MIDLIFE MEANDERINGS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

An ageing traveller’s budget travel through South East Asia.

Embarking on several months of random budget traveling in South East Asia, I found myself on a transformative journey through several stimulating and exotic countries in this remarkable part of the world. This life-altering adventure unfolded as a result of my semi-retirement from the business world and an amicable marriage break-up.

As a middle-aged backpacker with a bit more cash in my pocket than the typical young post-'A' Level or post-degree traveler, I wasn't constrained to living off pot noodles in a hostel or scraping together limited funds for the occasional beer or bottle of wine from a 7-11 store (luckily..!!) Venturing out predominantly by bus and train, I followed my instincts, listened to locals and fellow travelers, and unearthed a wealth of insights into life in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Highlights of my journey included trekking in North Thailand, a mesmerizing boat trip across the awe-inspiring Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island, experiencing the Reunification Express sleeper in Vietnam, dancing the night away at a Full Moon party, indulging in unique culinary experiences like eating dog, strolling along deserted beaches in Malaysia, somberly visiting the Killing Fields in Cambodia, and relishing a dawn exploration of the magnificent Angkor Wat temple site. Join me on this unforgettable expedition, where each step is a revelation and every destination a chapter in the story of self-discovery.