Asia was home for most of my twenties: 5 years in Hong Kong, 3.5 in Thailand, and lots of trips and backpacking in between. Here’s everything I learned about Asia travel:
Updated December 2024 While I was living in Thailand and working in the luxury travel industry, I had the amazing privilege to visit and stay in some of the best
OK, so if you’ve been keeping track then you’ll know that so far on my travel diary, I’ve done 10 days in Myanmar, one week in Laos. Next up in
Updated May 2024 So, I had started my Southeast Asia trip in Myanmar followed by Laos. Now, I was ready for the next leg of the adventure, Cambodia. This is the ‘big
Living in Hong Kong for five years, I explored the city, the islands and the mountainous New Territories. I also explored the SAR’s history through popular books set in Hong
In all my five years of living in Hong Kong I never got sick of that skyline. In fact, saying goodbye to that view was the very last thing I did
Hong Kong may be better known for its electric skyline, imposing skyscrapers and sky-high rent, but did you know that 75% of the Fragrant Harbour is actually countryside? Having called Hong
Updated May 2024 Does the idea of travelling around Southeast Asia for two months sound a bit daunting? I felt the same when I came to plan my own itinerary,
I’d witnessed Bagan sunsets in Myanmar, splashed around in the lagoons of Laos, buffed up on history in Cambodia and stuffed my face with Vietnamese delicacies in Saigon. I was,
Updated May 2024 After lugging my backpack around Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, I had finally reached the last destination on my backpacking bucket list. I had finally arrived in
When I read Haruki Murakami’s Norwegian Wood during a trip to Japan, both the trip and the book sparked a fascination with Japanese novels that has stayed with me ever
Is there anything to see and do in Kobe that doesn’t involve its famous, delicious beef? Essentially, where’s the beef in Kobe? Well, it turns out that beef isn’t Kobe’s only cash cow.
What better way to start a Japan trip than with an Osaka day, as told through the medium of, Japanese haiku? (Yes, those commas are intentional – it’s a haiku.)
Laos is one of favourite countries in the world. I first travelled to Laos for just a week, as part of a wider Southeast Asia backpacking trip, but quickly realised
From Yangon, Myanmar, I flew into Luang Prabang via Bangkok for one week in Laos. Laos was the second country I visited on my solo Southeast Asian backpacking trip and
Luang Prabang might be one of the most gorgeous places I have ever laid eyes on. From the sloping roofs of gold Buddhist temples to artfully plated French-influenced cuisine to
It’s a rite of passage for all backpackers country-hopping around the continent. Despite your best efforts, you will definitely have to take a few long bus journeys in Southeast Asia.
Update: At present, FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Myanmar (Burma). The first stop on my solo backpacking tour of Southeast Asia was a 10-day stint in Myanmar, historically known by
Update: At present, FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Myanmar (Burma). I left Hong Kong early in the morning, catching the A11 to the airport and waving goodbye to Rob
Updated May 2024 I have flown in and out of Hamad International Airport in Doha on a Qatar Airways stopover a bazillion times, travelling to and from Hong Kong. However, for
Updated May 2024 I have flown in and out of Hamad International Airport in Doha on a Qatar Airways stopover a bazillion times, travelling to and from Hong Kong. However, for
The city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand blooms every February for the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. This three-day festival is a celebration of spring, showcasing the region’s flowers, cultural
Updated December 2024 Ban Pong, a short drive from Bangkok, has gradually become a destination for art lovers and travellers looking to experience something different. With its colorful murals, impressive
Updated December 2024 Tucked into the coast of Krabi province and only accessible by boat, Railay Bay is one of Thailand’s most stunning and tranquil destinations, known for towering limestone
From the harrowing realities of war to the quiet beauty of everyday life, packing a couple of these books about Vietnam in your suitcase for your trip offers a window
I had spent 10 days in Myanmar, only one week in Laos and then two weeks in Cambodia, but I had only set aside a few days to explore Ho Chi
Updated May 2024 So, I’d covered Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Next was a brief few days in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, also known fondly by its previous name, Saigon.
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
Disclaimer: this box contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
