Our Two Step Start

Category: Southeast Asia

  • Palawan Travel Guide for 2024

    Palawan Travel Guide for 2024

    Palawan Island is located in the Philippines, and is a thin strip of land furthest west. It’s a popular place for travellers as there are many stops across the large island. There are beautiful beaches, once in a lifetime activities and amazing food!

    The Island is one of 7,641 Islands that make up the country of Philippines; with many dotted just off the shores. It’s a convenient location for travellers as you are only a 1/2 hour flight away when arriving in the capital of Manila, making it easily accessible! Also, if you have travelled other parts of the Philippines you can get a ferry from Cebu to Coron, but this will take a long time to travel – roughly 35 hours which will stop at other locations including the capital Manila, before heading to Coron (north Palawan). You can also fly from Cebu to Palawan which is roughly 2,000 Philippine Peso which is a lot quicker and not much more expensive!!

    The island is definitely worth the travel and wait time as we have not seen such paradisal beaches and islands anywhere else in the world!! The options are to fly to Puerto Princesa which is in the central part of the Island, or to the north Island of Coron which is the Busuanga Airport.

    *There are affiliate links in this post – they do not come at any extra cost to you, but just means we can earn commission to help us pursue this further 🙂

    Beautiful blue waters and beach hut in Coron, Palawan, in the Philippines
    Coron, Philippines

    Puerto Princesa

    The first location in our Palawan guide is Puerto Princess! The popular flight (and easiest) is to Puerto Princesa, as it is the larger airport and has more flights. However, Coron is a popular spot and one you don’t want to miss out on. We would recommend to head to Puerto Princesa and get local transport (likely a TukTuk) into the city of Puerto Princesa, which is roughly a 30 minute ride. There isn’t much to do here but is a lovely quiet place perfect to get over any jet lag from your travels! 12Go offer a bus and ferry option to transfer from Coron port to Puerto Princesa Airport here.

    We would recommend 1 nights in Puerto Princesa if you are fast travelling and 2 nights if you are slow travelling. As mentioned above, there isn’t much to do in the area but there is 2 activities we would recommend to do that you shouldn’t miss!

    The first of these are the underground river! The underground river is a natural UNESCO heritage site which a great way to learn more about the rich history of the Philippines and it’s beauty. This experience is a short walk into the Philippines forest where you come up to large rock formations and stunning blue water which leads into the mouth of a dark cave.

    You are given a guide who will paddle you through the caves and point out any interesting parts of the cave with his flashlight. Before entering the cave you are provided with a headset which has an automatic recording which will talk to you and inform you on the history of the cave and how it became so popular. Find guided tour tickets here.

    In the cave you will learn about Stalagmites and Stalactites, and be notified of the amount of bats in the cave. This will be pointed out by the guide through shining the torch for visibility. All round, the experience is calming, and is a lovely way to learn about the local caves. There is even potential to see wild monkeys on the way into and out of the caves! Be sure to avoid contact with them as they are wild monkeys, and are not pets!

    This is a great way to spend half a day in Puerto Princesa, and is one of the most popular spots in the area!

    Also close to Puerto Princesa is Port Barton.

    Port Barton

    This is another popular spot in Palawan, just north of Puerto Princesa, which is a literal paradise! The area of Port Barton has a large Horseshoe beach with many islands just off the coast.. perfect for a boat trip! The town has become more popular of recent years as more travellers are becoming aware of it’s natural beauty!

    It would be recommended to stay here for 2/3 nights and from here head further north. However, this is a great location to kick back, relax on the stunning beaches and spend time going for swims, snorkelling to look for marine animals, and exploring the area.

    It’s located near a mangrove and has some amazing walks to beaches which are so quiet that it seems private! The area is so stunning and always recommended by travellers who have been there. Also here is local waterfalls which you can venture to and spend some time taking in the natural beauty!

    There’s even an island called Paradise Island!!! You can book an island hopping tour that visits this island here.

    After enjoying Port Barton in all it’s beauty, you can then head up north towards El Nido by taking the most popular transport of a taxi/shuttle dependant on preference. The shuttle would be cheaper as it is taking multiple groups of people but will be slower and will usually take 4 or so hours. You can find a shuttle bus transport from 12Go for only £9 here. When we made the journey up to the north of Palawan to El Nido our shuttle blew a tyre and we were stuck on the side of a road for 1 hour with only a few local huts housing families and stray dogs. It was a welcoming experience as these people lived such a simple life and was so amazing to see it! Hopefully this doesn’t happen to you haha!

    El Nido

    When looking to visit El Nido there are 2 main hostels that travellers book! One is Frendz Hostel and another is Outpost Hostel. We opted for the latter which turned out to be one of the best hostels we stayed in across the whole 3 months in Asia! The hostel has everything you can ask for! Lovely staff, amazing facilities, good price, boat trips, the beach on the doorstep and more!

    When we say the beach on the doorstep, we mean that once we were dropped off near the hostel on the side of the road, we had to wander down steps onto the beach as pointed out by a sign. We wandered the beach for 2 minutes and boom there’s the hostel. Literally 3 steps up from the beach. It is so close that when you wake up in the morning and head down for breakfast, you will notice the tide has come in and if you are to go on the beach you will have to walk through the sea!

    You have the choice from a shared dorm of 12/8/4 or a private room. It is known to be a lively hostel, a place for people to meet fellow travellers and enjoy the evenings! Each day the hostel have boat tours running (there are 2 to do which are alternated), which we would recommend 100%. It’s an island hopping tour that really stood out and you will see places that literally look out of this world. The tours (as of September 2022) cost around £15 per person and would be from 9am till 5/6pm, which is inclusive of lunch (fresh fish and fruits like pineapple and watermelon), party games between islands (including alcohol), and snorkel gear and recommendations on where to find marine animals. It’s so worth the money and you get to know all the fellow travellers on the trip as well which is amazing!

    On the tour we met up with some local islanders that lived on one of the many islands dotted around the Philippines. Even though they didn’t speak English or we didn’t speak their language, we decided to play a game of Volleyball with the locals with mixed teams. We got to understand the simplicity of their life and how grateful they were for what little they had. It was such a surreal experience and on the island we were able to enjoy the sunset before heading back to the hostel for the end of the trip.

    As expected, we did both the boat tours which take separate routes around the islands visiting different areas! Once you get back you are welcomed at the bar with a free drink and the socialising has begun!

    The hostel offers great food, but it is a lot more expensive to eat at the hostel compared to local places just a 5/10 minute away. We are taking sometimes 3 times more expensive!

    If you do enjoy the party scene, you can venture into El Nido later in the evening and find a popular club called Amigos which has an amazing view once you walk through it! At the back you fall straight on the beach only 10/20 feet away from the sea and we can’t lie we had a few dips in there because why not! Many would take off their clothes and go in the sea in their underwear to then come out the sea, dry off and put their clothes back on to head back into the club! The vibes are electric and the people are super friendly! Even next door to the club there is an amazing burger spot which is a great place to stumble in once you have completed the night and looking for a late snack!

    From Outpost Hostel to the centre of town should only cost 100 Pesos (£1.50) each way and you can ride multiple people in one TukTuk!

    In the day there is still loads more to do! We ended up renting a driver and a group of us headed to some famous beaches (Nacpan & Duli Beach). These are roughly 45 – 60 minutes north of El Nido but well worth the journey! The beaches were empty, we were the only ones there! We stopped and had lunch on the beach before going into the sea and enjoying the beautiful weather! After a while, and moving between beaches, we came across loads of local Philippines kids running and playing on the sand which was awesome to see! As a group we played some volleyball and tired ourselves out to collapse on the sun loungers and enjoy the sunset. There’s no better way to enjoy this than ordering a local dessert of Halo Halo, which was so refreshing and beautiful! Definitely worth a try!!

    Also in El Nido there is a local waterfall called Nagkalit-Kalit ,which is a beautiful activity to experience, take photos, see the nature and swim under! El Nido is a place full of nature and one that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

    Moving on from El Nido would be to take a Ferry from the mainland of Palawan to the island of Busuanga which is the next location of Coron! The Ferry is pretty expensive at £40-£50+ and takes roughly 5 hours dependant on the weather and the choppy waters. Please note that the Ferry only runs 2 times a week (was Tuesday and Thursday we believe in 2022) so be sure to check this before looking to book as you might be stranded in El Nido for a few extra days if you don’t plan ahead. It’s not really the worst place to be left stranded!! You can book the ferry here.

    Coron

    From here you can head up north to the Island of Coron which is part of Palawan. Coron is a small seaside town that has some great activities that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

    Here we would recommend to stay at Outpost Hostel located in Coron. This is the same company as the one in El Nido, but is less party and more chilled out. It is located through the town, and up a steep street that overlooks much of the town- and provide great views of the sea and sunrise/sunset. The Hostel also has a small pool you can use and offers daily entertainment each evening which normally consists of drinking games and fun!

    The hostel is super friendly and is only a 15 minute walk from the main town, which has some good entertainment like a place to play pool and some great local food spots. In Coron, we would recommend going on boat tours as there are so many pretty islands close to the island. However, be aware that it is slightly more expensive than the tours in El Nido, and doesn’t offer the same entertaining perks as well. You will also be required to provide your own snorkel equipment or purchase/rent the equipment for the tour.

    The tour will include going to some beautiful islands and swimming in some amazing turquoise blue lakes which are breath taking. You seriously cannot get bored of the tours and the beauty of the country Philippines. One of these being Barracuda lake which houses actual Barracuda’s that live deep in the lake and are seldom seen. Unfortunately we didn’t see one but one of our friends did and if you are lucky you may see them too!

    In the town of Coron you can take a walk up into the hills and find a spot where you can look over the whole town and the waters afar! Mount Tapyas is a popular hike and one that will take you up hundreds of steps and roughly takes 60 – 90 minutes if you take your time. Up here you will see a large sign like the one in Hollywood and be able to witness a beautiful view with picturesque islands in the back. This would be a great place to venture up before sunrise or at sunset to see some beautiful views!

    Coron is a hotspot for many aspiring divers to get their PADI diving certificate or learn how to free dive. It has some cool locations including reefs, turtle spots and shipwrecks where you are able to do this and learn how to scuba dive and earn your PADI certificate!

    Also in Coron, there’s a natural hot spring called Maquinit which allows you to bathe in naturally heated pools of water to relax and sooth your soul. Coron is such a beautiful seaside town full of character and beauty. It’s certainly a place you can’t miss out on!

    Palawan

    The best time to visit Palawan would ideally be between November to May as this is technically their summer time. This means there is less risk of bad weather and encountering typhoons or cyclones which are more apparent between June and October. However, when we visited Palawan it was the start/middle of September and the weather was beautiful. Full of sun with a few cloudy days! There were a few days (mostly in Coron) where we were hit with heavy rain or wet weather but it adds to the experience and really didn’t dampen our spirits while there!

    Leaving the islands of Palawan would generally consist of grabbing a plane to either the capital Manila or onto the rest of the Philippines like Cebu from Francisco B. Reyes Airport. It’s located close to Coron would only be a short TukTuk ride to here!

    Are you visiting Southeast Asia anytime soon? Check out the most useful apps for Southeast Asia travel, alongside our other Southeast Asia blogs here.

