Wherever there are Khmer people, there are pagodas. Sóc Trăng Province in the Mekong Delta of Việt Nam is such localities, home to 99 Khmer pagodas with different sizes and splendid architectural styles. I was fortunate to be accompanied by my local host, Thảo, who has a strong interest in the culture, to do a… Continue reading Khmer Pagodas in Sóc Trăng Province
Phan Thị Kim Ngân has been working diligently for more than 40 years to preserve the tradition of making southern rice cakes. It was early afternoon when many people take a nap but in the rustic homes of Phan Thị Kim Ngân in Sơn Islet (Cần Thơ City) the place was abuzz with activity. There… Continue reading Rice is twice as nice in a cake
I was probably the youngest on the bus. Around me were local seniors in their late 50s and above. But we all headed to one place: mountains. Taiwan might be thought as a country filled mostly with electronic factories, but in fact, as much as 70% of the island’s landmass is occupied by mountains and… Continue reading A bit of Taiwan’s hiking trails
After a short ride offered by a local, we stood in front of an open ground, feeling a bit puzzled. “Are you sure this is the place? Does it exist?”, asked my friend. “I am clueless but Google said yes. Let’s go to the back”, I said. We went to the backyard, still looking. Then,… Continue reading A hidden gem in Alishan
Several months ago during a school trip that I was involved, students were asked to create art from natural things. They collected dry leaves, stones, straws or fallen petals to create pictures that reflected their impression about the trip. Those things then were put together without using any glue since they were given back to… Continue reading A beautiful way to cherish nature
With butterflies in my stomach, I followed Taiwanese teachers to their classrooms where dozens of curious yet excited faces were waiting for me. I then delivered my presentation about Vietnam and myself with unexpectedly great support and engagement of local students and teachers. It is the project “Couchsurfers in Class”, which allowed me to visit… Continue reading Non-profit project brings travellers to Taiwanese classrooms
On the bus No.15 heading to Đôn Village from Buôn Mê Thuột City, I accidentally spotted Yok Đôn National Park. The sign pricked my curiosity and sense of adventure. I told my mum, who was my travel mate: “We’ve got to check this place out”. After visiting Đôn Village, we headed back to the national… Continue reading Go off the beaten track in pristine Dak Lak
