Offbeat Goat

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Offbeat Goat

Exploring immersive and sustainable travel through a curated lens. A design-lover's guide to conscious travel.

31/10/2024

The mighty Mekong—the “Mother of Waters” and lifeblood of Laos.

I’ll admit, I hesitated to add a sunset boat cruise to the itinerary, imagining throngs of tourists snapping the same photos. But here’s the thing: find the right boat, make it your own, and it changes everything. Drifting along the Mekong with nothing but the sound of the water beneath you and the sky melting into dusk—worth every penny.

DM me for tips on booking a private ride. Some things are meant to be done right.

30/10/2024

“The shortest distance between two people is a smile.” – Victor Borge

Up in the far-flung corners of Northern Laos, we hung out with the Akha, Hmong, Khamu, and Ikho communities—each with their own way of life, their own rhythm, and,as it turns out, their own contagious laughter.

29/10/2024

Jungle living, but make it boutique(ish) -

At Nam Kat Yorlapa, the trek to our room felt like an expedition, though the bikes definitely helped. Set deep in the rainforest, this tiny retreat may have a touch of wear (it is the jungle, after all), but the warm welcome makes up for it. With Muang La Resort lost to floods, it now holds the crown as the area’s sole boutique option. And pro tip: opt for the rooms closer to the lodge + load up on mossie spray– trust me.🌿

Thank you 🙏to the lovely staff for taking such good care of us!

28/10/2024

From snout to tail, stalk to leaf, morning markets in Luang Prabang are a feast for the senses—and a masterclass in sustainability. Here, nothing goes to waste, and everything finds a purpose.

Crayfish wrapped in bamboo, delicate riverweed snacks, fiery chili pastes, and bundles of fragrant herbs line the stalls, each more vibrant than the last. If you want to understand Laos, this is where it all begins.

24/10/2024

Slip off your shoes, cover your left shoulder, and hand out the sticky rice.

At 5:30 am, the streets of Luang Prabang stir with quiet reverence as the monks begin their Sai Bat (Morning Alms). But to experience the alms authentically, avoid the crowded tourist spots and seek out the quieter streets where the practice feels personal and undisturbed. And remember to cover the left shoulder, remove shoes, and secure your steaming pot of rice early.

23/10/2024

From kernel to steamy sticky rice bowls—what I thought would be a gimmicky experience (picture me knee-deep in mud, donning a conical hat, trailing behind Suzy the water buffalo 🫣) turned into something far more meaningful.

Yes, we waded into mud to plant rice, tasted fresh rice prawn crackers with Lao chili paste, and sipped self-made lime-infused sugarcane juice—all made on the farm. But what stuck with me most were the stories: how the farm supports the local community, how it stayed afloat during COVID by feeding locals, and how it funds education and English classes for kids. If you’re heading to Luang Prabang, don’t miss it.

A big thank you to our brilliant guide, Sai!

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22/10/2024

It’s the little things that do all the talking.

At , every corner whispers stories—of Laos, of its heritage, of beauty found in simplicity. Hand-painted Asian marionettes adorn the walls, oversized sepia-toned portraits capture the quiet elegance of Laotian people, and handpicked lotus flowers in oversized vases add that home-away-from-home vibe.

Hotelier, Lamphoune Voravongsa, sums it up perfectly: “My ambition when I created Satri House was to show the rest of the world the beauty of Laos—its indigenous lifestyle, its elegance, and sense of grace. I love sharing my favorite spots to watch the sunrise, stroll through old town, or simply listen to the silence in the temples. Here, I hope guests can discover just how beautiful life can be.”

Thank you, Satri House. Mission accomplished. 🙏

21/10/2024

Love at first site.

Utterly charmed by this sleepy riverside town, with its gilded temples, weathered French colonial facades, and monks in saffron robes drifting along narrow streets, as the mighty Mekong slips past, unbothered by time. Its streets feel laid-back yet refined, with tiny bakeries, outdoor markets, elegant cafés, and tucked-away art galleries. We also loved that much of the town’s retail supports social enterprises, with every purchase giving back to artisans and their communities.

