Backpacking in Ethiopia is one of the most unique and intense travel experiences in Africa—full of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and strong cultural identity. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

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🌍 Why Backpack Ethiopia

⛰️ Simien Mountains (Epic Hiking)

4

• Home to the Simien Mountains National Park
• Dramatic cliffs and high-altitude trekking
• Wildlife like gelada monkeys and Ethiopian wolves

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🏰 Lalibela Rock Churches

4

• In Lalibela
• 11 churches carved into rock
• One of Africa’s most important religious sites

---

🌋 Danakil Depression (Otherworldly)

4

• One of the hottest places on Earth
• Volcanoes, lava lakes, acid pools
• Requires guided tours due to remoteness

---

☕ Culture & Daily Life

4

• Deep traditions (coffee ceremony is a big deal)
• Unique cuisine (injera, spicy stews)
• Strong Orthodox Christian heritage

---

🎒 Backpacking Basics

💰 Budget

• Budget: ~€20–40/day
• Food is cheap and filling
• Transport is affordable but slow

🛏️ Accommodation

• Budget hotels widely available
• Basic but very cheap
• Better options in cities like Addis Ababa

🚌 Transport

• Buses between cities (long but cheap)
• Domestic flights surprisingly affordable
• Roads can be rough

---

🧭 Classic Backpacking Route (2–3 Weeks)

Addis Ababa
↓
Bahir Dar (Lake Tana, Blue Nile Falls)
↓
Gondar (castles)
↓
Simien Mountains trek
↓
Lalibela

👉 Optional extensions:

• Danakil Depression
• Omo Valley (tribal cultures)

---

⚠️ Important Considerations

🛑 Safety (Region-Dependent)

• Some regions experience conflict or instability
• Conditions change quickly
  👉 Always check current advisories

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Attention from Locals

• Expect curiosity (especially outside cities)
• Kids may follow you or ask for money

🍽️ Food & Health

• Stick to cooked food
• Bring basic meds
• Altitude can affect you in the highlands

📶 Internet

• Can be slow/unreliable
• SIM cards available but patchy coverage

---

🧠 Is Ethiopia Good for Backpackers?

👉 YES, if you are:

• Comfortable with basic conditions
• Patient with delays and unpredictability
• Interested in culture/history (not just beaches)

👉 NOT ideal if you want:

• Smooth, easy travel
• Party/backpacker scene
• Western-level infrastructure

---

🌍 Compared to Other African Trips

• More intense than The Gambia
• Less polished than Kenya
• More culturally unique than almost anywhere else

---

✔️ Final Take

Ethiopia is one of the most distinctive countries you can backpack:

• Ancient history
• Wild landscapes
• Deep culture

But:

👉 It requires flexibility, awareness, and patience

Overlanding Ethiopia: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide

Backpacking in Chad is about as hardcore and off-the-grid as it gets. It has some of the most spectacular landscapes in Africa—but it’s also one of the least developed and least traveled countries on Earth.

---

⚠️ First: Reality Check

Right now, Chad is considered high-risk for independent travel.

• Many governments advise against travel or essential travel only
• Security can be unpredictable (especially near borders)
• Infrastructure is extremely limited
• You’ll likely need permits, guides, and local contacts

👉 Honest take:
This is not a typical backpacking destination—it’s closer to an expedition.

---

🌍 Why Chad Is So Unique

🏜️ Sahara & Ennedi Plateau (Jaw-dropping)

4

• The Ennedi Plateau is the highlight
• Giant rock arches, canyons, desert towers
• One of Africa’s most surreal landscapes

---

🐪 Zakouma National Park (Wild Africa)

4

• Zakouma National Park
• Huge elephant herds, lions, giraffes
• Surprisingly well-managed conservation success story

---

🏜️ Lake Chad & Sahel Culture

4

• Lake Chad region
• Nomadic cultures and traditional lifestyles
• Very little tourism influence

---

🎒 Backpacking Reality

🚫 Independent Travel

• Very difficult (sometimes impossible)
• Many areas require military escort or permits
• Public transport is limited and unreliable

🧭 Typical Travel Style

Most travelers:

• Arrange guided expeditions
• Travel in 4×4 convoys
• Carry supplies (fuel, water, food)

---

💰 Costs

Not cheap in practice:

• Logistics drive prices up
• Guided desert trips can be very expensive
• Budget backpacking style is hard to maintain

---

⚠️ Major Challenges

• Security risks (regional instability)
• Extreme heat (often 40–45°C+)
• Almost no tourism infrastructure
• Language: French & Arabic dominate
• Healthcare facilities are very limited

---

🧠 Who Should Consider Chad?

