Destinations • Happy-Go-Nessa

April 7, 2020April 18, 2020

Pi Mai: the Laos New Year water fights are bucket list worthy

Have you ever seen a city filled with streets of adults and children alike, holding onto water pistols as they hose each other down in a friendly fight? Well, there’s no better place to see this than Luang Prabang, Laos. Mid April in Laos is the hottest times of the year; however, it is also the month when the country comes alive as Pi Mai, the Lao New Year, comes around.

You may have heard of this festival under different names, such as Songkran as it is widely celebrated in South East Asia and some nearby regions. Personally having celebrated it in Luang Prabang, I think this is the perfect place for a balance between party, getting a glimpse into century-long traditions and getting to meet some locals. But, no matter where you decide to celebrate, you should definitely add this festival to your travel bucket list.

August 30, 2019March 29, 2020

Best route from Karakol to Almaty: the Kegen Border Crossing

To get from Karakol to Almaty, the shortest and most economical route would be to get there via the Kegen border crossing. However, crossing this border can be quite tricky as there is limited public transport and online information about this particular border crossing.

The safest option would be to first go to Bishkek and then go through the Kordai border crossing to Almaty. However, if you’re flexible with your plans and ready for an adventure, crossing into Kazakhstan via Kegen is a quiet, scenic route that gives you ample opportunities to socialise with the locals.

On the way towards Almaty, you could even make a detour to some of the natural wonders around this region such as Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes, Altyn Emel National Park and Turgen Gorge.

April 11, 2019March 29, 2020

Thailand’s alternate Elephant experience: hilarious sustainable souvenirs made from poop

Looking for sustainable souvenirs in Thailand? Or do you want something more unique and cheaper than the elephant sanctuary experiences? At the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park, you can get an alternate experience with the elephants. This recycled paper facility has a beautiful shop full of beautiful environmentally friendly gifts as well as tours to show you how poop becomes paper. You can even get hands on and make your own little crafts. It’s a unique and fun experience for you that’s good for our planet and Thailand’s local economy. It’s a win-win situation for you and everyone else! But how exactly does poop become recycled paper?

March 28, 2019March 29, 2020

Cheap travel in Krabi & Aonang great for the backpacker budget

Southern Thailand has some of the most beautiful islands made of limestone cliffs floating along crystal blue waters. Most tourists who come down here often aim to set off to the other islands and use Krabi or Aonang as a one or two night stop over. At first glance, there might not seem to be much to do around the towns itself and most tourists go on tours that take them far out of the town.

The tours are definitely worth doing, on my first day in the area, I did the 4 islands boat tour which set me back 1000 baht (equivalent of 50AUD or 30USD). While not expensive compared to Australian prices, I realised for my backpacker budget, finding very cheap travel activities would be important for a year of travel.

I stayed a total of 7 nights around Krabi town and nearby Aonang beach and I can say there is a lot to offer without the need to splurge on expensive tours.

Pai Plong Beach

March 24, 2019March 29, 2020

Tiger Cave Temple Stair Challenge

Tiger Cave Temple also known as Wat Tham Seua in Thai, is a buddhist temple on the top of a mountain with panoramic views of the paddy fields and mountain around the area. There is a large statue of buddha at the top and tiger paw prints lining the temple. At the bottom of the mountain there is a 1260 step stair case that takes you 278 metres above ground where the temple is. This is definitely a nice challenge with rewarding views for all who visit Krabi.

Beautiful mountains seen from the temple

1260 steps is really not as impossible as it may sound. 100 steps is only about 2 flights of stairs so it is possible to get up the stairs in 20 minutes if you continuously go up it without a break. But for a majority of visitors, I would say it will take between 30-50 minutes to get to the top including breaks and taking photos.

March 20, 2019March 29, 2020

Peaceful spots to admire Hong Kong’s beauty

Hong Kong, the Pearl of the East as they say is a bustling city where everyone is always on the go. Some of the tourist highlights would definitely include Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui, two of the most liveliest and crowded places of the city. If you don’t feel squashed walking around the street markets of Mong Kok, you definitely will if you’re on the MTR during rush hour. Thank goodness there is nature hidden in every corner of Hong Kong to give you a breath of fresh air and the luxury of personal space. While I can’t say I’m a fan of lively bustling Hong Kong, I do love admiring the city from it’s peaceful spots.

March 16, 2019March 29, 2020

Island Hopping Snorkelling Boat Tour: Perfect day trip around Krabi

Island hopping was my image of what Southern Thailand is all about. On my first day in Krabi I went on snorkelling boat tour that took me to four islands. If you haven’t got much time to spend around Krabi area, I highly recommend doing this snorkelling boat tour to get the most out of island hopping.

On the night I arrived, I ran into some backpackers and decided to do a private snorkelling boat tour with them. Unfortunately, living out in Krabi town, we were a little far from the boat rentals in Ao Nang and even though we arrived early in the morning at 9am to rent a boat for the day, it was all sold out.

March 14, 2019March 29, 2020

An adventure on the edge of Ap Lei Chau

Ap Lei Chau, just south of Hong Kong island is the world’s second most densely populated island and ironically enough is where I found to be the most peaceful and relaxing in my stay thus far. There is a hike along the rocky shores that eventually leads up to the hill and gives you a panoramic view of Ap Lei Chau and Aberdeen with the mountains behind on one side, and Lamma Island on the other.

This is the rock climbing yet! Just part of the hike.

This hike is undeniably the most enjoyable one I have done thus far, mainly because of the sketchy ropes you pull yourself onto and cling on as you tiptoe across the very edge of the cliff, giving you all the thrills of Russian roulette- will this rope stay attached to the rock and pull my weight? So yes, it’s definitely not for the faint hearted. Nor is it for those with terrible balance because if you fall off this narrow slippery path, you’ll fall onto rocks in the sea below. I’d really only recommend this walk to people with lots of hiking and/or climbing experience.