Taiwan isn't really on the "tourism map," which I figured would make it a perfect place for me to go as a tourist for 3 weeks of exploration before making my way over the the SE Asian mainland for the main portion of my trip.

From Taiwan I flew into Northern Vietnam to explore the far north, which I missed the first time around in 2002. Photos are from Hanoi, Dien Bien Phu, and while traveling by motorcycle through the mesmerizing hill country and villages surrounding Sapa.

I returned to Laos after my initial visit 12 years earlier which I'd always felt was too rushed. I traveled by bus, boat, and foot exploring this very welcoming country for a full month.

After Laos, I finished my trip by making my way through the far east of Thailand, the only unexplored area I'd yet to visit.

 A collection of the tasty morsels I found.