For years we have dreamt of meeting the beautiful elephants of Asia, but after hearing many horror stories of bad treatment and awful conditions we were wary of doing more harm than good in seeking out this dream interaction. After much research, speaking to others who had visited many of the sanctuaries and so called
UK to NZ
Flying through the rainforest with Flight of The Gibbon, Chiang Mai! An adventure tour with a conscience!
When we arrived in Chiang Mai there were a few things on our list we knew we had to do, from bathing elephants at the rescue centre to wandering the glistening temples this city has too much to offer! Being adrenaline junkies the idea of whizzing through the jungle tree tops on some of the worlds
The Sheraton Imperial KL: A 5* oasis of relaxation, high class dining and jaw dropping views!
Heading back to KL this time to celebrate my birthday (the second I would be spending abroad!) it was time for something special. We were warmly greeted on our arrival and swiftly entered into the world of complete luxury; Swimming in the shadow of the KL tower, tucking into my personalised birthday cake in our
Learning to SCUBA dive in Borneo: Completing our PADI course in the most stunning and unexpected place!
When we set off backpacking around South East Asia, doing a PADI course to become qualified open water SCUBA divers was one of the first things we added to our list of things to do! After doing a taster session over 10 years ago on a family holiday to Turkey and also having friends who
Taking the 2 day slow boat down the Mekong River from Luang Prabang, Laos to Chiang Rai, Thailand and how to do it yourself!
Backpacking around South East Asia is an amazing adventure, travelling through amazingly diverse landscapes and from country to country like a true explorer. But we always like to add to the adventure if we can, for example buying motorbikes in Vietnam added so much more to our time there than just a method of transport.
The temple town of Luang Prabang Laos: Buddhism, Monks, Rivers and Rich Culture!
After the combination of the chaos and beauty of the one time party town of Vang Vieng it was time for a very different atmosphere with Luang Prabang. This regal and sacred town on the banks of the mighty Mekong is home to 33 UNESCO listed temples and more bright orange clad monks than you
Riding up to the amazing Kuang Si Waterfall before hiking through the jungle to a tribal village with Grasshopper Bike tours!
After you have toured the temples of the royal city of Luang Prabang then the next must see spot is just a few km from the town. Heading up to the stunning milky turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfall we decided to do it a little different and instead rode a bike up the mountainous
Guide to Vang Vieng, Laos: A once paradise lost that has been rediscovered as an adventure lovers heaven!
Vang Vieng was once a byword for backpackers excess and the devastating effects it can have on a place. In the past this wonderful village surrounded by mountains and stunning rivers was described as a “Paradise Lost”, engulfed by the drunken backpackers who would pass through without a care for the culture or indeed the
Tubing in Vang Vieng: Why this wonderful way to see this beautiful town doesn’t need to be marred with debauchery and drunkenness!
When you think of backpacking excesses, debauchery, drunkenness and generally the sort of behaviour that gives us more cultured travellers who happen to carry their belongings on their back a bad name the place Vang Vieng won’t be far from a mention. Over the past decade or so it has built up a reputation for all
The ultimate guide to Vietnam by motorbike: Advice from a 7 week adventure!
When thinking of the romantic idea of starting up your engine and riding across the length of Vietnam there are generally two schools of thought. Firstly that it’s the stupidest idea ever. The roads are wild, bad and dangerous and most riders are woefully inexperienced. The second is the opposite. That this is the adventure
Myanmar Treasure Resort – Inle: A perfect lakeside paradise from which to explore the culture of the region.
After 3 days trekking through mountains, villages and rice fields for over 60km, sleeping on the floors of bamboo houses and showering in a bucket in what turned out to be one of the most rewarding and intense experiences of our lives we welcomed the stunning comfort of Myanmar Treasure Resort – Inle! After having
Heading to Cat Ba island and doing amazing Ha Long bay on a backpacker budget! (Plus spending a night in the hospital!)
After spending 7 long weeks in Vietnam on motorbikes we both loved at hated this country! We had had the best and the worst of times here, some amazing adventures and some hard and gruelling days. Before leaving there was time for just one last exploration. We were in two minds whether to bother with
Trekking with H’Mong minority hill tribe through the rice terraces and mountains of Sapa. A highlight of Vietnam
Travelling the length and width of Vietnam we came across all walks of life, weathers and landscapes. But in completing our original task of riding from Saigon to Hanoi we knew we had one last adventure left, and it turned out to be the best. After 2 gruelling but amazing days on the bike, passing
Staying with a local tribal family in a bamboo house in Yen Bai, Vietnam. A true off the beaten track adventure made possible by our motorbikes!
After initially being underwhelmed by Hanoi after our 2000 mile and 6 week journey from Saigon we knew we needed to get back on the bikes. Riding through some of the most isolated and authentic areas of Vietnam had spoilt us in many ways, leaving us craving that adventure once again. Heading up to the
Myanmar Treasure Resort: Bagan A paradise within this ancient kingdom of Temples
Heading to Bagan there is a wealth of places to stay now in this growing tourist hub of Myanmar. With the dry heat of the dusty streets as you explore this wonderful ancient town you need to plan your retreat well. Selecting a place which offers you the rest needed to get up early for