The culinary delights found in Southeast Asia give you a taste of the best of Asian cuisine. Each country in the region offers diverse options, making for a unique experience during every leg of the journey. It is essential for every traveler to dive into the food culture so we have narrowed down some of our favorite dishes from Southeast Asia.

“Leave half of your clothes, and take twice the money” — this popular saying holds true when packing for a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. Here, we have curated the ultimate backpacker’s Southeast Asia packing list, covering everything from clothes to technology to health necessities.

Summertime often evokes images of frosty glasses full of ice-cold lemonade, scrumptious ice cream cones, and lazy days on a sandy beach with a great novel in hand. For most people, the lengthening days bring with them a much-anticipated break from school or a slower work schedule. It is no wonder that this season has become readily associated with vacation time! The lingering twilight, warm sunshine, and slower pace of life make the summer one of the best times of the year to adventure with those you love. Perhaps you hope to jet off on a romantic getaway to a faraway island, or maybe you want to simply seek respite from the heat in the coolness of the mountains; either way, summer is the perfect time to explore the world. So, whether you are planning to visit the other side of the globe or just the other side of the country, here are some of my top vacation destinations to get you started thinking about your next summertime trip!

Southeast Asia is one of the cheapest places in the world for travelers — so, when people talk about visiting Southeast Asia on a budget, they aren’t joking! Southeast Asia is often referred to as a backpacker’s paradise (also offering plenty of alternative accommodations if you want something a little less “backpackerish”). Here’s how to make the most of your travels (and your dollars) as you explore this region.

Vietnam is a country of dramatic contrasts — from the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to the emerald waters of Halong Bay, the country is shrouded in both beauty and rich cultural traditions. This travel guide (and travel video) will help you discover everything you need to see and do when you visit the country for yourself.

Asia has been the go-to destination for young high school graduates to spend a significant amount of time exploring on their ‘gap year’. As such, it is essential to keep the whole trip as low-budget as possible to enable you to stay for an extended period of time, ticking several countries off your bucket list. Hence backpacking has become especially popular, allowing for easier maneuverability as you hop from hostel to hostel.

Vietnam is a country filled with natural beauty. From its rice terrace fields to amazing limestone formations in the north, the country boasts incredible diversity. Vietnam is home to Buddhist pagodas, floating markets, world wonders, and bustling cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In short, Vietnam has everything for the discerning traveler, including some of the best cuisine I have experienced. Here are top ten things to do when in Vietnam.

Plan your upcoming travel to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to witness a magical floating world. Comprised of more than 1600 limestone pillars making up hollow caves, and several small floating islands across the emerald waters, it is not surprising to hear that Ha Long Bay is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This UNESCO World  Heritage Site attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. Be sure not miss this gem of Southeast Asia.

Though Vietnam will undoubtedly dazzle visitors at any time of the year with its delicious culinary specialties, luscious green landscapes, and cultural experiences, the country experiences huge regional and seasonal differences. The country’s narrow, snaking shape, which expands over 600 miles from the Red River in the north and the South China Sea at its south end, splits Vietnam into three separate climates: 1) a humid subtropical climate to the north; 2) a monsoon climate in areas closest to the South China Sea; and 2) a tropical savanna climate to the south. So, while Northern Vietnam experiences distinct winter and summer seasons, Southern Vietnam divides its year by its rainy and dry seasons.

So, the best time to travel to Vietnam depends largely on your destination! Continue reading below to find out the optimal time to visit each region of Vietnam!

Whether you’re headed for a gap year or a truly special romantic getaway, Southeast Asia ticks a lot of boxes. In recent years, this region has rocketed to the top of traveller’s bucket lists; so here’s our top ten most instagrammable spots in Southeast Asia to inspire you! If this doesn’t spark the wanderlust in you, I don’t know what will!

Southeast Asia. The countries of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar are home to some of the most unique culture, deep history, and heartwarming people.  All of these countries are also home to some of the World’s most stunning temples - in particular temples of Angkor (Angkor Wat) in Cambodia and the Ancient Temples in Bagan Myanmar.

If you had to pick one ingredient as the foundation of your diet, could you? What sets your meals apart from the rest? Perhaps your mind wanders to a spice or vegetable -- something with flavor that packs a punch? In Vietnam, the foundational ingredient in their meals is something much more simple and matter of fact. It’s rice.

There’s something incredibly special about traveling solo. For many, the idea of visiting a new country all alone is terrifying, but solo travel can be a priceless period of self-reflection, education, and growth. Facing your fears and putting yourself out there is so worth it, and it’s the best way to truly immerse yourself in a new culture. There’s nothing quite as rewarding as traveling solo—it’s an unforgettable adventure that everyone should experience at least once. Keep reading to learn the best countries for solo travel!

Nothing brings people together quite like food. It’s at the heart of so many cultures, and learning about the local cuisine is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a new environment. There are countless destinations across the globe that offer mouthwatering dishes and rich culinary diversity, but some countries reign supreme. Keep reading for the top culinary destinations around the world!

Mornings are a simple routine for Loc: wake up early; make breakfast with his lovely wife; take his two sons to school; head to his office in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. When he arrives at the office, he takes his first moments to sip on hot, strong coffee and remind himself of these words by which he strives to live and work. Joy, growth, and giving are the central values of both his life and of his business.

Vietnamese cuisine, known for fresh ingredients, unique dishes, and an array of tastes, has been gaining popularity all across the globe—with good reason. Food is at the very heart of Vietnamese culture, and many local single-dish food stalls are run by families, passed down through generations of women. Traditional Vietnamese food has perfected the mixture of flavors, from salty to sweet and sour to spicy. With so much variety and so many beloved dishes to enjoy, the possibilities are endless when planning a trip to this breathtaking country. Check out our Vietnamese food guide to learn about the must-try meals you don’t want to miss!

While Spring Break carries with it the connotation of warm destinations as the season transitions from Winter to Spring, there are plenty of destinations that can provide an equally good Spring Break experience. We’ve listed below our top 10 Spring Break Destinations for 2018!