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 (101)
Cherry Blossom Season Japan: 2026 Dates by City
Cherry blossom season in Japan lasts only ~7 days per city, and Tokyo's dates do not apply nationwide - Sapporo trails by three weeks. Plan by city.
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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.
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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.
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Where to Stay in Japan: Neighborhoods, Budget & 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.
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Unique Places to Stay in Japan: Temples, Machiya, Capsules
Skip the generic hotel chains: real unique places to stay in Japan run $23 capsule pods to $665 ryokan nights, with prices and booking windows for 2025.
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Diving in Amed Bali: dive sites, Liberty day trip, costs
Most Amed reefs sit 5-18 m - perfect for new divers. Use this diving in amed bali guide for Liberty sunrise timing and costs.
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Things to Do in Canggu, Bali, From Surf to Rice Fields
Skip the generic top-10 lists: real things to do in Canggu Bali start at 5:30am with Batu Bolong surf and end at a Pererenan warung sunset.
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Paros Greece travel guide: beaches, Naoussa, Lefkes
Most first-timers fight the meltemi at 2 pm - this paros greece travel guide picks beaches by wind, plus Naoussa nights and Lefkes etiquette.
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Sanur Plastic Threat: Bali's East Coast Reality Check
Resort crews rake Sanur's sand by 6am, hiding the plastic problem the wet season exposes 500m north. What to pack, eat, and skip in 2025.
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First-timers Crete travel guide: Chania, beaches, Knossos
Most first-timers waste 6+ hours driving across Crete - this Crete travel guide picks the right base, beaches, Samaria, and Knossos. Updated for 2026.
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Shoes to chopsticks: japanese etiquette for travelers
Most tourists slip up on tatami and tips - this japanese etiquette for travelers guide covers shoes, bowing, chopsticks, and trains, updated for 2026.
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Bali Tiger Extinction: What Killed the Lost Stripes
The last Bali tiger was shot on 27 September 1937 in West Bali. Habitat loss and Dutch-era sport hunts finished a population already too small.
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