Grand Escapades
Travel Photography & Travel Experiences of Africa, South America, the Middle-East & Asia
Happy New Year 2015
2014 turned out to be a year full of challenges and surprises, some (really) bad, others much better… One thing is for sure, 2015 will be no less full of surprises, as many decisions have not been made yet! Continue Reading →
Our two trips to Cambodia could not have been more different from each other: in July 2008, we crossed the border from Laos on foot and checked out mainly Phnom Penh and of course Siem Reap, where we spent one week exploring many Angkor Temples. We finally crossed the Tonlé Sap to Battambang before heading overland to Thailand. In December 2014, we again spent one week in Siem Reap to see the most famous and the more remote temples of Angkor. We then made a 10 day loop through Northwest Cambodia, where we were mostly the only tourists. We headed then to Phnom Penh, and finally Kampot & Kep on the Coast before heading to Vietnam. Continue Reading →
Floating Village of Kompong Luong, on the Tonle Sap, Cambodia
Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, a sight itself. But even more striking are the villages around and on the lake.
Approaching Tonlé Sap, we felt propelled back into the Neolithic Age. The small river running along the road towards the lake is lined with dwellings that look like giant spiders. On endlessly long, thin stilts, sit huts made of bamboo mats. Often these walls and roofs were in a disheveled state, some people were able to afford corrugated iron. Those structures looks so fragile you would expect them to crash any minute into the swampy ground deep below. Continue Reading →
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, Phnom Penh
A must-visit when in Cambodia is to “Security Office 21” or S21 (Torture Prison) of Tuol Sleng and to the Killing Fields in Choeung Ek, each extremely depressing and haunting experiences. These two places display without filter one of the darkest and most gruesome page of History, the Killing Machine of the Khmer Rouge. Continue Reading →
Hmong New Year’s Celebration – Phonsavanh
Our two trips to Laos could not have been more different from each other. In June 2008, during our Round The World Trip, we spent one month in this charming country. We crossed the border from China on foot and started in Luang Nam Tha, where we trekked Luang Nam Tha National Park, then headed for popular Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng & Vientiane. Some of the lesser-known places we visited were Phonsavanh & the Plain of Jars, Kong Lo Cave, Pakse & the Bolaven Plateau and last but not least 4.000 Islands.
In November 2014, Gilles accompanied his father on his “Bucket List Trip” during 10 days in Laos, focusing more on well-trodden paths: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavanh and finally Luang Prabang.
On the way to 4.000 Islands
Our two trips to Laos could not have been more different from each other. In June 2008, we were on a Round The World Trip (one year), and therefore on a somewhat tight budget (between Backpacking and Flashpacking). In November 2014, Gilles accompanied his father on his “Bucket List Trip”, which meant a pleasant mid-range type of travel. And this becomes clearly visible in the very different expenses we had on each trip …
Angkor Wat from a Hot Air Balloon, Siem Reap
Seldom have we experienced such strong contrasts as in Siem Reap, the hub to visit the stunning Angkor Temples… On the one hand, the city itself and unfortunately the most famous temples like Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm have turned into a congested tourist mess and now represent mass-tourism at its worst. On the other hand, as soon as we headed a bit further afield, we could enjoy beautiful temples almost void of any visitors… Continue Reading →
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
Ankor Wat is only one of many temples in Siem Reap, but certainly the most famous temple in an area plastered with religious buildings. A visit to Cambodia is often seen synonymous with a visit to the largest religious building in the world! But there are a lot more other temples in and around Siem Reap than Ankor Wat! Continue Reading →
Pha That Luang, Vientiane
Our two trips to Laos could not have been more different from each other. In June 2008, during our Round The World Trip, we spent one month in this charming country. We crossed the border from China on foot and started in Luang Nam Tha, where we trekked Luang Nam Tha National Park, then headed for popular Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng & Vientiane. Some of the lesser-known places we visited were Phonsavanh & the Plain of Jars, Kong Lo Cave, Pakse & the Bolaven Plateau and last but not least 4.000 Islands.
In November 2014, Gilles accompanied his father on his “Bucket List Trip” during 10 days in Laos, focusing more on well-trodden paths: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavanh and finally Luang Prabang.
Championship of Pétanque in Luang Prabang, Laos
The most unexpected is always the best… This can even prove true in a Tourist Ghetto like the Old City of Luang Prabang. No, Luang Prabang hasn’t changed since our last visit in 2008: it is a maze of Restaurants, Travel Agencies, Massage Parlors & Hotels.