From the Sunken Kingdom of AYUTTHAYA to the Monkey Temple of LOPBURI

Only 90 kilometers north of Thailand’s capital Bangkok is the sunken Kingdom Ayutthaya where you immerse in the country’s glorious past before visiting the Monkey Temple of Lopburi.

From the Sunken Kingdom of AYUTTHAYA to the Monkey Temple of LOPBURI: Buddha head embedded in a Banyan tree at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya
The Mona Lisa of Thailand: Probably no other sight in Ayutthaya is photographed as often as this stone Buddha head embedded in a Banyan tree at Wat Mahathat.
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KAMPHAENG PHET and PHITSANULOK – two (un)necessary detours

Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok might not be the most exciting spots in Thailand, nevertheless, you’ll possibly have to take those detours.

Archeological Park at the center of Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand
At Kamphaeng Phet, you even don’t have to go to the archeological park – there are majestic ruins to be admired right in the center of the city!

Therefore, I’ve put together itineraries for short stays in these places. This way, you still can make the best of these deviations.

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A Visit to the HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM – at the height of beauty

Although on clear days, you can be lucky to spot Mount Fuji all the way from Tokyo, most people take a day trip either to the Fujigoko Fuji Five Lake region at the northern foot of the famous mountain. Others try their luck and visit Hakone, a hot spring region with many grand places to experience – like the Hakone Open Air Museum, an outdoor gallery at the height of beauty.

Renata Green on a sculpture at the Open Air Museum In Hakone, Japan
Sunnyside up: At Hakone’s outdoor gallery, visitors are invited to become one with the art – literally.

World-famous Mount Fuji, probably Japan’s most iconic landmark, is a still active volcano, albeit, it erupted for the last time in 1707, so no worries.

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VIETNAM – the highlights in three weeks

It is easily possible to see the highlights of Vietnam even if you can spend only two or three weeks in this fascinating country.

Three street vendors in Hoi An
Friendly fruit vendors in Hội An, one of my trip’s highlights.

Yes, there is so much fascinating culture and rich yet tragic history. There are bustling metropoles, rolling hills, endless beaches, and mesmerizing bays. Finally, Vietnam is really safe and easy to explore – even for a solo-travelling female.

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From Saigon to HO CHI MINH CITY – a Guide to Vietnam’s Largest Metropole and Three Day Trips

For many visitors, gates to Vietnam open at Ho Chi Minh City – a metropolis formerly known as Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh Statue in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam
Hồ Chí Minh – Uncle Hồ – greeting his people and a couple of tourists from a pedestal in front of the old town hall.

This megacity in the southern, tropical part of Vietnam has about 8.5 million inhabitants – and 7.4 million motorbikes.

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The Sea And Sand of MUI NE

Mui Ne – this fishing village a bit over 200 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City stands for sea and sand. And talking ’bout sand, I’m not referring to just a dreamy beach but to amazing sand dunes on the outskirts of Mui Ne.

Breakfast vendors on the red dunes of Mui Ne, a place famous for sea and sand
Breakfast vendors on the red dunes.

Whether you prefer them in yellow or in red – you need to get up at the break of the day to enjoy them most.

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