19 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas, From a Local Travel Writer
The 11-acre Waterloo Park near the Capitol Building is one of Austin’s newest greenspaces and part of a larger on-going project extending to Lady Bird Lake.
The capital of Texas has been my home base since December 2013. It is a mixture of all the things I love about the South (biscuits, grits, the word “y’all,” and barbecue), merged with the things I loved about California (fitness-focused outdoor culture and the ability to recycle everything easily) sprinkled with a little LA-style traffic and no state income tax.
It is literally my job to write and photograph many of the coolest spots in my current hometown and the great state of Texas. If you’re heading to Austin for SXSW, ACL or a football game, here’s my list of all the best things to do in Austin, Texas categorized by topic for easy scrolling! Of course, I’ve also written about the where to eat in Austin and the best hotels organized by neighborhood!
In this Post
1. Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
2. Swim at Barton Springs Pool
3. Tour the Texas State Capitol
4. Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
5. Play a Round at Peter Pan Mini Golf
8. Attend an Austin City Limits Taping
9. Stroll Through Austin’s Parks
10. Visit Austin’s Central Library
12. Take Advantage of Free Museum Days
13. Tour Austin’s Art Gallery Scene
15-19. The Best Day Trips from Austin
1. Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
The ever-changing Austin skyline photographed from the Lamar pedestrian bridge
Lady Bird Lake is the heart of the city and one of the best places to enjoy the city skyline. There are several boat rental places on the lake, so choose the one closest to you. I like Zilker Park Boat Rentals, which is located adjacent to Barton Springs Pool. They offer buy-one-get-one coupons on weekdays! You can also rent kayaks and canoes. The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail around the lake is great for running, walking and biking. (I run a five-mile section every week.)
2. Swim at Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is open year-round from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. except Thursdays when it’s open only in the morning and evening.
This spring-fed pool is another local favorite tucked in Zilker Park. The water is 68-70 degrees year-round and a great way to cool off on sizzling summer days. Another option is the 100-year-old Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest swimming pool in Texas.
3. Tour the Texas State Capitol
The interior dome of the Texas State Capitol Building
The Texas State Capitol building is an icon of the Austin skyline. The stunning four-block complex is taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Free guided and self-guided tours are available daily. Don’t miss the interior dome with an eight-foot-wide star and the view from 15th Street of the glass-roofed extension.
4. Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of the best places to go for a hike or a swim.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a hiking and biking trail that covers 12.86 miles with multiple access points. It’s one of the most popular spots for taking a dip in the summer months. (Twin Falls is one of my favorite spots for a swim.) Hiking the entire trail one way takes roughly three hours and can be broken into sections.
5. Play a Round at Peter Pan Mini Golf
Peter Pan Mini Golf is an Austin icon that’s managed to survive despite an uncertain future due to lease uncertainty.
You can’t miss the giant green T.rex statue at Peter Pan Mini-Golf overlooking the corner of Barton Springs and South Lamar. This colorful putt-putt spot opened in 1948 and has two courses with colorful statues of Austin landmarks and Peter Pan characters. The courses are challenging but fun. And the best part about the course is that it’s BYOB – no glass containers.
6. Play Chicken Shit Bingo
Sundays are for Chicken Shit Bingo. The Little Longhorn Saloon, a tiny hole-in-the-wall honky-tonk off Burnet Road, has been hosting the event for over 40 years. To play bingo, you buy a ticket and hope the chicken literally poops on your ticket number. There’s always live music and cold beer.
7. Watch the Bats
Crowds gather every night along the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the bats spiral into the sky.
The world’s largest urban bat colony lives under Congress Avenue Bridge. From mid-March to November, the bats spiral into the sky every night for a spectacular show. Check here to find the best time to see the bats nightly. For the best photos, watch the bats from the Statesman Bat Observation Center adjacent to the Congress Avenue Bridge.
8. Attend an Austin City Limits Taping
Want to be in the audience for a taping of the Austin City Limits TV show? All tickets are distributed through a free online lottery. If you don’t win, you can also wait in line to see if there are extra tickets available on the day of the show. The lottery opens usually a week before tapings, and winners are announced roughly two days before. For details about upcoming tapings, visit https://acltv.com/upcoming-tapings.
9. Stroll Through Austin’s Parks
Pease Park’s new suspended treehouse (left) and troll statue (right), Malin, by Danish artist Thomas Dambo are part of the space’s ongoing renovation projects.
The City of Austin is home to 512 parks, according to the Trust for Public Land. The 351-acre Zilker Park is the most famous and the hub for large events and festivals. It’s also home to Barton Springs and a great spot for paddleboarding. While it’s worth exploring, don’t miss out on some of the smaller but equally amazing outdoor spaces.
The new downtown ADA-accessible Waterloo Park has unparalleled views of the skyline and the Capitol Building. The 11-acre park, home to a 5,000-seat Moody Amphitheater, is part of a larger Waterloo Greenway Project connecting 15th Street to Lady Bird Lake.
Pease Park, an 84-acre green space along the banks of Shoal Creek, is famous for its photogenic treehouse, 40-foot circular observation pod suspended in the air, and giant wooden troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Other favorites include Mayfield Park and Preserve, a 23-acre nature area with a historic cottage and two gardens filled with peacocks. It’s walking distance from The Contemporary Austin’s Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria, which is a stunning outdoor space. Nearby, Mount Bonnell, a ridge-line peak overlooking the Colorado River, is great for sunset.
10. Visit Austin’s Central Library
Austin’s Central Library building and grounds showcase a variety of temporary and permanent artwork, including Christian Moelle’s CAW, a red 37-foot-tall kinetic sculpture.
Austin’s new downtown Central Library is one of the coolest buildings in town! The state-of-the-art facility feels like a swanky boutique hotel combined with an upscale mall with sweeping skyline views. Highlights include the rooftop butterfly garden, second-floor art gallery with rotating exhibits and a technology petting zoo featuring the latest gadgets. There’s WIFI, free computers to check out, and free “shared learning” rooms that offer video conferencing capabilities for meetings and workshops.
11. Listen to Live Music
A night view of the Paramount Theater, a historic movie theater listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Austin lives up to its reputation as the Live Music Capital. Start a visit to Austin at the “grandaddy” of live music venues, The Continental Club is one of the oldest in town, dating back to 1955. The Broken Spoke is another legend—a proper honky tonk that offers two-step lessons.
Mohawk has been one of my favorites since my first trip to Austin in 2007. The multi-level bar has both an indoor and outdoor stage. The Paramount Theater, a 1915 movie theater, is one of my favorite places to photograph live shows.
Other options include Antone’s (old school blues downtown), Hole in the Wall (campus dive bar), Donn’s Depot (dive bar in old train depot), The Parish (sweet Sixth Street spot), Scoot Inn (Eastside outdoor venue recently bought by C3), and Elephant Room (jazz and cocktails).
12. Take Advantage of Free Museum Days
You can’t miss the giant star outside the Bullock Museum.
The Bullock Museum focuses on the history of Texas and offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. If it’s your first visit to Texas, this is a great place to start your trip. The Blanton Museum of Art, located on the UT campus, offers free admission on Tuesdays. The museum hosts a series of visiting and rotating art exhibitions sourced from its vast 21,000-piece collection.
13. Tour Austin’s Art Gallery Scene
Austin is filled with cutting-edge galleries and large public art pieces like the 10-floor high, Tau Ceti mural by Josef Kristofoletti on the corner of East Second Street and Brazos Street.
Austin’s art scene is not to be missed, from street art to top-notch galleries. Start your art tour at Canopy Austin, a former East Austin Goodwill warehouse that’s been transformed into 89 galleries, studios and offices, including ICOSA, an artist-run cooperative gallery. My downtown favorites include McLennon Pen Co., a contemporary arts space on West Fifth Street named after founder Jill McLennon’s grandfather’s Chicago luxury pen shop, and West Chelsea Contemporary, specializing in museum-quality exhibitions. The Creek Show is one of my favorite annual outdoor public art shows—it’s located on Waller Creek and happens every fall, usually in November.
14. Hope Outdoor Gallery
When I first moved to Austin in 2013, one of my favorite things was visiting the Hope Outdoor Gallery—a free space for artists to create. The park closed for years and was relocated to a larger eight-acre space near the airport that opened in late November 2025. The outdoor art park campus includes outdoor mural walls, a 6,000-square-foot event venue and a park space. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All ages welcome.
15-19. The Best Day Trips from Austin
Book ahead to tour the nature trails at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center outside of Austin.
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Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is one of the Hill Country’s hidden secrets, located 30 miles from Austin! This stunning nature preserve features a photogenic grotto with a 40-foot waterfall and nature trails. Reservations are required.
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Barbecue lovers should flock to the tiny town of Lockhart, the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” which is home to four iconic barbecue restaurants, including Blacks Barbecue, the oldest family-owned barbecue restaurant in the state. It’s 45 minutes Southeast of Austin. (In my opinion, Black’s has the best brisket and sides, while Smitty’s Market has great sausage!)
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Head to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to climb the giant Uluru-style pink granite rock rising from the ground and explore 11 miles of hiking trails. Camping is available.
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Pedernales Falls State Park is by far my favorite state park near Austin. The 5,212-acre park is located 30 miles from town along the Pedernales River and features a stunning set of short waterfalls, a swimming area, hiking and horse-riding trails. Camping is available.
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Stunning Hamilton Pool Preserve, a box canyon with a 50-foot waterfall, is a great place for a swim. The pool was formed when a grotto collapsed. Reservations are required. Due to bacteria levels, it is sometimes closed for swimming.
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Other great swimming spots include Krause Springs and the Blue Lagoon in Wimberley.
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If you love antiques and wine, head to Fredericksburg, a former German settlement known for the annual Oktoberfest celebrations.
An Easy Guide to Getting American Airlines Elite Status—And How to Optimize it Once You Do
A work trip to Egypt in January helped me earn American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum status thanks to a stopover in Dubai and flying oneworld alliance airlines.
This post was originally published in April 2024 and updated in August 2025 to reflect recent changes to the American Airlines program.
In 2024, I achieved American Airlines Platinum status, my first elite status on any airline. This year, I hacked the system to reach Platinum Pro status. How did I do it? (Hint: Hotels are the secret!) Is it worth the effort? Until June 2025, I would have set yes for these reasons. After the June 12th update removing instant upgrades, I have to say that I don’t really see the value for Platinum Pro over Platinum, which I dig into in this post.
Here’s my guide to American Airlines Elite Status including pie charts with a breakdown of how I earned status!
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
In this Article
How I Got American Airlines Platinum Pro Status (2025)
How I used Hotels to get American Airlines Status
How I Got American Airlines Platinum Status (2024)
Is American Airlines Platinum worth the effort?
American Airlines Frequent Flyer Mile FAQ
American Airlines Status Levels
There are four American Airlines status levels: Gold (40,000 loyalty points), Platinum (75,000 loyalty points), Platinum Pro (125,000 loyalty points) and Executive Platinum (200,000). Status levels are calculated annually from March 1 to February 28. (I hit Platinum in January 2025 and my status is valid until March 31, 2026.)
How are American Airlines Loyalty Points Calculated
My loyalty has always been with American Airlines because I’ve always lived near one of their hub cities. In 2022, the airline revamped its loyalty program to focus solely on a loyalty point system for achieving elite status. For each qualifying mile you earn, you also earn one loyalty point from flying on American, oneworld airline partners and Jet Blue. In addition, you can earn loyalty points for using their branded credit cards, shopping on their portal sites (SimplyMiles, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining, American Airlines Vacations) or through other partners. The more money you spend, the easier it is to earn elite status. It’s no longer about how much or far you fly—it’s all about money.
Loyalty points for flights are calculated using the base fare before taxes. You’ll earn a loyalty point for every dollar spent. You earn a significant mileage bonus for every dollar spent based on your status:
AAdvantage member: 5 miles per dollar
AAdvantage Gold: 7 miles per dollar
AAdvantage Platinum: 8 miles per dollar
AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 9 miles per dollar
AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 11 miles per dollar
Example: If the base fare for a flight is $500, that equals 4,000 loyalty points for that flight with the 8-mile multiplier for platinum status.
How I got American Airlines Platinum Pro Status (2025)
To earn American Airlines Platinum Pro status, I earned 127, 096 through the following: credit card spending (26%; 33,703 points ); flights (34%; 43,455 points); hotels booked through AAdvantage Hotels (37%; 47,020 points); eShopping through the American Airlines portal (1%; 1,885 points) and miscellaneous (1%;1,841 points from a rental car, dining and the 1,000 point loyalty bonus once you reach 15,000 points.)
