South East Asia: Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia

Asia
May 18th 2006

Published: May 19th 2006

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Kao San Road, Bangkok

Every backpackers jumping off point

Hello Everyone,

In this entry I'm posting pictures from my first 7 weeks in South East Asia, but since it has taken me so long, I'll add a quick update. I am currently in Hiroshima, Japan where I have been staying with my most gracious host, Jeff. I’m off to Tokyo in a few days and after that I will spend my remaining time in Japan exploring the Kansai region: Kyoto and Nara.

I found South East Asia to be the most welcoming place I have ever been with Laos claiming the title for the friendliest people in the world . . . I have never been to such a laid back place. The North of Laos, Luang Prabang and Vientiane, is surrounded by beautiful mountains, the snaking Mekong River, and reminders of their communist government. As I moved south into the 4000 Islands area I was really struck at how welcoming and relaxed the locals were. I explored Thailand's cultural north through my hillside trek and as I moved south I realized that Thailand's beaches cant be beat; I was fortunate enough to find refuge from the crowds on a deserted archipelago 15 miles above the Malaysian border.

Bangkok: Tuk Tuk driver

My boy Pete.

Cambodia's contrasts struck me hard as I enjoyed the great and awe inspiring ruins of Angkor only days before becoming immersed in the history of the genocidal Khmer Rouge. I was truly surprised at the openness and friendliness of the Khmer (ethnic Cambodian) people as only 20 years ago they were coming out of one of the greatest atrocities of recent history.
In case your confused, I started in Bangkok, went north to Chiang Mai, east to Laos, down to the southern tip of Laos, back to Bangkok (where i met Taylor), down to Thailand's southern islands, then back through Bangkok and over to Cambodia.

The best way I can sum up my time in South East Asia is to simply say that I had an absolute blast. I enjoy traveling alone more than I could have ever imagined. Yet, I was never really alone . . . I made a ton of friends from all over the world and have set up some beds for when i get to Europe. I was constantly traveling with really cool people. It felt like a big playground . . . I met up with people in Cambodia that I had traveled

Golden Hill Temple, Bangkok

with 6 weeks earlier in Laos.

Well, hope you enjoy the selection of pictures. Love you all and for all of you that have kept in touch thru emails, thank you.

Additional photos below

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