But this paradise comes with a warning. This city does seem to be facing mounting pressure from overtourism, with new high-speed rail connections bringing waves of visitors, particularly from China, and further linking it’s major cities.

Eager to watch ‘s documentary, Onlookers, which explores how tourism both disrupts and sustains local traditions in places like Laos. The big question remains: How can we all enjoy the world’s beautiful places while helping destinations stay true to their roots? 🤔

17/10/2024

Hands down, favorite hotel in Laos...

Satri House feels like a window into the past—a sophisticated blend of faded grandeur and slow-paced living, where sustainability is more than a gesture, it’s a way of life.

Welcoming you with ice-wrapped, lemongrass-scented towels and refreshing homemade tea, the staff (50 strong for just 30 rooms) embody warm, genuine care. And no plastic here—only banana leaves, glass bottles, and a commitment to eco-forward hospitality.

Thank you to the entire team for sharing your stories, your warmth, and your dedication to caring for every detail during our stay.

14/10/2024

With Hanoi just a stone’s throw away and “Indochine” vibes in full swing, Ninh Binh pulls in the crowds—teetering dangerously close to theme park territory. Timing and going off-script is key.

Yes, the boat cruises through Trang An or Tam Coc are spectacular—especially if you hit the water at dawn, well before the banana-pancake crowds roll in. But the real magic lies in grabbing a bike and setting off on your own. We spent hours pedaling through quiet lanes, villages, and endless rice paddies, uncovering corners the tours never touched.

And a big thank you to .ninhbinh for welcoming us in despite the typhoon floods. 🙏

09/10/2024

30 K of bushwhacking, leeches, and landslides—not quite the gentle rice field stroll we had in mind...

Our trek from Ban Luoc to Nam Son kicked off in the most charming way, with a lovely homestay at Nam Ly Retreat—highly recommend if you find yourself in northern Vietnam!

From there, we embarked on what seemed a 28 km hike through what we thought would be gentle strolls past rice fields and village-strewn valleys. Instead, we found ourselves scrambling through bamboo forests, bushwhacking, pulling off leeches, and dodging landslides. Not quite the tranquil trek we had envisioned!

The final stretch redeemed itself with a stop at a tea processing plant and witnessing the harvesting activities—definitely a highlight. Lunch at a homestay along the way was a nice break, and the overnight stop was a real experience.

Unexpected? Absolutely. It’s all part of the adventure. Stay tuned for more.

08/10/2024

Not all that glitters is gold.

On paper, Hoang Su Phi Lodge promises the world—sustainability, authentic experiences, and beautiful surroundings. But in reality, it fell short. Despite the flashy pictures and fluffy words, the place felt tired, run down, and in need of some serious TLC.

While the local staff were kind and accommodating, I made the rookie mistake of relying on the hotel to organize part of our trek—after countless emails, we ended up with a guide who barely knew the area. No fault of his own, but it was clear he wasn’t the local expert we’d expected.

Lesson learned: hotels are hotels, not tour operators. If they’re good at what they do, they run hotels well—but that doesn’t always translate to organizing quality experiences. It’s far better to seek out a local tour operator, interview them, and ask the tough questions about their guides. Make sure they truly know the land, the culture, and the language inside out. Drill down, get a feel for the team—you’ll save yourself from disappointment.

We still made the best of it and enjoyed the journey, but it wasn’t the immersive trek we had envisioned. Anyone else share a similar experience?

03/10/2024

Not everything can be perfectly curated…..Traveling isn’t always about chasing the polished moments; sometimes it’s about leaning into the unpredictable. And it’s in the unplanned moments, when you step a little outside your comfort zone, that the magic happens.

