Welcome to the Good
Grah Life
Check out our favorite places
Road Trip All 3 National Parks in Washington State
Browse posts by topic
Arizona | California | Oregon | Utah | Washington
Arches | Canyonlands | Crater Lake | Mount Rainier | North Cascades | Olympic | Redwoods | Yosemite
Hikes | Backpacking | Hiking Gear | Permits
Search Posts
Your Guide to the Mua Caves and 500 Steps in Ninh Bình
Also known as Hang Mua, the Mua Caves site is one of the most popular attractions in Ninh Bình. Visit to hike to the top of a limestone karst, enjoy a lotus pond, and explore a cave. Along the way, you’ll see bits of history and Buddhist influence.
Where to Stay in Ninh Bình, Vietnam (For Any Budget)
If Ninh Bình isn’t on your travel radar, it needs to be! The area is peaceful, with limestone karsts, rice fields, and rivers dotted with small towns. Instead of staying in the city of Ninh Bình, consider booking lodging near Tràng An or Tam Cốc. Below we explain the benefits to each area to help you get the most of your visit.
Tràng An Rowboats: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re headed to Ninh Bình, a rowboat ride through Tràng An should be on your list. It’s one of the most popular things to do here, and for good reason. You’ll float through caves, visit temples, and take in views you won’t see anywhere else.
Ninh Bình: A Must-See Destination in Vietnam
Ninh Bình was one of our favorite places in Vietnam. It’s a small, quiet town surrounded by natural beauty and home to some of the country’s most important historical sites.
Hạ Long Bay Cruise Guide: Tips, Routes, and Advice
Hạ Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic travel destinations, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the sea. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans more than 1,500 square kilometers and is home to nearly 2,000 islands. The most popular way to explore the area is by boat – and we consider this a must-do experience!
Best Lodging Near Mount Baker
The Mount Baker Wilderness is a popular alternative to visiting the North Cascades National Park. Home to incredible hikes and a renowned ski destination, the Mount Baker Wilderness is a gem of Washington state.
Best Campgrounds in the Mount Baker Wilderness
The Mount Baker Wilderness is so beautiful that it draws locals and tourists alike. Camping here is peaceful, with campgrounds along rivers, and lakes, with quick access to the mountains.
Where to Stay in Phong Nha for Every Budget
Choosing where to stay in Phong Nha isn't easy because there are so many great options. The locals are incredibly welcoming, and the town quickly became one of our favorite places in Vietnam. If you enjoy small town vibes, beautiful landscapes, and caves, then you’ll love it, too.
Explore Phong Nha: Caves, Seasons & Travel Tips
Phong Nha is such a unique place to explore in Vietnam. The caves here are what put the town on the map — some of the largest in the world — and they’ve become the main draw for tourism. The town itself is quiet and easy to get around, but it still feels like an adventure. In this guide, we’re sharing everything we learned, including how to get there, when to go, and what to do while you’re there.
Yosemite Ticketed Entry Explained for 2025
Yosemite National Park has struggled with congestion for decades. Ticketed entry reservations were put in place in 2020 to help improve visitor experiences by reducing crowding, improving parking, and reducing delays, as well as help protect the park so we can enjoy it for generations to come.
Vietnam Travel Tips (a First Timer's Guide)
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you NEED to read this blog before your trip. This guide covers what to expect, how to get around, and essential tips for before and during your visit.
What to Pack for a Trip to Vietnam (in Any Season)
The weather in Vietnam varies by region, and the country spans multiple climates. Some areas are more consistent, while the coast and mountainous regions can see rapid weather changes daily. This guide covers what to pack no matter where you go, with tips on how to handle the cooler months, tropical heat, and rainy season.
Son Doong Cave: A Six Day, Five Night Trip Itinerary
The trek to Son Doong Cave takes place over a six-day trip, including four days of trekking and three nights of sleeping in the cave. Over the four days of trekking, you’ll hike, scramble, and climb 25 km (15.5 miles) through the jungle of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park and the world’s largest cave.
What to Pack for Your Trek Through Son Doong Cave
What you pack for your trek through Son Doong will make a huge difference in your experience. You’ll be crossing rivers, scaling walls, and scrambling through rocks and mud, all with wet shoes and socks. Expect everything to become damp or soaked through by the end of your trip – nothing will dry well in the caves.
How to Trek Through Son Doong Cave in Vietnam
Son Doong Cave is unlike anywhere we’ve ever been – so vast it has its own weather system, with clouds and mist swirling inside the cave like something out of a dream. Formed over millions of years by underground rivers carving through limestone along a fault line, Son Doong was only fully explored in 2009 and is still revealing secrets today.
The Only Pacific Northwest Packing List You Need
Packing for Pacific Northwest can feel very intimidating because the weather can vary greatly and change rapidly. It's going to feel like you need to pack for all types of weather. While this is generally true, the key to packing efficiently is focusing on bringing great layers – items of clothing you can quickly take on and off as the conditions change.
Best Campgrounds Near Mount Rainier National Park
One of the best ways to enjoy Mount Rainier National Park is by camping. By camping, you’ll not only be staying close to all the major sites within the park, but you’ll be also surrounded by nature your entire stay. It takes some effort to book these sites – they are the most coveted campsites in all of Washington – but it’s well worth it!
Best Lodging Near Mount Rainier National Park
The towns surrounding Mount Rainier are adorable, but small, with minimal restaurants and amenities. Lodging tends to book up quickly around the park, so plan your accommodations ahead of time.
Where to Camp Near Yosemite National Park
Camping is an awesome way to explore the U.S. national parks. This blog covers all campgrounds in and near Yosemite. You’ll find a select few that are open year round – pair staying here with our winter itinerary!
Yosemite Winter Packing List (Plus Road Trip Supplies)
Visiting Yosemite National Park in the winter has so many upsides! You’ll have moderate daytime temperatures, snow, and much fewer crowds than the summer months. Packing for such a versatile climate can be a bit overwhelming, but this blog has you covered.
