Comments for Nomadic Notes

Comment on Hanoi to Nanning by train by Trevor Warman

Trevor Warman — Thu, 14 May 2026 14:25:04 +0000

Excellent write up James. nothing left out. and nothing included thats not relevant.

good to see proper information. sadly missing in the blogging world these days.

am currently in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, just explored the Transportation Camp. .

Trevor

Comment on Sky 22 – A rooftop cafe on the most famous roof in Saigon by Graham James Hughes

Graham James Hughes — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:22:10 +0000

closed now ….in a state of disrepair but for a small gratuity security will let you go up

Comment on Da Nang to Hoi An by public bus (LK-02) by ie

ie — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:16:39 +0000

In reply to Dave Tharratt.

Thank you for your kind reply.
Your information will help other travelers too.
I chose a shuttle bus to Da Nang from Hoi An at night.

Comment on Sky 22 – A rooftop cafe on the most famous roof in Saigon by Bun

Bun — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:22:44 +0000

in 2022 I was there but the café was closed.
The guard would not take my money so I could go up.
So, I entered the building opposite of the Sky 2, went up with the elevator to the 9th floor. the 9th floor was under construction. at that point I had a.clear view at Sky 22!!!

Comment on Da Nang to Hoi An by public bus (LK-02) by Dave Tharratt

Dave Tharratt — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:54:46 +0000

In reply to ie. No. Last bus departs Cua Dai pier at 6:30pm most days but last Saturday, the last bus departed 5:30pm. There may be a different timetable on weekends.

Comment on Da Nang and Nha Trang: Comparing the two great beach cities of Vietnam by James Clark

James Clark — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:31:35 +0000

In reply to Ronnie B.. Thanks Ronnie, it's just an observation of my time I've spent here. Cheers.

Comment on Da Nang and Nha Trang: Comparing the two great beach cities of Vietnam by Ronnie B.

Ronnie B. — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:44:43 +0000

Hey James,

Appreciate the article. I’m trying to choose between the two for a trip in May.

James, using the presence of chains like McD’s or Starf*cks as a proxy for how “international” a place is, is a very narrow lens, don’t you think? It really just measures the reach of Western consumer brands, not the diversity, connectivity, or global integration of a city.

Most of Africa doesn’t have either brand and I bet you won’t find a more international city than Nairobi. A city like Nairobi is a great counterexample. It’s a major hub for diplomacy (UN offices), tech (often called “Silicon Savannah”), regional business, and international NGOs. You’ll find people, languages, and cultures from all over the world there, arguably a much richer form of “internationalism” than a familiar coffee chain on every corner. Plus, Vietnam and Kenya offer FAR better coffee.

It’s difficult for me to see businesses I associate with genocide operating in places filled with such incredible people, food and culture.

Furthermore, 7-Eleven is Japanese owned and run. The Japanese did what the Americans couldn’t.

By way of background, I’m an international hotelier who has worked across Europe, America, and Africa. I’ve also travelled widely, so I write from the perspective of both a seasoned traveller and a citizen of the world.

You might want to reconsider your metrics.

Ronnie

Comment on Phnom Penh Airport Express Bus – Techo International Airport to the city centre by alistair nicoll

alistair nicoll — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:29:01 +0000

In reply to James Clark. I can assure you departure is equally easy with again e - gates for super quick processing. Food and drink is though expensive as it is in most international airports and despite the size there is not a lot of seating and not a lot to occupy you whilst waiting. when I was there check in opens 2 and 3/4 hours before departure

Comment on Phnom Penh Airport Express Bus – Techo International Airport to the city centre by James Clark

James Clark — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:15:44 +0000

In reply to alistair nicoll. Fair point about the tuk-tuk offers. Good to know if you know what the going rate is for a taxi. I was impressed with the terminal, it feels calming, like the noise is dampened somehow. The use of e-gates also a great improvement, so I look forward to trying out the departure experience next time.

Comment on Phnom Penh Airport Express Bus – Techo International Airport to the city centre by alistair nicoll

alistair nicoll — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:33:48 +0000

I went to the bank as only had a 5000 riel note from previous visit and they were only too happy to give me 500s and 1000s for the bus.
When I was there there were not signs outside the terminal itself but there were along the way. Key thing is as you come out of the terminal head straight through the car park it is a long walk and you will be stopped as mentioned by taxi and tuk tuk drivers. Don’t completely ignore them – the average price of a taxi is $20 and a tuk tuk $15 to town and you may be offered a decent price by a driver wanting to go home. In my case around 18.00 a tuk tuk driver approached me and said he would take me to my hotel for 20000 riels ($5) which even a cheap skate like me could not turn down once I realised he was serious.
BTW I was outside the terminal 15 minutes after getting off the plane the airport is a real joy