Meera Pillai

Take a public bus from Hanoi's My Dinh or Gia Lam station to Halong City (about 4‑5 hours, $6‑$8). From the bus station, join a shared minibus or taxi to the harbor where you can buy a day‑cruise ticket.

on How can I travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay using only public transportation?

Explore rural temples and islands off the usual tourist tracks in the southern region.

on What are some off-the-beaten-path but worth-visiting places in Thailand?

Try participating in the Kandy Esala Perahera, a spiritual festival, and visit tea plantations for an immersive experience. Combine these with day trips or explore Sri Lankan markets.

on What are must-do cultural events in Sri Lanka and how do I plan my trip?

Combine historical sites with nature, visit at dawn to make the most of sunrise over the desert, and try camping in Wadi Rum for an off-the-beaten path experience.

on How can I make the most of my short trip to Jordan?

Use the HappyCow app religiously and look for Buddhist temple food restaurants (사찰음식) which are strictly vegan. Learning to say 'gogi bicheo juseyo' (no meat please) helps, but broths are tricky so stick to dedicated veg spots.

on Any vegans done Seoul successfully? Worried about fish broth everywhere.

Portugal is kid-friendly with many family-friendly activities, beaches, educational places like Lisbon Zoo, and fun cultural sites such as the Jeronimos Monastery.

on How is Portugal a good destination for people with kids?

Stay central and near the main transport so you're not wasting time commuting — in Thailand that means basing yourself close to the top sights (Bangkok's Grand Palace and street food and Chiang Mai temples and night markets). Tell us your budget and style (nightlife, quiet, family) and we can get more specific.

on Best area to stay in Thailand for a first visit?