👉 Realistically suited for:

• Very experienced travelers
• Expedition-style adventurers
• People who’ve already traveled extensively in Africa

👉 Not suitable for:

• Beginners
• Casual backpackers
• Solo travelers without local support

---

🌍 Safer Alternatives with Similar Vibes

If you’re drawn to Chad’s landscapes, consider:

• Namibia → deserts + safety + infrastructure
• Morocco → Sahara + culture, easy logistics
• Jordan → Wadi Rum desert vibes
• Ethiopia → rugged + culturally rich (check regions)

---

✔️ Final Take

Chad is one of the last truly wild travel frontiers:

• Incredible landscapes (world-class, seriously)
• Almost zero crowds
• Raw, authentic, untouched

But:

👉 It’s not really backpacking
👉 It’s expedition travel with risk

Overlanding Chad: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide

Backpacking in The Gambia is one of the easiest ways to experience West Africa—compact, friendly, affordable, and much more accessible than many neighboring countries.

---

🌴 Why Backpack The Gambia

🏝️ Beaches & Atlantic Coast

4

• Long sandy beaches along the Atlantic
• Popular areas: Kololi, Bakau
• Mix of backpackers and small resorts

---

🌊 River Gambia Adventures

4

• The country follows the Gambia River inland
• Boat trips into mangroves and wildlife zones
• Chance to see hippos, monkeys, and birdlife

---

🐒 Wildlife & Nature

4

• Abuko Nature Reserve – small but great for monkeys & reptiles
• Bijilo Forest Park – easy coastal jungle walk
• One of Africa’s best beginner destinations for birdwatching

---

🏙️ Local Culture & Markets

4

• Bustling markets in Serekunda
• Capital Banjul is small but lively
• Extremely friendly locals—often called “The Smiling Coast”

---

🎒 Backpacking Basics

💰 Budget

• Very affordable
• Budget travelers: ~€15–30/day
• Meals: €2–5 (local food like domoda, benachin)

🛏️ Accommodation

• Guesthouses & hostels in Kololi/Bakau
• Simple inland lodges
• Easy to find walk-in stays

🚕 Transport

• Shared minibuses (“gele-gele”)
• Taxis (negotiate price)
• River ferries for crossing

---

🧭 Easy Backpacking Route (1–2 Weeks)

Day 1–3: Kololi / Bakau

• Beaches, acclimatize

Day 4–6: Banjul + Serekunda

• Markets, local culture

Day 7–10: River trip inland

• Visit villages, wildlife

Optional:

• Overnight upriver adventure

---

⚠️ Things to Know

🤝 “Bumsters” (Friendly Hustlers)

• Locals may approach you constantly offering help/tours
• Usually harmless but persistent
  👉 Best tactic: polite but firm “no thanks”

🌡️ Climate

• Hot year-round
• Best time: Nov–Feb (dry season)

🛂 Visa

• Many nationalities get visa-free or on arrival

🗣️ Language

• English is official (huge advantage!)

---

🧠 Is It Good for Backpackers?

👉 YES—especially if:

• It’s your first time in Africa
• You want something affordable & social
• You prefer easier logistics

👉 Less ideal if:

• You want dramatic landscapes (it’s quite flat)
• You prefer completely off-grid travel

---

🌍 Compared to Other African Trips

• Easier than Senegal
• Much safer & simpler than more remote countries
• Less spectacular scenery than East Africa—but more relaxed

---

✔️ Final Take

The Gambia is one of the best beginner-friendly backpacking destinations in Africa:

• Safe-ish
• Cheap
• Social
• Culturally rich

It’s not about epic sights—it’s about people, vibe, and slow travel.

