Guides to the regions, cities and islands of Southeast Asia and India: where to go, what each place is like and how long to stay.
93 guides
Places
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
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
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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
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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
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
Places
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
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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
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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
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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
Places
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
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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
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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
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
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
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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
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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'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
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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
Places
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
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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
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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'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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
Places
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
Places
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
Places
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
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
Places
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
Places
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
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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
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
Places
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
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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
Places
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
Places
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
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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
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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
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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
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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'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
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
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
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
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
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'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
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
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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
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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
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
Places
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
Places
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
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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
Places
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
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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
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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
Places
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
Places
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Places
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 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
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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
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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
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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
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
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 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
Places
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
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
Places
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
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
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
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
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
Places
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
Places
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
Places
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
Places
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
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
Places
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