    Visiting Palawan is such a beautiful journey

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  • Top 7 Must-Visit Places in Vietnam: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for 2024

    Top 7 Must-Visit Places in Vietnam: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for 2024

    Vietnam is a stunning location that is rich in culture and beauty. The Vietnamese people are very proud of their countries heritage, and has some beautiful historic monuments that thousands of travellers visit each week.

    The country has so much to do, there are mountains in the north, forests in the west, a stunning coastline on the east and little tropical Islands dotted about.

    Out of the countries in South East Asia, it is not as popular as Thailand or Indonesia, but is just as beautiful. It’s a country that has months worth of places to visit, and some of the kindest people in the world; but a place not many take the time to discover.

    In this list we have narrowed the activities and places to visit down to 7, so when you are backpacking Vietnam you can see the best things to do, and not miss out on seeing what the country has to offer! These are based on our personal experiences, and those we have met travelling that have given their views on Vietnam and the best things to do.

    This list is the things we would recommend all travellers/backpackers to do when visiting Vietnam. These are ones that we couldn’t miss out on and will make your time one to remember!

    *There are affiliate links in this post – they do not come at any extra cost to you, but just means we can earn commission to help us pursue this further 🙂

    1. Hoi an

    Hoi An is a small city located on the east side of Vietnam just south of Da Nang. This archipelago is a beautiful setting which we stumbled upon, filled with markets and a river that runs directly through the middle. This welcomes Vietnamese boats and boat rides in traditional circular boats down the river. Hear you can experience some of the countryside and learn more about the area!

    Further in the city, they have the most stunning tradition to light lanterns on the river to create a beautiful view. It’s something that is unique and really sets a lovely tone in the city when you wander. You can actually create your own foldable lantern in this workshop here, which can collapse nicely to fit in your luggage home, for a stunning authentic souvenir home! In the city there are so many local shops that offer real leather products and jewellery which would be perfect to shop at!

    They are some awesome food spots as well so make sure to take your time in this area, and we would recommend a 1 night stay to make the most of your time in Hoi An. You can enjoy a small group food tour around Hoi An with a guide to experience the best local foods here.

    2. Ha Long Bay

    This is known as one of the natural wonders of the world, and a place that is like no other on our planet. It’s located on the coast which is east of Hanoi and has over 1,600 islands to explore!

    You can experience an overnight cruise which you stay on the boat and spend the night on the water in nature, such as this beautiful 5 star cruise here, or the day cruise to visit many islands, like this one here where you can see caves, go kayaking, swimming and more! During thie trip you will have opportunities to stop at the islands to explore. These includes the famous Titop island named after the Russian Cosmonaut that was the 2nd person to ever orbit the Earth.

    Activities include kayaking in natural waters, wildlife watching (including wild monkeys) and cave exploring! There’s so much to see and do and the views are breath taking. We would definitely take the time to travel to Ha Long Bay and and experience the natural wonder!

    However, there’s not much to do in Ha Long as it’s very quite and a lot of the city is closed so be prepared to keep yourself busy. We would only recommend 1/2 night max as you will run out of things to do in the city very quickly!

    3. Ha Giang Loop

    When travelling South East Asia, we wasn’t even aware of this as an activity and was only told during our first outing in the Philippines. We met a local traveller who had spend 6-12 months in Asia and said this is the BEST thing he has done so far while here.

    The Ha Giang Loop is a small village in the north west region of Vietnam and is located just south of a hundreds of miles of open roads, peaks and tiny villages high up in the mountains. This is a largely undiscovered area which has seldom roads weaving in valley and alongside mountains.

    As expected, it is home to some of the most amazing views we have EVER witnessed and really connects you back with nature.

    If is recommended to book the Ha Giang Loop with hostels or activity companies, like this one, as it is safer and they have a set route. However, if you are adventurous you can hire your own motorbike and head into the mountains yourself! Please note that the region is vast and you could easily get lost so we would only recommend this if you are an avid bike rider and know the area well, or have planned this thoroughly.

    When booking, you can choose anywhere between 2 – 4 days and they provide you with a full breakdown of everything you will do while completing the loop. No matter the length of time you will see breath-taking views, eat some amazing food deep into the mountains and visit isolated waterfalls.

    Unfortunately we only did 2 days worth and loved every second of it! We would tell everyone that they need to do the 4 day Loop which will take you further into the mountains, go to the China border, visit cliffs and so much more!! It’s an experience that changed our outlook on our travels, and we have vowed to go back and complete the full loop in the future!

    During the first day we started out early around 9 am and get to meet your personal rider (if you have chosen this). You can ride the bike yourself but we would only do this if you are a competent rider and know rode motorbikes confidently before. We opted for a driver to be safe!

    It’s important to note that you will only take a small bag that is taken on the bike so pack light! You can rent protective gear for the ride which you should do! Normally you can get up to 60 km so falling off can be very dangerous. It’s cheap and could save your life if the worst was to happen. We would also recommend to take long sleeve clothing and long trousers so protect your legs. It can get warm on the back of the bike but it will protect you if you were to fall off.

    During the rike, you will take a break every 1 – 1 1/2 hours to stretch your legs, nip toilet and eat some food and drink before heading off again! You will stop for lunch in a small town on Day one and have food included which is a buffet. The food is beautiful and a great place to fill yourself up and meet your fellow riders!

    The place to stay is hidden in a small town and offers another buffet for dinner which includes the BEST food we have ever tasted… and this was veggie spring rolls. Drinks are available and you can dance the night away with music and get to know all the amazing people around you. It really is a great experience! The next day you leave early and head forward further into the mountains but we headed back another way and made stops at some beautiful locations where we took photos and met some amazing people. This included taking a break at a waterfall and going for a swim. Me and the rider took turns jumping off the rocks into the waterfall and even rock, paper, scissor to see who jumped first… (Jack won!!).

    It was an out of this world experience and will definitely be the best thing you do in Vietnam! It’s just beautiful.

    The Ha Giang loop is usually booked through local (Jasmine Hostel) hostels or on activity companies in Vietnam

    4. Da Nang – Marble Mountains

    The Marble Mountains are located in Da Nang and is a great way to learn about the history of Vietnam, and explore cultural caves. The marble mountains include many steps which take you past sculptures, pagoda’s, religious caves, and old relic houses.

    It would take roughly 3-4 hours to explore and offer some amazing views of the city and beach from above. You can climb all the way to the top and even stop off for a quick ice-cream as you recover for the humid weather. The marble mountains get the name by being made from marble which is shown through sculpture shops surrounding showing off their amazing work. A lot of the statues are taller than us and are perfectly created!

    It’s such an amazing part of Vietnam to walk through and there really is no place like it. When leaving the mountain you can enter some souvenir shops that have small marble items you can purchase to remember this beautiful place by!

    5. Cu Chi Caves

    In Ho Chi Minh you can get a bus to the caves and learn more about the history of Vietnam. Vietnam were involved in a civil war between the 50s and 70s which saw many thousands of lives lost. During the war, the Vietnamese used tunnels as a way of hiding from the enemy and built a small tunnel civilisation which they would live in to survive.

    This is now available to visit and go into to see how they lived and learn more about the war. During this, you will be able to see the tunnels they walked and lived in, how they hid the entrances and many traps that they would lay to kill any enemy and how it was used. Find a half-day tour here, with an informative guide straight from Ho Chi Minh City.

    This really helps understand the war more and is a great way to spend half a day near Ho Chi Minh City.

    6. Hanoi Tailored Clothing

    Hanoi is a well known location for travellers to pick up tailored clothing to take home. There are so many tailored clothing shops and the quality of the maker and materials is amazing. They will show you different materials and designs to choose from and will let you design and create your own clothes and make it fit you perfectly.

    Once you place your order, you then leave it with them for a few days so it is designed and put together before picking it up. A lot of people struggle with finding a suitable place to keep/pack the clothing once purchased but you can now get the clothes sent home which they will sort at an extra cost.

    This is a rather expensive experience which can cost upwards of £100 – £200 as a minimum. You can easily spend close to £1,000 on tailored clothing but the clothes will last due the use of some top quality material and the expertise of the makers. For men it’s great to get a suit for home and for the ladies a dress that can remind you of your times in South East Asia.

    7. Mui Ne

    This is a place not many know about in Vietnam but definitely will be popular in the future! This hidden gem is a beautiful paradisal beach which is located next to sand dunes. These sand dunes are red, yellow and white so you can experience some amazing colours dependant on what part of Mui Ne you are.

    This is a perfect spot to do sandboarding activities and hire quad bikes/dune buggies to ride across the sand and have the best time. Once you are tired after a long activity in the sun, there’s no better place to collapse and enjoy the crystal clear waters and soak up the sun with an ice-cream or a fresh coconut.

    These sand dunes make you feel like you are in the Sahara Dessert and there is not any similar locations in South East Asia so make sure not to miss out on this!

    Vietnam is a must visit spot!

    Vietnam is an amazing country that is a must to explore for all travellers. There is so much to explore and learn whilst being here and it’s a place you are sure to make memories.

    Make sure to check out our backpackers guide to Hanoi and our other blogs on how to backpack South East Asia and other countries across the world.

    If you would like to support our own travel Journey, please check out all our other blogs, and subscribe to the newsletter where we are currently uploading daily blogs!

    You can follow our Backpacking and travel journey through our Social Medias below:

    Finally, share this post with your friends! Let’s build those travel plans!

    Leave a comment

  • Vietnam Travel Guide; Top 7 Must-Visit Places in Vietnam

    Vietnam Travel Guide; Top 7 Must-Visit Places in Vietnam

    Vietnam is a stunning location that is rich in culture and beauty. The Vietnamese people are very proud of their countries heritage, and has some beautiful historic monuments that thousands of travellers visit each week.

    The country has so much to do, there are mountains in the north, forests in the west, a stunning coastline on the east and little tropical Islands dotted about.

    Out of the countries in South East Asia, it is not as popular as Thailand or Indonesia, but is just as beautiful. It’s a country that has months worth of places to visit, and some of the kindest people in the world; but a place not many take the time to discover.

    In this list we have narrowed the activities and places to visit down to 7, so when you are backpacking Vietnam you can see the best things to do, and not miss out on seeing what the country has to offer! These are based on our personal experiences, and those we have met travelling that have given their views on Vietnam and the best things to do.

    This list is the things we would recommend all travellers/backpackers to do when visiting Vietnam. These are ones that we couldn’t miss out on and will make your time one to remember!

    *There are affiliate links in this post – they do not come at any extra cost to you, but just means we can earn commission to help us pursue this further 🙂

    1. Hoi an

    Hoi An is a small city located on the east side of Vietnam just south of Da Nang. This archipelago is a beautiful setting which we stumbled upon, filled with markets and a river that runs directly through the middle. This welcomes Vietnamese boats and boat rides in traditional circular boats down the river. Hear you can experience some of the countryside and learn more about the area!

    Further in the city, they have the most stunning tradition to light lanterns on the river to create a beautiful view. It’s something that is unique and really sets a lovely tone in the city when you wander. You can actually create your own foldable lantern in this workshop here, which can collapse nicely to fit in your luggage home, for a stunning authentic souvenir home! In the city there are so many local shops that offer real leather products and jewellery which would be perfect to shop at!

    They are some awesome food spots as well so make sure to take your time in this area, and we would recommend a 1 night stay to make the most of your time in Hoi An. You can enjoy a small group food tour around Hoi An with a guide to experience the best local foods here.

