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…
Tag: culture
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…
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…
Hoi An, Central Vietnam
ANCIENT TOWN The UNESCO World Hertigate site of Hoi An’s Ancient Town sits on the Thu Bon River. It was a vibrant trading port between from the 15th to 19th century. During the day explore the labyrinth of canary yellow buildings and beautiful temples. When the sunsets, the town is lit up with hundreds of…
Hanoi, Northern Vietnam
FINDING YOUR WAY The old Hanoi is contained within four districts: Hoàn Kiếm, Ba Đình, Hai Bà Trưng and Đống Đa. Hoàn Kiếm is the most explored as this includes The Old Quarter, whose 36 narrow streets are loosely categorised by what they sell – such as paper, shoes, clothes, tin goods. There is no…
Welcome to Thailand
TOP THINGS TO DO IN THAILAND Thailand is famous for its food. Take a cooking class and recreate your favourite dishes at home. Visit beautiful Buddhist temples and learn about the country’s main religion Explore the busy city of Bangkok – visit the Grand Palace and Moon Bar. Laze on the beautiful beaches of Koh…
Choosing between Thailand’s Islands and Beaches
GULF ISLANDS & EASTERN BEACHES Perfect weather in the summer months. The mainland town of Surat Thani has ferry services to all three islands. You can also fly into Samui and Phangan. Koh Tao A long-time favourite with backpackers for diving and snorkeling. Koh Phangan Every month thousands head for Haad Rin beach to dance…
Exploring Lao Cuisine
KEY FEATURES Freshness is very important in Lao cooking 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. A typical Lao table will include Khao Niaow (Sticky rice), a staple of any Lao…
Phi Phi Islands, Thai Islands
FIND YOUR WAY Phi Phi is made up of two islands. Phi Phi Don is the inhabited island you’ll arrive at. Far from the rustic island hideway she used to be, the island has been hastily built up despite plans to protect it after the 2004 tsunami. Anyone who visited the island a few years…
Khao Lak, Southern Thailand
THINGS TO DO Apart from relaxing on the beach, snorkelling and diving are the two main activities here. Those looking for something extra special head over to the Similan Islands. I don’t dive, but I’ve been told it’s extremely beautiful here and very expensive in comparison to other places in Thailand. HISTORY On Boxing Day 2004 Southern…
Little Amy Tours 