If there’s one thing I’ve learned from traveling full-time, it’s that often, the most popular and expensive destinations simply aren’t worth it. Hear me out. Would you rather spend a ridiculous amount of money visiting somewhere that’s overrun with tourists, or would you rather take the trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank, and without having to battle your way through crowds of tourists just to get a glimpse of the sights you wanted to see?

There are so many incredible budget alternatives to popular (and expensive) destinations. You just have to know where to find them. That’s why I’ve put together this article.

Here are some of the best budget alternatives to popular destinations.

1. Budapest, Hungary Instead of Vienna, Austria

Are you dreaming of the rich history and fine food in Vienna? Budapest has both of those things and much more for a fraction of the cost.

You can walk through this glamorous city and weave in and out of bustling crowds while admiring stunning river views and historic architecture. Tours of Castle Hill, including the 13^th Century Royal Palace, are free due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even better, you can spend around $30 and sail down the Danube or visit thermal spas for an afternoon of blissful relaxation.

2. Cinque Terre, Italy Instead of the French Riviera

The French Riviera beckons travelers who want elegance and private beaches, but for lots of us, destinations like Nice, Menton, Cannes and Monaco simply aren’t within budget.

Luckily, a trip to the colorful coastal town of Cinque Terre in Italy offers similar ocean views, beautiful beaches and charming dining opportunities, without the hefty price tags you’ll find in the south of France.

In Cinque Terre, you can don a bathing suit and enjoy the free public beaches (which aren’t too crowded). The culture here is laid back and slow-paced, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax while eating fresh seafood and pesto at local restaurants.

3. Gambia, Africa Instead of the Canary Islands

Are sandy beaches calling your name? The Canary Islands have been popular for European island getaways for years, and while there are affordable resorts, most islands are overcrowded with tourists and peak season can see prices soar.

So if you’re looking for a destination that’s a bit further off the beaten track, while still offering the sun, sand, and sea that you’ll find in the Canaries, you can still work on your tan in the Gambia, a narrow stretch of pristine coastline in West Africa.

Bijilo Beach is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, allowing you to take in the sandy beaches and bright blue water all on your own. If you want a little more adventure, you’re just a short drive away from diverse wildlife tours and scenic explorations further into the country.

4. La Paz, Mexico Instead of Cabo, Mexico

Even though Cabo is considered a hotspot for luxury travel, it can be overrun with tourists and it’s not the best destination for authentic travel experiences — it’s become heavily “Americanized”.

A trip to La Paz, Mexico will be easier on your wallet and you’ll get to experience more traditional Mexican culture and cuisine. You can explore all aspects of local life by dipping in and out of local shops, restaurants, and markets. Plus, there are some beautiful beaches nearby, like Balandra Beach, which offers white sands and crystal clear waters. And if you’re interested in extra excitement, you can book a dive with whale sharks and sea lions to round out your adventure.

5. Ljubljana, Slovenia Instead of Prague, Czechia

Prague boasts architecture from the Middle Ages and a romantic feel, but it can be pricey and crowded.

Ljubljana, Slovenia is a budget alternative to the popular destination of Prague. You can find nice accommodation for less than $20 a night, with flowing wine and local delicacies costing even less. Better than the price tags are the sights – there are plenty of buildings from the Renaissance era to explore and countless art galleries full of masterpieces.

6. Montreal, Quebec Instead of Paris, France

Daydreaming of roaming the streets of Paris and learning to order your favorite pastries in French? You’re not alone, but you don’t need to hop continents for an authentic French experience.

Despite being a Canadian city, Montreal is steeped in traditional European culture, and its winding cobblestone streets are the perfect place to indulge your wanderlust. The main streets are lined with all the cafes and patisseries needed to try delicate dishes, no pricey ticket to France required.

7. Perth, Australia Instead of Sydney, Australia

Sydney has the Opera House, but Perth has everything else. If you can stand to miss out on those white sails, you’ll find plenty of food, adventure, and fun lying on the southwestern coast of Australia.

You can enjoy the city skyline at night or spend your days on the beach. Snorkeling at Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is surprisingly affordable, and you’ll have the chance to watch sea lions and penguins, too.  

Perth is also a great place to base yourself for trips further afield. From Perth, you could visit Rottnest Island to enjoy stunning sandy beaches, snorkel in crystal clear waters and watch out for wildlife (like dolphins and adorable quokkas). There’s also stargazing at the Pinnacle Desert and vineyard tours that are not to be missed.

8. Potosi, Bolivia Instead of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Between the nightlife and Christ the Redeemer statue that looms over Rio, most people have added this city to their bucket list. Its popularity has led to a huge increase in price though – so why not enjoy fewer crowds and less price gouging in Potosi, the highest city in the world? You can still dance in the streets, plus you’ll have access to even more natural wonders. Lake Titicaca and the Amazon Rainforest lie just a short trip outside the city.

9. Puglia, Italy Instead of Tuscany, Italy

If it’s olive groves and local wines you’re interested in, don’t overspend by traveling to Tuscany (which has been highly commercialized in recent years). You can easily eat and drink your way through picturesque Puglia for only dollars a day. It’s located on the southern tip of the boot, meaning you’ll never be short on sunshine or turquoise waters lapping against the white-washed town. Let your hair down and enjoy the warm breeze as you relax in style.

10. Willemstad, Curacao Instead of Aruba

Who hasn’t imagined traveling through the Caribbean waters? Aruba calls to those who crave only sun and sand, but it will cost you a pretty penny if you plan to stay the night. For a cheaper and quieter alternative, you can explore the area around Willemstad in Curacao. The entire area is a haven for those who love the ocean. You can spend your days exploring any of the 35 coves or visit any of the 60 dive sites to see local aquatic wildlife. 

11. Lombok, Indonesia Instead of Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a dream destination for so many people and for a while I was lucky enough to live there long-term. But as much as I love the Island of the Gods, even I have to admit that it is becoming a bit overcrowded and prices are rising rapidly.

Neighbouring island Lombok is a brilliant budget-friendly alternative travel destination. Rather than views of Bali’s Mount Batur, you can enjoy picturesque scenes with Mount Rinjani — Lombok’s active volcano — looming in the background. There are also plenty of Bali-esque rice terraces, palm trees and beaches.

