Khao Sok Floating Bungalows, Cheow Lan Lake, Thailand [2023 Guide]
Spend the night in a floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park! There are options to suit every budget, from backpacker digs to luxury accommodation.
Spend the night in a floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park! There are options to suit every budget, from backpacker digs to luxury accommodation.
Discover which hostels were voted the top 25 hostels in Hanoi, Vietnam by our community! Our list includes party hostels, boutique guesthouses, rooftop bars & free beer! There is something for every kind of backpacker!
Looking for the best hostels in Chiang Mai? Take it right from the horse’s mouth! These hostels were voted for by travellers who visited the city recently!
Knowing what a truly ethical elephant sanctuary looks like will help you support the right organisations during your time in Southeast Asia. This article, with the opinions of experts, will tell you all you need to know!
Are you looking for a budget-friendly trip? Look no further! This shortlist of the cheapest countries in Asia promises amazing travel experiences and excellent bang for your buck!
As a backpacker in South East Asia crossing borders becomes a regular undertaking. Each country has a different rule of entry and some countries will require you to apply for a visa before you travel. As visa requirements often change, for travellers it can be difficult to plan things like budget and duration of travel. Here, we’ve done our best to compile the latest visa information in South East Asia to make it easier to plan your trip!
Getting scammed while abroad is a risk we all take when backpacking. This list of travel scams in Southeast Asia will help you avoid the most common…
Voted by travellers – a complete list of the best Bali hostels! Check out the best Bali dive hostel, the best Bali party hostel, the best yoga hostel and more!
Best Bangkok Hostels. Voted By Travellers! Khao San Road Hostels, Party Hostels, Hostels for Solo Travellers, Families, Couples & Hostels with Pools!
Can You Avoid ATM Fees While Travelling? Which Banks Give the Best Exchange Rates? We Look at the Best Mobile Banks & Travel Cards 2019 + Money Saving Tips!
Do you *really* need an onward flight ticket when flying internationally? Is a bus ticket enough? We answer your questions about onward travel and break down onward travel rules for Southeast Asia!
Many travellers complain about expensive ATM fees whilst withdrawing cash in other countries. So are these fees avoidable?
LATEST SRI LANKA COVID-19 NEWS: Sri Lanka Travel Restrictions Can you travel to Sri Lanka right now? Yes. Sri Lanka …
Can you travel to Myanmar right now? Get up to date with the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions for international travellers to Myanmar. Quarantine periods, visas, COVID-19 test requirements, face masks and more…
Wondering whether to avoid Southeast Asia during rainy season? We break down the pros and cons of travelling during the monsoon season!
Can you travel to the Maldives right now? Get up to date with the latest requirements for international travellers to the Maldives. Visas, COVID-19 test requirements, face masks and more…
We look at the 15 cheapest quarantine hotels in Hong Kong for travellers returning to the country on a budget.
We look at the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur (from cheapest to most expensive) to do your mandatory quarantine in Malaysia.
From motorbiking the world to eating every weird food that a country has to offer, each one of these travel YouTubers is exploring our amazing planet in a unique and interesting way! Which YouTuber will inspire your next adventure?
Thailand will reinstate the Test & Go Scheme on 1st February. We answer all your questions about Test & Go in the simplest way possible!
If you’re a budget traveller, you may be looking for a Phuket sandbox hotel that still offers a splash of luxury, and by ‘splash’ we do, of course, mean a swimming pool!
Looking for a good quarantine hotel in Pampanga, Philippines, close to Clark International Airport? We look at your best options!
On 1st July 2021, Thailand opened up its borders to vaccinated international travellers without the need for quarantine. They call it the “Phuket Sandbox”.
We look at the best hotels in Jakarta (from cheapest to most expensive) to do your 8-day mandatory quarantine in Indonesia.
Desperate to get your hands on the Special Tourist Visa to Thailand? Here are the 10 cheapest quarantine packages offered by hotels in Bangkok.
