What does it take to turn a patch of semi-jungle into one of Thailand's most welcoming and down to Earth yoga retreats? Meet Will, founder of Suan Sati, who, tired with the transience of backpacking, decided to create the kind of space that he craved. A space where travellers from all over the world could connect, heal and feel grounded. At last, a yoga and meditation centre that was affordable and offered wellness to travellers on low budgets!Will's journey began on April 1st, 2010, when he arrived in Thailand to teach English. He felt an immediate sense of freedom he'd never experienced back home - anything was possible. After two years teaching in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, hosting couchsurfers, and then backpacking through every country in South and Southeast Asia, he found himself at a yoga retreat in Central America, realizing he was ready to give back. Three consecutive 10-day silent Vipassanā meditation retreats later, the seed for Suan Sati was planted.

In 2017, with help from backpacker volunteers whose Workaway ad went viral, he opened "The Garden of Mindfulness" in the rice fields outside Chiang Mai.

Nearly nine years later, Suan Sati employs 17 Thai staff (feeding 40+ dependents), operates on solar power, uses recycled teak and adobe mud bricks, and welcomes guests seeking community, simplicity, and connection.In this episode, we explore:- How Will built Suan Sati from scratch with volunteer backpackers and survived floods, fires, and a 19-month COVID closure- The sustainable building practices used to build Suan Sati, inlcuding adobe mud bricks, recycled teak, and solar power that drastically reduce carbon footprint- Why accessibility and inclusivity are core values - from pricing to the welcoming energy that greets yoga beginners- Cultural lessons learned from Thai staff about keeping a "cool heart" (jai yen) and leading shoulder-to-shoulder in the trenches- Northern Thailand insider travel gems from hidden trekking trails to caves!Whether you're seeking a retreat that welcomes all bodies and budgets or curious about building something meaningful abroad, Will's story offers a masterclass in transforming personal growth into collective impact.Want more inspiring backpacker stories and insider travel tips? Check out South East Asia Backpacker and subscribe to the Southeast Asia Backpacker newsletter for bi-monthly travel updates delivered to your inbox.

What does it take to build a life, businesses, and a family on a Thai island? 🏝️ Maayan from Sweet Life Lanta shares her journey that resulted in her finding a home, starting a business and building a family on Koh Lanta - it's a story of organic growth, cultural immersion, and entrepreneurial resilience.

From a long-distance relationship while working in Myanmar to building several business on the island (Guesthouses, AirBnB properties and her husband, Mon's cooking school, the couple's businesses grew spontaneously and organically. When the pandemic hit, they pivoted to online cooking classes, connecting with people worldwide who missed Thailand and their YouTube channel was born.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Koh Lanta offers authentic Thai culture with diverse communities living in harmony
• Starting businesses in Thailand as a mixed couple and navigating ownership laws
• Pandemic adaptation and taking the cooking school online
• First-time visitor tips to Thailand and hidden gems
• The community of Western women with Thai partners

Whether you're dreaming of island life or planning your first Koh Lanta trip, Maayan offers genuine insights into creating a sweet life in Southeast Asia.

Links & Resources

• Sweet Life Lanta YouTube Channel
• Sweet Life Guest House and Wooda House (accommodations in Koh Lanta Old Town)
• Cooking with Mon on Koh Lanta
• Koh Lanta Travel Guide 🏝️

Want more stories from Southeast Asia? Subscribe to the Southeast Asia Backpacker Newsletter for insider tips, travel inspiration, and updates on new podcast episodes.

In his early twenties, Joe Fallon set off on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia that would change his life. 🌏🎒✨ With travel buddy Mark Pope, Joe fell head over heels for the region - and for the freedom, adventure, and community that backpacking brings.

That passion soon evolved into something bigger: the launch of TruTravels, a tour company created to introduce fellow travellers to the incredible destinations they'd discovered along the way.

Fast forward to 2018, and TruTravels caught the eye of global travel giant G Adventures, who acquired the company in a multi-million dollar deal 💰🤝, an unexpected twist that would catapult Joe and Mark into an exciting new chapter of their lives!

Today, we catch up with Joe at Tiki Beach Resort on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand - his latest venture and home base. From co-founding a backpacker tour company to running a beachfront resort and launching the company Digital Nomad Adventures, Joe shares how he's turned his passion for travel into a lifelong entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, we explore:

• Joe’s journey from a 2008 backpacking trip to co-founding TruTravels to managing Tiki Beach Resort and Digital Nomad Adventures

• The unexpected beginnings of TruTravels and the surprising acquisition offer that changed everything

• Why Koh Phangan is more than just a party island - Joe’s favourite spots for nature, spirituality and local delicacies

• His top tips for exploring Koh Phangan beyond the Full Moon Party

• Honest reflections on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and what it means to build a life around passion

As Joe prepares for a new chapter - fatherhood - he insists he’s slowing down on business. But knowing his track record, we wouldn't be surprised if a "dad 'n baby" startup emerges on the shores of Koh Phangan sometime soon!