But there’s one major difference between Lombok and Bali. Lombok hasn’t yet been fully “discovered” by tourists. Of course people go there, but compared to Bali, this island is far quieter. And as a result, prices are much less. Accommodation can cost less than $10 a night, scooter rental is even less and day trips and food are always affordable.

Lombok isn’t so much a tourist destination — it’s one of the best authentic travel destinations if you’re looking to get off the beaten track.

12. Bansko Instead of the French Alps

Skiing in Europe is a bucket list travel experience for many people. And when you think of skiing destinations, you no doubt think of Chamonix, Val-d’Isère or other European alpine destinations. But there’s a reason skiing is thought of as a rich person’s sport — these places are expensive! A European skiing trip in the French Alps could cost thousands.

But there’s another, less well-known skiing destination in Europe — one where you can try skiing without breaking the bank.

Bankso is a small town nestled in the mountains of Bulgaria. There are stunning ski resorts, slopes for people of all abilities, luxury spas and great restaurants. And even if you plan a luxury vacation in this destination, it will still cost you a lot less than a trip to the French Alps.

13. Edinburgh Instead of London

If you’re dying to see London’s blend of modern architecture and historic streets, with traditional features like red phone boxes and London cabs, but you’re put off by the extortionate prices of London hotels and experiences, I’d suggest Edinburgh as a budget alternative.

Visiting Scotland’s capital is like stepping back in time. As you walk the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle and admire views of the city, you’ll feel almost as if you’re in medieval Scotland. And for any Harry Potter fans, there’s plenty to see that relates to the books and the movies. Walking up Victoria Street is like stepping foot in Diagon Alley (there’s even magical shops), Greyfriars Kirkyard is home to gravestones with some familiar names (like Thomas Riddell), and George Heriot’s School is rumored to have inspired Hogwarts.

And there are plenty of other literary attractions too. There might be literary pubs in London and London literary attractions, but Edinburgh has some amazing sights for avid readers. There’s the Writers’ Museum, Scott Monument, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.

In Summer, there’s also the infamous Edinburgh Fringe Festival — one of the world’s best comedy festivals.

On top of all these great attractions, Edinburgh is much more affordable than London.

14. Novigrad, Croatia Instead of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik quickly became one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations and now it’s overly busy and prices have inflated dramatically.

So rather than heading to the south of Croatia, I’d suggest looking further north. Novigrad is a coastal town located in Istria and it’s one of my favorite Croatian destinations.

It’s so much quieter than Dubrovnik and Split, and accommodation is very affordable. There are luxury options too, but even they aren’t as expensive as their equivalents in more popular cities.

As for the beaches, these are beautiful. The water is so clear and is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. There are sunbeds with straw umbrellas for hire on many beaches and water sports kiosks offering just about any water sport you can imagine.

You’ll find some incredible restaurants in Novigrad (this is controversial, but the best pizza I have ever had was in Novigrad). There are restaurants overlooking the water that can be a little pricey, but a few steps inland you’ll find budget-friendly options with food that’s just as good (if not better).

And of course, there are lovely little gift shops dotted throughout the town.

Ready to Get Packing?

Fingers crossed you’ve found a budget alternative to a popular destination that actually excites you. I write these articles to help fellow travelers plan the best trips so hopefully, you’ve found this one helpful!

I’m a bit of a sucker for “underdog” destinations — destinations that are a little more unusual and aren’t teeming with tourists. Not only are they cheaper, they also offer more authentic and traditional experiences than those offered in tourist hotspots.

If you’re looking for a budget alternative to a popular destination that isn’t on this list, feel free to drop me an email. I’d be happy to update this article with more suggestions and I’d love to hear what you think of the suggestions above.

The post 14 Budget Alternatives to Popular (and Expensive) Destinations appeared first on Travel Lifestyle.

Sometimes all you need is a good hike in nature or a relaxing stroll along the beach to soothe your adventurous soul. And if your wanderlust has you wanting to explore new destinations, I’ll bet there are some beautiful gems not too far from you that you haven’t explored yet. This is exactly why road trips will never lose their charm.

Imagine hitting the road with your favourite playlist, your friends or family members in the passenger seats, and of course the snacks you’ll need along the way. We’ve all heard the cliche saying that travel is as much about the journey as it is the destination and on a road trip, the journey really is half of the fun. 

And when it comes to planning a route and choosing your stops, every country has so much to offer by way of stunning destinations, the UK included. If you’re searching for a road trip to untouched, natural destinations, then believe me, the UK will not disappoint.  

Whether you live in the UK or you’re a tourist, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have some stunning destinations that are well worth a visit. So buckle up and let’s go through the top 8 road trip destinations in the UK.

1: Enjoy the Scenery of the Lake District

Home to the finest lakes and picturesque drives in Europe, the Lake District is a famous holiday spot in Cumbria, in the North West of the UK. Filled with tons of outdoor activities, it offers unique and exciting experiences.

There are plenty of hikes to be had, kayaking and SUP opportunities, and countless photo spots. With quaint towns and villages dotted around the Lake District, you can also enjoy some retail therapy in village gift shops, or stop for a traditional pub lunch. 

You can hike to Scafell Pike, the third highest peak in the UK or make a stop at Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake of England. You can also visit Dove Cottage of the renowned English poet William Wordsworth or the little market town of Keswick to complete your tour.

And depending on whether you consider yourself an outdoorsy person or you like to travel with all of your home comforts, there are plenty of accommodation options, from campsites to caravan parks, hotels, B&Bs and cottages for hire. 

2: Learn From the Castles of Northumberland

If you’re a fan of British history, Northumberland is the perfect UK road trip destination for you. This county will transport you back to medieval times with castles and epic battlegrounds.

You can plan a stop at Bamburgh Castle, a much-loved fortress that has been home to a succession of Kings over the last 1,400 years. Or take a trip to Hogwarts by visiting Alnwick Castle. This castle has been the official residence of the Duke of Northumberland for 700 years but it rose to fame after its appearance in the Harry Potter movies. Other popular spots that are worth including on your road trip are Lindisfarne Castle and Chillingham Castle.

3: Hike Over the Ancient Cheddar Gorge

Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge, located 10 miles south-west of Bristol in Mendip Hills, is nothing short of a natural wonder. With towering 450ft high limestone cliffs — the highest inland, limestone cliffs in Britain — prehistoric caves, and roads that wind through some of Britain’s most scenic landscapes, a road trip to Cheddar Gorge is one of the most beautiful and fascinating trips you can take.

