After countless days of laying on the beach, it was time for some much needed activity in Koh Kong. This small town not yet developed for tourism was a great place to relax, explore the market and learn about the Eco issues related to the Cardamon mountains. Although there is still of work to be done regarding Eco issues in SEA ( ie: plastic bag overuse!!) hearing restrictions on exploitation of lumber is comforting, especially for the sake of the rosewood. To se...

I had heard many times to skip this small little town...because there is nothing to do and stores close at 8. Kep was my last relaxed town before the next major tourist destination, so I was excited to soak up the 'nothingness' it had to offer. After an interesting ride into town from a shaman from Kampot, Kep was exactly what I was looking for. This small ocean side town has so much to offer if you are willing to go a few km out of your way. I rented a bicycle ...

Battambang, the second biggest city of Cambodia, it was a great place to relax, visit the markets and take walks along the river during the day. There aren't many attractions in the city itself and the place turns into a ghost town by 9pm, but there was something about this place I really liked. I got to sleep in, indulge in tasty street food, get Khemer lessons with a local family and enjoy happy hour while reading the national newspaper. It was a town you could...

Sukothai, the first capital of Thailand was finally reached after a last minute sleepless 3rd class night train. Exhausted, figuring out whether I should sleep in New town or Old town was beyond my capabilities. So I picked the closest one to the bus station, anxious to be horizontal again after being awake for 24+ hr. Sukothai (which translates to dawn of happiness) had charm. The streets were busy but not chaotic, it had yet again, a great market where I decide...

Cambodia.... as soon as I crossed that border, I was happier, which was hard to imagine. The people here are so energetic, friendly and are usually smiling. The streets are chaotic with traffic going both ways in all lanes at times, the tuk tuk and motorbike drivers are determined as ever to get a fare, but they do it with a giant smile in their face, which makes all the difference. Starting off in Siem Reap I got my three day pass to the 7th wonder of the world....