cave sites to the east of the city.
XE BANGFAI RIVER CAVE
Discover the Wonders of the World’s Largest River Cave in Laos: Nestled on the western edge of the breathtaking HIN NAMMO National Park, the XE BANGFAI RIVER CAVE stands as a testament to the natural wonder of Laos. Recognized as the world’s largest river cave, the journey to this magnificent destination has never been easier. With recent improvements to the road leading to Nong Ping Village, the 12 km stretch from Bualapha, once a bumpy, time-consuming trek, is now a swift 15-minute drive on newly sealed roads.
BOLIKHAMSAI PROVINCE ON THE THAKHEK LOOP
Motorbike Adventure: The Thakhek Loop, a celebrated motorbike adventure winding through Central Laos, offers an unmatched journey through diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and hidden gems. While the loop predominantly runs through KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE, the lesser-explored northeastern portion extends into BOLIKHAMSAI PROVINCE, presenting loopers with attractions often missed by those hastening to the famed KONG LO CAVE.
SECRET CAVES OF THE THAKHEK LOOP
The Thakhek Loop, a standout motorbike tour looping through the captivating Khammouane Province in Central Laos, promises a treasure trove of exhilarating adventures and stunning natural beauty. With its unique blend of attractions, it’s no wonder this journey has become a beloved favorite among thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
EXPLORING THE KONG LOR CAVE
Exploration of the Kong Lor Cave: The Kong Lor Cave, a breathtaking marvel nestled within the Thakhek Loop in Laos, is one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive natural wonders. This immense river cave stretches 7.5 km from end to end, making it a must-visit highlight for anyone traveling the renowned loop route. With its vast and enchanting underground world, the cave promises an unforgettable adventure.
THE ROCK VIEWPOINT TOUR
The Rock Viewpoint is and adventure activities base, run by Green Discovery Laos, in Khammouane Province. Adventure activities include an extensive zip-line circuit and caving and abseiling. Be sure to watch the video to see this fantastic adventure tour through Nang Long Cave.
New Website Launched
With the help of the Phuket based website developer, FUSION GRAPHICS, I’ve redeveloped my website to give it a more professional appearance. The primary focus of the site is still adventure, and getting off the beaten track in South East Asia. However, to simplify...
Getting Off the Beaten Track
It’s an opportunity to get off the beaten track of the tourist beaches and air-conditioned restaurants, that so many seem to hardly move beyond, and get to some of the more remote, and interesting, locations of this varied and diverse landscape. And the fact is getting off the beaten track isn’t all that difficult, if you’ve got access to the right information and plan things correctly.