A few notes:
- I flew 10 American Airline and oneworld alliance flights for a total of 38,832 points. Since one of my freelance jobs pays for my flights, I only got loyalty points for flying, not for purchasing them.
- My credit card spending was higher than normal because I dropped $10,000 on new camera system (switched from Nikon to Sony). Roughly, 10% of my credit card spending was reimbursable from work expenses.
- Once I hit the 15,000 point level, American Airlines lets you choose a bonus of 1,000 loyalty points, which helped.
- After hitting the 60,000 level, you can earn a 20% loyalty point bonus rewards, which includes AAdvantage Hotel bookings. After achieving 100,000 loyalty points, it increased to 30%, which was instrumental in helping me get status.
How I used Hotels to get American Airlines Status
Three nights at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok worth nearly 10,000 loyatly points each helped me achieve American Airlines Platinum Pro status.
The secret for me was booking hotels through AAdvantage Hotels after I was eligible for the loyalty point bonuses. (Again, there’s a 20% bonus at 60,000 points and 30% at 100,000.) Keep in mind booking through AAdvantage Hotels is always more expensive than booking directly—at least 20% by my calculations but sometimes more. You are always paying more for the points.
Once I achieved Platinum status (75,000 loyalty points) in late August 2024, I needed 47,000 points to reach Platinum Pro, which seemed unrealistic because I wasn’t going to be flying any oneworld airlines again until March. There was no way I’d spend nearly that much on my credit card over the next six months. (I was in Southeast Asia where things are often cash-based.)
By November, I needed 42,000 points for Platinum Pro and decided to try to hack the system with hotels for some January trips. I booked four hotel nights for $1,431.25 totaling 39,660 points. To earn the same amount of loyalty points from flights, I would have had to spend $4,957 on airfare (base fare, excluding taxes). By booking the hotels, it was essentially a 72% discount on money spent!
I found an amazing 5-star hotel in Bangkok (Chatrium Grand Bangkok) that I booked three individual nights back-to-back to get roughly 9,300 to 10,000 points each night. (The rewards are higher for individual nights than multi-night stays booked together.) I emailed the hotel in advance to ensure I had the same room the entire time and “checked in/out” daily. It was roughly $400/night, which is more than I’ve ever spent on a hotel. Don’t get me wrong it was a stunning hotel, but I could have gotten it at least $100 cheaper on Booking.com. The loyalty points for each stay posted individually less than a week later.
I booked another hotel in Hanoi for $167/night for 4,300 points. (I booked a second night at the same hotel fairly last minute for a discounted $66 on Booking.com.) I only chose these hotels because they had the highest loyalty point value and good reviews. These were trips I was taking anyway and not every city I was visiting had great deals like this. To be honest, I was really concerned this wouldn’t work, and I’d wasted my money, so I was grateful it paid off. Now, will this lead to more upgrades internationally? I’ll keep you posted.
How I Earned American Airlines Platinum Status (2024)
This handy pie chart breaks down the percentage of how I earned American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum status. I earned 79,369 loyalty points through flights (44%; 34,357 loyalty points), credit card spending (24%; 18,687 loyalty points), hotels booked through American Airlines (26%; 20,520 loyalty points) and shopping through their eShopping portal (5%; 4,096 loyalty points).
It took a calculated combination of efforts to earn platinum status because I’m a pretty frugal person who doesn’t spend a lot of money and saves half of my income. This makes it extremely difficult to earn elite airline status since it’s all about how much money you spend.
Full Disclosure: One of my freelance jobs is teaching photography for a luxury travel company so most of my flights are paid for by my job. This alone is the only reason I’m currently able to earn status becuase I wouldn’t be flying as much without this job. I try to strategize the best I can to stay loyal to American Airlines or oneworld airlines when convenient. Since traveling is exhausting, I’ll always fly a non-oneworld airline if they have a direct flight versus having to connect or even worse, overnight somewhere just to stay loyal.
For few notes for transparency and clarification:
- I flew 13 flights on American Airlines and their oneworld partners for a total of 34,357 loyalty points.
- When you book hotels through American Airlines, they have loyalty point bonuses. I got 10,000 loyalty points for one three-night hotel stay in Dubai. After I hit 60,000 loyalty points, I got a 20% bonus on loyalty points earned for hotels and shopping. These hotel bookings were critical for me to get status. I did find the prices for hotels were roughly 10% more on the American Airlines site than booking directly through the hotel. You will always pay more in these situations just as prices are always higher when booking award travel with miles. This is a business after all, and the airlines just want to make money.
- Loyalty point levels for booking hotels through American Airlines change frequently so check back after booking to see if there is a better deal. This Dubai hotel I mentioned above was only 6,800 loyalty points but when I checked a few weeks later, it was 10,000 loyalty points and $200 cheaper. Since it was free to cancel, I just canceled and booked it again!
- Roughly, 39% of my credit card spending was for work expenses that I was reimbursed for afterward. I never maintain a balance on my credit card and use it to pay for everything I can.
- On the eShoppping portal, I only bought things I was going to buy anyway. I did return a few things I didn’t like and haven’t seen any of those loyal points removed. I also bought cat food for my parents and had them pay me back just to get the points. Normally, I would use Rakuten, the cash back program, when buying online so I did lose out on a little cashback by going through the American Airlines portal. I traded the cash back for loyalty points.
- Please note that American Airlines “bonus miles” are not loyalty points. This term only means frequent flyer miles.
Benefits of American Airlines’ Platinum Status
Flying Royal Jordanian, a oneworld airline, to Jordan for work also helped me earn status on American Airlines, and my status got me access to their lounge in the Amman Airport, which is also a Priority Pass lounge. While in Jordan, I hiked to the monastery in Petra, which is best photographed in the afternoon.
Premium Cabin Upgrades: Instant upgrades were discontinued on June 12, 2025. While unlimited domestic upgrades are still a benefit for all status tiers, American Airlines no longer offers the option to upgrade on international flights to business class for 25,000 miles + $350 fee for those with status. (This was the main benefit of status for me and makes it not worth the effort for me anymore to be Platinum Pro. Due to the benefits below, I still think Platinum is worth the effort.)
Main Cabin Extra: After booking, you have access to extra-leg room seats (these are up to a $100 value). I would never pay for these, but this is a huge help for long-haul flights where I can’t get the upgrade.
60% Status Mileage Bonus: For every dollar spent on flights, you earn a 60% bonus on flights that helps you earn status faster.
Two Free Checked Bags + Priority Handling: This is nice, but I never check two bags. The priority handling is great when I have Global Entry and don’t want to wait ages for all the bags to come.
Priority Lanes for Check-in Security and Boarding: My biggest pet peeve with flying now is having to fight to carry on my camera gear, which I don’t want to check for fear of theft or damage. Priority boarding resolves this easily. You get group 3 with platinum, group 4 with gold and group 5 if you have an American Airlines credit card. Group 5 has been fine for me with my luggage, so this isn’t as much of a game changer as other things. Priority boarding has been a lifesaver with oneworld airline flights—that’s huge for me because British Airways was recently trying to make me check my carry-on bag with my camera gear. Priority boarding saved me last summer. The priority boarding with gold status was enough to make a difference.
Oneworld Sapphire Status: Lounge access is one of the top three benefits for me because I literally hate being in airports and love anything that makes it more tolerable. You only get access to lounges when flying oneworld airlines. If you’re flying internationally, you can get into business class lounges. For American Airlines, this means I get Admirals Club access, which is a game-changer—free champagne, delicious food and showers. It’s a nice space to work as well.
Other benefits include same-day priority standby and a designated travel planning desk.
Benefits of American Airlines Platinum Pro
It includes all of the benefits of Platinum listed above with some added perks. The two biggest are an 80% mile bonus on every dollar spent on flights and oneworld Emerald Status, which means access to fancier lounges and priority boarding on oneworld flights. In addition, you get three free checked bags with priority handling. You also get to priority check-in and boarding on all oneworld airlines.
American Airlines Frequent Flyer Mile FAQ
Alfred the Gnome at the Sphnix in Egypt. We had a private tour of the Sphnix and were able to get closer than you can with general admission tickets.
How does American Airlines Gold status compare to Platinum?
Gold status offers priority upgrades but no free main cabin extra and only one free checked bag. The mileage bonus is slightly less, and you only get oneworld Sapphire status, which gives you priority boarding but no lounge access.
Gold status was worth it for me in 2023 for the priority boarding on other oneworld airlines, which prevented me from having to check my camera gear. It also allowed me to upgrade to business class on a 15-hour flight from LAX to Sydney, which was huge.
Is American Airlines Platinum worth the effort?
If it’s convenient for you to fly American Airlines or another oneworld alliance airline regularly, then yes, it can be worth the effort.
For me, American Airlines Platinum status has definitely been worth it but ONLY because I organized most of my flights with American Airlines and oneworld airlines. First of all, it gave me access to Fast Track security in London Heathrow with British Airways, which is similar to TSA PreCheck. This was a game changer because I was through security in minutes without having to take out all my electronics.
I got access to the Cathy Pacific Lounge, which is the best lounge in Heathrow Terminal 3, with my oneworld emerald status. The spacious and quiet lounge had a NOODLE BAR and free-flowing champagne. I boarded the plane a happy girl with a belly full of bao and pho. Literally, it was the best airport lounge I’ve ever visited.
The priority boarding and seating meant that I didn’t have to check my carry-on bags on British Airways flights. I was able to choose main cabin extra seats with extra legroom for free. (You can’t upgrade with miles on British Airways flights, which is a bit of a bummer.)
In July 2024, I was trying to fly from Austin to Charlotte but was hit by multiple delays (10 hours of sitting in the Austin airport!). I ended up switching flights in the app and was upgraded for free to first class for the flight! This was the first time I’ve ever been upgraded domestically, which seems like a bit of a fluke related to the delays and switching flights.
Two weeks later, I got upgraded again on a domestic flight from CLT to SFO. Then, I was approved for an upgrade on an 11-hour LAX to Tokyo flight to business class, which is paid ($350 plus 25,000 miles). I purposely fly through LAX for a higher chance of getting upgraded and for amazing LAX Admirals Club lounge. (Since DFW and JFK are the most popular hubs, it’s harder to get upgraded on those legs.) (As mentioned above, this benefit was discontinued in June 2025.)
My connecting flight to Bangkok was on Japan Airlines, another oneworld airline, so I got priority boarding AND Fast Track security, a total game changer. (I’ve add issues with Japan Airlines being stern about the weight of my carry-on luggage. I was really concerned about this in Tokyo, but they didn’t weight my bags at all.)
I had two rough and long weather-related delays so my status really helped make the flights more manageable thanks to the Cathy Pacific lounge at Narita Airport in Tokyo. It was a quiet reprieve to get some work done, shower, eat and drink a glass of champagne.
American Airlines Credit Card Versus
Chase Sapphire Reserve
In addition to the American Airlines credit card ($95 annual fee), I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which has a hefty fee of $550. There’s a $300/year travel credit so the fee is technically only $250, and it covers Global Entry every five years. Chase was my go-to card for earning points that I redeemed for flights and hotels. It was the card I used the most until 2023 when I started making my American Airlines card my go-to card.
After I hit platinum in early 2024, I focused on using the Chase card until the new loyalty points year started on March 1. My point is that having American Airlines status almost makes it not worth paying for other credit cards. In the next year, I’ll either downgrade the Chase card or I’ll change my airline alliance.
Since I have status with American Airlines, it has me wondering if I should downgrade my Chase Sapphire Reserve card. While it comes with Priority Pass, it has a hefty annual fee. Once I hit platinum, I started solely using my Chase Sapphire Reserve to get points that I’m redeeming for hotels, which proven to be a good strategy. Now that Chase has announced a huge fee hike to $795 effective October 2025, I’ll likely downgrade the card because the benefits aren’t as useful to me since I’m abroad most of the year.
Even if your loyalty is with another airline, they will have very similar benefits and ways to earn miles/status. I hope you find this helpful.
How to Avoid Travel Bank Fees
While the train along the famed wine region on the banks of the Douro River in Pinhão, Portugal, is a must-do attraction, be sure to avoid the hefty Portuguese ATM fees.
