How to Ride a Motorcycle Across SE Asia
Originally Posted on OffTrackPlanet.com When it comes to Southeast Asia, everyone has the same guidebook and the same itinerary. Chances are you’ve island hopped through Thailand, trekked through Laos, hit a tranny bar here and there and you still haven’t left the crowd behind. You’re stuck on the Banana Pancake Trail. It’s time to get … Continue reading
Swingin’ Through Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
Saigon – Economic powerhouse – The Vietnamese work ethic – Regional differences – The American War – “Motorcycle for Sale”… I entered Saigon by bus, snuck past the motorcycle taxis and tuk tuk drivers, and caught a local bus to the center of town. I passed through the sprawling city into its center and jumped … Continue reading
Good Morning, Vietnam! (Cambodia/Vietnam Border)
Kampot – Vietnamese Drivers – Distinct Culture – S. Vietnamese History – Fortunate Son My Lonely Planet guidebook described Kampot as being a pleasant riverside town with “fine French architecture.” I now know that “fine French architecture” is a euphemistic phrase that really means, “There is absolutely nothing to do here.” Therefore, I did nothing for a … Continue reading
American Bombs (Luang Nam Tha, Laos)
At the crossroads – Trekking – Development Challenges – Luang Nam Tha – Laos’ Future, Past and Present – American Bombs I crossed the Mekong at dawn. Instantly I felt the subtle differences between Thailand and Laos. The pace of life was slow in Laos: the border guards had not yet stumbled into work when … Continue reading
Marko Polo Travels 