Backpacking, Budget & Independent Travel Information for Southeast Asia

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…

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!

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?

Isolated from the rest of the world, Burma retains a sensual, sultry charm. In the summer months the heat hangs low and hazy, trapping the smoke of cheroots, traffic fumes and the heady sweetness of incense. Men dress in longyis (long sarong style skirts). Women’s faces are smeared with thanaka (tree bark). Down on the banks of the Irrawaddy in Yangon, men ferry back and forth loading up dilapidated 1940s flotilla ships with an assortment of wares. Ox-drawn carts clatter through narrow streets leaving plumes of dust. Entering Burma is like stepping back in time…

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?

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?

On 3rd February 2011 Chinese communities all over Southeast Asia will welcome in the New Year of the Rabbit. As dragon dances parade the streets and firecrackers fill the air, people hang red lanterns, give lucky red envelopes and pray for good fortune in the coming twelve months. But what does the Year of the Rabbit have in store? And why do people wear red at Chinese New Year?

The Thaipusam Festival is one of the largest and most extravagant Hindu festivals in Asia celebrated by followers worldwide. Each year, millions of devotees flock to the sacred site of The Batu Caves in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur to offer extravagant gestures of penance to Hindu Deity, Lord Murugan, son of Shiva. See incredible phtotos and watch amazing footage from January’s festival…

There are many places to learn how to dive across South East Asia but many people choose South Thailand; the tropical islands are popular favourites among backpackers from all over the world who want to try diving for the first time. The water is clear, warm and calm with very little current and home to many crazy critters and funky fish, making it perfect for beginners! This is a guest post by Ayesha Cantrell from Master Divers in Koh Tao, Thailand.

TEFL stands for ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’ and it’s the magic formula that many backpackers are using right now to fund their ongoing globe-trotting adventures. S.E.A Backpacker teamed up with Island TEFL based on the sun-drenched island of Koh Samui in Thailand to offer you this life-changing opportunity. In just 4 weeks you could be qualified to teach English anywhere in the world!