Always on A Journey

12/01/2025

Lovely few days spent in Nan, Thailand. Gorgeous scenery. It's a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth a visit.

03/11/2024

::Yi Peng: A Luminescent Celebration of Lanna Culture::
As the first full moon of the twelfth lunar month rises over the ancient city of Chiang Mai, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolds. Countless sky lanterns, adorned with colorful patterns and warm wishes, ascend into the night sky. This is Yi Peng, a luminous celebration that illuminates the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The festival, deeply rooted in Lanna traditions, is a time to honor ancestors, make merit, and embrace the beauty of community.

• History and Significance
Yi Peng traces its origins to ancient Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The festival is associated with the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the cooler months. It is believed that releasing sky lanterns and krathongs into the water symbolizes letting go of the past and welcoming good fortune. In the Lanna Kingdom, Yi Peng was an important occasion for royal ceremonies, religious rituals, and cultural performances.

::: Yi Peng Traditions :::
• Loy Krathong: One of the central traditions of Yi Peng is Loy Krathong, where people create small, decorated vessels made of banana leaves and flowers. These krathongs are filled with offerings like incense, candles, and coins. As the moon rises, people gather along riverbanks and release their krathongs into the water, making wishes for good luck, health, and prosperity.

• Sky Lanterns: A more recent addition to the festival, sky lanterns, or khom loi, have become a breathtaking spectacle. These large, paper lanterns are lit and released into the sky, creating a magical display of light. As the lanterns ascend, people make wishes and pray for blessings.

• Other Traditions: In addition to Loy Krathong and sky lanterns, Yi Peng features other traditional activities like temple decorations, candlelit processions, and cultural performances. People dress in colorful traditional attire, and the streets are filled with festive decorations.

::: Chiang Mai: The Heart of Yi Peng :::
Chiang Mai, the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, is undoubtedly the best place to experience the magic of Yi Peng. The city comes alive with vibrant celebrations, and the night sky is illuminated by thousands of lanterns.

::: Must-See Events:::
• Lantern Release : Witness a breathtaking sight as thousands of lanterns are released simultaneously. You can join for free at any local temple in the city. Some events, held with a krathong workshop and a dinner, require a ticket purchase. Prices vary depending on the venue.
• Candlelit Processions: Join the procession of monks carrying candles through the streets.

• Temple Fairs: Explore the bustling temple fairs, where you can find traditional crafts, food, and souvenirs.

::: Modern Yi Peng and Challenges :::
While Yi Peng continues to captivate people worldwide, it also faces challenges. The increasing popularity of the festival has led to concerns about environmental impact, particularly due to the release of sky lanterns. To address these issues, many organizations are promoting eco-friendly practices and encouraging responsible tourism.

• A Traveler's Guide to Yi Peng
Best Time to Visit: The best time to experience Yi Peng is during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, typically in November.

• Where to Stay: Chiang Mai offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. See the best area to stay in this Video. https://youtu.be/bS5vrfdDWVY?si=3YgP9VJIql-mxcvy

-- Witness the stunning spectacle of thousands of lanterns lighting up the sky. Book your tickets today and create lifelong memories.
• Magical Lantern "Yee Peng" Loy Krathong Festival 2024 in Chiang Mai https://shorturl.at/nFmmS
• Lantern Festival 2024 at Horizon Village Chiang Mai https://shorturl.at/WU6rw
• The Heaven Lantern Festival 2024 at The Garden, Chiang Mai https://shorturl.at/y74Gu

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07/10/2024

Bantad Thong Road: Bangkok's New Culinary Hotspot
Bangkok, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene, has recently welcomed a new culinary gem: Bantad Thong Road. This emerging neighborhood has quickly gained popularity among both locals and tourists seeking a more relaxed and authentic dining experience.

Located just a short distance from the bustling heart of Siam, Bantad Thong Road offers a refreshing escape from the crowds. The area boasts a diverse array of restaurants, serving up everything from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine. Whether you're craving a spicy pad Thai, a sweet mango sticky rice, or a tangy som tam, you'll find it all on Bantad Thong Road.

One of the biggest draws of Bantad Thong Road is its laid-back atmosphere. Unlike the chaotic food scene in Chinatown, this neighborhood offers a more peaceful setting where you can savor your meal without feeling rushed. Many of the restaurants have outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the local ambiance while indulging in delicious food.

If you're looking to explore Bangkok's culinary scene beyond the tourist hotspots, Bantad Thong Road is a must-visit destination. With its wide variety of restaurants and relaxed atmosphere, this neighborhood offers a truly unforgettable dining experience. Find out more the cool areas in bangkok in the comment.

15/07/2024

I learned how to make Vietnamese coffee at the Da Nang Coffee Workshop! It was so much fun and way more interesting than just getting a regular cup.

Our teachers, Lyn and Sophi, were awesome! They showed us how to make 4 different types of coffee:

Traditional Vietnamese coffee: This is the classic kind, brewed slow and strong through a special filter.
Creamy salt coffee: This one was new to me! It has a little bit of salt in it, which sounds weird but tastes amazing with the sweet milk.
Egg coffee: This creamy coffee comes from Hanoi and has a special foamy egg yolk on top. So good!
Coconut coffee: This one has a tropical twist because they use coconut milk instead of regular milk.
Lyn and Sophi were super nice and explained everything really well. They even gave us some cool tips for making coffee at home. Now I feel like a Vietnamese coffee pro (almost ).

