The Our Travels blog series was created for just that purpose. It’s all about sharing the personal travel stories of our team, whether it’s spotting brown bear cubs in Alaska, exploring Scotland’s remote Western Isles, wandering Orccha’s historic cenotaphs, hiking the mountains around Kyoto… or relaxing at a riverside resort in The Gambia.

This month, it’s the turn of World Words writer-adventurer Nicole, who recounts a month living in Luang Prabang, Laos – amid chanting monks on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. Scroll down this page to read her story…

Nicole crossing the Bamboo Bridge over the Nam Khan River and soaking up the serenity.

Why I went to Luang Prabang, Laos
As a digital nomad, I decided to spend the best part of a year in Southeast Asia, where sun-drenched beaches, exotic culture and cheap living expenses reign. Initially, UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang was a three-day stop on my itinerary, to check out the famous spiritual heart of Laos. By the end of day one – ensconced as I was in a boutique hotel with river views and jungle sounds – I’d fallen in love with the place and extended my stay.

My highlight of the trip
Culturally, time doesn’t really exist in Laos, with the ‘Sabai Sabai’ lifestyle ensuring that everybody ‘takes it easy’. Whether I was cruising the Mekong by boat, sampling spices at street markets or strolling through rice fields, the serene vibe of Luang Prabang was the highlight of my trip. With a gypsy lifestyle, it’s always nice to settle in for a bit, in the midst of friendly smiles and total safety. Luang Prabang offers this on a backdrop of gilded temples, orange-clad monks and diverse natural wonders, like Kuang Si Waterfall.

What else I love about Luang Prabang
Every morning, the streets of Luang Prabang fill with silent lines of Buddhist monks. The Tak Bat alms-giving ritual is a sight to behold and an enlightening start to the day. Over 30 temples decorate the historic town centre, many of which are working homes for monks and novices.

I managed to wake up in time to see it most days, thanks to the surreal chanting of monks before first light. Afterwards, I could barely contain my excitement over sipping Laotian coffee and devouring French pastries. The culinary scene in Luang Prabang is a multicultural delight, at trendy cafes, street stalls and fancy restaurants.

Luckily, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to combat overeating. The historic town itself is a cyclist’s dream. Trek with elephants at MandaLao Elephant Conservation, traverse rickety bridges and kayak to Pak Ou Cave. Despite its small size, a month wasn’t long enough to experience all of Luang Prabang, and I’ll certainly return.

The daily Tat Bak alms-giving ceremony in the streets of Luang Prabang.

Why you should go
If you’ve never travelled to Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang is the perfect introduction, without the chaos of nearby tourist hotspots. It’s also utterly unique, with soul-nourishing activities among a fusion of traditional Laos and colonial-era architecture. Whether you’re practising yoga by the Mekong, indulging in French cuisine or chatting to novice monks keen to practice their English, Luang Prabang enchants your senses and captures your heart.

How you can visit
Luang Prabang International Airport greets domestic and international flights from major Asian airlines including Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Thai Airways. From outside Asia, the most common flight routes include a stopover in Bangkok (which, as this recent Our Travel piece attests, is to bad thing). It’s a short drive to town and you’ll find plenty of taxis outside the terminal. Once there you can walk, ride a bike or hail a tuk-tuk to get around.

At World Words, we often produce content about destinations in Asia. Visit our projects page to read some examples of recent work. Follow us on Twitter and we’ll keep you in the loop with all the latest travel news.

– Article and photography by Nicole Leigh West.

The post Our Travels: Luang Prabang, Laos appeared first on World Words.

We started the Our Travels blog series to showcase our team’s myriad adventures in everywhere from Alaska to The Gambia. You can read about our discoveries in destinations around the world within the Our Travels archive.

This month, World Words travel content writer Allison takes us on one of her regular forays into Bangkok. Visitors often whisk through the colourful Thai capital en route to somewhere else, but there’s so much to discover if you have time to dig in and get to know the city. Read on for Allison’s top picks for things to see and do in Bangkok…

Allison tucking into a meal at one of her favorite street food stalls in Bangkok.

Why I went to Bangkok, Thailand
I’ve been to Bangkok six or seven times before, but something always draws me back to the city. This time it was the inaugural Bangkok Biennale. Running from October 2018 until February 2019, the art festival sprawled across the city, showcasing more than 200 artworks in 20 venues. But I didn’t only come for the art. Thai food is one of my favorite cuisines and this city is quite simply the best place to get it.

My highlight of the trip
The Bangkok Biennale took over some of the city’s most special buildings. Exhibitions were housed in Buddhist temples, luxury hotels and a landmarked trading house that is typically closed to the public. As many of the sites are set along the Chao Phraya river, I was able to explore by boat.

The Chao Phraya river runs through the center of Bangkok. Exploring by boat allows you to take in the top sights without battling Bangkok’s infamous road traffic. You can visit Wat Pho and its famous Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun decorated in Chinese pottery and the glittering Grand Palace all by boat.

What else I love about Bangkok
I love Bangkok because it’s a modern metropolis with a distinctly old soul. Walk a couple blocks off the main drag and suddenly you’re in Old Siam again. While new openings are constantly popping up, it’s the classic spots that nag at me most when I’m away.

I like to start the day with breakfast at On Lok Yun, just outside of Chinatown. This old-school coffee shop serves Thai tea, Western breakfasts and eggy kaya toast, a regional specialty. When the midday sun gets too hot, I love to escape to Scala, a charming 1960s-era cinema (with, crucially, air conditioning). Then, after dark, I like to make a stop at The Bamboo Bar. The dark and glamorous bar at the Mandarin Oriental originally opened in 1953. There’s live jazz every night, top-notch cocktails and endless atmosphere.

Old meets new in Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

Why you should go
Whether you like new-world flash or old-world charm, there is always more to discover in Bangkok. What’s more, a new wave of restaurateurs and hoteliers are leaning into the fusion, opening hip new establishments in historic spaces. Plan to hit Bangkok’s top tourist sights, of course, but don’t be afraid to get a little lost. You never know what you’ll find when you get off the main drag.

How you can visit
Bangkok is a major gateway to Southeast Asia, with flights from around the world touching down in its two main hubs, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport. Once you land in Bangkok, the most convenient way to get around is by Grab, the local version of Uber. You can also take taxis and tuk-tuks, but prepare to do some heavy negotiating before you hop in. Alternatively, you can skip all the madness on the roads and explore by water taxi.

Thailand is a popular haunt of World Words writers; you can read some of our blogs, feature articles and city guides on the country right here. Keep up with all the latest travel developments by following us on Twitter.

– Article and photography by Allison Reiber DiLiegro.

The post Our Travels: Bangkok, Thailand appeared first on World Words.