Joma Fair Trade Coffee: Helping Communities & The Environment in Laos

Joma Bakery is leading the way in Fair Trade, organic coffee in Laos and Vietnam. Working with the Jhai Coffee Farmers Co-operative (JCFC) to cultivate the unique 'arabica' coffee bean, Joma is able to serve coffee that is delicious, ethical and environmentally conscious. The local ethnic groups who work in the Bolaven Plateau coffee growing area are ensured a fair sale price and the plants are grown in an eco-friendly way. Learn more about where coffee comes from in Laos and why it is important to be aware of where your food and drink comes from!

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Off The Beaten Track In Laos: The Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven Plateau, Laos, home to a cluster of small villages, is less prominent on the standard backpacker itinerary and, despite being only a stones throw away from Four Thousand Islands, has only been lightly grazed by the hand of tourism. Visitors will experience authentic village life amongst friendly chain-smoking locals and discover a magical and hidden watery world of natural jacuzzi's and waterfalls...

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12 Most Popular Islands for Backpackers in South East Asia

Indonesia has an estimated 17,508, The Philippines 7107, (7100 at low tide), and Thailand’s not doing badly either with a tropical paradise to suit every taste. There’s no doubt that South East Asia’s got more than its fair share of beautiful tropical islands. Beaches, jungle, mountains, diving, partying, even dolphin spotting... each sparkling gem seems to offer something just a bit different from the next. We take a look at some of the most popular islands amongst backpackers in South East Asia. Where will you find your tropical island paradise?

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7 Epic Journeys in South East Asia

Some involve arduous days on a hot, cramped bus, some consist of a five minute breezy ride on the turquoise sea... no matter how long or short, there are some journeys from your backpacking adventure that you will never forget! We spoke to backpackers to find out the most memorable trips in South East Asia. From the famous 27 hour Laos-Vietnam bus, to the infamous tuk tuks of Bangkok, how many journeys can you tick off?

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Backpacker Video Diaries: A Traditional Good Luck Ceremony in Laos

After teaching English to local children in a small village outside Luang Prabang in Northern Laos, Courtney, Kaberly, Danielle and Jacqui are asked to take part in a traditional Laotion ceremony. They are thanked for helping the students and blessed with good luck for their onward travels. A 'Baci Ceremony' only occurs once a year and the girls were overwhelmed and honoured to be a part of such an incredible cultural experience. Watch the video of their special travel moment here!

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Backpacker Visa Guide to Southeast Asia

As a backpacker in South East Asia crossing borders becomes a regular undertaking. Each country has a different rule of entry and some countries will require you to apply for a visa before you travel. As visa requirements often change, for travellers it can be difficult to plan things like budget and duration of travel. Here, we've done our best to compile the latest visa information in South East Asia to make it easier to plan your trip!

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Backpacker Video Diaries: Teaching English in Luang Prabang, Laos

Four girls backpacking in Southeast Asia visit a small village where they teach English to a group of local children. Flash cards, enthusiastic students, dancing and even a chicken in the class! Watch Courtney, Kaberly, Jacqui and Danielle at work in the classroom on their first few days. Take a look around the village of 'Baan Phov Mok' and see the children take Danielle across a river and to a nearby waterfall for an adventurous field trip!

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Off the Beaten Track: Motorbike Adventures in Central Laos

Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane. There's loads more to see in Laos than these three places! Backpacker Michael Alty describes his off the beaten track adventure on 'the loop' - a four day motorbike trip starting from the small village of Tha Kaek in Central Laos.

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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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Tubing! Vang Vieng, Laos: What’s all the Fuss?

Up there with the Full Moon Party in terms of a backpacking ‘rites of passage’, Tubing in Vang Vieng, (Laos) is known as the best party in South East Asia! A startling claim for a place described by the Lonely Planet just fifteen years ago as ‘far removed from the Western world.’ With backpackers flocking there in the thousands; it’s clear the excitement isn’t about to slow down soon! But can it really be as good as they all say it is? One backpacker tells his tale…

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