Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, the Summer Palace in Beijing, China is an impressive “garden” with a number of bridges, pagodas, temples, pavilions, and other beautiful structures that work in complete harmony.

To avoid being overwhelmed by the visual and cultural richness of Beijing, why not go on a side trip, and marvel at a desert seemingly dropped out of nowhere? Around two hours from the city is an incongruous sight—a small stretch of sand amidst the lushness of the countryside. This is the Tianmo Desert in the Hebei Province.

Have a free weekend? Why not go to Bangkok, Thailand and enjoy the massage, the food, and the sights that make this tropical country a top tourist destination?

Here are things you can do in Saigon (HCMC), Vietnam for a few days.

In August 2010, my CouchSurfing friends and I met in Indonesia. I had come from Saigon and flew direct to Jakarta where I spent a day with my wonderful host. I flew to Yogyakarta the next day and met up with my CS friends in Alun Alun. The next day, we went temple hopping. It [...]

Kota Kinabalu is in the island of Borneo and the capital of Sabah, Malaysia. It is a major tourist destination primarily for its mountain, Mt. Kinabalu, which, at over 4,000 meters, is the highest peak in Southeast Asia. For a weekend trip, however, climbing the mountain may not be a practical option, as at least [...]

© Jakarta, Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia. It brings to mind another version of Manila; polluted, crowded, and all the things they are saying about the Philippine capital. What made me decide to go there? The thing is, I’m going back to Saigon in August (yipee!). Rather than book a return ticket, I decided to fly back [...]

If you are in Shanghai and have a bit of time, don’t miss going to Tongli, just 2 hours away. This small, water town is so charming and serene you won’t want to leave. China’s Sex Museum is here too!

With almost five months still into my Kota Kinabalu trip, I am already planning my itinerary. It has been sometime since I climbed, so I thought I would climb Mt. Kinabalu. The view at the top is said to be amazing, and it is supposed to be an easy climb. I have been to Mt. [...]

The Angkor Archaelogical Complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia is a magnificent testament to the genius of man…and how nature is slowly asserting its dominance.

On my third visit to HCMC, Vietnam, I took my time and met more people, both locals and foreigners who had grown to love Saigon like I did.

I am going back to Saigon! The first time I went was in May 2009 for six days. Mostly I had meetings and consultations so I did not have enough time to go around. This time, I swear things would be better. Saigon is a lovely city, so full of history and a people eager [...]