Party Hotspots: Koh Phangan – Don’t Miss Rhythm & Sands Festival, 24th January

Spending the festive season on Koh Phangan was never going to be your average chill-out affair, but even for party-fiends like us, the mere thought of a massive three-stage rave-up on the January 2nd (yes, the second of January) seemed… well. A bit… much? Could we handle it? Well, just a tiny peek at the lineup of Rhythm and Sands gave us our answer pretty sharpish: Hell, yes – we could. And was it worth it? Travel writer, Karen Farini finds out...

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Valentine’s Special: The Top 10 Best / Worst Chat Up Lines For Backpackers

Backpacking is one of the most free times of your life. With no job to get in the way, no responsibilities and your worldly goods on your back; could backpacking be the ideal time to meet that potential someone!? With the amount of alcohol that’s consumed on the South East Asia trail, it’s not surprising there’s a few tales to tell! Talk about beer goggles; wait till you get your bucket goggles on! If you're looking to pick up on the backpacker trail here at S.E.A Backpacker, we've put together some perfect travel-themed chat up lines that definitely won't get you a slap in the face... try them out this Valentines Day and let us know the results!

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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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From Ancient Explorers to Hippies & the Full Moon Party: A Short History of Backpacking!

I’ve often noticed the confused looks on the faces of some locals as they watch a herd of intrepid backpackers walk past. Why the hell don’t you just sit down and take your bag off? They must be thinking. Have you not got a home to go to? Are you crazy walking around in the heat with a 60 kilo rucksack on your back? Mmmh. They may have a point. But still, something makes us do it. Something inside our foolish souls gives us the urge to wander far from our safe homes. So, how did it all begin? Who started this nomadic trend in the first place? And just how has the concept of the ‘backpacker’ changed over the years?

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TOP 10 Must Try Drinks in South East Asia

From Thailand's notorious 'Bucket' to Malaysia's beloved 'Teh Tarik' we pick the best backpacker beverages in South East Asia. Healthy and refreshing or devilishly alcoholic and mind-blowing (Have you risked a taste of Cambodia's Scorpion Whiskey yet!?) Here are the TOP 10 must try thirst quenchers! How many tipples have you tried?

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Dancing with Fire in Thailand!

As darkness falls on the popular beaches of South Thailand nocturnal creatures to come out and play. The fire dancers take centre stage silencing audiences with their danger defiant moves. Much later, backpackers can be seen trying their luck at this dangerous sport with most deadliest of all fire dancing apparatus... the flaming skipping rope! Would you try your luck?

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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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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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