Thirteen percent—that’s how much an ATM in Lamego, Portugal was trying to charge me to convert my cash withdrawal from EUR to USD. While I declined the option as I always do, it was very clear that the easiest way to save money while traveling is simply having the right kind of bank accounts and avoiding hidden fees. Whether you’re traveling to Vietnam or Argentina, here is how to avoid ATM fees, foreign transaction fees and dynamic currency conversion.
While I use affiliate links in some blog posts, there are no affiliate links in this post. I don’t have any affiliation with any of the brands or banks mentioned in this post. I’m simply sharing my favorite cards and resources.
Common Travel Banking Fees
Here are the three most common fees that add up when using a debit or credit card abroad.
1. Foreign Transaction Fees
Most banks and credit cards charge a small fee to convert the currency, ranging from one to three percent.
2. ATM fees
Banks will also charge you a fee for using a non-partner ATM domestically and abroad. Plus, the ATM you use will most likely charge you a fee as well. That can be as much as $15 per ATM withdrawal, so be careful!
3. Dynamic Currency Conversion
It’s common practice for many restaurants and shops to provide the option of paying in the local currency or your home currency. Always choose the local currency to avoid outrageous fees. There’s usually a 3-5% fee. ATMs are starting to offer this service, and I’ve seen fees as high as 13% as mentioned above! While this is usually clearly stated on the screen, make sure to decline.
How to Avoid ATM & Foreign Transaction Fees When Traveling
One of the easiest ways to save money on a trip abroad is to have a fee-free bank account and credit cards. Photo credit: Pexels.com
1. Find a free, no-fee bank account
An American friend living in Singapore once told me about Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account, and it’s the greatest thing since the invention of the burrito. No minimum balance. No ATM fees. No foreign transaction fees. Unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide. FDIC insured. They also refund any ATM fee charged to you by another bank at the end of every month. (Dynamic conversion fees are not refunded, so never select this option.)
The ATM fee rebates save me roughly $80/month when I’m abroad! They also have 24-hour U.S.-based customer service. You can call toll-free in the U.S. and via Google Voice. (You do have to open a free brokerage account to get this checking account, but you don’t have to use it.) You must put money in the checking account for your debit card to be sent to you.
This is a free account, so it can be used solely as a travel account or as your main account. I opened two accounts with them in case one card was lost or stolen. That way, I can transfer money from one account to the other without any issues. It’s also my main checking account. (I keep the debit cards in different places when I travel for safety.)
For more information on free, no-fee checking accounts, check out NerdWallet.com. I have no affiliation with them, but I find the site to be a good resource. They offer charts and lists of the best financial accounts available ranging from credit cards to savings accounts.
2. Use Partner Banks
If you want to keep your current bank, research their international partners. Both the ATM fees and/or the foreign transaction fees could be waived or lowered. Outside of Europe and Australia/New Zealand, there aren’t many options if you use U.S.-based banks.
3. Look for low-fee or no-fee ATMs.
Unless you’re traveling in remote corners of the world like Mongolia, most ATMs nowadays will charge you fees to withdraw money. Avoid well-known worldwide bank ATMs like Citi or HSBC because they always charge a high fee. Use local banks instead. They might still charge a fee, but it will be less than an international bank chain.
4. Consider Credit Unions
Local credit union accounts might also help you avoid fees. ATM fees might still be an issue but are usually lower at credit unions ($2) than larger bank chains (starting at $4-5). Foreign transaction fees could be lower as well. Check with them in advance before any travel to confirm rates.
5. No-Fee Credit Cards
There is no foreign transaction fee for any Capital One credit card. Many airline cards and other large banks, such as Chase, Bank of America, and Citi, have followed suit. Keep in mind that some rewards cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, have annual fees but no foreign transaction fees. Bottom line: Only use cards with no foreign transaction fees. It’s always a good idea to have a rewards credit card with no annual fee that waives foreign transaction fees.
The Best Travel Credit Cards
White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand. The ATM fees in Thailand are pretty high so make sure you have the right checking account before your trip!
Ideally, you shouldn’t pay more than one credit card annual fee a year even if you are a frequent traveler because it’s easier to maximize your points if you only use one card for all your spending. This is a personal decision that should be based on your income and spending levels. I recommend at least having another card with no annual fee to use as a backup in case one doesn’t work while traveling, which is very common issue abroad.
Experience has taught me to store my backup cards separate from my go-to cards in case of theft. I currently travel with three credit cards—my Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Airlines Mastercard and my Capital One Quicksilver (backup card with no fees).
The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
If you are going to have a credit card, you should be earning rewards of some kind. For years, the best travel card on the market was the Chase Sapphire Reserve but a slew of new changes, including a heftier annual fee ($795) and increased benefits with a complex redemption system. While the Chase Sapphire lounges are amazing, I’ve found the quality of the Priority Pass lounges across the world to be lackluster (think croissants in plastic bags) unless they are affiliated with an airline. To me, Priority Pass isn’t as glamorous or helpful as it used to be.
Due to the changes, the lower-tier Chase Sapphire Preferred with a $95 fee and one to five points per dollar earning ratio has moved up to be one of NerdWallet’s top picks, along with the Capital One Venture Rewards, also a $95 annual fee. For years, the highest-rated flat-rate travel rewards card with no annual fee is the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card, which offers 1.5 points per dollar spent. Check out NerdWallet.com for more options.
Keep in mind that when you redeem credit card miles for travel, you can still earn frequent flyer miles on those flights. Don’t forget to add your frequent flyer number to the reservation!
The Best Airline Rewards Credit Cards
If you are loyal to a specific airline, then airline cards are worth it. I have the American Airlines card, which gives me free checked bags on all flights and priority boarding. These cards are now starting to offer no foreign transaction fees!
Since I’ve become a bit obsessed with elite airline status, I’ve been using this as my main credit card. (I’ve detailed the steps I used to get elite status on American Airlines in this post.) I’m likely downgrading my Chase Sapphire Reserve next year (before the new fee goes into effect) to the Preferred card or closing it altogether due to the new changes.
Nine Essential Travel Banking Tips
Anakena, Easter Island. I saved $54 by paying for my accommodation on Easter Island in local currency versus paying in U.S. dollars.
1. Plan ahead.
Open any new bank accounts three months before you leave for your trip. This eliminates any hassles with holds on funds that occur on new accounts.
2. Ask about fees.
Some banks charge a monthly maintenance fee if you don’t keep a large daily balance or have a monthly direct deposit. Check with your bank in advance if you will be traveling long-term without any direct deposits. This was always a huge issue for me, and the reason I closed both my Bank of America and Wells Fargo accounts to switch to Charles Schwab. Be sure to also ask about foreign transaction fees and alert your bank to your travel plans so they don’t block your cards. (I find that this isn’t needed as much now.)
3. Take multiple cards.
I always travel with a Visa and Mastercard, which are the most universally accepted cards. Although I’ve found American Express can work better on some airline websites abroad like Qantas. But beware—despite their catchy slogan, American Express is not everywhere you want them to be. They were not in Cambodia. They left me stranded and living in Western Union commercial calling my parents at 5 a.m. to transfer me money. (I ended up closing my American Express card because I rarely used it, and don’t miss it at all!)
4. Keep an eye on exchange rates.
If your home currency looks like it’s dropping, then take out cash before it gets worse. If your home currency spikes, hit up the ATM! When I lived in Australia, there were a few weeks when the Australian dollar dipped really low, so I took a good chunk of money out of my U.S. accounts and deposited it into my Australian account. I recommend the XE app for checking rates.
5. Avoid airport currency exchanges.
Exchange rates are the worst at airports. You are better using an ATM. The only exceptions are places like Argentina, where you can potentially get better exchange rates with cash on the black market. If you have no choice but to exchange at the airport, exchange a small amount then go to a bank inside the city for a better rate.
6. Always take U.S. dollars.
No matter the currency, many places will accept U.S. dollars as payment as well. Ask for prices in both the local currency and U.S. dollars to compare. For example, I saved $9 paying in USD for the Easter Island park entry fee but saved $54 paying for my six-night accommodation on the island in local currency. Larger bills often get the best exchange rates but keep some smaller cash handy as well.
7. Only use bank ATMs.
If the ATM is in a strange place, like a hotel lobby or in a sketchy corner of a restaurant, it probably has higher ATM fees and the worst exchange rates. Go to a proper bank ATM.
8. Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Many shops and restaurants will give you the option to pay in your home currency (or USD), but the rate is 5 percent higher! (Trust me, I did the math!) Always pay in local currency. I had no choice but to pay in Euro for my rental car in Iceland, which worked out in my favor since I booked far in advance. The rate dropped by the time I arrived, so I saved about $25! Sometimes, the USD rate can save you money, but more often than not, it’s not in your favor. Download the free XE app first to check rates before deciding.
Budget airlines like Ryanair automatically include this in your fare so you must uncheck the box to remove the dynamic conversion to USD. For my Ryanair flights to/from Malta last year, the dynamic conversion rate was 6% higher than what I was charged on my U.S. credit card after removing the conversion.
9. Don’t Get Foreign Currency in Advance.
While your local bank may offer the option to get foreign currency in advance before your trip, keep in mind that you will likely be paying a higher rate than if you do it when you arrive. This might seem easier, but it takes a while to get the money. You’re better off just getting money out of an ATM when you arrive with your Charles Schwab checking account.
Why American Airlines Elite Status No Longer Makes Sense for Most Travelers
Athens, Greece is one of my summer travel destinations and my last chance to use American Airlines mileage awards before they disappear.
Last year, I wrote about how I achieved my first airline elite status, American Airlines Platinum status, and how I hacked my way up to Platinum Pro status this year.
American Airlines recently updated how mileage upgrades work making it more costly to upgrade and removed the mileage upgrade awards, which were the top benefit of Platinum Pro status for me and many others. Mileage upgrade awards allowed customers to upgrade from economy to business on international routes for $350 plus 25,000 miles based on availability and prioritized by status level. Often, these upgrades were 24 hours before travel or at the last minute.
This is a similar trend among airlines currently. United Airlines announced a similar change recently, according to The Points Guy. While everyone has different goals and methods to achieve airline status, here are a few things to consider with the new American Airlines changes.
How the new American Airlines Instant Upgrades Work
One of the main benefits of having elite status on American Airlines was the ability to upgrade to business class on long-haul flights, which is now more expensive due to the new upgrade policy.
After booking a flight, you can request upgrades on the website or app to pay in cash or with miles. No cash copayment is required if booking with miles.
While this might seem like a perk to upgrade early, the upgrade options aren’t always a good deal. In early August, I’m flying from Charlotte, NC to Athens, Greece with a layover in Philly for a work trip. (I added the layover on purpose to check out the new American Airlines Admirals Club and to also go back to the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge, which is one of the best lounges I’ve ever visited.) (Update – I didn’t get the upgrade (top of list but no seats left) but the new Flagship Lounge is small but fantastic.)
The total cost of the one-way flight was $827, which includes $250 in taxes roughly. When I booked this flight, I called and put myself on the waitlist for a mileage upgrade. Somehow this was removed when the changes happened. I had to call again to put myself back on the list so now it doesn’t show me the instant upgrade options online anymore.
Before I put myself back on the list, it gave me the following options for an instant upgrade:
Upgrade the Charlotte to Philly flight (1.75 hours) for $131 or roughly 29,000 miles.
For the international leg from Philly to Athens, Greece (9.5 hours), it offered an upgrade to business class for 411,000 miles and $3,110, which is a terrible deal compared to the mileage award. The full price for business class for this flight is $5,943 or 320,500 miles plus a $5.60 fee. This means it’s cheaper to buy a business class ticket flat out with miles than it is to upgrade with miles!
Once I put my name back on the mileage upgrade waitlist, the instant upgrade option disappeared. The option to use mileage upgrades ends on August 12, 2025.
Does the new instant upgrade option affect complimentary upgrades on domestic flights?
One of the benefits of having status with American Airlines is complimentary upgrades on domestic flights, which are also awarded up to 72 hours before a flight. In my experience, it happens the day of the flight. These will not be affected by the change.
Are Systemwide Upgrades Affected by American Airlines Instant Upgrades?
No, systemwide upgrades are not affected. Systemwide upgrades are one of the Loyalty Point Reward choices for people who reach 175,000 loyalty points or higher within a qualification period. This allows you to upgrade to the next class of service on a flight you’ve already booked.
How do you know if a mileage upgrade is a good deal?
