7 Unusual Delicacies in South East Asia!

It’s a test of manhood, there’s no going back now… Surrounded by your newly made travel buddies, you stare nervously at the morsel now on the plate in front of you. You just can’t wimp out now – or can you? Surely a buffalo’s anus is nutritious and delicious right? Err… As a backpacker in South East Asia, you're sure to come face to face with a bizarre and unusual dish or two. Here's our pick of South East Asia's strangest delicacies. Would you dare to tantalize your taste buds with the following exotic delicacies?

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Going Back to Nature: The Gibbon Experience, Laos

Just like out of a storybook. It was flying among the trees of the rainforest during the day and seeking shelter in our tree house at canopy level come night. Even the images I saw before embarking on this experience couldn’t do it justice. It was an experience I will forever try to match. An experience I don’t know if I can ever quite match. A journey they call, 'The Gibbon Experience'...

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Newsflash Laos! Is this the END of Tubing, Vang Vieng?

You’ve heard the rumours filtering from the Banana Pancake Trail and you don’t quite want to believe it. What’s that? Noooo! Frame and mount that ‘In the Tubing’ vest of yours... is ‘Tubing’ really over? We spoke to bar owner, Greg Haywood of Fluid Bar and the local Laos government to find out what the hell is going on? What lies in store for the future of South East Asia's most popular party spot? This is the absolute latest news, November 2012!

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Responsible Volunteering in South East Asia: 15 Points to Consider

There are many opportunities for volunteering in South East Asia, from teaching English to conservation. Check out our points to consider before committing yourself to ensure the experience is rewarding for everyone involved.

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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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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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