South Korea
South Korea Itinerary: Seoul, Busan and Jeju
Palaces, KTX trains, Busan seafood and Jeju hiking — a realistic first South Korea itinerary and the seasons worth planning around.
Asia Travel Guides
Asia is the deepest section of this site. You'll find full country guides to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan and Laos here, alongside island guides for Bali and Nusa Penida, city guides to Tokyo and Bangkok, and detail on food, temples and transport. Each guide covers when to go, how to move around, what things cost and the common mistakes to avoid.
Places in Asia
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Itinerary: Hill Country and Coast
Cultural Triangle, the Ella train through tea country, safari parks and southern beaches — plus how the two monsoons split the seasons.
Singapore
Singapore Stopover: 24 to 48 Hours in the City
How to make a Singapore layover count: hawker centres, Marina Bay, MRT logistics and one-day and two-day plans that beat the humidity.
Seoul
Seoul Itinerary: Four Days in the Korean Capital
A four-day plan for Seoul covering palaces, markets, hikes and neighbourhoods, with notes on the city's layout, transport, etiquette and…
Sri Lanka
Kandy to Ella Train: How to Book and What to See
How to plan the Kandy to Ella hill country train: classes, reserved seats, the best side for views, Nine Arches Bridge and doorway safety.
Singapore
Singapore Travel Guide: Three Days in the City
Three days in Singapore: Marina Bay, the heritage quarters, green corridors and hawker centres, plus transport, heat and the laws worth…
Busan
Busan Travel Guide: Beaches, Markets and Temples
Busan beyond the beaches: clifftop temples, Jagalchi market, Gamcheon and coastal walks, plus how to plan a few days on Korea's southern…
Sri Lanka
Best Beaches in Sri Lanka: South and East Coasts
Sri Lanka's south and east coast beaches, how the two monsoons decide when to visit each, stilt fishermen, trip planning and staying safe…
Singapore
Singapore Hawker Food Guide: What to Order
How hawker centres work, the dishes, drinks and desserts to order, dietary needs and the best-known centres to visit, with answers to…
Osaka
Osaka Travel Guide: Food, Castles and Day Trips
Osaka in three days: Dotonbori and Shinsekai food, the castle, Universal Studios and easy day trips to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
Hanoi
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: How to Plan the Trip
How to pair Hanoi's Old Quarter with a Ha Long Bay cruise: how many nights, when to go, and what the overnight boats are actually like.
Thailand
Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Planning northern Thailand: the Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai route, Pai and the Mae Hong Son loop, temples, and the burning season to avoid.
India
India Travel Guide: Where to Go on a First Trip
A first India trip planned properly: which region to pick, how long to stay, trains, food safety, seasons and cultural etiquette.
India
Golden Triangle Itinerary: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
The classic Golden Triangle in a week: how many days in each city, train versus car, Taj Mahal timing and what to skip.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap Guide: Beyond the Angkor Temples
Siem Reap beyond Angkor: markets, floating villages, Tonle Sap, food and how to plan rest days around temple mornings.
Nepal
Nepal Travel Guide: Kathmandu, Trekking and Seasons
Planning Nepal: trekking regions compared, permits, altitude, the two clear seasons and how to travel respectfully.
Nepal
Everest Base Camp Trek: What to Expect
An honest look at the EBC trek: the day-by-day route, altitude, Lukla, teahouse life, fitness and the seasons that work.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu Guide: Temples, Thamel and the Valley
Kathmandu without the overwhelm: Durbar Squares, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, Thamel, air quality and valley day trips.
Philippines
Philippines Travel Guide: Islands, Seasons, Routes
Making sense of 7,000 islands: which regions to combine, the typhoon calendar, domestic flights and ferry realities.
Palawan
Palawan Guide: El Nido, Coron and Island Hopping
Palawan planned well: El Nido versus Coron, the lettered island-hopping tours, the Underground River and when to go.
Vietnam
What to Eat in Vietnam: A Region-by-Region Food Guide
Northern phở, central bún bò Huế and cao lầu, southern cơm tấm and bánh xèo — how Vietnamese food changes down the country, plus…
Taiwan
Taiwan Night Market Food Guide: What to Eat and How to Order
Beef noodle soup, gua bao, lu rou fan, oyster omelette and stinky tofu — what to order at Taiwan's night markets and how ordering works.
Laos
Mekong Slow Boat Guide: Huay Xai to Luang Prabang
The two-day slow boat down the Mekong, honestly described — border crossing, the overnight stop at Pakbeng, what to pack and whether it is…
Mongolia
Gobi Desert Guide: Dunes, Ger Camps and Overland Routes
What an overland Gobi trip is actually like — route length, ger camp life, the Flaming Cliffs and Khongoryn Els dunes, seasons and how to…
Laos
Laos Travel Guide: Luang Prabang, Vientiane and the Mekong
The slowest country in South-East Asia, and better for it. Routes, seasons, overland transport, river towns and how to travel Laos…
Vietnam
Things to Do in Vietnam: Hanoi to the Mekong Delta
The experiences worth building a Vietnam trip around, north to south: Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha caves, Hoi An…
Cambodia
Things to Do in Cambodia: Angkor, Phnom Penh, Coast
Beyond Angkor: Phnom Penh's palace and memorials, Battambang's bamboo railway, Kampot pepper country, the southern islands and the wild…
Taiwan
Things to Do in Taiwan: Taipei, Taroko and Beyond
Taipei 101, Beitou hot springs, Jiufen, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake and the night markets, with timing and transport for each.
Cambodia
Temples of Angkor: A Complete Guide for Visitors
A temple-by-temple guide to Angkor: Angkor Wat, the Bayon faces and Ta Prohm, plus ticket types, timing and how many days you need.
Cambodia
Cambodia Itinerary: How Many Days for Angkor Wat?
How many days you need for Angkor Wat and beyond — a 10-day Cambodia itinerary with temple passes, Phnom Penh, the islands and daily costs.
Vietnam
Vietnam Itinerary: Two Weeks From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
A two-week Vietnam itinerary from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — Halong Bay, Sapa, Hoi An, best time to visit, train travel and honest daily…
Taiwan
Taiwan Itinerary: 10 Days From Taipei to Taroko Gorge
A 10-day Taiwan itinerary from Taipei to Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake and Kaohsiung — high-speed rail tips, night markets and what it all…
Bali
Bali Weather Guide: The Complete Month-by-Month Breakdown
Bali's wet and dry seasons month by month, including rainfall, heat, Nyepi and Galungan, to help you pick the right time of year for your…
Japan
Tokyo Weather Guide: The Complete Month-by-Month Breakdown
Tokyo's weather month by month, with temperatures, rain and seasonal conditions through the year to help you decide when to plan your visit.
Thailand
Thailand Weather: A Month-by-Month Guide
Thailand's weather month by month, covering heat, rain and seasonal patterns across the year so you can choose when and where in Thailand…
Bali
20 Best Things to Do in Bali: Temples and Beaches
Twenty Bali experiences worth building a trip around - Ubud's rice terraces, Uluwatu's clifftop temples, Nusa Penida, waterfalls and the…
Japan
15 Best Things to Do in Tokyo: Temples, Food, Nightlife
Fifteen Tokyo experiences worth your limited time — Shibuya after dark, Senso-ji at dawn, teamLab, Tsukiji and the neighbourhoods most…
Bali
Bali Travel Guide: Where to Go and How to Plan
Where to stay in Bali, the main things to do, 7 and 10-day itineraries, quieter spots, Balinese food, transport, safety and what a Bali…
Laos
Luang Prabang Itinerary: Things to Do in 3 to 5 Days
Things to do in Luang Prabang over three to five days — Kuang Si Falls, Mount Phousi, the alms ceremony and night market, plus where to…
Japan
Ten Reasons to Visit Japan
Ten reasons Japan is worth the flight - the food, temples, trains, hot springs, seasons and safety - plus what tends to surprise…
Mongolia
Mongolia Itinerary: Gobi Desert, Ger Stays and Naadam
A Mongolia itinerary for the Gobi Desert, Khuvsgul Lake and ger stays with nomadic families — best time to visit, tour costs and what to…
Bali
Bali's Hidden Gems: Quieter Spots Worth the Detour
Quieter corners of Bali by region, from North and East Bali to the wild west coast, central Bali and lesser-known south coast beaches…
Japan
Tokyo Travel Guide: Neighbourhoods, Food and Getting Around
A Tokyo guide to the neighbourhoods, food, temples and day trips — what to see first, how to get around and what's worth your limited time.
Thailand
Thailand Travel Guide: Bangkok, Islands and Itineraries
When to visit, visas, transport, a two-week itinerary, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, island hopping, temple etiquette and daily…
Bangkok
Bangkok Travel Guide: Temples, Food and Transport
How to spend three days in Bangkok without hating it — where to stay, which temples matter, how to use the BTS and boats, and where to eat…
Kyoto
Kyoto Travel Guide: Temples, Seasons and Day Trips
How to see Kyoto's temples without the crush, when the seasons peak, and the day trips to Nara and Osaka worth adding to your itinerary.