The Points Guy publishes monthly validations about what points are worth for major airlines, credit cards and hotels. In the June 2025 post, American Airlines miles as worth 1.5 cents per mile, which makes the 411,000-mile offer for my Philly to Athens flight a terrible deal. It would equal $6,165, which is higher than the cost of buying the flight full price. This is helpful for judging whether it’s a good deal. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision based on your goals, comfort level and finances. It’s also likely the upgrade offers will change frequently based on demand, etc. I have no way to verify that since I don’t have access to those options anymore for my flight.
The Cathay Pacific lounge in London Heathrow has a noodle bar and is the best oneworld lounge in the airport. It is accessible to American Airlines Platinum and higher status members traveling on oneworld airlines.
Is American Airlines Elite Status still worth the effort?
With the removal of mileage upgrades, I don’t think American Airlines Platinum Pro status is worth the effort while Platinum is still worth it for me. It comes down to your priorities. Let’s dig into this below.
Benefits of American Airlines Platinum Status
Main Cabin Extra: After booking, you have access to extra-leg room seats (these are up to a $100 value).
60% Status Mileage Bonus: For every dollar spent on flights, you earn a 60% bonus on flights that helps you earn status faster.
Two Free Checked Bags + Priority Handling.
Priority Lanes for Check-in Security and Boarding: This is huge for me because it means I don’t have to check my carry-on bags.
Oneworld Sapphire Status: This gives you lounge access when flying oneworld airlines.
Currently, the only added benefit of Platinum Pro is that you are Oneworld Emerald, which gets you one boarding group higher and access to slightly fancier lounges. In addition, you get an 80 percent mile bonus on every dollar spent on flights and three free checked bags with priority handling. If you can reach the 175,000-point mark, then a systemwide upgrade is one of the reward options available.
Even though I travel six to eight months a year, I don’t see the value of keeping Platinum Pro status. It took some creativity for me to earn this status this year, which I shared with pie charts in my previous post. And, I was still nowhere near 175,000-point mark. (It takes 125,000 to hit Platinum Pro and I peaked at 130,000.) As of now, Platinum status is the most valuable for the free Main Cabin Extra seats, priority boarding and lounge access.
If you are flying business class regularly with paid fares or have extremely high spending on credit cards, then it would be much easier to reach this status. For me or even the average person, I don’t see how this is possible. While American Airlines spins the changes to act like they are in your favor, it’s mainly a benefit for them based on what I see currently.
What to Pack for the Camino de Santiago: Advice from a Woman Who’s Walked It Twice
In the latest Travel Tuesday Interview, I chat with experienced hiker and retired educator Chris Rufflo who trekked the Camino de Santiago for the second time last fall and has plans for a third trip. Rufflo is an expert at packing light and my go-to source for minimalistic packing tips. She shares her hiking experience on both the French and Portuguese routes along with her detailed packing list for the Camino de Santiago.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
Texan Chris Rufflo at Finisterre, which is on the Camino de Santiago Portuguese and French Route. She has hiked both routes, nearly a decade apart. Photo by Chris Rufflo.
Name: Chris Rufflo
Age: 61
Home Base: Austin, Texas
Country Count: 30
What made you decide to do the Camino de Santiago twice?
That’s a tough one. I mean what compels a person to walk from one side of a country to the other?! I walked the French route in September 2018. I was in a huge transitional time in my life: my sister had recently died from esophageal cancer, which really knocked me off my feet. But there is something about the experience of losing someone close to you that shifts everything…death has a way of clarifying life. I had many tremendous life changes that year and felt the pull of the Camino as a way of clearing my head. Roughly seven years later, I retired [from a career in education] and again feeling the need to reset and clear my head, headed again to the Camino, this time the Portuguese [Sendera Literal Route in September 2024.]
How did you train for the Camino de Santiago? How far in advance should people train?
That depends on how active you are in your day-to-day life and what Camino you are planning to hike. The Portuguese is much easier to walk as there is virtually no altitude gain. The French route, however, does require strength and stamina. You should be able to walk 10 miles without it killing you, and you should be able to do that with altitude gain and loss! There will be some steep climbing days [on the French route].
When is the best time to hike the Camino?
You can hike the Camino all year, but if you are to avoid crowds, it’s best to go in the early spring or late fall. (April or Oct.) Summer is beautiful but will be more crowded with many other hikers.
How many miles were you hiking daily?
On the French route, I think I averaged about 15 miles a day. On the Portuguese route, I averaged around 18 miles a day. Typically, on the French route, I began walking at daybreak or a little before and walked until midday roughly 3 p.m. Many people begin later in the day and walk until later in the day. This is true, especially if the Portuguese route.
Rufflo, center, poses with friends she met on the trail at Monumento al Camino de Santiago in the El Perdon Mountain range, the site of a former pilgrim hospital. All who make it to this place are considered blessed for the remainder of the journey. Photo by Chris Rufflo.
Did you hike the Camino de Santiago alone? Is it easy to meet people?
I started off on the French route with a close friend, but after a few days of trying to match each other’s pace, we decided to separate and meet at the end, which was really amazing. The Portuguese I walked on my own. It is very easy to meet people on the Camino and make deep bonds.
What is the cost of food and accommodation for the Camino de Santiago?
The cost of doing the Camino will depend on what your needs are. You can easily do it for anywhere between $30-$50 a day depending on your comfort needs. The Camino municipals are as low as six or seven dollars a night whereas albergues can run as much as $25 or $30 a night. [Municipals are large government-run accommodation with kitchens, while albergues are hostels set up for people walking the Camino usually with a shared evening meal.]
Cruz Ferro, the highest place French route of the Camino, has special meaning to Rufflo. “This is one of the most symbolic places along the Camino,” she says. “There is a custom of carrying a stone symbolizing something you want to put down or let go of. I placed a stone there in honor of my sister who had died the year prior.”
How much did your day pack weigh?
Your pack should weigh 10% of your ideal body weight, not including food and water for the day. I used an Osprey Stratus – it weighs three pounds and 4.5 ounces. It’s heavy for a pack, but I had a difficult time finding something that would fit both my torso length (which is long) and my waist. It’s a really great pack.
Can you give us a rundown on what to pack for the Camino de Santiago?
In many ways, the Camino was a metaphor for life. Learn not to carry what you don’t need. Be mindful of what you absolutely need and what you can leave behind. It will make your Camino much more enjoyable.
For myself, I brought four t-shirts very lightweight, four pairs of underwear, three pairs of very lightweight socks (Darn Tough), three pairs of heavier socks (Smartwool)—all wool. One long-sleeve Patagonia Capilene shirt, one pair of Patagonia water-resistant pants, one pair of lightweight cotton pants, lightweight hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and toiletries. (Check out the detailed packing list at the end of the post!)
Some great hacks: Use a shampoo bar—it’s lighter than bringing regular shampoo. Remember, you can buy replacement for things such as toothpaste along the way, so bring a very small tube of toothpaste. You can buy a small tin of zinc sunscreen for your face. For your water bottle, use plastic.
If you were doing the French route, there will be days when you want to wear a light pair of socks with a heavier pair of socks over them to protect your feet. You will also want to change your socks out midday. You can buy gloves along the way if it’s cold.
How much water were you carrying every day on the Camino?
Typically, I carried about a liter to a liter and a half of water depending on how much water is available [on the route]. You can check the night before to see what water is available along the way. Finding water along the Portuguese route was more difficult and I ended up carrying closer to two liters every day
A scenic view of Moledo on the Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago. Photo by Chris Rufflo.
What advice would you have for someone hiking the Camino?
Remember that the Camino is a personal journey, and everyone’s Camino will be different. Give yourself grace. Some people may find themselves walking five miles a day while others may find themselves walking 20 miles a day. Again, this is your journey!
What’s your next adventure?
Either going up to Hudson Bay, Canada to see the polar bears and Northern Lights or heading to Nepal for some trekking and cultural experiences.
Camino de Santiago Packing List
Chris’ Osprey backpack and hiking poles at Finisterre, which is on the Portuguese and French Route. Photo by Chris Rufflo.
Socks:
7 pairs (All should be wool!)
3 pairs ultralight weight Smartwool
3 pairs of Darn Tough heavier-weight socks.
One pair of ankle socks to wear at night ultra lightweight. Light Hiker Quarter by Darn Tough.
Underwear: 3 pairs
Tops: 4 lightweight t-shirts, One long-sleeve Patagonia Capilene base layer
Bottoms:
One pair of Patagonia water-repellent pants
One pair of lightweight Mountain Hardware pants.
One pair of shorts.
Chris Notes: I hiked in Patagonia [pants] the first time and Kuhl the second time. I have a pair of Mountain Hardwear for a backup but am also looking for something lighter!!!
Toiletries: Toothbrush, small toothpaste, shampoo bar (cut in half), Argon lotion bar (cut in half) for my face, lightweight towel (14X20 inches). [Chris cuts her shampoo and lotion bar in half and stores it in a plastic pill bag. She recommends Dr. Bronner’s.]
Water: Two plastic half-liter bottles. [Please note that water is more frequent on the French route than Portuguese.]
Shoes: Waterproof hiking boots (high ankle) for the French route. For the Portuguese route, I used trail runners. I did not bring a spare pair of shoes, but many people do.
Outerwear: Ultra lightweight raincoat, Patagonia puffer, lightweight hat, sunglasses.
Electronics: iPhone & charger
Hiking Poles: Get a pair of lightweight ones that can fold down.
Sleeping bag: Silk sleep sack. (Silk is both lightweight and can add warmth.)
Dry bags: Three ultra-lightweight dry bags: One to keep my clean clothes in, one to put my dirty clothes in and one very small one for my passport and other important objects that need to stay dry. Rain poncho for my pack.
I Used a Saily eSIM for 1 Month in Southeast Asia—Here’s How It Went
The colorful temples in Hoi An, Vietnam were one of my stops on my recent Vietnam trip testing the Saily eSIM card.
While I was hesitant to use eSIM initially, they’ve been a lifeline for me since I travel nonstop for work. While I’ve written about the pros and cons of eSIM cards, I’ve recently tested out Saily eSIM, which is owned by the team behind NordVPN, on a five-week trip through Southeast Asia with stops in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in January and February.
Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that this is a sponsored post with affiliate links. All opinions are my own. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward blog maintenance costs. I only recommend products and companies I use.
First of all, what’s an eSIM?
An eSIM card is a digital SIM card that works the same as a physical SIM card minus the hassle of trying to insert anything into your phone. Most newer phones only accept eSIM cards and allow you to switch easily between multiple eSIM cards.
What type of eSIMs does Saily sell?
Saily sells country and regional eSIM cards to over 200 destinations with data plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB over a period of one week to 30 days. Plans have a 30-day activation window, and if not activated during that period, they will automatically activate 30 days after purchase.
Regional eSIMs are the most convenient if you are country-hopping while country-specific eSIM cards are often cheaper. If you choose a regional eSIM card, make sure all the locations you are traveling are covered. (You’ll see where I made that mistake below.) Since they are owned by the NordVPN team, they’ve integrated a lot of free security features, which I talk about below. (Use Saily promo code ANNA10 for 10% off your purchase.)
Saily eSIM Review for Southeast Asia
I started my trip in Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park, known for wild elephants.
I used a regional Asia eSIM (10 GB for 30 days for $35.99), a Cambodia-only eSIM (3GB for 30 days for $8.99), and a Vietnam eSIM (5 GB for 30 days for $10.99) during a six-week trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. (Use promo code ANNA10 for 10% off all purchases. Yes, I totally use my own affiliate discount codes.)
It was very easy to install. The best thing about Saily is that you install the eSIM once, and it automatically reloads with any new plans you buy. (I’ve found it cumbersome to be constantly installing eSIMs every time I buy a new plan with other eSIM providers and having to delete old ones.) Saily does give you the option to install multiple eSIMs if you prefer.
Thailand
I installed this eSIM on a visit to Khao Yai National Park, roughly a 2.5-hour drive northeast of Bangkok. Saily uses the True network, which is one of the top two providers in Thailand. I only had LTE service initially since I was in a remote area, but it worked fine. I was even able to hotspot on LTE with no issues. In Bangkok, it was on 4G and worked perfectly.
Laos
Next, I flew to Luang Prabang, Laos, but I knew in advance that Saily doesn’t cover Laos. In fact, I’ve only seen one eSIM company cover Laos, and it was very expensive ($9.50 for 1 GB!). It was cheaper to buy a local eSIM on arrival.
