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Festival calendar
When and where the big festivals happen in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Bali and Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka, month by month.
Travel guides
Itineraries, festival dates, hostel picks and practical advice for travelling solo in Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Laos, India and Sri Lanka.
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357 guides
Hostels
Best hostels in Canggu: Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, Berawa and Pererenan
Where to stay in Canggu by area: surf hostels in Batu Bolong, Echo Beach's party scene, quieter Berawa and co-living Pererenan, with female dorms and 2026 prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Places
Vietnam travel guide for solo travellers: routes, regions, costs and the best time to go
Touring Vietnam on your own: itineraries from one week to a month, what the north, centre and south are like, the best and worst months, trains and flights, and daily costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Places
Komodo Island travel guide: dragons, boat trips, costs and itineraries
How to visit Komodo Island and the national park solo in 2026: getting there from Bali, the new visitor quota and fees, dragons, Padar, Pink Beach, boat trips and costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 15 min read
Places
Goa, India travel guide: beaches, the map, itineraries and costs for solo travellers
Where Goa is on the map, North vs South Goa beaches and who each suits, the two airports, how long to spend, the season, costs and staying safe.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 13 min read
Itineraries & routes
Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry itinerary: 1 week or 10 days of temples, the French quarter and Madurai
Chennai's temples, Mahabalipuram's shore carvings, Pondicherry's French quarter and Madurai's towers, in 1 week or spread over 10 days with Thanjavur.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Kerala itinerary: 1 week or 10 days from Kochi to the Varkala cliffs
A day-by-day Kerala itinerary from Fort Kochi to the Varkala cliffs: Munnar's tea hills, Thekkady's forest, a backwater cruise, travel times and what to eat.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Northern Vietnam itinerary: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Lan Ha Bay and Sapa in 1 week or 10 days
Hanoi, Ninh Binh's karst rivers, a night on Lan Ha Bay and a Sapa trek in one loop: day by day for 1 week, how to stretch it to 10 days, and what it costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Food & drink
Indonesian food: nasi goreng, rendang and what to eat island by island
What to eat in Indonesia by island: Yogyakarta's gudeg, Bali's babi guling, Lombok's ayam taliwang, Flores's grilled fish and the Padang food that turns up everywhere.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Bali and Indonesia travel guide for solo travellers: itineraries, islands, costs and when to go
How to plan Bali and the islands around it on your own: itineraries from a week to a month, Canggu, Ubud, Nusa Penida, the Gilis, Lombok, Komodo and Java, plus costs and when to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 15 min read
Places
India travel guide for solo travellers: itineraries, regions, costs and the best time to go
How to plan India solo: where to go by region, how long to stay, every route guide we've written, costs, best time, visa rules, safety and getting around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 15 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Phuket: beaches, the old town and day trips
Phuket's beaches, Old Town, the Big Buddha and Promthep Cape, day trips to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and the Similans, diving, Muay Thai and the Vegetarian Festival.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Where to go in Laos: the best places to visit, region by region
A region-by-region guide to where to go in Laos: Luang Prabang and the north, Vang Vieng and Vientiane in the centre, and Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau and the 4000 Islands in the south.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Thrissur Pooram: the elephants, the fireworks and dates
Thrissur Pooram 2027 is on 17 April. The 2026 edition, held on 26 and 27 April, was scaled back after a fireworks unit explosion. Dates, viewing spots, safety and the elephant welfare debate.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 12 min read
Places
Canggu travel guide for solo travellers: surf, beaches, areas and how many days
How to do Canggu in Bali on your own: learning to surf at Batu Bolong, the beaches from Berawa to Pererenan, where to stay, getting around the traffic, costs and when to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Krabi guide: Ao Nang, Railay and the islands offshore
Ao Nang vs Railay vs Krabi Town, the four islands and Hong islands boat trips, Railay climbing and how long to spend on Thailand's Andaman coast.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Thailand travel guide for solo travellers: itineraries, regions, costs and when to go
How to plan Thailand on your own: itineraries from one week to a month, Bangkok, the north and both island coasts, the best months, getting around and what it costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 13 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Thailand: the experiences worth planning around
15 experiences worth building a Thailand trip around, from Bangkok's temples to the Mae Hong Son Loop, Railay climbing and the Full Moon Party, each linked to its full guide.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Where to go in Thailand: the best places to visit, region by region
Thailand region by region: Bangkok and the centre, the north, the Andaman coast, the Gulf islands and Isaan, with when to go and how long to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Comparisons
Phuket vs Koh Samui
Andaman or Gulf: opposite seasons, different beaches and nightlife, and very different airports. How Phuket and Koh Samui actually compare.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Comparisons
Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan vs Koh Tao
Comfort on Koh Samui, the Full Moon Party and wellness on Koh Phangan, or diving on Koh Tao. Ferries, costs and how to fit all three into one Gulf islands trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Comparisons
Krabi vs Phuket: where to base yourself
Krabi vs Phuket for solo travellers: beaches, nightlife, day trips, diving, cost and getting around, to help you pick your Andaman coast base.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Comparisons
Bangkok vs Chiang Mai
Bangkok vs Chiang Mai compared: pace, temples, food, nightlife, day trips and cost, plus the sleeper train, flights and buses between the two, and whether to do both.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Food & drink
Chiang Mai food: khao soi, the night markets and a cooking class
Where to eat khao soi, sai ua and nam prik in Chiang Mai, the best night markets for northern Thai food, and what a half or full day cooking class costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Food & drink
Bangkok street food: Yaowarat, the night markets and what to order
Where to eat in Bangkok: Yaowarat at night, Victory Monument's boat noodles, Jodd Fairs and Or Tor Kor, what to order and typical prices in baht.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Food & drink
Thai food: the dishes to eat in Thailand, region by region
Pad thai and boat noodles in Bangkok, khao soi in the north, som tam and larb in Isaan, massaman and roti in the south: what to eat and what it costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Koh Samui
Beaches, Fisherman's Village, the Big Buddha, Hin Ta Hin Yai, Na Muang waterfalls, Ang Thong Marine Park and trips to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Festivals
Phi Ta Khon: the ghost festival in Dan Sai
Phi Ta Khon 2027 is expected between 15 June and 15 July (estimated). The 2026 edition ran 20 to 22 June in Dan Sai, with a parade opened by the Prime Minister. Dates, recap and how to get there.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Bangkok: temples, markets, rooftops and the river
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, Chatuchak market, a Muay Thai night, and honest day trips to Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi and the floating markets.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Sukhothai guide: the old capital and Loy Krathong
Sukhothai Historical Park's zones, fees and bikes, a Si Satchanalai day trip, Loy Krathong among the ruins, and how to get there from Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Khao Sok guide: the lake raft houses and the jungle between the coasts
Khao Sok's floating raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake, jungle hikes, caves and canoeing between karst towers: how long to spend, when to go and how to get there from Phuket, Krabi or Surat Thani.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Koh Phi Phi guide: Maya Bay, the viewpoint and whether to stay
Maya Bay's timed slots and no swimming since 2022, Pileh Lagoon, the viewpoint hike, the Loh Dalum party scene, and whether to stay or day trip from Phuket, Krabi or Koh Lanta.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Koh Lipe guide: getting there, beaches and the best months
Sunrise and Sunset beaches, Walking Street and snorkelling trips into Tarutao National Marine Park, plus how to reach Koh Lipe and when half the island shuts.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Koh Lanta guide: the quieter island and its beaches
Koh Lanta's west coast beaches, Old Town, Mu Ko Lanta National Park and the Koh Rok and Koh Haa snorkel trips, plus how to get there and how long to spend.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Kanchanaburi guide: the River Kwai, Erawan Falls and the Death Railway
The Bridge on the River Kwai, the Death Railway to Nam Tok, the war cemeteries and Erawan Falls: what to see, what it costs and how to get there from Bangkok.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Ayutthaya guide: the temples by bike, as a trip from Bangkok
Ayutthaya's ruined temples make an easy day trip from Bangkok: cycle between Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and riverside Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Chiang Rai guide: the White Temple and the Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai's White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House and the Golden Triangle: entry fees, hours and dress code, plus whether to do it as a day trip or stay over.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Itineraries & routes
Thailand island hopping: routes, ferries and prices for 2026
Andaman or Gulf, and which islands for your dates: ferry routes, operators and 2026 prices, how the two coasts combine, and links to the full route guides.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
The Mae Hong Son Loop: the motorbike route from Chiang Mai
The full Mae Hong Son Loop from Chiang Mai: distances, the 1,864 curves, licence rules and a 1 week or 10 day plan through Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Comparisons
Vietnam vs Thailand: which is better for your first trip?
Vietnam vs Thailand compared: cost, visas, flight times, beaches, food, nightlife, adventure and solo-friendliness, checked September 2026.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Vietnam: the experiences worth planning around
The 15 experiences worth building a Vietnam trip around, from a night on Lan Ha Bay and the Ha Giang Loop to Hoi An's lanterns and Tet, with cost and time for each.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 15 min read
Comparisons
Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City: history, food, nightlife, weather, cost and day trips compared, plus which city to fly into and how to see both on one trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Where to go in Vietnam: the best places to visit, region by region
Vietnam's best places by region, from Hanoi and Ha Giang in the north to Hoi An in the centre and Phu Quoc in the south, with weather and how long to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Comparisons
Hoi An vs Da Nang
Old town lanterns or a city beach, 40 minutes apart. Cost, food, nightlife, flood season and day trips, so you can pick a base or split your stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Comparisons
Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay
Ha Long Bay's fame against Lan Ha Bay's quieter water, plus Bai Tu Long as a third option: crowds, kayaking, cost, getting there and the 2025 boat rules.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Comparisons
Sapa vs Ha Giang
Sapa's valley treks and village homestays, or Ha Giang's motorbike loop through the mountains: how they compare on scenery, crowds, cost, season and who each suits.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Festivals
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival: dates and where to watch
DIFF 2027 is expected from about 1 June to 15 July (estimated, not announced). The 2026 edition ran 30 May to 11 July and Portugal won. Where to watch, tickets, and a Hoi An base.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Festivals
Hue Festival: dates and what is on
Hue Festival 2027 is expected to peak in June, but the city hasn't announced dates. The 2026 Arts Festival Week ran 13 to 18 June. What happened, what's on each season, and how to plan.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam: lanterns, mooncakes and dates
Vietnam's next Mid-Autumn Festival is expected on Wednesday 15 September 2027. Where to watch it, from Hang Ma street to Tuyen Quang, plus how the 2026 festival went.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Food & drink
Hanoi street food: bun cha, pho, egg coffee and where to find them
Where to eat in Hanoi: pho, bun cha, cha ca, banh cuon, xoi and egg coffee, where they cluster, how to order and pay, and typical prices in dong.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Food & drink
Hoi An food: cao lau, banh mi and the market
Cao lau, mi quang, banh mi, white rose dumplings and the Central Market: what to eat in Hoi An and what it costs in dong.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Food & drink
Vietnamese food: what to eat in Vietnam, north to south
Pho and egg coffee in Hanoi, bun bo Hue and imperial cuisine in the centre, com tam and banh mi in the south, plus street food safety and typical dong prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Phu Quoc
Long Beach, Sao Beach, the An Thoi islands, the Hon Thom cable car, the night market and the old prison museum: what to do on Phu Quoc, with prices and best months.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Da Nang: beaches, the Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills
My Khe beach, the Marble Mountains, Son Tra and the Dragon Bridge fire show, honest notes on Ba Na Hills, plus day trips to Hoi An and My Son.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
War history, colonial landmarks, two very different markets, the Cu Chi Tunnels, a motorbike food tour and where to find the best rooftop bars.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Hoi An
The Old Town ticket and sites, lantern-lit nights on the river, tailors, An Bang beach, a cooking class, basket boats and day trips to My Son and the Marble Mountains.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Hanoi: the Old Quarter, the lakes and day trips
The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, plus water puppets, egg coffee and day trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Mekong Delta guide: Can Tho, Ben Tre and the floating markets
Can Tho, Cai Rang, Ben Tre, Chau Doc and Cai Be: how much the floating markets have shrunk, homestays versus day trips, cycling the canals and when to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Da Lat guide: the highlands and the canyoning
Vietnam's cool hill town: the Crazy House, canyoning, coffee farms and the night market, plus how to get there from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang or Mui Ne.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Hue guide: the citadel, the tombs and the Hai Van Pass
Hue's Imperial City tickets, the royal tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda and DMZ day trips, plus bun bo Hue and crossing the Hai Van Pass on to Hoi An.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long: which bay and which cruise
Ha Long, Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long, day cruise or overnight, Cat Ba island, kayaking, the caves and how to pick a boat operator safely.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Itineraries & routes
Ha Giang Loop guide: route, costs, safety and how to do it solo
The Ha Giang Loop is about 350 km of mountain road on Vietnam's border with China, best ridden over 4 days as part of a 1-week trip from Hanoi. Route, costs, licence rules and the 2026 safety changes.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Ninh Binh guide: Tam Coc vs Trang An and the karsts
Trang An or Tam Coc, the Hang Mua climb, Bai Dinh and Hoa Lu, and whether Ninh Binh is a day trip or an overnight stop from Hanoi.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Itineraries & routes
Southern Vietnam itinerary: Saigon, the Mekong Delta and the islands in 1 week or 10 days
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc or Con Dao in 1 week or 10 days, with realistic travel times, costs and what to eat.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
Central Vietnam itinerary: Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang in 1 week or 10 days
A 1-week or 10-day central Vietnam route: Phong Nha's caves, Hue's Imperial City, the Hai Van Pass and Hoi An's Old Town, with a 10-day version too.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Places
Sri Lanka travel guide for solo travellers: regions, routes, costs and the best time to go
Planning a Sri Lanka trip solo: the regions, how many days to allow, getting around by train and tuk-tuk, costs, what to eat, safety, visas and the best time to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 12 min read
Comparisons
Sri Lanka vs Thailand: beaches, wildlife, cost and which to pick
Sri Lanka vs Thailand compared: cost, visas, flights, beaches, surf, diving, wildlife, temples, food, nightlife and solo-friendliness, checked October 2026.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Comparisons
Sri Lanka or India for a first trip to South Asia
Sri Lanka vs India for a first South Asia trip: scale, beaches, heritage, wildlife, food, cost, visas, safety and which one (or both) to book first.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Comparisons
Sri Lanka vs Bali: beaches, surf, safaris and which to pick
Sri Lanka vs Bali compared: cost, visas, flights, surf, safaris, temples, food and solo-friendliness, checked October 2026.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Comparisons
Kerala vs Sri Lanka
Kerala and Sri Lanka compared: backwaters vs beaches, Munnar vs Ella, wildlife, food, visas, seasons and which suits your first South Asia trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Places
Where to go in Sri Lanka: the best places to visit, region by region
Sri Lanka region by region: Colombo and Negombo, the Cultural Triangle, the hill country, the south and east coasts, and Jaffna in the north.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Comparisons
Galle vs Mirissa
Galle's walled fort town against Mirissa's whale-watching beach base: sights, surf, nightlife, food, cost and how to see both on one south coast trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Sri Lanka: the experiences worth planning around
Sigiriya, the Nanu Oya to Ella train, Adam's Peak, a leopard or elephant safari, whale watching and surf: the experiences worth building a Sri Lanka trip around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Festivals
Sinhala and Tamil New Year: traditions and travel tips
Sinhala and Tamil New Year 2027 falls on 13 and 14 April. The 2026 edition dawned at 9:32am on 14 April. Aluth Avurudu and Puthandu rituals, kiribath, village games and what closes.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Festivals
Vesak in Sri Lanka: lanterns, dansal and dates
Vesak 2027 falls on Wednesday 19 May, confirmed in the official gazette. What happened in 2026, where to see Colombo's lanterns and pandals, how dansal work, and what closes.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Festivals
Poson: the pilgrimage to Mihintale
Poson Poya 2027 is gazetted for Friday 18 June. Here is what the 2026 festival drew to Anuradhapura, where pilgrims go and how a visitor can join in respectfully.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Food & drink
Sri Lankan food: rice and curry, hoppers, kottu and what to try
Rice and curry, hoppers, kottu roti and lamprais, plus what changes in Jaffna, the hill country and the south coast.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sri Lanka east coast itinerary: Arugam Bay, Trincomalee and Pasikudah in 1 week or 10 days
A one-week route timed for the east coast's own dry season: Arugam Bay's surf, a Kumana safari and Trincomalee's Pigeon Island, plus a 10 day version.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Places
Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura
Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura: 2026 ticket prices, the Minneriya elephant gathering, how to base yourself and how long to spend.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Sri Lanka hill country: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Adam's Peak
Sri Lanka's hill country in one guide: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Haputale and Adam's Peak, how long each place needs, current train status and getting around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Bali travel guide for solo travellers: regions, costs and getting around
How to plan a Bali trip on your own: the best regions, how many days you need, 2026 entry rules and the tourist levy, getting around and daily costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Comparisons
Bali vs Thailand: beaches, cost, food and which to pick
Bali vs Thailand compared: cost per day, visas, flight times, beaches, food, surf and diving, nightlife and how easy each is to travel solo.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Where to go in Bali: the best places to visit, region by region
Bali region by region: the surf coast, Ubud and the highlands, the quiet east, and the islands offshore, with who each place suits and how long to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Bali: the experiences worth planning around
Bali's best experiences: the Batur sunrise trek, rice terraces, water temples, surf lessons, manta snorkelling, the Uluwatu Kecak dance and day trips to Nusa Penida and the Gilis.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Food & drink
Balinese food: babi guling, nasi campur and where to eat in Bali
Babi guling, lawar, betutu and sate lilit, area by area, plus where halal and vegetarian travellers eat well.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Comparisons
Canggu vs Ubud vs Uluwatu: which part of Bali
Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu compared by surf, food, nightlife, cost and getting around, so you can pick where to base your Bali trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Bali Kite Festival: dates and where to watch
Bali Kite Festival 2027 is expected in July, with official dates due closer to the time. The 2026 edition ran 18 to 26 July and drew 96 overseas flyers. Where to watch and what to expect.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Laos travel guide for solo travellers: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, the slow boat and when to go
How to plan Laos on your own: itineraries from one week to a month, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, the slow boat and the south, the best months, the new railway and daily costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 13 min read
Festivals
Bali Arts Festival: dates and what to see
The 49th Bali Arts Festival is expected from 12 June to 10 July 2027, not yet announced. The 2026 edition ran 13 June to 11 July. Free, in Denpasar, with dance, gamelan and craft.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Uluwatu guide: surf, cliffs, beaches and the Kecak dance
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula's clifftop temple and Kecak dance, best beaches, surf breaks by ability, and how many days to spend without a car of your own.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Ubud guide: rice terraces, temples, yoga and what to see
What to see in Ubud: the Monkey Forest, Tegallalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul and other temples, the Campuhan Ridge walk, a Mount Batur sunrise day trip, and how long to spend there.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Comparisons
Laos vs Vietnam (and how to do both)
Laos vs Vietnam compared: cost per day, visas, flight times, food and nightlife, plus how to combine both by air or overland.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Laos: the experiences worth planning around
Kuang Si Falls, the Luang Prabang alms round, Kong Lor Cave, the Blue Lagoons and the 4000 Islands: the seven Laos experiences worth building a route around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Food & drink
Lao food: laap, sticky rice and what to eat in Laos
Larb, tam mak hoong, or lam and khao piak sen: what to eat in Laos, where each dish comes from, how to eat it, and how to drink safely.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Itineraries & routes
Komodo and Flores: 1 week or 10 days from Labuan Bajo overland
A 1-week Komodo boat trip and Flores overland route to Kelimutu's crater lakes, or the fuller 10-day version, with costs, drive times and where to eat.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Lombok and the Gili Islands: 1 week or 10 days, with the Rinjani trek
A 1-week or 10-day route from the Gili Islands to Lombok's Kuta coast, with the Rinjani volcano trek when it's running, and a no-trek alternative for when it isn't.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Festivals
Pi Mai Lao: Lao New Year in Luang Prabang
Pi Mai Lao is expected on 14 to 16 April 2027. The 2026 festival was held on 14 to 16 April, with Luang Prabang running its own programme from 11 to 20 April. Here is what happened.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
4000 Islands guide: Don Det, Don Khon and the Mekong falls
Si Phan Don's islands compared, Khone Phapheng Falls, why the Irrawaddy dolphins are gone from this stretch of river, and how to get there from Pakse or across the Cambodian border.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Itineraries & routes
Southern Laos itinerary: 1 week or 10 days for Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau and 4000 Islands
Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau loop and the slow-down islands of Si Phan Don: a 1 week or 10 day route, with realistic costs, transport and what to eat.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Places
Vientiane guide: what to see in the capital
Pha That Luang, Patuxai and the COPE centre, how long to spend in Laos's laid-back capital, and the fast train on to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Comparisons
Gili Trawangan vs Gili Air: which Gili island should you pick?
Trawangan is the party island, Air is the quieter middle ground and Meno is the empty one. Here's how to choose, plus a realistic island-hopping route.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Comparisons
Bali vs Lombok
Bali vs Lombok compared: cost, flight time, visa, beaches, food, surf and how solo travel-friendly each one is, plus a route that covers both.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 12 min read
Places
Mount Bromo and Ijen: sunrise, the blue fire and how to plan both
Bromo's sunrise over the sea of sand and Ijen's pre-dawn crater hike, covered honestly: park fees, gas masks, 2026 closures and how long to spend at each.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Yogyakarta guide: Borobudur, Prambanan and the city
A Yogyakarta guide for solo travellers: Borobudur and Prambanan, the Kraton and Malioboro, Gunung Kidul's caves, what to eat and how long to stay before heading on.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Itineraries & routes
Gulf islands itinerary: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in 1 week or 10 days
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao by ferry: a day-by-day route for 1 week or 10 days, costs, and how to time it around the Full Moon Party.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 4 min read
Itineraries & routes
Northern Thailand itinerary: Chiang Mai, Pai and Chiang Rai in 1 week or 10 days
Chiang Mai's temples, Pai's canyon and Chiang Rai's White Temple in a week, or stretch to 10 days with Chiang Dao. Route, day plans and what it costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Andaman coast itinerary: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta in 1 week, 10 days or 2 weeks
Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Railay and Koh Lanta by ferry, in 1 week, 10 days or 2 weeks: routes, ferry times, costs and the best season to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Things to do
Things to do in India: the experiences worth planning around
The 20 experiences worth building an India trip around, from Taj Mahal sunrise to Ladakh's high passes, with where to go, what it costs and how long to give it.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 14 min read
Places
Spiti Valley travel guide: routes, permits, itineraries and the best month to go
How to plan Spiti Valley on your own: the Shimla and Manali routes, permits for foreigners, the best month to go, costs, altitude and where to go for a longer trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 14 min read
Places
Where to go in India: the best places to visit, region by region
India is too big for one trip. Here's where to go by region, who each place suits, how long to spend and the best months, with links to the full guide for each.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Comparisons
Ladakh vs Spiti
Ladakh's big lakes and desert dunes against Spiti's ancient monasteries and quieter roads: altitude, permits, cost and how long in each, plus how to combine both.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Ladakh travel guide: Leh, itineraries, permits and the best months to go
How to plan Leh Ladakh on your own: getting there from Delhi or Manali, how long to stay, permits for foreigners, altitude, costs, hostels and the best months.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 15 min read
Comparisons
India vs Thailand for a first trip to Asia
India and Thailand compared for a first Asia trip: cost, visas, flight times, food, beaches, culture, nightlife and how easy each one is to travel solo.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Comparisons
North Goa vs South Goa
North Goa's hostels, markets and nightlife against South Goa's quiet bays: beach by beach, which airport to fly into, costs and a realistic split.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Comparisons
Jaipur vs Udaipur
Jaipur's forts and bazaars against Udaipur's lakes and rooftop views: sights, pace, food, cost and how long to spend in each, plus how to combine both on one Rajasthan trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Comparisons
Goa vs Gokarna
Goa's beach scene and nightlife against Gokarna's cliff trek and quiet temple town: cost, food and how to choose, or combine both in a week.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Ziro Festival of Music: tickets, permits and getting there
Ziro Festival of Music 2027 is expected 23 to 26 September in Arunachal Pradesh. The 2026 edition ran 24 to 27 September. Permits, tickets, camping and how to get to the valley.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Festivals
Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik: dates, safety and how to go
Nashik's Simhastha Kumbh runs its main bathing dates in 2027, Ujjain's in 2028. What the dates mean, how crowded it gets, and how to visit safely.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Festivals
Hemis Festival in Ladakh: dates, the masked dances and getting there
Hemis Festival 2027 is expected on 13 to 14 July. The 2026 edition ran 24 to 25 June. Cham masked dances, the giant thangka, getting from Leh, seating etiquette and altitude safety.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Onam in Kerala: the sadya, the boat races and dates
Onam 2027 runs 3 to 12 September in Kerala. See how Onam 2026 went, plus the sadya feast, flower carpets, snake boat races and how long to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai: dates, the immersions and tips
Ganesh Chaturthi 2027 runs 4 to 14 September. What happened in Mumbai in 2026, Lalbaugcha Raja's queues, the best pandals and how to watch the immersions safely.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Festivals
Durga Puja in Kolkata: dates, pandal hopping and how to plan it
Durga Puja 2026 runs 17 to 21 October in Kolkata. Mahalaya, day-by-day dates, the best pandals north and south, sindoor khela, food and safety.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Festivals
Navratri and Garba in Gujarat: dates and where to dance
Navratri and Garba 2026 dates, the difference between Garba and Dandiya Raas, where to dance in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, and what to wear.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Food & drink
Goan food: fish curry, vindaloo and where to find the real thing
Fish curry rice, vindaloo, xacuti and feni: what to eat in Goa, from Hindu and Catholic kitchens to beach shacks, Mapusa market and Fontainhas.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Food & drink
Rajasthani food: dal baati, laal maas and what to order
Dal baati churma, laal maas, gatte ki sabzi and ker sangri: what to order in Rajasthan, where to eat it by city, and vegetarian and Jain notes for Pushkar's dry rules.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Food & drink
Delhi street food: Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk and what to try
Where to eat in Old Delhi: Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk's chaat and jalebi, Jama Masjid's kebabs and nihari, plus momos and chole bhature beyond it.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Food & drink
Kerala food: the dishes to try and where to eat them
Sadya, appam and stew, fish curry and Malabar biryani: what to order in Kerala, where to find it, and how to eat well as a vegetarian.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Rann of Kutch guide: the white desert, when to go and getting there
The White Rann's salt desert near Bhuj: when it turns white, when it floods, the permit you need, and the best viewpoints at Dhordo and Kalo Dungar.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Food & drink
Indian food: what to eat in India, region by region
From Old Delhi's paranthe to Kerala's fish curry and Kolkata's puchka: what to eat in India by region, where to find it, and how to eat street food safely.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Ajanta and Ellora caves: how to visit from Mumbai or Aurangabad
Two UNESCO cave complexes near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), reached from Mumbai by flight or train, with different closing days, fees and how long each site needs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Pondicherry guide: the French quarter and Auroville
White Town's French streets, Auroville's Matrimandir and Paradise Beach: how long to spend in Pondicherry, what to eat and how to fit it into a wider Tamil Nadu trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Gokarna guide: the beaches and the cliff walk
Kudle, Om, Half Moon and Paradise beaches, the cliff trek between them, Mahabaleshwar Temple, and how long to spend in Gokarna on its own or with Goa.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Hampi guide: the ruins, the boulders and getting there from Goa
Sunrise at the stone chariot, boulders at Hemakuta Hill and a coracle across the Tungabhadra. How long to spend in Hampi and how to reach it from Goa or Bengaluru.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Varkala guide: the cliff, the beaches and a slow few days
Varkala's clifftop cafes, Papanasam Beach below, a quieter black-sand stretch, the temple and a Kappil day trip, plus how long to spend and how to get there.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Kochi guide: Fort Kochi and the Chinese fishing nets
The Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue and a Kathakali show: what to see in Kochi, 2026 opening days and fees, and how long to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Amritsar guide: the Golden Temple, the Wagah border and how long to stay
The Golden Temple's langar and the Wagah border ceremony, done properly in a day and a half. What to see, eat and how Amritsar fits a Delhi or Himachal trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Varanasi guide: the ghats, the aarti and how long to stay
The ghats, the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath and how long to spend in India's most intense city, with trains from Delhi and Agra.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Agra guide: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and whether to stay overnight
The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, with 2026 ticket prices, best times and an honest answer on whether a Delhi day trip beats staying the night.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Delhi guide: Old Delhi, New Delhi and what to see in the capital
Old Delhi's lanes, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar: the best things to do in Delhi, what to eat and how long to spend before Agra.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Udaipur guide: the lakes, the palaces and what to see
Udaipur's things to do: the City Palace, a Lake Pichola boat ride, Jagdish Temple, the Sajjangarh sunset, and day trips to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur. How long to spend and where to start.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Jaipur guide: the forts, the bazaars and what to see in the Pink City
Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the bazaars: what to see in Jaipur, how long to spend, and 2026 entry fees for every sight.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Itineraries & routes
Gujarat and Kutch itinerary: 1 week from Ahmedabad to the White Rann
A 1-week route from Ahmedabad's stepwells to Bhuj, Kutch's craft villages, the White Rann at Dhordo and the Harappan ruins at Dholavira.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Meghalaya itinerary: 1 week from Shillong to the living root bridges
A 1-week or 10-day Meghalaya route: Shillong, Cherrapunji's falls, the Nongriat root bridge trek, Dawki's river and Mawlynnong, with 2026 permit and weather notes.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
Assam itinerary: 1 week with Kaziranga's rhinos and Majuli island
A week through Assam: Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, jeep safaris for Kaziranga's rhinos, and a ferry to Majuli's satras, mask makers and shrinking villages.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Uttarakhand itinerary: 1 week in Rishikesh, Haridwar and Mussoorie
A 1-week Uttarakhand route: Haridwar's aarti, Rishikesh's rafting and yoga, and Mussoorie's hill air, with Garhwal treks as an add-on, not an extra length.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sikkim and Darjeeling itinerary: 1 week or 10 days from Gangtok to the toy train
A 1-week or 10-day Sikkim and Darjeeling route: Gangtok's monasteries, a Tsomgo Lake permit trip, Pelling's Kanchenjunga views and the Darjeeling toy train.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Himachal Pradesh travel guide: Manali, Kasol, McLeod Ganj and Bir
Where to go in Himachal Pradesh: McLeod Ganj, Bir Billing, Kasol, Manali, Shimla and Kasauli, how long each needs, and the best months to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Rajasthan travel guide: the cities, the desert and when to go
Forts, bazaars and camel camps across Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, plus how long each place needs and which route to follow.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Kerala travel guide: backwaters, hills, beaches and when to go
Kochi's fishing nets, Munnar's tea hills, an Alleppey houseboat and Varkala's cliff: where to go in Kerala, how long each stop needs and the best months to visit.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sri Lanka south coast: 1 week from Galle to Tangalle, with a safari
A 7 day coastal route from Galle to Tangalle: Unawatuna, Weligama's surf, Mirissa's whales and a Yala or Udawalawe safari, plus a slower 10 day version.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
The Thakhek Loop: by motorbike to Kong Lor Cave
A 1-week Laos route from Vientiane to the Thakhek loop and Kong Lor Cave: licence and insurance rules, road conditions, rainy season and fuel stops.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane: 1 week or 10 days by the Laos-China Railway
A 1-week or 10-day route from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by the Laos-China Railway: the day-by-day plan, train fares, how to book, and bus and flight alternatives.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Itineraries & routes
The Mekong slow boat from Thailand to Luang Prabang
What the Mekong slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang costs, when it leaves and how the Chiang Khong border crossing works in 2026, plus where it fits into a longer route.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
Java overland: 1 week from Yogyakarta to Bromo, Ijen and on to Bali
A 1-week Java overland route: Yogyakarta's Borobudur and Prambanan, the Bromo sunrise, the Ijen crater and a ferry crossing to Bali, with notes on Ijen's blue fire in 2026.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Spiti Valley itinerary: 1 week or 10 days from Shimla or Manali
A Spiti Valley itinerary for 1 week (Manali both ways) or 10 days (Shimla in, Manali out): Kaza, Key Monastery, Chandratal, permits, altitude and the best month to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Itineraries & routes
Rajasthan itinerary: 1 week, 10 days or 2 weeks through the forts and the Thar desert
A Rajasthan itinerary for 1 week, 10 days or 2 weeks: Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Udaipur and, on the longer routes, Jaisalmer's desert camps, with trains and roads for every leg.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
Golden Triangle itinerary: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in a week, or 10 days with Varanasi
A 1-week Golden Triangle route, Delhi, the Taj Mahal at sunrise and Jaipur, plus a 10-day version that adds Varanasi and the Ganges. Trains, tickets and costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Himachal Pradesh itinerary: 1 week or 2 weeks through Dharamshala, Kasol and Manali
A day-by-day Himachal Pradesh itinerary from McLeod Ganj to Bir Billing, Kasol, Manali and Shimla: travel times, paragliding and toy-train costs, and what to eat.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 4 min read
Itineraries & routes
Goa and Gokarna itinerary: a week on the coast, or 10 days with Hampi's ruins
A 1-week Goa and Gokarna route, North Goa's beaches to the Om Beach cliff trail, plus a 10-day version adding Hampi's ruins. Trains, costs and what changes.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Ubud and central Bali itinerary: rice terraces, temples and the Batur sunrise trek
A 1-week Ubud and central Bali route: Tegalalang's rice terraces, Tirta Empul, the Mount Batur sunrise trek, Sidemen and Munduk, with Amed as an extension.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Ladakh itinerary: 1 week or 10 days for Leh, Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri
A day-by-day Ladakh itinerary: acclimatising in Leh, Khardung La to Nubra, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, permits, road seasons, travel times and costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Festivals in Sri Lanka: a month-by-month calendar for travellers
A month-by-month calendar of Sri Lanka's festivals, from the Kandy Esala Perahera to Vesak and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, with dates and how the Poya calendar sets them.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Festivals in Laos: a month-by-month calendar for travellers
A month-by-month calendar of Laos's festivals, from Pi Mai Lao and Boun That Luang to the Sayaboury Elephant Festival, with dates and how the Buddhist lunar calendar sets them.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Festivals
Festivals in Vietnam: a month-by-month calendar for travellers
A month-by-month calendar of Vietnam's festivals, from Tet and the Hoi An lantern festival to Da Nang's fireworks, with dates and how to plan a trip around one.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
Vietnam itineraries for every trip length: 1 week to 1 month, north, centre and south
Real route options for every Vietnam trip length, from a week in one region to a month end to end, plus how the north, centre and south combine.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
3-week Vietnam itinerary: the Ha Giang Loop to the Mekong Delta
A choose-your-route 3-week Vietnam itinerary that adds the Ha Giang Loop to the north-to-south run, plus a Sapa swap and a Thailand combination, with real 2026 transport times.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
2-week Vietnam itinerary: Hanoi to the Mekong Delta
A choose-your-route 2-week Vietnam itinerary: the classic Hanoi to Mekong Delta run, plus two alternatives, with real 2026 transport times, prices and a 15-day option.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Vietnam itinerary: 1 month, north to south with the Ha Giang Loop
A 1-month Vietnam itinerary: the Ha Giang Loop, Sapa, the classic north-to-south route and Phu Quoc, day by day, with two slower alternatives.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 4 min read
Itineraries & routes
Vietnam itinerary: 7 days, day by day
Four real 7-day Vietnam routes: the north, the Ha Giang Loop, the centre or Sapa, each day by day with real 2026 transport times.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 3 min read
Itineraries & routes
3-week Thailand itinerary: the whole country in 21 days
A 21-day Thailand itinerary: Bangkok, the north, Chiang Rai, Khao Sok's floating bungalows, Krabi, Railay, Phi Phi and Koh Phangan, plus two alternatives.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 4 min read
Itineraries & routes
2-week Thailand itinerary: Bangkok, the north and two islands
A 2-week Thailand itinerary: Bangkok, the sleeper train, Chiang Mai, Pai, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, with real transport times, prices and two alternatives.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Thailand itinerary: 10 days, two ways to do it
A 10-day Thailand itinerary, two ways: both coasts back to back, or Bangkok, the north and a Gulf island. Real 2026 transport times, prices and seasons.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Vietnam itinerary: 10 days, two ways to do it
Two 10-day Vietnam routes: the Ha Giang Loop and Sapa in the far north, or Hoi An, Saigon and the Mekong Delta. Compact day-by-day tables with real 2026 transport times.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Thailand itinerary: 1 month, the whole country (or Thailand and Laos)
A month in Thailand: the complete loop through Bangkok, the north, Khao Sok and both coasts, or three weeks of Thailand followed by a week in Laos.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Thailand itineraries for every trip length: 1 week to 1 month, north, islands or both
How many days you need in Thailand and what fits: routes for 1 week to 1 month, by length, region and interest, plus which coast suits which months.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Thailand itinerary: 7 days, day by day
A 7-day Thailand itinerary that works: Bangkok, the sleeper train, Chiang Mai and a Gulf island, with real transport times and three single-region alternatives.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sri Lanka itinerary: 3 weeks, route by route
A 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary: the recommended dry-season route through 3 regions, plus 3 other ways to add a fourth, with transport times and current train status.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sri Lanka itinerary: 2 weeks, the full loop day by day
A 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary: the recommended dry-season loop, plus 3 other ways to spend 2 weeks, with transport times and the current Ella train status.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sri Lanka itinerary: 10 days, Cultural Triangle to the south coast
A 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary: the recommended dry-season route, plus 3 other ways to spend 10 days, with transport times and the current Ella train status.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sri Lanka itinerary: 1 month, route by route
A 1-month Sri Lanka itinerary: the Cultural Triangle, the hill country, the east coast, Jaffna and the south coast in one continuous loop, plus two alternatives.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sri Lanka itinerary: 7 days, day by day
A 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella and a night on the south coast, plus two alternative routes and real transport times.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 4 min read
Itineraries & routes
Laos itinerary: 3 weeks, route by route
Three weeks in Laos: the complete north to south loop with the railway, the Thakhek Loop and the Bolaven Plateau, or extend into northern Thailand or Vietnam.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Sri Lanka itinerary: 1 week to 1 month, and where each length goes
How many days you need in Sri Lanka and what fits: real routes from 1 week to 1 month, linking the Cultural Triangle, the hill country, the south coast and the east coast.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Itineraries & routes
Laos itinerary for 2 weeks: the slow boat, the railway and the far south
Two weeks in Laos: the Mekong slow boat in from Thailand, the railway north to south through Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, then Kong Lor and the 4000 Islands.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Laos itinerary: 10 days, route by route
What 10 days in Laos actually fits: the railway route through Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw and Vang Vieng, or head south instead for the Thakhek Loop and the 4000 Islands.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Laos itinerary: 1 week, Luang Prabang to Vientiane
A week in Laos means the north: three nights in Luang Prabang, two in Vang Vieng and one or two in Vientiane, joined by the Laos-China Railway rather than a full day on the road.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Laos itinerary: 1 month, route by route
A month covers the whole of Laos, north to south, or Laos as one leg of a longer Thailand-Laos-Vietnam trip. Plan around the 30-day visa and the lack of a fast link between north and south.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Laos itinerary: 1 week to 1 month, by train, slow boat and motorbike
How long you need in Laos, by length, region and interest: routes for 1 week to 1 month, built around the Laos-China Railway, the Mekong slow boat and the road south.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Itineraries & routes
Bali itineraries for every trip length: 1 week to 1 month, route by route
How many days you need in Bali and Indonesia: real routes from 1 week to 1 month, linking Canggu, Ubud, Nusa Penida, the Gilis, Lombok and Komodo.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Bali itinerary: 1 month (Bali, Nusa Penida, the Gilis, Lombok and Komodo), route by route
A 1-month Bali and Indonesia itinerary: Java, Bali, the Gilis, Lombok and Komodo at an unhurried pace, plus two alternatives with fewer flights.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Bali itinerary: 3 weeks (Bali, Nusa Penida, the Gilis, Lombok and Komodo), route by route
A 3-week Bali itinerary: the full archipelago from Java to Komodo, or two island-only alternatives, including Mount Rinjani's current trekking status.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
Bali itinerary for 2 weeks: three routes, day by day
A 2-week Bali itinerary: Canggu, Ubud, Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan, plus Lombok and central Bali alternatives, with real 2026 transport times.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Bali itinerary for 10 days: three routes, day by day
A 10-day Bali itinerary: Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud and Nusa Penida, plus a diving detour and a Komodo add-on, with real 2026 transport times and prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
Bali itinerary for 1 week: three routes, day by day
A 1-week Bali itinerary: Canggu, Ubud with the Batur sunrise trek and Nusa Penida, plus two alternative routes and real 2026 transport times.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 4 min read
Festivals
Festivals in Bali: a month-by-month calendar for travellers
A month-by-month calendar of Bali's festivals, from Nyepi's Day of Silence to Galungan and Kuningan, with dates, what to book ahead and how the two calendars behind them work.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Festivals in Thailand: a month-by-month calendar for travellers
A month-by-month calendar of Thailand's festivals, from Songkran and Loy Krathong to the Full Moon Party, with dates, what to book ahead and how to plan a trip around one.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Festivals
Festivals in India: a month-by-month calendar for travellers
A month-by-month calendar of India's festivals, from Holi and Diwali to Durga Puja, Pushkar and the Hornbill Festival, with dates, what to book ahead and how to plan a trip around one.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Festivals
Kandy Esala Perahera: dates, what happens and how to plan around it
Kandy Esala Perahera 2027 is estimated for 6 to 16 August. What happened in 2026, the Kumbal and Randoli nights, seats and prices, and the elephant welfare debate.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Festivals
Pasola in Sumba: the horseback festival and how to see it
Pasola 2027 is expected between February and mid March, with exact days set by Rato priests only weeks ahead. What happened in 2026, where to watch, and how to stay safe.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Hoi An lantern festival guide: full moon dates, boats and tips
Every full moon, Hoi An's old town switches off its electric lights and runs on lanterns. The 2026 and 2027 dates, what happens on the night, what it costs and how to enjoy it.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Festivals
Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan: 2027 dates, costs and staying safe
Every Full Moon Party date for late 2026 and 2027, plus what the night is like on Haad Rin beach, where to stay on Koh Phangan, what it costs and how to get home safely.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Phuket Vegetarian Festival guide: 2026 dates, what to expect and tips
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival runs 10 to 18 October 2026. The processions, the piercings, the food, the dates for 2027, and how to watch it respectfully.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Festivals
Galungan and Kuningan in Bali: dates, penjor and what to expect
Galungan 2027 is expected on 13 January and 11 August, with Kuningan on 23 January and 21 August. Galungan 2026 was held on 17 June. Penjor poles, where to see them, how to visit well.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Festivals
Goa Carnival: dates, parades and where to watch
Goa Carnival 2027 is expected 5 to 9 February, with the Panaji parade on 6 February. The 2026 edition ran 13 to 17 February. Routes in four towns, King Momo, what to wear and how to watch safely.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Festivals
Chinese New Year in Bangkok: Yaowarat, dates and tips
Chinese New Year in Bangkok 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February. The 2026 Yaowarat street party was cancelled during royal mourning. Here is what ran instead and how to plan for next year.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Nyepi, Bali's Day of Silence: 2027 dates, rules and what to expect
Nyepi 2027 is on Monday 8 March, with the ogoh-ogoh parades the evening before. In 2026 Bali's airport shut and 440 flights were cancelled. Here's how the day works and how to plan around it.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Festivals
Songkran festival guide: 2027 dates, where to go and the rules
Songkran 2027 runs Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April. The 2026 edition was held 13 to 15 April, with Bangkok reporting 4.95 million participants. Dates, places, rules and safety tips inside.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Festivals
Uttarayan: the kite festival in Ahmedabad
Uttarayan 2027 falls on 14 and 15 January in Ahmedabad. The 2026 edition ran on the same days, with Modi and Merz opening the kite festival. Dates, where to watch and kite string safety.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Pongal in Tamil Nadu: dates and where to see it
Pongal 2027 runs 14 to 17 January, fixed to the solar calendar. What the 2026 edition looked like, where to see it in Tamil Nadu, and how the Jallikattu events work.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Festivals
Losar: Tibetan New Year in Ladakh, Sikkim and Dharamshala
Ladakhi Losar starts on 9 December 2026, and standard Tibetan Losar next falls on 7 to 9 February 2027. The February 2026 Losar was held 18 to 20 February, at the start of the Fire Horse year.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Festivals
Tet in Vietnam: 2027 dates, what happens and how to travel through it
Tet 2027 is on Saturday 6 February. Tet 2026 fell on 17 February, with a nine-day break and about 14 million tourist visits. What closes, how transport copes and where to be.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Festivals
Holi festival guide: 2027 dates, where to celebrate and how to stay safe
Holi 2027 is on Monday 22 March, with Holika Dahan on the 21st. Holi 2026 was held on 3 to 4 March, after a total lunar eclipse. Where to celebrate in India and how to stay safe.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Festivals
Hornbill Festival guide: Nagaland dates, permits and tips
Nagaland's Hornbill Festival runs 1 to 10 December every year near Kohima. What happens at Kisama, the permits foreigners and Indian visitors need, and how to plan the trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Festivals
Wonderfruit: tickets, getting there and what it is like
Wonderfruit runs 3 to 7 December 2026 at The Fields near Pattaya. Ticket prices, how to get there from Bangkok, what to pack and what the festival is actually like.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Festivals
Boun That Luang in Vientiane: dates and what happens
Boun That Luang climaxes on the full moon night of 24 November 2026 at Vientiane's golden stupa. What happens over festival week, the 2027 date and how to see it well.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Festivals
Pushkar Camel Fair guide: 2026 dates, what to see and tips
The Pushkar Camel Fair is expected 17 to 24 November 2026 in Rajasthan, building to Kartik Purnima on 24 November. What happens, when to go, the town's rules, and how to see it responsibly.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Rann Utsav: the White Desert festival, dates and tent cities
Rann Utsav 2026-27 runs 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 on Gujarat's salt desert. Tent city options, the permit, getting there and the best full moon nights.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Festivals
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi: the night of a million lamps
Dev Deepawali lights every ghat in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima, Tuesday 24 November 2026 (Saturday 13 November 2027). Where to watch from, boat prices, etiquette and safety.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Surin Elephant Round-up: what to know before you go
The Surin Elephant Round-up is expected on 20 to 22 November 2026 in north-east Thailand (dates not yet confirmed). What happens, the welfare concerns, and how to get there.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Festivals
Diwali in India: 2026 and 2027 dates, and where to go
Diwali 2026 falls on 8 November, over five days. Where to see it (Varanasi's Dev Deepawali, Jaipur, Udaipur, Amritsar), air pollution and firecracker rules, and travel tips.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Festivals
Yi Peng lantern festival guide: Chiang Mai dates, tickets and rules
Chiang Mai's Yi Peng lantern festival runs 24 to 26 November 2026, with ticketed releases on the 24th and 25th. Where to see the lanterns, ticket costs and the lantern rules.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Festivals
Loy Krathong festival guide: 2026 dates, where to go and tips
Loy Krathong falls on Tuesday 24 November 2026 and Saturday 13 November 2027. What the festival is, where to celebrate in Thailand, and how to float a krathong right.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
India itinerary: 1 month, region by region
A 1-month India itinerary: north and south at an unhurried pace, an all-north classic route, or a fit-traveller-only mountain month: Himachal, Spiti and Ladakh.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
India itinerary: 10 days, two ways to do it
A 10-day India itinerary by region: the Golden Triangle plus Varanasi, our recommended route, plus Rajasthan in full, Goa, Hampi and Kerala, and Ladakh.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 4 min read
Itineraries & routes
India itinerary: 7 days, day by day
A week in India means one region. The Golden Triangle is our recommended route, with Kerala, Rajasthan and Goa and Gokarna as alternatives, day by day.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 4 min read
Itineraries & routes
India itinerary: 3 weeks, three ways (north, south, or the mountains)
A 3-week India itinerary: north and south combined by flight, or three single-region alternatives: all north, all south, or a summer Himalaya loop.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Itineraries & routes
India itinerary: routes from 1 week to 1 month
How to plan an India itinerary by length: one region in a week, two in ten days, Rajasthan and the south together in three weeks, with route guides for every region.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Itineraries & routes
2-week India itinerary: Delhi, Varanasi, Rajasthan and Udaipur
A 2-week India itinerary: Delhi, Varanasi, the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar and Udaipur, plus three alternatives: full Rajasthan, South India and the mountains.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Things to do
Nusa Penida day trip: is it worth it, and how to plan one
Planning a Nusa Penida day trip from Bali in 2026: fast boats from Sanur, the west and east loops, road conditions, the levy, and whether to stay overnight instead.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Places
Ha Giang travel guide: getting there, where to go, when to visit and how many days
Plan Ha Giang in Vietnam's far north: the bus from Hanoi, Ha Giang city, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng and Hoang Su Phi, the best months, border permits and itineraries from 3 days to a month.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 15 min read
Plan your trip
Sri Lanka from India: visa, flights, the ferry and what to bring (2026)
Sri Lanka from India in 2026: the free ETA, direct flights to Colombo, the Nagapattinam ferry, UPI and current advice.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Things to do
Scuba diving in Thailand: courses, dive sites and where to learn
Where to dive in Thailand in 2026: Koh Tao and Koh Samui in the Gulf, Phuket, the Similan Islands and Hin Daeng on the Andaman side, plus 2026 course and fun-dive prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Things to do
Sri Lanka safari guide: Yala, Udawalawe and choosing an ethical operator
Planning a Sri Lanka safari: 2026 park fees for Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya and Wilpattu, jeep costs, Yala's closure dates, the Minneriya elephant gathering and how to pick a responsible operator.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Backpacking Sri Lanka: route, costs and tips
How to backpack Sri Lanka: how long to give it, a sample route, the daily budget, buses, trains, tuk-tuks, hostels, SIM/eSIM and the ETA, for 2026.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Polonnaruwa guide: the ancient city by bike, tickets and getting there
Visiting Polonnaruwa's ancient city: the 2026 entrance fee, cycling the ruins, Gal Vihara and the Parakrama Samudra, getting there from Sigiriya or Dambulla, and combining it with Minneriya.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Things to do
Koh Tao diving guide: PADI courses, dive sites and the best season
Koh Tao diving in 2026: PADI Open Water and Advanced course prices, how to pick a dive school, the best dive sites (Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock and more) and whale shark season.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Places
Koh Samui travel guide for solo travellers: areas, getting there and when to go
How to plan Koh Samui solo: where to stay from Chaweng to Maenam, flying in on Bangkok Airways or via Surat Thani, ferries on to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Ang Thong and costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Solo travel
Best places for a solo trip: where to go by traveller type
The best places for a solo trip in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Bali, India and Sri Lanka, grouped by what you want: a first trip, a social scene, adventure, culture, or a tight budget.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Thailand entry requirements 2026: visa rules by nationality
Thailand cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days on 15 September 2026. Here are the rules by nationality, how to extend, the e-Visa, the TDAC arrival card and what not to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 13 min read
Plan your trip
Thailand tour cost 2026: daily budget, transport and visa fees
What a Thailand trip costs in 2026: daily budgets by region, hostels, food, transport, activities, visa and SIM costs in baht with rough USD/GBP, plus independent travel versus a group trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Sri Lanka from the US: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
US passport holders get a free 30-day Sri Lanka ETA since 25 May 2026. There's no direct flight, the State Department's advice is worth checking, and here's what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Sri Lanka from the UK: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
British passport holders get a free 30-day Sri Lanka ETA since 25 May 2026. Non-stop flights from Heathrow, current FCDO advice, money, SIMs and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Sri Lanka: a month-by-month guide to the two monsoons
When to go to Sri Lanka, month by month: the two monsoons, weather by region, whale watching, elephant gatherings, surf seasons and the festivals worth planning around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Jaffna guide: Tamil culture, temples and getting there
Jaffna in 2026: Tamil food and culture, Nallur temple and its festival, Jaffna Fort, the islands, Point Pedro, history, getting there and how many days.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Thailand from the US: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
US citizens get 30 days visa-free in Thailand since 15 September 2026 (it was 60). How to stay longer, the TDAC arrival card, flights from the US and the medicine rules.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Thailand from the UK: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
British passport holders get 30 days visa-free in Thailand, down from 60 since 15 September 2026. What to file before you fly, direct flights from London and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Thailand: a month-by-month guide to the weather, islands and festivals
When to go to Thailand, month by month: the dry season, the two island coasts, the north's smoky season, the monsoon and the festivals worth planning around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Trincomalee guide: beaches, Pigeon Island and getting there
Trincomalee in 2026: Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches, Pigeon Island snorkelling, whale watching, Koneswaram temple, the season and getting there by train.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Sri Lanka ETA and entry requirements 2026: visa rules by nationality
Sri Lanka's ETA for 2026: the 40 countries with a free 30-day visa, the fee everyone else pays, how to apply, extend your stay and what customs allows.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Sri Lanka from Europe: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
Germans, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italians and Swedes get a free Sri Lanka ETA. Ireland doesn't. What differs by country, flights and current government advice.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Sri Lanka from Canada: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
Canadians get a free 30-day Sri Lanka ETA since 25 May 2026. There's no direct flight, current government advice, money and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Sri Lanka from Australia and NZ: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
Australians and New Zealanders get a free 30-day Sri Lanka ETA since 25 May 2026. Nonstop flights from Melbourne, current advice and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Sri Lanka budget 2026: daily costs, currency and what things cost
What a Sri Lanka trip costs in 2026: the rupee and exchange rates, what a daily budget covers, hostels, transport, entry fees and SIM cards, plus a group trip comparison.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Koh Tao travel guide for solo travellers: diving, beaches, where to stay and when to go
How to plan Koh Tao on your own: learning to dive, the best snorkelling, Sairee Beach and the other areas to stay, getting there by ferry, costs and the best months to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Solo travel
Cheap solo trips: the cheapest countries, months and ways to save
Realistic 2026 daily budgets for Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, India, Laos and Sri Lanka, the cheapest months to go, how to cut costs, and when a group trip is and isn't the cheaper option.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Bangkok travel guide for solo travellers: areas, sights and getting around
How to plan Bangkok on your own: where to base yourself, getting in from BKK or DMK, getting around by BTS, MRT and Grab, the royal temples, Ayutthaya and onward travel to Chiang Mai and the islands.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Plan your trip
Thailand from Canada: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
Canadians get 30 days visa-free in Thailand since 15 September 2026 (it was 60). How to stay longer, the TDAC card, flights from Canada and the ADHD medicine rules.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Chiang Mai travel guide for solo travellers: itineraries, areas, costs and when to go
How to plan Chiang Mai on your own: getting there from Bangkok, how many days to spend, Old City or Nimman, temples, elephants, day tours, the smoky season and what it costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 14 min read
Places
Weligama guide: learn to surf, stilt fishermen and where to stay
Weligama in one guide: the beginner surf bay, 2026 lesson prices, the stilt fishermen at Koggala and Ahangama, where to stay, and getting there from Colombo.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Places
Unawatuna guide: beaches, Jungle Beach, the Peace Pagoda and getting there
Unawatuna in one guide: the main bay, Jungle Beach, the Japanese Peace Pagoda on Rumassala, snorkelling, where to stay, getting there and a Galle Fort day trip.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Is Thailand safe for solo female travellers? A practical guide
What official UK FCDO and Canadian advice says about Thailand in 2026, the Cambodian border closure, full moon party and scooter risks, drink spiking, and everyday scams.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in Thailand: social, quiet and female dorms by destination
Where to find a hostel bed in Thailand by destination: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai, the Gulf islands and the Andaman coast, social versus quiet versus female-only dorms, and current price ranges.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Things to do
Snorkelling in Sri Lanka: Pigeon Island, Hikkaduwa and more
Snorkelling and diving in Sri Lanka: Pigeon Island's national park reef, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna's Jungle Beach, Polhena and Kalpitiya, with turtles, reef care and 2026 prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Is Sri Lanka safe? A 2026 guide for solo travellers, including women
Is Sri Lanka safe in 2026? Official FCDO, US, Australian and Canadian advice, fuel rationing, dengue and cyclone recovery, scams, road and sea safety, wildlife, women's safety and emergency numbers.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Itineraries & routes
Kandy to Ella train guide: timetable, tickets and 2026 status
The Kandy to Ella train in 2026: current running status after landslide damage, timetable, classes and reservation charges in LKR, how to book and safety.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in Sri Lanka: social, quiet and female dorms by destination
Hostels in Sri Lanka by destination: Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, the south coast and Arugam Bay, with social, quiet and female dorms.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Southeast Asia packing list: what to bring for Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Bali
A practical packing list for Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Bali: temple-friendly clothes, rainy season gear, trekking and diving kit, and what to leave at home.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Sigiriya guide: tickets, climbing the rock and what else to see
Everything for visiting Sigiriya: 2026 ticket prices, opening hours, the 1,200-step climb, the Mirror Wall and frescoes, Pidurangala, Dambulla and where to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Pai travel guide: the 762-curve road, things to do and when to go
How to get to Pai from Chiang Mai, coping with the 762-curve mountain road, the best things to do, scooter and licence rules, where to stay and the best time to visit.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Nuwara Eliya guide: tea estates, Horton Plains and Gregory Lake
Nuwara Eliya in 2026: the tea estates around town, Horton Plains and World's End, Gregory Lake, the cool climate, getting there via Nanu Oya and where to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Negombo guide: the airport town, first night and getting to Colombo
Negombo in 2026: is it worth staying, the beach, the fish market and Dutch canal, first and last night logistics, and getting to Colombo by expressway or train.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Mirissa guide: beaches, whale watching, getting there and how many days
Mirissa in one guide: Coconut Tree Hill, Parrot Rock, Secret Beach, whale watching, nightlife, surfing nearby, getting there from Colombo and Ella, and where to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Things to do
Whale watching in Mirissa: season, rules and how to pick a responsible boat
Whale watching in Mirissa: the blue whale season, how long a trip takes, the rules boats must follow, choosing a responsible operator, and seasickness.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Places
Kandy guide: the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and getting there
Planning a Kandy visit: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic tickets and service times, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya gardens, the cultural dance show, getting there and on to Ella.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Solo travel
Hostels for solo female travellers: what to check before you book
