Field Notes
The Oblique Route Blog:
Destination Guides, Trip Reports, & Travel Tips
Hoi An, Vietnam: An Expert’s Guide
Hoi An might be my favorite place in all of Southeast Asia. Few destinations can match its combination of charm and atmosphere—the lantern-lit streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the world's best-preserved examples of a 15th-century trading port, are genuinely unlike anywhere else on earth. But Hoi An rewards more than just wandering the old quarter—An Bang Beach, surrounding rice paddies and vegetable gardens, and some of the best food and coffee in all of Vietnam are all within easy reach. Shockingly affordable and endlessly diverse, it's a place I keep coming back to.
Bali Beyond the Beaches
If ever there was a quintessential tropical paradise, surely Bali is it. But amid an explosion in popularity in recent years, Bali is changing. As development increases and tourist numbers rise, you may be wondering—is Bali still worth it? It turns out—yes, not only is it possible to find the quiet serenity and natural beauty that made this island famous, but with a little insider knowledge, it’s actually quite easy.
Let’s start the conversation
Whether you have a fully formed trip idea or just a vague sense that you'd like to go somewhere new — I'd love to hear from you. There are no silly questions and no obligation. Just send me a message and I'll be in touch within 48 hours to start the conversation.