    2. Ha Long Bay

    This is known as one of the natural wonders of the world, and a place that is like no other on our planet. It’s located on the coast which is east of Hanoi and has over 1,600 islands to explore!

    You can experience an overnight cruise which you stay on the boat and spend the night on the water in nature, such as this beautiful 5 star cruise here, or the day cruise to visit many islands, like this one here where you can see caves, go kayaking, swimming and more! During thie trip you will have opportunities to stop at the islands to explore. These includes the famous Titop island named after the Russian Cosmonaut that was the 2nd person to ever orbit the Earth.

    Activities include kayaking in natural waters, wildlife watching (including wild monkeys) and cave exploring! There’s so much to see and do and the views are breath taking. We would definitely take the time to travel to Ha Long Bay and and experience the natural wonder!

    However, there’s not much to do in Ha Long as it’s very quite and a lot of the city is closed so be prepared to keep yourself busy. We would only recommend 1/2 night max as you will run out of things to do in the city very quickly!

    3. Ha Giang Loop

    When travelling South East Asia, we wasn’t even aware of this as an activity and was only told during our first outing in the Philippines. We met a local traveller who had spend 6-12 months in Asia and said this is the BEST thing he has done so far while here.

    The Ha Giang Loop is a small village in the north west region of Vietnam and is located just south of a hundreds of miles of open roads, peaks and tiny villages high up in the mountains. This is a largely undiscovered area which has seldom roads weaving in valley and alongside mountains.

    As expected, it is home to some of the most amazing views we have EVER witnessed and really connects you back with nature.

    If is recommended to book the Ha Giang Loop with hostels or activity companies, like this one, as it is safer and they have a set route. However, if you are adventurous you can hire your own motorbike and head into the mountains yourself! Please note that the region is vast and you could easily get lost so we would only recommend this if you are an avid bike rider and know the area well, or have planned this thoroughly.

    When booking, you can choose anywhere between 2 – 4 days and they provide you with a full breakdown of everything you will do while completing the loop. No matter the length of time you will see breath-taking views, eat some amazing food deep into the mountains and visit isolated waterfalls.

    Unfortunately we only did 2 days worth and loved every second of it! We would tell everyone that they need to do the 4 day Loop which will take you further into the mountains, go to the China border, visit cliffs and so much more!! It’s an experience that changed our outlook on our travels, and we have vowed to go back and complete the full loop in the future!

    During the first day we started out early around 9 am and get to meet your personal rider (if you have chosen this). You can ride the bike yourself but we would only do this if you are a competent rider and know rode motorbikes confidently before. We opted for a driver to be safe!

    It’s important to note that you will only take a small bag that is taken on the bike so pack light! You can rent protective gear for the ride which you should do! Normally you can get up to 60 km so falling off can be very dangerous. It’s cheap and could save your life if the worst was to happen. We would also recommend to take long sleeve clothing and long trousers so protect your legs. It can get warm on the back of the bike but it will protect you if you were to fall off.

    During the rike, you will take a break every 1 – 1 1/2 hours to stretch your legs, nip toilet and eat some food and drink before heading off again! You will stop for lunch in a small town on Day one and have food included which is a buffet. The food is beautiful and a great place to fill yourself up and meet your fellow riders!

    The place to stay is hidden in a small town and offers another buffet for dinner which includes the BEST food we have ever tasted… and this was veggie spring rolls. Drinks are available and you can dance the night away with music and get to know all the amazing people around you. It really is a great experience! The next day you leave early and head forward further into the mountains but we headed back another way and made stops at some beautiful locations where we took photos and met some amazing people. This included taking a break at a waterfall and going for a swim. Me and the rider took turns jumping off the rocks into the waterfall and even rock, paper, scissor to see who jumped first… (Jack won!!).

    It was an out of this world experience and will definitely be the best thing you do in Vietnam! It’s just beautiful.

    The Ha Giang loop is usually booked through local (Jasmine Hostel) hostels or on activity companies in Vietnam

    4. Da Nang – Marble Mountains

    The Marble Mountains are located in Da Nang and is a great way to learn about the history of Vietnam, and explore cultural caves. The marble mountains include many steps which take you past sculptures, pagoda’s, religious caves, and old relic houses.

    It would take roughly 3-4 hours to explore and offer some amazing views of the city and beach from above. You can climb all the way to the top and even stop off for a quick ice-cream as you recover for the humid weather. The marble mountains get the name by being made from marble which is shown through sculpture shops surrounding showing off their amazing work. A lot of the statues are taller than us and are perfectly created!

    It’s such an amazing part of Vietnam to walk through and there really is no place like it. When leaving the mountain you can enter some souvenir shops that have small marble items you can purchase to remember this beautiful place by!

    5. Cu Chi Caves

    In Ho Chi Minh you can get a bus to the caves and learn more about the history of Vietnam. Vietnam were involved in a civil war between the 50s and 70s which saw many thousands of lives lost. During the war, the Vietnamese used tunnels as a way of hiding from the enemy and built a small tunnel civilisation which they would live in to survive.

    This is now available to visit and go into to see how they lived and learn more about the war. During this, you will be able to see the tunnels they walked and lived in, how they hid the entrances and many traps that they would lay to kill any enemy and how it was used. Find a half-day tour here, with an informative guide straight from Ho Chi Minh City.

    This really helps understand the war more and is a great way to spend half a day near Ho Chi Minh City.

    6. Hanoi Tailored Clothing

    Hanoi is a well known location for travellers to pick up tailored clothing to take home. There are so many tailored clothing shops and the quality of the maker and materials is amazing. They will show you different materials and designs to choose from and will let you design and create your own clothes and make it fit you perfectly.

    Once you place your order, you then leave it with them for a few days so it is designed and put together before picking it up. A lot of people struggle with finding a suitable place to keep/pack the clothing once purchased but you can now get the clothes sent home which they will sort at an extra cost.

    This is a rather expensive experience which can cost upwards of £100 – £200 as a minimum. You can easily spend close to £1,000 on tailored clothing but the clothes will last due the use of some top quality material and the expertise of the makers. For men it’s great to get a suit for home and for the ladies a dress that can remind you of your times in South East Asia.

    7. Mui Ne

    This is a place not many know about in Vietnam but definitely will be popular in the future! This hidden gem is a beautiful paradisal beach which is located next to sand dunes. These sand dunes are red, yellow and white so you can experience some amazing colours dependant on what part of Mui Ne you are.

    This is a perfect spot to do sandboarding activities and hire quad bikes/dune buggies to ride across the sand and have the best time. Once you are tired after a long activity in the sun, there’s no better place to collapse and enjoy the crystal clear waters and soak up the sun with an ice-cream or a fresh coconut.

    These sand dunes make you feel like you are in the Sahara Dessert and there is not any similar locations in South East Asia so make sure not to miss out on this!

    Vietnam is a must visit spot!

    Vietnam is an amazing country that is a must to explore for all travellers. There is so much to explore and learn whilst being here and it’s a place you are sure to make memories.

    Make sure to check out our backpackers guide to Hanoi and our other blogs on how to backpack South East Asia and other countries across the world.

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  • 7 Must-Try Foods in Southeast Asia: A Culinary Adventure for Every Foodie!

    7 Must-Try Foods in Southeast Asia: A Culinary Adventure for Every Foodie!

    South East Asia is a remarkable place that is at the top of most people’s bucket list! It’s known for its beaches, people, culture, activities and the topic today… food!

    There’s so much to do here and you can never run out of things to see! But for a lot of people, food is so important. Having good meals can really change your experience and view about a country.

    If you have ever been Italy for the pasta, Japan for the sushi, or Mexico for it’s tacos, then you will understand how important food is when visiting a country! Food from these places really improves your view on the country, but can also leave a sour taste in your mouth if you don’t enjoy it!

    We would always recommend trying the local cuisine wherever you go. It’s the best way to meet locals, learn new cultures and really understand the country more. Even if the food isn’t necessarily one you would normally eat, it’s always worth a try as trying new things is the best way to grow and learn new things about yourself.

    Trying a new food could lead to it being your favourite dish you have EVER tried! So what’s the harm?

    You need to make sure you are eating at the right spots and also the local foods to get the best experience.

    Turning up to a country and flicking through the menu is one way of trying new foods but sometimes its good to do your research and see what’s recommended so you can make the most out of your trip abroad!

    So South East Asia… What are the best foods to try? Is it spicy? Where do I eat?

    There’s a lot of questions people ask and it’s pretty difficult to figure this out when you have never been before.

    As you may already guess, each country would provide different dishes, tastes and ingredients so knowing the most recommended dishes and what ingredients they are typically cooked with will give you a good indication whether you are likely to order them when out there!

    Below, we have compiled the BEST FOODS we tried when visiting South East Asia! It is important to note that we we only travelled to 5 countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam & Singapore) so any country we didn’t visit may not be included due to us not trying the food.

    The first dish is one of Jack’s FAVOURITE dish and should be first as it’s the perfect way to start your day!

    Top foods to try in Southeast Asia

    Thai Omelette!

      The Thai omelette can be eaten throughout the day but is usually consumed as a breakfast meal and the omelette typically consists of vegetables, chicken or pork. Jack’s choice would mostly be a vegetable Thai Omelette which comes standard with sticky rice and a side salad.

      A Thai Omelette is totally different to what a usual omelette is in Europe. It is fried in oil and includes ingredients such as fish sauce and spring onions.

      It’s served with crispy edges and a soft centre which goes perfectly with the rice and is filling so you won’t be left hungry.

      This meal was my choice of breakfast throughout our 3 weeks in Thailand with some days it being ordered for lunch also. It’s quite a safe order as people are used to ordering Omelette’s at home but has a lovely twist which really enhances flavour for you!

      It is also one of the cheapest dishes on any menu as it’s simple. This makes it a great budget option if you are looking to lower your costs but you can still get some amazing flavour! The lowest cost we say a Thai Omelette for was 50 Baht (roughly £1.40) and we know it’s cheaper at markets!!

      We would rate this dish a 10/10 and one we cannot wait to try when going back to Thailand!

      It would only cost around £1 ($1.25) which is a total bargain!

      Halo Halo

        This is a dish that we hadn’t heard of when visiting the Philippines, but after speaking with some locals, found it to be a traditional dessert that we had to try!

        Even after eating it, it’s still hard to understand all the flavours or ingredients as it is full of colour and different foods!

        A traditional Halo Halo is shaved ice with condensed and coconut milk with an ice-cream array of toppings. These usually include fruits (like jackfruit, banana and maybe mango!), beans, jelly and even sometimes crushed rice.

        There is so much going on with this dish that it’s hard to know what it’s going to taste like… You just have to try it! Be mindful that with so many ingredients, the dessert will be full of different textures, both crunchy and soft, but also chewy. It’s such a weird mixture of textures and flavours, but is beautifully rich and refreshing with a lovely scoop of ice-cream on top!

        When we enjoyed our first Halo Halo, it was after a long day at the beach and we were looking for something sweet to enjoy while relaxing and watching the waves.

        It’s a very traditional dish, and one that we would recommend trying; but if we were to have it again, we would likely share this as it’s very filling and probably is best split between 2 people. If you have a major sweet tooth and still feeling hungry then you can definitely have one to yourself!