Face masks continue to be essential for use when traveling and flying. This is what you need to know when choosing a mask.
The continent of Asia will blow your mind in more ways than you can ever imagine! Here are some amazing facts about Asia that you can share around the campfire on your next backpacking trip…
The Phu Quoc Sandbox is a new scheme that aims to attract fully vaccinated international tourists to the resort island in the south of Vietnam. If successful, it will kickstart a much-needed revival of tourism in the country.
We share our best resources for keeping bang up to date with the latest Travel News from Asia! Newspapers, blogs, newsletters, podcasts and more…
Every traveller agrees that harem pants (AKA elephant pants or hippie pants) are legs-down THE comfiest trews on the planet! Perfect for travel, yoga and lazy days…
With its cheap lifestyle, varied landscape and fantastic accommodation options, Southeast Asia is one of the major global magnets for digital nomads! We take a look at some of the most popular places to be a digital nomad in the region…
If you’re catching an international flight to Cebu, Philippines, then you’ll need to quarantine when you arrive. We check out the cheapest quarantine hotels in Cebu…
Starting with Phuket on 1st July, Thailand is reopening the country in stages. In less than two weeks vaccinated travellers will be able to land on Thailand’s shores without having to quarantine. In this article, we’ll look at the Thailand reopening timeline as it stands, and what we know so far about the entry requirements for travellers.
These tips for solo female travel will give you the confidence to jump on that plane! We’ve got together with our backpacking community to bring you the best tips from ladies around the world.
“Quarantine. It’s more fun in the Philippines!” Or is it? We check out the 10 most recommended budget quarantine hotels in Manila.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam? Luckily, there is no bad time! However, to get the most out of your trip, you’re still going to need to know about the different climate zones.
Forget all the other bullsh*t lists, if you want the honest truth about the best places to visit in Thailand and the ones to avoid, read this guide before you travel!
99 of the most useful Thai words and phrases that I picked up whilst living in Thailand that can be used in daily life to make interactions easier.
The famous student travel company, STA Travel, went bust this week leaving thousands of travellers with cancelled trips and no refunds!
Can we justify travel in a world that’s facing a climate crisis? Does carbon offsetting actually work? Airline pilot and Extinction Rebellion climate activist speaks out!
If you’re new to the world of responsible travel and worried that you may have already made a few ethical …
Responsible Travel – 15 Small Ways to Make a Big Difference Read More »
This week, we’ve been looking into our crystal ball* and seeing how travel could change in a Post COVID-19 World. Will things go back to normal? And do we want them to?
It’s difficult to keep your spirits up when you can’t travel or do the things you love. Don’t panic! These 33 unique ideas will scratch that travel itch!
The vast continent of Asia gave us such wise characters as Confucius, Gandhi, the Dalai Lama and Lao Tzu… as well as religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Taoism. No wonder there are so many wise and inspiring Asian quotations!
Being English, one thing that I really miss on the road is a good cup of tea! When you’re staying …
Mini Kettle For Travel: Making a Cuppa On the Road! Read More »
When the news was announced by WHO that Coronavirus had become a global pandemic, an important question was raised: Should you travel at all right now?
The “burning season” or “haze” of Southeast Asia occurs every year creating terrible air pollution and many health problems. Having experienced this time of year first-hand several times I thought I’d give you a heads up about what it’s really like!
While travellers flock in hoards to Halong Bay, neighbouring Lan Ha Bay remains blissfully peaceful! Fewer crowds, less pollution and even more beautiful!
Many travellers will hop on a motorbike at some point during their travels in Southeast Asia. Some may even decide …
International Driving Permit for Cars & Motorbikes | Southeast Asia Read More »
Backpacking on a budget? Learn how to make your dollar stretch a long way with this Do’s and Don’ts guide to haggling in South East Asia. From tuk tuk rides to trips to the market you need to be armed with your skills everywhere you go.
