Greetings from Saigon! Here are the latest posts from Nomadic Notes, site news, and personal updates.

~ James

Where I'm At

Where I’m At: June, 2017 – Saigon edition

Where I’m At: a monthly update of what I’ve been up to, site news, and where I’m going next.

Latest posts from Nomadic Notes

A bemused Melburnian returns to Melbourne after two years absence

Returning to my old home city of Melbourne after being away for two years, and noticing the changes in the city.

Giving Shenzhen a second chance

Returning to Shenzhen six years after my first visit to find a completely different city than what I remember.

Best cafes in Georgetown, Penang

[UPDATED] A list of the best cafes in Georgetown, Penang - great coffee and ideal spaces for writers and digital nomads.

The regeneration of Kuala Lumpur Old City

The redevelopment of the Chinatown/Heritage Quarter of Kuala Lumpur, including the River of Life Project, the new metro, and KL118.

Nomadic News

Chinese Tour Groups Suck

In defense of Chinese tour groups.

A Look Inside Airbus’s Epic Assembly Line

A confluence of political and economic forces has prompted Europe’s largest airplane manufacturer to place a factory in Alabama — and to create one of the world’s most gargantuan supply chains.

The forgotten story of a Saigon warrior

In much the same way, Nguyet’s memories seem to fade as Ho Chi Minh City’s cool morning blends into the afternoon. With her hair tied in a silver bun and her feet slipping in and out of rubber sandals, she seems to blend seamlessly into the bustling city of over 12 million.

30 Photos From Afghanistan That You Won't See In The News

Last summer I traveled into the mountains of Afghanistan for a two week backpacking adventure. Not your typical summer vacation destination. Here’s what I witnessed on my journey.

Startling Photos Capture Myanmar’s $31 Billion Jade Mining Industry

A look at the jade-rich hills of Kachin, where everyone’s digging for the single stone that will make them rich.

The body in the Buddah

Is the mummified monk who disappeared from a Chinese village 22 years ago the body in the Buddha that turned up unexpectedly in Amsterdam? John Hooper and Ted Plafker investigate

Why Do We Have Borders, Anyway?

Trump’s travel ban and the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East raise the question of whether it makes sense to divide the world into neat little packages in the first place.

Future Southeast Asia Railway Project

Future Southeast Asia Rail Map

Last year I created the Future Southeast Asia Railway Map which proved to be a popular concept. I have some other map ideas, but for now I’m still bookmarking Southeast Asia railway news. If you would like to keep updated I have a Facebook group where I post articles and map news. 

Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1700545326676832/

Thailand's first high-speed railway could begin construction this year

Thailand’s transportation minister has announced that construction of 3.5 kilometres of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway may begin as soon as August.

Nomadic Notes Partners

Nomadic Notes is partnered with the following sites. I use and recommend these travel booking sites when planning my travels.

Book Accommodation: Agoda, Hotels Combined

Find Flights: Skyscanner

Car Hire: RentalCars

Travel insurance: World Nomads

Booking via these links will not cost you extra, and they will help keep Nomadic Notes running. Thanks for reading!