The Thais enjoy a cultural tropical paradise with some of the greatest food, islands, shopping and traditions you will find anywhere in Asia. The traveller can enjoy the very best too but only if they are prepared to ask around. The many distinct areas of Siam have different climates, varying authenticity and unique joys (and dangers). Is Bangkok dangerous? Which is better, Phuket or Koh Samui? Is Pattaya all package tours and girlie bars? Which is the coolest, Chiang Mai or Rai? What about Hua Hin or one of the less touristy islands? When are the various monsoon seasons? Where is the best and cheapest shopping in Thailand?

Indonesia has something enchanting and unique to offer all travellers, if you know where and where not to go! Which hotels are best in quality, integrity and Balinese authenticity? Is Nusa Dua better than Seminyak? Is Kuta and Legian too oppressive? What are Sanur's beaches like? Is Amed hot? What are the health, terrorism, crime & natural disaster risks in Bali & Lombok, Indonesia?

The Malaysian peninsula and its Borneo provinces of Sabah and Sarawak are all too frequently glossed over on trips to South East Asia in favour of the cheaper and more "exotic" countries. This is a great shame, as Malaysia is a diverse, beautiful and accessible destination, with glorious beaches, teeming rainforests, cool colonial Highlands, mountains and much more, and Singapore is a thriving, comfortable city state in which to recharge your batteries and shop til you drop. Where's best to stay in KL? How easy is it to climb Mount Kinabalu? Where can I see orang-utans? Where should you go for electronics in Singapore? Ask all your questions here.

What was once French Indochina and suffered enormously during the second half of the 20th Century, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are now open, safe and must see destinations for the dedicated traveler.

A divisive travel destination for decades, Myanmar provokes strong reactions in traveller circles when discussed. Should you stay or should you go? Will it support the people or support the Junta? But with the promising sign of Aung San Suu Kyi out of captivity, Myanmar might well be turning the corner.

The former British colony of Hong Kong - now a special administrative region of China - offers a wealth of different holiday experiences. Beyond the towering, gleaming skyscrapers and the famous chugging Star Ferry of Hong Kong island, mainland Kowloon offers Blade Runner-style streets and bustling markets, whilst the outlying islands serve up peaceful countryside walks and fresh seafood. Step in here to ask all your queries about Hong Kong.

Ultra-friendly people, developed cities, spacious tropical countryside and sumptuous food: Taiwan has it all. This tragically overlooked destination offers Chinese heritage with a Japanese twist, but not far off Thai prices. Ask all your questions here!

From the shimmering neon streets of Shinjuku to the crisp, clean mountain air of the Alp towns, the Land of the Rising Sun is a mysterious and alluring destination for many travellers. Safe, developed yet sometimes frustratingly inaccessible, Japan offers a window on the Asian continent that is guaranteed to make an impression. When's the best time to climb Mount Fuji? Where can you sit in an outdoor hot water onsen with snow all around you? Where can you book traditional ryokans and minshuku? How do you tackle Tokyo on the cheap? Ask within...

An area for lone travellers to post details of their plans and details in search of fellow like minded explorers on walkabout; maybe to meet up and / or share travel plans / costs. PLEASE BE CAREFUL about any details you give and / or plans to meet up people you do not know.

Do you have what it takes to be an ethical, caring traveller? After all, what you do and the impression you leave affects the places and people you visit.

Come across a bad hotel or villa or tour / travel company, been taken for a ride, know of some dodgy practices in the SE Asia travel industry? Come share your stories and warnings here.