The roads are stunning and interesting to drive, and once you arrive there’s plenty to do. There are some incredible walks, caving opportunities for families and thrill-seekers alike, rock climbing sites, even free fall experiences (don’t worry, they’re completely safe). There are also escape rooms, over 30 local, independent shops to explore and a museum of prehistory.

The highlight of this landmark are the Gough caves that are over 500,000 years old. The skeleton of the Cheddar Man, the oldest skeleton to be excavated in the UK, was found in these very caves. For mountaineers, Jacob’s Ladder and the Lookout Tower are the landmarks to explore for the astounding views around the gorge.

4: Enjoy the Natural Beauty of the Cotswolds

Road trips in the UK can help you reconnect with nature and discover places that take you back in time. And one of the most adorable and nature-rich areas in the UK is the Cotswolds. With mountains, lakes, nature parks as well as dainty, medieval villages, the Cotswolds are the ideal destination for nature-lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Brimming with lush green countryside, small pubs, narrow lanes and unique stone cottages, the Cotswolds is quintessentially English. This area offers everything you could hope for from an English road trip. And as the Cotswolds is an area that spans several counties, there are so many different sights to see within this area. Castle Combe in Wiltshire, Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire and Broadway in Worcestershire are few of the villages that should be on your bucket list.

5: Drive the Black Mountain Pass to the Brecon Beacons

A list of road trip destinations in the UK wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Wales. And one must-see, Welsh destination is the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Brecon Beacons are a mountain range with stunning scenery, waterfalls, caves, castles and beautiful villages. This 500 square miles piece of land includes breathtaking mountain ranges that are part of the UNESCO Global Geopark due to their amazing wildlife and geological formations. 

There are plenty of hikes, cycle and mountain biking routes, and other fun outdoor activities including watersports, horse riding, and family-friendly caving adventures. And one daring activity park that’s perfect for both adults and children is Zip World — you can try out the world’s fastest zipline and travel at speeds of over 100mph, bounce on underground trampolines in the slate caverns or make your way through an underground assault course.

Other attractions include Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal that offer magical, fairytale scenery. Craig y nos Country Park is also worth visiting — this area will take you back to Victorian times with its historic heritage and architecture.

And when you visit the Brecon Beacons, you’ll have the chance to drive what is often considered the best road in Wales: Black Mountain Pass. Not only is it scenic, but it’s also super fun to drive with the occasional hairpin bend and roads that cut through the countryside. Just watch out for sheep in the road!

6: Unravel the Mysteries of the Isle of Skye

Scotland has some absolutely stunning scenery that looks completely untouched by man. And one place to drive through unspoilt landscapes and reconnect with nature is the Isle of Skye. The mysterious blend of historical sites, quaint little towns and spectacular landscapes will make you fall in love with this region. 

The Old Man of Storr is the perfect hiking spot for adventure lovers whereas the mystical Fairy Glen and Fairy Pools will hook you with their mythical charms. And you don’t want to miss the sunset at Neist Point — it’s one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see, and it’s the perfect area to appreciate the beauty and natural magnificence of this island.

7: Travel the Causeway Coast Route and Explore the Giant’s Causeway

The Causeway Coast Route in Northern Ireland is without a doubt one of the best roads to drive in the UK. Starting in Belfast, you can drive your way through picturesque coast roads, past beautiful little villages and unforgettable landscapes, and there are countless attractions to stop and visit along the way.

For example, you could visit the Carrickfergus Castle, Nine Glens of Antrim and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge but one place that is going to take your breath away is the Giant’s Causeway. It is characterized by horizontally lined polygonal basalt columns formed as a result of volcanic eruptions over centuries. However, the legend says that the Irish Giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill made this path to have a fight with its Scottish counterpart over territorial issues. But whatever the story may be, this UNESCO world heritage site is a symbol of pride for Northern Ireland.

There are also plenty of gardens to admire, fairytale-like scenery to discover, adventurous activities to try and even Game of Thrones attractions to explore.

To get to this Northern Ireland route from mainland UK, you can take your car on a ferry, or fly to Belfast and rent a car.

8: Discover the Elegance of the White Cliffs of Dover

If you are coming from London, take a drive from the town of Kent along the English coast to the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover. Overlooking the English Channel and facing France over the Strait of Dover, the cliffs are a popular spot for keen hikers, cyclists and photographers.

And as well as offering beautiful flora and fauna, Dover has seen its share of historical events ranging from the Roman invasion to the evacuation mission from Dunkirk during World War II. Other interesting areas around the cliffs are the South Foreland Lighthouse and Dover Castle.

When touring these destinations it doesn’t matter if you are a foreigner or a local. All that matters are the wonderful experiences you gain from each and every one of these road trips. So pack your raincoat and camera, and enjoy the gifts that the UK has to offer.

The post 8 Best Road Trip Destinations in the UK appeared first on Travel Lifestyle.

With plenty of historical sites to explore, beautiful natural scenes to admire and traditional experiences to enjoy, Kyoto is one of Japan’s must-visit cities. As a cultural hub and a destination that’s surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect place for travelers and tourists hoping to immerse themselves in Japanese history and tradition and escape to nature. 

Just imagine walking through towering bamboo forests, setting foot in ancient temples and traditional teahouses, and soaking up the natural beauty of cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. A trip to the former capital of Japan can be a real dream come true. 

And you can explore this city in three magical days. So I’ve created this 3-day Kyoto travel itinerary to help you plan the perfect three days in Kyoto.

Whether you’re following Japan’s “Golden Route” and visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, or you’re just visiting Kyoto, this Kyoto travel itinerary can help you plan your trip to perfection. Even if you’re spending longer than three days in this city, this itinerary will give you an idea of some of the best things to do during your stay.

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3

Kyoto Day 1 Itinerary

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 

You’ve no doubt seen pictures of this famous forest, and the pathway that winds its way through the towering bamboo stalks. The Arashiyama bamboo forest is one of Kyoto’s most beautiful sights — it’s a retreat into nature, in the middle of the city. 

So why not start your first day in Kyoto with a breath of fresh air by taking a relaxing walk through this stunning forest? 

The earlier in the morning you can get to the bamboo forest, the quieter it will be. So if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, take perfect pictures, and enjoy the serenity of the forest, I’d recommend arriving as early as possible — definitely before 9 am, or if you don’t mind rising early, a sunrise trip is definitely worth it. 