Vietnam
I used this on two trips to Vietnam. On the first trip in mid-January, I flew into Hanoi and had issues getting the eSIM to connect. It finally connected to 3G service on Vietnamobile, which is not a fast network. It was a bit of a nightmare getting my Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) due to the slow network, and I had to go back into the airport to get WIFI to order the car. (I saw on Reddit and a few other forums about people complaining about this same issue at Hanoi’s airport with both Saily and other eSIM companies. This could be an issue with that airport specifically.)
I contacted Saily support immediately when I got to my hotel to resolve the issue, and their support team was fantastic. They had me go through several troubleshooting steps including ensuring roaming was turned on (it was). To fix the issue, they had me turn off automatic selection for the carrier network in the eSIM’s settings and select Mobifone, which gave me LTE service and resolved the issue. (When you do this, it gives a list of cell networks, but you need to know which ones your eSIM partners with to ensure you get service.) Please note that it’s not uncommon for eSIMs to switch between different networks.
Initially, I was expecting at least 4G or 5G coverage. (Even if an eSIM company partners with a network with 5G coverage, it usually only supports up to 4G in my experience.) With the LTE service, I was still able to stream YouTube videos on the ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with no issues. I had LTE with full bars in Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and along the Mekong Delta.
On my second trip to Vietnam, I flew into Ho Chi Minh City at the end of February and stayed in the city. Saily’s support told me they’d fixed the issue at the end of January, so I thought I’d test it again. (They gave me a code for a free 5 GB for 30 days plan due to the issues I’d experienced earlier.) I used a Vietnam-specific eSIM card, which connected to Mobifone LTE with no issues at the Ho Chi Minh airport when I arrived. I was able to call my Grab at the airport with no issues getting to my hotel. It worked in the city with no problems, and the connection was seemed pretty fast. I was able to use social media apps with no issues, etc.
Cambodia
When I entered Cambodia by ship on the Mekong River, my phone wasn’t initially connecting so I reached out to their support team. Turns out the regional Asia eSIM card I had doesn’t support Cambodia, which was my fault for not checking that. Haha!
I bought a Cambodia-specific eSIM card (3GB for 30 days for $8.99), which uses the SMART network, which works best in big cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. In more rural areas like Kampong Cham, I had EDGE service whereas a second eSIM I’d bought on the Metfone network had 4G. Then, in other rural places, I’d have service on the Saily eSIM (SMART network) and no service on Metfone. Cell service in Cambodia is very location dependent.
Locals tell me that the Metfone and CellCard networks are best in rural areas in Cambodia. If you’re going somewhere outside the major tourist areas, then reach out to your accommodation to see what network is best for that area. For example, the remote island of Koh Rong Sanloem only gets Metfone service barely, so I bought a Metfone SIM card just for my three-day visit to the island.
Use Saily promo code ANNA10 for 10% off your purchase!
Saily eSIM Card Review Summary
Mua Caves in Ninh Binh was a highlight of my Vietnam trip.
Overall, eSIM cards are only as good as the cell networks they partner with. I was impressed by the ease of the eSIM installation for Saily and their fast customer support, which was better than the support with other companies I’d used. I’d recommend it easily for Thailand and Cambodia (major cities). As for Vietnam, I initially wouldn’t have recommended it after my fiasco at the Hanoi airport, but I had a much more pleasant experience on my second visit to Ho Chi Minh. (If you’re heading to Hanoi, be aware that you’ll likely have trouble connecting to any cell network around that airport.) I’d highly recommend buying the plan and installing it before you leave for your trip, so it works on arrival.
While Saily has a virtual location option, I used my NordVPN in conjunction with my Saily eSIM to download shows on Paramount + and Disney + since I was switching back and forth from WIFI to cellular data for downloading. (Both streaming services require you to be in the U.S. for anything to download, which is why I always use a VPN when I travel.) NordVPN and Saily’s eSIM worked seamlessly together.
Before I boarded my flight, I was triple testing my downloads using the VPN to be safe, which I also recommend doing. The eSIM worked perfectly for this. If you purchase a Saily eSIM, use code ANNA10 for 10% off your purchase.
Saily eSIM FAQ
Photo of Screenshot: Virtual location is one of the built-in security features in Saily eSIM cards.
Are Saily eSIM cards safe and secure?
Saily is owned by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, so security is one of their top concerns. Saily includes the following security features in the top section of their app:
Virtual Location: Saily lets you choose your virtual location from 82 options and browse with more privacy by routing your connection through a remote server. (This is really important for streaming services and downloading movies to watch on planes.)
Ad blocker: To reduce screen clutter and save data, Saily can block intrusive ads. (Keep in mind that many websites rely on ad revenue to keep content free. If you’re browsing content from smaller creators (like me!), consider leaving ads on to help support them.)
Web Protection: Through DNS filtering, Saily reduces trackers and malicious websites before they reach your phone.
Does a Saily eSIM give you a phone number?
No, a Saily eSIM does not give you a phone number. It currently only supports mobile data, but this is a feature they are looking to add per their website. For more about having a number when you travel, check out my post on traveling and two-step verification.
Does Saily eSIM work in the U.S.?
Yes, Saily has six different plans for the United States ranging from 1 GB to 50 GB lasting from one week to 30 days. Prices range from $3.99 to $49.99. Use code ANNA10 for 10% off your purchase.
How to Install Saily eSIM on your iPhone
The setup for Saily is easy. Simply download the Saily eSIM app, choose your plan and it will activate automatically.
If you’d like to set it up manually, go to “Settings,” tap “Cellular”, Tap “Add eSIM,” click on “Use QR code” and follow the instructions. For more details, check out Saily’s Help website.
Troubleshooting Issues with a Saily eSIM card
If you are having issues with your eSIM cards connection to cellular service, try the following. These worked well for me when I had issues.
1. Turn Airplane Mode on and off.
2. Make sure the correct eSIM card is turned on and set as your default line.
3. Make sure data roaming is turned on.
4. If you know the network your eSIM is partnered with, turn off “Automatic Selection” and manually choose the network.
5. Toggle between 5G, LTE and the other network speed selections.
6. Turn Airplane Mode on and off again to test everything is working properly.
For more details, check out Saily’s Help website.
11 Things to Do in Hanoi That Are Actually Worth Your Time
Located on an island on Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple is easily accessible by a red bridge.
Vietnam’s two largest cities are polar opposites—Ho Chi Minh City is a sleek, modern city of skyscrapers while the charming capital of Hanoi is filled with ancient history. Hanoi is the best for watching motorbikes defy gravity with their loads ranging from refrigerators to a family of five with a dog. It’s home to the country’s largest airport and the gateway to Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay and Ninh Binh.
These recommendations are based on my experience living and working for travel companies in Southeast Asia for the past decade. (I visit Vietnam at least once a year for work.)
Here are the best things to do in Hanoi along with the best time to visit and where to stay!
You can easily do all these things on your own, but if you’re short on time consider a city tour.
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Plan Your Trip
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
When to Go: Temperatures cool down in November and December.
Travel Insurance: Protect yourself with SafetyWing travel medical insurance to cover accidents and travel delays.
Mobile eSIM Card: For the fastest cellular network in Vietnam, use Airalo for 5G connectivity.
Conical hats and fresh flowers are a few of the many items for sale in the historic Old Quarter, the heart of the city’s shopping district.
Explore the Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter lies North and slightly west of Hoàn Kiếm Lake and consists of 36 streets.It’s a great place for strolling and watching motorbikes with their outrageous loads. The streets are organized by the items they sell from shoes to silver jewelry. Here are a few of the most famous shopping streets:
Hang Dau – Shoe Street
Hang Ma – Lantern Street
Hang Bac – Silver Street
Hang Vai – Bamboo Street
Hang Duong – Sugar Street
Lan Ong – Traditional Medicine Street
Hang Gai – Silk Street
Ngoc Son Temple is one a popular spot to visit and crowded on holidays.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
No trip to Hanoi is complete without a stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. On weekend evenings, traffic is banned by the lake making it easy to explore. You’ll find a good mix of locals and travelers. Be sure to cross the red bridge to visit the photogenic Ngoc Son Temple.
Cyclo Ride
To get an overview of the city, hop on a three-wheeled cyclo, which resemble a backwards tricycle, for an orientation tour. While it might seem touristy, it’s a fun way to support a traditional and eco-friendly transportation method in a city with a huge pollution problem. Rides start around 400,000 VND ($4 USD).
For an adrenaline rush, go have a coffee on Hanoi’s famous train street.
Visit Hanoi’s Train Street
There are two different streets where you can sip a coffee while a train whishes by just inches away from your table. The best one is a bit south of the Old Quarter and directly west of Thong Nhat Park. While it’s lined with cafes, I visited Hanoi 1990s, which I made a reservation with on WhatsApp in advance. (Plenty of people seemed to just be walking up, but I wanted to be safe.) The cafe told me to call them when I arrived, but it was easy to enter without calling because street Ngõ 222 Đ. Lê Duẩn crosses the tracks right by the cafe.
The trains get so close that the cafe lays down all the tables, makes you put your drinks on the ground and turn your body against the wall. It’s a bit scary but fun. Drinks cost around 60,000 VND. (There’s a minimum charge of 40,000 VND to sit if you don’t order a drink.)
Check the Hanoi 1990s Instagram for the train schedule. The trains departing from Hanoi station are always on time, so opt for those departures.
Left: A banh mi and smoothie from Banh Mi 25; Right: The eclectic decor of The Note Café.
Relax at one of Hanoi’s Cafes & Eat a Banh Mi
Vietnam does cafes well. The Note Cafe is covered floor-to-ceiling in notes and stickers and worth a stop. Even though it’s an Instagram hotspot, their smoothies are delicious, and it’s a great view of the lake. Climb to the higher floors for solitude. Don’t miss JOMA, my favorite café chain in Southeast Asia, for homemade bagels and delicious pumpkin soup!
While there’s no shortage of bánh mi restaurants, one of the most famous is Banh Mi 25. Due to its popularity, it now covers three storefronts on the same street—it’s a great place for a budget-friendly and tasty meal. I had a tasty sandwich AND a strawberry banana smoothie for $3 USD.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a marble moment is the resting place of the famed leader and is known for the changing of the guard ceremony.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Grounds
Behind the Ho Chi Minh Museum lies a large green space featuring a wide variety of the city’s attractions related to the former ruler including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you can walk by his embodied body on display. (The building exterior is photogenic and lit up at night.) Other attractions include Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda, a wooden building built on top of a single concrete pillar meant to resemble a lotus flower. It was built in 1054 later destroyed by French in 1954 and later rebuilt.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
This museum does a deep dive into the 54 recognized ethnic groups that comprise modern-day Vietnam. One of the highlights is the outdoor architectural garden that includes a life-size republic of traditional houses that you can explore, including the awe-inspiring 19-meter-high Bahnar communal house (my favorite.)
Scenic views of the interior and exterior of the Temple of Literature.
Temple of Literature
Famous for its traditional Vietnamese architecture, this historic attraction was the site of Vietnam’s first university and a Confucius temple, founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh. (You’ll recognize it as the temple on the back of the 100,000d bill.) It’s crowded on holidays, like TET, and during graduation season, when it’s often used as a photogenic backdrop.
Vietnamese water puppet shows are a fun-filled attraction for all ages.
Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a traditional form of Vietnamese theater dating back over a century performed in a waist-deep pool accompanied by traditional folk music. While the show is entirely in Vietnamese, it’s easy to follow along with the action and laughs. (I go to one water puppet show every year for work, and it’s a really fun to experience at least once.)
The Lotus Water Puppet Theater and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater have regular performances. (You can buy tickets in person or in advance on Klook for the same price.) All water puppet shows across Vietnam are similar storylines, so no need to see shows in multiple cities.
The twin bell towers of St. Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi.
St. Joseph Cathedral
Built in 1886, the neo-Gothic façade of St. Joseph Cathedral is a landmark leftover from the colonial era, known for its towering bell towers. The main entrance is only open during mass times while the side entrance is used other times. The street to the right is lined with cute cafes including the taproom for my favorite Vietnamese brewery, Pasteur Street.
Rooftop Drinks
Who doesn’t love a good sunset cocktail? On a recent trip, I googled rooftop bars and found one next to my hotel called the Terraco Sky Bar on top of the La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel & Spa overlooking the lake for happy hour. The food was also delicious. No matter where you are staying in the city, just Google rooftop bars and pick a spot with a 4.5 rating or above. That’s a trick that always works for me.
