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Tim Pile

Saying goodbye to a son or daughter as they head out into the world on their first solo adventure can be a bittersweet moment, full of excitement for what they are about to experience, and anxiety – also for what they are about to experience.
Here, I pass on some fatherly advice in an email:
Hi son, I’m delighted to hear that you’re about to begin your first backpacking trip. I did a bit of that myself back in the day.
Exploring new places will broaden your perspective, create lasting memories and provide opportunities to meet some wonderful people (and a few less than lovely characters, too).

Things can go wrong, of course, but with preparation, common sense and these tips, I’m confident you won’t encounter any problems.
Firstly, pack light. You’ll be living in T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops most of the time and you can easily pick up cheap clothes in Southeast Asia.
You certainly won’t need to take a coat, although a long-sleeved shirt will be useful for when the air conditioning is turned up to 11 (shopping malls, buses, restaurants, etc).
You’ve already earned your first backpacker merit points by booking with a budget airline rather than buying a more expensive ticket with a flag carrier. You’ll be able to buy lots of tie-dyed clothing, ethnic bangles and beer with the money you’ve saved.
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Be sure to photocopy your passport and other important documents before you set off. As an extra backup, photograph these items and email them to yourself.
One more thing: airport currency kiosks offer convenience but their rates are far from competitive. And steer clear of money changers advertising zero commission and no fee; they catch inexperienced travellers out by offering inferior exchange rates. Use your ATM card on arrival instead.
Hopefully, you’ve booked an aisle or window seat (middle seats aren’t much fun on long-haul flights). Once you’re on board, charge up your phone – each seat will have a plug socket.
You’ll also want to use your phone as soon as you land in Bangkok – even if it’s only to send your dad a selfie from the baggage carousel.

There has been an increase in theft on planes in recent years so keep an eye out for anyone rummaging through the overhead lockers.
I’m sure you’re too smart to be fleeced in mid-air but don’t let your guard down when you arrive. Tourists are more likely to be pickpocketed or scammed within hours of arriving than at any other stage of the trip.
Crooks and con men gravitate to places where jet-lagged, disoriented travellers gather, making you especially vulnerable at airports and bus and train stations.

Once you’ve settled into your hostel dorm (backpackers don’t stay in hotels), checked for bedbugs and politely asked the guy on the upper bunk bed to wash his socks, it’s time to get out and meet people.
Be aware that Southeast Asians don’t usually approach foreigners on the street. If someone comes bounding over with the charisma of a game-show host and asks which country you’re from, they’re probably trying to sell you something.
Smile, say “no thanks” and keep walking.
If the hostel doesn’t have a safe, carry your valuables in a money belt or neck pouch that goes under your clothing. Don’t buy one of those bum bags that newbies wear on the outside – you’re just asking for it to be snatched.

Decline any food or drink offered by strangers, at least while you’re finding your feet. It’s unlikely the coffee will be drugged but it makes sense to be cautious.
Problem is, if you never accept offers of hospitality, you’ll miss out on getting to know people, which is one of the reasons you booked a round-the-world ticket in the first place.
You’ll get more from your trip if you read up on responsible tourism. An informed traveller is in a better position to make ethical choices.
Should you ride an elephant or visit a tiger sanctuary? Is it best to ask before taking a monk’s photo and what are the rules when it comes to tipping?
Find out what sort of behaviour offends the locals and what makes them smile. Don’t raise your voice or lose your temper in public, for example, but do learn a little of the lingo and experiment with the cuisine.
When it’s time to pay the bill, don’t pull large bundles of high-denomination notes from your pocket for all to see

Always bargain courteously in shops and markets – haggling as if your life depends on saving a few coins is not a good look.
On the subject of cuisine, avoid restaurants in prime locations near major tourist attractions. You’re on a budget and there’s no need to blow your savings by dining in overpriced eateries.
You needn’t seek out the cheapest noodle shack, either – food poisoning is no fun. Look for clean establishments with friendly staff favoured by locals.
Return to the same restaurant a few times and watch how the smiles become more genuine, the portions larger and the number of prawns in your tom yum goong increase.

When it’s time to pay the bill, don’t pull large bundles of high-denomination notes from your pocket for all to see.
Thais think all tourists are rich – there’s no need to reinforce the view. Besides, you don’t want to signal to nimble-fingered ne’er-do-wells that you’re loaded with cash.
You’ll probably want to hire a motorbike at some point but have you noticed how many of your tie-dyed peers have bandaged elbows and knees? If you’re still keen to hit the highway, so to speak, make sure you ask the hirer exactly what their insurance covers.
If you’re able to rent a powerful set of wheels using an old library card, rather than an international driving licence, the policy won’t be worth the paper it’s written on.
Why does this small Indian town have so many classic Land Rovers?
Photograph the motorbike from every angle – you’ll have to sign a form accepting responsibility for damage – it’s uncanny how often staff find dents they claim weren’t there when you hired the vehicle.
Oh, and under no circumstances should you ever leave your passport as a security deposit or collateral.
One last warning: driving in many parts of Southeast Asia is not the same as at home. You can observe the rules of the road as much as you like but don’t assume anyone else will.
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Many of your fellow motorcyclists don’t bother with driving licences, helmets or lights. Some routinely race through red traffic signals and plenty drive while drunk.
Allowing sufficient braking distance between vehicles is unheard of and indicators are only flashed at festival time.
Right, that’s enough fear­mongering from me. In reality, the chances of you suffering any mishaps are very low. Have fun and I look forward to joining you on the road in a couple of weeks.
Don’t expect me to stay in a hostel dorm though.


