We are constantly trying to fly the flag for hostels here at The Roaming Renegades, attempting to dispel the myth that they are all filthy pits filled with drunken backpackers! We often go in search of the best, most modern and innovative boutique hostels that prove they can be the perfect places to stay, offering
Asia backpacking
An emotional visit to the Death Railway of Kanchanaburi, the infamous “Bridge on the River Kwai”, Thailand
Visiting Thailand is a bi-word for fun, adventure, parties, elephant visits, temples and of course amazing food. However what many don’t expect to encounter over here is the kind of unavoidable and heartbreaking WW2 sites that litter Europe like the craters left by the luftwaffe. Kanchanaburi is the location of the infamous “Bridge on the
Visiting the beautiful elephants of Chiang Mai at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Selecting the right place to do good rather than harm
For years we have dreamt of meeting the beautiful elephants of Asia, but after hearing many horror stories of bad treatment and awful conditions we were wary of doing more harm than good in seeking out this dream interaction. After much research, speaking to others who had visited many of the sanctuaries and so called
Paper Plane hostel, KL: A 100 year old converted building with a modern and artistic spirit
Kuala Lumpur is a city of many sides, many cultures and a mixture of huge skyscrapers to historic architecture. Upon our first visit to this city we had dreamt of visiting for years we wanted to stay in a place close by to the action but with a local feel and a connection to the
Flying through the rainforest with Flight of The Gibbon, Chiang Mai! An adventure tour with a conscience!
When we arrived in Chiang Mai there were a few things on our list we knew we had to do, from bathing elephants at the rescue centre to wandering the glistening temples this city has too much to offer! Being adrenaline junkies the idea of whizzing through the jungle tree tops on some of the worlds
Learning to SCUBA dive in Borneo: Completing our PADI course in the most stunning and unexpected place!
When we set off backpacking around South East Asia, doing a PADI course to become qualified open water SCUBA divers was one of the first things we added to our list of things to do! After doing a taster session over 10 years ago on a family holiday to Turkey and also having friends who
Taking the 2 day slow boat down the Mekong River from Luang Prabang, Laos to Chiang Rai, Thailand and how to do it yourself!
Backpacking around South East Asia is an amazing adventure, travelling through amazingly diverse landscapes and from country to country like a true explorer. But we always like to add to the adventure if we can, for example buying motorbikes in Vietnam added so much more to our time there than just a method of transport.
The temple town of Luang Prabang Laos: Buddhism, Monks, Rivers and Rich Culture!
After the combination of the chaos and beauty of the one time party town of Vang Vieng it was time for a very different atmosphere with Luang Prabang. This regal and sacred town on the banks of the mighty Mekong is home to 33 UNESCO listed temples and more bright orange clad monks than you
Riding up to the amazing Kuang Si Waterfall before hiking through the jungle to a tribal village with Grasshopper Bike tours!
After you have toured the temples of the royal city of Luang Prabang then the next must see spot is just a few km from the town. Heading up to the stunning milky turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfall we decided to do it a little different and instead rode a bike up the mountainous
Guide to Vang Vieng, Laos: A once paradise lost that has been rediscovered as an adventure lovers heaven!
Vang Vieng was once a byword for backpackers excess and the devastating effects it can have on a place. In the past this wonderful village surrounded by mountains and stunning rivers was described as a “Paradise Lost”, engulfed by the drunken backpackers who would pass through without a care for the culture or indeed the
Tubing in Vang Vieng: Why this wonderful way to see this beautiful town doesn’t need to be marred with debauchery and drunkenness!
When you think of backpacking excesses, debauchery, drunkenness and generally the sort of behaviour that gives us more cultured travellers who happen to carry their belongings on their back a bad name the place Vang Vieng won’t be far from a mention. Over the past decade or so it has built up a reputation for all
The ultimate guide to Vietnam by motorbike: Advice from a 7 week adventure!
When thinking of the romantic idea of starting up your engine and riding across the length of Vietnam there are generally two schools of thought. Firstly that it’s the stupidest idea ever. The roads are wild, bad and dangerous and most riders are woefully inexperienced. The second is the opposite. That this is the adventure
Myanmar Treasure Resort – Inle: A perfect lakeside paradise from which to explore the culture of the region.
After 3 days trekking through mountains, villages and rice fields for over 60km, sleeping on the floors of bamboo houses and showering in a bucket in what turned out to be one of the most rewarding and intense experiences of our lives we welcomed the stunning comfort of Myanmar Treasure Resort – Inle! After having
Heading to Cat Ba island and doing amazing Ha Long bay on a backpacker budget! (Plus spending a night in the hospital!)
After spending 7 long weeks in Vietnam on motorbikes we both loved at hated this country! We had had the best and the worst of times here, some amazing adventures and some hard and gruelling days. Before leaving there was time for just one last exploration. We were in two minds whether to bother with
Trekking with H’Mong minority hill tribe through the rice terraces and mountains of Sapa. A highlight of Vietnam
Travelling the length and width of Vietnam we came across all walks of life, weathers and landscapes. But in completing our original task of riding from Saigon to Hanoi we knew we had one last adventure left, and it turned out to be the best. After 2 gruelling but amazing days on the bike, passing