Bali
Uluwatu, Bali: Beaches, Temple and Sunset Guide
Uluwatu on Bali's Bukit Peninsula - the clifftop temple and kecak dance, surf breaks by skill level, the best beaches, and where to watch…
Bali
Things to Do in Uluwatu: Surf, Temples and Beaches
Uluwatu's surf spots, temples and sunset views, plus the quieter corners of this part of southern Bali that are worth adding to your…
Thailand
Sukhothai Travel Guide: Visiting Thailand's Ancient Capital
How to visit Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital — the Historical Park's ruins, getting there from Bangkok or Chiang Mai, and the best…
Thailand
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Temples, Markets and Day Trips
Chiang Mai's best temples, markets and street food, ethical elephant sanctuaries, sample itineraries, day trips out of the city and where…
Bali
Best Places to Stay in Bali for Every Kind of Trip
How Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Sanur, the Nusa Islands and North Bali compare as bases, and which type of accommodation…
Japan
Free Things to Do With Kids in Tokyo
Eight free things to do with kids in Tokyo - parks, playgrounds, observation decks and hands-on museums - so a family day out costs…
Bali
Bali for Multi-Generation Family Holidays
Planning a multi-generation Bali holiday: family-friendly areas and resorts, activities for kids of all ages, safety, budget and a sample…
Japan
Yakitori Alley, Shinjuku: What to Order and When to Go
Yakitori Alley (Memory Lane) in Shinjuku - which stalls to pick, what the skewers cost, opening hours, and the etiquette that keeps the…
Bali
Things to Do in Ubud: Temples, Rice Terraces and More
Ubud's temples and cultural sights, sample itineraries, restaurants and cafes, yoga and wellness, rice terraces and outdoor trips, crafts…
Bali
Best Cafes in Bali: Coffee Spots by Area
Bali's best cafes area by area, from Ubud, Canggu and Seminyak to Uluwatu and Sanur, plus local coffee culture, tips and what cafe hopping…
Bali
Best Resorts in Bali by Area and Budget
Bali resorts from luxury to budget in Ubud, Seminyak, Legian, Canggu and Uluwatu, family-friendly stays, booking tips and typical nightly…
Bali
Snorkelling in Bali: Best Spots and Tips
Snorkelling in Nusa Penida, Amed, Padang Bai and the Gili Islands, with mantas, turtles and wrecks, choosing a tour, gear, safety and…
Bali
Things to Do in Bali With Teenagers
The Bali activities that actually work with teenagers — surf lessons, waterfalls, temples, food and the practical tips that keep everyone…
Japan
Airbnb vs Hotels in Japan: An Honest Comparison
An honest comparison of Airbnbs and hotels in Japan - the minpaku law, room sizes, real costs, and which wins in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and…
Japan
Japanese Onsen Etiquette: A First-Timer's Guide
How Japanese onsen and sento work, from changing-room protocol and washing before the bath to tattoo rules, open-air rotenburo and private…
Thailand
Where to Stay in Thailand: Best Areas by Destination
Thailand accommodation by region and budget, from luxury resorts to cheap guesthouses and unusual stays, with typical costs and booking…
Bali
Things to Do in Seminyak: Beaches, Dining and Sunsets
Seminyak's beaches and beach clubs, restaurants, villas and boutique stays, shopping, nightlife and sunset spots, with practical tips and…
Thailand
Ten Unique Things to Do in Thailand
Ten less-common Thai experiences, from Khao Sok rafting and Phang Nga Bay kayaking to Pai by scooter, a Chiang Mai cooking class and…
Thailand
Railay Beach, Krabi: Getting There and What to Do
How to get to Railay Beach, where to stay, rock climbing and other things to do, where to eat and drink, practical tips and the cost of a…
Thailand
Freedom Beach, Phuket: How to Get There and What to Expect
How to get to Freedom Beach, things to do, the best time to go, food and facilities, a budget breakdown, safety tips and nearby…
Japan
Tokyo Food Guide: What to Eat and Where
Where to eat in Tokyo - sushi counters, ramen shops, izakaya and department-store food halls - with prices, booking tips and how to order…
Japan
Senso-ji, Tokyo: Visiting the City's Oldest Temple
Senso-ji's history, getting to Asakusa, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise-dori, the main hall, Asakusa Shrine, the pagoda, temple etiquette and…
Bali
Best Restaurants in Bali: Where to Eat by Area
Where to eat in Bali, from Ubud and Seminyak to Canggu and Jimbaran Bay's seafood, with warungs, fine dining, vegan options and what meals…
Japan
Must-See Art in Tokyo, Old and New
Tokyo's digital art spaces, traditional Japanese art, major museums and contemporary galleries, with planning tips, costs and mistakes to…
Thailand
Sak Yant Tattoos in Thailand: The Complete Cultural Guide
What a Sak Yant is, common designs and meanings, temples versus ajarns in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, the ceremony, hygiene, costs and the…
Japan
Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo: When and Where to See Them
When Tokyo's cherry blossoms peak and where to see them, from Ueno to Shinjuku Gyoen and the riverside paths, plus hanami etiquette and…
Japan
Universal Studios Japan: Tickets, Express Passes and Tips
Planning Universal Studios Japan: ticket and Express Pass options, the Wizarding World, which rides to hit first, and how to avoid the…
Thailand
Best Beaches in Thailand: Island by Island Guide
The Thai beaches worth planning a trip around — Andaman versus Gulf, when each coast is at its best, and exactly how to reach the ones…
Japan
teamLab Tokyo: Planets vs Borderless and How to Book
teamLab Planets and Borderless compared, how to buy tickets and what they cost, getting there, tips for the visit and nearby places to eat…
Japan
Best Ski Resorts Near Tokyo: Day Trips and Weekends
Ski resorts within reach of Tokyo for a day trip or a weekend, with transport and planning essentials, tips for skiing in Japan and…
Bali
Best Beaches in Bali: Six Worth the Trip
Bali's beaches compared, from Uluwatu's surf breaks to Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Legian and the Nusa Islands, with safety tips and what a…
Thailand
Ayutthaya Day Trip From Bangkok: How to Plan It
An Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok - which temples to prioritise, train, van and tour options, entry costs, and how to time the heat and…
Bali
Best Time to Visit Bali: Wet and Dry Seasons
Bali's weather month by month, the dry, wet and shoulder seasons, the cheapest time to go, major festivals, packing for each season and…
Bali
Where to Stay in Bali: The Best Areas Compared
Where to stay in Bali, area by area - Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu and Sanur - who each one suits, what rooms cost, and how far they…
Thailand
Things to Do in Koh Samui: Beaches, Temples and Trips
The best things to do on Koh Samui - beaches by mood, island hopping trips, waterfalls, temples, and where to eat well without paying…
Thailand
Maya Bay, Phi Phi: Rules, Timing and Is It Worth It?
Maya Bay's closure and reopening, visitor rules, the entrance fee, the best time to go, tours from Phi Phi, nearby sights, where to stay…
Thailand
Best Time to Visit Thailand: Seasons by Region
Thailand's cool, hot and rainy seasons, month-by-month weather, how the north and the east and west coasts differ, shoulder-season value…
Thailand
Best Cafes in Thailand: Coffee From Bangkok to the Islands
Thailand's best cafes - specialty roasters in Bangkok, hillside coffee in Chiang Mai and northern-grown beans, with prices and the spots…
Thailand
Best Restaurants in Thailand: Where to Eat by City
Where to eat in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, from street food to Michelin-starred dining, plus regional dishes, vegetarian options and…
Bali
Things to Do in Canggu: Surf, Cafes and Beach Clubs
Where to stay, surf, eat and go out in Canggu, Bali, with surf spots for every level, cafes, beach clubs, transport tips and a breakdown…
Japan
Shibuya Sky and Shibuya Crossing: A Visitor's Guide
Shibuya Sky tickets and the best times to go, getting into Scramble Square, viewing Shibuya Crossing from above, photo tips, nearby sights…
Thailand
Phuket Travel Guide: Beaches, Old Town and Island Trips
Phuket's best beaches, things to do, food, where to stay and how to get around, with itinerary ideas, budget tips and common mistakes…
Bali
Where Is Bali? Location, Map, Flights and How to Get There
Where Bali actually sits, how long the flight is from Australia, Europe and the US, and everything you need to know about arriving at…
Japan
Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo: What to Eat and When to Go
What to eat at the Tsukiji Outer Market, from sushi to street food, plus opening hours, the best times to go, getting there, shopping and…
Japan
Zao Onsen Guide: Snow Monsters, Skiing and Hot Springs
Zao Onsen in winter: the snow monsters, the ski terrain, sulphur hot springs, how to get there from Yamagata, and when the frost-covered…
Japan
Niseko Ski Guide: Powder, Passes and Where to Stay
Niseko's four resorts compared, getting there from Sapporo, the ski season, lift passes, gear rental, accommodation, onsen, dining and a…
Bali
Things to Do in Kuta, Bali: Beach, Surf and Nightlife
What to do at Kuta Beach in Bali - beginner surf lessons, sunsets, nightlife, cheap eats, and the nearby spots worth escaping to when it…
Bali
Things to Do in Nusa Penida: Beaches and Viewpoints
Things to do on Nusa Penida - Kelingking, Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach, the fast boat from Bali, road conditions, and how many days…