After a long day trekking through misty terraced fields, we found ourselves cross-legged on the floor, sharing bowls of steaming rice, clinking bamboo sticks, and exchanging smiles with our Nong host family. A shared feast, spontaneous toasts of “tzo,” and the burn of happy water (rice wine) down our throats, set the tone for the night. It unfolded with a medicinal ceremony involving chicken blood, cupping for sore muscles, and the steady clucking of hens beneath the floorboards. And finally, many shots later, we barely noticed—nor cared—that we were all sprawled out on simple bed rolls, side by side in a tiny homestay in the middle of nowhere.

I’m all for curating—sometimes even over-curating — but experiences like this take me back to how I used to travel, letting things unfold on their own. Embracing the chaos. And having a laugh when things didn’t go as planned. Travel’s messy, but that’s part of the fun.

30/09/2024

A curiosity box of the unexpected…From fragrant incense offerings and animist healing ceremonies to festive moon masks, it’s these strange and wonderful surprises that remind me why I wander to places like Vietnam.

Here’s our top 8:

1. Incense offerings in Ninh Binh, where the rising smoke is believed to carry prayers and good intentions.

2. Moon Festival masks in Hanoi, where children don vibrant masks to celebrate the magic of Mid-Autumn.

3. Healing ceremony in a small mountain village—an intimate moment as a father chants over bowls of chicken blood and eggs to cure his son’s headache.

4. Catfish street food—a first for me! My favorite part of Hanoi was definitely the street food. Absolutely delicious.

5. Cause and Effect signboards in Ninh Binh—a visual reminder in Buddhism that one’s actions, whether good or bad, have direct consequences, either in this life or the next.

6. Death-defying Vespa drivers in Hanoi—there is nothing that can’t fit on a Vespa in this country….dogs, infants, families of 5.

7. Smoking thuốc lào through a điếu cày is particularly common among farmers and workers in rural Vietnam. Our tour guide indulged!

8. Monopoly money burning to honor ancestors past.

9. And, yes, of course the uber touristy train street. 🙄

26/09/2024

Pagoda crawl….Back on the well-trodden paths of Vietnam.

25/09/2024

A lens full of laughter, a day full of stories….Capturing the beautiful smiles of the local women in Thong Nguyen’s market.

24/09/2024

Cue the dramatic soundtrack—wandered into the perfect wide shot. 🇻🇳

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23/09/2024

First week’s been non-stop, moving from Hanoi to Ban Phung, Ban Luoc, and finally Nam Son after a hike that felt like it would never end! We’ve been charting the best village-to-village treks through this stunning slice of Northern Vietnam, famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic communities.

If you’re here to capture those golden harvest scenes, timing is everything—and we’ve definitely landed at the right moment. More stories and snapshots to come… just need a shower and a solid night’s sleep first.

19/09/2024

Quick stop in Hanoi. Landed just in time for Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival, where mooncakes meet twinkling lanterns and the streets were alive with the gleeful laughter of eager children. It’s like Thanksgiving and Halloween rolled into one with families gathering to feast, share mooncakes, and watch their little ones parade through the lantern-lit streets,

15/09/2024

Swapping well-trodden routes for rugged, untouched paths, I am off to explore the quieter corners of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

This will be my first introduction to these incredible countries, and I’m plunging headfirst into their untouched corners. Let’s see where the road less traveled leads….Fingers crossed the weather eases up—seems like climate unpredictability has thrown a curveball this season. Rain gear, galoshes, and all the essentials packed! 🤨

11/09/2024

Stay where travel tales were written—Fermor’s House.

If you’re someone who loves storied places (especially travel stories), this villa rental might be worth the splurge. Picture yourself tucked away in the book-filled library of Patrick Leigh Fermor, the renowned travel writer behind A Time for Gifts and Mani. We visited the in Kardamyli (Mani) last summer to pay tribute to one of our favorite authors and were thrilled to discover that his beautifully restored seaside villa is available to rent.

For more details. Click link in 🔗 bio.

06/09/2024

Scoping out the best of Massachusetts’ North and South Shore.