At sunrise, you’ll see the changing colours of the bamboo forest as the sun starts to filter through the bamboo stalks. But if you arrive after the sun is already in the sky, you’ll experience the beautiful green colour of the bamboo grove.

The Arashiyama bamboo forest is a short walk from the JR Saga-Arashiyama station. After walking for about 15 minutes through the bamboo grove, you will come upon Tenryu-ji temple.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji temple is a world heritage site and one of the main Zen temples in Kyoto. Although the temple dates back to the 14th century, many of the temple buildings have been destroyed in fires, and compared to other Japanese temples, Tenryu-ji is now fairly minimal. 

However, the temple is surrounded by mountains and forest, and the temple gardens alone are well worth a visit. Japan is well known for its careful garden designs, but the Tenryu-ji gardens have a much more natural feel, and they’ve remained the same for many centuries. 

After exploring the garden of Tenryu-ji temple, another 15 minutes through the bamboo forest will bring you to the Arashiyama Monkey Park.

Arashiyama Monkey Park

If you’re hoping to encounter some Japanese wildlife on your trip, you’ll want to visit Arashiyama Monkey Park, also known as Iwatayama Monkey Park. Don’t be put off by the term ‘park’, all of the monkeys here are wild, in fact it’s humans that are in a cage at this park.

As you venture into the park you’ll follow a path that leads you up the mountain, and as you approach the summit you’ll officially be in monkey territory. Over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys live in this area, so keep an eye out for these mischievous little beings — if you’re lucky you may even spot some babies. Just make sure you follow the rules which will be written on signs around the park. The monkeys are used to being around humans, so they won’t hurt you as long as you stick to rules like staying at least two metres away and avoiding eye contact.

At the end of your hike through the park, at the top of the mountain, you’ll be greeted by staff and the welcome sight of benches. Here you can stop for a much-needed rest while enjoying one of the best views of Kyoto. You can enter an enclosed, caged area where you can look out over Kyoto and feed monkeys safely from behind the cage.

To enter the park you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 550 yen. And if you want to feed the monkeys you’ll need to buy food for 100 yen.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari shrine is an important shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to ‘Inari’, the Shinto god of rice. The messengers of the god are thought to be foxes, so you’ll spot many fox statues and emblems throughout the shrine grounds. But this shrine is most famous for the thousands of torii gates lining the paths behind the shrine. These red vermilion gates have made these paths one of the most popular photography spots in Kyoto. As the sun shines, paths are illuminated in red and orange, or if you opt for an evening visit, the atmosphere at the Fushimi Inari Shrine at night is quite something, with the illuminated orange gates casting dramatic shadows. 

If you choose to follow the paths until the end, you’ll be walking for around 2-3 hours until you reach the top of a mountain. However, most visitors don’t get this far. Most people will simply walk a little through the paths before turning around, and some will walk to the halfway point, where the paths open up into a clearing, halfway up the mountain. Here you can relax on benches overlooking Kyoto. If you find yourself getting a little peckish or thirsty, there are several places to stop for a drink or a meal along the path.

The further along the path you walk, the quieter it will be, and the better photo opportunities you’ll get. However, past the halfway point you’ll start to less of the iconic red gates.

After walking through the Arashiyama forest in the morning and the Fushimi Inari shrine paths in the afternoon, you’re probably going to be pretty tired and ready for a break. So this attraction marks the end of day 1 in Kyoto.

Kyoto Day 2 Itinerary

Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)

I’d recommend you start your second day in Kyoto with a trip to the Eastern side of the city to see Ginkaku-ji, the 15th century Silver Pavilion, also known as Higashiyama Jisho-ji temple. 

This beautiful pavilion was modeled on Kinkaku-ji (The Gold Pavilion) and named the Silver Pailion not because when the temple was first built it was originally covered in a dark finish which reflected silver in the moonlight. 

The pavilion is surrounded by a number of other temple buildings and beautiful gardens, including a moss garden and a dry sand garden. The sand garden, also known as ‘The Sea of Silver Sand’, is symbolic of Zen concepts and peacefulness. It leads to a silver cone, designed for moon-gazing and reflection. The moss garden also embodies Zen ways of thinking in its slow growth to beauty. There are a number of ponds and small bridges in this garden. The intricacy of the moss garden perfectly contrasts the simplicity of the sand garden.

Tetsugaku No Michi (The Path of Philosophy)

From Ginkaku-ji, you can go for a wander through Tetsugaku No Michi, also known as the Path of Philosophy or the Philosopher’s Walk. This is a 2km long ancient stone path between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji temple. 

The path runs alongside a canal and is lined with cherry trees. In spring, this path makes for a stunning walk and it’s one of the best places in Kyoto to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms. 

If you want to walk the entire length of the path, you can also visit Nanzen-ji temple. However, you don’t need to walk the entire 2km to appreciate the beauty of this walkway.

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji is the sister temple and original inspiration for Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion). In contrast to Ginkaku-ji, Kinkaku-ji holds true to it’s name and appears gold at any time of day. The top two floors of the temple are covered in gold leaf.

Kinkaku-ji is famously picturesque in all seasons. The temple is set at the edge of a large pond with a colourful forest backdrop and on clear days the temple reflects perfectly in the still waters of the pond. In spring, the cherry blossoms perfectly frame the temple, and in winter, the gold of the temple glistens against the snow. 

The entry fee for Kinkaku-ji is 400yen. It only takes a short time to see all the temple grounds have to offer, but the grandeur of the Golden Pavilion makes it an absolute must-see. 

After visiting Kinkaku-ji a good transition into the afternoon and evening is a visit to the entertainment and dining district of Gion.

Gion, Kyoto’s Geisha District

Gion is the perfect place to end your second day in Kyoto. A visit to this district, which is well-known as the Geisha district, can feel like stepping back in time. This is where Geisha culture comes to life — you’ll see Geisha (Japanese women trained in traditional arts) walking between traditional wooden houses, teahouses, shops and restaurants.

