A Slow Day in Yongsan District: A Hidden Walking Route Through Seoul’s Most Cinematic Neighbourhood (South Korea)

Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea

When most travellers visit Seoul, they often head straight for the busy shopping streets of Myeongdong or the vibrant nightlife of Hongdae.

But if you’re looking for something quieter, more cinematic, and deeply local, spending a slow day in Yongsan District might be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the city.

Located in the heart of Seoul, Yongsan District blends historic neighborhoods, cinematic streets, independent bookstores, and hillside villages. With a comfortable pair of walking shoes, you can uncover some of Seoul’s most charming hidden corners in just one day.

Here’s how to enjoy a slow travel experience in Yongsan.

A Journey Into The Rustic Old Town of Rethymno, Greece

The Old Town of Rethymno in Crete, Greece

After soaking in the lively streets and archaeological wonders of Heraklion, we packed our bags and headed west toward another gem on the island of Crete, Rethymno. With the salty breeze at our backs and the Mediterranean sun glowing overhead, we couldn’t wait to lose ourselves in yet another picturesque old town, steeped in history, charm, and irresistible Cretan hospitality.

Where is Rethymno?

Nestled between the more famous cities of Chania and Heraklion, Rethymno sits along the northern coast of Crete. It’s a scenic drive, just under 90 minutes from Heraklion that rewards you with both mountainous vistas and coastal beauty. Though smaller than its neighbouring cities, Rethymno offers a perfect blend of Venetian elegance, Ottoman mystery, and Greek island charm.

Hakata’s Kitchen: Exploring the 100-Year-Old Yanagibashi Rengo Market in Fukuoka, Japan

Yanagibashi Rengo Market, Fukuoka, Japan

Tucked away in the heart of Fukuoka, Yanagibashi Rengo Market is a culinary haven that has earned the nickname "Hakata's Kitchen." A bustling hub of fresh seafood, local produce, and specialty goods, this market has been serving locals and visitors alike for over a century. Walking through its narrow lanes, you are instantly enveloped by the sounds of vendors calling out their daily specials and the aroma of freshly grilled seafood wafting through the air.

A Glimpse Into Tradition

Yanagibashi Rengo Market is not just a marketplace; it reflects the enduring spirit of Fukuoka’s rich food culture. Established in 1916, the market has more than100 years of history, offering a snapshot of the region’s culinary heritage. Many of the stalls are run by families who have been in the trade for generations, ensuring that each purchase comes with a touch of history and expertise. 

A Glimpse of Life in Jakarta: Morning Walks & Local Comfort Food (Indonesia)

Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta is a city that never truly slows down. As Indonesia’s bustling capital, it hums with the rhythm of business, traffic, and endless movement. But even on a tight work schedule, there’s a way to carve out small moments of exploration. On a recent two-day, one-night work trip to Jakarta, my only free time was a short two-hour window in the morning. So, I made the most of it—taking a walk through Kuningan and indulging in a simple yet satisfying local breakfast.

6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu

6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, is a hidden gem when it comes to cherry blossom viewing. With its mild climate, historic sites, and stunning landscapes, Kyushu offers a unique Hanami (flower viewing) experience away from the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto. If you're planning a trip during sakura season, here are six must-visit spots to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyushu.

Discover Taichung in 24 Hours: A Local's Guide to the Best Sights, Food and Hidden Gems (Taiwan)

Taichung, Taiwan

Taichung, Taiwan's second largest city, is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern urbanity. With its vibrant night markets, historical sites, and delectable street food, it's the perfect destination for a quick getaway. Here's a suggested 24-hour itinerary to help you make the most of your visit, designed to immerse you in the authentic Taichung experience and discover the heart of Taiwan in just one day.

Exploring the Majesty of Hue, Vietnam

Hue, Vietnam

From Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội), we took an overnight train and travelled 688km south to Hue, which offers a convenient and scenic journey through Vietnam's countryside, with comfortable soft sleeper cabins providing a restful night's sleep. Arriving in Hue the following morning, ready to explore the city's rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. The train journey took about 13 hours. It's advisable to book tickets in advance, pack essentials such as toiletries and snacks, and secure valuables while onboard for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Welcome to Hue, Vietnam – Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River, the ancient city of Hue stands as a testament to Vietnam's rich history and cultural heritage. Formerly the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue exudes an unmistakable charm with its well-preserved architecture, vibrant street life, and a tapestry of traditions that continue to thrive. Join me on a virtual journey as we explore the hidden gems and cultural wonders of this captivating city.

