Southeast Asia travel blog posts

Should You Go to Koh Phi Phi, Thailand?

January 15, 2019May 14, 2015 by Jon Algie

You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about Koh Phi Phi and I’m guessing most of it has been negative. Koh Phi Phi is the perfect example of a Thai island paradise gone crazy, changed forever by ruthless developers and too many tourists. So then, should you go to Koh Phi Phi? I’ll try and … Read more

Backpacking in Laos: Costs, Tips and Places to See

August 19, 2016December 9, 2014 by Jon Algie

A bird cage at a riverside restaurant in Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos probably isn’t the first place you think of when planning a trip to Southeast Asia. There is no world famous cuisine, exotic beaches or crazy nightlife, but the stunning mountain scenery and laid back attitude of the locals make it my favourite country in the region. Backpacking in Laos is a far more relaxing … Read more

Southeast Asia Backpacking Highlights (Part 2)

January 5, 2016November 6, 2014 by Jon Algie

Here’s part 2 of my Southeast Asia backpacking highlights series (it’ll probably be the last, so I’m not sure if that’s really a series…). Check out part 1 here.

Backpacking in Southeast Asia: The Highlights

January 5, 2016October 15, 2014 by Jon Algie

Southeast Asia has been good to me. It was the first place I travelled (after living in Taiwan for a year) and that 6 month stint of backpacking in Southeast Asia morphed into a lifelong passion for travel. I met the love of my life while working in Singapore and filled in some of the gaps that I missed on my first trip. Since leaving my job in April I’ve filled in even more of those gaps, and now I’m waiting for a flight to London to continue a trip that will eventually take me around the world.

Luang Prabang: The Land of Temples and Rivers

January 5, 2016October 2, 2014 by Jon Algie

The palace near the National Museum in Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos is full of lazy river towns where you can lose yourself in hammocks for days. You’ll overhear people moaning about having to leave or frantically cutting out places they’d planned to go just to spend a bit more time away from the bustle of the Southeast Asian tourist trail. Luang Prabang isn’t quite as relaxing as Don Det, Nong Khiaw or Muang Ngoi, but its mix of history, culture and stunning river views makes it one of the nicest (and most popular) towns in Southeast Asia.

The Mysterious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, Laos

January 5, 2016September 23, 2014 by Jon Algie

The jars at Plain of Jars site 2 in Phonsavan, Laos

Between 2 and 3 thousand years ago, in what is now Central Laos, an ancient civilization decided to build thousands of jars. The obvious question is why, and it’s one that has never had a definite answer. There are a few theories floating around for why the Plain of Jars came into existence. The most likely … Read more

Muang Ngoi: An Idyllic Village in Northern Laos

January 5, 2016September 17, 2014 by Jon Algie

Before my current trip to Laos I’d spent about 6 weeks in the country and hadn’t even come close to seeing everything I wanted. Muang Ngoi (also known as Muang Ngoi Neua) was one of the towns I reluctantly skipped last time, so I decided to make it the centrepiece of this 2 week trip.

To say Muang Ngoi is laid back is a huge understatement. It’s the very definition of a sleepy Southeast Asian village, complete with playful dogs, roaming chickens and curious kids. I was in Muang Ngoi in September, so it might be a bit busier in high season, but I’m sure you’ll find peace whatever time of year you visit.

Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi, Laos: An Awesome Boat Ride

January 5, 2016September 12, 2014 by Jon Algie

Boats on the river on the journey from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi

Laos is full of idyllic riverside towns and taking a boat between 2 of the most beautiful ones, from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi, was one of my favourite experiences in Southeast Asia’s most laidback country. This stretch of the Nam Ou River is particularly stunning; the only problem is that the boats aren’t built with photography … Read more