Asia Travel Blog Posts

Interesting sights, exotic aromas, noisy streets and a sensory overload – this is Asia and it’s awesome. If you’re traveling to Asia then you will find articles about many destinations on this page.
Is Baguio Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Visit Baguio [the Philippines]
What's the first image that comes to your mind when I mention the Philippines? If you love to travel like me, I'm sure you think of paradise beaches, islands, and busy cities.. perhaps also lakes or lagoons that Palawan is famous for. But did you think of mountains? I...
The Perhentian Islands Travel Guide: Malaysia’s Secret Paradise
The Perhentian Islands Travel Guide has been written by Laura Peters and edited by the website editor. Imagine picture perfect white sandy beaches, clear blue water, colorful coral reef, hills that are covered with rainforest and spectacular viewpoints - it all...
Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka’s Misty Waterfall Paradise
Travel guide for Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka's misty gem of the Hill Country. This post has information about the waterfalls around Nuwara Eliya as well as the list of places to see in Nuwara Eliya town. Did you think Sri Lanka was only about beaches? Yes, it is a small...
Kaudulla National Park Guide: Elephant Safari near Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
If you're visiting Sri Lanka, then make sure you visit a national park to see wild elephants. - Said everyone I knew, even those who did not visit Sri Lanka. Thank god I listened because it was one of the best things we did in Sri Lanka. [Even though we did a...
Turkey Travel Tips (from a local): 15 Things to Know Before Visiting
Turkey travel tips has been written our Europe content specialist – Alara Benlier, who is originally from Turkey. This post has been further expanded by the editor. Turkey is historical, vibrant, and is insanely beautiful. This country that's twice the size...
Phra Nang Beach, Krabi: Travel Guide for Thailand’s Beautiful Cave Beach
There's a beach, a cave, a lagoon, a viewpoint, many stalagmites and stalactites.. and also a lot of monkeys. This is Phra Nang beach in Krabi, one of the most beautiful beaches of Thailand. Wooden phallic symbols installed over generations and riveting tales to add...
Why Kerala Will Win Your Heart – Human By Nature
Every once in a while, I get an opportunity to visit a destination that completely blows my mind. I’m not talking about just the physical beauty or the food or even the culture - it is more than that. I’m talking about an extra something - the human element. ...
The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days – Top Places to Visit
The ultimate 10 day Turkey itinerary for first timers Is it Asia or Europe? Turkey is both - the best of two continents in just one country. At first it may appear that Turkey mostly suits cultural travelers. After all, it sits on the cusp of both Europe and...
Why Canoeing Through Alleppey Backwaters is Better than a Houseboat [Kerala]
Information about Alleppey Backwaters, canoeing in Alleppey and Houseboats. Our Kerala trip did not have the best start. We couldn’t find our hotel, my phone screen cracked, and one of us lost our bank cards. In the midst of all the chaos, the only thing that went...
Thailand Travel Tips – 13 Things To Know Before You Go
Thailand Travel Tips - the Land of Smiles One of the most visited countries in the world, Thailand has been the gateway to South East Asia for many kinds of travelers. Adventure enthusiasts head to Krabi, digital nomads go to Chang Mai and party travelers head to Koh...
Kandy to Ella Train Journey in Sri Lanka: Info + Pics + Scenic Stops + Itinerary
Tea estates, green hills, waterfalls, and tunnels - this is Kandy to Ella train journey. Many people say that it is the most scenic train journeys in the world. I strongly agree! Read further to know why through my pictures. Also, I hope to share a lot of in...
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka – Travel Guide + Things to do + Video
Arugam Bay is a beach destination on Sri Lanka’s East Coast where you can easily get comfortable for days and not want to leave. This is exactly what happened with San and me when we visited Sri Lanka. We loved Arugam Bay’s relaxed vibe so much that we ended up...
Climbing Sigiriya OR Pidurangala Rock in Sri Lanka – Which One is Better?
