Amsterdam is a beautiful city all through the year, but when the sun is shining the place just sparkles.  Nowhere is this more apparent than around the dozens of canals that form an integral part of the city.  Houseboats and tour boats fill the waterways while the wandering pedestrians keep up their fluid intake in one of the hundreds of waterside bars and cafes.  Make like the locals when you’re here – hire or borrow a bike and head out for a day exploring the wetter side of the Dutch capital.

Serene monks on mobile phones and corrupt politicians in limousines.  Stinking traffic jams and stunning deserted beaches.  Ancient ruins and gleaming skyscrapers.  Armani suits and subsistence farmers.  Full moon parties and silent contemplation.  No matter which way you look at it, South East Asia is one of the most interesting, vibrant, beautiful and complex areas in the world.

For me, it’s utterly fascinating, achingly beautiful and one of the greatest places in the world to backpack, and somewhere I keep finding myself returning to.  Here’s a few things that I’ve figured out to help you enjoy your time in the region, and avoid a few of the pitfalls along the way.

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The island of Ithaca off the west coast of the Greek mainland is one of my favourite places in the world.  Jaw dropping vistas, beautiful weather and picturesque villages just waiting to be explored are a winning combination in my book.  While riding a scooter high above the deep blue sea I came across the remains of an old car wreck that had been pushed down the cliff and left to rust.  I wonder if the previous owner had spent a little too much time admiring the view instead of looking at the road…

Pick up any guidebook for Luang Prabang in northern Laos and one of the big ticket items listed is sure to be the Kwang Si falls.  Around 30km south of the city, the falls are on the must-see list for pretty much every visitor to the area.  I’d managed to avoid the endless solicitations of the tuk tuk drivers for a few days before finally taking the trip out there, and was looking forward to an easy afternoon walking around a beautiful area and maybe taking a refreshing dip in one of the swimming holes.  What I hadn’t counted on was finishing up covered in mud and soaked to the bone, with an elevated heart rate and sporting a new and varied collection of cuts and bruises.  I’m sure the Lonely Planet didn’t describe this as an adventure travel destination…

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The medieval city gates of Torres de Serranos loom over Valencia’s old town, providing incredible views over the gorgeous old buildings and out towards the glistening beauty of the Mediterranean.  If you’re in the neighbourhood, a (free) visit to the top of this Gothic landmark is a must.