The best places to stay in Hanoi are around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Old Quarter.
The Best Places to Stay in Hanoi
Hotels: The highest-rated budget hotels include Hanoi Saga Hotel ($27/night) and TrangTrang Premium Hotel & Sky Bar ($37/night). The La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel & Spa ($82/night) is lovely and has that great rooftop I mentioned. I’ve also stayed at the Hanoi Authentic Boutique Hotel ($62), which has a great location.
Hostels: The Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel has 6-12 dorm rooms with a/c starting at $18.
Splurge: If you’re looking to do a crazy splurge or cash in some credit card points, the historic 1901 Sofitel Legend Metropole is one of the nicest hotels in Vietnam. Even if you aren’t staying there, book one of their historic tours that takes you down into the wartime bunker!
The Best Time to Go to Hanoi
May through October is the rainy season, which also means the foliage will be very lush and green. Temperatures will start to cool down in November and December. January can be cold a night (50s Fahrenheit)! (Personally, I love October in Asia in between the rainy and dry seasons.)
The winter months usually mean dreary skies and high air pollution due to several factors including heavy traffic and industrial pollution from power plants. (In rural parts of Asia, farmers burn the fields in winter to prepare for planting, which creates a huge amount of air pollution.) The colder weather in Hanoi traps these pollutants closer to the ground.
During TET (Lunar New Year), the city is emptier than normal because many attractions and restaurants shutdown. It’s best to avoid this time of year because prices spike.
Hanoi’s famous train street is lined with cafes just inches from the tracks.
Vietnam FAQ
Where’s the best place to buy a SIM card in Vietnam?
The easiest thing to do is buy a Vietnam-specific eSIM card from Airalo that will work instantly when you arrive. (Airalo partners with Viettel, the fastest network in Vietnam.) For more details, read my review of Airalo eSIM cards in Southeast Asia.
Promo Codes: New customers save 15% off with NEWTOAIRALO15 and existing users save 10% with AIRALOESIM10.
If you are traveling to multiple countries in Southeast Asia on a short trip, then consider one of their Asia Regional eSIM cards. (Both the country-specific and regional eSIMs have worked wonderfully for me and even have a mobile hotspot option that’s critical for me because I’m always working remotely.) Keep in mind it’s always cheaper to buy a country-specific eSIM than a regional one.
Do you need travel medical insurance for Vietnam?
Yes, travel medical insurance is one of the most important things to purchase for any trip abroad, especially Vietnam. It covers all the things that could go wrong from injuries to travel delays so that you don’t have to worry and can focus on traveling!
SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance offers $0 deductible travel medical insurance coverage for over 180 countries for people aged 69 and under when traveling outside their home country. The best part is that it only costs a few dollars a day! If you get sick or injured abroad, you can visit any hospital or doctor.
Other benefits of Nomad Insurance include coverage for lost checked luggage, travel delays over 12 hours, motor accidents (if properly licensed, wearing all safety equipment and not intoxicated) and injuries from sports or leisure activities. You can even add adventure sports, electronics theft and U.S. coverage (for non-residents) to your policy.
One of the best things about SafetyWing is that you can buy policies abroad and speak to a REAL human from the 24/7 customer support team if you have questions! (I can vouch that they are excellent at assisting and will follow up with you afterward.) Pay in full or choose an auto-renewing plan that can be canceled anytime.
For more details, read my review of using SafetyWing in Southeast Asia.
Photo Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
Cliff Palace cliff dwelling photographed from the Cliff Palace Viewpoint by Sun Temple on Mesa Loop. Camera Settings: f/16 @ 1/250, ISO 400, 350 mm (70-200mm lens with 2X teleconverter.)
Mesa Verde National Park is one of my favorite places in the Southwest. In 1906, it became the seventh national park in the U.S. in 1906 and is home to hundreds of ancient cliff dwellings. Now, it’s a World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park. In this post, I included a detailed list of the best things to see in Mesa Verde along with the best times for photography. For logistics about cost and where to stay at Mesa Verde National Park, please read the FAQ section at the end of the post.
Why is Mesa Verde Worth Visiting?
Mesa Verde National Park is home to over 600 cliff dwellings built by the ancestral Pueblo people starting in A.D. 550. The settlements evolved from half-buried pit houses to above-ground multi-room and often multi-story complexes made of stones and mud mortar, with thick wooden beams supporting roofs topped with a layer of dirt. Kivas, circular ceremonial chambers, were also key features. The walls were often covered in plaster. The settlement was abandoned by 1300 with any clear indication of why, but several theories suggest climate change or conflict. In addition to the cliff dwelling tours, be sure to stop by the Mesa Verde Museum and the Mesa Verde Visitors Center.
Where is Mesa Verde National Park?
Mesa Verde National Park is in southwestern Colorado and the closet town is Cortez, Colorado, which is where I recommend staying. It’s a 13-minute drive from Cortez to the park entrance but another 45-to-60-minute drive from the entrance to the main sites and cliff dwellings.
Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
These maps from the NPS show the main areas of the park, Chapin and Wetherill Mesa, which are up to an hour drive from the park entrance.
There are two main sections of the park – Wetherill Mesa and Chapin Mesa. Chapin Mesa includes Mesa Loop, Cliff Palace Loop and Spruce Tree House. Wetherill Mesa is a good 30–60-minute drive from the other sites, which are closer together. It can take 45 to 60 minutes to drive from the park entrance to any of the locations listed. All park roads are narrow two-lane winding roads so driving between sights can take a while if there’s traffic or construction. (There was a good bit of construction when I visited, and Cliff Palace Loop was closed. It’s slated to be open summer 2025 if construction on viewing platforms is completed.) Check the park website for detailed maps and road closure notices before visiting.
Best Photo Spots in Mesa Verde National Park
I’ve organized my favorite photo spots in Mesa Verde National Park by location: Chapin Mesa versus Wetherill Mesa.
Chapin Mesa
Square Tower House photographed from the viewpoint in the early afternoon. Camera Settings: f/11 @ 1/320, ISO 400, 95 mm with 70-200mm lens
Chapin Mesa is the location for Mesa Loop, Cliff Palace Loop and Spruce Tree House. It’s the most popular portion of the park and most crowded. Cliff Palace Loop is currently closed as of October 2024 per a notice on the website in early 2025.
Cliff Palace Loop
Cliff Palace cliff dwelling photographed from the Cliff Palace Viewpoint by Sun Temple on Mesa Loop. Camera Settings: f/16 @ 1/250, ISO 400, 350 mm (70-200mm lens with 2X teleconverter.)
Cliff Palace Loop is located on Chapin Mesa and was closed due to construction when I visited. (It’s slated to be open summer 2025.) When the loop is open, Cliff Palace Dwelling is only accessible by guided tours for $8/person. The loop also contains Balcony House and the Soda Canyon Trail.
Mesa Loop
New Fire Temple and New Fire House Overlook on Mesa Loop. Camera Settings: f/8 @ 1/1600, ISO 800, 240 mm with a 70-200mm lens with 2X teleconverter. The wind was insane here, which is why my shutter speed and ISO were high.
The six-mile Mesa Loop, located on Chapin Mesa, will take a while to drive because there’s so much to see. Sunrise shots aren’t an option here because the road doesn’t open until the staff arrive (varies based on staffing so check website for details), but sunset is possible. Law enforcement will sweep the road before they close the gates at sunset so you can shoot until they come along. While it was cool to see the pit houses, they aren’t the best with photography because they are in buildings with guard rails. The viewpoints of the dwellings were the best photo spots. I recommend downloading the free Mesa Loop driving tour podcast before visiting.
Square Tower House
There is a crow’s nest set of buildings in in the corner of the canyon at Square Tower House that can only be seen on the tour. Camera Settings: f/9 @ 1/320, ISO 1250, 38mm with a 24-70mm lens.
The house itself is in the shade in the morning and full sun later in the afternoon. I recommend shooting in the afternoon to get the light on the house and the cliff. For tours, it’s best to go in the morning when the house is in the shade to avoid harsh shadows in the afternoon. The trail is only a mile but includes two ladders. It was my favorite of the two ranger-guided tours I did. There’s a cool Crow’s Nest building that can’t be seen from the viewpoint that we kept joking was a kid’s treehouse!
Cliff Palace Viewpoint by Sun Temple
Cliff Palace cliff dwelling photographed from the Cliff Palace Viewpoint by Sun Temple on Mesa Loop. Camera Settings: f/11 @ 1/400, ISO 500, 98mm with 70-200mm lens. This was shot at roughly 4:30 p.m. in May. I’d suggest going earlier in day to avoid the dark shadow on left.
Spruce Tree House
The view of Spruce Tree House from the back porch of the ranger’s office is one the best viewports in my opinion. Camera Settings: f/11 @ 1/320, ISO 400, 48mm with a 24-70mm lens.
Due to rock falls, Spruce Tree House is closed for the foreseeable future. (Previously, it was open to a self-guided tour.) There’s a lovely view of it from the back porch of the ranger’s office, which is better than the viewpoint below on the trail because it puts you above some of the trees. Unlike the other loops Spruce Tree House area is open 24/7 so you can shoot at sunrise or sunset easily, which I’d recommend. Otherwise, you’ll have to time your shoot between 3-5 p.m. to get light on the house while avoiding shadows from the cliff above or the trees in front. Around 6 p.m. the shadows from the trees in front really photobomb the image.
I’d only recommend sunrise/sunset shoots if you feel comfortable driving the two-lane winding park roads in the dark. The roads are well maintained but pretty scary driving out of the park at night, which is why I never stayed for sunset. There are some pretty steep drop-offs with no guardrails on the road! Plus, wildlife is another concern at night – there are still wild horses roaming the park. Due to this, I wasn’t happy with any of my images of Spruce Tree House.
The bathrooms at Spruce Tree House are the best ones. Mesa Loop only had portable toilets when I was there.
Wetherill Mesa
(Wetherill Mesa was closed for all of 2024 but the park office said it should hopefully be open in summer 2025 depending on staffing.)
The majority of the trails at Wetherill Mesa are flat unless you are touring one of the cliff dwellings.
Once you arrive at Wetherill Mesa, you have to walk to the sites. No cars are allowed beyond the parking lot. All the trails to viewpoints are flat and easily bikeable. (This is the ONLY area in the park where bikes are allowed!) There’s no shade so go early or be prepared for the sun and wind! The area is open from May to October and is usually the quieter part of the park. Allow a least half a day to see all the sites excluding dwelling tours. There’s a ranger posted at a desk at the entrance. I’ve listed the sites you can physically visit below, but there are more sites you can see from viewpoints. It takes about 45 minutes to drive to Wetherill Mesa from Chapin Mesa and about 45-60 minutes from the park entrance!
Step House
Petroglyphs inside Step House at Wetherill Mesa. This dwelling isn’t as amazing as the others but is very accessible.
A one-mile roundtrip trail starts at the kiosk and leads through the cliff dwelling that was once home to 30-40 people. It’s a unique site with a reconstructed pit house constructed around 620 and a multi-story pueblo built in 1226. It’s not as impressive as the other dwellings on the guided tours but this is the most accessible by foot, which is why they allow self-guided tours. A ranger is always on duty to answer questions at the site.
Mug House
Mug House isn’t visible from any viewpoints and can only be visited on a tour. Camera Settings: f/10 @ 1/160, ISO 640, 52mm with a 24-70mm lens.
Mug House isn’t listed on any map and is only accessible by guided tour with a ranger. It’s a three-mile roundtrip hike from the kiosk and not visible from any viewpoint. While it’s labeled as a strenuous hike, I didn’t think it was bad. I did the noon tour, and the site was still in the shade since it faces west. The dwelling was named for three mugs found tied together on the site. Tours are $25/person with a maximum of 10 people.
Long House
Long House is the second-largest cliff dwelling in the park with 150 rooms and accessible only by a ranger-guided tour. ($8/person) It’s the most in-depth tour offered at the park but wasn’t available on the dates I visited.
Trails at Wetherill Mesa
Nordenskiöld Site #16 photographed from the viewpoint. Camera Settings: f/8 @ 1/640, ISO 400, 60mm with a 24-70mm.
