How Eric Nam Embraces the Spirit of Exploration on His Travels to Southeast Asia
The singer-songwriter shares how travelling to London inspired him to write his popular track ‘Only for A Moment’.
As the year slowly winds to a close, one of the things we look forward to most is travelling. Getting a well-deserved break after a year of work that seems to consume our days is exactly what we need to start 2024 fresh. We spoke to Korean-American singer-songwriter Eric Nam about immersing one in the local culture during one’s travels. He speaks to L’Officiel Singapore after joining hands with Booking.com for their 2023 Explorers campaign.
Through the partnership, the ‘House on a Hill’ singer travelled to Bangkok, Thailand and Hoi An, Vietnam with Booking.com, getting the full tourist experience after having only performed in the countries in the past. In this interview, Eric Nam reveals his thoughts on travelling in a post-pandemic world and even shares some of his best tips for a relaxing vacation.
How does the Explorers Campaign resonate with your own passion for seeing the world?
I love travelling and I do so a lot – whether I’m on tour, filming a TV show, attending events, or enjoying a vacation. Exploring the world is an incredibly important source of inspiration and a form of personal growth for me, which made the Booking.com Explorers Campaign a perfect blend of work, play and inspiration.
You travelled to Hoi An, Vietnam and Bangkok, Thailand with Booking.com. What were some highlights from the trip that you can share with us?
Prior to Booking.com’s Explorers, I never had much of a chance to do touristy things in Thailand or Vietnam as I’m usually visiting countries to perform. Thus I’m very glad that I got to experience more of the local culture and visit attractions while I was in Bangkok and Hoi An. In Bangkok, I was able to visit a floating market which has been on my must-visit list for a long time. I love visiting markets (both touristy and not) when I travel because it’s a great way to gain insights into local foods and cultures. Hoi An is very special in that there are a good amount of cultural and historical sights to see while being right by the water - a great blend of leisure and culture - so there’s a bit of something for everybody. I was also able to take a quick trip over to Cham Islands, which were very quiet, peaceful, and a great place to jump into the water if you’re so inclined. I was also able to try “underwater walking” for the first time, which allows you to walk on the seafloor with wildlife, wearing an oxygenated helmet - it was a very cool experience.
On the trip, you ate lots of local food and visited some important sights. Any favourites that stood out for you?
Travelling is all about exploring other cultures, and food is such an important part of that conversation. Personally, I’m not picky when it comes to things to see and places to go, but I’m pretty serious about food. Fortunately, Bangkok is at the forefront of great cuisine. If you don’t like Thai food, I question your taste – quite literally! That being said, some of my favourites — outside of the typical classics — are khao soy (curried chicken noodle soup), put phat pong karee (crab curry), mango sticky rice, and Tom Yum Goong — love those. In Hoi An, I had some delicious coffees but also some flavourful dishes like Bun Cha, Ban Xeo, and of course some classics like Pho and Banh Mi.
What’s your favourite way to relax and rejuvenate while on vacation?
There’s something great about discovering a new place alone. I love walking around new places by myself, taking photos, trying new foods, checking out the local stores, and going to museums and galleries. Also, I like just sitting by the river or in a park and enjoying a spot of people-watching. That’s the best way to get a sense of how the locals live and what the place is really like. However! when I’m in complete RELAX mode - I have become a big advocate of getting a nice hotel, ordering delicious food and just laying around and relaxing by the pool or a beach!
As a global star and singer-songwriter who has traversed many parts of the world, has travel inspired your music? If yes, which ones, and could you share with the story behind them?
From my latest album, ‘Only for a Moment’ and ‘I Wish I Wasn’t Me’ were both written in London, so quite literally, yes I travelled, was inspired in London, and wrote those songs there. ‘Only for a Moment’ was inspired by a trip I was taking on the train/subway as I was imagining a serendipitous meeting on the train.
You’ve just started the first leg of your House on a Hill World Tour that will be taking you all across the globe. Even with your busy schedule, how do you embrace the spirit of exploration?
I think I make it a point to visit local restaurants and cafes in every city that I’m in. Sipping on a nice coffee or a delicious meal - even in foreign and new places - gives me a sense of peace and a moment to process my tour schedule every day. But exploring in general allows me to refresh my creativity - so whenever I come across writer’s block or I get in a funk, I’ll pack a bag and head off somewhere for a few days to reset and get re-inspired.
In a post-pandemic world, how has the idea of adventure and travel changed for you?
I think I’ve come to value and appreciate travel and adventure even more. The world can feel so big and so small at the same time these days, but nothing beats being able to actually go to a physical place and experience things for yourself. The pandemic really limited our ability to connect with people, cultures and places in person for a long time, and now that we are able to travel, I think our connections with each other are coming back with a roar, which is great.
As a seasoned traveller, do you have any travel tips you can share with us?
For those who suffer from severe jet lag, I’ve got the cure for you: try to land in your destination as early as possible and stay up as late as possible so you can reset for the next day. Drink a lot of water and carry some great vitamins and sleep aids with you. My travel essentials include face masks, hand cream, ear plugs, lip balm, and a solid neck pillow. I also always pack my own compressible pillow for the hotel, running shoes, swim shorts and goggles — honestly, you just never know when you’ll need them!
What is the one place you have yet to visit but is still on your bucket list to go to and why?
I don’t have a bucket list, per se, but I would love to spend more time in New Zealand, visit South Africa, and am always down for a trip to London.
You came to Singapore earlier this year in September, and we know your fans here are dying to see you again! What exciting projects can we expect to see you in soon?
I’ll be playing a concert in February in Singapore so I’m very excited to get back and bring my House on a Hill tour to Singapore.