        The Halo Halo is a decently priced dessert around £1 – £2 ($1.25 – $2.50)

        Vietnamese Vegetable Spring Rolls

          Now these were our absolute FAVOURITE! Again, this is not a dish I thought was overly popular in Vietnam nor is a must try for travellers. It’s funny as we stumbled upon the food when embarking on the Ha Giang loop.

          Upon starting the Ha Giang loop we set off into the mountains and had our days planned by our guides. After a long and tiring day of riding on the back of a motorbike we came to our place of stay for the night and were welcomed with a buffet for all. This buffet was extraordinary as there was unlimited food! Here, deep in the mountains of Ha Giang, in some small town we tasted the immense vegetable spring rolls!

          They were super crispy and full of soft veggie’s when you crunched into them! But the flavour was something else. I spend most of my time posting these veggie spring rolls down one by one until I was completely full. We had to get extra plates as they were being finished so frequently.

          That was the only time we had vegetable spring rolls but it’s the one thing I am most looking forward to when visiting back to Vietnam!!

          We liked it so much that we have attempted (a few times) to recreate the spring rolls at home but it’s never reached the level of the one’s in Vietnam. This is the one thing we would recommend to try above all in Vietnam!

          These were enjoyed as part of a buffet but would be a side costing between £1 – £3 ($1.50 – $4).

          Pork Sisig

            Pork Sisig was our favourite dish in the Philippines! It’s basically a pork belly dish served with vegetables on a hot plate with a side of rice. It’s served most places and each serving it a little different. Usually, the dish is served with a raw (yes a raw) egg on top which you will mix into the pork and it will sizzle on the hot plate.

            The egg is somewhat a strange addition, especially being raw but it really does go with the rest of the dish.

            It’s a dish packed with flavour and perfect for either lunch or dinner to fill you up. It’s got a salty taste from the pork with a sweetness from the vegetables and is a dish you will certainly look to order again!

            This meal would cost anywhere between £2-£5 dependant on if you are eating at a local/traditional restaurant or not.

            Panang Curry

              The Panang Curry is a rich, coconutty curry usually served with a with a choice of meat or fish and rice. Although it is a coconut based curry, it is not heavily coconutty as we both don’t like coconut but do love this curry!

              It does also usually includes peanut so anyone who is allergic, be sure to double check the ingredients before eating! The curry is usually rich in flavour and spices with a sweet taste.

              We usually eat this with chicken as it soaks up the flavour of the sauce and goes really well with the spices.

              As you may already know, there are a lot of different curries available in South East Asia that is worth trying.. most notably the Massaman Curry, Thai Red Curry and the Thai Green Curry. These all have a burst of flavour and well worth trying as people will have their preferences.

              For us, this was the better of the curries but would definitely change between them depending on our preferences each night!

              The Panang Curry is also known for working well with shrimp! The spices match perfectly with fresh shrimp leaving a beautiful taste.

              As it’s eaten as a dinner it is more expensive than the other dishes on this list but still would only cost between £2-£4 ($3-$5).

              Pad Thai

              Pad Thai is a MUST TRY in Thailand! It’s such a staple in Thailand and something you can’t miss when visiting the country. The dish is so simple in making but surprisingly so flavourful and rich in spices. It’s so cleverly cooked and presented as usually you are provided with a small mountain of peanuts and a separate mountain of chilli on the side of your plate which you can choose to add if you wish with a squeeze of lemon when served.

                The spices give good kick of heat and the peanuts help enhance the overall flavours of the dish and provide a slight nutty flavour which is very much welcomed. This is a dish that was ordered on many occasions due to the flavours and moreish nature of the dish.

                It is definitely one of the cheaper items on the menu but definitely don’t look over it if you think it won’t come with good flavour! You can find local restaurants selling Pad Thai for as cheap as £1 ($1.25) and it’s always served with a generous portion.

                Bahn Mi

                  This is quite popular dish and very different to the rest on this list. It’s pretty much a simple sandwich on first glance but Vietnam have added their own flavours and spices to enhance and change the flavours! Usually, it is served with thinly sliced pork or chicken as the main meat with a host of veggies and unusual ingredients.

                  The Bahn Mi includes a generous spread of Pate and includes coriander, green onion, chilli, carrot, cucumber, sometimes pickles and a strong drizzle of mayonnaise and Maggi sauce to finish.

                  A perfect lunchtime meal that you can grab on the go! In Thailand, you are able to get Bahn Mi for as cheap as £0.80 ($1) which is super cheap and affordable!

                  What are your thoughts?

                  There are many other dishes that we missed off this list which we wish we could include but these would be the main ones we would want to go back and try and could never get bored of! We would like to give a special mention to Pho as that is a beautiful dish that is versatile with flavours, meats and more!

                  When visiting South East Asia we would recommend you trying all these and would love to know your thoughts on our list of best foods to try in South East Asia!

                  If you have any further meals we missed do let us know and if you enjoyed this blog post, please consider liking and subscribing for further South East Asia content and world travel content. We have South East Asia top tips, best ways to travel, itineraries and more on our blog so be sure to check them out!!

                  We post regular blog content related to all things travel so if you want to keep up with us, please consider subscribing to the blog as it does go a long way for us!

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                1. Discover the Best of North Thailand: Your Ultimate 2-Week Backpacking Itinerary!

                  Discover the Best of North Thailand: Your Ultimate 2-Week Backpacking Itinerary!

                  Thailand is a beautiful country that full of adventure, activities and amazing culture and food! It is a popular travel destination for most and one that hardly any would avoid.

                  The north is definitely different compared to the south. If you have never been to the south, it’s more renowned for its perfect beaches compared to its other half and a popular destination for luxurious holidays.

                  You can check out the best 2 week itinerary for Southern Thailand here.

                  The North however is more delicate. The atmosphere is fast paced in cities like Bangkok but places like Chang Mai and Pai, it’s relaxed.

                  You have the perfect balance of lifestyle which is really important. Sometimes you are exhausted and want a quieter setting away from the bustling city. Or maybe you are wanting to be apart of the busy life in the city, and see what there is to offer.

                  Either way, there is option for both!

                  Here, we have compiled the 2 week itinerary for those who are looking to make the most of north Thailand!

                  Bangkok (3 days)

                  This is a likely place to start. Bangkok is the capital and is a really large city to navigate and can often feel overwhelming. Most people will land in Bangkok when flying internationally so it just makes sense to explore here first! Therefore, you need an itinerary to make the most of your time there, and to be an efficient traveller.

                  It’s a place with many beautiful cultural temples which are worth visiting and learning more about the history of the country. The city is broken up with a large river through the heart which allows for boat tours to see the best parts of the city. As a fun fact, the City is actually called Krung Thep (this is the sorter version) and has the meaning of “the city of angels”.

                  We personally would recommend to avoid these as they are quite highly priced and doesn’t show you the up close and personal part of the area. If you visit the sights in person you can learn a lot about the history and culture! However, we do know that people are limited in time so if you are restricted, this is a viable option to see the city in a shorter timeframe.

                  Please note, that if you are looking to learn more about the city – or any city for that matter – the best way is on foot for most cases!

                  We would recommend visiting the following temples:

                  • Wat Pho
                  • Wat Arun
                  • Wat Phra Kaew

                  All of these offer offer a similar viewing but very different stories/meanings. It’s all really dependant on how much you are interested in the rich history of the country. We would recommend visiting at least 2 grounds to really learn more of the Thai culture. The grounds are mostly filled with temples, sacred sculptures, paintings, pagodas and carvings!

                  These temples are historical places that monks use to practice their religion through prayer and living here. The temples we have mentioned were founded in the 17th and 18th century and were created by kings. These sites will usually take 2/3 hours depending on your interest and is definitely an activity we would recommend. As these temples are so rich in culture and history, we would recommend visiting at least 2 sites while in Bangkok to make the most of what they have to offer. 

                  It is important to note that you are required to wear certain attire to visit these temples. You need to cover both your shoulders and knees at all times.. this includes men as well. We would recommend to wear light trousers and a long sleeved shirt for men and maybe a long sleeve dress (flowy not fitted or a jumpsuit with a long sleeve shirt. Both will need to wear shoes. 

                  Alternatively, you can purchase traditional clothing outside in markets or near the temples for roughly 100 Baht per item which is perfect to cover you up with.

                  The ones provided above are some of the more popular/stand-out temples which we have either visited or have been recommended by fellow travellers. 

                  The capital is also showered in local shops, food markets and Thai activities that you MUST try!

                  If you have embarked on this journey to travel Thailand, or even if you have decided to go for a holiday, you are really going here to venture out and push your horizons.. and there’s not many better places to do this than in Thailand & Bangkok!

                  It seems like Bangkok markets spring up on every corner, with each stall offering something completely different. There’s so much to choose from! From traditional clothes vs perfect knock-offs, to traditional foods like Pad Thai, crocodile tail or scorpion, to novelty souvenirs and totally random items you would think would never be sold at a market. It literally has it all.

                  The markets can stretch as far as a couple miles long, making it a perfect evening stroll if you don’t mind people trying to draw you in to their miscellaneous stalls. It’s a great way to just see what there is to offer and pick up a few bargains if you are short of any items along the way.

                  Some markets are themed so if you are hungry and looking for food, a street food market would be the perfect way to try foods, stick to your budget and enjoy your evening!

                  Bangkok also has opportunities including Muay Thai classes, Thai cooking classes, Thai Massages and more. Activities like these are a great way to learn more about different parts of their culture. So we would recommend to align some of your interests with these types of activities to make the most of your time.

                  We took part in Muay Thai and relaxed with a Thai massage but unfortunately missed out on the Thai cooking experience which is top of our list once we go back.

                  Chiang Mai (3 days)

                  Chiang Mai is known to be a must see city… and it does not disappoint! It was one of our favourite cities as it really had it all!

                  Some of the activities do overlap with Bangkok (including cooking classes, Muay Thai and Cooking Classes) so we would recommend to spread the activities over the two cities so you can experience all that the country has to offer.

                  You could explore the city through busy shopping malls and international food courts, perfect to grab souvenirs or top up on some budget clothing. But it also has the busy markets and local food spots which is perfect to learn the culture and indulge in that tasty Thai cuisine!

                  The activities in the area are plentiful! You have so many options that you could potentially enjoy the city and it’s surroundings for a week but you don’t have that long!

                  If you didn’t do the elephant sanctuary in Phuket (highly recommend), then the elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai is a must do. You are able to spend a half day/full day with the elephants doing various activities such as feeding them, having a mud bath with them and scrubbing them clean.

                  You don’t really need to do them both as they are one of the most expensive activities to do in Thailand. However, I know that people loved the experience so much that they had to do it again! And trust me, we want to do it again and we can’t wait to experience it as it truly is amazing!

                  We would always recommend to do this activity and it should be towards the top of ALL people’s bucket list. But please take note that these are wild animals and you should firstly research the place you are looking to do this and see the ethical side before booking. Not all sanctuaries are ethical so please do thorough research before booking. We don’t condone any animal suffering and understand that these sanctuaries that offer this experience do so to earn money to help the elephants from lives of torture, human imprinting and neglect.

                  The elephants that are at these sanctuaries have been badly treated and are here as a safe haven so they can live their lives as normal as possible. They are given many hectares to roam free and live their life how any elephant should. They are few natural foods such as bananas and routinely looked after by medical staff and cleaned.

