The tranquil atmosphere of sleepy Meissen somewhat betrays the city’s important role in German history. Not only did it serve as the seat for the Duke of Saxony for centuries, but it’s also the birthplace of the famous Meissen China, the first European porcelain. All of this took place in the Albrechtsburg Castle towering over…
Visiting Wat Pa Non Sawan – Thailand’s Strangest Temple
During my travels through Thailand, I visited my fair share of Buddhist temples and definitely encountered many an unusual one. From a series of shrines clinging precariously to a sandstone outcrop to an entire temple made out of glass bottles, I thought I had seen it all. Boy, was I wrong: None of these places…
7 Awesome Things to Do in Laid-Back Roi Et, Thailand
Centered on the pretty Bueng Plan Chai Lake, Roi Et is an attractive city in Thailand’s north-eastern Isan Region. I spent a night in town while making my way from the isolated Pha Thaem National Park to Mukdahan and very much enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals and wacky temples. Like many destinations in that…
The Complete Guide to Thailand’s Pha Thaem National Park
Eastern Thailand’s spectacular Pha Thaem National Park is one of my favourite places in the little-visited Isan-Region. The main attraction here are a series of rugged cliffs towering over the Mekong River, but you’ll also find some awesome waterfalls, interesting rock formations and ancient rock paintings. During my tour of the Isan, I spent two…
The Two-Colored River and Other Great Things to See in Khong Jiam, Thailand
Khong Jiam is a sleepy village by the Mekong River in the easternmost part of Thailand. I made my way there mostly, because I wanted to visit the nearby Pha Thaem National Park, but was enamoured enough with the relaxed atmosphere and the fact that I was the only farang around that I decided to…
The Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary for England’s Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park is hands-down one of my favourite places in the world, and I feel like everything I love about England comes together in this wonderful area. Beautiful landscapes of rolling hills, drystone walls and grazing sheep? Check! Tiny historic villages full of cute cottages and cozy Pubs? Check! Impressive Lakes and…
How to Reach England’s Lake District from Manchester by Public Transport
With good rail and flight connections to the rest of the UK and Europe, Manchester is the ideal gateway to Northern England’s Lake District. Using the city as a springboard means that you can combine the natural beauty of the National Park with some cultural attractions in one of England’s coolest cities, which is exactly…
The 8 Best Hikes Around Keswick, UK for All Levels of Skill
The northern Lake District is one of the most spectacular parts of the National Park, and in my opinion, there’s no better place to base yourself than pretty Keswick. From here, you can reach the trailheads of many amazing hikes – either by foot or with the great regional bus network. Around Keswick, there are…
Hiking in England’s Lake District: Climbing Catbells Mountain from Hawes End
Catbells is one of the most popular hikes around Keswick, due to the fact that the mountain is relatively easy to climb, but still has amazing views, which are much better than from some of the much higher fells in the area. Apart from that, the climb to the top is rather short and straightforward,…
15 Fantastic Things to Do In and Around Keswick in England’s Lake District
Keswick is the ideal base from which to explore the northern Lake District. It certainly gives off a relaxed small-town vibe, but at the same time it has everything you want after a day on the fells. There are tons of restaurants, cafés and pubs as well as great bus connections to most parts of…