Photo of the Month: Forgiven or Forgotten?

Our Photo of the Month for June appears insignificant at first glance - a middle-aged man in a bright shirt, posing for a picture in front of a pretty backdrop; what's so special about that? - but, what it represents could mean so much more...

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Event of the Month: Bali Arts Festival 2012, Indonesia (11th June – 9th July)

Taking place over an entire month from mid June to mid July, the Bali Arts Festival is a unique extravaganza of arts, music, dance and history celebrating passion and pride in Balinese culture. Amongst other performances, famous masked dances originating from tribal villages are showcased and ancient classic stories retold. There's a vibrant atmosphere all across the island as celebrations are enjoyed by locals and travellers alike. For first time travellers to Bali, it's a fantastic introduction to the rich heritage of the spirited destination...

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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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Which Type of Traveller Are You?

Culture Vulture, Flashpacker, Beer Guzzler, Spiritual Seeker or Hard Core Adventurer... There are all kinds of travelers that you will find on the trail in South East Asia. So which type of traveller are you?

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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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