Tribes and Treks Zambales | Seeding Hope in Nature and the Community

January 30, 2019


I could use a tree right now”, I muttered to myself as I feel the sun’s rays piercing my skin in the middle of the beautiful but barren landscape of San Felipe, Zambales. While patches of greens are starting to re-grow—in between flowing streams—still, much of the lowlands and the rolling hills appear denuded. What was once a fertile ground as far as the eyes can see was changed forever by Mount Pinatubo’s eruption.

Tribes and Treks uses carabao carriage
Carabao pulled carts are a big help to the community in transporting goods and people

Where to Stay: Nong Kiau Riverside | Laos

January 20, 2019
Immerse yourself in the rustic, unspoiled charm of Nong Khiaw, Laos. Join travel writer Marky Ramone Go at the Nong Kiau Riverside resort, discovering eco-friendly wooden bungalows, dramatic mountain vistas over the Ou River, historic caves, and traditional Laotian hospitality.
Laos / Nong Khiaw / Eco-Resorts

Where to Stay: Nong Kiau Riverside | Laos

By Marky Ramone Go January 2019

Sandwiching our almost week-long Luang Prabang blogger’s trip sponsored by Destination Mekong was a two-day jaunt to a rustic village three hours away. The town of Nong Khiaw situates in a picturesque countryside on the banks of the Ou River and squeezed by saw-toothed limestone peaks. So where did our host billet us? Of course, in a water's edge property called Nong Kiau Riverside.

Although missing my temporary home in Luang Prabang, Satri House—where I stayed for four nights prior to this stop—I welcomed a change of scenery, and what better way than in a place with a veranda opening to the view of the mighty Ou River.

The rustic wooden welcome gateway sign of Nong Kiau Riverside
The inviting riverbank sanctuary.
Scenic private wooden veranda overlooking the Ou River and limestone karst peaks
An unhurried space designed entirely for visual immersion.

Nong Kiau Riverside: Solitude with Nature

This riverside resort has 15 bungalows spread along the river's ridge, each having a spacious 40 square meter floor size. All come with a private balcony and an amply-sized bathroom. The wooden interiors give a feeling of blending with nature more. There are no air-conditioned units—which is a good thing—and you won't need it as the wind from the river is cool enough (there's a fan you can use during summer).

Inside the spacious wooden cottage room featuring a canopy bed and rustic furniture
The raw timber aesthetic of the eco-bungalows provides absolute zen comfort.

My bungalow is at number 12, so I have to walk a couple hundred meters to reach it. I don’t mind though, as the walkway passes through a pleasant flowery garden and towering trees like hiking deep into the forest.

The lush tropical path winding through flowering gardens and tall trees towards the bungalows
The mighty Ou River

Hiking to the Mist-Veiled Mount Pha Daeng

The nature-friendliness of Nong Kiau Riverside made me feel at home in an instant. It was like one of my camping experiences of the old days of being so close to nature, only this time, instead of a tent, I am sleeping in a cozy room.

I had a wonderful sleep giving me more than 8 hours to generate much-needed energy for our next day’s activity: hiking the nearby Mount Pha Daeng (narrative of that hike can be read here).

The author relaxing on a wooden deck chair looking out over the Ou River valley
Unwinding on the terrace as the river current carries the afternoon away.

Aside from the guided trekking tour, the resort also offers river kayaking, town immersions, and cycling.

Things to do in Nong Kiau Riverside

We also visited the Pha Toke Cave situated 2 kilometers east. This historic cave was where the Pathet Lao forces had their base during the Vietnam War—which spilled to Laos—in the late 60s and 70s. Other activities include: tube rafting upstream the Ou River, visiting local temples, fishing, and even watching a movie at a town cinema.

Panoramic perspective of the mountain ridges meeting the riverbanks from the resort property

Overall, I find my experience at Nong Kiau Riverside very pleasant. The food was good—authentic Laotian food and not westernized—as well as the service from the jovial staff who always have smiles on their faces. It is a place I wouldn’t mind staying in again, especially if given a chance to explore the northern part of Laos.

The sunset glow slowly dimming over the quiet mountain paths of Nong Khiaw
Dusk sets in, matching the calm, quiet routine of valley life.

9 Best Day Trips from Manila

January 15, 2019


Amid the many hidden gems of Manila, the city also provides a strategic location from where a traveler can set out to explore nearby destinations for a day. ‘Day trips’—as most would call it—is a popular activity among travelers pressed for time and young professionals seeking to escape the toxicity of work. Surrounded by a number of provinces dotted with scenic countryside, rolling mountains and fine sandy beaches, you can never ran out of day trip locations to choose from. To help you plan your next quick escape from the city, here are some best day trips from Manila.

Manila as seen from the Manila Hotel

Unique Attractions and Activities in Metro Manila

January 09, 2019


Exploring the city of Manila is like opening a box filled with ukay-ukay (pre-loved) clothes and other objects. It may take you quite a while of digging before you start finding things you actually like. Because this city’s gems aren’t notable at first glance, it takes extra effort in discovering Manila’s allure. From the city of Manila to the rest of its Metropolitan area, one can find a myriad of charms hidden at every nook and cranny. By knowing where to search and expanding your zest for discovery, you can easily enjoy Manila with all its rich history, culture, art scene, food and friendly people.

Exploring Vietnam's Border Town: A Day Trip to China

January 03, 2019

 

Introduction: Nestled in the northern reaches of Vietnam lies a fascinating border town that serves as a gateway between two distinct cultures – Vietnam and China. This town, with its rich history, vibrant markets, and unique blend of traditions, offers travelers an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will delve into the charm of Vietnam's border town and explore the possibilities of a day trip to China, immersing ourselves in the cultural tapestry woven by these two neighboring nations.


A shop located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An

Phnom Penh, a Tapestry of History and Culture

January 02, 2019


Perched at the junction of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers, Phenom Penh is a colorful tapestry of Khmer and French Indochina colonialism, evident in every aspect of daily life. Legend has it that the city is named after an old lady known as Daun Penh, meaning “Old lady Penh”, with Phenom being the Khmer word for hill. Within Southeast Asia this is a must visit city full of color, fascination and learning.

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