                  Some of the elephants have picked up bad habits such as pulling their teats or swaying as stress mechanisms from previous experiences. We learnt a story of an elephant that was older (in her 70s), and was a circus animal who would never stop swaying even after being in the sanctuary for decades. We were told that she would be whipped when she stopped and therefore it has become a part of her personality and something she would not stop.

                  As we are writing this, we have noticed it would be beneficial to highlight the most ethical elephant sanctuaries across Thailand or maybe the most ethical sanctuaries for animals across South East Asia. So stay tuned for that in the coming weeks.

                  Chiang Mai also has activities such as a water park which we would totally recommend! Only being 15 or so minutes from the centre, you can visit a natural lake which has inflatables, cliff jumping, slides, ziplines and more! It’s a great place to take a day out to have fun and embrace your inner child as you bumble over some total wipe out replicas. There is also a water catapult which is a great experience for people who are more daring. Just know that you do go surprisingly high (speaking from first-hand experience).

                  The water park also has food spots and paces you can chill out and relax after burning all your energy. It’s a great way for friends to escape the city and take a day to have a good bit of fun.

                  A gym we would recommend to visit for Muay Thai would be Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym. It is located Wiang Kaew Road and is a great place for people who have never tried Muay Thai before! They are patient and teach you the techniques well. The class is very inclusive and you are given a 1 on 1 coach that will be on pads, and teaches you what you need to know. For any regulars, they do more intense classes which you can learn more advanced moves to really test your skills.

                  The training is fun and you are allowed to go at your pace, but they are happy to push you which is fun! Trust me, you will be shattered by doing this so be prepared! Luckily, in the gym they have fans and an open room so air can flow to help you when recovering! Once you have finished, we would recommend to turn left up the road once leaving and visit a smoothie place on your left roughly 100 or so yards up the road. This is a great place to get a well-earned refreshment before heading back to your stay for a wash!

                  The markets in Chiang Mai are full and constantly popular among locals and travellers. They have a weekend market which is a perfect spot to wander and soak up the atmosphere while shopping for any food or novelty gifts! The people are welcome and don’t usually try to drag you over which is refreshing as this can be an issue and off-putting for some travellers.

                  For the more daring visitors, you can try exotic foods including insects, scorpions and even crocodile! So get stuck in and let us know how nice (or not nice) these foods are…

                  Pai (2 days)

                  Pai is a tiny village located in the north mountains beyond Chiang Mai. The travel to the Village is enough to make anyone car sick as you twist and turn through mountains to arrive there! It’s a 4 hour trip one way and is definitely not for the faint hearted. Even monks were requiring stops to throw up during the drive and these are likely take this trip regularly!

                  It is so worth it though! It’s a small fishing village that has no more than a dozen crossed streets with individual shops to wander around.

                  Around Pai is where the activities and the natural beauty of the countryside is for you! Firstly, there are Bamboo Bridges that are sprinkled throughout fields that you can wander on to see the locals harvest their crops. Throughout the walk, there are viewpoints, activities and cafe’s making the walk all the more exciting!

                  Local dogs wander up and down and are super friendly. Don’t be surprised that if you sit down, you will be accompanied by one! It’s a great place to explore the fields, relax on bamboo swings, and grab lunch while enjoying countryside views. There is also a local spot providing crossbow shooting just off the bridge. It’s an old fashioned crossbow entirely made out of wood & bamboo. You are taught how to shoot it and provided a target over the stream to test your accuracy!

                  Close to the bamboo bridge is a local waterfall that you can stop at and indulge in. When we visited, it was later in the day and we were the only ones there. We had to crossed a small bridge and then descend down a few rocks before entering the tranquil waters. It’s the absolute perfect place to get photos and just be one with nature. It’s completely silent except the sounds of the waters and a great place to take in your surroundings. There are also some conveniently placed rocks so you can sit and marvel at the large waterfall.

                  We would recommend to also visit a place that is completely unheard of for many travellers. It’s not a known place at all and is located just south of Ban Rong Yaeng on the 1095. There will be a few food trucks on a layby with a dirt track leading off.. this is the place. You may not think of much but there will be other onlookers waiting for the sun to set and you will not be disappointed. To get to the viewpoints, you would need to navigate uneven terrain which look similar to dirt bike tracks. But it would be totally worth it!

                  The views are surreal as the sun will set behind distant mountains – you can relax up here and it is a great place to take some photos of a beautiful view!

                  Now you are back in Pai, it’s definitely recommended to visit the local markets that happens in the evening where you can eat some of the best fruit we have ever had! The fresh mango, pineapple, pear and strawberry in Pai is crazy! They also offer a lot of personal gifts like a passport holder which can be engraved, or a bracelet you can personalise for yourself, friends or family back home! There are rows of stalls and makeshift shops that offer clothing and local delicacies so you can immerse yourself in the local culture!

                  Visiting Pai is a great addition to anyone’s North Thailand trip and one I would not miss out on!

                  Chiang Rai (2 days)

                  Chiang Rai is a beautiful city located north of Chiang Mai. This is in the high mountains close to the north border where Myanmar and Laos meet. Usually, people would take an early morning bus trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai which would take 3h 45m. The stay is only one night with travellers getting a bus back the following day.

                  This truly limits the time spend here and only give you time to see 2, maybe 3 of the main sites at most.

                  However, you aren’t able to see the full beauty of what Chiang Rai has to offer. There is more to see than the main attractions and we would recommend an extra day so you can witness these.

                  To maximise your stay, we would get the first bus in the morning which is at 7:00 am with the arrival time being 10:45 am. This will give you most of the day to get settled, drop off your gear at the hostel and move onto the the best part – exploration.

                  The most popular things to do in Chiang Rai are the temples. These temples are some of the most unique in the world!

                  Wat Rong Khun is stunning piece of architecture, covered entirely in white; and is a must visit in the city. It would be best to visit the temple first thing in the morning when the queues will be small and tourists won’t there. This would maximise the experience and allow you to immerse yourself to get the most from the temple.

                  It is likely that you will spend 2/3 hours here which is enough time to walk around the gardens, see the paintings and marvel at the temple.

                  Wat Rong Suea Ten temple is a newly established temple that is completely blue with gold trimmings which stands out in all it’s beauty. It opens at 7:00 am and would be the quietest time to visit the temple.

                  The local gardens are perfect to explore and is a great place to learn more about the Buddha and what the temple represents. The blue colour is meant to represent tranquillity and healing for the buddha.

                  Inside, you are welcomed by a large white Buddha which is used by locals to pray. You are able to take photos in this temple (not many allow this) so please be respectful when you do.

                  As with most cities in South East Asia, Chiang Rai has many Bazaars markets/markets which you can venture through and explore. In Chiang Rai, they have a walking street which housed many stalls and provides attractions for visitors. Again, these are like usual Thai markets but they also have bars and sometimes bands playing so you can definitely spend the evening there, eat dinner, soak up the atmosphere and search for any cheap souvenirs.

                  Chiang Rai isn’t known necessarily for it’s hiking but it is definitely worth exploring. The city is located in between many waterfalls which you could easily take 1 whole day driving between and marvelling at there natural beauty. Around these waterfalls, are hikes where you can explore the mountains and you can also visit some small towns which are on the rivers edge.

                  The river actually has a beach.. We mean it isn’t exactly a beach as it’s along the river but is a beautiful place to visit. It’s not quite the place to go for a swim and bring a book and sunglasses the catch some sun. But it’s definitely a place you can relax and enjoy the mountainous views.

                  Mauy Hung Son (3 days)

                  This is totally different to anywhere else in Thailand and should definitely be more popular! It is seriously close to the Chinese border and is inhabited by many Chinese locals which has affected the aesthetic of the town.

                  It is mostly small huts on a hillside with fields surrounding. A perfect place to unwind and understand a new way of life.

                  There is an option to do a loop which will entail some insane views of the north of Thailand. This includes the highest point in Thailand, and views as far as the eye can see. There are also pagodas that are perfectly placed on the edge of mountain tops for the must luscious pictures and viewpoints. On this loop, you will motorbike around for a few days stopping in local stays and being off the grid.

                  Like we say, if you are looking for a place very different to the rest of Thailand and would like some downtime, this is definitely the place for you.

                  The perfect Northern Thailand Itinerary

                  As the North is vast and the locations are far away, there is 1 day solely allowed for travelling between places. Please take into consideration that from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you will likely grab a overnight 10 – 12 hour train ride. This is a much cheaper alternative to flying.

                  We really hope you like are 2 week itinerary for the North of Thailand which has completed the full month itinerary we have for Thailand (2 week South Thailand itinerary here).

                  We are recently back from a trip to Morocco which we are looking to create some awesome blog content for in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out!

                  Also, we have some amazing travel plans in the coming months which you will not want to miss out on.

                  Our plan is to provide our whole experience with travel for you so you are the best equipped when going away on your own travels.

                  If you enjoyed, please subscribe to be notified for some awesome content planned, and make sure you like this blog if you found it useful for your travels.

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                2. The best ways to TRAVEL across South East Asia

                  The best ways to TRAVEL across South East Asia

                  It’s so exciting knowing you are going to South East Asia! Having the locations and itineraries all organised is the tough part of planning and can be really stressful, but once this is done it really does dawn on you what you are doing. Even if you are only travelling one country, you still need to take into consideration where you are going, and how long you have there.

                  Within the planning, you need to have a rough idea of how you are moving from place to place, and need to set time aside so you can minimise the time in transit. As it is so different to the rest of the world, it can be difficult to plan ahead with this. We are so used to using the underground in major cities, maybe have public bikes to rent or even taxis that are waiting to be waved down. As most may already know, Asia isn’t like this.

                  It’s really difficult to plan ahead on how to travel between places without visiting the countries before. So how can we plan for South East Asia without knowing how to move from place to place?

                  There are many websites that provide different transportation recommendations depending on the location you are in. So it’s easy to get caught up and overwhelmed with the different options available. We feel that it’s important to have a good understanding of the options you have in each area for transport so you can many decisive decisions once you arrive. Let’s be honest, no one wants the stress of having to last minute plan or book their transport as it may be more expensive and will certainly slow you down!

                  We have detailed the best ways to travel around a lot of popular places in South East Asia which is provided through our experience and what we found easiest and the most affordable!

                  Philippines

                  The Philippines is not like any country…not because of their natural beauty, paradisal islands or picturesque beaches.. I mean this is all true! But also with the layout of the country, it is made up of thousands, and I mean thousands of islands – 7,641 to be exact! So how do you get about?

                  The most convenient and obvious transport would be to fly from island to island. This is definitely many options, especially for the larger islands like Palawan, Cebu, and to places like Manila (the capital)! But what happens when you are looking to move within islands or you aren’t looking to spend £100s on a few flights across the country?

                  I mean there are quite a few options, you just have to do your research. Flying from island to island will rack up high expenses for your transportation and as a budget travel couple, this isn’t a luxury we or many people have! The usual transport within the country is a flight, as you are normally flying from another country which is the normal route. However, when you are in the country, you need to find better alternatives.

                  From our experience, the best way to move from island to island (providing you are not moving from west Philippines to East Philippines) is by ferry! For example, when we were in El Nido and moving to our next location Coron – which is the east side of Busuanga Island – we had to get a ferry! The cost is rather pricey, roughly being £35 (2,500 Phillipine Peso) per person, but is one of the only ways of getting to the island.

