Stretching Across Borders: From Vietnam to Singapore ✈️

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I’m back to share my adventures through South East Asia and what better day to connect with you all than on my birthday! As cliche as it sounds, another year older really does feel like another year wiser, especially after this journey. I’ve been lucky enough to explore places I never imagined I’d visit just a few years ago. From growing up in the quiet countryside of mid-Wales to navigating bustling cities and even stepping into countries so different from my own, I’ve truly stepped outside my comfort zone and I wouldn’t change it for the world. 🌍 🗺️ 💭

Tuck yourselves in!

Vietnam 🇻🇳

We began our adventure in Hanoi, where our very first hostel was right in the heart of a bustling local food market. From fish heads and eels to chickens clucking in cages it was a full sensory experience. I even managed to get fish guts splattered on my white linen shirt to prove it! Hanoi is a city of contrasts: chaotic streets filled with scooters, yet moments of calm tucked away in coffee shops. One of my favourite discoveries was the famous ‘salt coffee, yes my coffee obsession has officially reached new heights. 🎣 ☕️

From there, we hopped on our first sleeper bus (if you haven’t seen them, Google it!) to start the legendary Ha Giang Loop. This is a three-day motorbike journey through northern Vietnam with a local ‘easy rider’ guide, and it was truly breathtaking. Towering limestone mountains, winding passes, and tiny villages along the way gave us a glimpse into rural life that felt worlds away from the city. With music blasting it was truly one of those travel moments you’ll never forget. 🏍️ ⛰️ 🍲

Next stop was Ninh Binh, often called ‘Ha Long Bay on land.’ We took the Trang An boat tour, weaving through caves and rivers surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks so cinematic, in fact, that scenes from Kong: Skull Island were filmed here. 🪨 ⛰️

Hoi An was another highlight, a charming lantern-lit town shaped by centuries of trade. We took a traditional coconut boat ride through the water palms and watched the Memories Show, a spectacular performance that tells the story of how foreign traders transformed the port town. It was a beautiful way to understand Hoi An’s blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. 🚤 🏮

Our last stop in Vietnam was Ho Chi Minh City (formerly called Saigon), a city that never seems to slow down. I’ve never seen so many scooters in one place, seriously crossing the road felt like an extreme sport! Between exploring the markets, indulging in yet more coffee, and chatting with young locals eager to practice their English, it was the perfect way to round off our time in Vietnam. A country of smiling faces, deep history, and unforgettable landscapes a place that left us with full hearts. 🛵 🏙️

Cambodia 🇰🇭

We crossed the border by bus and arrived in Phnom Penh, heading straight to the night market in search of delicious street food. The place was buzzing with vendors, each working hard to support their families through their cooking. To my surprise, I even stumbled across a Welsh bar and proudly left my mark for the next Welshie who visits! 🍱 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

But Phnom Penh also brought a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s past. We visited the S21 Museum and the Killing Fields which are sites that tell the story of the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s, when nearly two million Cambodians lost their lives. Walking through these places was truly heartbreaking. It gave me a sick feeling in my stomach to realise how recent it all was, and how many families are still living with the effects today. 💔

Our temple adventures also really began here. Visiting Cambodia’s sacred sites gave us an incredible chance to learn about Buddhism and Hinduism, and to see how religion is deeply woven into daily life. From Phnom Penh, we continued on to Siem Reap, where we explored the floating villages. Entire communities live on the water, fishing by day and climbing up and down huge wooden stilts to reach their homes. From the outside, it’s easy to think of it as poverty but inside those homes, whole families live together, and the children running barefoot after chickens seemed nothing but happy. It was a reminder that richness in life comes in many forms. 🚤 🎣 🛖

Of course, one of the main reasons we were drawn to Cambodia was to see the famous Angkor Wat often described as the 8th wonder of the world. Built in the 12th century, it’s the largest religious monument on earth, originally a Hindu temple before becoming Buddhist. Wandering through its ancient stone corridors, studying the intricate carvings on the walls, it was humbling to imagine what life was like there centuries ago. 🛕

We rounded off our time in Cambodia with a traditional dance performance and buffet meal a joyful evening after so much history and reflection. Cambodia left a big mark on me. The people are warm, hardworking, and resilient. After everything they’ve endured, their friendliness and optimism deserve the utmost respect. 🫡

Thailand 🇹🇭

Because of border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand at the time, we hopped on a plane into Bangkok. I hadn’t seen my best mate in over two years since she moved here with her family, so staying with them felt extra special and they made the perfect tour guides (thank you!). Together, we explored some of Bangkok’s highlights, including the famous Reclining Golden Buddha at Wat Pho, sampled incredible Thai curries, and of course enjoyed a few Chang beers. Between poolside relaxation, incredible ‘magic toilets’ in the malls, and sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar with the city skyline glowing at sunset (and happy hour prices!), Bangkok was the perfect welcome to Thailand. 🌆 🍹