The main trail is the paved five-mile Long House Loop that’s great for hiking or biking. The Kodak House overlook (2.5 miles) and Long House overlook (1.5 miles) are located on the trail. Bikes have to be parked at the trailhead while you walk the .15-mile trail to the overlooks. The Badger House Community Trail (2.25 miles RT) weaves through four mesa-top sites and crosses the Long House Loop trail. The Nordenskiöld Site #16 Trail leads to an overlook of the cliff dwelling and is two miles roundtrip. All trails are relatively flat but exposed to sun/wind. (Due to the heat and exhaustion of doing two dwelling tours and Step House back-to-back, I only did the Nordenskiöld Site #16 Trail.)
Far View Sites
I had the Far View Sites to myself at sunset, which I recommend to avoid people in your photos. Camera Settings: f/6.8 @ 1/80, ISO 1000, 32mm with a 24-70mm.
The Far View area was a mesa-top community and one of the most densely populated regions. A .75-mile trail leads through ruins of several houses and a reservoir. I went right before sunset and really enjoyed this small walk. It’s definitely underrated and worth a visit! The site is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. It’s located on the main park road.
Hiking Trails at Mesa Verde National Park
The main park road has several scenic viewpoints including this one — Park Point Viewpoint, the highest point in Mesa Verde.
There are several hiking trails throughout the park. Many of the ones I was interested in were closed partially due to Cliff Palace Loop construction, which should be open in 2025. Elevation in the park ranges from 7,000 to 8,500 feet so carrying camera gear gets even harder if you’re not used to the elevation. The sun is relentless, and there’s very little shade so start hikes early. Since I was so focused on photography and booked the dwelling tours, I didn’t get to do any other hikes due to the heat. I wanted to do Petroglyph Point but skipped it since I was going to Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque a few days later.
The Mesa Verde Museum Association offers free downloadable site guides for Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, Wetherill Mesa (Step & Long House) and Balcony House.
Photo Tips for Mesa Verde National Park
I stopped at an unmarked viewpoint to take this photo while I was leaving the park at sunset.
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Lenses: You’ll need at least a 70-200mm zoom lens from the viewpoints for most of the cliff dwellings. I’d recommend a 400mm or a teleconverter as well. (I rented a Nikon 2X teleconverter from LensRentals.com for my trip to test it out, but I’d recommend a 1.4x teleconverter instead because that’s much sharper.)
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Filters: A circular polarizer is a big help with the blue skies and helps reduce glare on the rocks, especially when shooting petroglyphs in the sun. A graduated neutral density filter would also be helpful with contrast but can be time consuming.
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Take a Tripod: The wind is fierce so change lenses in your car or take two camera bodies. I’d recommend a tripod in low light or even with the teleconverter since the wind will knock you around. I used my Peak Design Travel Tripod, and it was perfect with my 70-200mm with the 2X teleconverter.
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Photo Guide: At the entrance kiosk, they have an amateur photography guide with a chart of the most photographed areas in the park and the best times to shoot during the summer. I’ve included the chart below.
This is a scan of the National Park Service’s amateur photography guide for Mesa Verde National Park that is available at visitors center and entrance kiosks. The best times and locations for summer are bolded.
Mesa Verde National Park FAQ
Every year there’s a series of “dry” lightning fires on the mesa tops, which are usually labeled by signs with the date of the fire. Since the park was established in 1906, 70 percent of the park has been burned by wildfires.
How much time do you need to visit Mesa Verde National Park?
Not all the sites are Mesa Verde are open at the same time each year so it honestly will probably take multiple trips to see it all. Otherwise, I’d suggest at least three to four full days and possibly more for photography. You could spend an afternoon going to the main sights on Mesa Loop but what makes this place special is going into the dwellings on a tour! It can take 45 to 60 minutes to drive from the park entrance to any of the locations listed above. All park roads are narrow two-lane winding roads so driving between sights can take a while if there’s traffic or construction. I was only here for two days (too short) because I added this on to a New Mexico road trip but plan to come back in the next year or two.
How much does it cost to visit Mesa Verde National Park?
For private vehicles, the entry fee is $30 from May 10-Oct. 22 and $20 from Oct. 23- April 30. Motorcycles are $25 from May 10-Oct. 22 and $15 from Oct. 23- April 30. The park also sells annual $55 passes. If you’re going to visit more than one national park, I’d recommend an annual pass for $80 that covers one vehicle or up to four people. If there are cancelations, they will show up on Recration.gov. I recommend setting reminders and be logged in ready to book at 8 a.m. MDT. I got every tour I wanted using this strategy. Since cell service is limited in the park, save digital tickets to your phone or take a screenshot.
Can you tour the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park?
Mug House on Wetherill Mesa // The cliff dwellings are all made with rocks and mud mortar. The roofs were made of wood and covered in a layer of dirt. The black areas in the caves were the result of fires from the kitchen areas. Camera Settings: f/7.1 @ 1/250, ISO 650, 60mm with a 24-70mm lens.
Step House is the only cliff dwelling that’s publicly accessible for a free self-guided tour. A handful of other dwellings are open for either ranger-assisted or ranger-guided tours for $8-45/person, which trust me is worth it, especially for photography. The only way to get detailed shots of the dwellings is to do a tour, which books up fast and reservations open at 8 a.m. MST 14 days before the date. (I was literally on my computer when the clock it 8 a.m. to book my tours! Each tour only had 10 spots!)
The dwellings that are open for tours varies each year, so check the park website for updates. I toured Square Tower House in the morning and Mug House in the afternoon. (Both were $25 each.) I highly recommend both but loved Square Tower House the most. Read the details for the tour carefully as some require climbing ladders on the trail.
More tours are offered during the summer, which is also the busiest season so expect crowds. Other sites available for tours are Long House and Spring House, which is an eight-mile full-day tour only offered four times this summer. There are other sites available for limited dates, which vary each year. For more information on guided tours, visit the NPS website.
Is there cell service in Mesa Verde National Park?
Cell service is non-existent in most parts of the park. Download offline maps before visiting the park. Keep in mind that it’s a 45–60-minute drive from the entrance to the main sites.
What’s the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park?
Spring (May) and fall (September and October) are the best time to visit for weather and to avoid the crowds. Most cliff-dwelling tours are open during these dates. Summer means more daylight but more crowds and often intense heat. (There’s not a lot of shade in the park.) The park is open in winter but facilities are limited and snow can make things hard to access. (I visited in mid-May and highly recommend that time of year.)
Where to stay at Mesa Verde National Park?
The most budget-friendly option is the Morefield Campgrounds (all services open May to September in addition to limited October options) in the park, which has direct access to some of the best hiking trails that are focused more on scenery than cliff dwellings. The Far View Lodge (starting at $146/night) is an excellent location in the park for photography because it’s close to attractions and located past the scariest portions of the road.
There’s a plethora of other camp and RV sites including a KOA and most hotel brands available on the way to the park or in the city Cortez, which is just a 10–15-minute drive from the park entrance. I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Cortez, which was cheaper and rated higher than the Far View Lodge. (Prices vary by season.) I brought my own food to cut costs, so I didn’t eat out at all.
This post originally appeared online in 2021; it was recently updated in February 2025 to include current information.
How to Visit Moo Deng from Bangkok Without a Car
Moo Deng napping after a big breakfast and fighting off all the monkey’s trying to steal her food.
Today, I went to visit Moo Deng, a baby pigmy hippo was born on July 10, 2024 in Thailand. She’s achieved international fame on social media for her quirky antics and playful personality. She’s the best thing on the internet right now with a 24/7 live stream!
It’s no easy feat to visit Moo Deng and takes a bit of planning to get good photographs of her. Here’s how my friend and I visited Moo Deng from Bangkok without a car and timed our trip to get the best photos. (I made another blog post of my favorite photos I took of Moo Deng!)
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
Where does Moo Deng live?
Moo Deng lives at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand. The zoo is roughly a two-hour drive from Bangkok (114 km) and an hour’s drive from Pattaya (48 km).
How to Visit Moo Deng from Bangkok without a Car
The easiest way to visit Moo Deng from Bangkok is to drive or hire a car with a driver. We hired a car with a driver through our Airbnb for 3,000 baht ($88 USD) for the day and got a swanky van with nice reclining seats. GetYourGuide offers private transfers. Klook also offers day tours from Bangkok and Pattaya.
If you want to take public transport, you can take a shared van to Si Racha from Bangkok and then, take a Grab or taxi from there.
The zoo sent me Moo Deng’s schedule, which I used Google translate to tranlate to English on the right.
When is the best time to visit Moo Deng?
The zoo posts a rough schedule of Moo Deng’s day, but it’s hard to predict what she’ll feel like doing. She does sleep quite a lot. I recommend visiting at 8 a.m. right after the zoo opens when it’s less crowded. Moo Deng and her mom, Jona, wake up at this time and her mom eats so she’s active. This is also when the caretaker was cleaning their enclosure making for fun moments of those two interacting.
The caretaker was splashing water on her and taking Instagram photos. We also lucked out and got some interaction between Moo Deng and the troublesome monkeys trying to steal their food. Around 9 a.m., they went to sleep and were still sleeping at noon when we checked again. Late afternoon seems to be another active time for them.
Due to overcrowding, the zoo implemented a system where people only get five minutes to watch Moo Deng. Thankfully, it wasn’t crowded when we went on a weekday morning, so we spent about an hour with her. (The five-minute rule only seems to apply when it’s crowded because there was no enforcement when we were there.) There were only a handful of people when we arrived and roughly 30 max. A large tour group showed up at 9 a.m. making it close to 50 people.
I highly recommend visiting early on a weekday. The zoo was busy after 10 a.m. but never overly crowded by Moo Deng’s enclosure when we’d drive by in our golf cart. If you have questions about visiting, I found the zoo to be very responsive to Facebook messages.
Where to Buy Tickets for Moo Deng
Foreigners must buy tickets at a little building on the left before they reach the main entrance gate. Thais can buy tickets at the gate.
Prices: For foreigners, it’s 350 baht ($10.32 USD) for adults and 120 baht ($3.54) for kids. Parking passes are 40 baht ($1.18 USD) for a motorcycle and 80 ($2.36 USD) for a car.
You can buy tickets online through Klook for a slightly discounted rate to save time when you arrive. (We didn’t realize this was an option or we’d have done it!)
Moo Deng getting hosed down by her caretaker early on a weekeday morning. She and her mother are active and eating between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Where is Moo Deng at the Zoo?
No cars are allowed in Zone 1, so you have to walk inside to the zoo. Moo Deng’s enclosure is easy to find – take a left once you walk through the entrance and follow the hippo signs with arrows. It’s roughly a 10-minute walk. You’ll walk across a boardwalk by other hippos until you reach their enclosure. There’s always Moo Deng music playing so it’s hard to miss!
The best photo angles of Moo Deng are from the elevated far end of the enclosure. Unless you are tall, the bottom end has a glass wall and fence wire that gets in the way of photos. In the morning, it’s best to shoot from the top due to the angle of the sun.
On weekends and holidays, the public can feed Capybara’s at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
What else is there to do at the zoo?
The zoo is divided into two zones and is too big to walk on foot—it’s 2,000 acres. We rented a golf cart for 500 baht ($14.75 USD) for two hours. We basically spent the rest of the time driving around, which was so fun!
Cars are allowed in Zone 2 for a fee. If you don’t feel comfortable driving a golf cart, there is a tram that makes the main stops.
Zone 1 is the busiest area with the main attractions, while Zone 2 is more rural and feels a bit like being in Jurassic Park because you drive by some dilapidated exhibits and enclosures that are no longer used. There are no crowds in this section.
I’m not much of a zoo fan but did enjoy this experience. (I literally flew to Bangkok from Chiang Mai for Moo Deng! My friend and I brought matching t-shirts to wear.)
The other main attractions are the penguin parade where they march out to be fed and an elephant swimming show along with opportunities to feed elephants and giraffes. We didn’t do any of these.
Where can I buy Moo Deng merchandise?
You can’t buy Moo Deng shirts at the zoo sadly. There are plenty of Moo Deng stuffed animals but that’s about it. The zoo trademarked and patented Moo Deng and is supposed to sell licensed t-shirts. I’ve yet to figure out where they are sold but it’s not listed on their website. We bought bootleg ones online and from an artist in Chiang Mai. It’s honestly really hard to buy Moo Deng merchandise anywhere in Thailand!
Where to Go in Southeast Asia
Tat Kuang Si Waterfall is a good day trip from Luang Prabang, Laos!
Southeast Asia is the perfect travel destination – it’s cheap, safe and beautiful. Plus, it’s always flip-flop weather!
