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Among the Hmong – Sapa, Vietnam
Nestled in the north of Vietnam, several hours from Hanoi, near the border with China lies Sapa, a misty trekker’s paradise in the mountains. The true beauty and charm of this area lies nearby in the valleys and tiny hilltribe villages. The hike through the terraced farmlands and epic scenery to a local Hmong village for a homestay is not-to-be-missed on your journey to ‘Nam. Live like a local while exploring the terraces on foot, chatting with your fam, feeding the family hogs, and testing the traditional bamboo tobacco bongs while shooting rice wine around the fireplace.
Party Vibes ~ C+
Beauty ~ A
Dopeness ~ B+
9. Street Art Capital – Penang, Malaysia
Get lost in the stylish drags of southeast Asia’s destination for street art lovers. Hate cats? Well Bruce Lee kicks the shit out of a furry tabby in one of Penang’s most iconic installations. Hit the funicular railway to the top of Penang Hill to peep a bird’s eye view of this splendid city along the Andaman coast.
Party Vibes ~ B+
Beauty ~ C+
Dopeness ~ B
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Limestone Monsters – Halong Bay, Vietnam
Off the coast of Northeast Vietnam, thousands of massive limestone formations jut from the emerald water topped by jungle. Mr. Baba’s junk boat led us past marine villages to a floating dock with kayaks. Hands down the coolest place I’ve ever paddled. We explored tunnels and coves while bright fish and coral radiated from below. You can also rock climb most of the cliffs, hike around the island, or have a dive. Our mood was temporarily dampened by freezing cold rain, but Baba saved the day with ice cold 333s and some bamboo tobacco bong hits!! Once the storm passed, the sky grew into an amazing hue that made this an unforgettable travel destination.
Party Vibes ~ B
Beauty ~ A+
Dopeness ~ A
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Baguettes & Waterfalls – Luang Prabang, Laos
This UNESCO World Heritage site is probably the most charming city in Southeast Asia. It’s built on a peninsula formed by the graceful Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers in the heart of the mountainous region of northern Laos. The Kuang Si Waterfall is a resonating cascade, with enough swimming holes and hiking trails to keep you busy all day. When the French occupied this city in the early 20th century, they left behind a unique, oriental blend of architectural style and cuisine. Let’s face it, SE Asia just plain sucks at making sandwiches. But the tasty baguette has survived the ages! Coupled with quaint coffee shops and monk-filled temples, this city is a must for backpackers and affluent tourists alike!
Party Vibes ~ C+
Beauty ~ B+
Dopeness ~ B++
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Floating Bliss – Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
If you’ve ever thought to yourself ‘Shit, I really wanted to go to Jurassic Park but not get eaten by dinosaurs!’ then Khao Sok is the next best thing. I actually feel a bit unfaithful even sharing this treasure because it’s literally Thailand’s best kept secret. One of the reasons why it’s so incredibly special is because it’s unquestionably beautiful and you practically have it to yourself. The Riverside Cottage resort can arrange overnight stays on their floating bungalows in the pristine Cheow Lan Lake. An hours ride on a long tail boat takes you through bobbing limestone mountains to your peaceful, floating oasis. Basic(and I do mean basic) bungalows await you as do your kayaks tied to your front “porch”. You may be lucky to see wild elephants as they often come here to bathe and play. The hikes through the lake’s interior islands are quite the spectacle to say the leech.
Party Vibes ~ C
Beauty ~ A+
Dopeness ~ A+
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Pearl of the Orient -Hong Kong
“You know, you sound a lot like you’re from Kowloon Bay as opposed to Hong Kong.” My pre-teen obsession with Cassandra from Wayne’s World was the sole reason I went to Hong Kong. Thank God I did because it’s by far my favorite big Asian city I’ve visited! It’s super diverse for a small island-nation and boasts activities for every type of traveler. There’s history and street food, hiking and surfing, surreal art and nightlife, and just culture galore. If she was a president, she’d be Babe-raham Lincoln.
Party Vibes ~ A
Beauty ~ B+
Dopeness ~ A
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Reef(er) Madness – Koh Tao, Thailand
It’s hard to beat the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning and running straight into the crystal-clear blue waters of Thailand’s gulf. Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, is also one of the top destinations in the world for learning how to SCUBA dive. With over 30 easily accessible dive sites, you can get open water certified for under $300 usd. It’s off-the-beaten-path-ish location means you’re free from the throngs of tour groups and jumping pictures. Koh Tao is Dope AF!!!
Party Vibes ~ A+
Beauty ~ A+
Dopeness ~ A++
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Stunning Ruins – Angkor Wat, Cambodia
I’ve always been fascinated by ancient ruins, and Angkor Wat is the largest and most extensive religious monument in the world. Stretching over 150 sq miles, colossal temples and structures remain beautifully intact, dotted around the now UNESCO site. These structures from the age-old Khmer empire date back as far as the 9th century!! That’s some ancient dopeness! Masters of their craft. Being inside their temples and seeing their stone artistry face to face made it easy to envision yourself living in its heyday. And that’s an experience that is priceless my friends!!
Party Vibes ~ A-
Beauty ~ A
Dopeness ~ A+
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Stairway to Heaven – Ubud, Bali
There are not many spots on Earth doper than Bali, Indonesia, so it’s no surprise that it made my Top 5. Ubud is the type of place, if your travel plans had no constraints, that you could stay for months on end without getting bored. It’s the artistic center of the island and fascinating sculptures and color envelope the landscape as far as the eye can see. Hike through neon green rice paddies fringed with lush jungle to hidden monkey temples. Hindi temples and shrines accompanied by chanting monks provide for a surreal stroll through the lively streets. Find ultimate zen and meditate the shit out of your chakras ‘cuz you’re never leaving this place!!!
Party Vibes ~ A-
Beauty ~ A+
Dopeness ~ A+
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Motorbike Mania – Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand
I never knew the true addicting quality of the open road until I was full-throttle with my best friends, weaving through northern Thailand on my motorbike. This 4-5 day, 375 mile motorbike loop takes you through mist covered roads and the stunning landscape of Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province. This off-the-grid exploration feels like Thailand’s last great frontier of the unknown. Yes I know, Pai is not on my list. That’s because it’s part of the loop. Getting to Pai after 3 days on your motorbike is like driving into hippy heaven. If you’re not covered in stone bracelets, bamboo tattoos, bandages from a moto wreck, and tank tops you’ll seem out of place. You meet all walks of life here, and like Ubud, you’ll definitely want to stay longer than planned. On the loop you’ll find 50 Shades of Dopeness, and you’ll walk away having temporary cured your [adventure] travel bug.
Party Vibes ~ A+ (Pai, everywhere else, not so much)
Beauty ~ A+
Dopeness ~ A++
Lifetime Dopeness Achievement Award ~ BANGKOK, THAILAND
My all-time favorite Asian city to work and play is the hometown hero of Bangkok. I love this city so much it def deserves its own 10 slots of dope spots. My 2nd home in the Land of a Thousand Smiles will always have a special place in my heart. Peace out Thailand!!! Sawat de krap!!
That Dang Farang 