From there, we took a short trip north to Chiang Mai, which has been rated one of the top cities in the world to visit. We had just one thing on our minds: elephants. It was important to us to find an ethical experience, so we joined a ‘walking with elephants’ tour. We spent the day feeding them sticky rice parcels and watermelon, walking alongside them through the jungle, and simply watching them be elephants. Looking into their wise, soulful eyes was unforgettable because you can almost feel the stories they hold. Chiang Mai also treated us to Nutella rotis from the night markets, Muay Thai fights, and a peaceful bamboo rafting trip down the river. 🐘 🙈

Our next adventure took us deep into the jungle at Khao Sok National Park, where we stayed in bamboo huts surrounded by nature. We trekked through the jungle at night spotting wildlife, cooked rice and chicken inside bamboo over a campfire, and sat by the river as two cheeky monkeys came down to sit nearby. It was one of those wholesome, pinch-me travel moments I’ll never forget. 🌴 🕷️ 🔥

From the jungle, we chased the coast and settled just outside Krabi. A slightly questionable boat trip in wind and rain still managed to get us out to the islands for some snorkelling. We followed it up with off-road quad biking, getting absolutely covered in mud but loving every second of the adrenaline rush. The day finished with burgers and a fire-dance show on the beach the perfect way to round off our time in Thailand. ⛴️ 🏝️ 🍔

Thailand truly had it all, incredible food, buzzing cities, peaceful jungles, and stunning beaches. It felt more modern and westernised compared to Vietnam and Cambodia, but still had a unique charm of its own. I left knowing I’ll definitely be back.

Malaysia 🇲🇾

We crossed into Malaysia by bus, with our first stop in Georgetown on Penang Island a place famous for its food, street art, and vibrant cultural mix. Here, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and colonial influences all blend together, and you can feel it in everything from the architecture to the street food stalls. I have to give a special shoutout to the Michelin-recognised samosas in Little India, the absolute bomb! 🍛 🖼️

From there, we climbed Penang Hill for panoramic views of the city. Although it was a little cloudy, the sweeping view was still well worth the effort. Soon after, we left the bustle of the city behind and headed for the Cameron Highlands outside Tanah Rata, where we stayed in rustic wooden huts with mosquito nets strung above our beds. Life slowed down here as there were hammocks by the river, bamboo rafts to laze on, and chilled evenings playing cards. We explored the famous Mossy Forest, wandered among rolling tea plantations, and even visited a strawberry farm. This peaceful, rural side of Malaysia really stole my heart. 🌴 🃏

But then the capital was calling. Kuala Lumpur is a city you can’t miss, and it lived up to its reputation. We started with a visit to the Sepang International Circuit, where we were lucky enough to catch motorbikes racing around the track. From there, we explored KLCC Park, where the iconic Petronas Twin Towers dominate the skyline. For this stay, we treated ourselves to a rooftop pool at our hotel, which meant we could float in the water while gazing up at the towers lit up against the night sky. Honestly, it was the most incredible skyline I’ve ever seen it was truly unforgettable. 🌃 🏊‍♀️

No trip to KL would be complete without visiting the Batu Caves, a Hindu temple complex set inside towering limestone caves, guarded by a giant golden statue of Lord Murugan. We also squeezed in some fun with Mario Kart–style go-karting before our Malaysian journey came to an end. 🛕

Malaysia struck me as incredibly diverse a place where cultures live side by side with ease but also noticeably more modern and westernised the further south we travelled. It was an enjoyable and eye-opening stop on our adventure. ⚖️🪆

Singapore 🇸🇬

The final part of our South East Asia adventure was a special one, Singapore! Definitely the most expensive stop on our travels, but every bit worth it for the 48 hours we spent there. Walking along Clifford Pier with the Marina Bay Sands rising in front of us was breathtaking. For a moment, it almost felt like I’d stepped into Australia! Watching the sunset over the water while waiting for the Marina Bay light and water show to begin was pure magic. 🌅 🪄

The next day we set off on foot, exploring the famous Gardens by the Bay. With its futuristic Supertrees and lush domes, it felt like wandering through a sci-fi movie. After racking up nearly 30,000 steps in one day, we rewarded ourselves with a rooftop bar beer (happy hour, of course!) before heading back for the evening light show beneath the Supertrees. Sitting on the ground surrounded by tourists and locals alike, all gazing up in awe it was one of those travel moments that makes you feel connected to everyone around you. 🍻 🧚🏻

Even the airport in Singapore deserves a mention, because it’s unlike any other in the world. From the world’s largest indoor waterfall to a butterfly garden and even a cinema, we happily let it take up half our itinerary. Only in Singapore could an airport feel like an attraction in itself! ✈️ 💧

And that has wrapped up the South East Asia journey. For now, I’m putting down the pen and starting to plan the next (and final) chapter of my travels. Reflecting on all these memories has been such a joy, and I hope you’ve enjoyed coming along for the ride.

As always, rock on!🤘

L x