Latest Travelfish feature stories

Cycle Asia: Tubing in the Vang Vieng
Like a SE Asian Goa, Vang Vieng offers the constant debauchery that marks any infamous destination on the now well-worn backpacker/hippie/party-people trail. It just doesn't have a beach, nor, frankly, does it even need one. The famed attraction has become, incorrectly but perhaps appropriately, immortalized on t-shirts and tank tops as: "Tubing In The Vang Vieng Laos."... Cycle Asia: Tubing in the Vang Vieng -- full story

Do nothing and see the best of Hanoi
I am writing this from a chair barely inside the doorway of The Cart - a small coffee and sandwich place in a narrow alley not far from St Joseph's Cathedral. My laptop tells me I have a choice of six different WiFi options courtesy of the surrounding hotels. My coffee, on this occasion, is Italian but during warmer seasons I'd choose the more ubiquitous iced Vietnamese variety.... Do nothing and see the best of Hanoi -- full story

Cycle Asia: Phonsavan and Luang Prabang
The laid-back charm of Laos is present wherever you travel in the country, but tourism has certainly developed at dramatically different rates. Both the Plain of Jars and Luang Prabang are internationally known historical sites, the key difference between the two is that the latter is a well-established World Heritage site, while the former is an unsolved archeological mystery scattered throughout several rural fields. Traveling by bicycle these two stops on the tourist trail fall within a few days travel of each other, but their differences could not be more apparent.... Cycle Asia: Phonsavan and Luang Prabang -- full story

Thai visa FAQ
Questions relating to Thai visas are some of the most common ones popping up on the Visa and Border Crossings section of the Travelfish.org forum. Given the Thai authorities change the rules so often it is no surprise that people get confused regarding both the need for a visa and how they can get one. So what follows is a brief summary of the rules and regulations regarding Thai visas along with some background information that may help.... Thai visa FAQ -- full story

The Boxing Day Tsunami: Five years on. Our experience in Sri Lanka
This morning, five years ago, what became known as the Boxing Day Tsunami rolled in, devastating sections of Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives and India. We were on holiday in Sri Lanka at the time and were in Colombo when the wave hit. As Sam was a wire journalist at the time, our holiday ceased immediately and we headed down to cover the aftermath. Following Sri Lanka, but before we headed to southern Thailand to cover the damage to Ko Phi Phi, Khao Lak and Phuket, I wrote an email to friends and family that encompassed some of my immediate impressions and emotions of the time. I thought, given five years have passed, others may find this edited version of the email of interest.... The Boxing Day Tsunami: Five years on. Our experience in Sri Lanka -- full story

The Road Less Travelled
While a cycling trip through much of four countries can certainly be described as epic, the hill-filled journey from Hanoi to Sam Neua, Laos was undoubtedly the most arduous part. While numerous cyclists follow the main highway from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and back, few choose to enter Laos through its north-eastern back-door. Endless uncompromising mountains stand between the plains around Vietnam's capitol and the small provincial city of Sam Neua, hidden high in the clouds. Covering just under 400km, of which 350km are mountainous, it is a solid six-day ride: four on the Vietnamese side, and the final two in the wilds of Laos.... The Road Less Travelled -- full story

Cycle Asia: Ha Long Bay The Independent Way
There's been plenty of discussion about the best way to explore Vietnam's famed Ha Long Bay, and Travel Fish's five-part series definitely examines the most common ways in excellent detail. However, if you're tired of pre-booked tours, cramped buses, and a stressful time-schedule, than travelling independently by bicycle is a truly relaxing way to experience the natural glory of Ha Long. Even still, surprises and mysterious conspiracies seem unavoidable, but being in control of your own destiny is very rewarding in and of itself. ... Cycle Asia: Ha Long Bay The Independent Way -- full story

Cycle Asia: The Hills of Vietnam
After cycling, sweating, and occasionally slogging through over 1,600km of SE Asian roads, we've experienced more than a few epic rides. While consistently beautiful beaches, the stunning temples at Angkor, and a myriad of rural towns that we've cycled through were all certainly impressive and scenic, it's the challenging hill-climbs that remain the most memorable. ... Cycle Asia: The Hills of Vietnam -- full story

Teaching ESL in Asia: Long-term travel without a long-term budget
Whether it's due to the Great Financial Debacle, reluctance to plunge into the monotony of a 9 to 5 job or simply a case of the travel bug, you find yourself speculating on a world and a journey far away. If you can't take six months off to see Asia but you can uproot yourself, you could consider teaching English as a second language in the region.... Teaching ESL in Asia: Long-term travel without a long-term budget -- full story

Singapore on a budget
If you're on an extended trip through Southeast Asia, with its first-world prices Singapore can be a real budget buster. Here are some tips to stretch your Sing dollars that little bit further from a long-time backpacker turned Singapore resident.... Singapore on a budget -- full story

Cycle Asia: Cycles of All Sorts
The Saigon sun blasted me awake mid-morning in Pham Ngu Lao, where it was iced coffee with a Laughing Cow omelette for breakfast. The micro-sized chairs looked far less tempting than standing, so a cheesy baguette-in-a-bag was juggled along with a lidless cup of ca phe sua da: easier than it sounds when everything tastes so delicious.... Cycle Asia: Cycles of All Sorts -- full story

The Festivals of Singapore
Many travellers on the Southeast Asia circuit skip Singapore, writing it off as just another big, bland city. While it's undeniably true that Singapore isn't in-your-face like Bangkok or rustically charming like Vientiane, that doesn't mean this capital can't be an interesting place too. Where Singapore shines is its multiculturalism -- there are three very unique cultures each battling to keep their traditions alive in a city that embraces modernism. Visit Singapore for one of these upcoming festivals then see if you think it's still a dull place.... The Festivals of Singapore -- full story

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