                  It roughly would take 4/5 hours to make this trip and you are required to get to the ferry roughly 30 minutes before so there are no delays. This mode of transport isn’t the most glamorous as it consists of a plane like seating without seatbelts on a more than likely choppy sea for what seems like an eternity. The ferry also only departs on certain days in the week so it’s important to take note of this before making your itinerary plans otherwise you may be stuck waiting for the ferry a few days and fall behind!

                  It is important to do your research as you can easily get flights into Coron from major cities in the area, but if you are looking to move from Coron to the rest of Palawan, there are no direct flights. So if you make the mistake of visiting Coron before moving onto the rest of Palawan, you might find a shock of no flights available!

                  The ferry may not be the fastest way or sometimes not even the most convenient, but is a popular transport in the country and may be available when other options aren’t!

                  When you are moving within an island, especially when it’s a smaller island, you have the great convenience of Tuk-tuks! These are motorbikes that have an car-like attachment on the side which allows for passengers to enjoy the ride. These are normally much cheaper than normal transport but they are limited to speeds of only 20/30 mph. This makes it perfect for short trips probably no more than 20-30 minutes but over long distances, might not be the best option.

                  The best way to envisage a Tuk-tuk is that a private mode of transport that you are able to bartar the price of the ride with the driver. This is a great way to get a good price and also see the natural beauty of the country as there are no windows like other modes of transport!

                  If you are looking to do longer trips, moreso a 3/4 hour trip across an island, it probably would be best to opt for a private minibus to take you. This is a great way to move larger distances and minimise the amount of time travelling. It is best to either do this with fellow travellers to keep the price down as doing this as an individual or in small number can make it pricey! If you are staying at hostels or just arriving off an airport, this is a great way to get to your next location and meet fellow travellers along the way!

                  Thailand

                  Thailand is such a diverse country, the north and south are so different and have opposing activities and sights. They are almost like different countries!

                  The south is filled with perfect beaches, tranquil waters and beautiful islands, really is paradise! However, it usually attracts travellers who are drinkers and party-goers. Therefore, the south is more tailored towards these people with the locals making the most of the tourists interests!

                  There are a few places in the south that is different, like Khao Sok National Park. Which is a totally remote location that looks straight out of Avatar.

                  The north is completely different though.

                  The north is busier. There’s a lot more going on and doing have the islands that the south has. To pair with this, Thailand is a vast country which is very spread out. So moving for location to location isn’t as easy as it can be in other countries.

                  You really forget how large it really is! It’s crazy as one of the best ways to travel in the North of Thailand (and sometimes even the south) is through a sleeper train. It does exactly what it says on the tin.. it’s a train that is normal until in the night where the seats and tables fold out into bunk beds. Perfect for the passengers who have sore backs and are ready to get some much need rest. These trains – dependant on where you are getting off – can span over 12 hours, some of them almost a day!

                  So make sure to get comfortable and ready for the long journey ahead!

                  An example of this would be if you are looking to go from Bangkok to Chang Mai. On the map it seems a long journey.. but not 10 hours! With the longest journey potentially being 13 and a half hours depending where you board in Bangkok!

                  The cost?

                  It’s more than reasonable! For a ticket it can be as low as £6!! How crazy!?

                  However, we would recommend spending and getting the more expensive tickets. It can get very warm on the journey and the £6 tickets are seat only with no AC. It’s best to have some comfort and secure the bed on the train (especially if its an overnight trip!) and the AC. The price for this upgrade is only £18 which is still a reasonable price for what you get!

                  Alternatively, you are able to get a sleeper bus but even if you can secure 1st class tickets, it’s very much like trying to sleep/rest on the plane. Yeah you might have a charging port, but you can’t even toss or turn to find a comfortable position.

                  The sleeper bus is likely to stop often to stretch legs if it’s a long trip and bathroom breaks with be wherever you stop.

                  Also, you may not see the same type of views that you see if you ride the train, as the train will be going through the Thai countryside whereas the bus is stuck to mostly main roads.

                  As we have tried both, it’s quite clear which we would always choose if we had the option.

                  Vietnam is not one we would touch upon a lot in this blog but is similar to Thailand with both the option for a sleeper bus and train. We opted for the sleeper bus which is cheaper than the alternative but had some disturbing stories. The sleeper bus was pleasantly surprising but can be scarring if you have never taken one before. The MAIN recommendation is to take the top bunk wherever you can.

                  Trust us… Jack managed to grab the top bunk and watched as the bus overfilled with passengers laying across the floors making them tuck up like sardines for 8/10 hours. Other than this, it was no different than sleeping in a slightly smaller single bed at home on a top bunk. But yeah, you must secure a top bunk! Also, the back seats is one huge bed so if you have a group of friends and don’t mind to share this is also a great option!

                  Bali

                  We can’t talk for the whole of Indonesia, but as Bali is a popular spot, it’s important to know how to get around. There is so much to do across Bali and it’s islands that you need to be efficient if you don’t have a long time there. We went from Canggu/Ubud (Central) to Lovina (North) to Uluwatu (South) and then the islands in the east (Gili Islands). So how did we travel around the area?

                  I mean there are a few options really, all similar priced. We opted to go for getting grabs (like Uber) or private taxi-like transport as there were 4 of us and it made the most sense to all travel together to keep the cost down.

                  The Uber trips are pretty reasonable but if you are looking to move about alot, you will start to spend a large amount of your budget on transport. I would recommend sticking to shorter trips using grab – whether it’s visiting a temple or a 15 minute grab to the beach (if you don’t want to make the long walk).

                  Getting private transport can be very tricky. You need to know the going rates in the location as a lot of the drivers will offer ridiculous prices to try and get the most out of this. An example would be on Nusa Penida when you arrive off the boat. You will be bombarded by drivers offering a taxi which we had only a 5/10 minute drive up the road. They were offering roughly 500,000/600,000 Indonesian Rupiah for this which is £30/£36. For a short drive??

                  If you walk down the road for a few minutes you will pass the expensive offers and come across some more friendly drivers with reasonable prices. The main technique is to pressure you into saying yes and intimidating you so make sure to stand your ground!

                  For comparison, we met a driver who offered to be our driver for the WHOLE day, taking us to the east of the island (45 minute drive) as well as a trip to the west side of the island (1 hour 30 minute drive) and then back to our hotel in the centre for roughly 1,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£60). As there was 4 of us it made it dirt cheap and the driver would wait in each location until we were happy to move onto the next.

                  Another example would be a trip from the south east side of Bali to Lovina (the northern tip). We managed to find someone who was willing to take us there AND back the next day, and also included us all to swim/watch wild dolphins. This only cost us roughly 650,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£39) across 3 of us so SUPER cheap!

                  If you are more independent or are travelling on your own, the best option would be to hire a motorbike (if you are confident in riding). Now, we’ve never ridden a motorbike so we wasn’t confident enough to do this but it is a great option as renting them is super cheap, fuel is cheap and you have the freedom to go wherever you want across the island!

                  A lot of places are aware of motorbikes being a popular transport and they have places where you can park your bike when visiting places or staying at your accommodation. When we travel back, we plan on using a motorbike to move about when were are in towns or cities as any easy mode of transport.. Just need to learn how to drive one first!!

                  There’s many options when it comes to travelling around South East Asia. It seems a lot of the countries have their own niche way of travelling, with a lot of options at a travellers disposal. But it is integral to be smart when choosing your transport as it can really make things a whole lot more expensive if you don’t do your research.

                  You almost need a combination of prior research and on the go research to learn what transport is best in each situation. Some of the transport is part of the experience of being a travelling. So sometimes it’s worth going for the 12 hour sleeper train with friends you know and make those memories. These are memories you will remember forever unlike if you were to grab a cosy flight to your chosen location.

                  We would always recommend that if you are going to a popular destination and travelling alone or in a small party, you should speak to fellow travellers and share the journey to keep costs down and get to know more people.

                  We can’t wait to go back to South East Asia and experience the infamous 12 hour trains again! If you would like to follow our journey, please like and subscribe to our blog for some cool upcoming blogs!

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                3. The BEST Foods to Eat in Thailand!

                  The BEST Foods to Eat in Thailand!

                  Thailand is renowned for it’s all round experience and beauty. It’s a country full of endless possibilities- and therefore is one of the most popular travel spots across the globe.

                  When speaking to people who have previously visited, the food is one topic no one forgets to mention! The vibrant flavours are not to be missed.

                  Here we have compiled a list of the best foods you MUST try in Thailand! There are so many to choose from so be sure to try them all…

                  Thai Omelette

                  This is one we had to start on! When travelling Thailand, it was by far Jack’s favourite dish. So much so it was his breakfast EVERYDAY (this is no exaggeration).

                  The best part about this dish is the pure simplicity it has. We mean there’s not much to the dish, it’s fried rice with an omelette on top. You can choose to have a veggie, chicken, pork omelette etc, but Jack’s choice was always vegetable.

                  It’s just a great way to start a day; and is perfect for breakfast. The crazy part is that the dish is always one of the cheapest items on the menu so you don’t have to spend a lot (so always budget friendly)!

                  Pad Thai

                  This is known to be one of the most popular dishes people in eat when visiting Thailand. This dish is the perfect balance between salty, sweet and sour, and one we would never get bored of.

                  Again, this is one of the cheaper options to eat in Thailand. There are so many varieties on the dish, with most meat and vegetables alternatives available.

                  Please be aware that this dish is usually served with a side of chillis and crushed peanuts- so if you do have an allergy, please take precaution.

                  Mango Sticky Rice

                  Now this is a combination that to many people is weird, including us! And that’s why we never tried it. Seems like a combination of food that would never go!

                  However, we have spoken with many people who have dared to try the dish, and say that it is one you should not miss! The sweetness of the mango, with the coconut covered sticky rice is supposed to be a perfect mix.

                  Even though we haven’t tried it (yet), it will be top of the list once we go travelling! And I’m sure it will be a meal we revisit regularly.

                  Pad See Ew

                  This traditional Thai dish commonly consists flat rice noodles, cooked in an array of spices and flavours.

                  This is not a dish that either of us have tried, but is a popular dish to have when visiting Asia. It’s a soy-based dish, and one that we have been recommended many times.

                  This is definitely added to our to-try list once we go back!

                  Panang Curry

                  The Panang curry is one of the most popular Thai curries. It’s perfectly spiced, and usually on the hotter side when it comes to heat. It’s infused with red chillies, and is a saucy curry- which is always perfect to mop up with a side of bread.

                  Like most of Thai food, it comes with most meats, and can come with veggie alternatives, but our favourite would be chicken or tempeh!

                  It’s definitely one of those meals that you need to eat at a traditional restaurant to make the most of the rich flavours that the dish has!

                  Massaman Curry

                  This is another Thai curry dish you can’t miss out on. The massaman curry is heavily rich in flavour, and is usually accompanied by tender meats like a lamb shank or chicken. It is typically less spicy than some others leaving it good for even the more sensitive pallets!

                  The dish for us is best served with beef, and with soft and soaked potatoes in the massaman broth-like sauce (it’s making our mouths water already)! As the same as a lot of dishes in Thailand, it is cooked with coconut milk giving it a sweet taste and fish sauce giving it a sour tinge.