If you're ever in Da Nang and want to try something different, definitely check out the Da Nang Coffee Workshop! You get to learn something new, taste delicious coffee, and have a lot of fun.

Use code: ALWAYSJOURNEYKLOOK to get 5% discount. Link to book is below.
☕️ Da Nang Coffee Making Workshop
https://shorturl.at/HOs6Z

02/07/2024

Phuket's been in my heart for years. So sad to see the flooding there this week. Wishing everyone well as they recover. Phuket is strong, and I know they'll bounce back. Sending love!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/xFSJmJ4P99FE8iMX/

28/06/2024

6 Reasons Why You Should Live in or Visit Da Nang, Vietnam 🇻🇳
If you're looking for a city by the beach, Da Nang could be exactly what you're searching for! But that's just the beginning. Let's dive into why Da Nang is an ideal place to live or visit.

1. Affordable Accommodation
Da Nang offers a range of accommodation options that are both affordable and diverse. Whether you prefer a short stay in an Airbnb or a longer-term hotel stay, there's something for every budget. Booking a hotel for a few days to explore the area is a great start. You can also post your requirements in local Da Nang groups to find more personalized options quickly. Walking around neighborhoods like An Thượng can also lead to discovering excellent apartments that meet all your needs.

2. Stunning Beaches
Da Nang is renowned for its beautiful beaches, particularly My Khe Beach, which is famous for its smooth powdery sand and gentle waves. The beach stretches for about 5 km, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or leisurely walks. You can rent sun loungers for just $1.50 a day or treat yourself to a $10 massage on the beach. For the more adventurous, activities like jet skiing, surfboard rentals, and paragliding are available.

3. Great Weather
Da Nang's weather is generally divided into two seasons: dry (January to August) and wet (September to December). The dry season offers plenty of sunshine, especially from June to August, while March and April are also great months with less rain. Even during the wet season, you can still enjoy decent temperatures and sunny days with occasional rain.

4. Digital Nomad Friendly
For digital nomads, Da Nang is a paradise. The city boasts reliable internet infrastructure and numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and coffee shops, ensuring you can stay productive while enjoying the city's charm. SIM cards with unlimited data for 30 days are available for just $11, providing a reliable backup if your apartment’s Wi-Fi ever cuts out.

5. Safety
Da Nang is highly regarded as a safe city for locals, expats, and travelers. It has a low crime rate, and the locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality. While pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like the Han River, simple precautions can help you stay safe. However, traffic safety is a concern due to the high number of motorbikes. If you're not experienced in riding motorbikes, it's best to avoid trying it in Da Nang.

6. Welcoming Community
The heart and soul of Da Nang are its people. Known for their warmth and friendliness, both locals and expats contribute to the city's vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're sharing a bowl of pho with locals or connecting with other expats at community events, you'll feel right at home in Da Nang.

There you have it—six compelling reasons to live in or visit Da Nang. From stunning beaches to a welcoming community, Da Nang offers an unforgettable experience. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and experience the magic of Da Nang for yourself!

If you're looking for more ideas about what to see and do in Da Nang, check out our latest video. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more travel inspiration.

https://www.youtube.com/

30/04/2024

Just achieved this milestone on YouTube. It's not as easy as I first thought. It has it's ups and downs and many times I've felt like giving up but decided to keep going. Thanks to everyone who has subscribed and supported this little adventure. Hopefully we can keep going and eventually get to 100,000 subscribers. Howay hit subscrbe man , you might aswell. 😉
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMGEUVgOJ3jqLfvogNjOH3w

23/03/2024

22/03/2024

GIVE AWAY - We have a gift for four lucky people. Up for grabs, we have 4 vouchers for a 1 night stay for 2 people in a beachfront pool villa + breakfast. ( Available for use until 31st August 2024) To have a chance of winning one of these all you need to do is tell us in the video comments why you'd like to stay at Pullman Phuket Panwa. Subscribe and share this video, if you feel like it. We will draw the four winners on 3rd April and contact you here in the comments. Good luck!Share this with anyone who might be interested.
https://youtu.be/380CZcpn8TM
😉

01/03/2024

If you're looking for somewhere to stay during your trip to Phuket, have a look at this. Pullman Phuket Panwa.

Welcome to paradise! Planning your dream vacation to Phuket, Thailand? Look no further than the exquisite Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. Nestled amidst t...

26/02/2024

Here's a few pics of our first and definitely not our last hotel collaboration. Taken at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. Thanks for this opportunity Pullman. This was a goal I set a while ago. Took a long time to get there but glad to have finally achieved it.

06/02/2024

Don't see each often but always pick up where we left off.

29/01/2024

Lovely to be back on Nai Harn Beach in Phuket.

27/01/2024

Lovely to see our Lisa. Both talking at a hundred miles an hour.

26/01/2024

Found my happy place in Cape Panwa, Phuket, Used Books Cafe. Good food with a sea view and used books for only 100 THB(£2.20) each. Amazing!

20/01/2024

Atomic Habits.. Read for 30 minutes every day. Loved this book. Gave me the motivation I needed. Create daily habits , start small, make it easy enough to be achievable. Increase it slowly by small amounts and see how much you can achieve.

19/01/2024

Daily Habit- Listening to motivational podcasts every day. Two who inspire me right now are Jay Shetty and Mel Robbins. 🌱