Author Profile: Pierrick Jean
MapTrotting
Currently based in Tours, a charming French city in the Loire Valley, after 15 years in Paris and 3 years in Shanghai, we have extensive travel experience across Asia and Europe. We acquired MapTrotting from Kristina and Charlie, who published 100+ destination articles, and now continue the site with our own experience-based travel guides.
Exploring the Ancient City of Ayutthaya, Thailand
Looking at the lengthy train journey back to Bangkok and then onto Chiang Mai we decided to break it up a little with a couple of nights in Ayutthaya, once the capital of Siam, and take some time to explore the... view more
Chinatown and the Golden Mount, Bangkok, Thailand
On our penultimate day in Bangkok, we went for a wander. A great big wander right through Bangkok's Chinatown and up to the peaceful Golden Mount (Wat Saket) for... view more
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand
If you’re in Bangkok at the weekend it’s a great time to escape the sweaty and busy centre and head out to one of the famous ‘floating markets’ located in the outskirts of the... view more
5 Things not to Miss in Vientiane, Laos (Besides Temples)
Vientiane is one of the smallest capital cities you are likely to visit in SE Asia. This makes it very easy to get around to all the sights and many hostels and hotels will rent you a bicycle for a few KIP per day. Here’s an idea of what to visit beyond the stunning temples of... view more
10 Things to Do in Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is one of those places that will keep you captive for a long time. It was love at first sight. After just having one glance at this gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site, we instantly knew we wanted to stay here longer than just a couple of... view more
Unmissable Things to Do in Havana, Cuba
To help you plan an unforgettable trip to the jewel in the Caribbean, we’ve included several things to do in Havana that you shouldn’t... view more
Cambridge, a Tour of the Historic Colleges
It was rainy and a little bit cold, but nevertheless an exciting day out in East Anglia. Cambridge is a breathtaking city well known because of the University of Cambridge, founded in... view more
The Best Things to Do in Sliema
Located on the picturesque northeastern coast of Malta, Sliema is a lively coastal town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. With its crystal-clear waters, rocky pools, and water sports activities, Sliema is another must-visit place in... view more
Singapore – The Ultimate Guide to Visiting
Once a busy colonial outpost, Singapore is now a truly global city and travel destination in its own right, even being listed as Lonely Planet’s top place to visit in... view more
Angkor Temples, Our Complete Guide to Visiting
Explore the magnificent Angkor temples in Cambodia with our complete guide. From Angkor Wat to Ta Prohm, discover all the highlights and practical... view more
Top 20 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
These 20 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City will give you a good idea of what there is to see and do in Saigon. On this list, you’ll find a good mix of historic, cultural and fun experiences, all of which you can enjoy during your stay in this fast-paced... view more
Phnom Penh City Guide, Cambodia
Discover the best things to do in Phnom Penh: from the Killing Fields and Royal Palace to night markets and traditional dance shows. Phnom Penh, the glorious capital of Cambodia is a wonderful city to explore. Despite its gory past, it’s fun, welcoming and very... view more
Top Things to Do in Battambang, Cambodia
While in Battambang, we learned that the city is being used for filming ‘First they killed my father’, a movie based on the horrors committed by the Khmer Rouge, directed by Angelina... view more
The Best 15 Things to Do in Hoi An: A UNESCO Coastal Town
Hoi An, a UNESCO World heritage Site is a place not to be missed when visiting Vietnam. Located on the coast of the South China Sea, the town is charming in many... view more
Top Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam
Da Lat, located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, is a rather interesting place to visit. If you feel like having a break from the heat, head to Da Lat... view more
A Mini-Guide to the Best Vietnamese Coffee in Hanoi
If there is a coffee heaven, it is in Hanoi. It’s an exhilarating place to be for coffee lovers. I promise you will enjoy coffee in Hanoi from the very first cup of black velvety coffee till the very last, iced... view more
Cool & Quirky Things to Do in Cologne in 2 Days
Let me tell you how awesome Cologne really is. This compact city, packed with fun things to discover, makes it a perfect city break or a connecting destination. We explored Cologne on our way back to the UK from Bangkok and completely fell in love with the German capital of... view more
3 Days in Barcelona - What to See and Do
A compelling mixture of imposing Gothic and Art Nouveau style architecture, Spanish cuisine, sangria, sunshine, beaches and chilled vibe make Barcelona one of the greatest getaway cities at any time of... view more
10 Weird & Wonderful Things to Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand
It's baffling how with so many amazing, quirky and wonderful things to do in Chiang Rai, the place still gets overlooked for its more prominent brother to the south, Chiang... view more
Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain
Largest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao pulls you in slowly with its subtle charms. Guggenheim, Casco Viejo, pintxos bars, river walks — our top 5 things to do for a city break that pairs well with San... view more
Top 20 Things to Do in Hanoi, the Buzzing Capital of Vietnam
With a place as vibrant as Hanoi, you will not be short of historic sights to explore, excellent museums to visit, dramatic shows to watch and cultural monuments to admire. With vast history and modern approach, it's a city that's easy to fall in love... view more
Klaipeda Travel Guide
Klaipeda is the gateway to Lithuania's coast: a wonderful old town, an ice-free port, quirky sculptures and the ferry to the Curonian Spit. Our mini guide for a 1-2 day stop on the Baltic... view more
The Best Things to Do in Mdina and Rabat
After living on this tiny Mediterranean rock for over two years, I'm super excited to share some fun, relaxing, historical, and unique things to do in Malta for your next visit to this sun-soaked... view more
Self-Guided Valletta Tour: Explore Malta’s Capital on Foot
Explore the capital city of Malta with our self-guided Valletta walking tour. It’s an easy and free way to explore if you have just one day in Valletta. This Valletta city tour starts just outside the main gates but you can join it at any point along the circular... view more
21 of the Best Things to Do in Istanbul in Turkey
We spent six glorious days in this incredibly charming city, eating, drinking, and seeing as much as possible without burning out. After returning home, we've condensed our urban experiences into this independent guide to the city break in Istanbul.... view more
Nida in Lithuania: The Insider's Guide to the Coastal Gem
Nida in Lithuania is a quaint fishing village that boasts a spectacular strip of moving dunes between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. Though often overlooked by visitors due to its distance from the capital city, this coastal resort offers a unique and beautiful experience to those who make an effort to visit. Known for its unspoiled Nida Beach, dune trails, pine forests, vibrant wooden houses, and traditional fishing boats, Nida has an irresistible charm that draws locals and visitors... view more
Top Things to Do in Rouen in One Day
Rouen is a compact historic city in Normandy, ideal for a one-day visit. This guide highlights the main landmarks, historic streets, churches, and cultural sites that can easily be explored on... view more
Top Things to Do in Cognac, Home of the Famous French Spirit
Cognac is a small riverside town in southwestern France, best known for its world-famous brandy. This guide covers the main cognac houses, cultural landmarks, and easy walks for a one-day... view more
Brilliant Things to Do in Taormina in Sicily, Italy
Taormina is a hillside town on Sicily’s east coast, known for its dramatic setting, historic landmarks, and coastal views. This guide highlights the main sights, gardens, viewpoints, and nearby attractions that can be explored during a relaxed one-day... view more




