In Gion, you can dine in restaurants serving both traditional Japanese cuisine and international food, and attend cultural shows.  A cultural show is held every day at the end of Hanami-koji Street to showcase a range of traditional Japanese arts, including tea ceremonies, flower arranging, dancing and comic plays. This is a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Kyoto Day 1 Itinerary

Nijo Castle

During the Edo period, Japan was governed by the Tokugawa shogunate, a military dictatorship founded by the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, also known as the unifier of Japan. And for many years, Nijo Castle was Tokugawa Ieyasu’s main residence. 

The castle was built in 1603 and has remained largely intact since the Edo period. Today it’s one of the best examples of Japanese architecture from this period. The Castle has two rings of fortification, each one built as a line of defence. These two areas are surrounded by Japanese-style gardens and ponds. In the centre of the fortress, you’ll find the most impressive building: Ninomaru Palace. For those interested in Japanese history or architecture, this castle provides a unique insight and understanding.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Dating back to 778AD, Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers a glimpse into Japan’s ancient history. It was built mostly from Japanese cypress and entirely without nails, and it’s one of the oldest temples to remain in its original form. 

The temple is well-known for its wooden stage, which is 13 meters high and protrudes over the mountainside, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape. 

Kiyomizu-dera quite literally translates to Pure Water Temple — it was named because it’s located beside the Otowa waterfall, where pure water flows. The water has been re-directed through the temple grounds and it is possible to drink this water from a ladle. To drink the water is said to give good fortune and success. You’ll often see school students gathering to drink the water before sitting exams. 

Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple are both keystones of Japanese history and have been preserved exceptionally well. Visiting both of these beautiful sites will give you an insight into Japanese history, architecture, and culture. And you’re sure to get some incredible photos too.

What Did You Think of this Kyoto Travel Itinerary?

I hope you’ve found this guide useful! I created this Kyoto travel itinerary to help you plan an incredible three days in this wonderful Japanese city, packed with temples, castles, shrines, and gardens.

If you follow this itinerary I’d love to know how you found it, or if you’ve already visited Kyoto, what would you do differently?

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Three years ago, I sat in an English pub, listening to a friend tell me stories about their trip to Vietnam. From whirlwind romances to charming locals, beautiful sights and oh-so-cheap and delicious food, as they told me about their travels my mind was filled with beautiful images and I knew I had to go.

Ever since that evening, I’ve had this idea of Vietnam as the most beautiful destination on Earth. So when I finally booked a ticket there, three years on, I was overwhelmed with excitement.

I travelled with my then-boyfriend and we decided to spend a month in Hanoi/Halong Bay and a month in Ho Chi Minh City. We decided that since this was a trip I’d dreamed of for such a long time, it was worth allowing two months to really experience life in Vietnam.

My First Taste of Vietnam

The first month in North Vietnam went well, although as with any over-hyped dream, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I quickly realised the image I had of peacefully driving scooters alongside the river, and walking hand in hand around lakes and pagodas was as far from reality as possible. The roads were filled with thousands of motorbikes and scooters, each one of them slamming their horn as many times as humanly possible. Attractions were heaving with tourists and locals who would push past us or pester us to buy something, or pay for a picture with their props and animals. The entire experience was overwhelming and nothing like I imagined. The only respite we got from the madness of the city was in Halong Bay, on Cat Ba Island and the deserted Tuan Chau Island. 

I quickly realised that I’m definitely not a city person, which didn’t bode well for the second month I was due to spend in Southern Vietnam, in the apparently busier Ho Chi Minh City.

Any time we told locals how long we planned on staying in Saigon, they would look at us shocked and confused, or they’d laugh. Almost all of them asked ‘why would you do that?’. So by the time came for us to board our flight to HCMC, we were well and truly worried about what to expect from the Southern City.

The Saigon Apartment

We had booked a Saigon apartment that looked like pure luxury. It was modern, it had air con and a rooftop area with swing seats and a pool. The apartment was located in District 3, so not too far from the city centre.

When we arrived at the apartment, we saw a baby cockroach on the stairs leading up to our flat. My boyfriend looked at it with disgust while I insisted that it was cute.

‘I have no idea why people are so scared of these little things’ I said, ‘I don’t think they even bite, and they run a mile when they see us coming anyway’.

Oh, how naive I was. This was before I realised that cockroaches are living embodiments of the devil. These guys are pure evil. And before any animal-lovers jump to defend them, I have my reasons (below) for now hating these insects! 

Anyway, we let ourselves into our room and were amazed by beautifully modern and clean it was. We took pictures before dumping our massive rucksacks in the wardrobe and running up to admire the rooftop area. It was incredible — the pool had a beautiful view of the city. We were impressed.

But the first night, the problems began. When we switched out the lights and went to bed, we heard scuttling sounds. Switching the light back on, we saw a group of 5 or 6 cockroaches that had emerged from underneath the wardrobe. Still convinced that these little critters were completely harmless, we switched off the light and went to sleep not giving it a second thought.

The Invasion of the Cockroaches Begins

But the next night, we awoke to the same scuttling sound, and this time there were even more — probably more than 10 cockroaches all running around on the floor of our bedroom. One had even made its way on to my bedside table. That was a little too close for comfort, so the next morning we asked the housekeeper if there was a spray we could use that would get rid of them. She gave us a spray and we went crazy, spraying every nook and cranny we could find.

We let the spray work its magic for a while, and sure enough an hour later, 7 cockroaches had crawled out from their hiding places and died in the middle of the room. It’s a little grim, and cruel, I know, but trust me, they deserved it for what their buddies did the following night.

At 3 am the next day, I woke up in a panic. There was something crawling on me, lots of things,  on my legs, on my chest, my arms. My face. Yep, there were cockroaches all over me. And one of the buggers was on my face.

In a split second, I went from being someone who couldn’t care less about cockroaches, to sobbing like a maniac and screaming ‘please help me’ over and over while these horrible creatures carried on crawling all over me. And these weren’t small ones or babies, they were absolutely massive — the length of a finger, the width of a big toe. 

My boyfriend tried to slap them off, but they were adamant that they wanted to continue their party on my body. And these guys are fast. They avoided every whack and carried on running all over me. It took a while to get them all off, by which point I was a mess. I was sobbing, and frantically scratching where tiny cockroach feet had been running all over me.

The Frightful Facts About Cockroaches

Eventually, I calmed down, but there was no way I could go back. I stayed awake googling cockroaches, what diseases they carry, their habits, and whether it’s common for them to crawl on humans while they sleep. I found myself reading academic papers on these insects — what else could I do? I couldn’t sleep.