🌴 Links & Resources

• TruTravels: trutravels.com
• Tiki Beach Resort: tikibeachkohphangan.com
• Digital Nomad Adventures: instagram.com/digitalnomad_adventures
• Check out our Guide to Koh Phangan Island 🏝️

💌 For news, stories, tips and inspiration for your next trip to Southeast Asia, ⁠sign up for the South East Asia Backpacker Newsletter!

Step into the ring with Kru Mam Supannee, the formidable grandmaster and owner of Sitjemam Muay Thai in the picturesque northern town of Pai! 💪🇹🇭

This episode reveals Mam's incredible journey, from raw teenage street fights at temple fairs to building a world-renowned Muay Thai camp with her former champion husband.

Whether you're curious about the intense training that changes bodies and minds or simply want to explore Thailand's hidden gems, this podcast episode is a must-listen.

In this episode Mam shares her powerful insights on:

• The captivating, sometimes brutal, history of Muay Boran - ancient Muay Thai, with its one-hit knockout techniques rooted in battlefield fighting and tales from ancient stories like the Ramayana. Mam delves into its evolution and deep cultural significance.
• Overcoming sexism in the sport and fighting for gender equality: From ancient superstitions around the sacred Mongkhon (headdress) that once forbade women from touching the ring to celebrating the rise of women as fighters, corner'men', and referees today.
• The influence of Buddhism on Muay Thai, clarifying its relationship with fighting principles.
• The transformative power of training: Witness how just a few weeks at Sitjemam (meaning "student of older sister Mam") can bring significant physical and mental changes, building confidence and a deeper understanding of Thai culture.
• Pai beyond the peace: Get insider tips on exploring this hidden gem's stunning nature, tranquil hot springs, caves, Pai Canyon and its vibrant walking street nightlife and food culture.

As Kru Mam passionately states, "You don't have to fight, but you should try!" - an invitation to discover strength, confidence, and a rich cultural heritage.

🌴 Links & Resources:

• Kru Mam's Website 👉 SitjeMam Muay Thai Camp
• Follow SitjeMam on Instagram 👉 @sitjemammuaythai
• ⁠Book SitjeMam Muay Thai Camp ⁠via Southeast Asia Backpacker here!⁠

• Learn More about Muay Thai in Thailand and the country's best Muay Thai Camps: 20 Best Muay Thai Camps in Thailand 🥊
• ⛰️ Guide to Pai, Northern Thailand

💌 For news, stories, tips and inspiration for your next trip to Southeast Asia, ⁠sign up for the South East Asia Backpacker Newsletter!

We chat with Nikki Scott, founder of the legendary South East Asia Backpacker Magazine - the very first print magazine for backpackers in Southeast Asia, launched in 2008. 🌏🎒👧

Speaking from her home in Spain, Nikki shares how, at just 23 years old, she swapped a job in advertising in rainy Manchester for a one-way plane ticket ✈️ to Kathmandu.

What began as a simple backpacking trip through Southeast Asia turned into an extraordinary adventure in both travel and entrepreneurship—one she never could have imagined!

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a travel business, living abroad, or reinventing your life through adventure, this episode is for you!

In this conversation, we explore the real ups and downs of following your passion, navigating setbacks, and building something that continues to inspire thousands of travellers around the world. ❤️

We cover:

• Dreaming up innovative business ideas while on the road
• The highs and lows of running a business in Thailand and navigating cultural differences
• A creative distribution network that delivered a print magazine by tuk tuk, boat, bus, and bicycle
• Adapting to massive shifts in technology and media - from the rise of travel blogs to social media, digital magazines, Google algorithm shake-ups, and now AI
• The realities of female entrepreneurship, digital nomadism, and solo female travel
• Coping with the tragic loss of a loved one in a foreign culture
• Lessons learned along the way - as both an entrepreneur and a mother of two daughters

📖 Want the full story? Check out Nikki’s 5-star rated book on Amazon: Backpacker Business, One girl’s journey from wide-eyed traveller to worldwide entrepreneur.

💌 For news, stories, tips and inspiration for your next trip to Southeast Asia, sign up for the South East Asia Backpacker Newsletter!