Cambodia: Sikhanoukville

It was my birthday and I told myself I want to spend it on the beach. From the capital of Cambodia  (Phnom Penh), I headed down to Sihanoukville also known as Kampong Som. It wasn't as impressive as the beaches back home, but it is good enough to relax at the beach and so I spent my time just sitting or lying down listening to the waves while staring at the sky. How to get here: Coming from Phnom Phen, Cambodia, I got in what they call a hotel bus going there. It is a bus with bunk beds where you can sleep through out the journey. Fare: 12 USD Travel Time: 4 1/2 hours From the Bus terminal you can hire a tuktuk to your hotel Fare 2USD The main attraction here are the beaches. I first went to Ochheauteal Beach which is by far the most popular and touristed in town. A lot of vendors selling snacks and food in the area and here are some of my favorites: Since I'm looking for a more peaceful place, I headed to Otres Beach which less crowded than Ochheauteal beach. It has more relaxed atmosphere. Related Post: Backpacking Southeast Asia Itinerary and Expenses AirAsia ASEAN Pass Border Crossing: Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Phen via Mekong Express (Mocbai-Bavet Border)  Mui Ne Vietnam Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Cambodia: Phnom Penh

Subic: Inflatable Island

It was such a playful weekend. Jumpin', swimming, and dancing in the water.

Inflatable Island in Subic claims to be the biggest floating water park in Asia with 3,400 sqm, as big as 8 basketball courts put together. Whoooaa!

Its like a big playground floating in the water. There are lots of obstacle course, swings, trampolines, monkey bars, slides of different sizes, ladders, and many many more.

10-meter high Tarzan swing

Human launcher

Colorful umbrellas and comfy bean bags are placed all over the Bali lounge area.

At the end of the day I just realized that I had like a total body workout. Tiring but  this is really an enjoyable place, which reminds me of my childhood days.

How to get there:

From Manila:, Ride a bus heading to Iba, Zambales and then ask the driver to drop you off at the address of Inflatable Island

Operation Hours: 8AM -6PM
Rates:

Tips:

>The activity can be quite tiring especially under the sun. Don't forget to apply sunblock to protect yourself from the harsh direct sun and salty water.
>Kids 3 ft. and above can come and play in the inflatables, however they require 1:1 adult to accompany the kid and ensure their safety.
>Make sure that you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time to make room for sign-in process, safety instructions and life vest fitting.
>You may bring food inside however they have a corkage fee Php 500 for 1-7 pax. There are food stalls at the Bali Lounge with meals stating at Php 150.
>All ticket passes are inclusive of Access to Bali Lounge Area and Beach Area. 

Mui ne, Vietnam

I planned to visit Vietnam for 2 days during my ASEAN trip last April and initially the plan was to get around Ho Chi Minh the first day then discover Mekong delta and Cu Chi Tunnels on the 2nd day. But then while I was browsing that time, I ran into a picture of sand dunes in Mui Ne, Vietnam, it captured my eye and I told my self I should come here. No regrets as I loved this place, its not just the relaxing vibe but also the excitement as this was my first time to be in a dessert. Listing the places to explore here in Mui Ne aside from my favorite white sand dune.

Mui Ne Beach

Arrived in Mui Ne early in the morning at 4:00 AM just in time for taking a short rest and watch the sunrise in the beach.

Mui Ne Fishing Village

A visit to Mui Ne's fishing village provides a peek to the lives of the local Vietnamese fishermen. In the morning, they bring their catch to the shore where their wives and other family members sort out their catch and sell them.

Fairy Springs

Hidden in an inconspicuous alley is a shallow stream surrounded by amazing limestone formation is Mui Ne's Fairy Stream. Got to walk in this wonder of nature barefooted with its dark orange sand and delightful landscapes.

Notes:
You can deposit your shoes at the entrance or carry them along with you.
Wear Sunscreen and don't forget your shades to protect your eyes from the sand.

Entrance Fee: Free

Fermenting fish to make fish sauce.

White Sand Dunes – Ride an ATV and/or sand boarding

Dessert in Vietnam? I was surprised to know that there are sand dunes in Vietnam. As soon as I knew about this, it did get on top of my list. Got a chance to ride ATV and slide down the sand dunes that I almost regret as I struggle to climb back up.

Struggling to get back up.

Notes:
Sunblock and hat is a must
Protect your phone and cameras from sand

Lotus Lake – Enjoy the view

Just beside the white sad dune is a picturesque lotus lake.

Red Sand Dunes

 Red Sand Dune, more orangey than red is a nice spot for watching sunset. Sat on the sand and watched the sky as it turned dusky purple until the sun completely sets.

I only had a whole day in Mui Ne and made the most out of it. Had my lunch and dinner in Saigon Cafe; rented a motorcycle with a friendly driver to tour me around for $10.

How to get in Mui Ne

Mui Ne is located in the south of Vietnam. In my case, I travelled from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne via FUTA bus and chose the last trip which is at 11PM. It was a comfortable 4 hour ride on a sleeper bus. Upon boarding the bus, the bus attendant asked the name of my hotel. I didn't actually book any hotel, I told them to drop me off in Saigon Café where I booked my motorcycle tour upon arrival.

Going back to Ho Chi Minh City, the receptionist os Saigon Cafe told me she can book the bus for me instead of me going to the terminal to buy the ticket and the bus also just picked me up from there.

Bus ticket: 130,000 VND

Related Links:

Backpacking Southeast Asia Itinerary and Expenses
AirAsia ASEAN Pass
Border Crossing: Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Phen via Mekong Express (Mocbai-Bavet Border) 
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam