The slogan of my title is taken from a UK advertising campaign promoting travel to Malaysia. I found it an intriguing description of a country I knew very little about. Firstly, what exactly ‘is’ Asia? How can you possibly define a continent so large and varied? The answer I found is that Asia is undefinable. … More Malaysia: Truly Asia
Crossing borders is a pretty common part of travel in regions such as Southeast Asia. You’ll inevitably need to get from one country to another via land, sea or air and it can sometimes be an intimidating or confusing transition. I completed ten border crossings in Asia last year, some more eventful than others. This … More Take Me To The Other Side
Our journey began on a tiny longboat, skimming up the Mekong River to the gloriously-named 4000 Islands. A pile of precious backpacks balanced precariously on the prow, and I half expected to see mine tumbling into the brown water at any moment. Luckily, this concern did not become a reality and we made it to … More Travelling Laos: Along the Mekong
When you open your Southeast Asia guidebook and look at those pictures of longtail boats reclining on beautiful white sand amidst a backdrop of stunning cliffs, you’re looking at a picture of Thailand’s Andaman coast. The natural beauty of the islands off the west coast is world-famous. Jagged limestone cliffs rise out of sparkling blue … More Thai Style Part 3: The Andaman Coast
As the boat dipped and bobbed leisurely towards the dock I realised I had no idea what to expect from this place, my first experience of one of Thailand’s famous tropical islands. All I knew of Koh Tao was that it was considered the diving capital of southeast Asia and it was kind of small. … More Thai Style Part 2: The Gulf Islands
Thailand is a country of colourful Buddhist temples, exotic food, stunning islands, natural beauty and friendly people. It’s a place you can dance on the beach ‘til dawn, swim in warm clear seas and purchase alcohol by the bucket. This is the Thailand most travellers will describe. I spent two and a half months in … More Thai Style Part 1: The Mainland
Long-term readers of this blog may have gathered that I’m a huge lover of all things wild. Nothing makes me happier than being totally surrounded by the spoils of Mother Nature, and whilst travelling I try to fill as many days as possible with such experiences. Here are my highlights of nature and wildlife around … More Travelling the Natural Way
TRAVELLERS BEWARE: Children, especially orphans, are not a tourist attraction! Harmony Farm, also known as the Cambodian Children Rural Development Organisation, is a Khmer-run NGO. It is located in a village a stone’s throw from Beng Mealea temple, about 70km northeast of Siem Reap. First off I want to make it clear that we didn’t … More Visiting a Cambodian Orphanage
This blog is not about Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm or Bayon. Everyone knows these are the big ones, so instead I’m going to pay some attention to the lesser-visited but just as worthy temples you can explore while staying at Siem Reap. About 70km northeast of the city is Beng Mealea. This temple has been … More Lesser Known Temples of Angkor
‘Paradise’ means different things to different people. For some it might be cuddling up with someone special in front of an open fire with a bottle of wine; for others it is a fantastic party, dancing all night with their best friends. Maybe it’s a wild jungle teeming with animals and birds, or the top … More Finding Paradise
Travelling Hippy 