An independent travel guide
Southeast Asia, travelled slowly and written down
12 countries, hundreds of stays - each one chosen for a reason. Compare destinations, find a neighbourhood to stay in, and plan your days.
68 destinations - independently chosen stays
The five we return to
Vietnam
Hanoi
Start at Hoan Kiem Lake before the city wakes, then walk the Old Quarter for street food and coffee. Stay in a French colonial hotel for the contrast, or in a quiet lane close to the lake.
Read the Hanoi guide
Thailand
Bangkok
Follow the river between temples, then spend an evening eating in Chinatown.
Indonesia
Bali
Pair the rice terraces around Ubud with temples and surf on the coast.
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Stay for the food: Malay, Chinese, and Indian cooking within a city break.
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Explore old-city temples, night markets, and the mountains beyond the city.
Popular destinations
City breaks, island stays, and mountain towns to explore.
Indonesia
Lombok
Vietnam
Phu Quoc
Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Laos
Vang Vieng
Thailand
Phuket
Laos
Luang Prabang
Vietnam
Da Nang
Cambodia
Siem Reap
Also popular: Penang, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Palawan, Cebu
Browse by country
Thailand
11 citiesRiver cities, northern temples, and islands on two coasts
Bangkok Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Phuket Pattaya Koh Samui
View all ThailandVietnam
10 citiesOld quarters, coastal towns, and mountain landscapes
Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City Da Nang Hoi An Ha Long Bay Nha Trang
View all VietnamMalaysia
9 citiesFood-led city breaks, rainforest, and island stays
Kuala Lumpur Penang Langkawi Malacca Cameron Highlands Ipoh
View all MalaysiaIndonesia
12 citiesVolcanic landscapes, temple towns, and surf coasts
Bali Ubud Jakarta Yogyakarta Bandung Lombok
View all IndonesiaCambodia
5 citiesAngkor temples, riverside towns, and the southern coast
Siem Reap Phnom Penh Battambang Kampot Sihanoukville
View all CambodiaPhilippines
10 citiesIsland hopping, reef diving, and mountain towns
Manila Palawan Boracay Cebu Bohol Siargao
View all PhilippinesLaos
4 citiesMekong towns, limestone mountains, and temple walks
Luang Prabang Vientiane Vang Vieng Pakse
View all LaosSingapore
1 cityHawker food, neighbourhood walks, and waterfront gardens
View all SingaporeHong Kong
1 cityHarbour walks, hillside trails, and neighbourhood dining
View all Hong KongMyanmar
3 citiesTemple landscapes and historic river cities
View all MyanmarBrunei
1 cityRiver settlements, mosques, and rainforest excursions
View all BruneiTimor-Leste
1 cityCoastal drives, mountain walks, and diving around Dili
View all Timor-Leste
Where to linger
Chosen for the room, the light, and the walk outside.