A big thank you to our friends for introducing us to some hidden, off-the-beaten-path spots in Massachusetts last week. Highly recommend a visit to in Duxbury, where regenerative oyster farming is a win-win for both the environment and the community. Picture this: all-you-can-eat oysters, a behind-the-scenes tour of the hatchery, and learning how this sustainable practice keeps the Bay thriving. It’s the perfect anchor to a day of exploring the postcard-perfect South Shore, with scenic drives along the coast.

Our North Shore road trip led us to the salt marshes of Essex, where we tucked into some classic fried fish and seafood—fresh, simple, and oh-so-perfect on a labor day weekend.

27/08/2024

Salty seas, ouzo-soaked evenings, and memories of our steamy days in Mani…

22/08/2024

No bellhops, no manicured lawns, no fuss—just pure, regenerative hospitality at .

Smack dab in the middle of ancient olive groves, overgrown vineyards, and chattering farm animals, this farm-turned-boutique retreat skips the frills and embraces the earth. Each stucco cottage, a nod to bioclimatic brilliance, blends raw with natural—vaulted ceilings here, brushed concrete walls there, and rooms awash in creamy hues, handwoven kilims, and quirky antiques.

And what a treat to experience Eumelia’s expert-led culinary tours and the annual 5-day olive harvest retreat! Reserve in advance for Fall 2025.

Read more about Eumelia’s amazing regenerative practices in our 🔗 in bio.

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#farmerforaday. Thank you Sai at #livinglandfarmlaos for sharing the stories of Laos through rice. 🍚

Early arrival at the Sunday market in Thong Nguyen gave us a quiet start, but soon enough, the crowds—both local and tourist—rolled in. It’s a small, vibrant market where locals come down, many still in traditional clothing. But it’s no secret anymore; tourists, cameras in hand, flock down to the markets every Sunday. We came across a photography tour, mindlessly snapping away, darting from one shot to the next as if the locals were mere subjects on display. As someone who loves shooting, I get it. We all want that picture-perfect composition. But photography has an etiquette. Telephoto lenses should keep their distance, gently observing, not thrust into someone’s face. It’s not just about getting the shot; it’s about engaging. Show your subjects the photo. Maybe even ask for their name. Share a laugh. In Vietnam, many don’t mind, but it’s about respect—respect for the moment and for the people. Another lesson learned. #Photographyetiquette #Respectfultravel #Marketscenes #Culturalrespect #Engagewithlocals #Travelphotography #Vietnamculture #Authentictravel #Mindfulphotography #SlowTravel #Communityoverclicks #Traveldeeper #Ethicalphotography #Localexperiences #Offthebeatenpath #TravelWithPurpose #CuratedExperiences #experienceoverthings #thongnguyen #beautifuldestinations #maketravelmatter

Ban Phung. Tucked high near the Chinese border, where the air is crisp, and the crowds are few. No frills, no fuss—just simple homestay vibes, hearty communal meals, and breathtaking views. Was lovely meeting fellow traveler, Anthony @arkan_elric who was kind enough to share his beautiful drone footage. 🙏 #Offthebeatenpath #thatchtravel #fora #foratravel #Exploringbeautifulplaces #SlowTravel #seekingremote #beautifuldestinations #BanPhung #AuthenticExperiences #TravelDeeper #VietnamTravel #SimpleLiving #FoodAndTravel #RemoteAdventures #EthnicMinorities #yolo #goodplacemagazine #suitcasetravels #remotevietnam #travelwithfathom #conscioustraveler #conscioustravelcurated #experienceoverthings #CulturalTravel #SustainableTravel #UntouchedPlaces #banphung #vietnamview

Othonoi: wild, strange, and far from your typical Greek isle. An Italian twist, and the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen—but it’s not for everyone. #Othonoiunseen #Wildothonoi #Offbeatgreekislands #beautifuldestinations #Hiddengreece #Undiscoveredgreece #Othonoi #wildplaces #remoteislands #SecretgreekIslands #Notyourtypicalgreece #Mostbeautifulbeachever #thesefeetweremadeforwalking #livetoexploretheworld #livetotravel #fronteirdestinations #revelindiscovery #offthebeatenpath #offthebeatentrack #postcardplaces #passportlife #yolojournal #goodplacemagazine #wideoystermag #hiddencompass #sidtrackedmag #outsidemag #adventuretravelmag

