Hit 10,000 Subscribers! (My Top 5 Hidden Gems & Honest Truths)

I’ve just hit a milestone that feels absolutely surreal: 10,000 subscribers. Honestly, saying “thank you” doesn’t quite cover the gratitude I feel for every single one of you who has joined the Paradise Adventures journey. Whether you’re here for the Thailand travel guides, the Vietnam travel tips, or just to watch me navigate the highs and lows of life on the road, your support is the fuel for this channel.

To celebrate, I’m pulling back the curtain. I’m sharing my top five hidden gems in Southeast Asia—places I’ve kept close to my chest until now—and I’m answering the brutal, honest questions you’ve been asking about money, personal safety, and what it’s really like living in Thailand and traveling full-time. Buckle up; this is the 10,000-subscribers special.

Get my free travel tips and hacks guide here https://paradiseadventures.live/southeast-asia-travel-tips-and-hacks-free-guide/

The Brutal Truth: What Happened to My Forehead?

If you’ve watched my recent travel vlogs, you might have noticed a scar on my forehead. I haven’t talked about it until now, but here is the honest truth: I was attacked on Christmas Day. I was in Laos, making my way back from China, when I was jumped. They hit me over the head, leaving me concussed, and took my phone, my hat, and every cent in my wallet.

It was a sobering reminder that while paradise adventures are incredible, travel comes with risks. I came to after the guy had already vanished. Luckily, I’m healing well and the scar should be gone soon, but it was a tough lesson in staying vigilant, even during the holiday season. Despite this, my love for Vietnam travel and Thailand travel remains unshaken. You can’t let one bad experience ruin a lifetime of exploration.

The Money Question: How I Fund Full-Time Travel

The number one question I get in the comments is: “How do you afford this?” People see the Vietnam itinerary videos or the Thailand trip vlogs and assume I’m a millionaire. I’m not. My income comes from a “three-legged stool” strategy:

1. Investments: I started this journey with about $25,000–$30,000 in invested capital. Over three years, that has dropped to about $8,000 because I sell off portions to cover big expenses.
2. E-commerce: My fiancé and I run two e-commerce stores. She is the powerhouse behind this, managing the day-to-day operations while I focus on content.
3. YouTube Income: Now that the channel is growing, YouTube ad revenue is becoming a significant contributor.

The good news? Between YouTube and the stores, we are now at a point where we are actually saving money every month while living in Thailand and Vietnam. We’ve moved from “draining savings” to “sustainable cash flow.”

Strategy Reveal: How I Hit 10,000 Subscribers

Many aspiring creators ask about my 10,000 subscribers strategy. It wasn’t luck; it was a deliberate two-phase process. For the first 100 videos, my only goal was consistency. I posted every single week, no matter what. I used those 100 videos to fail, learn, and find my voice.

After the 100-video mark, I shifted to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and “Next Up” video psychology. Because I move from Phu Quoc island Vietnam to Northern Thailand and back, I focus heavily on what people are actually searching for. I also spend hours on my thumbnails and titles. Some call it clickbait—I call it a promise. If I earn your click with a title like “Living Like a King,” I make it my mission to deliver a high-quality thailand guide or vietnam vlog that justifies your time.

Book your Asia Adventures and Tours here:
Get Your Guide = https://paradiseadventures.live/gygyt
Klook = https://paradiseadventures.live/klookyt (Use code PARADISEADVENTURESKLOOK to get up to 10% off)

Gem #5: The 10,000 Buddha Temple (Ho Chi Minh City)

Most travelers doing a vietnam itinerary stick to the War Remnants Museum or the Post Office. But if you want a true “hidden gem,” head to the 10,000 Buddha Temple (Chua Van Phat) in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh City.

When you walk in the main entrance, it looks like a standard, modest temple. The secret? You have to take the stairs (or the tiny elevator) up to the fourth floor. When the doors open, it’s mind-blowing. Every single inch of the walls is covered in tiny, intricate Buddha statues—ten thousand of them, surrounding a massive central Buddha. It is one of the most visually stunning locations in Vietnam travel guide history, yet it’s rarely crowded.

Gem #4: Cao Bang, Vietnam (The Ha Giang Alternative)

Everyone talks about the Ha Giang Loop. While that is a travel vietnam bucket-list item, Cao Bang is my personal favorite. It offers the same dramatic limestone karsts and winding mountain roads but with about 10% of the tourists.