How many days do you need to truly explore Myanmar? The intrepid traveller will tell you that it takes weeks, months, even years to truly get under the skin of a country. Yet, most of us, particularly these days, are strapped for time – and short on money! We reckon the absolute minimum time that you need to explore the highlights of Myanmar is 12 days. Here’s what you can fit in during that time!
As a traveller, it’s important to try to reduce the amount of waste we create. These plastic free travel items will help the environment & save you money!
Looking for the perfect Cambodia Itinerary? Unsure how much time to spend in each location, which places are not to …
Cambodia Itinerary – Plan Your Backpacking Trip! Read More »
Confused about which Halong Bay Tour is for you? Amongst the hundreds of options, we look at five of the best! We compare price, activities & what’s included.
23 Must-Try Vietnamese Street Food Dishes to look out for during your adventures in the country! From the famous Bahn Mi and Pho Bo, to the not-so-famous “Bánh Tráng Nuog” AKA Vietnamese pizza!
Siem Reap is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers in Southeast Asia. The reason they linger? The amazing …
The 25 Best Hostels in Siem Reap, Cambodia – From $2 US! Read More »
If you’re bamboozled by the camera jargon then keep calm and read our beginners’ guide on how to buy a budget-friendly, top quality camera for your travels!
We’ve all heard of Angkor Wat and while these stunning ruins are a must see while in Cambodia, the country has a whole lot more to offer! Check out Tonle Sap- South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake, enjoy the briny culinary taste treats of Kep, or travel back in time on Battambang’s bamboo train! Here we give you the TOP 10 ALTERNATIVE THINGS TO DO IN CAMBODIA.
One of the Best Things About Travelling is Trying a Variety of Weird Fruits! Discover the Tastiest, Smelliest, Biggest, Healthiest & Most Disgusting Here!
Why is a Travel Medical Kit Important? When we talk about backpackers’ skills that one should learn before hitting the …
Backpacking First Aid Kit – Travel Health Essentials Read More »
Looking for the Best Hostels in Koh Phangan, Thailand? Whether you want to go to the Full Moon Party or get into a Half Moon Pose at any of the amazing yoga studios – this article is for you!
Ultimate Guide to Koh Tao Diving 2018, a MUST READ before you go! From how to choose a dive school to prices, courses and dive sites. Feel confident with this detailed guide…
Clash, clang and serve! The first time I ordered a meal in Sri Lanka, I nearly fell out of my …
A Bali Itinerary to suit every traveller, from the Beach Bum to the Adventure Junkie. 2-week, 10-day, 7-day and 4-day Bali itineraries for the perfect trip!
Planning a Vietnam Backpacking Route? This jam-packed Vietnam Itinerary takes in the highlights (and some secret spots!) and suggests how much time to spend…
Whether you’re looking for a beach holiday, a spiritual retreat, to go trekking in the jungle, to get up in …
Thailand Itinerary 2 Weeks – To Suit All Your Personalities! Read More »
Not everyone’s idea of fun, Bangkok’s Train Graveyard is a delight to Urban Explorers! We capture images of rusting train corpses before getting kicked out!
This is the Most Popular Southeast Asia Backpacking Route! See the Highlights, Meet Travel Buddies & Save Money on Transport Costs.
Getting vaccinations for Southeast Asia is something you should do at least a month, perhaps even several months before setting off on your travels as it will take time for the vaccine to kick in and for your body to be fully protected. We look at the essential & recommended vaccinations for Southeast Asia Travel.
It’s no secret that Southeast Asia has a serious litter problem. More and more backpackers are coming back from their …
Looking for advice on your Southeast Asia packing list? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve all heard the quote: …
Packing List Southeast Asia: Your Ultimate Travel Checklist! Read More »
Want to be an English Teacher in Thailand? What’s the Salary? Do you need a degree? ALL Questions Answered in The Ultimate Guide to Teaching in Thailand!
