Shel & Shelia’s Asian Adventure 🇻🇳🇹🇭
When producer extraordinaire Shel Burks set off for Southeast Asia with her bestie Shelia (aka @shebhooked), the stage was already set for something special. With @delta VIP treatment and champagne to kick things off at the airport, this girls’ getaway had all the makings of a headline-worthy adventure.
Their first stop? Vietnam. 🇻🇳
From the moment they landed in Hanoi, the energy was electric. Street vendors sizzled up delicacies on every corner, and the colors—bold reds, vibrant yellows, rich greens—seemed to swirl through the streets alongside the hum of motorbikes. Shel and Shelia hit the ground running, exploring historic sites and diving into a whirlwind of food, culture, and curated chaos.
A must-see on their list: a stop at Bún chả Hương Liên, the very spot where Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain once dined. The restaurant proudly displays the dining set they used, and it was a surreal, only-in-Vietnam kind of moment.
Transportation of choice? Local tuk tuks and motorbikes, of course—rain or shine. Tourist itineraries were quickly tossed in favor of spontaneous exploration, and Shel’s producer instincts came in clutch. When plans unraveled (as they tend to do abroad), she was quick to rework the day, turning detours into discoveries.
Next stop: Thailand. 🇹🇭
Thailand was just as dazzling as Vietnam—fragrant, flavorful, and full of surprises. In Bangkok they explored ornate temples, vibrant markets, shopping and ate delectable street food. The pair even swung by Soho House Bangkok (@sohohousebangkok) for a quick recharge and a luxe little moment before heading back out into the fray.
In Phuket, on a stormy afternoon they took a hands-on cooking class at Thai Cooking School Phuket and made fast friends with fellow travelers @ayman_albimani and his wife where they set up a last-minute expedition—complete with hidden gems, and the kind of unexpected moments that define a great trip.
Video: Vacation? Sure. Producing? Always. 😎
This wasn’t a sightseeing trip—it was a full-bodied, off-the-map experience. And with Shel at the helm—producer, planner, and joyful wanderer—it became something even better than they imagined.
Here’s to more adventure, less itinerary. 🌏✨