There’s no place I love more than Asia. I’ve spent years managing photo trips for a travel company in Southeast Asia and live in Chiang Mai every winter. From jungle treks to ancient ruins, keep reading for my favorite places to visit and things to do in Southeast Asia.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
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Built in 1560, Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Laos.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is one of my favorite cities in the world and a traveler’s dream. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by lush mountains and sliced in half by the mighty Mekong River. The former French colony opened for tourism in 1989 making it one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets.
The former royal capital is known for well-preserved golden temples and the daily morning procession of monks who walk the streets collecting alms from locals. The town center is lined with delicious French restaurants, cafes and bakeries like JOMA, Popolo, Bamboo Garden, Family Bakery Restaurant and Le Banneton Café & French Bakery.
Don’t miss the local street market one block over – fresh crepes, fish and local stir-fries are available every morning for cheap. Be sure to hike the impressive Tat Kuang Si Waterfall and take a boat trip down the Mekong to visit the Buddha-filled Pak Ou Caves. (Price tours with local agencies and Klook to find the best options.)
IMPORTANT TIP: If you go to the monk alms ceremony, be respectful of the monks! Take photos from a distance and not directly in their faces. Dress conservatively, and do not stand higher than the monks. (You’ll notice most locals are seated.) Avoid giving the monks food because there’s been a huge issue with on-site street vendors selling foreigners old food that makes the monks sick. Let only the locals give food.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
I like Meunna Boutique Hotel ($70 USD/night) because it’s a quiet location with a pool that’s walkable to any spot in the city. It’s hard to find a room with a good desk for working so that’s also why I love this post.
Cheaper options include the rooms at Maison Barn Laos for $39/night or the $8/night dorms at La Casa Hostel.
For a fancier waterfront spot, I like the Belle Rive Boutique Hotel ($117/night). Its riverside restaurant is my favorite sunset spot.
How to get to Luang Prabang
The easiest way is to fly—I recommend either Bangkok Airways or Vietnam Airways. There’s a new high-speed train that makes the journey from the capital of Vientiane in less than 2.5 hours. Tickets sell out fast days in advance, so ask your accommodation for help. Check out my Instagram story about my experience! You can take boats downstream from the upper Mekong but a new dam built above Luang Prabang means you’ll be take by van for the last few kilometers. The roads are windy so avoid buses if you can.
When to go to Luang Prabang
I prefer the rainy season which lasts roughly from April to October, which usually means brief showers daily. It’s much lusher. March is the hottest month. November to January are the coolest months and most crowded. The bamboo bridges are up this time of year, which is fun. I either go in August or January.
Two angles of the giant Buddha statue at Wat Si Chum in Sukhothai Historical Park.
Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand
My favorite place in Thailand is Sukhothai Historical Park, the site of the 13th- and 14th-century capital of Siam. Within the old city walls of the UNESCO World Heritage site, there are 21 sets of gorgeous ruins and another 70 in a five-kilometer radius, which are best visited by bike or motorbike. (I always rent a bike by the park entrance for less than $1 USD.)
The size of the park makes it easy to escape the crowds. The ruins are more centralized and much less crowded than Ayutthaya, whose sites are spread across the town and surrounded by pushy street vendors.
My favorite ruins are Wat Si Chum featuring a famous giant Buddha statue above; Wat Mahathat, the largest ruin and former royal palace, and the Khmer style temple, Wat Si Sawai, that is reminiscent of Angkor Wat.
For a very local experience, visit the nearby site of Si Satchanalai, which is part of the same UNESCO designation. (Sukhothai was the political head of the first kingdom of Thailand while Si Satchanalai was the spiritual headquarters.) For details on how to visit, check out my Instagram highlight on Si Satchanalai.
Where to Stay in Sukhothai
On my last visit, I stayed at TR Guesthouse ($14 USD/night for a private room) and really liked it. Free breakfast is included.
How to get to Sukhothai
The park is a few hours north of Bangkok and the perfect stop enroute to Chiang Mai. Catch a bus from Bangkok’s northern bus station, Mo Chit. The closet train station is Phitsanulok, an hour away. The park is 12 km from the new town of Sukhothai and easily accessible by tuk tuk or a songthaew (pickup truck style bus). The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 Baht ($2.80 USD) for each zone or 350 Baht ($10 USD) for all five zones.
When to go to Sukhothai
Avoid March and April when it’s steaming hot. The dry season, from November to February, has best weather while June to October is monsoon season. I prefer the rainy season when the trees are a vibrant green and the puddles make for great photos.
A bird’s eye view of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is one of those places like Machu Picchu that you must visit once in your life. The scenery is postcard-perfect: limestone pillars and tiny islands scattered through the Gulf of Tonkin’s emerald waters. It is the number one attraction in Vietnam.
The best way to experience the bay is to do a multiple-day cruise on a houseboat to explore the islands, swim and eat year weight in fresh seafood! There are short boat trips and overnight cruises for every budget. I recommend spending a night or two on a houseboat!
How to Get to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Boats depart from the less-appealing port town of Halong City. It’s four hours north of Hanoi by car or bus. Klook offers budget-friendly transfers and tours.
When to go to Ha Long Bay
Avoid February to April when it’s cool and drizzly. Peak season is June to mid-August, which also corresponds with tropical storm season. November is best for blue skies and calm seas. (I’ve been in July and January.)
Singapore’s famous Merlion, a half-lion and half-fish statue guards Marina Bay.
Singapore
Singapore is the New York City of Southeast Asia, filled with sleek skyscrapers, world-class museums and culinary delights.
The only way to fully understand Singapore’s kaleidoscope of cultures (Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western) is to explore the museums, including The National Museum of Singapore and the Peranakan Museum. Other highlights include the famous Supertree Grove of vertical gardens at the Gardens by the Bay and the view from the rooftop bar of Marina Bay Sands Resort.
Despite its sleek and sophisticated exterior, the heart of the city is the countless food stalls that serve up tasty treats like traditional kaya (coconut jam) toast and Hainanese chicken rice.
For more, read my detailed Singapore guide!
Where to Stay in Singapore
I really love the location of 30 Bencoolen because it’s only a 20–30-minute walk to Chinatown or downtown.
If you’re looking to splurge or cash in points for a luxury stay, then the most iconic hotels are Raffles Singapore, Fullerton Bay Hotel and Marina Bay Sands.
How to get to Singapore
You can fly to Singapore from just about anywhere. Changi Airport is the nicest airport in the world. (Trust me, you WANT a layover in Singapore.) It’s easily accessible by bus from Peninsular Malaysia and by ferry from parts of Indonesia.
When to go to Singapore
Monsoon season lasts from November to January. June to September is when the rain clears off and temperatures spike a bit. Overall, it’s usually 81-87 °F year-round.
Left: The colorful Buddhist temple of Kek Lok Si; Right: George Town’s famous street art.
George Town, Malaysia
Like Singapore, George Town (the capital of the island state of Penang) is a mixture of three cultures and various types of architecture, ranging from Chinese shophouses to British colonial buildings.
It’s also the street art capital of Southeast Asia. Pick up a map from your hotel or the tourism association to guide you through the labyrinth of 3D artwork and murals like the one decorating the shop where Penang native and famous shoemaker Jimmy Choo first apprenticed.
Be sure to eat the crispy chicken with plum sauce for dinner at Tek Sen! Other highlights include the house museums including the famous Blue Mansion.
How to get to George Town, Malaysia
It’s easily accessible by plane from across Southeast Asia. There is a train service from Kuala Lumpur (KL) and buses from all over Malaysia. (I took the bus from KL many times, which was comfy and nice.)
When to go to George Town, Malaysia
The weather doesn’t fluctuate much here. Holidays like Chinese New Year will be crowded. November and December are when temperatures drop a little.
Thomas’s leaf monkeys (left) and Sumatran orangutan (right) in Gunung Leuser National Park on Sumatra, Indonesia.
Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
The Indonesian Island of Sumatra parallels peninsular Malaysia and Singapore and is known for the diversity of its tropical forests. One of the highlights is Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve that’s home to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutans and endemic Thomas’s leaf monkey. The main hub for visiting the park is the town of Bukit Lawang where orangutan treks can be arranged with guides. (I have been to all seven continents, and this is arguably one of the coolest experiences of my life.)
When to go to Sumatra
Fruit is more plentiful in the rainy season (November to March) making it easier to see the orangutans. I visited in August with no rain and great orangutan sightings.
How to get to Sumatra
Medan is the closest major city with an airport. From there, you can bus or drive. Transfers can also be arranged via Klook.
Where to stay in Bukit Lawang
I stayed at Rindu Alam Hotel, which had convenient access to the jungle trails to Gunung Leuser National Park. It’s a no-frills hotel with large, air-conditioned rooms. The location and food were fantastic!
A sunrise view from the top of Baphuon temple in Angkor Thom in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world, is Cambodia’s claim to fame—it adorns everything from the currency to the national flag. While the most famous temples in the Angkor Archeological Site are Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple) and Bayon, there are dozens of other temples built by the same god-kings nearby that are worth exploring.
I visit Angkor every year for work and my personal favorites are Preah Kahn, Baphuon and Pre Rup. (Banteay Kdei is a less-crowded alternative to Ta Prohm.) To make the most of your visit, consider buying at three- or five-day pass.
Venture further for fewer crowds at the Roluos temple group (short tuk-tuk ride east of Siem Reap) or drive northeast to the tiered-pyramid of Koh Ker and the unrestored jungle temple of Beng Mealea. To fully escape the crowds, check out the story I wrote for National Geographic for other remote temple complexes.
The charming tourist town of Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temples. It’s a fun town with great food options like Wild, Sambo Khmer & Thai Restaurant, New Leaf Eatery, Mamma Shop Italian and Fellini. The best craft beer spot in town is Embargo Craft Beer.
Gelato Lab has the best ice cream.
How to get to Siem Reap
Siem Reap is accessible by plane from most major cities in Southeast Asia. (I always fly from Bangkok, Singapore or Ho Chi Minh.) It’s a six-hour drive or bus ride from Phnom Penh.
When to go to Angkor Wat
The rainy season is from May to October. (I personally prefer the end of the rainy season when everything is lush and green.) The weather is cooler (but still hot) from November to February, but all the rice fields and trees are brown.
Where to stay in Siem Reap
The Hari Residence Hotel ($55-60 USD/night) is one of my favorites—rooftop pool and free breakfast.
For more budget-friendly options, consider the highly-rated The Urban ($22 USD/night) or Boutique Indochine d’Angkor ($22 USD/night on Booking.com). Hostels, like Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap and Bokre Angkor Hostel range from $4-14 USD a night.
If you’re looking to splurge on a fancy resort, then I recommend Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor or Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort. (This is where I stay for work.)
Miniature tuk tuks at a market in Bangkok.
Southeast Asia FAQ
Do you need travel medical insurance for Southeast Asia?
Yes, travel medical insurance is one of the most important things to purchase for any trip abroad, especially Southeast Asia. It covers all the things that could go wrong from injuries to travel delays so that you don’t have to worry and can focus on traveling!
I use SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance, which offers $0 deductible travel medical insurance coverage for over 180 countries for people aged 69 and under when traveling outside their home country. The best part is that it only costs a few dollars a day! If you get sick or injured abroad, you can visit any hospital or doctor. Other benefits of Nomad Insurance include coverage for lost checked luggage, travel delays over 12 hours, motor accidents (if properly licensed, wearing all safety equipment and not intoxicated) and injuries from sports or leisure activities. You can even add adventure sports, electronics theft and U.S. coverage (for non-residents) to your policy.
If you’re abroad for 90 days, you can get 30 days of home-country coverage. (For the U.S. residents, it’s 15 days.) Plus, every single part of the process from purchasing a policy to filing a claim is easy, which is why SafetyWing has been the best travel medical insurance policy for me.
For more details about my experience using SafetyWing in Southeast Asia, read my SafetyWing Review.
Where’s the best place to buy a SIM card for Southeast Asia?
If you are traveling to multiple countries in Southeast Asia on a short trip, then consider one of their Asia Regional eSIM cards. (Both the country-specific and regional eSIMs have worked wonderfully for me and even have a mobile hotspot option that’s critical for me because I’m always working remotely.) Keep in mind it’s always cheaper to buy a country-specific eSIM than a regional one.
Be sure to join the free Airalo Loyalty Program to earn 5% cash back for every purchase, which can be redeemed on future purchases. For more about eSIM cards, read my Airalo Review and guide to pros and cons of eSIM cards.