A permaculture course is not, as you may think, learning about how plants grow and how much to water them etc. (although there’s a bit of that involved). It is much more intense and revolutionary than that. The entire course gears you up to think differently about the way you look at the world; from the career you choose to the relationships you make and the way you spend your money. Permaculture is about empowerment. It’s about taking back control from the governments and the corporations that have robbed it from us, and who have led us to believe that we need anything more than healthy food, shelter and good friends around us, in order to be happy…
One of the ‘bucket list’ things to do in Myanmar, if not the whole of Southeast Asia, is to climb atop a thirteenth-century temple in Bagan to watch the sunset over a magical landscape of 3,000 pagodas. Recently, however, this controversial activity has been banned. We find out why and when the ban came into force, hear from a backpacker who recently visited Bagan and look at possible other ways to get THAT view!
Was travel BETTER and MORE ADVENTUROUS before the days of Mobile Phones? Does constant connection to the Internet in almost every corner of the globe enhance, or diminish our travel experience? What do YOU think?
For 4 months this summer starting June 1st, Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi will close to tourists. Authorities in the Philippines are discussing a 6-month closure for Boracay Island. Is a closure necessary to protect these natural beauty spots and where should be next?
Have you ever travelled to a place and felt a certain way, only to return a few years later and find that your feelings towards that place have completely changed? Places, like people, click with your personality at a certain moment in time. Just like falling in love, travel is about the present moment…
What does the word backpacker mean to you? Do you have to wear certain clothes to be a backpacker? Do you have to be a certain age? Do you have to stay in hostels? Do you have to be on a budget? Is there a ‘backpacker’ stereotype in SE Asia? Tell us what you think… #abackpackeris
Underwater, I felt like I had discovered a whole new world. A world that relaxed me and made my over-active mind feel at ease. For once I wasn’t thinking about our future travel plans or my to-do list. I was living in the moment.
Are you planning a trip to Southeast Asia? Well then, you may have chosen the right sized rucksack, found the …
Karaoke in Southeast Asia: From Hill Tribe Villages to Overnight Buses! Read More »
Have you ever revisited a place only to find it completely transformed? This is how I felt recently upon revisiting …
Lost in Chiang Mai: A Personal View of How the City Has Changed in 5 Years Read More »
I’m going to have a rant about the word ‘authentic’ when applied to travel. When used by either travel companies, or backpackers themselves, I feel it’s the most ‘inauthentic’ and overused word in the whole travel vocabulary!
Backpackers who fall in love with a certain country in Southeast Asia may want to stay a while and volunteer their skills with a worthwhile organisation. But what about the visa situation? Is volunteering considered work? Will you need a special visa? A work permit? Here, we look at each country’s requirements one by one…
Nepal’s magical capital is an exotic mix of narrow alleyways, bric-a-brac shops, shanty houses, colourful rickshaws, crossed telephone wires and hidden alcoves where Hindu shrines emit sweet incense into the humid air.
Travellers thinking of visiting Myanmar right now have a moral dilemma to consider. With the country rarely out of the headlines recently regarding the government’s brutal treatment of the Rohingya Muslims, is it a good time to visit? Will your tourist dollar go towards helping the military commit more human rights violations? Does your presence as a visitor condone the atrocities? We look at the case FOR and AGAINST boycotting travel to Myanmar.
Backpackers may not spend a lot, but almost every one of their dollars stays in the local economy. With package tourists, often hardly a penny is spent in local, host economies, rather large tourist corporations, big hotel chains and restaurants, shopping malls selling Western brands. It begs the question “Why does backpacking not feature in tourism developments?” Why do backpackers get a bad rap, out of proportion to the tiny fraction who misbehave?
