If last week was focused on the great relationships I formed during my backpacking trip around the world, then this week’s posts are going to be centered around superlatives. The best food, adventure activities, and to kick things off, accommodations!
Annapurna South as seen from Chomrong
Himalaya View Guest House – Chomrong, Nepal – The guest house may have been very basic, but the warmth and hospitality of the Nepalese staff, my porter Nima Sherpa, and of other trekkers passing through Chomrong made my nights here memorable. I frequently stood in awe at the Himalayan panorama outside my doorstep (including 8,000m Annapurna South, and Mt. Machhapuchhre), ate pizza, and hoped Gela was warm and safe up at Annapurna Base Camp. Why wasn´t I with her? Read my 12-part series on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek.
My room in Boudha
PRK Guest House – Boudha, Nepal – I was driven out of the uber-popular Kathmandu Guest House in the touristy Thamel distrct after one too many nights of hearing the same cover band belt out songs from a nearby bar. I checked into a monastery-run guest house in Boudha, a minute’s walk from the important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Boudhnath Stupa just outside the capital city. From my room, I had a perfect view of a garden, and school yard which would fill with children at play every afternoon. In the mornings, I awoke at 6am to the banging of drums, and chants of monks. And my close proximity to the stupa meant I could visit, observe, and photograph it from sunrise to sunset. Check out a few of my posts from this time: Blissful Boudhnath Stupa, Daily Life in Boudha, and More Images From Boudhnath Stupa.
Tibetan Monastery in Bodhgaya, India
Tibetan Monastery – Bodhgaya, India – The room was a bed, a desk, and a fan, but I knew my patronage helped support the monastery, and it certainly was amongst the most tranquil places I stayed. I was too lazy to get up in the mornings for the early prayers, though I was more than welcome to attend. Here´s a post about my visit to the Bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment!
Bungalow overlooking Haad Rin, Koh Phangan, Thailand
Mountain bungalow – Haad Rin (beach) on Koh Phangan (island), Thailand - One week in a private bungalow overlooking Thailand’s most infamous beach, and world party destination, Haad Rin. Read about my experience at the July 2008 Full Moon Party.
The Intercity Hotel - Vientiane, Laos
The Intercity Hotel – Vientiane, Laos - At $40 per night, this Lonely Planet Editor’s Pick was a splurge but well worth it in advance of my birthday. I believe it was the costliest accommodation of my trip, offering views of the Mekong River and an adjacent monastery. I wrote a little more about it here.
View of Table Mountain from The Backpack in Cape Town
The Backpack – Cape Town, South Africa - Warren said The Backpack was rated the best hostel in South Africa, if not the whole continent, and dropped me off there upon my arrival in Cape Town. The views of Table Mountain were great, and the staff and Tuesday braai (BBQ) wonderful. The first activity I booked at The Backpack was a wine tour of course!
About the Author:
Dave is the author of 1526 posts on Go Backpacking.
Dave (Editor-in-Chief) blogged his way around the world from 2007-2009, and then started Travel Blog Success to teach others how to do the same. When not writing, he can be found salsa dancing in Medellin. Follow him on Twitter @rtwdave or look for him on Google+
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Categories: Post-trip
Post tags: accommodation, guest house, hostel
10 Comments
All fine places!! Looking back brings a tear to my eye :) was a good trip loved reading it daily when I would be up in the middle of the night with my new daughter I would sit with her in my arms and dream for her that one day she could see the things you have!!!! Thanks for the memories and the necklace one day I will give it to my daughter..
All fine places!! Looking back brings a tear to my eye :) was a good trip loved reading it daily when I would be up in the middle of the night with my new daughter I would sit with her in my arms and dream for her that one day she could see the things you have!!!! Thanks for the memories and the necklace one day I will give it to my daughter..
this place looks heavenly. I have yet to make it to that part of the world. for some reason i can’t get out of the americas:) we have cute places to stay here too, but nothing like that. and the sites and culture simply can’t compare to where you are now!
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist
this place looks heavenly. I have yet to make it to that part of the world. for some reason i can’t get out of the americas:) we have cute places to stay here too, but nothing like that. and the sites and culture simply can’t compare to where you are now!
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist
Thanks Patrick, it meant a lot to know there were people out there reading the whole way. :)
Thanks Patrick, it meant a lot to know there were people out there reading the whole way. :)
I know what you mean….there is a lot to see and do in the USA (and Canada I´m sure) but I can`t seem to plan domestic vacations!
I know what you mean….there is a lot to see and do in the USA (and Canada I´m sure) but I can`t seem to plan domestic vacations!
Thanks man good work Nice
Nice …
I have bookmarked your site for future referrence! Greetings.