14 of the Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

Nacpan beach, one of the beaches of El Nido, Palawan, The Philippines

This post was first published in 2015, but I’ve been to a lot more Southeast Asia beaches since then so it needed an update! Are you planning a trip to Southeast Asia? There’s so much to see – from ancient history, pulsating cities and stunning natural wonders, but perhaps the biggest draw in the region is the … Read more

15 of the Best Ancient Temples and Ruins in Asia

For me, one of the highlights of travelling in Asia is seeing history embodied in elaborate ancient temples and ruins. Here are some of my favourite temples and ruins in Asia, including Angkor Wat, the erotic temples of Khajuraho and the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Bagan, Myanmar (Burma) Do you watch romantic comedies and think … Read more

The 15 Best Natural Wonders in Southeast Asia

The best natural wonders in Southeast Asia

As my time in Southeast Asia draws to a close, I’m starting to think about all of the awesome places I’ve been. I love cities, history and architecture, but the most memorable aspects of the region for me are the unique and varied natural wonders. I hope you enjoy my list of the best natural wonders in Southeast Asia, but bear in mind that these are only places that I’ve been to, so I might have missed some popular ones!

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The Rat Factor: What is the Cleanest Country in Southeast Asia?

The rat factor: What is the cleanest country in Southeast Asia?

Everyone says not to judge books by their covers, but if you’re lazily looking for a quick way to review them then there really is no better way. I took the same attitude when trying to decide the cleanest country in Southeast Asia. Sure, I could have done a whole lot of research and bombarded you with facts and figures – but to be honest, the only figure I really care about is the number of rats I see (I have a fear of rats, check out this post to find out why). The rat factor may be a flawed system, but it’s as good as any other and could 1 day be the official cleanliness yardstick in respected publications like Lonely Planet (as long as they pay me for using my idea!).

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Should Travellers Be Working for Free in Guesthouses and Bars?

The main street on Koh Rong, Cambodia

“Are you looking for workers?” asked a weary looking couple at a guesthouse/restaurant in Koh Rong, Cambodia. “Not at the moment” was the reply from the offbeat Italian owner, and on they went. I heard this conversation twice in the 5 nights I spent there. I wanted to get to the bottom of why she was turning down free labour, as everyone else on Koh Rong seemed to be lapping it up; in pretty much every bar and guesthouse I saw travellers happily plying their trade.

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Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia: A Romantic Getaway

The pier at Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

Are you looking for a romantic break from the bustle of Southeast Asia? Are there too many tourists, touts and Bob Marley songs on other islands? Head to Koh Rong Samloem, where the water is clear, the bungalows are private and the beach is almost deserted. There are actually a few different beaches to stay … Read more

Koh Rong, Cambodia: One of the Best Places to Relax in Southeast Asia

The main beach on Koh Rong,a beautiful and relaxing island in Cambodia

A Journey to Koh Rong I’d like to think I’m a pretty good traveller. I haven’t been ripped off too badly and am usually switched on, but on my journey to Koh Rong, Cambodia, my form deserted me. My brain had already switched to island time, but unfortunately I hadn’t remembered to change my IPod to … Read more