Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand – 7 Ethical Choices
Are you struggling to choose between the many elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand? Let us help! These options are truly ethical, with a no-riding policy.
Elephant Sanctuaries in Laos – 3 Ethical Picks
If you want to visit one of the elephant sanctuaries in Laos, you’re in the right place! This guide has shortlisted the most ethical parks across the country to help you make the best decision for you AND the elephants!
12 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand
Looking for an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand? We’re here to help! These 12 options, scattered across the country offer an extremely high level of care to elephants!
The Safest Countries in Asia in 2023
If you’re planning your next adventure and wondering what the safest Asian countries are, we have got you covered.
Elephant Sanctuaries in Cambodia – 4 Popular Choices
If you’re looking for an ethical elephant sanctuary in Cambodia, you’re in the right place! These popular options offer travellers the experience to get close to these gentle giants.
Honeymoon Destinations in Southeast Asia: 11 Magical Choices!
Looking to book an unforgettable honeymoon in Southeast Asia? This carefully curated list has something for every kind of couple, from adrenaline activities to dreamy beach breaks!
Top Hostels in Jakarta, Indonesia – Recommended By Travellers!
Choosing a hostel in Jakarta is an important decision, no matter whether you are passing through or staying a few days. This list, compiled using help from our epic backpacker community will give you plenty of options!
21 Phenomenal Facts About the Philippines You Might Not Know!
Did you know, the Philippines’ national bird is a monkey-eating eagle?! This article is full of facts about the Philippines you may not know…
6 Epic Motorcycle Routes in Southeast Asia
Riding a motorcycle in Southeast Asia is a rite of passage. No matter whether you want a short journey or an epic adventure, these motorcycle routes will offer the adrenaline, freedom and vistas you dream of!
Top 11 Quarantine Hotels in Bali, Indonesia
We look at the best hotels in Bali to do your 5-day mandatory quarantine. We compare prices, food and balcony options, giving you options all over the island!
6 Best Travel Yoga Mats For Your Adventures!
We compare the top travel yoga mats to find the best one to take on your adventures! Which is the most durable, lightest, easiest to carry & cheapest?
9 Top Travel Backpacks for Women
These are the best travel backpacks for women recommended by travel-loving ladies from our community. For the best fit, choose a female-specific pack. This will better cater to your body…
Samui Plus, Thailand: A Traveller’s Guide
Are you interested in Thailand’s Samui Plus scheme? This allows fully vaccinated, international travellers to visit the three most popular islands without needing to complete a lengthy state quarantine!
When Will The Laos China Railway Open To Cross-Border Travel?
The Laos China Railway will connect Vientiane with Kunming in China. But when will it open? We dive into everything you need to know if this train journey is on your bucket list!
Top 8 Muay Thai Books: Essential Reading For Fighters
Martial arts are as much about physical strength as they are about mental discipline. Step up your fighting game with these books about Muay Thai.
Top 10 Quarantine Hotels in Singapore
We look at the best hotels in Singapore to complete your SHN (Stay Home Notice), also known as the two week mandatory quarantine. Pay extra for a suite to pick your quarantine hotel.
Vietnamese Phở: The Nation’s Best Loved Soup
Eating phở in Vietnam is a traveller rite of passage. The country’s national dish is an aromatic noodle soup with a vibrant history. Learn all about it, including where to eat it, in this complete guide.
A Guide to Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Sandbox
Cambodia has announced that it will begin to restart tourism with the launch of the Sihanoukville Sandbox. Incorporating popular destination Koh Rong and the resort of Dara Sakor in Koh Kong province too.
When Can I Travel to Bali? The Race to Restart Tourism
After a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Bali’s planned reopening has been pushed back again. So when can you travel to Bali? We look at everything revealed so far about the current plans to reopen Bali.
Osprey Fairview 40 Review: For Globetrottin’ Gals!
The Osprey Fairview 40 is one of the most popular travel backpacks for women. But is it as good as everyone says?
21 Spellbinding Facts About Singapore You May Not Know!
These wacky facts about Singapore will make you want to jump on a plane there right now!
Balut Eggs: Introducing The Philippines’ Strangest Snack
Balut is a fertilised duck egg regularly eaten as a snack in the Philippines and other countries across Southeast Asia. Here, we unpick the history and the cultural importance of this controversial delicacy.
19 Pandemic Travel Essentials To Keep You Safe & Happy
Are you jumping back on a plane soon? Then you’ll need to invest in these pandemic travel essentials! With everything from transit items to ways to keep yourself occupied in quarantine, this list has got you covered!
Fish Amok: Cambodia’s National Dish
Fish amok is commonly said to be Cambodia’s national dish. This creamy curry dish can be made with a variety of ingredients, however, fish is the most common. Check out this post to learn more about one of Cambodia’s most popular dishes!
All 12 Samui Extra Plus Hotels: Thailand Sandbox
Are you heading to Thailand on the Samui Plus Scheme? If so, you’ll be required to stay in a Samui Extra Plus hotel for the first week. In this article we delve into the 12 designated hotels to help you choose!
Coffee in Vietnam: Drink Like a Local!
As the world’s second-largest coffee producer, Vietnam is a country that knows a bit about coffee. The drip coffee method has become famous world over and is directly responsible for some of Asia’s best caffeinated drinks, including egg coffee! This article covers everything you need to know about the history of coffee culture in Vietnam.
13 Unique Indonesian Animals
One of the best parts of travel is undoubtedly spotting the local wildlife. These incredible Indonesian animals are fascinating and unique. How many have you seen?
