by Daryle Rico | Sep 28, 2026 | Southeast Asia Beyond Thailand
After four straight days of exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon, my trusty guide Ran decided it was time for a change of scenery. So we headed about thirty miles south of Siem Reap to visit Tonlé Sap Lake. I wasn’t expecting...
by Daryle Rico | Jul 9, 2026 | Southeast Asia Beyond Thailand
It was my next-to-last day in Ipoh, Malaysia, when my friend Mona asked if I wanted to go spelunking. Never one to pass up a new experience, I replied, “Of course.” A few minutes later (it pays to have a local guide), we arrived at Gua Tempurung, one of...
by Daryle Rico | Jul 6, 2026 | Southeast Asia Beyond Thailand
Hidden behind the towering limestone cliffs of Gunung Rapat, just outside Ipoh, lies one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets: Tasik Cermin, better known as Mirror Lake. It’s the sort of place that makes you stop talking. Not because there’s nothing to...
by Daryle Rico | May 28, 2026 | Southeast Asia Beyond Thailand
It was the penultimate day of my Vietnam adventure when I found myself in Ninh Binh Province, about two hours south of Hanoi, standing at the base of Hang Mua Cave. Or more accurately: the base of approximately 500 reasons to question every life choice that had led me...
by Daryle Rico | May 24, 2026 | Southeast Asia Beyond Thailand
Asking me to name my favorite city in Asia is a bit like asking a mother to choose her favorite child. Impossible. That said, if you cornered me and demanded a Top Five at passport-point, Hoi An would absolutely make the list. Located along the central coast of...
by Daryle Rico | May 21, 2026 | Southeast Asia Beyond Thailand
High above the coastal city of Vung Tau, Vietnam — arms stretched wide over the emerald waters of the South China Sea — stands one of Southeast Asia’s most striking landmarks: the Christ the King statue at Tao Phung Park. And let me tell you something right up front:...
