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Porto and the Douro River Valley
At first glance, the city of Porto in northern Portugal is poorer, dirtier and grittier than Europe’s other popular metropolitan areas. Outside its touristy downtown, once-bustling storefronts lie boarded up and vacant due to years of stagnant economic growth. Its tightly…
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Northern Laos: Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi
Laos is a small country that flies largely under the radar due to its lack of big-name attractions. A land of verdant rice fields, spectacular karst formations, temple-speckled towns and friendly people, Laos packs the best that the region has…
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Two Days in Luang Prabang: A Backpacker’s Utopia
The UNESCO-recognized World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, is the undeniable hub of tourism in the tiny, landlocked nation of Laos. A city of bougainvilleas, baguettes and outstanding natural beauty, this charming Laotian town rests at the convergence of the…
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A Perfect Three Day Inle Lake Itinerary
Myanmar may still seem off-the-beaten-path when compared with its Southeast Asian neighbors, but you wouldn’t know it during a visit to Inle Lake. Inle Lake is—along with Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda and Bagan’s temple-strewn plane—a major draw for international travelers to…
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Visiting the Bagan Pagodas in Myanmar
Bagan’s pagoda-studded landscape is a history-lover’s wonderland and a highlight of travel to Southeast Asia. The archeological site a testament to the powerful kingdom that once presided over ancient Myanmar. Bagan’s 26 square miles seem to extend as far as…
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One Day in Yangon Myanmar: Land of Golden Pagodas
Myanmar is a land of shimmering stupas and crumbling pagodas. The country is home to ancient ruins, vibrant cities, friendly people, and beautiful nature. Yet, despite housing some of the great attractions in Southeast Asia, the country has only recently…
