Phangan Film Festival: Bringing Culture to Thailand’s Famous Full Moon Party Island

The beautiful, tropical island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand has long been stereotyped as a 'party island,' due to the monthly 'Full Moon Party' taking place on Haad Rin Beach. However, recently the island is becoming a centre for arts and culture in Thailand, with the rise of independent events such as the highly-acclaimed, Phangan Film Festival. Held in 2012 on 24th - 26th February, the festival hosts a diverse range of global films; from a documentary about global warming, to a film exploring punk-rock and spirituality to a short movie portraying the magic island of Bali, Indonesia. Making a well-needed cultural change from the usual backpacker event, this festival is definitely one to put on your travel itinerary...

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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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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 Ways to Prepare For Life as a Backpacker

Ants in your rice, squat toilets and "Hello Motorbike?!" Traveller Jessica Bryn Thomas offers some important tips about how to adapt to life as a backpacker in South East Asia. If you are wondering how to prepare for your travels, read Jessica's 10 quirky suggestions. Forget the guide book and mosquito net - have a cold shower, google 'how to use the bum gun' and buy a rooster NOW!

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10 Things Backpackers in Thailand Should Not Miss!

Whether you’re a party animal, outdoorsy type, culture vulture or beach bum, Thailand has something for everyone! Stunning white sands, tropical rain forests, delicious food, friendly locals and crazy night life; it’s no wonder Thailand continues to lure thousands of backpackers to its beautiful shores year after year. Check out these '10 experiences backpackers should not miss!'

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The Temples of Angkor, Cambodia

Breathtaking and awe-inspiring, Angkor Wat will astound even the most unlikely of backpackers. Beer guzzlers are turned into Culture Vulture’s overnight as Chang Vests are replaced with ones that say ‘Angkor Wat is f**ing amazing!’ Hailed as one of the most magnificent examples of architecture ever created, it’s a site not to be missed for all travellers in South East Asia.

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A Very Short History of Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are a popular fashion statement for many backpackers in South East Asia, but where does the trend come from? From dreadlocked Egyptian Mummies, to Hindu Holy Men and Rastafarians, we look back at the roots of this unique hairstyle!

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South East Asia: A rice ingrained culture

For backpackers in Asia, rice forms part of a cheap meal, but to the people of Asia, especially for the very poorest, rice is not just a food. Rice equals life. In fact, nearly 7 out of 10 people, or two thirds of the world's population depend on it for sustenance...

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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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