Event of the Month: Songkran, New Year in Thailand, 13 – 15 April

Buddhist new year in Thailand is a time for renewal, spiritual cleansing and super soakers… what!? Yes that's right folks, if you happen to be in Thailand between the 13-15 April, you can't fail to get involved in what has to be the world's biggest water fight! So where are the best places to enjoy the festivities? And what are some tips for staying dry? Here's a hint... there are none! Be prepared to get wet, VERY wet... Sawasdee P'Mai (Happy New Year) everyone!

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You Know You’re a Backpacker When…

Call yourself a backpacker!? With scruffy hair, dozens of bracelets tied around your wrist and mismatched flip flops, you certainly look the part. But have you truly entered into the South East Asian backpacker spirit yet? Have you left the old, (clean) 'you' behind to discover a new 'travelling you?' Someone who is a lot less fussy, a load more spontaneous and maybe, just maybe a little wiser? There are times during your travels when you will even shock yourself with how well you have adapted to your new backpacker lifestyle! If you nod in agreement to any of these twenty-five statements then you are well on your way to earning your backpacker stripes...

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Don’t Go Backpacking Without It: Your DIY Repair Kit

Every backpacker needs a repair kit. No matter if your inclinations take you deep into the wilderness, or onto the streets of a developing country. If you travel long or far enough something will inevitably break, wear out, or tear. When it does— you better be prepared. Brian McLaughlin, a keen traveller, writer and inventor, tells us how to prepare for every eventuality by putting together his genius Do-It-Yourself Repair Kit...

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The White Temple & The Black House: Chiang Rai, Thailand

Just five hours north from Chiang Mai, is the smaller, less touristy city of Chiang Rai. Many travellers arrive here on a northward journey from Chiang Mai to Laos and are already feeling 'templed out' by the 300+ temples that make up the ancient walled city of Thailand's cultural capital. However, there is just one more experience that awaits the culture vultures amongst you! And we promise this one is worth a look! Dubbed the 'heaven' and 'hell' of architecture, the White Temple and the Black House will conjure a clashing of emotions. One dark, mysterious and almost sadistic, the other white, ethereal and other-worldly, these two opposing buildings couldn’t be more different...

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10 Travel Scams to Avoid in South East Asia!

Although not everyone is trying to con you in South East Asia, there are more than a few backpackers over the years that have fallen prey to ingenious (and not so ingenious) travel scams. Perhaps it is getting ripped off for a few rupee in a taxi or perhaps an elaborate role-play which aims to empty your bank account! Read these tales of pesky tricks, double deals, hoaxes and swindles and learn the signs to look out for to make sure you’re not the next victim…

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10 Most Popular Backpacker Books in South East Asia

Those who have been traveling recently may have noticed that there seems to be some kind of backpacker book club on the South East Asian trail. A quick perusal of the second hand book stores in any of the main backpacker haunts and you'll see the same copies, well-thumbed and highly priced denoting their status as big hits amongst the backpacker crowd. Some travel books, some best selling thrillers, here are the top 10 most popular books doing the rounds on the South East Asian circuit this year. Get in with the backpacker book conversations by getting a head start on your reading before you arrive! What are your favourite books to read whilst traveling?

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Koh Lipe, Thailand: Uncrowded Island Paradise

When you've visited Thailand's most popular islands, you may be ready for something a little bit different - somewhere that many backpackers haven’t been, done it and drank the souvenir bucket! Traveller, Laura Ball checks out one of Thailand's less crowded islands and discovers a real slice of paradise in Koh Lipe...

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Backpacker Video Diaries: Sneak Peek

Just how much untamed adventure can you get up to in Southeast Asia in six months? Courtney, Kaberly, Danielle and Jacqui; four backpacking girls from California are determined to find out. Come with us as we follow their crazy escapades through South East Asia and beyond!

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Which Type of Traveller Are You?

From 'Flashpackers' to 'Soul Searchers', you'll find all sorts of backpackers on the trail in South East Asia. The question is; Which type of traveller Are You?

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