UPDATE: UNFORTUNATELY THIS LODGE IS NOW CLOSED If it reopens under new ownership we will post the update here. One jungle lodge you will NEVER find in a travel guidebook is the Eco Vagabond Lodge located about 1 hour from Iquitos by fast boat. This rustic lodge sits mere meters from the great Amazon River. It is owned by an Argentine and a Peruvian - they no longer live at the lodge, but a fabulous bilingual guide Carmina who is in her … [Read more...]
The Suk11, Suk 11 Bangkok Thailand – June 2005
Suk11 (Suk 11) is an awesome place to discuss travel & meet people to hook up with for traveling. The rooms are decent sized - light, airy and very clean. A real spiritual feel to this place - very interesting decor - at times feels like an international hangout due to the many people from around the world. Be sure to add your name & notes to the appropriate walls! Note: this place fills up very quickly and is immensely popular especially … [Read more...]
Sugar Hut Resort, Pattaya – April 2004
The Sugar Hut Resort & Restaurant is located between Pattaya & Jomtien Beach in Thailand. This "escape from reality" resort was founded in 1984. This is not your typical Pattaya stay. It is located in the midst of lush tropical foliage. Each "hut" is separate from the others by walkways through the foliage and as a result each bungalow is very private. All have balconies. Attention to detail shows here. There are 3 pools on the property … [Read more...]
Baiyoke Tower II, Bangkok – February 2004
Baiyoke Tower II Bangkok - This is the second tallest building in all of Thailand (now that the Ritz Carlton Residences has been built - slightly taller). Baiyoke Tower II is located at 222 Rajprarop Road, Rajthevee in Bangkok's CBD. To get to the top you will have to take 3 separate elevators. Should you choose to walk the stairs from the bottom it will take you over an hour! Be sure to try the dinner buffet on the 78th floor. You are surrounded … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Transportation
By Land Vehicle Through Poipet - If you are coming to Siem Reap from Thailand by bus you will most likely first pass through the Rong Klue market in the Aranyaphratet district of Thailand. This flea market sells an eclectic variety of items, many of them used or copies of name brand items - things like sunglasses, clothing, and cheap imitation jewelry and watches. Poipet is the very seedy border town that lies on the Cambodian side of the … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – More Information
Banks - There are several banks in Siem Reap with International ATM's throughout town. How things have changed in a few years! All the banks are located near the center of town most around the Old Market. Guides - The small free magazine called The Angkor Guide is published once every 6 months and is a must have for tourists. It is more up to date than most guidebooks and tourist publications and it is available at many of the guest homes … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane, set along the meandering Mekong River, is the very laid back peaceful capital city of Laos. This city is in stark contrast to the chaotic bustling streets of Bangkok or select other South East Asian cities! Vientiane is small enough that its not an overwhelming city (population 135,000) and you can find your way around quite easily. If you do get lost, there is usually a Tuk-tuk eagerly waiting to whisk you away to your destination. … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos – More Information
The following are several things to be aware of when traveling in Vientiane and are listed in alphabetical order. Laos installed the first ATM in the country in Vientiane, and in the early 2000's still could not handle international transactions! Fortunately today, there are plenty of international ATM's scattered throughout town. There are at least 6 or 7 banks in Vientiane that can handle cash advances or change money. A good souvenir is a … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Transportation
For a country among the 10 poorest in the world transportation on the whole is fairly easy to use. Public buses run several times from the capital city of Vientiane to Vang Vieng along the paved Route 13. The public buses are usually quite crowded and without fans and AC. They are however, among the cheapest ways to reach Vang Vieng from Vientiane. Once the seats fill up small plastic stools are offered and are placed down the aisle in order … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – More Information
The following is general information to be aware of when traveling in Vang Vieng. These are arranged in no particular order - they are just some insights Dave wants to pass on from his experience traveling in Vang Vieng. MoneyThe Lao "Kip" is the unit of currency for Laos. The kip fluctuates tremendously from week to week. The largest bill in circulation was a 10,000 kip note which is valued at slightly more then 1 USD. As a souvenir to give … [Read more...]