Vivian Loh
Destination & Culture Writer
Travel journalist and cultural explorer who has lived in four countries. Vivian focuses on destination deep-dives, local culture, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Vivian spent three years living and working across Southeast Asia before relocating to Europe. Her writing draws on deep local knowledge and a genuine curiosity for how people live, eat, and celebrate around the world.
Areas of Expertise
- Southeast Asia, Japan, and East Asia travel
- European city guides and cultural travel
- Food tourism and local culinary experiences
- Budget and mid-range travel planning
Writing Approach
Vivian goes beyond surface-level travel tips. Her destination guides include cultural context, local etiquette, and the kind of neighborhood-level recommendations you only get from someone who has spent real time in a place.
Articles by Vivian Loh (94)
Hidden Gems in Japan: Cities Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto
Kanazawa draws 8 million visitors a year versus Kyoto's 50 million, and that gap is the case for these hidden gems in Japan, ranked by base and budget.
Read more
Things to Do in Kyoto: Plan by Zone, Start Early
The best things to do in Kyoto cluster into three zones, and crossing them mid-day burns hours. Route Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Arashiyama right.
Read more
How to Get Around Japan: JR Pass vs Pay-As-You-Go
How to get around Japan without overpaying: since the 2023 JR Pass hike to ¥50,000+, most trips win with IC cards, regional passes, and overnight buses. Run your dates first.
Read more
Japan Itinerary: 5 Stops for 7, 10, or 14 Days
The Osaka-is-mandatory trap wrecks tight schedules: this Japan itinerary anchors on Tokyo and Kyoto, sequences east-to-west, with costs for October 2025.
Read more
Japan on a Budget: Daily Costs and 2-Week Numbers
Two careful weeks runs $1,400-$2,000 before flights. See how night buses, konbini meals, and capsule beds keep traveling Japan on a budget realistic.
Read more
Cherry Blossom Season Japan: 2026 Dates by City
Cherry blossom season in Japan lasts only ~7 days per city, and most travelers wrongly assume Tokyo's dates apply nationwide when Sapporo trails it by three weeks. Plan by city.
Read more
Things to Do in Japan: 5 Cities by Bullet Train
Tokyo to Kyoto is 2hr15 on the Nozomi, yet most things to do in Japan get crammed into too few days. Route five cities and budget a week the right way.
Read more
Best Time to Visit Japan: Months Ranked by Cost
June and September flights run $700-1,100, often $500 below sakura rates: the best time to visit Japan hinges on chasing color or chasing savings.
Read more
Best Time to Visit Bali: Months, Costs, Crowds
May, June, and September hit the sweet spot for the best time to visit Bali: dry skies, 15-25% off peak rates, and breathable crowds.
Read more
Bali Adventure Activities: Treks, Rafting, Surf, Costs
Most Bali adventure activities get stacked too tight: here's how to pace Batur, Ayung rafting, surf lessons and waterfalls across one week.
Read more
Where to Stay in Japan by Neighborhood, Budget, and Trip Type
Sleep within 10 minutes of a JR station, book sakura ryokan 9 months out, and know where to stay in Japan by base city before you book.
Read more
Bali Itinerary: 1 Week, 2 Weeks, Costs, Routes
Seven days hits the highlights, fourteen unlocks Nusa Penida and Sidemen: a route-tested Bali itinerary with real 2025 costs in IDR and USD.
Read more