50km from Inle Lake, Kalaw, in Shan State, was founded as a hill station by the British. At 1,320 metres, the climate offers a cool escape from the sweltering heat of the tropics. Many travellers spend just one night here before setting off on a 3-day trek to Inle Lake. Big mistake! Kalaw is one of the loveliest towns in Myanmar and there are plenty of reasons to hang around…
Backpackers are wonderful creatures, but there’s always one isn’t there… or two, or three, or a bus-load! If you recognise yourself or your pal in these characteristics – don’t worry! This article is intended to be a light-hearted look at all of us and is not meant to offend anyone. I personally have committed these backpacker crimes myself – including the first one….
Just a few hours from the border of Thailand, you’ll stumble across the scruffy little town of Hpa An, which is actually the capital of the Kayin Province of Myanmar. While the town itself is nothing to write home about, the surroundings are beautiful, with enormous caves, and the awesome monolith of Mount Zwegabin, rising up amidst forest and rice fields to meet the clouds… A must stop during your trip to Burma!
Watch our video filmed at a night market in Mae Sot to learn a few Thai phrases to use when ordering food. Earn smiles from the locals and maybe a bit of discount on your purchases too! From how to ask for your meal not spicy, without MSG, or tell the waiter you’re vegetarian, to how to order a beer, with or without ice, or your fruit shake without sugar – these useful Thai phrases will help you kin dee (eat well) in Thailand!
Way off the usual tourist trail lies the biggest Cemetery in Vietnam, An Bang Cemetery (Nghĩa Trang An Bắng in Vietnamese), known locally as “City of Ghosts.” When traveller India-Jayne Trainor was asked if she wanted to explore it by her EasyRider driver whilst on a tour of the Hai Van Pass, she was intrigued and a little nervous…
Last week, we were invited to stay at Suan Sati Yoga Retreat in San Sai, near Chiang Mai, Thailand. Suan Sati (which means ‘mindfulness garden’) has only been open six months, yet the place is attracting many backpackers to come and enjoy meditation, yoga and a vegan diet in beautiful surroundings. Is it the cheap price that’s the draw for thrifty backpackers – or is it something else?
Today, Pad Thai is a popular street food dish in many parts of the country and it’s on every menu in Thai restaurants that cater to farangs (foreigners). Popular as it is, how many of you actually know the fascinating history behind the dish?
Most backpackers flying into the city of Bangkok make a bee-line for one place: the infamous Khao San Road. But if you’re looking to discover a different side to Thailand than buckets of red bull and loud music, have a read about the following areas. From hipster chic hoods, to parts of the city that are more reminiscent of Thai village life than a cosmopolitan metropolis, here are a few of our favourite Bangkok neighbourhoods…
Arriving in Pokhara after the bumpy 8-hour bus journey (or 30-minute bumpy plane journey!) feels like arriving into paradise. Clean air, beautiful views, adventure sports and a happening nightlife make Pokhara a place that really can cater for everyone.
We recently asked our readers on Facebook… “Where’s the WORST place you’ve ever been to in Southeast Asia? A place that you just couldn’t wait to leave!” All backpackers are unique, and have their own preferences when they travel, so we were expecting a variety of responses to this question – and that’s just what we got!
From the planet’s biggest water fight in Thailand (Songkran), to the gruesome piercings and self mutilations of the Hindu festival, Thaipusam, festivals in Southeast Asia are a cultural experience like no other. Have you got your camera at the ready?
Last month, we took a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) in Arambol, Goa, India with well-known Permaculture designer and teacher, Rico Zook, of Itinerant Permaculture. During the course we learnt many things, one of them, something that you think we should have known before taking the course in the first place – what permaculture actually is.
Over the past few days a photo has been going viral on Facebook showing two backpackers in the street selling postcards to fund their travels. I can’t help but think that this story is being blown way out of proportion by the Western media and the image of these two young, naïve backpackers is being used as a scapegoat for the inequality of the world. Before you get angry with me, here are some thoughts I’d like you to consider…
As people gear up for the world’s biggest water fight, if you’re secretly dreading it and are wondering if it’s okay to book yourself a posh hotel, buy lots of beer and avoid the next three – five days, then read this guide on how to survive Songkran, and make up your mind…