Floating Markets in Thailand: The Lowdown
You’ve probably heard that Thailand’s floating markets are a tourist trap… but is that true? We deep dive into the history of floating markets, discuss which ones are the most authentic and top tips for visiting!
23 Weird Asian Foods: How Many Would You Try?
Asia is home to some of the strangest foods in the world and it’s likely you’ll end up trying some! Check out this list of the good, the bad and the downright ugly!
Cendol: Southeast Asia’s Coolest Dessert
Cendol is a sweet iced dessert which you must try if you are travelling Southeast Asia. Widely available in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, this famous dish has a long and fascinating history!
Cambodian Food: 19 Delicious Dishes You Must Try!
Cambodian or Khmer cuisine might be lesser known than that of its neighbours but there are still plenty of incredible dishes to try. Which are your favourites?
Bia Hoi: The Best Backpacker Beer in the World?
Bia Hoi is a popular Vietnamese beer for locals and backpackers alike. More than just a drink, Bia Hoi junctions represent a cultural institution.
31 Travel Books to Help You Escape From the World!
Tired of the same old books populating hostel shelves and circulating ‘best backpacker reads’ lists? Yeah, so are we! Therefore, we took a poll, asking you to tell us your favourite books to read while travelling, and you delivered! Here’s the fresh list we’ve compiled – with your generous help – that’ll easily satisfy all of your travel needs, for both now and in future.
History of Muay Thai – Thailand’s 600 Year Old Sport
Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand. It has a long standing history, dating back centuries. Learn about where is came from and how it has evolved into the combat sport we know today.
22 Asian Desserts You NEED to Try on Your Next Trip!
Are you looking for something to satsify your sweet tooth whilst travelling in Asia? Check out this list of the best desserts from all over the continent!
Swimming with Whale Sharks in Asia – The Ethics
Swimming whale sharks can be magical, if it’s done correctly. This post will tell you where you can have the most ethical experience in Asia and which places you NEED to avoid!
22 Asian Drinks – How Many Have You Tried?
From Thailand’s notorious ‘Bucket’ to Malaysia’s beloved ‘Teh Tarik’ we pick the best beverages in Asia. Healthy and refreshing or devilishly alcoholic and mind-blowing! Here are the TOP 22 must try thirst quenchers! How many tipples have you tried?
51 Jobs for Backpackers – Ideas to Make Money Remotely
It’s the ultimate dream: bagging a travel job so you never have to go home! We’ve compiled the ultimate list of jobs you can do whilst travelling!
Nomadic Matt | On Having COVID-19 & The Future Of Travel
Travel expert Nomadic Matt talks to the Southeast Asia Backpacker team about having coronavirus, the future of backpacking and his favourite places in Southeast Asia!
Start A Travel Blog In 10 Easy Steps
This easy to follow, step-by-step guide will help you to start a successful travel blog from scratch. Learn how to host your website, produce high-quality content and choose a theme. Start your travel blog today and work your way to location independence!
55 Books About Southeast Asia To Enrich Your Journey
Scratch your travel itch with some of our favourite books about Southeast Asia. No matter if you’re looking for fiction, memoirs or historical texts, we have something for you!
75 Best Travel Quotes For Backpackers!
For all of you daydreaming about your next adventure, check out these travel quotes for inspiration! No matter whether you are looking for profound travel sentiments for your next Instagram caption or something good humoured to get your reminiscing about your last trip, you’re in the right place!
9 Toilet Paper Alternatives Inspired by Asia
Found yourself struggling to get clean after a number 2 in the midst of a loo roll crisis? Check out these Asian inspired toilet paper alternatives!
Ban Gioc Waterfall: Vietnam’s Secret Natural Wonder
Ban Gioc Waterfall is surely one of the best natural sights in the whole of Vietnam. However, hardly anyone actually goes there! To make sure you don’t miss out on this wondrous waterfall, plan your visit with our comprehensive guide.
The Best Apps for Backpackers
Looking for a backpacker app to make your trip easier? Our community recommended some super helpful options! Check out our list of the best backpacker apps and get downloading today!
Do You Need to Take Antimalarials in Southeast Asia?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of antimalarials in South East Asia. They nearly all come with horrible side-effects and many travellers say that the risk of catching malaria is so low that the pills aren’t worth the effort. What is the truth though? Do you need to take anti-malaria tablets in South East Asia?
The 20 Best Hostels in Koh Tao, Thailand
Looking for a place to stay in Koh Tao but not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up the best hostels on the island to help you choose your ideal place to stay!
Meet Geraldine Forster, the Backpacker Granny!
Backpacker Granny Geraldine Forster embarked of the trip of a lifetime after retiring and she’s not stopping any time soon! Read all about her adventures here!
Why Did I Ever Come Home? Battling with Reverse Culture Shock!
Initially, I assumed I was just being melodramatic. It took a long chat with a fellow traveller until I understood. I wasn’t just a bit moody; I was suffering from Reverse Culture Shock. What exactly is Reverse Culture Shock I hear you ask?
Shhhh…. Is this the Perfect Southeast Asian Paradise Island ?
Iconic sands like Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi) and Freedom Beach (Phuket) in Thailand offer a beautiful setting but the experience is marred by swarms of tourists, some of whom have no respect for the natural environment. When we arrived in Southeast Asia, we heard whispers about a largely untouched desert island paradise – but how could we get there? And was the mythical island all that we hoped it would be?