Planet Asia guides

Thailand country guide

Thailand is in a state of absolute chaos, and the charm of this once-idyllic paradise has withered into a foul mix of sexpats, empty hotels, and scowling jaded locals. Nonetheless, if you've got cash to burn and enjoy the lowest common denominators, a good time can still be had here, but barely.

Cambodia country guide

For tourists, Phnom Penh's genocide memorials are haunting, and its SE Asian chaos a buzz. In addition, nightlife spots and accommodation options are plentiful. Look behind the tourist veil and you'll see a different reason expats come here: some for sex, others for drugs, others just to lay low into a peaceful life of chill.

Cambodia country guide

Apart from the Angkor ruins, Siem Reap is known for its chilled out locals, frenzied tourist hordes, excellent amenities, and solid nightlife scene. Behind the chaos of short-term punters, there's a well-ingrained expat community and a burgeoning luxury hotel scene. If you're planning to relax in Cambodia, this is definitely your best bet.

Thailand country guide

If you like cheap ass and even cheaper Viagra, this town will delight. For those with less primal urges, Bangkok offers plenty on the surface (sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife), but very little depth: think generic malls with overpriced inferior goods, sights that intrigue for mere minutes, and bars where the only people dancing are the hookers.

Thailand country guide

Although this perpetual motion world of cafes, t-shirt stalls, and travel agencies offers zero cultural depth or meaning, it still serves a purpose: if you're just returning from rugged travels in the fringes and desire comfy decompression via lowbrow hedonism, Khao San is ideal.

Thailand country guide

Whores? Check. Drugs? Check. Gluttony? Check. No matter how sick and twisted your desires, this is the place to satisfy them. This is likely the reason that 90% of the visitors here seem to be old (white, Asian, Arab, and Russian) men with limp sacks. Pass the viagra!

Cambodia country guide

Cambodia’s premier beach town has numerous bars, eateries, and prostitution schemes, all targeted at hedonism-seeking expats. While the beaches are decent enough, expect myriad annoyances: merchants will contantly hassle you on the sand, trade in meth and viagra is brisk, and dodgy folks dabbling in sexual perversions (including pedophilia) lurk in the shadows.

Cambodia country guide

If you’re up for jungle treks to tribal villages and the chance to traipse around waterfalls and gem mines, head northeast to one of the most beautiful – and underdeveloped – regions in the country.

Cambodia country guide

This town is really not worth visiting for any specific reason, yet loads of tourists continually get duped into visiting to check out there sites (hint: there aren't any, aside from some broken down temples, underwhemling city statues, and a few village shacks).