+Overlanding The Gambia: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide

Backpacking in Sudan is a very different experience from typical tourist destinations—it’s raw, culturally rich, and largely untouched by mass tourism. But it also comes with serious safety and logistical considerations you need to understand first.

---

⚠️ Current Situation (Very Important)

As of recent years, Sudan has experienced armed conflict and instability, especially since 2023. Many governments advise against all travel.

👉 Bottom line:

• Independent backpacking right now is not considered safe
• Infrastructure (transport, internet, services) is unreliable
• Some areas are inaccessible or dangerous

If you’re seriously considering this, check your country’s official travel advisory and be ready to change plans quickly.

---

🌍 Why Backpack Sudan (When Safe)

When conditions are stable, Sudan is one of Africa’s most underrated destinations:

🏜️ Ancient Nubian Pyramids (Meroë)

4

• Located near Meroë
• Over 200 pyramids—more than Egypt
• Almost no crowds—you might have the site to yourself

---

🌊 Nile Life & Culture

4

• The Nile River shapes daily life
• Extremely hospitable locals—often travelers’ highlight
• Traditional villages and slow pace of life

---

🏛️ Khartoum & Confluence

4

• Capital: Khartoum
• Where the Blue Nile & White Nile meet
• Markets in Omdurman are vibrant and chaotic

---

🐪 Desert & Remote Travel

4

• Vast Sahara landscapes
• Camel caravans and remote ruins
• Feels like true exploration

---

🎒 Backpacking Practicalities

🧭 Visa & Permits

• Visa required for most travelers
• Registration with authorities often needed
• Travel permits may be required outside major cities

🚍 Transport

• Mostly buses or shared pickups
• Trains exist but are slow/unreliable
• Hitchhiking possible but unpredictable

🛏️ Accommodation

• Budget hotels & guesthouses
• Wild camping possible in desert areas

💰 Costs

• Generally very cheap
• Cash-based economy (cards rarely accepted)

---

⚠️ Challenges You Should Expect

• Limited internet and connectivity
• Language barrier (Arabic is dominant)
• Heat can be extreme (40°C+)
• Few tourist facilities
• Bureaucracy (permits, checkpoints)

---

🧠 Who It’s For

Backpacking Sudan suits:

• Very experienced travelers
• People comfortable in low-infrastructure environments
• Those seeking off-the-beaten-path history and culture

Not ideal for:

• First-time backpackers
• Travelers needing comfort or predictability

---

🧭 Safer Alternatives (Similar Vibe)

If your goal is adventure + history, consider:

• Jordan (deserts + ruins, much safer)
• Egypt (pyramids + infrastructure)
• Ethiopia (raw culture + history, but check safety regionally)

---

✔️ Final Take

Sudan has the potential to be one of the most rewarding backpacking destinations in the world—but timing is everything.

👉 Right now: not recommended
👉 In stable times: incredible, unique, and deeply memorable

+Overlanding Sudan: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide

Backpacking in Bahrain is unusual—but doable. It’s not a classic backpacker destination, but if you’re curious about the Gulf on a budget, it can be a short, interesting stop.

---

🌆 What Bahrain is like

4

• Modern + traditional mix
• Compact island (easy to explore quickly)
• Liberal compared to neighbors like Saudi Arabia
• More about culture + city life than nature

---

🎒 The backpacking vibe

➡️ Think: “urban exploration, not rugged adventure”

• 🏨 Few hostels (budget hotels instead)
• 🚌 Public transport exists but limited
• 🚕 Uber/Careem widely used
• 🧭 Easy to navigate, very safe

👉 Most backpackers stay 2–4 days max

---

🗺️ What to see

🏙️ Manama

4

• Bab Al Bahrain & souq
• Al Fateh Grand Mosque
• Bahrain National Museum

---

🌳 Tree of Life

4

• Lone tree in the desert (mysterious survival story)
• Fun short trip outside the city

---

🏝️ Beaches & coast

4

• Small islands like Al Dar
• Not world-class, but relaxing

---

💰 Costs

Bahrain is not super cheap, but manageable:

• Budget hotel: €25–60
• Food: €5–15 (cheap eats available)
• Transport: €3–10/day (Uber/bus mix)

👉 Daily budget:
➡️ €40–80/day

---

⚠️ Things to know

• Dress modestly (especially outside nightlife areas)
• Alcohol is legal (unlike some neighbors)
• Summer = extremely hot (40°C+) ☀️
• No real backpacker scene

---

❤️ Is it worth it?