A Visual Journey Through Lang Co, Vietnam

Lang Co, Vietnam

Lang Co is a hidden gem along Vietnam's central coast. This coastal paradise is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches and cultural richness. Lang Co's unparalleled natural beauty is undoubtedly its biggest draw. The town is embraced by lush green mountains on one side and the mesmerizing South China Sea on the other. The Lang Co Bay, a shimmering lagoon, adds to the scenic grandeur of the area. The landscape is a harmonious blend of azure waters, golden sands, and verdant hills, creating a picturesque haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

We based ourselves in Da Nang and do a half day trip to Lang Co; travelled by car to Hai Van Pass, the longest and highest mountain pass road in Vietnam with a length of 21 kilometers. On the national highway No.1, Hai Van Pass is an impressive landscape.

In this article, we shall take a visual journey through the enchanting allure of Lang Co, inviting you to discover the wonders that make this destination a must-visit.

Sailing Through The Iconic Limestone Karsts of Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Nestled in the northeastern part of Vietnam, Halong Bay stands as a testament to the sublime beauty of nature. This UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts, is a captivating destination that beckons travellers from across the globe.

The name Hạ Long means "descending dragon"; its remarkable limestone karsts, sculpted over centuries by wind and water. These towering formations create a surreal seascape, often shrouded in mist, adding an ethereal quality to the landscape. According to the local legend, the karsts are the remnants of dragons that once descended to protect the region.

Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a laid-back traveller, Halong Bay has something to offer for everyone. Here's a quick guide on what to do in this enchanting destination.

The Rails and Resilience of Hanoi's Train Street, Vietnam

Hanoi's Train Street, Vietnam

Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious street food. But hidden amidst the chaos of this bustling metropolis lies a unique and captivating attraction that has been gaining international attention, Hanoi's Train Street. This narrow alley, sandwiched between houses and shops, has become a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic experience in the heart of the city.

My first visit to Hanoi's Train Street was discovered by accident when I was walking from my hotel to Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội) in 2012. I remember that time I was going to catch a train to Sapa, a picturesque town of Lào Cai Province in the Northwest region of Vietnam. Love at first sight, I'm in love with the atmosphere of the train street where I could catch a glimpse of the local life. That time, only a few or close to no tourists, not many cafes or businesses, and no tables and chairs lining along the train track. In 2014, I visited Hanoi again, and I took every opportunities to walk along the railway track whenever I could. Today, Instagram has changed the street into one of the most Instagrammable spots in Hanoi.

In this blog post, let's delve into the fascinating history, allure, and the controversy surrounding Hanoi's Train Street.

8 Things to Do in Ipoh, Malaysia

Ipoh, Malaysia

Ipoh, a charming city in the state of Perak in Malaysia, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Often overshadowed by the more popular tourist destinations like Penang, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Ipoh has recently gained popularity as a travel destination due to its stunning limestone caves, delicious street food and rich heritage. The city is also known for its colonial-era architecture, which is well-preserved in its historic district, and its vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries and museums to explore. You can also look forward to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, caving, and waterfall exploring in the surrounding areas. 

The Magical Fairy Tale Town of Alberobello, Italy

When I first saw the pictures of Alberobello over the internet a couple of years back, I thought it was a fairy tale theme park somewhere in the world. After reading up more, then I realized that Alberobello in fact is a heritage town in the south of Italy, not far from the city of Bari. Since then, I have told myself that I must visit this magical place one day. And it doesn't take long for my dream to come true, I made it this year's spring during my trip around the southern Italy.

About Alberobello
Alberobello is a little town situated in the southern region of Puglia, which is famous for its fairytale-like trulli, traditional dry stone huts with cone-shaped roofs dating back as early as the 14th century. The story behind these unique architectural structures has two sides; some believe that these buildings are constructed because of its geographical conditions and the abundant limestone materials, and some believe that it is constructed for easy dismantling and assembling to avoid paying taxes to the Kingdom of Naples. Today, some of the trulli are converted into souvenir shops, museums, restaurants and lodgings, but there are many still populated with the local residents. In 1996, the town of Alberobello with a great collection of more than 1500 beautifully preserved trulli in the region was designated a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Pastel Colors of Procida, Italy

I feel holiday the moment I get off the boat. "Il tempo è così bello", the weather is so beautiful and the surreal pastel-colored houses on the waterfront reflect my mood. The cobbled streets are calm and the locals live their lives at their own pace. I suppose we are the busiest people on the island, busy taking pictures. Welcome to Procida island, the little pastel world.