Should you climb the Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock? Or both? If you’re thinking of heading to Central Sri Lanka’s Sigiriya village and are not sure where to go or what to miss, this post will help you make some decisions. I have climbed both and can compare them...
How to Spend 3 Days in Istanbul [Itinerary], Turkey
Epic sunsets, distant sounds of Namaaz, spectacular minarets and adorable cats – this is Istanbul, one of the most exotic cities of Europe or Asia. East meets West is such a cliché but no other destination fits this description as perfectly as Istanbul. There is an...
30 Amazing Places to Visit in Delhi – the City of Djinns, India
This guide about places to visit in Delhi has been written falling in love with Delhi for 17 years and falling out of it over and over again. Yes this is exactly how it is to live in Delhi or to visit it for a few days – it is a constant love and hate relationship. It...
Tiger Safari in Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India
If you have traveled extensively in India, then most likely you have already heard of Kanha National Park. Also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, it is one of the many National Parks in India where one can hope to see a tiger in the wild. It is in Madhya Pradesh, the...
Pamukkale in Turkey – Spectacular Travertine Thermal Pools [+ Hierapolis]
The first time I came across a picture of Pamukkale was when I was in college. I remember staring at this picture for a long time because I had never seen anything like it. There were enormous white formations and blue thermal pools with people in them – wow! I...
Top Places to Visit in Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi, famous as the Jewel of Kedah is dotted with gorgeous beaches, lush green rainforests, and awesome waterfalls. The wide variety of wildlife and those bizarre rock formations are just a few of the many reasons why you should make a trip to Langkawi. It is hard...
5 Amazing Color Themed Places to Visit in Rajasthan (India)
Rajasthan is right out of a fairy tale. There are historical castles, sand dunes, magical landscapes, and best of all - color themed cities. If you see the map of India, you will notice that Rajasthan is towards the North West part of the country and borders with...
Best International Roaming Plan for Travelers from India [in 2018]
I have a confession to make – I can’t survive very well without 3G while traveling. As much as I hate my dependence on technology, I have to admit that being connected makes things very easy while being on the road. It’s not so much about social media, but is because...
Things to do in Bikaner – Travel Guide for the Red City of Rajasthan
"Oh Bikaner, why have you been hiding all this time? Did you get overshadowed by too many famous siblings?" A few months back if you had asked me about Rajasthan, I would have mentioned places like Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur or Pushkar. However at this point,...
3 Offbeat Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh [Northeast India]
Often called the Land of the Rising Sun, Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India shares it's borders with Bhutan, China and Myanmar and is unlike most of India. If you are looking for wildlife, adventure, and peace - then you're going to love Arunachal Pradesh. Northeast...
Ladakh Road Trip – Itinerary, Stories and Madness
Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary has been written by Karan Bhalla who represented Drifter Planet at the Highest Blogger Meet that was organized and sponsored by Scout My Trip and OYO to launch OYOnauts. This epic road trip was complimentary and all the opinions (and...
How to enjoy Manila on a budget?
For us backpacker and budget travelers, the Philippines is not the cheapest country in Southeast Asia. Manila is the stepping stone to many travelers of the great adventures waiting ahead in this country. For most tourists it's a necessary stop on the way. Also, the...
10 Beautiful Spots in Cappadocia that are Instagram Worthy [ Turkey ]
“Can you tell me the EXACT location of this photo?” Yup, that's the most frequently asked question when people see my Cappadocia pictures. In fact, this question comes to me so often that I decided the easiest thing to do would be to just write a post about my...
Day Trip to Dala Village near Yangon, Myanmar
A small fishing village in Myanmar, Dala is a perfect spot for a day trip from Yangon. A trip to Dala village gave us a quick snapshot of life in a small Burmese village. A visit to Dala village is perfect for those who want to take a quick look at simple Burmese...
Why Cappadocia in Turkey is the Most Magical Place on Earth
Exactly a year ago, I visited a place called Cappadocia in Turkey. This place is so picturesque and full of magic, that words are not enough to describe the beauty. Yes, that’s one of the reasons why I never ended up writing about Cappadocia, but I have finally...
