5 Travel Pictures and the Stories Behind Them

1. Steppes of Qinghai and Gansu - Northwestern China

The vast steppes of Qinghai and Gansu provinces are some of the most remote and unexplored places in China. In 2016 I explored this region by bike, traversing over 1600 kilometers from Xining to Chengdu. I was stunned by the striking differences between eastern and western China in all aspects, whether it's economic development, education standards, culture or quality of life.

2. A Vendor's Motorcycle Store - Hsi Paw, Myanmar

A vendor in Hsipaw, Myanmar travels with his scooter to the nearby villages selling grains, veggies, eggs and raw meat. Fridges are still a rare sight in rural Burma. Food supplies are generally bought and consumed on a daily basis. However at 35℃ (95℉) of heat and with a lack of sanitary control, food poisoning is very common with travelers.

3. A Remote Village - Muang Ngoi, Northern Laos

This beautiful riverside village in Northern Laos has become one of my favourite spots on earth. What makes it so special? It's only reachable by boat! In the last few years it is developing as a tourist destination, and guesthouses slowly fill up the village. Nevertheless, it still remains a low-key spot in a stunning mountainous location.

Multiple hiking trails allow travelers to explore some of the most distant tribal villages in the area.

4. Mt. Rinjani - Lombok, Indonesia

Not without a reason is Mt. Rinjani rated as one of the top 10 hikes in the world. The 3-day-2-nights trek is extremely difficult but doable for the average fit and healthy hiker. Reaching the summit at 3726 meters above sea level and experiencing a gorgeous sunrise is one of the greatest achievements and most beautiful moments of my life.

The trekking includes a well-deserved stop at natural hot springs, food, tents, guide and porter service as well as drop-off at one of the three Gili Islands.

5. Thung Wua Laen Beach - Chumphon, Thailand

This gorgeous beach was recommended to me by my dearest friend Alex (thank you:). A half-an-hour-scooter-ride away from Chumphon, Thung Wua Laen beach features only a handful of hotels. The travelers who choose to come here are generally frequent visitors, for whom this place has become a "home away from home".

The quiet and beautiful beach with its crystal-clear water is nearly perfect. The only disturbing image is the garbage, which gets dumped into the ocean from Koh Tao and washed ashore here...

FOLLOW ME
Steemit: https://steemit.com/@thisisjhonny/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Travelpoppies/
Website: https://travelpoppies.com