In early 2015, Journeys Within guests Orlando and Danielle traveled to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. They returned with this guest review…
Making paper flowers in Hue, Vietnam.
We cannot fully express with words how wonderful our trip through these beautiful countries was. We were so moved by everything we experienced. So much contrast all coexisting at once – beautiful landscapes and comfortable travels contrasted with the stark reality of what life is really like for so many (including some of our guides); such a dark history of oppression and war contrasted – all the reason to be angry – with the beauty that is the Buddhist culture – inherently peaceful and positive; the most delicious food we’ve ever eaten contrasted with the apparent lack of food for so many. Most of all, we were moved by all the smiles – the countless smiles we encountered and the clear inability of people to hold them back.
We are convinced that Journeys Within made this trip that much richer. And while we enjoyed the service, the beautiful hotels, etc., it was those activities that introduced us to the villages and local life (the trip down the Mekong and the Baci ceremony, meeting Sothy’s family, the transformative trip to the Tonle Sap and Konpog Phluk) that will stay with us for a long time. We highly recommend these activities as a counter part to the “beaten path attractions.” And while kayaking through the dirty waters of the Tonle Sap was very tough (and I don’t mean the exercise), I think it was such an important thing to see.
Danielle and I would like to learn a bit more about supporting some the work the Journeys Within does, and are also looking into our employer matching contributions – we weren’t on your site’s list, but are sure the company will match 1 for 1.
Thanks!
Warm regards,
Orlando and Danielle
Cooking class in Hoi An, VietnamThe Imperial City in Hue, VietnamFlower making in Hue, Vietnam
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Andrea gets a taste of fresh rice rolls in Hanoi made the old-fashioned way…
Located on a busy corner in the Old Quarter of Hanoi sits a new restaurant that is a must-visit for anyone heading to the city. Started by Ms Le Thi Thanh Thuy, this little restaurant is a wonderful hidden gem. Banh Cuon Viet features a very simple menu of traditional Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls, but the best part is that you can be part of the action. The chef actually sits at the front of the restaurant and makes these little delicacies for all to see. You can choose the ingredients — everything from a simple spring onion roll to a pork or shrimp roll. If you really want to be challenged you can take the hot seat and try making your own rolls.
Watch the fresh rice paper being made for traditional spring rolls — or better yet, make it yourself!
Ms Thuy is a lovely host and because of her many years of being a tour guide she has no problem explaining the menu, the restaurant or just chatting in flawless English. Her reason for leaving guiding and getting into the restaurant business? Her love of steamed rice rolls, of course. She remembers having them as a kid and decided to go back to her home town to learn how to make them in the traditional way before bringing those skills back to Hanoi.
Fresh spring rolls in Hanoi.
It’s the perfect light meal and a great way to enjoy some local flavor!… Read more »
On arrival I was immediately welcomed into the (slightly) overwhelming Lanna-style main building, which houses the lavish lobby and a number of drinking and dining options, all with great views of the surrounding gardens and pool.
Although the entire property is beautifully decorated with great attention to detail, my favourite feature of this hotel definitely has to be the rooms. Spread over about 60 acres, guests have the choice of walking, borrowing one of the hotel bicycles or jumping in a golf buggy to make their way across the property to the Oriental’s rooms and villas.
The hotel has over 18 different types of rooms and private villas, but for me the simple Colonial Suite is the perfect choice. The spacious rooms — split between a living area and a bedroom — are great for single travellers, couples or friends, and are especially suited to families with young kids as a number of the suites are connecting. If you’re looking for something a bit bigger and travelling with older children then one of the Grand Deluxe Villas is an excellent option, with bedrooms and living space spread across two floors and a private outdoor pool and dining area to be enjoyed.
The hotel is currently changing management and moving away fromthe Mandarin Oriental Group to become simply the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai. That said, the majority of the staff will remain and the hotel has no plans to make any big changes, so we will definitely be keeping a close eye to see how things progress!… Read more »
Pemika from the Journeys Within Thailand office gives her take on Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, one of Bangkok’s newer museums that showcase Thai life in the area from the 1700s to present day…
Welcome to Siamese Rattanakosin Era, the fourth Thai kingdom, at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. One of the newer tourist attractions in Bangkok, the multimedia showcase is designed to give visitors a feel for Thai culture, history, and religion using amazing, interactive multimedia.
Guests start with “The Colorful Thai Way of Living Hall” to see how Thai riverside lifestyle evolve from simpler times to a more modern lifestyle.
A traditional Thai village at work.
Thailand has many rivers and canals, and traditionally houses were set up alongside the river. This exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into how this water was used, past to present; from taking water for washing clothes and showering to traveling by boat — floating market are very popular – and catching fish and prawn to eat.
After talking about life on the riverside, guests are invited to take a trip down the “river” in their own “boat”. Life along the river is animated on a multimedia screen while guests take their seat small cart, whose movements simulate that of a boats.
View from the “boat” that takes you on a tour of river-side life.
Thai life is so simple and based on nature, this section helped show how the river is very important to my people. Even as Thais become more modernized – we now have roads and travel by cars – our connection to the water remains.
After the trip down the 3-D river, the screen then changes into the old city with the first road in Thailand while the seated voyage continues on as a faux-tram.
Next take in “The Heart and Soul of the Nation Hall” which illustrates the royal stories of 9 Kings of the Chakri Dynasty who bestowed great mercy one their people. Here you can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at some royal ceremonies and traditions.
The two-hour tour ends with “Grandeur Rattanakosin Hall” which gives a historical account of the construction of Royal Palace, Bangkok and surrounding temples. I was impressed by the light and sound performance of this exhibit; definitely worth seeing.
Ever wonder how all the traditional hand-made goods you see scattered around Bangkok are made? The museum uses multi-touch screens to give a glimpse of those Thai handicrafts that originate from the 12 communities of Rattanakosin Island.
Architecture buffs will come to appreciate those styles – Chinese and Western – that influenced Thai buildings over time. They will also get a look at the heritage and design of some of the area’s most notable projects like Wat Prakaew and the Grand Palace. Not to mention the great view of current day buildings from a viewing area on the third floor.
The view from the 3rd floor of the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. From here you can see the temple of metal castle at Ratchanadda Temple.
The exhibition hall has two routes; you can choose either one or do both, with each route taking about two hours. Just don’t forget to have a bite to eat before heading in!
It should also be noted that the exhibit is not entirely wheelchair friendly; the ground is uneven and has slopes built to fit with Thai theme. The tour is also not provided in English, though there are audio guides for rental. This presents a great opportunity to take your private guide along and have them answer any questions you may have.
The museum is located in Rattanakosin Island and can be combined with other nearby tourist attractions such as Wat Prakaew, Grand Palace, and Wat Pho. And while some visitors may come to take in the puppet shows and traditional dancing, which are not to be missed, most will leave with a better overall understanding of the area and its history.
Why not let us design your days in Bangkok with the added Siamese experience?