Sri Lanka itinerary – the Perfect 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka [+ Route Map]
Want to travel to Sri Lanka and need information? Here's our itinerary for Sri Lanka which is based on two different trips - one was for a week and the other was for a month. This Sri Lanka itinerary is flexible and can be modified as per your needs for 2 weeks, 3...
Best treks in Leh Ladakh
This is a guest post by Eva Green The magnetism of Leh and Ladakh lies in its beautiful hilly terrains and the deserted flat landscape that are dotted with a tint of blue because of the streams and lakes. Popularly known as the “Little Tibet,” the lofty peaks and...
7 Thoughts That Crossed My Mind Before My First Bungee Jump
“Your turn”, said Olly, the jump instructor at Jumping Heights, Rishikesh. “OMG Whaaaaaat”, I thought. However, I smiled and said “Awesome!” I could hear my heart in my ears! I was standing at the edge of the bridge, 83 meters above the ground, ready to take a leap of...
How to Experience the Maharaja Life in Bikaner, Rajasthan
Some are lucky enough to be born in royal families, but the rest can just dream of it. Ever visited a palace and wondered what your life would have been if you were a king? Or maybe you imagined yourself to be Queen Daenerys and living in a massive castle with...
Why I love Visiting Old Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India
Old Manali may have the prefix “old”, but it is way more awesome as compared to the main Manali town. While latter is one of the busiest summer destinations in India, the former is a breath of fresh air. Geographically, the only thing that separates Old Manali and...
Chandra Taal – The Moon Lake in Spiti Valley, India
Have you ever stretched your limits to see the place of your dreams? I did a few months back when I trekked for five days to reach Spiti Valley from Manali. In these five days of trekking, I crossed the Hampta pass with GIO Adventures, camped at a new spot every night...
13 Amazing Things to do in Sri Lanka [That Will Blow Your Mind]
Sri Lanka, a country that is so green that it feels like one big tropical rainforest national park. No matter where we went, we usually woke up to the music of birds. During our month long trip in Sri Lanka, there were at least five instances where we saw wild...
Sri Lanka Travel Tips – 13 Things You Need To Know
Sri Lanka Travel Tips article is a must read for your Sri Lankan adventure. If someone asks me to describe Sri Lanka in just one word, I'd say "green". It doesn’t matter where you go but you will surely see a lot of green. The entire country feels like one massive...
20 Indian Female Travelers to Follow on Instagram
Who doesn’t need a little inspiration from time to time? I know I do. I have been traveling for many years but it wasn’t until last year that I quit my job to travel the world. While traveling, many people were surprised when I told them I was from India because they...
Tips for celebrating Holi in India from an Indian
So you want to celebrate Holi in India and want some basic information before you start? You've come to the right page! Being an Indian, I have celebrated Holi all my life at many locations all over the country. As per me, it’s the most awesome festival in the world!...
Sleeping in a Tree House in Sri Lanka near Sigiriya [in the Forest]
Did you notice the pictures of a cute tree house in Sri Lanka on our Instagram page? Well, it’s time to share more details. We couldn't stop raving about it because this tree house is seriously the most adventurous place where we ever stayed the night – we were in the...
Time Traveling to Goa’s Past at Goa Tribal Festival
Ever heard of Goa Tribal Festival? No, it’s not a psytrance party but a festival that involves REAL tribes of Goa. If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you must be aware that San and I were volunteering in Goa and living here for a few months. In fact, I often call...
Exploring the other side of Goa at Dudhsagar Plantation
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Goa? I bet it’s the beaches or palm trees. Same with me, because in my many visits to Goa and even living here, I usually stuck to the coastline. If you look at the map of Goa, you will notice there is a...
Shopping in Goa – 7 Colorful Flea Markets of Goa
This guide is about Goa Flea Markets. Besides shopping in Goa, we also suggest you read our other blog posts about it - visit this page. Apart from the beaches, Goa is famous for its lovely flea markets that are sure to win your heart. Whether you like to shop or not,...
