Seizing the day

On our recent travels to Ho Chi Minh City my partner and I decided to get a tattoos. Getting inked (credit: Flikr ) Why we decided to get them We both had tattoos done this year at  Family Business  in London by  Jonathan Mckenzie  who is a very precise and fine detailed artist – it was actually my first ever tattoo. I didn't really think tattoos would be addictive, but here I am, getting my second one in the space of 4 months – in Vietnam! We were a bit dubious about getting tattoos in a different country, as you have to think: Is it hygienic? Safe? Will I regret it? It's really important to do your research on a tattooist and know what the standards are in the country you're getting it in. Obviously, if you're going for a bamboo tattoo in Thailand then there's a risk, but most tattooist now play by the hygiene rules – but check before you book. You should read reviews, look on social media and TripAdvisor, or better still talk to someone who got a tat...

If you’re in Thailand and want to go to Malaysia without getting a long bus or a plane, than you’ll be pleased to know it is possible by train(s) and a few ferries. The beautiful Koh Samui  Our itinerary My partner and I recently travelled from Koh Samui, Thailand all the way to Georgetown, Penang and it went surprisingly smooth. Here's how we did it: 1. Lomprayah ferry  and bus (joint ticket):  Na Thon Koh Samui to Surat Thani Train Station  ( duration: 3 hours and 5 mins, cost: 700 baht) -  booked with 12goAsia 2. Thai sleeper train (special express): Surat Thani, Thailand to Padang Besar, Malaysia (duration: approx. 7 hours, cost: 722 baht) - booked with Thai Railway Ticket My train ticket from Surat Thani to Padang Besar 3. KTM Komuter: Padang Besar to Butterworth (duration: 1 hr 30 mins, cost: 115 baht) - can’t pre-book, got the ticket at the station 4. Butterworth ferry to Georgetown (duration: approx. 20 mins...

We didn't have many expectations for Luang Prabang, but when we left we were gutted we didn't spend more time there. This post includes: How to get to Luang Prabang What the atmosphere was like Kuang Si Falls The Alms Giving Ceremony  Coffee tasting The Utopia bar How much we spent The beautiful Mekong River at sunset Atmosphere Classed as a world heritage site in 1995, Lurang Prabang is the ancient capital of Laos. The town is full of charm and quaintness with its beautiful French-indochinese architecture with hints of modern influences. It feels like it's a place that doesn't know what to do with all the attention it gets, but doesn't care at the same time. Comparing it to other places we’ve been so far, I’d say it’s got the chill vibes of Pai mixed with a bit of Chiang Mai, but not as busy. To get around town I'd highly recommend hiring a bicycle. It's not too busy on the roads, unlike it's neighbouring countries Thailand and Vie...