And what I learned from my frantic google searches and academic reading only made me feel worse. If you see one cockroach, the chances are there are thousands of them hiding nearby. THOUSANDS. But the worst cockroach fact I found out was that the smell that comes from our mouths and nose when we sleep is a pheromone for cockroaches. So if you sleep in the same room as a cockroach, they will likely make it their mission to crawl inside your mouth, or up your nose. Once I found this out, I definitely wasn’t going back to sleep.

There was just one useful fact I learned, and that was that cockroaches don’t like light. If they can help it, they’ll only come out in the dark. So I tested this theory, I turned the light off for two minutes in the kitchen and closed the door. Then I switched the light back on, and sure enough, saw a bunch of cockroaches in the middle of the kitchen floor.

So now I knew I could sleep as long as the light was on.

But my boyfriend wasn’t having that. So I set up camp on the sofa in the kitchen, with the LED lights blaring. But still, I couldn’t sleep.

The Nightmare Continues…

I noticed that my face felt bruised and I gently touched my cheek, near my nose. It felt swollen, and if I pushed a little harder, it made a loud squeaking sound. It’s safe to say, I was super freaked out.

I panicked that I’d had an allergic reaction to the cockroach who waltzed his way across my face. But the more I searched google for answers, the more I came across videos of people with cockroaches stuck up their noses or in their ears. And this only fuelled my panic even more. Now I was panicking that a cockroach had actually crawled up my nose. Most of the cockroaches we’d seen were much bigger than my nostril, but we’d seen babies too, and one of these could have wiggled its way up my nasal passage.

I spent a further three nights too scared to sleep, and I don’t know if you’ve ever seen someone who hasn’t slept for three nights, but it’s not pretty. Each day I became more worried about my face. Most of the swelling in my cheek had gone down, but my right nostril had completely swollen shut. It was interfering with my ability to breathe, and I was having frequent panic attacks at the thought of a cockroach living in my sinuses.

So on the fourth day, I decided to go to see a doctor. I had an Amex card that included travel insurance, so I gave the number a call, only to find out that my card (and the insurance) had expired the week before. I was in Vietnam, potentially with a cockroach up the nose, with no travel insurance. I know, I know, this was my own fault — it was my first big trip, and I guess you live and you learn. 

At this point, I should also mention I had almost completely run out of money. I was financially unprepared for the long trip, I was working as a freelancer and that month four of my clients had decided they couldn’t afford to pay me on time, so the bank account took a hit and I had about £20 to my name. So a doctor was out of the question. And my lack of money also meant we couldn’t move apartments. We told the staff at the Oolong Tea Garden Apartments what had happened and asked if we could have a refund on all or even some of the money we had paid so that we could get a different apartment, but they just shrugged and said ‘no refunds’.

They say money can’t buy you happiness, but I’d have been a whole lot happier if I’d had the money for a doctor, or the money to move to an apartment that wasn’t infested.

I waited a month until payday, by which point we were so close to flying home that I decided to wait to see a doctor until I got back to England.

So after continuing the rest of my travels with very little money, and a swollen, squeaky face, I finally arrived back in England.

I went to the doctor as soon as possible, who transferred me to another doctor, who transferred me to another ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. After being sent to a handful of different doctors, and having several nasal endoscopies, I was told that the good news was that there was no cockroach in my nose. The bad news was that I’d had an allergic reaction and the swelling had caused the cartilage in my nose to break. And to be able to breathe through my nose again I’d need surgery.

So the outcome? In three months, I have to have surgery to fix the broken nose. Surgery. All because of cockroaches.

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The Incident That Started It All: The Mosquito Bite

My first ever visit to Bali started with a trip to a coworking space. I wanted to get some work done before planning any adventurous day trips, so I set off with my laptop and found my way there. I took a seat in the garden to enjoy the sun while I worked and within minutes I felt a sharp stinging on my arm. And sure enough, there was a big black and white striped mosquito on my arm, with its mouth still firmly attached to my skin. I knew the type of mosquito: the Aedes Aegypti.

I knew it only because I’d researched dengue fever the year before, while travelling through Thailand, and this was the type of mosquito that carried the illness.

Once I’d smacked the mosquito off my arm and the stinging had stopped, I sighed. I bet I get dengue fever or typhoid, I thought. That would be just my luck. Contracting dengue on my very first day in Bali.

My Descent Into Illness

I carried on the rest of the day, and the day after the bite as normal. But on my third day in Bali, I woke up feeling absolutely bloomin’ awful. I told myself I was just tired and hauled myself out of bed and into the shower. I had a new members meeting at the coworking space at 10:30 am, so I rushed to get ready and started the 20-minute walk.

A few steps down the road I felt even worse than I had when I first woke up. My head was pounding, my back was aching like crazy and I felt the same sort of nausea you get with a hangover. I didn’t really think anything of it — I just put it down to not having had any breakfast. I’m a bit of a diva when it comes to breakfast.

I arrived at the meeting late and sat at the bark on a bench. The pain in my back was getting worse and I shuffled and fidgeted throughout the entire meeting, drawing my knees to my chest, twisting, turning and arching my back just to try and alleviate the pain.

Once the meeting was over I ordered a chocolate muffin (because what better way to try and get better than with a large serving of something chocolatey). Each mouthful was a struggle. Halfway through the muffin, I realised I was unwell. Normally I devour anything chocolatey in seconds, but the muffin was a struggle, and each mouthful made me feel worse. And the pain in my lower back had spread down to my knees and to my upper back and shoulders.

I’d only completed a measly seven minutes of work, but I slammed my laptop shut and started to walk back to the hostel. I quickly came across a guy with a motorbike yelling ‘taxi taxi’ (they’re everywhere in Ubud), and decided there was no way I could walk back to the hostel. So I got on the back of the taxi driver’s motorbike and did my best to cling on as he drove me home. Looking back, I should have found a taxi driver with a car. I barely had the strength to hold on as he swerved through the Ubud roads and tiny streets to get me home.

A Shared Hostel Dorm: The Worst Place To Be Ill

I got back to the hostel at about midday and went straight to my dorm. A team of about 7 cleaning staff were in there changing sheets, sweeping and mopping the floor and carrying out their cleaning routines. My heart sank, I had to lay down, and I couldn’t get to my bed.

