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Travel tips for while you’re backpacking Southeast Asia and Australia, or some travel inspiration if you’re sat at a desk wishing you were here. Written by backpackers living or traveling around this side of the world. We’ve got travel advice for Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
How to Get to Hanoi: Your Arrival Guide Flying into Hanoi is the easiest way to start your adventure. Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport, located about 45 km from the city center. Here are the best ways to get downtown: Pre-Preparation: Visa and Travel Essentials Get your paperwork sorted before you land. Pro Tip: Bring a universal adapter for your electronics, as Vietnam uses 220V outlets with two-pronged plugs. Best Time to Visit Hanoi Timing your trip right makes all the difference. The best times to visit Hanoi are: If you don’t enjoy intense heat and humidity, better avoid the summer months (May-August). Best Places to Stay in Hanoi: A Backpacker’s Guide Hanoi offers a wide range of accommodations from social hostels to high-end hotels. Find a spot that fits your vibe and budget. If you’re looking for a hostel with comfy rooms, epic tours & events, and a great atmosphere for meeting fellow travelers, Mad Monkey Hanoi is a standout. Want a modern, clean spot with great views of the Old Quarter, check out the Old Quarter View Hostel. And if you’re willing to splurge a bit more, book your stay in Hanoi La Siesta Hotel located in the French Quarter, for a more comfortable and fancy experience. Check out this list of the best hostels for backpackers. Want more? Here’s a curated list of the top places to stay in Hanoi. Navigating Hanoi: Getting Around Hanoi’s chaos is part of its charm—here’s how to get from A to B. Walking is the best way for exploring the Old Quarter and nearby attractions. If you want to navigate this city on wheels, motorbike rentals are available. Just be prepared for chaotic traffic. To make your trip even more interesting, why not join a guided motorbike/Jeep tour? You’ve got plenty of options in getting around Hanoi, choose one that fits your style. Pro Tip: Step into the road confidently and walk at a steady pace. Motorbikes will weave around you—trust the flow. Top Things to Do in Hanoi: Must-See Attractions You will never run out of history and culture to soak up in Hanoi. There is always something exciting or a place to spark your curiosity. Old Quarter is where all the action is, filled with narrow streets, markets, and local shops. If you want to spend time strolling, Hoan Kiem Lake is a peaceful spot in the heart of the city. For history enthusiasts, Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, might pique your interest. Check out this article for a detailed guide to Hanoi’s top things to do that you surely won’t want to miss. Fancy joining some tours? Take a look at this article on the best tours in Hanoi. Where to Eat in Hanoi: Food Guide for Backpackers Food? A trip wouldn’t be complete without the local eats. Luckily, Hanoi is a food paradise. You can’t visit without trying Pho, the iconic noodle soup with beef or chicken. Don’t forget to enjoy some Banh Mi too, a baguette sandwich loaded with savory fillings. Wondering where to eat in Hanoi? This article on the must-try restaurants has got you covered. Best Cafes in Hanoi: Coffee Culture at Its Best If you feel tired exploring all day, take a break and soak up Hanoi’s famous coffee culture. Egg Coffee? It’s all over the internet—you’ve got to give it a sip. Visit the home of the original egg coffee, Cafe Giang. If you’re looking for a unique spot, The Note Coffee is a charming cafe covered in handwritten notes from visitors. Want to unwind with a book…
Group Trips: All Planned, No Surprises Group trips offer a set itinerary, with accommodation and transport sorted out for you. You follow a schedule, see the main sights, and move along with the group. It’s straightforward, but it comes with limits. Pros of Group Trips Stress-Free Planning Everything’s pre-arranged. How to get from A to B won’t be a worry for you. The tour company handles it. Good for New Travelers First time backpacking? A group trip can be less intimidating. With everything taken care of, you’ll have a guide and a built-in group of travelers to hang with. Instant Friends Making friends is a breeze! You’ll be with the same group throughout the entire trip, sharing experiences from start to finish. Cons of Group Trips Stuck to a Schedule You don’t have much say in the itinerary. Early mornings, set time limits, and no flexibility if you want to stay longer somewhere awesome. Tourist Traps Group trips often focus on popular spots, which can mean missing out on the more authentic, local experiences that independent travel allows. More Expensive All-inclusive tours come with a price tag. You’ll pay upfront for convenience, and there’s usually little wiggle room to control your spending. Mad Pass: Total Freedom, Your Way With the Mad Pass, you’re in control. Unlimited stays at Mad Monkey Hostels for 30, 60, or 90 days. No fixed schedules, no rushing, just your own adventure, on your own terms. Imagine having one pass with unlimited access to Mad Monkey Hostels in six countries Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Pros of the Mad Pass Full Flexibility There’s no set route. Want to spend a week in Gili T or a quick getaway in Hanoi? You have full control. Move as fast or as slow as you want. Unlimited Stays Stay at any Mad Monkey Hostel across Southeast Asia. One payment, no worries about booking