What to look for in a hostel as a solo woman, how to judge one from its listing, safety habits that matter, and where to find female-only dorms across Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, India and beyond.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Hiriketiya guide: the horseshoe bay, surf and where to stay
Hiriketiya in one guide: the horseshoe bay's two surf breaks for beginners and intermediates, cafes and yoga, where to stay, the Hummanaya blowhole nearby and getting there from Colombo.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Galle Fort guide: the ramparts, museums, fees and how long to stay
Galle Fort in one guide: the UNESCO-listed ramparts and lighthouse, museum fees, cafes and shops, where to stay inside or outside the walls, and getting there.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Ella guide: Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock
Ella in one guide: seeing a train cross Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, hiking Ella Rock without hiring a tout, Ravana Falls, tea estates and where to stay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in Chiang Mai: Old City, Nimman and the Night Bazaar
Where to stay in Chiang Mai by area and type: social hostels in the Old City, café-district Nimman, party hostels near the Night Bazaar, and where to find a female-only dorm.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Plan your trip
Chiang Mai weather: the best time to visit, month by month
Chiang Mai's weather month by month, with temperatures and rainfall, the smoky burning season from February to April, and when Yi Peng, Loy Krathong and Songkran fall.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Bentota guide: beach, river safari, Bawa's gardens and getting there
Bentota in one guide: the beach and water sports, a Bentota Ganga river safari, Brief Garden and Lunuganga, the turtle hatchery debate, where to stay and how to get there.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Arugam Bay guide: surf season, the town and getting there
Arugam Bay: the surf points and season, the town and its nightlife, wildlife at Kumana and Lahugala, how to get there, where to stay and the current travel advice.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Anuradhapura guide: the sacred city, tickets and getting there
Visiting Anuradhapura: the sacred Bodhi tree, the great stupas, cycling the ruins, Mihintale, the ticket, dress etiquette and getting there by train, bus or road.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Adam's Peak guide: Sri Pada season, the night climb and sunrise
Climbing Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) in 2026/27: the pilgrimage season, the night climb from Dalhousie, sunrise and the shadow, off-season risks and getting there.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Koh Phangan travel guide for solo travellers: beaches, areas, getting there and when to go
Koh Phangan beyond the Full Moon Party: which area to stay in, the best beaches, Koh Ma and Bottle Beach, getting there from Samui and Tao, getting around, costs and the best months.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Things to do
Best things to do in Chiang Mai: temples, markets, elephants and day trips
The full list of things to do in Chiang Mai: Old City temples, night markets, ethical elephant visits, cooking classes, ziplines and the best day trips, with current prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Solo travel
Solo trips for women: where to go in Asia and how to travel safely
An honest guide to solo female travel in Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Laos and India: what official travel advice says, the best places for a first trip, practical safety tips and when a group trip helps.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 12 min read
Things to do
Scuba diving and PADI courses in Southeast Asia and India: a complete guide
How the PADI Open Water certification works, what Advanced Open Water adds, what it costs, and where to learn: Koh Tao, the Gili Islands, Nusa Penida, Komodo, the Andamans and Vietnam.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 12 min read
Places
Vang Vieng travel guide for solo travellers: tubing, the lagoons, day trips and how many days
How to do Vang Vieng in Laos on your own: kayaking and tubing on the Nam Song, the Blue Lagoons, viewpoints, hot-air balloons, day trips, staying safe and itineraries from a week to a month.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 13 min read
Places
Luang Prabang travel guide for solo travellers: Kuang Si, the alms, the night market and when to go
How to plan Luang Prabang on your own: Kuang Si Falls, the morning alms and how to watch respectfully, the night market, Wat Xieng Thong, getting there by train or plane, and the best months.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Things to do
Mount Rinjani travel guide: treks, routes, rules, safety and the best time to climb
Everything to know before you climb Mount Rinjani on Lombok: 2-day and 3-day treks, the Sembalun and Senaru routes, the 2026 rules, what it costs, how safe it is and the best months.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Vietnam: a month-by-month guide to the north, centre and south
When to go to Vietnam, month by month: how the weather differs in Hanoi, Hoi An and Saigon, typhoon and flood season, the mountains, the beaches and the holidays to plan around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 11 min read
Places
Sapa, Vietnam travel guide for solo travellers: getting there, trekking and when to go
How to plan Sapa in northern Vietnam on your own: bus or night train from Hanoi, trekking the Muong Hoa valley, Fansipan, village homestays, fees, weather and how many days you need.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Nusa Penida travel guide for solo travellers: cliffs, mantas, getting there and staying safe
How to plan Nusa Penida from Bali: fast boats from Sanur, Kelingking and Diamond Beach, manta snorkelling, island fees, getting around the rough roads, where to stay and when to go.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Phong Nha travel guide for solo travellers: caves, Son Doong and how many days
How to plan Phong Nha in central Vietnam: getting there, Paradise Cave and Dark Cave, Son Doong and Hang En, the Bong Lai valley, costs, when the caves close and how many days you need.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Gili Islands travel guide for solo travellers: Trawangan, Air, Meno and how to visit
How to plan the Gili Islands off Lombok: picking between Trawangan, Air and Meno, getting there from Bali, snorkelling and diving, island-hopping, costs and how many days you need.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: a guide to the Andamans for solo travellers
Where the Andaman Islands are, how to get there, permits, Havelock and Neil, diving, ferries, costs and the best months. A practical guide to India's island territory.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 14 min read
Things to do
Surfing in Sri Lanka: the south coast and Arugam Bay compared
Surfing in Sri Lanka: the south coast's Weligama, Midigama, Ahangama, Hiriketiya, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa versus Arugam Bay's point breaks, by level, season and 2026 price.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Plan your trip
Laos visa and entry requirements 2026: e-visa, visa on arrival, borders and how to get there
Laos visa rules for UK, US, EU, Australian and Indian travellers: the US$50 e-visa or a visa on arrival, the LDIF arrival form, border crossings, the slow boat and flights.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 17 min read
Things to do
Rishikesh river rafting: stretches, prices and safety for 2026
The four rafting stretches on the Ganges at Rishikesh, with grades, distances and 2026 prices, plus the season, licensed operators, age rules, cliff jumping and river camping.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Leh Ladakh: month by month, roads and festivals
When to visit Leh Ladakh: a month-by-month climate table, when the Manali and Srinagar roads open, Pangong and Nubra by season, winter and the Chadar trek, and festivals.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Places
Rishikesh travel guide for solo travellers: aarti, yoga, rafting and costs
How to plan Rishikesh on your own: getting there from Delhi, where to stay, the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, yoga, rafting, the best months, costs and safety.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 12 min read
Things to do
Places to visit in Rishikesh: the full list
The full list of things to do in Rishikesh: the footbridges, Triveni Ghat's aarti, the Beatles Ashram, yoga schools, Neer Garh waterfall, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, day trips and cafes.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Rishikesh: weather month by month
Rishikesh weather month by month, with the rafting season, monsoon landslides, the International Yoga Festival, the Ganga Aarti and Char Dham traffic.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Mumbai travel guide: areas, sights and getting on to Goa
Mumbai for solo travellers: where to stay (Colaba, Fort, Bandra), arriving at BOM, local trains and Metro, the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Dharavi, and getting to Goa or the Andamans.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in India: prices and areas by city for 2026
Where to find a hostel bed in India, city by city: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Varanasi, Rishikesh, Goa, Hampi, Kochi, Leh, Manali/Spiti and Mumbai, plus 2026 prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Things to do
Surf camps in Asia: Bali, Lombok and Sri Lanka compared
How surf camps and surf trips work across Asia: Bali's Canggu and Uluwatu, Lombok's Kuta and Gerupuk, and Sri Lanka's opposite-season coasts, with 2026 costs.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Things to do
Diving in Komodo National Park: sites, seasons and costs
Diving in Komodo: liveaboard vs day trips from Labuan Bajo, sites like Batu Bolong and Castle Rock, currents and levels, seasons, and 2026 fees and prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Things to do
Diving and snorkelling at Nusa Penida: mantas, mola mola and currents
Diving and snorkelling at Nusa Penida in 2026: Manta Point, Manta Bay, Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh, currents and experience levels, mola mola season, prices and the marine fee.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Things to do
Scuba diving in Bali: Tulamben, Amed, Menjangan and Nusa Penida
Where to dive in Bali in 2026: the USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben, shore diving at Amed, Menjangan's reefs, Nusa Penida's mantas, plus 2026 course and fun-dive prices.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Places
Lombok travel guide: Kuta, Senggigi, the Gilis and Rinjani
Planning Lombok: Kuta Lombok's surf beaches, Senggigi, the Gili Islands and Rinjani at a glance, Sasak villages, getting there from Bali, costs and safety.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Things to do
Things to do in Canggu: beaches, surf, cafes and day trips
The full list of things to do in Canggu: surf breaks, Tanah Lot, cafes and coworking, rice-field walks, yoga, nightlife and the best day trips.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Things to do
Surfing in Bali: spots, seasons and costs for every level
Surfing in Bali by level: Canggu's beginner breaks, Uluwatu's reef breaks on the Bukit, the dry and wet seasons, 2026 lesson and board prices, and reef safety.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in Bali: social, quiet and female dorms by area
Where to find a hostel in Bali by area: Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, the Nusa islands and Amed, social versus quiet versus female dorms, and current price ranges.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Plan your trip
Bali trip cost 2026: daily budget, transport and visa fees
What a Bali trip costs in 2026: daily budgets by area, hostels, food, transport, activities, visa and levy fees in rupiah with rough USD/GBP/AUD figures.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Things to do
Trekking in Sapa: routes, guides and how to plan it
Sapa trek routes for 2026: Lao Chai to Ta Van, Cat Cat, Ta Phin and longer 2 to 3 day treks, whether you need a guide, homestays, fees, getting there from Hanoi and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Places
