This year, we’ve visited India and China, which are monumental countries rich in culture and history. Yet, we realized just how vast and diverse Asia is after spending the last two weeks exploring Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Each country offered unique experiences and insights that expanded our perspective and left us eager to return.
Vietnam
Our week in Vietnam was centered around competition in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Despite the rain delays that limited our exploration, the conversations I had with locals were eye-opening. Many shared stories of their families leaving Vietnam after the war to seek the American dream. Now, there’s a remarkable movement where their children—the first generation born abroad—are returning to Vietnam. They bring with them ambition, resources, and a deep connection to their heritage, fueling the country’s rapid economic growth.
One unexpected discovery? Vietnam’s growing obsession with pickleball. The enthusiasm and passion for the sport were infectious and a promising sign of pickleball’s global reach.
Thailand
After Vietnam, we took a short flight to Phuket, Thailand, for some much-needed relaxation. Thanks to our friend Randy Coleman, we had an unforgettable week on this beautiful island. The Thai people were incredibly welcoming, and the laid-back vibe was a refreshing change of pace.
The highlight? A private boat trip to Phi Phi Island. Crystal-clear waters, lush islands, vibrant coral reefs, and a visit to Monkey Island made for a magical day. Snorkeling among the reefs and savoring delicious Thai food was an experience we’ll cherish forever.
Can you have two highlights in one week? Visit the elephant nature reserve was a dream come true for me. Experiencing these magnificent animals up close treated with love and respect was a core memory for our family.
Of course, we couldn’t resist a pickleball detour. At Shark Bites Pickleball, we held lessons for locals and joined their Christmas party. Lily and JR played plenty of pickup games, making new friends along the way. Pickleball continues to be an amazing icebreaker wherever we go.
Our journey continued to Bangkok, a bustling metropolis full of contrasts. From a canal tour to visiting the Big Buddha and exploring Jodd Fairs for dinner, we soaked in the city’s vibrant energy. One unforgettable (and questionable) experience? Trying durian, the infamous fruit banned in many hotels and airports. Let’s just say it’s an acquired taste we’re in no rush to revisit!
Of course we checked out more pickleball courts in Bangkok, too and had a great experience training at Beat Discovery Thailand.
Philippines
Our final stop before heading to Hawaii was a whirlwind day in Manila. Despite the rain, we trained with two local pro players who graciously invited us to their indoor court, tucked away in a furniture store warehouse. The session was filled with laughter, rain-soaked tuk-tuk rides, and plenty of new connections.
What struck us most about Manila was the stark contrast between wealth and poverty. Within a few steps, we moved from bustling, makeshift streets to pristine skyscrapers—a jarring reminder of the disparities in the world.
Lunch was another unforgettable experience, where we indulged in Filipino cuisine, a delightful mix of Thai, Indian, and Spanish influences. The flavors were as vibrant and diverse as the country itself.
Final Thoughts
Though our time in Asia was brief, it left a profound impact on all of us. From the cultural nuances of each country to the warm hospitality of the people, our desire to return has only grown. Asia has so much to offer, and this trip was just the beginning of our journey to explore it further.
For now, we’re off to Hawaii for Christmas, but Asia—consider us hooked.
Fun fact: we had the longest December 24th ever. We got to Airbnb in Manila at 1am, slept a few hours, got breakfast, meet up with Laender and Sarah Jane, practiced pickleball, took ride through city, delicious Filipino lunch and then off to airport for 6:45pm flight to Honolulu. After 9 hour flight we landed on December 24th at 10am. We got to do December 24th all over again spending time at the beach in Kauai.
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