Emma Travels

Old Town Hoi An at night is honestly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Every lantern is handmade. Sat by the river and ate white rose dumplings for dinner. Not a bad Tuesday.

Pai is what Chiang Mai used to be before everyone found Chiang Mai. Tiny mountain town, waterfalls 20 minutes out, most laid-back vibe imaginable. Rented a motorbike and drove with no plan for a whole day. Highly recommend.

Finally made it to Hoi An. Had three dresses made in 24 hours at a tailor on Tran Phu Street perfect fit, absurdly cheap. The lantern-lit streets at night are impossibly romantic even solo travelling.

Seminyak is Bali's polished slightly bougie cousin and I am here for it. Beach clubs, great food, boutique shopping but also easy to escape the crowds. Found an empty black sand beach 10 minutes from Ku De Ta on a Tuesday morning.

Patong Beach is chaotic in the best way. Found a longtail boat captain called Lek who took us to three empty beaches for 400 baht. No tourists, just white sand and warm water. You just have to ask.

Angkor at 5am with a torch and almost nobody around is completely different to the daytime crowds. Temples emerging from darkness as the sun rises is something I will carry for a long time. Book a sunrise tuk-tuk.

Ha Long Bay on a 2-day cruise is one of the most surreal experiences of my life. Limestone karsts rising out of jade-green water, mist clinging to them at dawn. Kayaked through a sea cave at sunrise. Pinch-yourself stuff.