✔️ Yes if you want:

• A quick intro to the Gulf region
• A safe, easy, culturally interesting stop
• Something different from typical backpack routes

❌ Not ideal if you want:

• Nature, trekking, or long-term backpacking
• Social hostel culture

---

🧠 Bottom line

Bahrain is:
➡️ “a short, easy, urban backpacking stop”

Great for a few days—but not a full backpacking destination on its own.

Overlanding Bahrain: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide

Backpacking in Bhutan is one of those trips that sounds like classic backpacking—but in reality it’s a regulated, slow-travel experience with a built-in daily cost. Still, it’s incredibly rewarding if you know what to expect.

---

🏔️ Why people go to Bhutan

4

• 🧘‍♂️ Deep Buddhist culture and spirituality
• 🏯 Iconic sites like Paro Taktsang
• 🌿 Pristine Himalayan nature (no mass tourism)
• 😌 Calm, uncrowded atmosphere

---

🎒 Can you backpack independently?

👉 Yes… but with limits

Bhutan has changed its rules:

• You no longer need a mandatory guide everywhere
• BUT you must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) (~$100/day)
• Some areas (especially trekking routes) still require guides/permits

➡️ So it’s:
Independent travel + mandatory daily fee

---

🧭 What backpacking feels like

4

• 🏡 Stay: Guesthouses / small family hotels
• 🚌 Move: Local buses, taxis, or hired driver
• 🍛 Eat: Simple local food (ema datshi = chili & cheese)
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Vibe: Peaceful, respectful, not party-oriented

It’s more:
➡️ Slow, mindful travel than social backpacking

---

🗺️ Simple 7–10 day route

• ✈️ Arrive in Paro
• 🏙️ Thimphu – culture, markets
• ⛰️ Dochula Pass – Himalayan views
• 🏯 Punakha – dzong + river valley
• 🥾 Back to Paro – hike to Tiger’s Nest

Optional:

• Add trekking (Druk Path, etc.)

---

🥾 Trekking (highlight of Bhutan)

4

• Druk Path Trek – scenic, moderate
• Snowman Trek – one of the toughest on Earth

Most treks:

• Require guides
• Are fully organized (no wild camping DIY style)

---

💰 Costs (important)

Bhutan is not budget backpacking:

• SDF: ~$100/day
• Accommodation + food: ~$30–100/day
• Transport: extra

👉 Realistic daily total:
➡️ €120–€250/day

---

⚠️ Rules & culture

• Dress modestly in temples
• Respect religion and monarchy
• No loud/party behavior
• Smoking restrictions exist

---

❤️ Is it worth it?

✔️ Yes if you want:

• A unique, preserved culture
• Nature without crowds
• A meaningful, slow travel experience

❌ Not ideal if you want:

• Cheap travel
• Spontaneity and total freedom

---

🧠 Bottom line

Bhutan is:
➡️ “Backpacking with structure and purpose”

You won’t get total freedom—but you’ll experience something rare: a country that actively limits tourism to protect itself.

Backpacking in Cyprus is a very underrated option in Europe—sunny, safe, and culturally rich—but it’s not your typical ultra-cheap backpacker destination.

---

🌍 Why Cyprus is worth it

4

• 🏖️ Stunning Mediterranean beaches
• ⛰️ Mountains + hiking in the Troodos Mountains
• 🏛️ Ancient history + ruins
• ☀️ 300+ sunny days a year

---

🎒 The backpacking vibe

Cyprus is more like:
➡️ “relaxed road trip + light backpacking”

• Hostels exist but are limited
• Public transport is not great
• Best experience = rent a car or scooter
• Hitchhiking is possible but not super common

👉 It’s easy travel—but not super backpacker-oriented like Southeast Asia.

