The Responsible Tourist and Traveller

This is practical 8-step guide based on the "Global Code of Ethics" for Tourism of the World Tourism Organization. It promotes traveling with an open mind and respect for people, culture, animals and environment.

Travellog for a short trip from Kuala Lumpur to Pulau Weh via Banda Aceh

With Air Asia flying to Banda Aceh from KL, Pulau Weh is now only a short flight and ferry ride away from Malaysia. We did a great 4 day trip to the island and wrote down all prices, requirements and random things we came across (getting visa, getting to and around Banda Aceh, Pulau Weh, things to see, places to stay etc.).

Change of Visa policies for Thailand

Travellers without visa will get only 15 days of stay if they are arriving via a land border checkpoint from a neigboring country. Travellers arriving via an international airport will obtain a 30 days stay.

First railway link between Thailand and Laos opened

With the opening of a rail link over the Mekong River it is now possible to travel from Thailand to Laos by train. For now two trains will run the 30-minute return trip each day, serving about 500 people daily.

Diving in Thailand and Richelieu Rock

There is continued debate over the scuba diving destinations across Thailand. Koh Tao offers cheap courses for those on a budget. Pattaya benefits from being near Bangkok. Koh Samui has all the western onland facilities you can imagine. Krabi has magnificent limestone karsts with shallow waters. Phi Phi of course has "the beach". Koh Lanta is close to the delightful dive sites of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. The Similans are world famous for their expansive underwater vistas and abundant marine life, but at a price beyond many travellers.

www Highlights

Grand Palace / Wat Pho ,Bangkok (Thailand)

The official residence of the Kings of Thailad from the 18th century onwards and with its spectacular golden architecture the highland of any Bangkok visit. ... more

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep ,Chiang Mai (Thailand)

A must-see temple on a hill 15km from Chiang Mai offering great views over the city. ... more

Ko Pha ngan (Thailand)

popular travellers island in the Golf of Thailand.Sister island of Koh Samui. high season: end of december until april ... more

Pulau Weh (Sabang) (Indonesia)

Pulau Weh is the north-western most island of Indonesia, a few km of the coast of Banda Aceh. It is famous for it's good snorkeling and diving. ... more

Banda Aceh (Indonesia)

Banda Aceh is the capital of the Aceh province and has been rebuilt after the devastating tsunami in 2004. ... more

Ko Chang (small) (Thailand)

Small island of 18sqkm in the Andaman Sea just north of Ko Phayam near the Burmese border. One of the least developed islands in Thailand and good hide-away from the mass tourism. ... more

Halong Bay ,Hanoi (Vietnam)

Halong Bay is a natural wonder and a Unesco World heritage site in north-eastern Vietnam. The bay features hundreds of limestone karsts and isles in different sizes and shapes. ... more

Chiang Mai (Thailand)

The largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand with a population of 150,000 and a starting point for tourists going for trekking tours surrounded by mountains and lush countryside. ... more

Hoi An (Vietnam)

Hoi An is a small city on the South Central Coast of Vietnam, UNESCO World Heritage Site ... more

Ko Phi Phi (Thailand)

popular small island with a good vibe in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Ko Lanta. ... more