Hoi An travel guide: lanterns, the Ancient Town ticket, tailors and how many days to stay
Plan Hoi An: the Ancient Town ticket system and 2026 price, the monthly full-moon lantern night, tailors, An Bang beach, My Son, getting there from Da Nang, and the flood season.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Places
Hanoi travel guide for solo travellers: areas, sights and getting to Sapa and Ha Giang
Plan Hanoi solo: the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem and West Lake, arriving from Noi Bai, 2026 sight fees, food, best time to visit, and getting on to Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh and the bay.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Sapa weather: the best time to visit, month by month
Sapa's weather month by month, with temperatures and rainfall, winter frost on Fansipan, the fog, and when the rice terraces are flooded for planting or turning gold for harvest.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in Saigon: Bui Vien, District 3 and Binh Thanh
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City by area and type: Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao's social scene, quieter District 3, calm Binh Thanh, and where to find a female-only dorm.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
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Backpacking Vietnam: route, costs and tips
How to backpack Vietnam: how long to go for, a sample month-long route, daily costs in dong, buying or renting a motorbike, sleeper buses, SIMs and the e-visa.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in Vietnam by destination: social, quiet and female dorms
Where to find a hostel bed in Vietnam by destination: Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Dalat and Saigon, plus current price ranges.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in Hanoi: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake
Where to stay in Hanoi by area and type: the Old Quarter's social scene, quieter spots around Hoan Kiem Lake, calm West Lake, and where to find a female-only dorm.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Phuket: a month-by-month weather guide
Phuket's weather month by month: the calm, dry season, the southwest monsoon's rough seas and red flags, the Similan Islands' closed season, and the festivals to plan around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Places
Phuket travel guide for solo travellers: areas, getting around and day trips
Phuket for solo travellers: which area to base yourself in, why the tuk-tuks aren't worth it, day trips to Phi Phi and the Similan Islands, and onward ferries.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Plan your trip
How much does a trip to India cost in 2026? A budget breakdown
India trip costs for 2026 in rupees, with rough US dollar and pound conversions: hostels, food, trains, flights, entry fees, SIM cards, visa fees and a backpacking route.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 6 min read
Hostels
Best hostels in Bangkok: Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, Silom, Ari and Chinatown
Where to stay in Bangkok by area and type: Khao San Road's backpacker scene, Sukhumvit and Silom for the BTS, quieter Ari, Chinatown, and where to find a female-only dorm.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Bangkok: a month-by-month weather guide
Bangkok's weather month by month, with temperatures and rainfall, the hottest month, the flood-prone rains of September and October, and when Songkran and New Year fall.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 5 min read
Plan your trip
Backpacking Thailand: route, costs and tips
How to backpack Thailand: how long to go for, a sample month-long route linking the north, the islands and Laos, what it costs, and how to get around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Solo travel
Safest countries for solo female travellers: what the indexes actually say
How Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Bali/Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka compare on the Global Peace Index and Women, Peace and Security Index, and what those indexes don't tell you about solo travel.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Is India safe? A guide for solo travellers, including women
Is India safe for solo travellers? What official travel advice says, common scams, transport at night, safety for women, health basics and emergency numbers.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Is Vietnam safe? A guide for solo travellers, including women
What official travel advice says about Vietnam, the everyday risks (taxis, drink spiking, motorbike snatch theft), the Ha Giang Loop's licence rules, and tips for solo and female travellers.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
India packing list: what to wear on the plains, in the Himalaya and for Holi
What to pack for India: modest dress for temples and villages, layers for Rajasthan's cold nights and the Himalaya's altitude, old clothes for Holi, and what to leave at home.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit India: a month-by-month guide by region
When to go to India, region by region and month by month: the north plains, Rajasthan, the Himalaya, Goa, Kerala, the Andamans, and the festivals worth planning around.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Plan your trip
India e-visa and entry requirements 2026: fees and rules by nationality
India e-visa fees and rules for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and European travellers, how to apply on the official site, and the e-Arrival card, health form and permits.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 13 min read
Plan your trip
India from Australia: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
Australians need a visa for India. E-visa fees ($25, $40 or $200 for 5 years), how to apply on the official site, the e-Arrival card, flights from Australia and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 7 min read
Plan your trip
Thailand from Europe: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
Germans, Dutch, Irish, French, Spanish, Italians and Swedes get 30 days visa-free in Thailand since 15 September 2026. What differs by country, direct flights and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Thailand from Australia: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
Australians get 30 days visa-free in Thailand since 15 September 2026 (it was 60). The TDAC card, direct flights from Australia, and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
India from Europe: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
India visa rules for German, Dutch, Irish, French, Spanish, Italian and Swedish citizens: e-visa fees, how to apply, the e-Arrival card, direct flights from Europe and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Thailand from India: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
Indian passport holders can still visit Thailand visa-free, now for 30 days rather than 60 since 15 September 2026. The TDAC card, nonstop flights from India and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Plan your trip
India from the US: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
US citizens need a visa for India. E-visa fees ($25, $40 or $160 for 5 years), how to apply on the official site, the e-Arrival card and nonstop flights from the US.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
India from the UK: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
British citizens need a visa for India. The 5-year e-visa now costs $484 for UK passports, so compare the $40 1-year option. How to apply, the e-Arrival card and flights from London.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
India from Canada: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
Canadians can get the Indian e-visa again. Fees ($25, $40 or $200 for 5 years), how to apply, the e-Arrival card, flights from Canada and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Things to do
Mount Batur travel guide for solo travellers: the sunrise trek, Kintamani and how to visit
How to do Mount Batur solo: the sunrise trek from Toya Bungkah, guides and fees, the hot springs and lake temple, where to stay, costs, safety and how many days you need.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Bali visa and entry requirements 2026: rules by nationality
What you need for Bali in 2026: the e-VOA, the All Indonesia arrival card and the IDR 150,000 tourist levy, plus extensions, the C1 visa, customs and this year's changes.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 14 min read
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Bali from the US: visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
US citizens need a visa for Bali. How to get the e-VOA, file the arrival card and pay the tourist levy, plus one-stop routes from the US, the CDC health advice and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Bali from the UK: visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
British citizens need a visa for Bali. How to get the e-VOA, file the arrival card and pay the tourist levy, plus one-stop routes from the UK, FCDO and TravelHealthPro health advice and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Bali from India: visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
Bali isn't visa-free for Indians, but the IDR 500,000 e-VOA is easy to get. The arrival card, tourist levy, airlines flying from Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Bali from Europe: visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
Travellers from Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy and Sweden all need a visa for Bali. How the e-VOA, arrival card and tourist levy work, and which airlines fly there.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Bali from Australia: visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
Australians need a visa for Bali. How to buy the IDR 500,000 e-VOA, file the arrival card and pay the tourist levy, plus which airlines fly nonstop from Australian cities.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 10 min read
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Bali: a month-by-month guide to weather, crowds and festivals
When to go to Bali, month by month: the dry and wet seasons, the calmest seas for Nusa Penida and the Gilis, Nyepi and other festivals, and the cheapest months.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Vietnam visa and entry requirements 2026: who needs an e-visa
Who gets 45 days visa-free in Vietnam, who needs the e-visa, and how to apply on evisa.gov.vn without paying a fake site. Plus the pre-arrival QR form, customs and vapes.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 12 min read
Plan your trip
Vietnam from the US: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
US citizens need a visa for Vietnam. How to get the USD 25 e-visa on evisa.gov.vn, the only non-stop flight from the US, what to pack and what happens on arrival.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Vietnam from the UK: visa-free rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
British passport holders get 45 days in Vietnam without a visa. When you need the e-visa instead, direct flights from Heathrow, the cheapest months and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Vietnam from India: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam. How to apply for the USD 25 e-visa on evisa.gov.vn, direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 8 min read
Plan your trip
Vietnam from Europe: visa rules, flights and what to bring (2026)
Germans, French, Spanish, Italians and Swedes get 45 days in Vietnam visa-free, and the Dutch get 45 days for tourism. Irish travellers need the e-visa. Flights and packing too.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Vietnam from Canada: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
Canadians need a visa for Vietnam. How to apply for the USD 25 e-visa on evisa.gov.vn, the passport rules, how to fly from Canada and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read
Plan your trip
Vietnam from Australia: e-visa, flights and what to bring (2026)
Australians need a visa for Vietnam. How to get the USD 25 e-visa on evisa.gov.vn, direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and what to pack.
Sarthak DhonchakUpdated 9 min read