---

🗺️ Best places to include

🏙️ Nicosia (divided capital)

4

• Only divided capital in Europe
• Cross between Greek and Turkish sides
• Fascinating political + cultural contrast

---

🏖️ Ayia Napa / Cape Greco

4

• Crystal-clear water
• Sea caves, cliff jumping
• Party scene if you want it

---

⛰️ Troodos Mountains

4

• Cooler temperatures
• Waterfalls + hiking trails
• Traditional villages

---

🏛️ Paphos Archaeological Park

4

• Ancient Roman mosaics
• Coastal ruins
• UNESCO heritage sites

---

💰 Costs

Cyprus is mid-range Europe:

• Hostel: €15–30
• Budget hotel: €30–70
• Food: €8–15
• Transport:
  • Bus: cheap but limited
  • Car rental: €20–40/day

👉 Budget:

• €40–70/day (tight backpacker)
• €70–120/day (comfortable)

---

⚠️ Things to know

• Island is divided:
  • Republic of Cyprus (EU)
  • Northern Cyprus (Turkish-controlled)
• You can usually cross the border easily in Nicosia
• Summers are very hot (35°C+)
• No trains
• English widely spoken

---

❤️ Is it worth it?

✔️ Yes if you want:

• Easy, safe Mediterranean travel
• Beaches + history combo
• A chill, non-chaotic trip

❌ Maybe not if you want:

• Ultra-cheap backpacking
• Strong hostel/social scene

Overlanding Cyprus: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide

Backpacking in Tajikistan is one of the last true adventure experiences left in Eurasia—raw, remote, and absolutely stunning. If you like mountains, isolation, and real off-the-grid travel, this is your place.

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🏔️ Why Tajikistan is special

4

• Home to the legendary Pamir Highway (one of the world’s highest roads)
• Epic trekking in the Fann Mountains
• Wild landscapes along the Wakhan Valley
• Alpine lakes like Iskanderkul

👉 It feels like a mix of Nepal + Kyrgyzstan + Mars

---

🎒 The backpacking vibe

4

This is real backpacking:

• 🛻 Transport: Shared taxis, hitchhiking, rough roads
• 🏡 Stay: Homestays, basic guesthouses
• 🍲 Food: Simple (plov, bread, soup)
• 🧭 Planning: Loose, flexible, sometimes chaotic

You’ll need patience—but that’s part of the charm.

---

🗺️ Classic backpacking route

Start in Dushanbe
↓

• Iskanderkul (easy intro)
  ↓
• Fann Mountains (trekking!)
  ↓
• Khorog (Pamir hub)
  ↓
• Wakhan Valley
  ↓
• Murghab
  ↓
  Loop back via the Pamir Highway

---

🥾 Trekking (huge highlight)

4

• Fann Mountains = accessible + insanely beautiful
• Multi-day hikes between lakes (no crowds!)
• You can often trek independently (rare in this region)

---

💰 Costs (very budget-friendly)

• Accommodation: €5–15 (homestays)
• Food: €3–10/day
• Shared transport: cheap but variable
• Total:
  👉 €15–30/day backpacking
  👉 €40–60/day if you move around a lot

---

⚠️ Challenges

• Roads are rough (expect delays)
• Limited ATMs outside cities → bring cash
• Language barrier (Russian/Tajik helpful)
• Altitude (Pamir Highway goes above 4,000m)
• Requires a GBAO permit for Pamir region

---

🛂 Visa

• Many nationalities get an e-visa online
• Add GBAO permit during application

---

❤️ Is it worth it?

✔️ YES if you want:

• Real adventure (not curated tourism)
• Remote mountains with almost no crowds
• Cultural authenticity

❌ Maybe not if you want:

• Comfort, smooth logistics, or nightlife

---

🧠 Bottom line

Tajikistan is:
➡️ Harder than Thailand, but far more rewarding

It’s one of the few places where you still feel like an explorer, not a tourist.

+Overlanding Tajikistan: Pamir Highway, Borders & Travel Guide

Backpacking in Bhutan is possible, but it’s very different from typical Southeast Asia backpacking. Think high-end, regulated, nature-focused travel rather than budget freedom.