                  This dish really does encapsulate the rich flavours of traditional Thai food and one we couldn’t recommend enough.

                  We honestly could of kept naming Thai dishes as there is so many to choose from. They are so rich in flavour and spices.

                  There is no wonder Thai food is named one of the best cuisines in the world for taste, and something you can only fully experience when visiting Thailand.

                  We would always give any Thai food a try, as it’s all freshly made and have never disappointed!

                  We cannot wait to visit again and eat their luscious foods (and we will 100% be trying the mango sticky rice this time)!

                  Please let us know your favourite Thai foods and inform us if we missed any off of the list that are a must-try!

                  Like this post? We have also made a South of Thailand travel guide which you can find here.

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                4. Top Tips when Travelling to South East Asia.

                  Top Tips when Travelling to South East Asia.

                  Travelling to a new place is daunting, especially when it’s completely different to what you are used to. Therefore, it’s important to do some informative research, and learn the do’s and don’t’s of where you are going!

                  You have to take into consideration the type of countries you are visiting, the culture, people, weather, foods, visas, communication, and even stuff like the data you use on your phone, the list sometimes feels endless! There really is a lot to consider when you are travelling!

                  On the internet there is so much information on the best ways to do it, top tips for travelling, the do’s and don’t’s and so much more – it can get really overwhelming!

                  Here, we have created the best comprehensive guide to planning your travels for South East Asia. This will show a start to finish planning guide of how we would go about travelling- so that you can get the most out of your travels!

                  *This post includes affiliate links where we might earn commission, however all opinions are genuine and our own.

                  Where shall I go to, and how long for?

                  I mean this is really step one once you have decided you want to travel, and it’s probably the hardest decision… if you are still unsure, we have made a post (linked here), that can help you on those hard questions! Like we say, there is such much to see and do in South East Asia, it’s easy to get lost in all the information provided out on the internet!

                  When researching, it is best to see the Visa situation for each country in South East Asia (that you are considering), as you may not be able to visit them all. We planned to visit India but once out there, found out that getting an Indian Travel Visa whilst being British is very unlikely (and time consuming). This led to shortening our travel experience, and missing out on India and Nepal entirely.

                  Unless you are looking to stay long term, people’s travel length is usually determined by their budget. So it’s important to take this into consideration when deciding where to go, and how long for. Some countries like Singapore are a lot more expensive than the cheaper countries like Thailand and Vietnam!

                  You really need to look at the motives on why you are going. What’s the reason for the travel, and what do you want to get out of it? It is important to not set expectations on travelling – but rather use this information as a guide to figuring out where you want to go.

                  For example, if you are looking to immerse yourself in culture, you may be looking to visit different places than if you were to go to party or looking to work.

                  We have split some of the most popular reasons people travel and put them alongside the best countries in South East Asia for this category:

                  Work

                  – Bali- It’s the most popular ‘influencer’ hotspot as it’s build up and has a lot of digital nomads out there, currently living and working.

                  – Thailand (Bangkok) – It’s a cheap location for all living and has good internet access due to being a major city.

                  – Vietnam (Hanoi) – Another cheap place to live with good internet access.

                  Culture

                  Asia is full of culture so it’s hard to pinpoint countries, as they are all rich in history, and all have their own highlights.

                  Ones we would recommend would be India, Cambodia & Thailand but most of the countries would fit the bill in South East Asia.

                  Party

                  Bali – It is the obvious one where a lot of people go to party and enjoy the nightlife.

                  Thailand (Phuket and islands including Phi Phi) – has an array of nightlife where many travellers enjoy. It is also home to the famous full moon parties.

                  Philippines (Cebu city and some party islands) – This is an unusual pick for some, but through our experience a lot of hostels and cities are big for clubbing!

                  Volunteering

                  – Sri Lanka

                  – Thailand

                  – Vietnam

                  If you would want to see a more in-depth blog of the best places in South East Asia for each of these reasons, do let us know!!

                  When deciding, you may want to experience a bit of everything; so it’s probably worth looking into places that are also not popular for your reason to travel. Who knows, the most unpredictable place may be your favourite!

                  What to do in each location?

                  Now, you have decided on where you want to go (or at least an idea) and you have a rough timeframe, it’s good to look into each location thoroughly, to fine-tune your route and activity list. Refer back to the reasons you are visiting each country to figure this out.

                  My personal reason to travel was to learn about new cultures, and to experience new things. I really wanted to see what the world has to offer. I mainly focused on what would push me outside my comfort zone. To date I have volunteered abroad with a wildlife sanctuary, climbed mountains, eaten local cultural foods, and embraced new cultures to name a few!

                  Write down some activities you would like to do, no matter how crazy they seem – now see where you can do them! The countries in South East Asia have an array of activities and experiences so there will always be a place to do what you want!

                  It’s important to allocated your time efficiently when travelling to Asia so you can get the most out of the travelling experience. You will need to make time for all your crazy experiences but also downtime to recover – this is something not many people account for!

                  Whether you are going for 3 months or 1 year, you need to set aside time for travelling between places (more time in some countries), and resting between busy periods. You can then maximise your energy and time in each location (and avoid the burnout of travel, because it does happen).

                  Timeframe!

                  A lot of travellers are trying to fit everything in such a small timeframe that they end up missing out on some really cool experiences, or they get too overwhelmed with not having enough time.

                  When visiting to South East Asia, it is important to look at the best time of year to go. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in floods in monsoon season in Phuket for the worst one they have seen in 50 years…like we did!

                  As a rough guide, mainland South East Asia and Philippines are dry between November to April and Indonesia & Borneo are better from April to October. So take this into consideration! We will soon be releasing a full in-depth travel guide for South East Asia, which will include a travel calendar!

                  In reality, all travellers should create a tiered itinerary for their travels.

                  For us, this will be split into 3 tiers as shown below:

                  Tier 1: Must see and Do’s

                  This tier is the activities and places you MUST visit – the non-negotiables if you will. These are the parts of your travel that cannot be negotiated!

                  This could be visiting an Elephant sanctuary, or getting a Thai massage or maybe climbing to base camp of Mount Everest. Whatever this may be, you need to figure out how long each activity will take, and include this in the timeframe you have set out. This will give you a good guide to how much time you have remaining for the travelling and any further activities you want to do!

                  Tier 2: Cool things to do

                  Now, this is a step down from tier 1, and would be all the activities you would like to do across the period. Again, these could be any activities. I would say the plan is to include upwards of 50% of these activities if you are able. However, this all depends on how much time you spend in each location, and how much spare time you have.

                  Tier 3: If we have time!

                  This tier is the least important, and one you will add things to do if you have a little spare time. This would only be used when in location’s where you have no tier 1 or 2 options left, but still had a day (or even half a day) to kill.

                  This method of splitting the activities into tiers will show you a breakdown of priorities, and will make it easier when planning each location.

                  For instance, if you are planning the south of Thailand (check our recommended guide here) you may have island hopping and visiting elephants as tier 1, visiting a national park and going to a market as tier 2, and finally going snorkelling as tier 3. If you are only in the South Thailand for 5 days then you will prioritise island hopping and the elephants, with maybe finding time for 1 of the tier 2 activities. I would ALWAYS keep your tier 2 and 3 lists, even if you don’t have time to do all activities. When you are travelling, a lot can change and you may be in places for longer/shorter, or even end up returning! The last thing you want to do is have some time free but don’t know what to do.

                  Booking, Packing + Essentials!!

                  Now, you have your motive for travelling, the countries you are to visit and when, and the activities you want to embark on. But nothing is booked or sorted yet. This is the stage you start making this real… Scary right??

                  It’s time to start looking at flights, purchasing your travel bag, and all other travel essentials. Now it’s a good time to look choose a starting point that fits in well with the countries you are looking to visit. A lot of people start in the Philippines or Indonesia, and make their way north through Thailand and Vietnam, or vis-versa! This way, your travel flows better and you will maximise your time travelling and doing activities, and not spending time in airports or on boats, moving between places!

                  When we travelled, we started in Philippines, down into Bali then across to Singapore, Thailand and finishing in Vietnam, working our way South to North in both Thailand and Vietnam.

                  There is no right or wrong place to start, but it does help to start somewhere which fits your route!

                  You have your flight booked- before you freak out you need to get everything ready! We would recommend buying/bringing cheaper clothes, as they will be in many different situations; whether it’s a sweaty city, on the beach, up a mountain or anywhere in-between- the clothing will wear down. But don’t worry if it does, there are many places out there where you can by clothing for 1/10th of the price you do back home!

                  For the travel bag, our personal preference would be to pack as small as possible. When we travelled, we took an 80L +20L backpack which was waaaaayy too big for what we needed it for. We would recommend for first time travellers to go for a 60L backpack- we have found a budget option on Amazon here, or a highly recommended/ socially recognised one here, but this comes at a premium. The only benefit for me for having such a large travel bag is that it came with a 20L smaller bag, which you could take when you go on boat or day trips.

                  When we researched the ‘essentials’ to pack when travelling, there were so many places stating we needed electrolytes and nutrient bars etc, but in reality none of this is necessarily required. These were purchased and packed, and just rotted at the bottom of my bag as the food and shops (even in the most remote places) had the basic amenities. We would still pack supply of nutrients (or emergency medication) for the worst case scenario but these won’t be used daily, probably not even weekly or monthly.

                  For travelling, we would recommend visiting a medical professional, and finding out what injections you will need for each country you plan to visit. We would highly recommend doing this to protect you from any foreign diseases, or any uncertain medical issues, as the medical care in most Asian countries are a lot less reliable than most other countries.

                  Overview

                  The thought of travelling is daunting, we get it! There’s a lot more research and planning than meets the eye. Well, you can just book a flight, pack a bag and just go, but it can definitely backfire and lead you to missing out on some amazing experiences!

                  We believe that if anyone follows this step-by-step process for their travel planning, they will be well equipped to make the most of this amazing leap of faith you would ever be taking.

                  No matter what, you will gain irreplaceable memories and experiences, ones you would never forget. We would always recommend for people to travel and gain the life experiences that come with it.

                  If anyone is looking to travel and would like some advice or support, do reach out to us and we would be happy to help in any way! We use instagram daily, so follow us here, and DM us!

                  We really do hope you enjoyed this blog, and that it has given you the necessary steps to start your travel journey!

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                5. The Best Things to do in Singapore

                  The Best Things to do in Singapore

                  Singapore is a very small country location in South East Asia which not notoriously known as a travel location.Travellers usually skip over the country into Thailand or on their way down to Indonesia, but they are missing out!

                  As a South East Asian country, it is different to their neighbours by being really expensive. It’s pricing is similar to western countries like England and the US (which for the area can come as a shock).

                  If travellers are to visit Singapore, they would tend to book 3/5 days to quickly see the sights, and leave before spending their total budget. Even though it is a small country, it is so rich in activities that it could definitely deserve to be a longer trip.

                  Here, we have compiled the best and most important things to see and do in Singapore.

                  1. Gardens By The Bay

                  These are the infamous gardens you likely would’ve seen on social media, which is a nature park of 101 hectares with ‘super trees’ spanning the size of small buildings! People are able to go to the top of these supertrees and walk across interconnected bridges for spectacular views of the nature park, with the huge skyscrapers in the distance.

