I learned that family trips don’t have to end at college, parents (sometimes) deserve more credit than we give them, and that the camaraderie of traveling is blind to one’s generation.
On our last night in Hanoi, my parents and I went out to dinner with a group of people, all under 30, we had met over the previous couple days. As we talked the traveler’s talk, ranging from the news of the day, to cautionary tales, to exaggerated yarns, it struck me that this tipsy night out with my traveling peers - parents in tow - could easily have been awkward or embarrassing. Instead, it felt normal.
Where to stay
Roof View Place
90/1 Samsean Road Soi 6
Banpanthom
Pranakorn, Bangkok
011-66-2-281-6704
www.roofviewplace.com
A quiet, frugal place not far from the Chao Praya River, and close enough to the spectacle of Khao San Road to walk there but far enough away to get a good night’s sleep. Rooms from $22, including Wi-Fi and breakfast. Don’t be fooled by the name: Neither the roof nor the view is particularly interesting.
The 3 Sis Vacation Lodge
1 Soi 8 Phrapokklao Road
Chiang Mai, Thailand
011-66-53-273-243
www.3sisbedandbreakfast.com
Stylish, centrally located, and eminently comfortable, decked out in dark hard woods, modern furniture in traditional Thai styles, and a bright, higher-end boutique lodge feel. Rooms from $55.
MotherHome Guest House
Wat Bo Street
Siem Reap, Cambodia
011-855-63-760-302
motherhome.motherhomeguesthouse.com
In a quiet part of town, away from the big hotels and closer to everyday life, a great value. Super clean rooms, friendly staff, cable TV. Rooms from $15, including bicycles for day use, breakfast, Wi-Fi, airport or bus station pickup, coffee and tea all day, bottled water for day trips.
