Asia Unmasked

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The Southeast Asia Digital Nomad Revolution: Where Paradise Meets Productivity (And Your Wallet Stays Happy)

Southeast Asia has quietly transformed into the world’s digital nomad capital, with governments rolling out dedicated visas whilst offering lifestyle arbitrage that makes London rent look like daylight robbery. From Thailand’s groundbreaking five-year DTV to Malaysia’s DE Rantau Pass, the region now provides legitimate long-term options for remote workers seeking cultural immersion, professional growth, and

June 14, 2025

image shows a young Asian boy sheltering under an umbrella during a monsoon

Destinations

Koh Chang in Green Season: When Thailand’s Elephant Island Reveals Its Wildest Beauty

Regular readers will know Koh Chang is one of my favourite Thai islands, as it remains a destination that is as enjoyable during the dry season as it is during its rains. One benefit of travelling here during low season, is the crowds have disappeared and this National Park island takes on a completely new

June 10, 2025

image taken from the shoreline shows the sun setting over the sea, framed by palm trees and a sandy beach

Eco-tourism

Thailand’s Secret Islands: Discovering Paradise Where Sustainable Travel Still Thrives

The ferry from Trat pier barely holds twenty passengers, and as we approach Koh Mak’s pristine shoreline, I count exactly zero high-rise hotels breaking the coconut palm canopy. No concrete jetties stretch into turquoise waters, no jet skis carve wake patterns across the bay. Instead, a handful of wooden longtail boats bob gently in the

June 7, 2025

The new Ritz Carlton hotel in Bangkok is ideally located offering stunning views of Bangkok's skyline and parks

Accommodation

The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok: A Towering Testament to Luxury Above Lumpini’s Canopy

After decades of Bangkok building skyward with concrete-and-steel ambition, something magical has finally emerged from the urban sprawl. The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, which opened its doors in December 2024, doesn’t just offer another luxury hotel experience – it provides an entirely new perspective on Thailand’s capital. Rising from the prestigious One Bangkok development, this isn’t merely

June 5, 2025

a traditional Thai fishing vessel anchored off the coast of Koh Lanta

Eco-tourism

Koh Lanta: Thailand’s Last Unspoiled Island Paradise

Whilst the rest of Thailand’s Andaman coast buckles under the weight of mass tourism, Koh Lanta remains a rare sanctuary of authentic island life. After spending weeks exploring its golden beaches and chatting with local fishermen, I’ve discovered why this elongated jewel continues to fly under the radar of mainstream tourism. From crystal-clear snorkelling spots

May 28, 2025

a Thai longboat on the shoreline under the shade of a limestone cliff

Destinations

Thailand’s Retirement Revolution: Where Your Money Goes Further and Life Gets Better

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand has quietly become the world’s most accessible retirement paradise. After years of exploring expat communities across “The Land of Smiles,” I’ve witnessed firsthand how retirees from around the globe are stretching their pensions, accessing world-class healthcare, and discovering a quality of

May 23, 2025

a golden Buddha figure sits atop a rock in temple grounds

Destinations

Chiang Mai: Where Ancient Temples Meet Modern Zen in Thailand’s Cultural Heart

Nestled in Northern Thailand’s misty mountains, Chiang Mai balances ancient spirituality with creative energy in a way few destinations can match. As someone who’s spent countless mornings watching saffron-robed monks collect alms and evenings sipping locally roasted coffee in artist-run spaces, I’ve found this city offers a deeper, more soulful alternative to Thailand’s beach-heavy tourism.

May 21, 2025

a view of Wat Arun from the Chao Praya river against a golden backdrop of sunset

Accommodation

Boutique Treasures: Why Southeast Asia’s Small Hotels Will Steal Your Heart

The big brands may dazzle with infinity pools and star chefs, but it’s the intimate hideaways of Southeast Asia that truly capture its soul. As a travel writer who’s endured countless corporate hotel loyalty programs across the region, I’ve had my most memorable nights tucked away in converted shophouses and bamboo treehouses where the owners

May 16, 2025

the white sands leads out to the clear sea of Phu Quoc island sheltered by palms

Eco-tourism

Phu Quoc’s Bold Green Revolution: Vietnam’s Island Paradise Ditching Petrol for Paradise

Vietnam’s jewel in the Gulf of Thailand is undergoing a dramatic transformation that could redefine eco-tourism in Southeast Asia. Phu Quoc’s ambitious plan to eliminate all petrol and diesel vehicles is just one part of a grand vision to become one of the world’s greenest destinations by 2030. As someone who’s visited the island four

May 15, 2025

a rustic dwelling on a small, isolated, rock island covered in vegetation in the Philippines

Travel Tips

Paradise Calling: Why the Philippines’ New Digital Nomad Visa Might Be Your Ticket to Better Work Days

Tired of the same four office walls? The Philippines has just thrown open its doors to remote workers with a brand new digital nomad visa. Imagine swapping your dreary commute for island-hopping adventures, your desk lunch for fresh seafood by the shore, and your office views for pristine beaches. With a generous one-year stay that’s

May 15, 2025

the sun sets over the sea as a fishing boat bobs on the horizon

Travel Tips

Golden Visas in East Asia: Your Ticket to a Second Home

Have you ever fancied waking up to the smell of fresh pho in Vietnam, or perhaps sipping kopi in a swanky Singapore café while checking your investments? As someone who’s spent the better part of a decade bouncing around East Asia, I’ve watched the region transform from a traveller’s playground to a legitimate option for

May 11, 2025

Buddha's image carved out of stone set against a rustic backdrop, featuring rocks and vegetation

Events

Krabi’s Green Revolution: The Festival Redefining Sustainable Tourism in Thailand

May 2025 will see Thailand’s stunning Andaman province transform into an epicentre of eco-tourism innovation – here’s why this groundbreaking festival deserves a place on your travel calendar. Two boats sit moored on turquoise waters with Krabi’s iconic limestone cliffs in the background In travel, we often speak of paradise found and paradise lost –

May 11, 2025

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