Wondering what we’re doing in Goa?
If you’re following us on Facebook, you must have noticed that we’re in Goa. No, we are not here for a week or two but are here for a few months. We’re not “holiday”ing here but are volunteering in Goa. This is our way of slow travel because we want to make our way to...
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia, Turkey – Magical Flight of Dreams
There is something magical about floating in a hot air balloon and looking at the world through the eyes of a bird. Everything looks tiny, calm and attainable. The world feels like an easier place to live from up above. There are many amazing places all over the world...
One Day in Kuala Lumpur – Things to do in KL for 1 Day
One Day in Kuala Lumpur is a guide is for people like me who don’t like to spend more than a few days in big cities and are looking to explore Kuala Lumpur in a short time. Yes, it’s possible to "do" Kuala Lumpur in one day. Kuala Lumpur – this fast growing...
Sleeping in a Cave Hotel in Cappadocia – Ottoman Cave Suites, Göreme, Turkey
Fancy a trip to Mars but can’t afford it? Cappadocia is your answer. Cappadocia in Turkey is the land of unusual rock formations that have further been carved into underground cities, churches and cave houses. Some of these rock formations look like mushrooms (or...
Hampta Pass Trek and Chandratal Lake – Adventures in Spiti Valley [India]
Swollen ankles, bruised thigh.. and yet I couldn’t help but smile at my sunburnt reflection in the mirror. I was proud of myself! I had just returned home after finishing Hampta pass trek and survived 5 days of camping in Himachal’s wilderness. I have done my fair...
Being Stranded in Istanbul During the Military Coup, Turkey
They said it is unsafe and they said I should not visit it. “It” in this case is Istanbul and there was no way I was going to cancel my ticket. Did I just prove them wrong? I smiled to myself as I walked around Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square. I was glad I was here! I...
Goa Travel Tips: 13 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting
Travel Tips to get the most out of your Goa visit I’m sure by know you know that I absolutely LOVE Goa. I love it so much that I spent many hours a few days back in my attempt to create the most detailed guide on the internet to North Goa! Here are some essential...
North Goa Beaches and Beyond [+ Video + Map] – Everything You Need to Know
A detailed guide to the beaches of North Goa. You think North Goa is full? Yes, it is full but only if you visit the likes of Anjuna, Baga, Candolim and Calangute areas. Those who wander beyond these beaches will fall in love with this wonderland. Yes, I have visited...
9 Reasons Why Cochichos Resort is the Best Place to Stay in Goa
After visiting Goa at least ten times, I have come to realize that Vagator is my favorite place to stay. While it’s far from North Goa’s most crowded beaches, it’s sufficiently close to good beaches, forts and some of the best beach bars and parties. Oh and the best...
Filipino Food: 11 Delicious Things to Eat in the Philippines
Ah, Filipino food… before we entered this beautiful country, we were warned by many that we may not enjoy the food here. To be honest, we didn’t have the best experience in the beginning but we definitely had some memorable eating experiences as we tried more things....
El Nido vs Coron? A Comparison of Palawan’s top destinations
El Nido vs Coron? Or both? If you’re thinking of heading to Palawan for a quick trip and are not sure where to go or what to miss, this post will help you make some decisions. Moreover, this post will also act as an excellent guide if you’re visiting both these...
Kasol and Around – 11 Hippie Destinations in the Himalayas, India
"Wait, you're heading to Kasol too??" It's summer time in India and it feels that the roads are on fire! Seriously, with the mercury rising close to 48 degrees in New Delhi and 35 degrees in Mumbai and around, we all need our dose of mountain magic. Almost...
Alona Beach & More: Panglao Island, Bohol – Philippines
Panglao Island is a tiny island attached to the south-west tip of the main island of Bohol in the Philippines. It is very close to Cebu island as well. We wanted white sand, blue water, beautiful nature and loads of peace. A little research suggested that the...
Tambayan Capsule Hostel, Manila – A Love Affair to Remember!
Goodbye Beaches, Hello Manila! Our time in the Philippines was about to end when we decided to spend a day in Manila. After many days of island hopping, camping and staying in dirty hostels, San and I needed one day of comfort and good food. Our few attempts to eat...
Paper Plane Hostel in Kuala Lumpur – Coolness Overload!
Being budget travelers, San and I have stayed in many different kinds of hostels in numerous cities. They’re affordable, fun and are unarguably the best spots to meet other backpackers. From vividly colorful walls to inexpensive decor, most of the hostels are usually...
Ngwe Saung Beach: Travel Guide – A Beach Destination Near Yangon [Myanmar]
Ngew Saung Beach or Ngewsaung is a lesser known beach destination in the Irrawaddy region of Myanmar that is easily accessible from Yangon. The name Ngwe Saung Beach means silver beach in Burmese language and is a suitable description. Many guidebooks state that this...
Why Holi is the most AWESOME Festival EVER
Holi may be an Indian and Nepalese festival but it is now popular all over the world. Why? Because it’s AWESOME! Some call it the festival of colours and others call it the festival of sharing love – I call it the festival of FUN. In my opinion, it is the most amazing...
Things to do in Malacca [Melaka], Malaysia – the Amsterdam of Asia
Things to do in Malacca - the Amsterdam of Asia Am I still in Asia? I thought to myself as I walked around the streets of Melaka. Everything around me looked very European – the architecture, street art, cute little cafes and wait… did I just see a windmill on the...
11 Indian Girls That Are Totally Rocking Solo Travel
I’m not lost. I know where I’m going. Yes, I’m alone. Doesn’t mean I’m lonely. You think I’m gutsy? Thanks – feels good. No I’m not traveling solo to nurse a broken heart. (But that’s a good idea). No, I’m definitely not running away from anything. No, I’m not rich, I...
11 Reasons Why I love Goa and Keep Going Back
Goa is perhaps India’s most popular destination. It is known for its massive beaches and a unique culture that’s a mix of Indian and Portuguese. It is not a city but is a state (or a province) that’s divided in many zones. I have lost count of the number of...
Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon [Myanmar]: Fables, Facts + Visiting Tips
“Then, a golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon, a beautiful winking wonder that blazed in the sun, of a shape that was neither Muslim dome nor Hindu temple-spire.” -- Rudyard Kipling Shwedagon Pagoda or Paya is the biggest and the grandest Pagoda in Myanmar....
51 Reasons Why Life in India is AWESOME
“To other countries, I may go as a tourist, but to India, I come as a pilgrim.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. Life in India can be joyous, tough, colorful, stressful, chaotic but never boring. You must have heard numerous times that India is one of those countries...
11 Fun Things to Do in Yangon, Myanmar (in 2019)
This post is not just about things to do in Yangon but is also a mini travel guide with information about where to stay and public transport. It was originally written in 2016 but has been updated every few months with new information. If you're looking to spend a few...
This KICKASS Video of Hampi will make you want to visit it
We arrived in Hampi from Goa just for two days, but ended up extending our stay because we fell in LOVE with this land of lost civilization and mystery! For more information, check our this amazing travel guide to Hampi - it has amazing pictures. You must have already...
Myanmar Travel Tips – 15 Things to Know Before Visiting Burma
Myanmar Travel Tips to help you have a good time in the most exotic country in South East Asia. Breathtaking temples, mysterious ruins, virgin beaches, river deltas and exotic culture – Myanmar has it all! Yet, it is one of the least visited countries in South...
Kheerganga – My Favorite Trek in the Himalayas
Have you ever visited a place that you wished would remain a secret forever? Kheerganga was one such place for me. A trek so beautiful that the physical workout felt like a picnic. A destination so picturesque where it felt like I was in the land of “Heidi. A...
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand: Secret Way to Experience “The Beach”
Trust me, it's paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. For mine is a generation that circles the globe and searches for something we haven't tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay...