The highlight here is the Ban Goc Waterfall, which sits right on the border with China. Motorbiking through this region feels like traveling back in time. The rice terraces are lush, the ethnic minority villages are welcoming, and the sense of “undiscovered” territory is palpable. If you’re planning a vietnam travel trip, don’t sleep on the north.

Gem #3: Koh Mook, Thailand (The Emerald Cave)

Nestled in the Trang Province, Koh Mook is a sleepy island that feels like Thailand did 30 years ago. It’s famous for the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot). To enter, you have to swim 80 meters through a pitch-black limestone tunnel (wear a life jacket and bring a torch!).

On the other side, you emerge into a hidden lagoon with white sand and towering cliffs, open to the sky above. It feels like something out of The Beach. Combine this with a sunset at Charlie Beach, and you have the perfect thailand itinerary stop that most tourists completely bypass.

Gem #2: Similan Islands, Thailand (Powder Sand Paradise)

If you want to see the clearest water in the world, you go to the Similan Islands. This is a must-include for any thailand travel guide, but there’s a catch: it’s only open from December to April. The rest of the year, the national park is closed to protect the environment and because of the monsoon seas.

The sand here is unlike anything else; it’s so fine it feels like flour or powder between your toes. While it’s a popular day trip from Phuket or Khao Lak, the sheer beauty of the “Sail Rock” viewpoint makes the boat ride worth it. Just keep an eye out for jellyfish during certain tides!

Gem #1: Koh Lipe, Thailand (The Maldives of Thailand)

My number one hidden gem is Koh Lipe. While it’s becoming more popular, it still holds the crown for the best beaches in the country. What makes Koh Lipe special is that it’s a “walking island.” You don’t need a scooter or a car; you can walk from Sunrise Beach to Sunset Beach in about 15 minutes.

The thailand beaches here have that signature neon-blue water and incredible snorkeling right off the shore. The “Walking Street” comes alive at night with seafood BBQs and bars. It’s the ultimate visit thailand destination for couples or solo travelers who want luxury vibes on a backpacker budget.

Book your Southeast Asia accommodation through trusted providers here:
Booking.com = https://booking.tp.st/ZjeV6SG5
Agoda = https://agoda.tp.st/LKGhCniM
Hostelworld = https://hostelworld.tp.st/yznTwSKe

What’s Next: China, Phu Quoc, and Beyond

I know I’ve been quiet for two months, but that’s because I’ve been busy filming my most ambitious series yet. After finishing up in Phu Quoc vietnam, we headed to China. Because of the “Great Firewall,” I couldn’t access YouTube to upload, and I didn’t want to risk using a VPN and breaking local laws.

But the footage is incredible. We visited:

• Shenzhen: The most technologically advanced city I’ve ever seen.
• Chongqing: A 3D “cyberpunk” city where trains literally fly through apartment buildings.
• Zhangjiajie: The “Avatar Mountains” that inspired the movie.

Before that, I’m dropping the ultimate Phu Quoc island vietnam guide next week. I’ve received so many questions about phu quoc, and this video will cover everything: where to stay, what to eat, and how to avoid the tourist traps.

10,000 Subscibers Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam safe for solo travelers?

Generally, yes! Vietnam travel is very safe. However, as I experienced in Laos, you should always be cautious at night and keep your valuables secure. Stick to well-lit areas and use reputable transport like Grab.

When is the best time to visit Thailand’s islands?

For the Andaman side (Phuket, Koh Lipe, Similans), the best time is December to April. For the Gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan), the weather is better from June to September.

How much money do I need for a Thailand trip?

As I showed in my phu quoc vietnam video, you can live incredibly well on $800–$1,000 USD a month. For a shorter thailand itinerary, a budget of $50/day is plenty for a mid-range experience.

Why doesn’t your fiancé appear in the travel vlogs?

She’s a vital part of Paradise Adventures, but she values her privacy. She previously worked a corporate remote job and didn’t want her employers seeing her on YouTube! She may make cameos in the future, but for now, she’s the genius behind the camera and the e-commerce stores.

Which is better: Phu Quoc or Koh Lipe?

Phu Quoc is better for infrastructure, theme parks, and “Grand World” vibes. Koh Lipe is better for pure beach beauty and a laid-back, car-free lifestyle. If you have time, do both!

Hitting 10,000 subscribers is just the beginning. I am more committed than ever to bringing you the most honest, high-value thailand vlog and vietnam travel tips on the internet. Your comments and likes truly make a difference in the algorithm, so thank you for being one of the 10,000 subscribers