Procida is the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples and it is also one of the most underrated destinations in Italy. Although the island is only less than an hour ferry ride from the city of Naples, many tourists choose to visit the other neighbouring islands like Ischia and Capri. In other words, you can laid-back and explore this less travelled island without having to battle the crowds; soak up the local atmosphere with an authentic Italian experience and immerse yourself in the true culture of Procida.

30 Things to Do in Cebu, Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago that is made up of more than 7000 islands located in the Southeast Asia; one of the countries with the most island in the world. This is our very first time visiting the Philippines; with so many islands to choose from, we have randomly chosen Cebu to be our first destination in the Philippines. My first impression of the Philippines was rather surprised as I could see many churches; maybe because I have been traveling around the other Southeast Asian countries and mostly what I saw was the Buddhist culture and temples. Also, unlike her neighbouring countries, the Philippines is strongly influenced by the western culture due to the long history with the Spaniards and the Americans.

Cebu is a long and narrow island located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, and the largest city on this island is the Cebu City, also known as the Queen City of the South. Cebu city is a booming metropolis, if you desire a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life, you should simply travel out of the city. It is not difficult to find a good place to relax in Cebu as there are plenty of beautiful beaches and untouched nature surrounding this lovely Filipino island.

Komyozenji Temple: The Beauty of Japanese Autumn, Japan

As the summer heat slowly gives way to the crisp cool breezes of autumn, the cities across Japan will be slowly taken over by the striking shades of orange and red as the autumn leaves changed its color. This is the most anticipated moment where most of the people, especially the nature lovers and photographers are waiting for.

When the autumn season arrived, I love going outdoors and hunt down as many places as possible for the amazing fall foliage. So far, the most beautiful autumn that I saw in Japan was the serene rear garden at the Komyozenji, a Zen Buddhist temple located in the city of Dazaifu in the Fukuoka Prefecture. Komyozenji Temple is famous for its Karesansui (枯山水) Garden, commonly known as Japanese Rock Garden or Japanese Zen Garden.

Explore The Old Town of Heraklion In Half-Day, Greece

After seeing the magical and romantic island of Santorini, we headed further south to Crete, the largest island in Greece. We took a ferry at the Thira Port in Santorini, and arrived at Heraklion Port in less than 2 hours. The traveling time will depend on the type of vessel you use, and for us, we embarked our journey with Hellenic Seaways, which was much faster than conventional ferries.

Heraklion or Iraklion is the capital and largest city of Crete. Heraklion may not be the most appealing city or your quintessential island destination, but still an interesting place filled with beautiful historical buildings, Byzantine churches and a well-preserved Venetian wall and fortress from the 15th century. To discover all these remarkable landmarks, you just have to wander around the Old Town in the city.

:::糸島::: A Day Trip Around Itoshima in Winter, Japan

Itoshima is a beautiful destination surrounded by scenic blue sea and long sandy beaches; and there are plenty of sightseeing spots and stylish cafes that made Itoshima one of the most popular day trips from Fukuoka City. When summer comes, Itoshima is an ideal place for some beach activities or hiking in lush mountain forests. And during the winter season, most of the visitors come to Itoshima for the fresh and delicious oysters, the winter delicacy of Fukuoka.

Meteora: The Mystical Monasteries in the Heavens Above, Greece

Greece is a beautiful country with rich culture and history. And they are well-known for their archaeological sites, picturesque islands and exotic beaches. Most of the visitors travel to Greece for the first time will go to the popular destinations like Athens, Santorini, Mykonos and etc. In order to bring home a complete Greek experience, there is one place that everyone should include in their itinerary is none other than the mystical Meteora. The Meteora is a phenomenal place and I feel that everyone should visit this place at least once in a lifetime.

:::三光コスモス園::: Sanko Cosmos Garden in Nakatsu City, Japan

Every autumn, there are many millions of cosmos flowers bloom exuberantly at the foot of Mt Hachimen and many visitors will make a trip to the Nakatsu City （中津市） to witness the charming sights of these colorful flowers in the Sanko Cosmos Garden (三光コスモス園). Cosmos Art is also one of the highlights in the Sanko Cosmos Festival; where the color of the cosmos flowers is used to decorate the landscape into designs and characters.

:::帝釈峡::: Autumn Experience in Taishaku Valley, Japan

Autumn is my favourite season in Japan. In this beautiful season, the color of the leaves turned vibrant and the weather turned cool; and it is also the best time to take a walk into the nature and marvel at the fall foliage.