11 Awesome Things to Do In Hampi + Places to Visit + Video [ India ]
Here's our travel guide for Hampi in Karnataka, India. This post has information about how to reach Hampi, how to travel internally, where to stay and top places to visit in Hampi. A unique destination which is a pilgrim’s delight, a backpacker’s haven, a historian’s...
Krabi’s Railay Beach + Around – Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang & Ton Sai
I have visited Thailand multiple times, but there's one place that I keep going back to. It is the Railay peninsula in Krabi province. My first visit to this place back in October 2013 is what I will remember for life, mainly because of my dramatic entry. My first...
Vang Vieng – A Lazy Party Destination in Laos
Vang Vieng is a small town in Laos along the Nam Song River. How to Reach Vang Vieng, Laos The usual way of reaching Laos or Lao is by road. You can take a bus from Bangkok over the friendship bridge boarder to Vientiane, which is the capital of Laos. I was a in a bit...
Delhi Travel Tips: 21 Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Delhi
If you’re visiting India, most likely your flight will land in Delhi. It is a massive city and can confuse anyone that’s not familiar with it. It is divided into 6 main zones – North, South, East, West, Central and Old Delhi. It has an interesting history - it was...
One Day in Bangkok Itinerary – Things to do
Bangkok Itinerary for exploring the city in just one day. Is it possible to explore Bangkok in one day? Probably not - but here is an attempt to help you decide what to do in Bangkok if you're visiting this city for a short duration. Bangkok has been the gateway to SE...
10 Reasons to Visit Jaisalmer, the Golden City of Rajasthan
Some of the most prominent movie makers like Wes Anderson, John Madden and Christopher Nolen absolutely love Rajasthan. With its barren fields, magnificent architecture and colorful people, Rajasthan’s exotic landscapes make the perfect backdrop for some famous movie...
The best of EVERYTHING in Havelock on a Low Budget
Want to do Havelock Island on a low budget? My Havelock Island post was very detailed, hence I am sharing a list of best of everything on the island for a backpacker’s budget: 1) Best Place to Eat: Welcome Dhaba (crab curry, prawn curry, fish curry, steamed fish,...
Havelock Island of Andaman and Nicobar islands – the Ultimate Backpacker Destination
Ever heard of Havelock Island? This Island has everything it takes to be the ultimate backpacker's destination Island and is a part of the Andamans and Nicobar Islands. The best part? Well, it has some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia which are right out of a...
Koh Phangan – Thailand’s Party & Yoga Island
Koh Phangan is a Paradise Island and is one of the three major islands located in the gulf of Thailand in the middle of Koh Tao and Koh Samui. This island is famous for its parties - the Full Moon Party being the most famous one. If you only want to know...
I HATED the Full Moon Party of Koh Phangan [But Here’s a Guide just in case you want to go]
This post is about Asia's most famous party: the Full Moon Party of Koh Phangan. Koh Phangan is an island in Thailand. So you’ve decided to check this item off your bucket list? Well, I did too a few years back. My multiple visits to Thailand's Koh Phangan...
Gallu Waterfall near Dharamkot: Himachal Pradesh [India]
Gallu is a little village in Himachal Pradesh with less than five houses and just two guest houses. If you like swimming in natural pools as much as we do and like hunting for lesser known little wonderlands, then you will absolutely love reading about this...
Dharamkot – a Hippie Village in the Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh), India
You must have heard of Dharamshala, but have you heard of Dharamkot? It is a little hippie village in the Himalayas, near Dharamshala and McLeodganj. Dharamshala is a famous Buddhist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, India. Both Dharamshala and McLeodganj have become...
Trekking to Triund in Himachal Pradesh, India
In the middle of the Himalayas with Dhauladhar range on one side and the lovely Kangra valley on the other, there lies a hill with a flat top called Triund. Because of it's shape, Triund has become a popular place for camping after trekking for 3 - 5 hours. Yes, the...
Neil Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Imagine a paradise island which is many hours away from the main land with empty soft sand beaches, extremely blue water, no cell phone connectivity, amazing seafood curries, simple village life, extremely polite (and sweet) people and unbelievably affordable....