Travel before sunrise into the waterways of southern Vietnam as we explore the famous Cai Rang Floating Market in the Mekong Delta. In this episode, we climb aboard a tiny boat in the dark, drift through a maze of river traffic, and eat what might be the best bowl of soup I’ve ever had — all while surrounded by a floating world that has existed for generations.

Along the way, we step inside a pineapple selling house boat, wander quiet canals filled with wildlife and plastic pollution, visit a tiny rice noodle factory, and wrestle with a complicated question: is tourism destroying places like this… or helping keep them alive? From sunrise markets and river culture to electric fishing, invasive snails, and rats for sale at the market, this is an unforgettable glimpse into life on the Mekong River.

Musical Credits

Vietnamese Rivers by Audiobay, Tết Nguyên Đán Việt Nam EDM by VPRODMUSIC_Asia_BGM , Looking for A Way to Make It Right by P Richmond and Documentary Nature by Nikita Kondrashev all made available by Pixabay

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Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

We leave Ho Chi Minh City behind and head south into the Mekong Delta—where life slows to the rhythm of the river, roads give way to waterways, and every stop is filled with unforgettable food and genuinely kind people.

In Can Tho, we explore tiny ferries, dirt paths, and a peaceful homestay surrounded by water and jungle. Then it’s off to explore fish farms, island villages, and a truly bizarre fish massage experience.

And just when you think the day couldn’t get more unexpected… we stumble upon one of the most unbelievable traditional food processes I’ve ever seen: puffed rice made with a literal explosion.

Musical Credits:

Quiet Girl by Name Percentage PRO, Julie Carpenter, Eric Cunningham and Chris Lang was provided by Slipstream Music.

We'Re In Limbo Now by The Benign One Ones was provided by Slipstream Music.

Over the Water, Humans Gather by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

In this first episode from Vietnam, Laura and Carrie land in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) and step straight into the chaos — jet lagged, wide-eyed, and trying to cross streets filled with rivers of motorbikes. They explore its contradictions: honking traffic and quiet hidden alleyways, glass skyscrapers and corrugated tin rooftops. These are their first impressions of Vietnam — loud, complicated, and unforgettable.

Then we travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 250-kilometer underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War (or the American War, depending on your perspective.) Standing where history actually happened makes the conflict feel real and complex. We learn about French colonialism, Cold War politics, Agent Orange, unexploded bombs, and the lasting impact of war that continues today. We crawl into tunnel entrances, watch propaganda films in a dirt-walled bunker, and confront what it feels like to be an American visitor in a place shaped by that history.

This episode is part travel diary, part history lesson, and part personal reflection — and just the beginning of our Vietnam journey.

Musical Credits:

Get Away In La, by Western Youths, Revolution Fever by Klaatu Verada Necktie,
Music provided by: Slipstream Music

Xanadon't by Mystery Mammal is licensed under a Attribution License.

Black Hawk City Fly-Over.wav by djfinski License: Attribution 3.0

Whispers in the Trees by Greg Kirkelie is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

My Native Land by Le Chaos Entre 2 Chaises is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

In this final Nicaragua episode, Laura travels to Granada the way so many locals do—by chicken bus. These colorful, chaotic former U.S. school buses are an experience in themselves, and the journey from Ometepe to Granada is filled with market noise, snack vendors, seat strategy, and a healthy dose of travel nostalgia.

Once in Granada, Laura wanders the relaxed colonial streets of one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1524 and shaped by its proximity to Lake Nicaragua. Along the way, we dive into the city’s layered history—from Spanish colonization to ambitious canal plans that never fully materialized, including the long-debated alternative to the Panama Canal. This episode blends solo travel moments with big-picture history, all set against the backdrop of one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful cities.

Musical Credits:

Momentos by MusicBox and Hello Love by Jasmine J Walker
provided by: Slipstream Music

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Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Getting around Ometepe Island in Nicaragua isn’t as simple as it looks on a map — and sometimes the best way to explore is to grab the handlebars and go. In this episode, I take you along for the ride as I trade mountain hikes for an ATV adventure around the volcanic island. From bumpy unpaved roads to unexpected rainstorms and delicious street food, it’s a day of freedom, mud, and a few surprises along the way.

When the gas gauge doesn’t function, things get interesting. Join me as I navigate Ometepe’s wild beauty, learn the local rhythm of travel, and discover how running out of gas can be empowering.

Musical Credits:

Ambidextrous Bilingual by Forgetful Jones and Too Much Sun by CTS provided by: Slipstream Music

VHS Dreams by Shane Ivers - provided by silvermansound

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Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

In this episode of Travel Along with Laura, we’re back on the volcanic island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. This time, we head to the lowlands between the two volcanoes to kayak along the Río Istian, where the wildlife is on display- howler monkeys calling from the trees, caimans gliding below the surface, toothy tropical gars submerged in the muck and the curious song of the Tungara frog echoing through the dusk.

Along the way, we'll walk to a mountainside ecolodge, hear about Laura's ongoing truce with Google Maps, and get a glimpse into rural life on the island. Plus, we’ll dive into the legend of Lake Nicaragua’s freshwater sharks through a catchy song written by Raúl Planas—an ode to a creature that may or may not still haunt these waters.

Musical Credits:

Track: Summer Samba (Samba de Verao) by Mu'gambi and Playa Valencia by The Like Thes provided by: Slipstream Music https://slipstreammusic.com

El Tiburon del Lago Cacibolca was used with permission from its authors: Raul Planas and the Ritmo en Los Barrios project.

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Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Welcome to Ometepe, the magical island in Central America's largest lake! In this episode, Laura takes you on the ferry, shares the story of Ometepe’s twin volcanoes, and dives into the island’s deep history, wild creatures, and sacred spirit. You’ll visit El Pital Chocolate Paradise to learn about cacao—from ancient traditions to modern chocolate-making—and even hear how bull sharks have learned to thrive in fresh water. This is just the beginning of Laura’s Ometepe adventure!

Musical Credits:

Track: Summer Samba (Samba de Verao) by Mu'gambi provided by: Slipstream Music https://slipstreammusic.com

Como Yo Lloro Por Ti by Maya Solovéy and Shark Food by Greg Gibbs are licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

Relaxing massage (ambient relaxing calm yoga meditation).mp3 by Musinova is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Support the show

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Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.

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Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

In this episode, Laura takes us to León, Nicaragua — a city of striking colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and surprising adventures. From climbing the roof of its dazzling white cathedral to exploring bustling markets, León offers both authentic charm and plenty to do. We’ll venture beyond the city to experience the adrenaline rush of volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, complete with the highs, lows, and honest realities of this famous activity. Then we wind down at nearby Las Peñitas beach, sharing what to expect, what to skip, and why León offers a uniquely authentic side of Nicaragua.

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

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Musical Credits:

Cue 38-instr by Douglas Fonseca and CNickel_Opening2_MIX by GRB TV were provided by: Slipstream Music .

El Cha Cha Man by Juanitos is licensed under a Attribution 2.0 France License.

Bat sound from https://quicksounds.com“

Atlantic Ocean Waves by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/197714/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

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Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.

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Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay