A filtered water bottle is an essential item for the responsible traveller in Southeast Asia. Not only will it ensure that you can drink purified water from any water source, but it also means that you will be protecting the environment from unnecessary plastic waste. Read our pick of the best options for filtered travel bottles for your journey!
The best travel duffel bags are as good as backpacks. They’re easy to carry and even easier to pack. To help you choose the best holdall for you, we break down…
Looking for a Sumatra itinerary so you don’t miss the best attractions on the island? We’ve got you covered with these 10-day and 2-week options!
Choosing the right pair of travel sandals can be easier said than done. We break down the best options to ensure you find the best sandals for your…
Booking, Hostelworld and Agoda are all often touted as the best hostel booking sites. But how do they stack up against each other and is there a better choice?
Travelling with prescription medication can be a daunting prospect. Thankfully, it’s often easier than you expect. This guide breaks downs the best practices…
Sustainable backpacks help limit our already huge footprints on the environment. If you’re looking for an ethical backpack, the ones on this list…
Travel water bottles allow you to avoid single-use plastic and reduce your environmental impact while travelling! We cover water bottles for travel…
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!
If you’re planning your next adventure and wondering what the safest Asian countries are, we have got you covered.
40L backpacks can usually be taken as hand luggage while offering enough space for months of travel. Their versatility is what makes them so popular…
Since the outbreak of Coronavirus in Dec 2019, tourist numbers to Southeast Asia have dropped. So is it still possible to backpack Southeast Asia now?
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?
There are so many backpack brands on the market today. We break them down to see which are worth spending your money on!
Determining the best time to visit Southeast Asia can feel like a daunting task. But with this Southeast Asian climate guide, we break down when to go and where to avoid during monsoon season!
Wondering whether to avoid Southeast Asia during rainy season? We break down the pros and cons of travelling during the monsoon season!
We asked 100+ of our readers to tell us which is the best backpack (brand, model & size) for travelling Southeast Asia – and here are the results! So, if you’re looking for a backpack yourself… Sit back, relax, and read some words of wisdom from fellow travellers in Southeast Asia – so that you can find the perfect backpack for you!
The Stubble and Co Adventure Bag aims to revolutionise backpacking travel bags. But does it succeed? Find out in this Stubble and Co Adventure Bag review!
LARQ’s Movement Water Bottle cleans and purifies water to eliminate viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Learn more about how it works in this LARQ Review!
A packable daypack makes exploring and travelling just a touch easier. This list breaks down the best options for any budget and travel style!
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!
What’s the best daypack for travel? We break down what makes a good daypack and with the help of our community, list the best options!
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?
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…
Grayl GeoPress vs UltraPress: How does the new UltraPress compare to Grayl’s flagship bottle, the GeoPress? In this comparison, we break down…
Travel backpacks usually feature an internal frame for support and stability. But what does that actually mean? In this article, we dive into the differences between frame and frameless backpacks!
Tropicfeel are always pushing boundaries with their innovative products. So how good is the Shell? Find out in this Tropicfeel Shell backpack review!
Desperate to get your hands on the Special Tourist Visa to Thailand? Here are the 10 cheapest quarantine packages offered by hotels in Bangkok.
Looking for backpacking gifts? Buy the traveller you love something they will actually value rather than just weigh them down! We delve into the best gifts for backpackers to inspire wanderlust!
Travel gadgets aren’t strictly necessary but they can make your time on the road just a tad easier. Check out this list of the top travel accessories!
If you’re not a gear expert, choosing what size backpack to buy for travel can be confusing. After all, you want to fit in everything you need but don’t want to be nursing a sore back every day! Our gear expert helps you decide which size backpack suits you best.
Looking for your next backpack? Osprey’s Farpoint/Fairview 40 are often hailed as the best backpacks around – but are they really as good as everyone claims?
The Osprey Fairview 40 is one of the most popular travel backpacks for women. But is it as good as everyone says?
Have you ever noticed how much junk is on a ‘normal’ packing list? We remedy that by diving into the backpacking essentials you need for travel!
Rechargeable head torches for travel come in all shapes and sizes. In this article, we break down what to look for and review our five favourites!
Face masks continue to be essential for use when traveling and flying. This is what you need to know when choosing a mask.
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!
Tropicfeel claim to have created the ‘Ultimate Travel Shoe’. In this article we break down that claim to see if the Canyon shoes are all their cracked up to be!
Deciding which shoes to take on your trip can be overwhelming. How many pairs do you need and what type of travel shoes will suit you best? Our gear guide expert Tim comes to your rescue, armed with the recommendations of our community. Wonder no more, here is the ultimate list of the best shoes for travel!
Save yourself hours of research and check out our top picks for the best universal travel adaptors!
These days, no longer do you have to decide between having a backpack or taking a wheelie suitcase. You can have everything in one! In our recent Readers Poll about the best luggage to take to Southeast Asia, we were given some excellent recommendations for the best roller backpacks out there. Here are your top recommendations!
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…
106 of the most helpful words and phrases in Bahasa Indonesian. These can all that can be used in daily life to make interactions easier.
Sleeping bag liners are available in a range of materials and come in different shapes and styles. Whether you’re looking for an extra layer between you and that grotty hostel bed or want some extra protection, these liners have got you covered (literally!).
With peanuts being a common ingredient in Southeast Asian food, travelling through the region with a severe peanut allergy can be a challenge!
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.
Made by travellers for travellers, Salkan’s Backpacker could be a game changer for travellers. Find out more in this dedicated review!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of 1st July 2021, Thailand is no longer processing Special Tourist Visas. International visitors to Thailand are …
Thailand Special Tourist Visa – How Do I Get Me One? Read More »
SafetyWin Nomad Insurance works just like a subscription service (think Netflix), which you can simply pause whenever you stop travelling!
The Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 claims to be a hybrid bag designed to suit hikers and city travellers alike – but does it live up to both tasks!?
Travel no longer has to be crazy expensive but sadly, it still costs money. Maximise your travel savings by following these 10 actionable tips!
Looking for the best Indonesia Itinerary for backpackers? This epic adventure will take in Indonesia’s spectacular natural landscapes and culture!
For many newbie backpackers, Southeast Asia is the perfect first-time destination. With beer from 25 cents, meals for a dollar and accommodation for just a few bucks, if you know what your doing you could travel for years on just a few thousand dollars! Read our tips here!
Looking for a water purifier to take on your travels? The Grayl Geopress is often ranked as one of the best! Read our full review…
Are you looking for an expandable travel backpack that can be used every day? We examine the Tortuga Setout Divide piece by piece!
This Borneo itinerary has everything you need to fill a three epic weeks in eastern Malaysia. Including everything from Orangutans to turtles, prepare to be wowed by nature!
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?
Explore the best bits with this Philippines itinerary! Cebu, Bohol, El Nido, Coron… There is something for every kind of traveller in this 30 day itinerary!
With mobile banking becoming ever easier and accessible, more travellers are switching to online banks. Our travel expert Tim reviews Starling bank. What does he make of it?
A waterproof backpack is a hugely useful item to take travelling. They protect your valuables and electronics from water damage and can be particularly useful if you are doing lots of outdoor activities during your trip! Find out if you need to invest in a waterproof backpack and discover which ones are our favourites!
Packing cubes are the latest ‘must-have’ accessory for travellers! We find out why everyone loves them & check out the best options for backpackers!
If you are a backpacker looking for the best travel laptop, you’ll need to think about weight, size, battery life, storage capacity & COST! Deciding whether you need a laptop for your backpacking trip is a personal decision and if you conclude that you do, choosing the best travel laptop can be downright confusing! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
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!
A microfibre travel towel is an essential item to add to your packing list for Southeast Asia! We look at the benefits of this quick-dry material and the top 10 choices!
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s craziest cities. With so much to do in the Thai capital and many backpackers debating how long to spend there, planning your visit can be confusing. Never fear, we are here to help you with out with our ultimate Bangkok itinerary for backpackers! Plan your trip today!
This 30-day backpacking itinerary for Laos covers the highlights and the hidden gems in this underrated Southeast Asian country! Can be shortened to 1, 2 or 3 weeks!
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?
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!
There’s a standard backpacker route that most people follow when they explore Java. The journey starts in Yogyakarta where travellers come to see the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Borobudur and Prambanan. Then, the trail leads east, to watch the sun rise over Bromo and Ijen volcanoes. It’s an amazing route that combines the cultural highlights of central Java with the striking beauty of the landscapes of East Java. This journey through Java takes a minimum of seven days…
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 »
Your 4 day guide to experiencing the best views, eats, and activities in the Garden City of Southeast Asia!
Swapping your current day to day life for travelling can seem pretty intimidating! This year, Katie Finch and her boyfriend, …
Want to Quit Your Job to Travel? 10 Tips on Making The Move! 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!
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 »
How does the Standard Luggage Co. Carry-On Backpack stand up to our review process? Read all about the bag and its pros and cons here!
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 »
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.
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 »
One of the best parts of travelling is the sense of adventure that comes with never knowing quite what’s in …
While not dangerous health-wise, bed bugs whilst backpacking can be extremely annoying! Check out our advice on how to avoid having an encounter with bed bugs while you’re travelling in Southeast Asia & what to do if you suspect you already have them!
What makes the ukulele such a good instrument for travel? How do you decide on the perfect model for the road? This guide will help you choose the very best instrument to take with you on your travels. A musician, after all, has to keep playing, no matter where they are…
Have you done the 24+ hour bus journey from Hanoi, Vietnam to Luang Prabang, Laos? Or Vice Versa? Feared by backpackers all across Southeast Asia – is this journey as bad as they say it is? Read this and decide whether you want to book a flight instead!
Over all, Hong Kong cost us around HKD$3,500 for two people for three nights. Solo travellers might find themselves spending a little less than this. It’s a beautiful city with so much to offer, and its often overlooked by backpackers. We wholeheartedly believe that anyone who doesn’t visit here is missing the opportunity to see a different side to China, unlike anywhere else.
It’s no secret that the drive from Chiang Mai to Pai is a daunting one. It’s a steep and winding road that will make you feel every single one of its 762 turns along the notorious Route 1095. I just didn’t think I would lose my sanity over it!
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!
Following the popularity (and controversy!) of our first readers poll – “Where is the worst place you’ve ever travelled to in Southeast Asia?”, we decided to ask you another simple question:
“Where is the cheapest place you’ve ever travelled to in Southeast Asia?”
Skyscanner or Expedia? KAYAK or Momondo? TripAdvisor or Hipmunk? Or does lastminute.com still have the cheapest deals? Aaaaahhhh! Too many travel comparison sites to choose between, all of them telling you that they’ll get you the best price! But who is telling the truth?
It’s your last job – cramming everything into a bag you must carry without doing yourself a mischief nor embarrassing yourself at the luggage carousel. Our rough guide, specifically geared toward the climate and activities common to a South East Asia backpacking trip, will start you off:
You’ll begin your long distance bus journey in Sumatra with an optimistic attitude. It won’t last. Read Clare Absolon’s witty take on the five emotional stages of bus travel on the Indonesian Isle and prepare yourself for your character-building adventure!
When over 50 years of conflict that made the country a no-go zone for travellers came to an end, Southeast Asia suddenly had a new and amazing country for intrepid travellers to explore! Now backpackers are hitting Myanmar’s shores in droves. So what does the country have to offer them in terms of adventure? And will the country’s under-developed infrastructure be able to handle the newfound popularity?
Chicken buses, tuk tuks, songthaews… Whether you’re on the so-called “VIP’ nightbus in Thailand, the public jeepney in Manila, or just learning to handle a scooter, being in transit in South East Asia provides just as many stories as the destinations themselves. Will you ever get there? Here are 10 essential tips on how to cope with the weird and wonderful transport options of South East Asia…
An overnight bus journey can easily save you 90% of what a flight would cost, but of course a flight would take only a couple of hours, whereas you’re on that bus for the long haul There are, however, some simple steps you can take to make sure your 36 hours trapped in a bumpy steel can are as comfortable as possible, Travel Experts, Two Monkeys Travel give us some important tips…