I made my way down to the pool, where there were beanbags and sun loungers. I collapsed onto a bean bag and fell asleep almost immediately. I woke up about an hour later, feeling hot, thirsty and downright terrible. I had to make it to my bed.

Luckily the cleaning staff had finished up while I slept by the pool, so I stumbled into the room, kicking off one shoe before falling into bed. I drew the horribly thin and transparent curtain around the bed to give myself at least the illusion of privacy and again fell asleep, with one shoe still on.

I woke up about 8 hours later, in the evening, when a drunken man who was in the bunk bed above me fell against my bed, knocking the curtain open. He started to apologise, but his ‘sorry’ faded into muttering — he was clearly shocked by my appearance. I looked rough. And I knew that was probably just the first encounter I’d have with a drunken gap-year traveller that night. I was in a party hostel, and I knew from the previous nights I’d spent there that the partying and drinking wouldn’t stop until 4-5 am.

Sure enough, throughout the night I had to deal with the sound of girls vomiting in the bathroom, people having sex in the beds around me, music thumping on the offbeat of my throbbing headache. The worst part though was the bathroom situation. There were only two toilets for over 30 people, and the illness meant I needed those babies pretty regularly.

Each time I staggered to the toilet, which was only a few steps away from my bed, the aching pain got worse. My ankles, knees and hips felt like they were breaking each time I put weight on them. The pain was so intense it felt like I could hear my joints crunching and creaking. And when those few steps to the toilet were finally over, I would have to wait for the gaggles of drunken girls to finish weeing, vomiting and using the toilets to have heart-to-heart conversations.

The Quest for a Private Room

There was no way I could stay in the hostel. But every step I took felt like setting fire to my joints and muscles. I didn’t know what to do, how could I summon the strength to pack my rucksack, and carry the massive 15-kilogram pack to a new place?

A couple of days after being ill in the hostel I knew I had no choice but to face the pain and move to a private room in another guest house. I booked a room online and prepared to make a move. Packing up my things took the best part of four hours. After shoving each item into my backpack I laid back, breathing deeply, giving myself a pep talk to keep going. Eventually, I had packed and had pulled my backpack onto my back. The pain was excruciating.

I made it to reception to check out and was met with ‘Oh my goodness, are you okay?’ from the receptionist. It was at that moment I realised I couldn’t talk. I knew I had a sore throat, but next to all the other symptoms I hadn’t really given it a second thought. But no, trying to talk sent me into a coughing fit that seemed to last forever.

After coughing over the receptionist, and trying to say thank you through tear-filled eyes and spluttered sounds, I made my way to the main road. A taxi driver found me instantly, thank God. He took my rucksack and put it in the car, ignoring my attempts to ask him how much he charged. My guest house was only a ten-minute walk away, a five-minute drive maximum. It hurt to talk, it hurt to stand so eventually I gave up trying to ask how much and got in. He was grinning, and I knew instantly he was going to rip me off.

After a few minutes in the car we arrived near the guest house, he said he couldn’t get closer despite many other cars driving down the same road, and jumped out, threw my rucksack to the pavement and charged me 150,000 IDR — about £9. The journey shouldn’t have cost more than 60,000, but I didn’t have the strength to argue and he knew it.

I tried to pick my rucksack up of the floor where he had dumped it and didn’t even have the strength to lift it onto my shoulders. Eventually, someone helped me lift it up, and I stumbled a few minutes down the road to the guest house.

My room wasn’t ready yet, but I couldn’t stand, or even sit any longer. I laid down on a bench in a lobby — I don’t think I’ve ever looked more homeless. I was shivering despite the hot Bali weather, my hair was unbrushed, and I smelt like I hadn’t showered in weeks. But I had made it, I had my own private room, and I didn’t have to carry my stupidly large rucksack anymore.

Recovering From Dengue Fever

I was ill for another week and a half, but gradually I started to get better. Having my own room made the illness so much more bearable, but still, I was unable to leave the hotel to get food. Luckily there was water just a few steps from my room, but it took me six days to be able to leave the room to get something to eat. And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from this whole ordeal, it’s that going six days without food is horrendous.

After a week I made it to the hospital to receive the care I needed, and now, about two weeks on from that silly mosquito bite, I’m doing much better.

So if you’re suffering from Dengue fever in Bali, or any other illness really, here are my tips to you:

• If you’re in a hostel, leave immediately and find a private room, before the illness gets worse!
• Go to a hospital or Doctors as soon as possible. Bali healthcare is actually very good.
• Don’t go six days without food, you’ll just make yourself feel worse.
• Wear mosquito spray! I literally never did this before I got ill, now you won’t see me out and about in Asia without it
• Ask for help — I struggled through most of the illness on my own, but if I’d just asked for help there were so many people around me who would have given it gladly. The Balinese are such lovely people, and apart from the taxi driver, so many people did their best to help me.

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We arrived at the resort after getting a ferry and bus over to Tuan Chau from Cat Ba, and it was perfect, it was everything we could have hoped for. The beach had miles of untouched sand, and hammocks hanging from the Palm trees. I’d upped my budget to $50 a night, and it was worth every bit of that.

But after a few days of relaxing with fried noodles and cocktails on the beach, I started to get itchy feet. It was time to explore the island properly.

Tuan Chau – the ‘touristic’ island of Ha Long Bay

I’d read online that Tuan Chau was the ‘touristic island’ of Ha Long Bay, it was even marked on Google Maps as Touristic Centre, but the second we stepped outside the resort we knew there must have been some mistake.

Admittedly, we visited in October, which I guess is low season, but I’ve never seen a place so run down and eerily empty.

There was life-size Disney figurings laying damaged and scattered over the different gardens. It was like a graveyard of children’s dreams.

Then there was the fact that every shop was completely empty, no furniture, nothing, some of the buildings were half built, and there wasn’t a soul in sight.

We walked to the ferry port to get some snacks, as this seemed to be the only place that was 1) open and 2) not entirely deserted. There was a security standing outside, guarding the entrance, looking stern as they do, and when we walked into the building and into the convenience store, he followed us the whole way round, keeping uncomfortably close. I’ve never had such a tense snack-buying experience. I grabbed my cashew nuts and got out of there ASAP.

Just outside of the port was a YOLO bar. We’d been to a YOLO bar before in Siem Reap, with free beer pong and pool but this one was nothing like the chilled out backpacker bar in Siem Reap. We walked in and saw big black curtains hanging, blocking our view of the main bar. When we tried to walk through the curtains, three men starting shouting and quickly escorted us out.

