Greetings from Vientiane, Laos. I’m on the road doing some rail-related travel for my future Southeast Asia rail map.
I was in Bangkok for a rail conference, and from there I caught the overnight train to Nong Khai (on the Thai-Laos border). Thai railways have introduced new sleeper carriages so I will be reviewing that trip. And here in Laos I will be looking into the Kunming-Singapore railway which will be passing through Laos.
Where I'm At
Where I’m At: Bangkok – December, 2016
Personal update and site news for the past month.
Latest posts from Nomadic Notes
Gardens by the Bay: A wonderful urban park in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay - an modern urban park at Marina Bay in Singapore.
Travel Deals
Get $20 free travel credit at Airbnb - Airbnb is a great alternative to staying in hotels, and they offer $20 for first time users. The credit is valid for 30 days so be sure you are ready to book before claiming your credit.
Uber - Join up and get a free ride.
Grab - The largest ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia offer a free ride when you join with this link.
Nomadic News
Location Independence / Digital Nomadism
Here is what I have learned after 5 years as a digital nomad — Conni Biesalski
Why Siem Reap is one of best Digital Nomad Destinations - Nomadic Mick
After Brexit, young Australians looking for a new London have found it in Berlin
With its comparatively low cost of living, easy access to communal office space and thriving cultural scene, a new city has replaced London as the dominant …
Travel
How Instagram is ruining travel
A curious new breed of traveller is popping up at every great wonder of the world, spoiling the view for the rest of us: the Instagram Influencers
On board the Trans-Siberian Railway for a centenary ride
Other Interesting Reads
After Brexit, young Australians looking for a new London have found it in Berlin
With its comparatively low cost of living, easy access to communal office space and thriving cultural scene, a new city has replaced London as the dominant …
$100 Billion Chinese-Made City Near Singapore 'Scares the Hell Out of Everybody' - Bloomberg
Why planting more trees is one of the smartest things a city can do - Vox
These Photos From A Chinese Factory Are Haunting - BuzzFeed News
Photojournalist Kevin Frayer traveled to Mongolia with Getty Images and captured some haunting pictures…
‘We Couldn’t Believe Our Eyes’: A Lost World of Shipwrecks Is Found - The New York Times
Archaeologists have found more than 40 vessels in the Black Sea, some more than a millennium old, shedding light on early empires and trade routes.
Travel Booking
These are some of my recommended travel booking sites. Booking via these links helps keep the lights on at nomadicnotes.com, at no extra cost to you.
Get Travel Insurance - World Nomads offers insurance for short trips and long term travel.
Compare Hotels - Compare rates on multiple hotel bookings sites at Hotels Combined.
Find cheap flights - Airfare comparison by Skyscanner.