Experience Tak Bat (Giving Alms) in Luang Prabang Set on the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is one of the most charming cities in Southeast Asia. Along the peaceful streets in the early morning, locals sit on the side of the road to give alms to Buddhist monks and novices. This peaceful ceremony is…
Category: Southeast Asia
Giving Alms
In the early morning, locals sit on the side of the street to give alms to monks and novices. This peaceful ceremony is conducted in silence where Buddhists gain spiritual merit by the act of giving. The traditional offering is sticky rice but any type of food can be offered. Participants keep their heads bowed…
Nong Khiaw, Northern Laos
FIND YOUR WAY The river’s scenic east bank (officially called Ban Sop Houn) is where most guesthouses and restaurants are. ACTIVITIES Visiting Nong Khaiw can just be about enjoying the stunning scenery, but if you want to get out and explore, here are some ideas. RockclimbingClimb the limestone formations that surround the town. TrekkingThere are…
Tamarind Cooking Class in Luang Prabang, Laos
Food in Laos is more distinctive than you might expect. Freshness is very important with everything prepared from scratch. Dishes are based on balance between sweet, sour, cooked, fresh, mild, bitter, salty and spicy. Herbs including galangal (similar to ginger) and lemongrass are commonly used. DAY CLASS Start early with a tour or the market…
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
ACTIVITIES Monkey ForestSet on the southern part of Monkey Forest Road, large trees and mossy structures house hundreds of little grey monkeys. The Balinese long-tailed Monkey (scientific name Macaca fascicularis) might look cute, but these wide eyed creatures continuously out-wit unsuspecting tourists. This isn’t the sort of place where they will leave you alone if you…
Exploring Vietnamese Cuisine
KEY FEATURES OF VIETNAMESE CUISINE Vietnamese cuisine varies between the north and south with the changing landscape. Like much of Southeast Asia the aim is to balance spicy, salty, sour and sweet flavours. REGIONAL SPECIALTIES NORTHERN Northern dishes take influence from China. Expect more mild, herby flavours like northern Thai dishes. Soy features as much…
Exploring Thai Cuisine
KEY FEATURES OF THAI CUISINE RICE Like other Southeast Asian countries, eating is synonymous with eating rice. There are generally two cooking techniques used depending on the region and type of rice. Khao hom mali (Jasmine rice) fragrant long grain found in most western supermarkets and more favourably used in southern Thai cooking. Khao niao…
Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
FINDING YOUR WAY The Old City is the heart of Chiang Mai, framed by an ancient wall and moat, where you can explore Lanna style temples and enjoy some of Northern Thailand’s famous cuisine. Outside of the walls Chiang Mai is a modern metropolis. The riverside area has its own pace with restaurants and a…
The Temples of Angkor, Cambodia
MAIN TEMPLES Angkor WatBuilt in the 12th century in traditional Khmer style with thousands of stone carvings and beautiful lotus-like towers that stand 65 metres tall; Angkor Wat is the most recognised and well preserved of all the temples. It’s a symbol of national pride – so important to Cambodia it features on the flag…
Etiquette For Visiting Buddhist Temples & Religious Sites
What to WearDressing modestly is strictly observed in temples and you will not be allowed to enter if you’re showing too much skin. It is recommended that you dress modestly all the time, not just for visiting temples to respect local customs. Keeping covered will protect you from sunburn in the day and insect bites…
Little Amy Tours 