When Phonsy, my ETG guide in Luang Prabang, mentioned he was going to a traditional lao wedding the following night I didn’t think for one minute that I’d be invited.…
Author
David Gookey
David Gookey
David's is a travel specialist for Southeast Asia. His passion for travel was such that he left a successful career in the Civil Service to seek us out at Experience Travel Group (we knew he was serious about his love for Asia when he did his interview over Skype from Myanmar!). Since joining ETG he has added to his already extensive knowledge of Southeast Asia with trips all across the continent; some of his favourite memories include a hot-air balloon ride over Inle Lake, milking buffalo in Laos and embracing the elements in an open-air eco-lodge in Sri Lanka. David specialises in Indochina and is the country manager for Myanmar. More important, however, is his role as official DJ of the London office and encyclopedic knowledge of airport lounges.
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Hidden in a landlocked region between China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, Laos is one of the last hidden gems of Asia. To help you with inspiration for your trip to this mysterious country, we’re listing our top 10 experiences in the country that you can tailor to your itinerary. I hope you will be inspired.
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Across AsiaCambodiaMyanmar
Bagan vs. Angkor Wat: Which temple experience suits you best?
by David GookeyI’ve been asked many times how the temples in Bagan, Myanmar, and those around Siem Reap, Cambodia compare, and which are better. I’ve been lucky enough to visit both sites over the years and the short answer is that neither one is better than the other. Both have their own charms and unique selling points and are truly awe-inspiring places to visit.
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaMyanmarVietnam
Flight News: Emirates are flying to Yangon & Hanoi from August
by David GookeyExciting news, Emirates will launch daily services from Dubai to Yangon, Myanmar and Hanoi, Vietnam from mid-August. Flight guru & Asia travel expert David reveals more…
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Being ETG’s resident flight geek, David recently flew with Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy on his trip to Myanmar. Here he shares his rather comfortable experience.
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Travel expert David was lucky enough to sample life on the Chao Phraya River that runs from Bangkok to UNESCO heritage Autthaya. From visiting river-side villages, to gaining an insight into…
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If you’re looking for an intriguing culture to partake in, look no further than Burma. Every year, Burma has a ton of cultural events and festivals like Thingyan, Diwali, the…
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Thailand
Experience Travel Tales: Thailand – The culinary delights of Bangkok by public transport
by David GookeyIn our ‘Travel Tales’ series, our Travel Consultants share their travel stories. Our Travel Consultants regularly travel to the destinations they specialise in. This is how each hotel, experience and…
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In our ‘Travel Tales’ series, our Travel Consultants share their travel stories. Our Travel Consultants regularly travel to the destinations they specialise in. This is how each hotel, experience and…
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When one of the ‘mystery guests’ (people sat next to me) complained on my recent flight to Bangkok that he did not have a window seat, his wife simply told…
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Thailand
Experience Travel Tales: Thailand – Mountain Coffee and Culture in Thailand
by David GookeyIn our ‘Travel Tales’ series, our Travel Consultants share their travel stories. Our Travel Consultants regularly travel to the destinations they specialise in. This is how each hotel, experience and…
On his research trip to Myanmar, David tested the two latest ballooning experiences. From floating over the stunning Lake Inle to gaining spectacular aerial views of Ngapali Beach, he’s had a lifetime experience, twice!
[cycloneslider id=”test-cyclone”] Burma is well known for many things – the friendliness of the locals, the magnificent sight of thousands of temples at Bagan and rural life by Lake Inle…
Our Travel Consultants regularly travel to the destinations they specialise in. Here David Gookey, one of our Travel Consultants shares his foodie experiences in Thailand…