Independent & Budget Travel Blog
Plan your holiday in Asia with these exciting itineraries, travel guides, packing guides, vegan food guides and many unique things to do in this stunning destination. Explore Vietnam, Indonesia and more Southeast Asian countries in this Asia travel blog
Hanoi, Vietnam’s lively capital, is famous for its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, yet it’s the hidden gems nestled in its narrow streets and alleys that capture the true spirit of this unique city. From interesting museums to the remnants of downed American planes, trains running through residential areas and historic neighbourhoods, Hanoi offers an … Read more
Trekking through the beautiful landscape of Sapa Vietnam without a guide is a liberating and rewarding adventure. Especially for budget travellers wanting to explore the lush terraced rice fields and rugged mountain trails independently. In November 2023, I did two solo treks in Sapa independently without a guide. The first was to Muong Hoa Valley. … Read more
Brunei is a small country nestled on the northern coast of the island of Borneo and offers unique experiences for travellers seeking off the beaten path adventures. It is an oil rich nation, governed by the Sultan of Brunei, a leader in one of the few remaining sultanate countries worldwide. As a predominantly Muslim country … Read more
Bac Ha is located in the Lào Cai Province of northern Vietnam, near the border with China. If you love going “off the beaten path”, this is the perfect place for you to visit for 3 days and 2 nights. Bac Ha is situated around 6 hours from Hanoi (check out the Hidden Gems in Hanoi) and … Read more
Located in the beautiful hills of northern Vietnam, Bac Ha Market stands as a vibrant tapestry of colours, cultures and traditions. This bustling market situated in the Lào Cai Province is only 6 hours from Hanoi and less than 3 hours from Sapa. It’s a great “off the beaten path” experience. Here is An Adventurous 3 … Read more
Finding vegan food in Sapa Vietnam is easier than you think with a diverse range of vegan and vegetarian friendly cafes and restaurants. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam, six hours by bus from Hanoi and close to the Chinese border, Sapa not only captivates you with its unique scenery but also excites … Read more
Travelling from Sapa to Bac Ha in Northern Vietnam is actually an easy experience using two minibuses. The first bus is from Sapa to Lao Cai which takes 1 hour. The second bus is from Lao Cai to Bac Ha which takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. If you want to experience the famous Sunday … Read more
IMPORTANT: According to people on the ground in Bac Ha, the Water Buffalo Market has recently changed to Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. The days have changed about 3 times over the past 2 years. You can keep up to date with the changes on THIS thread on Trip Advisor Visiting the Water Buffalo market on … Read more
Finding vegan and vegetarian friendly food in Hanoi, Vietnam is quite easy. From traditional Vietnamese dishes like Banh Mi and Pho served with a vegan twist to Instagram worthy trendy cafes, these vegan friendly restaurants not only cater to ethical choices but also show how easy it is to eat vegan in the heart of … Read more
If you’re a traveller on a budget and trying to save money, the 152 bus and the 109 bus from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Saigon, Vietnam are the cheapest way you can travel to District 1. I personally utilised both options in November 2023, ensuring the information is current. Continue reading for a comprehensive … Read more