The Gilis, as they are called, are three small palm fringed islands with long sandy beaches. They are surrounded by warm turquoise water with descent corals and excellent marine life, making it a world class dive spot, with equal good snorkeling (good chances to see turtles just by snorkeling from the shore). The three islands all have a different vibe; Gili Air is the local island with more traditional life than the others, Gili Meno is the smallest and for those who want to chill, while Gili Trawangan is the party island with something for everybody. There is no cops nor traffic on any of the islands, beside horse carts and bicycles, and very little Bob Marley. Sounds like paradise on earth? Well, it is pretty darn close.

Why would anyone go Kuta? It's touristy, the town is ugly and the beach is not even that nice! Well, because Indonesia's most famous beach area is pleasure zone. There is something for everybody, whether they seek style or sleaze. Potbellied, beer drinking Australians are rubbing shoulders with tattooed surfer dudes and blonde, Scandinavian girls on holiday fun. Even families on vacation are crowding up the narrow lanes that are packed with endless supplies of t-shirts, pirate DVDs and tacky souvenirs (like wooden penis bottle opener, why?). But it is Kuta, and that is how Kuta is!

Right before the Cambodian border, where the Mekong river drops into a series of waterfalls, lie a series of tiny sandy islands. Home to tranquil farmer and fisher villages, shady trees and mud covered water buffaloes, the Four Thousand Islands is the near-perfect setting for some quiet days in the hammock. While soulless Vang Vieng is the backpacker party capital of Laos, the Four Thousand Islands is the adoring, chill out version. No dvd screening nor techno beats, just a bit of lazy tubing, Irrawaddy dolphin spotting and gorgeous sunsets, which is best taken in from your own bamboo balcony.

While the beautiful karst scenery is like taken out of a Chinese scroll painting, most backpackers are coming to Vang Vieng for the "happy" vibe. "Happy" this and "happy" that, along with "secret" bar menus and the now world famous tubing down the Nam Song river. Well, the tubing is actually more about the many river parties on the platforms along the banks where giant swings and water slides are catapulting people into the river. Floating down the Nam Song in an inner tube is just the end of a very wet and wild day. This is hardcore backpacker territory and THE place to party while in Laos.

Two gorgeous tropical islands with white sand, jungle cover center and crystal clear water (and we mean crystal clear) with outstanding snorkeling. The small one, Perhentian Kecil, is Malaysia's answer to a backerpacker beach scene with Long Beach being the popular hang out. Here you will find a long beautiful stretch of sand and palms dotted with restaurants, diving shops and cheap huts in less-than-adorable style. Keep in mind that things are changing very fast on the islands and there is a bit of gold-rush feeling to the place, which will probably leave the islands in a constant state of random constructions for many years to come. But compared to the islands of Thailand, the Perhantian islands are still very innocent and unexploited.

You don't have to look hard to find a beach for yourself in Sri Lanka. Most of the shore is one long solitary stretch of sand with the occasional fisherman. On the other hand it can be quite difficult to find a laidback beach with funky bars, juicy tuna steaks and bottomless cold shakes. Unawatuna is Sri Lanka's answer to this. A little protected bay that has become a name on the beach scene and where the hotel owners compete at building closest to the water.

Adorable little Pai up in the mountains are the hill country's answer to Railay Beach in Krabi. The formula is equal shares of amazing jungle scenery, adventures like river rafting, elephant riding and jungle trekking, and a laid back vibe with the usual blend of big Thai smiles and Bob M. The winding roads are best appreciated on a motorbike. Rent one in Chiang Mai and do the northwest loop, going through Mae Hong Son. The view shifts from rice paddies to lush jungle leaning over the road, and there so many good side trips along the way (waterfalls, hot springs and hill tribe villagers) that you shouldn't count on doing too many kilometres every day. Local tourists have finally found Pai, so it's best visited off season from April to October.

Khao San Road is not a place, it is an experience. Previously just a street with dirt cheap hotels to crash while passing through, but now it has morphed itself into something more. A 24/7 backpacker haven covering not just the original street but the whole neighbourhood, offering anything from visas, beers and Indian tailors over fire-dancing equipment, tattoos, and fake designer clothes to Starbucks, teeth bleaching, and cocktail sipping. It is now such a popular party zone that it even attracts the trendy Thai youth. But the toothless old fellow with the hammocks is still walking around. This place is unique.