new places. Just show up. Meet New People Everywhere Mad Monkey Hostels are social hubs. Every new location means fresh faces, new friends, and epic hostel events like pub crawls and pool parties. Budget-Friendly The Mad Pass saves you cash. Pay once and your accommodation is covered for up to 90 days. That leaves more budget for street food, adventures, and fun. Real Local Experiences Because you’re not locked into a set plan, you can explore beyond the tourist trail. Follow local tips from fellow travelers and hostel staff, and dive into the culture. Cons of the Mad Pass No Fixed Routine Some people thrive on structure, and the Mad Pass doesn’t come with a daily plan. If you prefer having a strict itinerary with everything mapped out, the freedom of the Mad Pass might feel a little overwhelming at first. So, What’s the Verdict? If you want someone else to plan your trip and like the idea of traveling with the same group, a group tour might work for you. But if you want total freedom, flexibility, and the chance to meet new people everywhere you go, the Mad Pass is hands down the better option. With unlimited stays, the freedom to travel at your own pace, and a budget that works for real backpackers, the Mad Pass offers the adventure you’re really looking for. When it comes to group trips vs Mad Pass, there’s no contest—grab a Mad Pass and start your ultimate Southeast Asia adventure. Need planning tips? Check out our itinerary blogs to make your Southeast Asia adventure planning a breeze. Itinerary in Cambodia for 30 Days: Ultimate Guide for Backpackers 30 Days Itinerary in Thailand: The Ultimate Guide for Backpackers 60 Days Itinerary in…
World Ocean Day, celebrated every June 8th, is a global event that unites people in protecting and preserving our beautiful oceans. As backpackers, we often get the chance to explore the world’s most stunning coastlines and pristine beaches. But with great adventure comes great responsibility. This World Ocean Day, let’s dive into sustainable travel practices and discover how Mad Monkey Hostels are making a splash with their weekly beach clean-up activities. Sustainable Travel: Why It Matters Traveling sustainably is about making choices that benefit the environment, local communities, and future travelers. It’s about leaving the places we visit better than we found them. When we backpack across coastal regions, our actions can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems. Here’s how you can contribute to the cause: Tips for Sustainable Travel Reduce your carbon footprint by packing only what you need. Lightweight backpacks mean lighter loads for transportation, which translates to lower emissions. Opt for biodegradable toiletries, reef-safe sunscreen, and reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags. This minimizes plastic waste that often ends up in the oceans. Whenever possible, use public transport, cycle, or walk. These options are not only eco-friendly but also provide a richer travel experience. Eat, shop, and stay local. Supporting local businesses helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with imported goods and contributes to the local economy. Mad Monkey Hostels are a great example of eco-conscious accommodations. They implement sustainable practices such as reducing water usage, minimizing waste, and supporting local conservation efforts. Beach Clean-Up: A Hands-On Approach to Conservation One of the most direct ways backpackers can contribute to marine conservation is by participating in beach clean-ups. These activities help remove harmful debris from coastal areas, protect marine life, and raise awareness about ocean pollution. Weekly beach clean-up at Long Set Beach. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Koh Rong. Mad Monkey’s Weekly Beach Clean-Ups Mad Monkey Hostels are not just about providing a place to stay—they’re about creating a community that cares for the environment. Every week, Mad Monkey organizes beach clean-up activities at various beach locations. Here’s why you should join: Each piece of trash you pick up is one less hazard for marine life. Beach clean-ups have immediate, tangible results that contribute to healthier oceans. These events are a fantastic way to meet fellow backpackers who share your passion for sustainability and marine conservation. Who knows, you might find a new travel buddy! Beach clean-ups often include educational sessions about the impact of pollution and how to reduce it. This knowledge is invaluable and can be shared with others to amplify the impact. Spending time on the beach, doing something positive, and enjoying the natural beauty is a rewarding experience. It’s a perfect blend of leisure and activism. Swimming with a turtle from a safe distance in Apo Island. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Dumaguete. Marine Conservation Tips and Etiquette Being a sustainable traveler means respecting the places you visit. When it comes to marine conservation, here are some tips and etiquette to keep in mind: Observe marine animals from a distance and avoid touching or disturbing them. Remember, we are guests in their home. Plastics are a major pollutant in our oceans. Reduce your use of single-use plastics by carrying reusable alternatives. Whatever you bring to the beach, take it back with you. This simple rule ensures that you leave the beach as pristine as you found it. Share your knowledge about marine conservation with fellow travelers. The more people are aware, the bigger the impact we can make. Join local initiatives like those organized by Mad Monkey Hostels. Your…