Confused at why everyone on the island seemed annoyed at two tourists on the supposedly ‘touristic’ island, we headed back to the resort, back past the fallen Disney statues, and the empty buildings.

The deserted amusement park

On our walk back, we decided to stop off at a theme park that was literally just opposite our hotel. We’d heard loud music and seen sweeping spotlights each evening coming from the park, so we thought we’d check out what seemed like the one lively place on the island.

We got to the ticket office, and asked about the show, which turned out to be a dolphin show. So we booked tickets for 8:30pm and started to head back to grab some dinner before the show (it was only 5:30). But as we were walking away the ticket lady called out to us, telling us we could enjoy the rest of the amusement park before the show started.

Thrilled that for about $10 our tickets also included a theme park, apparently with roller coasters, arcades, and funfair rides, we jumped at the chance.

But the second we went through the ticket barriers we realised we’d made a mistake.

We walked up the hundreds multicoloured steps that faced an empty pool/fountain, and with a view over the whole park we realised we were the only ones there. There weren’t any workers, and there definitely weren’t any tourists.

The rides were all lit up, flashing spookily, with no one there to operate them. But what was creepier that around the rides – the children’s rides – was barbed wire lining the fences.

After walking through the rides and determining that they definitely weren’t the sort of rides you could operate yourself, we walked further into the park, walking through the forest until we came to a huge water arena. We could see the jets where a fountain would be, and the seats surrounding the arena, but again, there was no water, and no people.

The sun was setting, and soon we found ourselves in the pitch black, walking through a forest path with an abandoned kids’ play park on one side and the deserted water arena on the other.

It’s safe to say we were pretty freaked out, being completely alone in a deserted theme park, on a deserted island, with only rats to keep us company. Oh yea, didn’t I mention, there were rats running around the park having a great time.

We walked back towards the rides, because at least they were lit up and noticed that just beyond the rides, just past the perimeter fence of the park was a huge ditch where more Disney figures and kids statues lay abandoned and dirty in a pile.

As if that wasn’t creepy enough, a topless man, covered in dirt from the ditch walked slowly through the rubble and statues. Slowly he turned to look at us, and altered his course, walking in our direction.

Now, in the hard light of day, I’m fully aware that this guy probably worked there, and was likely coming to tell us about the park, but in the dark and silent theme park, I was already spooked, and so when I saw a strange man arising from the ruins of Disney statues, I did the only logical, and very British thing: I turned around and walked away as briskly as I could (you won’t catch me running).

I’m not sure why at this point we didn’t just go back, we were both thoroughly freaked out, but we thought we’d walk to the dolphin arena and see if that was as creepy. We followed the signs past the empty games room and kids’ soft play area, using our torches to guide the way, and in the dark we saw a family sat around a corner, eating a meal in the dark. Worried about what sort of characters eat their dinner in an abandoned theme park, on the floor, we didn’t stop to chat, but continued on towards the dolphin arena.

The path took us down a hill, further into darkness, before we reached the arena, which was right next to the main road. The arena was shut and padlocked, with no lights on – clearly they weren’t preparing for the evening show. There was also a gate that led out onto the main road, which was also locked with several padlocks.

That was it, we’d finally had enough of the dark, deserted park, so we made our way back to the entrance. When we got there the man who had let us in was gone, the ticket barriers were all shut, and the one gate out was padlocked.

I’m not going to lie, at this point, I was prepared to pole vault my way out of the park, I’d had enough, it was just too weird. Who lets people into a completely empty theme park and then padlocks the exit gate?

As we frantically tried each of the ticket barrier turnstiles, the lady from the ticket office appeared and asked us what we were doing – as if we were the strange ones for wanting to leave the world’s creepiest theme park. When we asked what was wrong with the park, and why everything was shut, she looked astounded.

For a while we had her try to convince us that the park was fully open, and that we should enjoy it, but eventually she let us out of the padlocked gate and stamped our hands in case we wanted to come back.

It’s safe to say, we didn’t go back, not even for the dolphin show that we’d paid for. The thought of once again being padlocked in, but this time inside an enclosed dolphin arena just didn’t appeal to me, so instead I spent the evening googling things like ‘why is Tuan Chau a ghost island’, ‘haunted amusement park Tuan Chau’ – you get the gist.

The mystery of Tuan Chau deepens

Slightly traumatised by the experience of wandering alone through an abandoned theme park and then being locked in, my imagination was going wild. So when my google searches returned a complete lack of any real information about the island, I got even more hyped up.

Everything is on Google. Everything. Sure you might occasionally stumble across a cafe or whatever without a website, but you can normally find just about anything on TripAdvisor, Reddit, and other travel forums. But we were getting nothing, just a government page stating that the island was the tourist hub of Ha Long Bay (it definitely isn’t).

The next stage in my detective work was to find out what the locals call the theme park. Eventually I found the Vietnamese name for the theme park, after looking through endless leaflets and websites, typed that into Google instead.

This got me a little further. I found the Google Business Page for the theme park, which meant I also found the Google reviews.

But the Google reviews just fuelled my imagination more. There had been no reviews for months, apart from a picture of one man standing outside the gates, holding a child and forcing a smile – he definitely didn’t look like he was having a good time, and he wasn’t even inside the park.

Most reviews were from 2012, and after scrolling through I realised that a lot of the reviews were actually written by the same person. Either that’s one very happy customer who returns every month or so, or someone’s going to great lengths to make this place look legit.

After going through what felt like every single Google result, it seemed that park has been mostly empty since 2012. The 2012 pictures show the theme park thriving and full of people, so what’s happened since? Was it just that I visited during low season? But even that doesn’t explain the lack of recent reviews. Perhaps no one has actually lived to tell the tale.

Okay, okay, that’s probably a little far fetched, but still, this was a spooky experience. I never did find out the full story behind the theme park, but still I’m curious. I asked my hotel reception staff about the park, but they refused to comment on whether or not it was worth visiting – perhaps because of the language barrier, perhaps because there’s a little more going on than meets the eye.

If you’ve got any theories or you know why Tuan Chau is such a ghost town, I’d love to hear your thoughts! I might even publish them as a second article! So don’t hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and theories!

I also managed to film some of the experience, so if you want to check out the abandoned theme park video, watch it below!

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