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In mid-October, as the last rains of the season begin to fade and golden sunlight returns, Laos enters one of its most special moments of the year. After three months of rainy season, the rice fields are full of water and freshly green, the roads along the Mekong are dry once again, and in the...

A lot of travelers bringing a drone to Vietnam still ask only one question: “Is my drone under 250g?” That matters, but it is no longer the full story. From July 20, 2026, Vietnam will start applying a national registration and management system for drones and flycams. Registered devices will...

Our new Laos travel ebook is for travelers who want to understand the country before they arrive, not just follow a list of places to visit. Laos is quiet at first glance, but the more time you give it, the more it opens up. In Luang Prabang, mornings begin with temple bells, riverside light...

Hi everyone, Just a heads-up for anyone planning a longer trip to Thailand in 2026. Thailand’s Cabinet has approved changes to its visa exemption and Visa on Arrival rules. The big point for travellers is that the 60-day visa exemption, which has been available to many nationalities since...

Hi everyone, Just a practical heads-up for anyone flying into Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam has introduced an online pre-arrival information form for foreign visitors arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, also known as SGN. It is basically a digital arrival declaration submitted before...

Did you know that 500,000 VND and 20,000 VND are both blue? One is worth $20, the other is worth 80 cents. In a dark taxi or a busy bar, they look identical. I have seen hundreds of tourists accidentally tip $20 for a $1 ride. As a local guide with 7 years on these streets, I am tired of seeing...

Hi everyone, I’m Oliver. I’ve been a local guide in Northern Vietnam for about 9 years. After years of eating my way through Sapa (and a few cases of food poisoning along the way!), I’ve put together a list of places where I actually take my friends and family. Sapa food is a bit more expensive...

Did you know that Long Beach, California, serves as the global epicenter for the Cambodian diaspora? On April 4, 2026, this dynamic community will transform the city streets into a vibrant tapestry of color, sound, and flavor for the annual Cambodia Town Parade & Cultural Festival. This is not...

Heading to Southeast Asia this April? If you want an experience that is both spiritually moving and wildly fun, you have to be in Laos. From April 14 to 16, 2026, the country celebrates Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year), and it is easily one of the most vibrant festivals on the planet. Here is why you...

(Try to read to the end to receive a gift) As the sign of the beginning of the New Year in the traditional Thai calendar, Songkran is the biggest and most important traditional festival for Thai people. The Songkran 2026 will be celebrated from 13 to 15 April. During the celebration, many unique...

(Try to read to the end to receive a gift...!) First, let me say this clearly. Sapa is safe. I rarely see theft or pickpocketing. Still, don’t invite trouble. Don’t wear jewellery, don’t show off expensive phones, and keep your passport and cash somewhere secure. That level of caution is enough...

As the five-day countdown to Tet officially begins, a traveler recently asked me: 'Isn't Tet just the same as Chinese New Year?' I smiled and told him: 'Calling Tet ‘Chinese New Year’ is like calling a baguette ‘just a loaf of bread’.' It misses the local crust, the flavor, and the history that...

Hello there, First off, thank you for sharing such a detailed and honest experience. It’s a situation I see happen all the time, and honestly, those "urgent" visa fees are painful to pay, even if they did save your trip this time. But listen, for your return trip in June 2026, you have the...

The Ha Long Bay + Ninh Binh combo is the safer, more diverse choice for 4-5 days, while the Ha Giang Loop is a massive commitment that might feel too rushed given your timeframe. Since you want "memorable but not total chaos" and aren't super confident on a bike, combining the bay with the "Ha...

Vietnam is amazing to visit. It’s easy to fall in love with the food, the energy, the affordability, and how welcoming people feel. But living here long-term is a different story, because the daily friction becomes real. Pollution and traffic are probably the biggest long-term issues...

The Countdown Is On: Only 26 Days Left Until 2026! The year-end rush is here, but before you dive into the fatigue of holiday planning, let's put aside the sadness and stress of the past year. It's time to recharge! Look forward to a spectacular Christmas, New Year's, and Spring break by...

The Countdown Is On: Only 26 Days Left Until 2026! The year-end rush is here, but before you dive into the fatigue of holiday planning, let's put aside the sadness and stress of the past year. It's time to recharge! Look forward to a spectacular Christmas, New Year's, and Spring break by...

Who hasn't been captivated by photos of thousands of paper lanterns lighting up Thailand's night sky? Do you know the meaning behind these mesmerizing images and which festival, Loy Krathong or Yi Peng, is the most anticipated? This article delves into Thailand's lantern festivals, offering an...

Prepare your trip for New Year's Eve in Vietnam with Kampá Tour WHO WE ARE? Kampá Tour is a private travel agency based in Hanoi, Vietnam, specializing in designing personalized experiences in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. With more than 15 years of experience, Kampá Tour operates under...

Hi everyone, I’m Oliver, a local guide from Cao Bang in northern Vietnam. I’ve been showing travelers around my hometown for the past 7 years and thought I’d share some insider tips here for anyone curious about this lesser-known destination. Why Cao Bang? If you’ve heard of Sapa and Ha Giang...