Travel guides and resources
The aim
An obvious first step in planning any trip is to identify where you are going and what the objective is, and from this, create a summary of what you can do and see at each stop on the tour. I started by collecting links and ended up with folders full of them, which is great—until a site disappears, gets updated, or, as happened just before Christmas a couple of years ago, the laptop with all the links dies (yes, I know: back it up, share links across devices, etc. – thirty+ years using computers and I still haven’t learnt).
Then there’s the other problem: once you have collected some links and you start rereading the content, it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole—getting excited and chasing new ideas, following more links—and soon forgetting why you were there in the first
place (or is that just me?).
So, this section is simply a collection of possibilities and musings that follow something like the logical progression of our tour, drawing on some of the material I’ve found online and additional research to give background to each area. One thing is certain: we’re not setting off with a checklist of tourist hotspots—this isn’t a poor version of an I-Spy activity book! Hopefully, we’ll see many wonderful places and have plenty of great experiences, but we won’t sacrifice the latter for the former. And if you ever need an excuse to go back somewhere later, well… that’s the perfect excuse.
Cambodia >>
Cambodia landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and Gulf of Thailand coastline. With lots of temples, biodiversity and history there is plenty of opportunity for a backpacker.
Indonesia >>
There are over 17,500 islands in Indonesia stretching from west of the Malay peninsula across to Queensland Australia, spanning a distance of 5,100km - equivalent to more than 12% of the Earth’s circumference.
Laos >>
The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Traversed by the Mekong River and known for mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and being a popular with backpackers.
Malaysia >>
From the buzzing streets of Kuala Lumpur to the emerald rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia offers a world of experiences layered with rich culture, unforgettable flavours, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Singapore >>
Small in size, but overflowing with vibrant culture, futuristic architecture, lush green spaces, and some of the most unforgettable food.
Thailand >>
The Land of Smiles—where golden temples, turquoise islands, bustling night markets, and lush jungle landscapes come together in a country full of colour, culture, and irresistible charm.
Vietnam >>
From chaotic city streets to mountain treks and beach escapes, Vietnam combines ancient heritage with breathtaking natural wonders, creating a destination full of colour, warmth, and discovery.
Others >>
Other countries in the region that were on our list of potential additions to the tour, but they’ve yet to make the final cut as we refine the itinerary.
South-East Asia >>
So much content available and well some of it doesn't want to be pigeon holed so here is a page especially for them. Remember (sometimes) you can't put Baby in a box!