When planning our month in Sri Lanka, we knew one thing - we didn't want to travel by bus or hire a private driver. We wanted the freedom to explore at our own pace, take the scenic route whenever we felt like it and experience the country in a way that simply isn't possible from behind the window of a car. As regular motorbike travellers throughout Southeast Asia, hiring a tuk-tuk felt like the perfect compromise. It gave us the same feeling of freedom and connection to our

Planning a Sri Lanka road trip? Follow our honest 30-day self-drive tuk-tuk itinerary as we explore ancient cities, wildlife safaris, misty tea country and stunning beaches. With drive times, accommodation, practical travel tips and honest reflections, this guide will help you experience Sri Lanka at your own pace.

Sri Lanka had been on our bucket list for years, but nothing could have prepared us for our first few days on this vibrant island. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in a world of colourful celebrations, friendly locals, unexpected roadside encounters and the challenge of learning to drive a tuk-tuk. In true Not So Grey Travellers style, we embraced every moment, even when things didn't quite go to plan! After doing some research, we discovered that December and Jan

After a long pause, Not So Grey Travellers is back — this time with cinematic travel vlogs alongside our written stories. Join us as we revisit the slower side of Bali through our very first YouTube video from Amed, while sharing honest travel experiences, motorbike adventures and the beauty of slow travel through Southeast Asia and beyond.

Nargh, not really but I was on a podcast. One of my favourite podcasts to listen as preparation for our 3 month adventure was 'Talk...

At Kuala Lumpar all packed ready to come home With great intentions of firstly writing these diary blogs as we were on the road - FAIL! ...

So far this day had been quite an adventure with a temple visit in Vientiane in the morning, a potentially disastrous ride to the train station, a possible concussion, an exciting passage on my very first fast train and finally negotiating our way to our accommodation in Vang Vieng. What we needed more than anything was a swim in the hotel pool and a cold beer which we eagerly sought out. Before I go any further, I must comment on our accommodation. This is something so far

Southern Laos was not on our original itinerary but as it is when you travel, you meet people and hear how amazing places are. In addition, we had this itch to ride a motorbike loop independently and as you've read in previous blog posts, we ended up riding the Bolaven Plateau Loop out of Pakse. As we were so far south in Laos we had no choice but to make our way to the Four Thousand Islands. Having a flexible itinerary we were able to change our plans quite easily and I a

After yesterday’s craziness of being abandoned on the Mekong with Kevin having a sleep in. Mama Tanon's I was awake so headed across the road to Mama Tanon for breakfast. At this point I needed a break from the typical American breakfast so I ordered these delicious cacao and banana pancakes with my usual iced coffee latte. It’s simply been too hot to drink hot drinks like a cappuccino. I must mention that the two Italian (?) owners were so lovely, offering heaps of info o

Ride with us on a sleeper bus from Pakse to Vientiane, Laos and see why you have to plan for the unexpected.

An action packed day as we dis our best to beat the heat only to be ‘Abandoned on the Mekong’

Trying to beat the heat on the Four Thousand Islands will be a tough gig! But, we give it our best shot.

The final day travelling the Bolaven Plateau Loop - Saving the best til last.

We were travelling for adventure and we certainly have plenty of that today.

Today we continue our four day, three night Bolaven Loop motorbike ride. If you haven’t read the first day blog, I suggest you go read that first, then come back here. Breakfast View Waking at Tad Lo Lodge was peaceful with only a few gardeners and staff around and one group of other guests. In our bungalow we could hear the water flowing through the rapids. Stunning rapids around Tad Lo The plan was to have breakfast and get on our way but now that we have the area all to

Join us for the first day of a four day, three night adventure on the Bolaven Loop.

A change of plan has brought us to southern Laos to prepare for a solo adventure

With only one full day in Vientiane it was critical that we plan our time effectively to take in all the sites. First things first, hire a couple of scooters. The first place we tried gave off a bad vibe, they wanted to hold a passport as collateral and charge 150,000 Kip per day. We tried another place who had the same terms but was 50,000 Kip cheaper and so much more friendlier. In Laos, it seemed as though holding onto your passport was the norm. They reassured us that

Jumping ahead from Vietnam to Laos for adventures in a new country

Heavily researched for this trip to Vietnam, was the best places to scuba dive and then making the opportunity to fit in with our itinerary. I knew a dive out of Con Dao island, of the coast Hoi An. Perfect, I was excited to dive in the seas off Vietnam. With further research, I had chosen the dive company I was going with and booked a spot a few days ago. How beautiful it would be as you see from the image below. This could have been me Alas, it wasn't to be. The night be