Asia Travel Guides
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:
Cambodia
The Best Hotels in Siem Reap: Where to Stay to Explore Angkor
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
Two Weeks in Cambodia | Travel Diary
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
Cambodia Travel Advice: Backpacker’s Budget & Travel Tips
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
Hong Kong
HK Writers | The 5 Best Books About Hong Kong
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
Sunsets & Skylines | The 10 Best Views in Hong Kong
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
10 Best Hikes in Hong Kong: Treks & Trails for All Abilities
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
Indonesia
Two Months in Southeast Asia: Backpacking on a Tight Budget
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,
Two Weeks in Bali, A Series of Unfortunate Events
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,
Guide to Bali: Budget Planning & Travel Tips
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
Japan
11 Great Japanese Novels in English to Read on Your Trip
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
What’s the Beef with Kobe? 8 Things to See & Do
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.
An Osaka day, told through the medium of, Japanese haiku
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
9 Enlightening Books About Laos to Read on Your Trip
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
One Week in Laos | Travel Diary
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
How to Spend the Perfect 24 Hours in Luang Prabang
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
Myanmar
How to Survive Long-Haul Bus Journeys in Southeast Asia
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.
Burma Budget and My Myanmar Travel Tips
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
10 Days in Myanmar | Travel Diary
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
Qatar
- April 7, 2017
24 Hours in Qatar: How to Maximize a Long Layover in Doha
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
Qatar
24 Hours in Qatar: How to Maximize a Long Layover in Doha
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
Thailand
A Quick & Simple Guide to the Chiang Mai Flower Festival
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
A Short Guide to Street Art in Ban Pong
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
Guide to Railay Bay: A Hidden Paradise in Krabi, Thailand
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
Vietnam
10 Books About Vietnam For Cultural & Historical Context
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
Don’t Miss Saigon! | A Few Days in Ho Chi Minh City
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
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Advice & Budget Planning
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.
Travel Essentials
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.