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🏔️ What makes Bhutan special

4

Bhutan is famous for:

• 🧘‍♂️ “Gross National Happiness” philosophy
• 🏔️ Dramatic Himalayan landscapes
• 🏯 Monasteries like Paro Taktsang
• 🌿 Strong environmental protection (carbon-negative country)

---

🧭 Can you actually backpack freely?

👉 Not really (but more flexible than North Korea)

• You must pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) (~$100/day for most foreigners).
• You can now travel without a mandatory guide in many cases (rules eased since COVID).
• BUT:
  • You still need to pre-arrange accommodation
  • Independent movement is somewhat limited
  • Trekking often still requires guides/permits

So it’s:
➡️ Semi-independent travel with a fixed daily cost floor

---

🎒 What the experience is like

4

• 🏡 Accommodation: Guesthouses or small hotels (clean, traditional)
• 🚌 Transport: Private driver, bus, or arranged taxis
• 🍛 Food: Simple, spicy (ema datshi = chili + cheese!)
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Locals: Friendly but culture is conservative

---

💰 Costs (this is the big one)

Bhutan is not a budget destination:

• SDF: ~$100/day
• Accommodation + food: ~$20–80/day
• Transport/guide (if needed): extra

👉 Realistically:
➡️ €120–€250/day minimum

So “backpacking Bhutan” ≠ cheap backpacking.

---

🥾 Trekking (the real highlight)

4

Bhutan is amazing for trekking:

• Druk Path Trek – moderate, 5–6 days
• Snowman Trek – one of the hardest in the world

Most treks:

• Require guides and permits
• Are fully organized (not DIY hiking like Nepal)

---

⚠️ Rules & etiquette

• Dress modestly at temples
• Respect religious customs
• No smoking in public areas (strict rules)
• Tourism is intentionally controlled

---

❤️ Is it worth it?

✔️ Yes, if you want:

• A unique, preserved culture
• Nature without mass tourism
• A slower, intentional travel experience

❌ Maybe not, if you want:

• Ultra-budget travel
• Spontaneity and total freedom

---

🧠 Bottom line

Bhutan is:
➡️ “Backpacking with a safety net (and a daily fee)”

It’s one of the most peaceful and untouched places you can visit—but you’ll pay for that privilege.

Overlanding Bhutan: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide

Backpacking in Myanmar (Burma) used to be one of Southeast Asia’s classic routes—but today it’s much more complicated due to the situation after the Myanmar military coup 2021.

Here’s the realistic, current picture:

---

⚠️ First: Is it safe / possible right now?

• Many governments advise against all travel.
• There is ongoing conflict in multiple regions.
• Infrastructure (transport, internet, banking) can be unreliable.
• Some areas are completely off-limits.

👉 In short: Backpacking Myanmar right now is not recommended for most travelers.

---

🧭 What backpacking used to look like

4

Before 2021, Myanmar was incredible for backpackers:

• 🏯 Bagan – thousands of temples at sunrise
• 🚣 Inle Lake – floating villages & unique fishermen
• 🛕 Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
• ⛰️ Trekking around Hsipaw or Kalaw

It was:

• Cheap 💸
• Friendly locals 🤝
• Raw and less developed than Thailand/Vietnam

---

🎒 What it would be like now (if you went)

4

• Fewer tourists → quieter but also more unpredictable
• Military checkpoints in some areas
• Curfews or sudden restrictions
• Limited access to border regions and trekking routes

You would need:

• Flexible plans
• Strong risk tolerance
• Constant awareness of local conditions

---

💰 Costs (historically / roughly now)

• Budget backpacking: €20–€40/day (when tourism was normal)
• Now: Prices fluctuate due to instability and currency issues

---

❤️ Ethical considerations

This matters more than usual:

• Tourism money may indirectly support the military regime
• Some travelers choose not to visit for this reason
• Others try to support local communities only

---

🧠 Bottom line

• ❌ Not a typical backpacking destination right now
• ⚠️ Safety + ethics are major concerns
• ✅ Was (and likely will be again) an amazing backpacking country

---

🌏 Good alternatives right now

If you want a similar vibe (authentic, less touristy, affordable):

• Laos – slow travel, nature, chill
• Vietnam – great routes + cheap
• Cambodia – culture + emerging backpack scene

+Overlanding Myanmar: Routes, Borders & Travel Guide