If Week 1 was about shaking off the jet lag and finding our rhythm, Week 2 was about leaning in. Into the history, the beauty, the challenges, and the emotional weight that comes with visiting places like Cambodia and Vietnam—two countries with ancient wonders and very recent wounds.
It was also the week I fought off a nasty cold (because of course I did), missed out on a few adventures, and still somehow ended the week feeling more inspired and grateful than ever.
Here’s a look at Week Two of our Asia adventure—complete with tuk tuks, temples, floating markets, and one unforgettable birthday. You’ll find a quick recap below, but don’t miss the [Facebook journal links] where you can read each full day in all its wild, honest, heart-filled detail.
Day 8 – Siem Reap, Cambodia: Karma, Stilts, and Solo Exploring
While I recovered in the hotel, Brett took the lead on a countryside tour—and it did not disappoint. From a dry-season stilted village to an unexpected frat-party-turned-karma-lesson, his solo day was a masterclass in contrasts.
👉 Read the full Day 8 recap here.
Day 9 – Sunrise at Angkor Wat and a Mystery Lunch Twist
We started our day at 3 AM to catch sunrise over Angkor Wat. No fiery sky, but plenty of magic. We explored five different temples, spotted monkeys, and had an unforgettable lunch experience (let’s just say Lilly has strong feelings about imitation crab).
👉 Read the full Day 9 recap here.
Day 10 – Hero Rats and a Birthday in Cambodia
We visited APOPO, home of the landmine-sniffing “hero rats” (adorable and life-saving), and I celebrated my birthday Khmer-style—with a massage, a dreamy lunch, and a couple cocktails before flying off to Vietnam.
👉 Read the full Day 10 recap here.
Day 11 – Cu Chi Tunnels and a Side of Propaganda
Our first day in Ho Chi Minh City was eye-opening. We crawled through war-era tunnels, visited a powerful art center supporting Agent Orange victims, and ended the day with pho, chocolate, and a whole lot of reflection.
👉 Read the full Day 11 recap here.
Days 12–13 – Halong Bay: Kayaks, Cobra Whiskey, and Fish Spa Giggles
We went off the grid (literally—no Wi-Fi!) for a cruise through Halong Bay, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. Think kayak adventures, jungle hikes, bizarre rice wine, and foot-nibbling fish spas that had us all squealing with laughter.
👉 Read the full Day 12–13 recap here.
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Day 14 – Spring Rolls and Train Street (Almost)
After a beautiful farewell morning on the cruise, we spent our final hours in Vietnam exploring Hanoi—complete with burgers, bubble tea, fruit-carving demos, and a failed (but hilarious) attempt to find Train Street. Feet tired, bellies full, and hearts happy, we headed to the airport…
👉 Read the full Day 14 recap here.
✈️ Up Next: Konnichiwa, Japan! 🇯🇵
Week 3 brings us to one of the most anticipated stops of the trip: Japan—home of sushi, Shibuya Crossing, animal cafés, and the most meticulously organized transit system known to humankind. Buckle up—it’s about to get exciting.
Thanks for following along! If you have questions about any of the places we visited (or want help planning your own Asia adventure), I’d love to chat. Just say the word.
