I decide to make a short trip to Macau while in HK. Macau, like HK, is another SAR of China, but it has become the gambling capital of Asia with some of the hotels and casinos rivalling those in Las Vegas in size and decoration. Macau is a former Portuguese colony and a distinct Portuguese feel remains. I spend a while wandering through central Macau along the black and white winding street of Leal Senado square with flowers overhanging, eating Macanese eg...

Arrival in Hong Kong is mad - the airport is huge, extremely well organised and so quiet. I practically float off my plane and on to a bus which drops me straight in to the city centre. The initial trip into the city surprises me - there are lots of hill and green pastures! In 1997, HK became a Special Administrative Region of China when its sovereignty was handed back to China by the UK. HK now operates a 'one country, two systems' rule which differentiate...

We cross over to Cambodia and do passport control on the banks of the Mekong - very interesting. We approach to Phnom Penh at sunset and the skyline looks really impressive. Unfortunately we don't have a lot of time in Cambodia so it's a matter of trying to fit in all the highlights of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh in less than a week. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh we hop straight on to a bus which will have us in Siem Reap in six hours. We have a shor...

Vietnam Part 1 - Pre Cambodia Trip I'm so excited to see Mum - she's flies over to visit for three weeks on her lonesome -she's some woman for one woman making the long trip over by herself. I spend a few days in Hanoi before she arrives so have a hotel etc. all sorted for when she finally gets here! Myself and Regina, my friend from college who is also doing some traveling, have a make-and-do evening with paper, straws and whatever we can find so have a big...

Thailand Part 1 - pre Mum! I arrive in Bangkok and check in to the New Merry V Guest House on Phra Athit road. I want to be away from what I hear is the Khao San Road madness but near enough to the tourist things. My room is the closest thing to a prison cell I've ever experienced but somehow I manage to sleep great there and stick it out for my days in Bangkok. I've just found out that a friend from my masters, Regina, is arriving in Bangkok the day after m...