Review: Bangkok’s Cool Hangout Hostel, Lub d – more than just a bunk bed!

Every now and again, we’re asked to review a hostel in South East Asia, which makes us nervous. Running S.E.A Backpacker Magazine for over three years, we’ve crossed the threshold of countless hostels and dumped our backpacks on more beds than we can remember. There’s a lot of trying and testing been done – WIFI, breakfasts, staff and their local knowledge... After all this time, what can we say? To tell you the truth, we’ve become rather fussy buggers! So will Lub d Hostels in Silom and Siam, Bangkok pass the test?

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A Quirky Side to Thailand… 10 Unexpected Highlights Overlooked by Backpackers

A glo-paint smeared body, bucket in each hand and a night of dancing and debauchery? A perfect palm-fringed, white sandy beach, waves lapping into shore as you sip a fresh coconut juice? Or perhaps, it's the chaos of Bangkok; the colourful markets, bustling streets and glitzy shopping malls? What does Thailand mean to you? Here we present to you a different side of Thailand, a quirky side and 10 unexpected and unusual places that are often overlooked by backpackers...

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Backpacker Video of the Month: Six Months Walking in Asia

To discover the beauties of the planet and to make them immortal; to represent the spirit of every magical corner of the world and every culture... June's Backpacker Video of the Month is Marco Giovanelli's wonderful visual representation of his adventure through Asia. It kept all of us at the office captivated and smiling - you're gonna LOVE this..!

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Notes From the Editor: Travel and a Simple Twist of Fate

Unencumbered by routine and responsibility, backpackers are free to make impulsive decisions that have the potential to change the next few days, weeks, even years of their lives. Have you ever wondered how differently your backpacking trip may have turned out if certain, seemingly insignificant events had gone differently? Retracing the steps of your journey it is possible to pinpoint those tiny instances that with hindsight literally changed everything, the course of your journey and even your life...

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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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Taking it to the Streets! Your Guide to Street Food in South East Asia

South East Asia is famous for it’s street food, but the sad fact is that many backpackers are either too scared to try it or have no idea what to order or where to start! It’s true with the abundance of stalls selling a huge variety of dishes ranging from curries, soups, noodles and rice dishes to fruit, dried squid, meatballs, kebabs and deep fried snacks - the experience can be overwhelming to say the least. “What will I order? How will I know what I’m eating?” Here are some guidelines to get you started as a street food connoisseur...

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Happy Chinese New Year! The Year of the Rabbit, 2011

On 3rd February 2011 Chinese communities all over Southeast Asia will welcome in the New Year of the Rabbit. As dragon dances parade the streets and firecrackers fill the air, people hang red lanterns, give lucky red envelopes and pray for good fortune in the coming twelve months. But what does the Year of the Rabbit have in store? And why do people wear red at Chinese New Year?

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The Image of Thailand

The recent crisis in Bangkok threatened tourism in Thailand and left Thai people in a state of shock. So, should you still visit? We argue that Thailand is still the exotic destination you've always dreamed of and with cheap deals NOW may just be the best time for backpackers to visit!

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