Seeking refuge from the blazing sun. 115 degrees today. #heatwavesarenojoke . . . #forthecuriousones #beautifuldestinations #curatedtravel #obscure_of_our_world #obscurelens #findingbeauty #offbeattravel #traveloffpath #travelblogger #forthecuriousmind #greecelover_gr #undiscoveredgreece #greece_travel #greecelove#kythira#kythiraisland# farawayplaces# remotebeaches#summersingreece#conscioustravelcurated#discoveringbeautifulbeaches#heatwaves#favoritegreekislands

One small dive for (wo)man kind....#tgif. . . #fridayvibes #milos #milosbeach #livetoexploretheworld #livetotravel #livetotraveltraveltolive #cliffjumping #adventureawaits #revelindiscovery #keepexploring #thetraveltag #offthebeatenpath #offthebeatentrack #letsgoplaces #postcardplaces #immersivetravel #borntotravel #passportlife #conscioustravelcurated #womankind #sarakanikobeach #greeekislandhopping #cliffdiving #milosmoments

Last day on #milos. Enjoyed discovering the remote Tsigrado beach (otherwise known as the ladder beach)….a must-see beach for anyone not suffering vertigo. 😬 Next stop. #folegandros_island . . #Tsigrado#tsigradobeach#milos#milosisland#milosgreece#beautifuldestinations#remotebeaches#remotebeachesarethebest#secludedbeaches#greeislandhopping#greekislandgems#familyholidays#consioustravelcurated#conscioustravel#conscioustraveller#mytinyatlas#myview#livetotravel

Cooling off in a heatwave.. . . . #cooldown#thursdayvibes#heatwave#mediterraneanswimming#kythira#kythiraisland#kythira_greece#kythira_island#kythiragram#exploringgreece#immersiveexperience#offthebeatenpath#offthebeatentrack#roadslesstravelled#greeksummers#greeksummerstateofmind#slowtravel#whereiamtoday#summersingreece#familytravel#sustainabletravelblog#immersivetravel#mediterraneanliving#islandliving#

Reflect, rethink, and rebuild....There is no plan (or planet) B. #earthday2021. . . Reflecting on the many Earth Days that have come and gone (51). So many inspiring stories of hope and change, yet still so far to go. This piano piece titled "Elegy for the Arctic" was beautifully played by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi back in 2016. Not sure how much of those crumbling glaciers are still left today, but the gargantuan feat of filming this clip succeeded in bringing climate change closer to millions of people - a shout out to @greenpeace's efforts. . . The Offbeat Goat is fuelled by a passion for exploration and a keen awareness that better travel - slower, greener, and more mindful - can be a powerful agent for change. And, yes, I confess to not being perfect. I'm not a vegetarian. I'm not a fan of organic shampoo bars and tablet toothpaste, and worse, I fly (sadly, not on electric planes). But I'm learning how to rethink travel (non-stop flights, extended stays, and overland transport), and I'm religious about curating only those stays and experiences that have low impact and sustainability baked into their DNA. Excited to continue inspiring and spotlighting sustainable design-led travel destinations. Happy Earth Day! . . . #svalbard#wahlenbergbreen glacier#norway#savethearctic#greenpeace#artforchange#protestart#sustainabletravel #travelasaforceforgood #traveldeeper #travelslower #immersivetravel #lovetheearth #ecotourism #slowtravel #responsibletravel #greentravel #travelwithpurpose #instaecotourism #travelwithmeaning #travellightly #offthegridtravel #mindfultravel #sustainablegetaways#curatedtravel #travelmatters #maketravelmatter#greengetaways Capture: This beautiful film was produced by @greenpeace

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