                  This is one of the most popular attractions in Singapore, and is free to enter. There are costs however for some activities, including going to the bridge, or seeing any attractions in the park.

                  At night, once it gets dark, the trees offer a display of bright lights and music for entertainment. The trees change from shade to shade, lighting up the park and creating a marvel for viewers.

                  2. Marina Bay

                  The Marina Bay is a 5 minute walk from the Gardens of the Bay, and is alive at night with people. A water show is shown each night at the bay with lights, music and water used to stop people in their tracks to marvel at the Bay.

                  The view covers the whole Marina in the background and usually gets thousands of people watching every night.

                  During the day, it is a popular spot for lunch, and is a place you can just soak up the beautiful scenery of where the gardens, buildings and bay all meet.

                  3. Jewel Changi Airport

                  This well-known location is known as the best airport in the world, and is a must do in Singapore! This airport is huge and has some amazing areas, including a 24 hour cinema, canopy bridges, mazes, thousands of shops and food outlets, and a waterfall and gardens in the centre. It truly is a marvel – one we witnessed by arriving at the airport and staying there overnight. It was so large we got lost in it, and slept in a small area on a small bench (the cinema was in another terminal!!!).

                  We spent the first few hours, even though it was past midnight, walking around the gardens and seeing the infamous waterfall in the middle. Even though the shops were closed, you can just imagine how busy and chaotic the airport can be.

                  I feel like you could stay in the airport for 2/3 days and still find unexplored areas and activities you have not done! It truly is unique and one we will definitely return to.

                  4. Little India

                  As you might of guessed, it is like someone picked up a small part of India and placed it somewhere in Singapore. It is filled with street vendors, Indian heritage, museums and history – almost making it their own. The streets were lined with colours and decorations, with music playing in the distance, locals dancing and enjoying themselves.

                  The buildings were wearing every colour of paint perfectly designed for maximised beauty. It was such a different style of busy you are used to across the whole of Singapore.

                  This is the perfect place to find some local food, look around the amazing hand-crafted stools and quaint shops, and just immerse yourself in their culture.

                  The people here are so friendly, and welcome people into the culture… it’s definitely something we would recommend to see. If you are lucky, you may time it perfectly to stumble upon a festival while you are there (which are supposed to be unmissable)!

                  5. Universal Studios

                  When you are travelling to South East Asia, it’s often that people are missing home and it’s hard to enjoy the simple things in life! However, Universal Studios was the breath of fresh air for us to enjoy a sense of normality. It was almost like teleporting back home to a theme park (and it was very much welcomed)!

                  The park was huge and full of films we all love! Including transformers, sesame street, Jurassic Park, Shrek and more. It was a perfect break for the backpacking life – we just spent the day going on rides and exploring the park. Unfortunately, the Madagascar section was under maintenance which I wanted to see but nonetheless, the park was a nice change to our travels and something I would recommend to go visit. The park is perfect for people of all ages, with a lot of theme park rides (some scary), and some younger attractions, making it perfect for the whole family.

                  It’s good to arrive early as the park is usually really busy and they have cool events in the evenings once the park closes dependant on the time of year you go.

                  Also, outside is a massive mall which can be a great place to quench your thirst and eat some well deserved food when leaving/entering the park!

                  6. National Museum of Singapore

                  The museum of Singapore is beautifully surrounded by local parks, and is rich with Singaporean history. They have many things on show including wars, fashion, currency, politics and more. They also offer shows and attractions to learn more about the country.

                  It is fascinating to learn about the country and it’s unusual history. It’s a great place to get out of the sweltering heat to learn more about the culture of this wonderful nation.

                  7. Sultan Mosque

                  The Sultan Mosque is a religious spectacle in the heart of the city. There are hundreds of people visiting each day around the Arabic Quarter. It’s a perfect way to understand and witness other cultures and prayers.

                  As with any mosque, you are required to take off your shoes and socks, and wear an outfit provided to cover your legs as a sign of respect. The mosque is eliquently built and full of architectuaral beauty.

                  Outside the mosque, is loads of restaurants – mainly mediterranean restaurants – which are a perfect spot to grab some lunch!

                  Around the corner is a few narrow streets which are brought to life with small, independent shops and bustling people, which is perfect if you like to wander and explore. There is so much to offer- and is the place I got my tarot cards read. I’m not much of a reader, but sometimes it’s good to see what happens! There’s a lot to do in this area and is a perfect place to wander and look at people’s work.

                  Our thoughts on Singapore

                  All in all, we would recommend 5/6 days in Singapore which would be a rather busy time! There’s so much to do and see that it would be hard to see it all with less time.

                  It’s understandable that the cost of the country can limit the time spent, so it is best to find independent/street food spots to save money. However, it is definitely a country I would visit again, and would recommend to anyone who is debating visiting!

                  We hope you liked our overview of the best things to do in Singapore! If you would like to see more blogs, please subscribe to our newsletter for daily blogs and follow our journey on our Social Media down below!

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                6. Our best picks to eating in Bali!

                  Our best picks to eating in Bali!

                  Now, Bali is known to be a great place to socialise and meet new people. It is a central hub to a lot of people’s South East Asia travels, and is on par with Thailand and Vietnam for some. In comparison, it’s very different, but nonetheless an essential part of a travellers itinerary.

                  Bali is now one of the most popular spots in South East Asia, and draws in thousands of digital nomads. This has changed the environment… and therefore has created more westernised food options. If you are looking for traditional Indonesian food, you may find it harder in Bali compared to more traditional areas like Java or Jakarta. You can still enjoy the local foods, with my favourite being a Nasi Goreng, or if you prefer noodles; a Mie Goreng.

                  In this blog post, we will be covering some of the popular and niche places to dine across Bali, and the Islands surrounding, to make the most of the amazing food they have to offer. Please note, Bali is more expensive than the mainland and countries surrounding, so make sure to bring a few more pennies for the Bali tax!

                  Below we have highlighted 7 of the best places we have eaten at, and given recommendations according to our experiences.

                  The Best Places to Eat in Bali

                  Copenhagen – Canggu

                  Copenhagen is a well-renowned breakfast/brunch spot location in Canggu, where a lot of nomads and travellers use as their go-to spot. The menu allows for 3 options for 70,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£3.50) or 5 items for 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£5). The options included a tropical fruit salad, a pink smoothie bowl, freshly made bread and paninis, fresh fish or cooked meats, amongst many more options. They even had sweet treats which were perfect to finish off a breakfast fit for a king. For Asia, the price may seem higher than usual, but it definitely is one of the best brunch food spots we ate at. We can’t recommend this enough.

                  Finns Beach Club & Bar – Canngu

                  Finns beach Club is probably not on many people’s lists when it comes to good food. I mean it’s the perfect place to socialise, drink and party till your hearts content. Who doesn’t love bopping to music while drinking alcohol with friends by the sea in an actual swimming pool?

                  Even though the main attraction is the alcohol-filled pools, they don’t limit you to cheap takeaway food. There are 4/5 restaurants available to order and dine at; all you need to do is leave the pool and grab a table. But don’t forget your manners and put on a top! They have options including Pizza, Indian, Sushi and more!

                  I took this opportunity to fill my addiction of Sushi by ordering a freshly made platter (which definitely fixed my appetite ready for more pool time)! The food there is expensive… and not one to order at when you are looking to budget travel. However, every once in a while you deserve to treat yourself to a good time and nice food, and this is definitely the place to do this!

                  The Krusty Krab – Nusa Penida

                  Yes, you read it right…

                  It’s the Krusty Krab!!

                  In Indonesia, there is a restaurant that is the real life Krusty Krab… which even had Krabby patties! There was no chance we were to pass this opportunity up. It’s located on the North-west side of the Island, Nusa Penida.

                  They had Sponge Bob decor making you feel like you were in the show!

                  Of course we had to order and try the Krabby patty (which is the obvious choice). I mean the burger was nice, it’s not much more than a normal burger. The food was simple but wasn’t a showstopper by any means. It’s just more the fact you were at an iconic restaurant, and is something you and your friends can definitely make the most of when you are on this island! Its a fun experience and one we would recommend if you loved the show.

                  Suka Espresso – Uluwatu

                  Suka Espresso is a lively food spot just off the main strip of Uluwatu. They offer a wide range of food and is known for it’s high quality service and quality. We took advantage of their brunch food by ordering fluffy pancakes and colourful exotic fruits with fresh muesli and sweet jams. There is so much to offer on the menus, and is definitely a place we would recommend and go back to given the chance. The food is reasonably priced and a perfect stop before heading on to the beach only a few steps away.

                  Do note that this is a popular spot for travellers to eat, so try to attend during off-peak times if you aren’t happy with waiting for a table.

                  Corner House – Seminyak

                  The Corner House has a pub-like atmosphere at the end of a busy main street in Seminyak. The restaurant has live music in the evening, with western-style pub decoration and atmosphere. It almost feels like you are in a pub back at home! They serve a wide range of foods like stone cooked pizzas, pastas, noodles, meats etc.

                  It is a large pub which is in a great location for people to wander round shops and local area as there is so much to do.

                  My favourite meal is the vegetable stir-fry which only cost 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£2.50), which was the cheapest thing on the menu. Even though it was the cheapest, the dish was amazing and so good that I returned the next day for dinner to order the same meal again! Overall, the pub is usually costing 100,000 (£5) to 200,000 (£10) for main meals which is average for the area, but if the rest of the food is similar to the stir fry I had, then it is worth every penny.

                  Taco Cartel in Ubud

                  A perfectly quaint Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Ubud, Taco Cartel is one to visit! It is on the main street perfectly between the Bali rice terrace & infinity pools, the Monkey forest and right beside to the street markets – it’s perfectly placed! Now, it’s less like a dinner spot to sit down and have a fancy meal, but rather a perfect small restaurant which has an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook your food right in front of you.

                  We ordered 2 chicken tacos which came with a refreshing spicy sauce and a squeeze of lime, alongside a stuffed beef burrito. You best believe the food was beautiful! The tacos were at a reduced price of roughly 20,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£1) per taco as a lunch deal which was a steal.

                  Ours in Uluwatu

                  Ours is a place where we stumbled upon when searching for dinner but was definitely a highlight. It just so happens the day we ate there was the same day they offered pasta and wine (choice of 3 wines) for £95,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£5 roughly). When we saw this offer there was no way we were going to turn it down.

                  Due to the offer, we went all out and ordered a few starters to share and then a beautiful Chorizo Bolognese with a white wine to wash it down. The seating is perfectly placed all surrounding the bar in the middle, with dimmed lighting to create a lovely atmosphere. Definitely one we will return to once we come back to Uluwatu!

                  What are your thoughts?

                  Bali is a place full of fantastic foods that we wish we could try a mouthful of each. The local food is one we didn’t touch upon much, with Nasi Goreng being a favourite of mine. One we may cover in another blog post!

                  Shoutouts to the beach restaurant on Gili T (which we don’t know the name of) which offered free soup and bread for starter, District 6- the all you can eat pizza and pasta place in Uluwatu, and the little hotdog parlour opposite the entrance to the monkey forest in Ubud.

                  We would always recommend eating local, but sometimes it is nice resorting back to the foods from home you love.

                  Thank you for reading to the end of our blog, and we hoped that you will be dining at some of these lovely restaurants in the near future- or at least get to Bali to enjoy all that the island offers.

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