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Backpacker travel tips for beginners in Southeast Asia: where to eat, who to avoid, what clothes to pack, and much more

A backpacker walks through the Khao San Market in Bangkok, Thailand. Tile Pile passes on his beginner backpacking tips for Southeast Asia to his son as he starts his first solo trip. Photo: Shutterstock

Eating where the locals go should save backpackers cash and get them some great food in the process. Photo: Shutterstock

The author’s son Sam at the baggage carousel in Bangkok.

Backpackers will live in T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops most of the time in Southeast Asia. Photo: Shutterstock

Always bargain courteously in shops and markets – haggling as if your life depends on saving a few coins is not a good look. Photo: Photo: Shutterstock

Once you’ve settled into your hostel dorm, it is time to get out and meet people. Photo: Shutterstock

Pros and cons of a visit to Phnom Penh: colonial buildings and Khmer relics, but crime and harrowing reminders of past

A vendor at Phnom Penh’s Central Market. Built on a filled-in lake bed, the market opened to the public in 1937. Photo: Oliver Raw

A tour of Phnom Penh’s 19th century Royal Palace is a highlight of a visit to the Cambodian capital, which also has some attractive colonial architecture. New buildings are ugly, though, and crime targeting tourists is a problem. Photo: Shutterstock

Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace. Photo: Chris Dwyer 

The National Museum of Cambodia. Photo: Oliver Raw

A vendor at Phnom Penh’s Central Market. Photo: Oliver Raw

Fried tarantula is a delicacy that can be enjoyed – or avoided – in Phnom Penh. Photo: Shutterstock

Khmer New Year celebrations in Cambodia, in April, 2023. Photo: Shutterstock

Mekong riverboat rides are popular among tourists to Phnom Penh. Photo: Shutterstock

Cranes are a prominent feature of Phnom Penh’s skyline as the city experiences a construction boom. Photo: Shutterstock

A traffic-filled street in Phnom Penh. Photo: Shutterstock

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh. Photo: Shutterstock

This rising Thailand holiday location is fast gaining a reputation as a great weekend break from Bangkok

The waterfall in Namtok Phlio National Park, Thailand, 2022&#xA;&#xA;CREDIT: THOMAS BIRD

Chanthaburi at night. The town in Thailand’s southeast is fast gaining a reputation as a short holiday spot for people looking to escape Bangkok for a weekend. Photo: Thomas Bird

Gems piled in porcelain bowls in Chanthaburi’s gem dealers’ quarter. Photo: Thomas Bird

A man fixes lanterns outside the Sa Bap Shrine. Photo: Thomas Bird

Chanthaburi’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Catholic church in Thailand. Photo: Thomas Bird

A boatman on the Chanthaburi river. Photo: Thomas Bird

Wat Mangkon Buppharam is said to be the brother temple of Bangkok Chinatown’s Wat Mangkon Kamalawat. Photo: Thomas Bird

The waterfall in Namtok Phlio National Park. Photo: Thomas Bird

9 common hotel complaints, from check-in and checkout times to Wi-fi problems to air con, heating and shower controls

Common complaints of a frequent hotel guest include staff not respecting their wish not to be disturbed, later check-in and earlier checkout times. Photo: Shutterstock

Housekeeping staff often ignore a “Do not disturb” sign and enter the guest’s room. Photo: Shutterstock

Hotel checkout times are getting earlier and check-ins later, shaving four or five hours off a day’s stay. Photo: Shutterstock

The New York Edition hotel (centre, with clocktower) asked for a US$200 deposit when the writer stayed there. Photo: Edition Hotels

Some hotel safes aren’t big enough to store laptops, and when a hotel takes no responsibility for any loss, guests are less than reassured. Photo: Shutterstock

Complicated coffee machines, missing kettles, tiny cups and powdered coffee creamer are some of the annoyances commonly encountered in hotels. Photo: Shutterstock

Some hotel shower controls are difficult to figure out on the first try. Photo: Shutterstock

Being charged for Wi-fi in a hotel, poor Wi-fi coverage and the need for long passwords and authentication by text message have all annoyed Ben West in the past. Photo: Shutterstock

Some hotel rooms have multiple lamps that all need turning off one by one, rather than by using a single bedside switch, at night. Photo: Shutterstock 

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Experienced backpacker and travel writer Tim Pile gives his son tips as the lad heads out into the world on his first solo adventure
Why should you not use a bum bag? Where to get currency at the best rate? How to get more prawns in your tom yum goong? That and more is all here


What clothes to pack, where to eat, who to avoid, where to get currency, renting motorbikes – an experienced dad gives his beginner son tips on backpacking in Southeast Asia.


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