Episodes

Here are quick links to all of our episodes. Have fun and get inspired to travel!

IF YOU ENJOY LISTENING, PLEASE DONATE TO THE SHOW

You can sponsor anywhere from $1/month upwards. These funds will help us cover costs of keeping the show going. Visit PATREON TO DONATE TO THE SHOW or search Talk Travel Asia Patreon. Thanks in advance for supporting the cost and helping to keep the travel talk happening.

EPISODE 1: MEET THE HOSTS OF TALK TRAVEL ASIA!

Talk Travel Asia co-hosts Scott Coates and Trevor Ranges share their backgrounds, including when and why they moved to Asia, how they got to know each other, and what they’ve been up to in the travel industry over the past decade.

EPISODE 2: ANGKOR 101 – HOW TO VISIT ANGKOR FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

Scott and Trevor share their tips for first time visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia.  As author of the first edition National Geographic guidebook to Cambodia, Trevor has explored the temples of Angkor dozens of times.  As founding partner of luxury travel company Smiling Albino, Scott has hosted guests at and visited Angkor for his own personal enjoyment numerous times too. He also has authored two editions of Groovy Map’s Cambodia guide map.

EPISODE 3: TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY WITH GREG JORGENSEN

Travel technology has had a massive impact on how we research, plan, book, experience, and share our travel adventures. Armed with only a smart phone, you can buy a plane ticket or get a hot hotel deal in real time.  There’s 3G and wifi hot-spots along the Mekong River in Laos and Cambodia; there are dozens of travel apps to help you along the way; and you can share your photos with friends and family back home with the press of a button. This week, Scott and Trevor discuss Travel Technology with longtime friend Greg Jorgensen, the founder and former co-host of Bangkok Podcast, a Thailand Twitter celebrity, and an all around nice guy.

EPISODE 4: THE PLIGHT OF ASIA’S ELEPHANTS WITH JOHN ROBERTS

Both Trevor and Scott have had the pleasure of experiencing the mahout (elephant) program at the Anantara Golden Triangle in the far northern regions of Thailand along the Mekong River and welcome John Roberts to talk about an issue that is at the heart of many tourist experiences in Asia: elephants.

EPISODE 5: BANGKOK SCAMS, HUSTLES & TOURIST TRAPS

Bangkok is legendary as one of the world’s most exotic and exciting cities. It’s also one full of scams, hustles, and tourist traps, luckily most of them relatively innocent and non-violent.  Scott and Trevor cover a few of the most common, elaborate, and colorful Bangkok scams so that you can have a lot of fun in Bangkok and not get ripped off!

EPISODE 6: HOW TO PLAN A HIGH-VALUE VACATION WITH CHRIS ROWTHORN

Scott and Trevor discuss some experiences from their many years planning trips in and exploring Asia.  Scott prefers to have transport, accommodation, and a travel template plan dialed-in.  Trevor likes to research comprehensively but often prefers an unstructured approach upon arrival.  The two discuss both advantages and disadvantages to each strategy and why striking the right balance is key.

EPISODE 7: IMPRESSIONS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic regions on the planet. Fly one hour in almost any direction – from Bangkok for example, and you’re in a totally different world: a different language, culture, cuisine, arts, customs, and so on. Southeast Asia is a tapestry of sorts and the preceding factors are certainly some of the reasons that travelers are drawn back to the region time and time again.

EPISODE 8: CYCLING SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH ADAM PLATT-HEPWORTH

Trevor is in Kuala Lumpur visiting Scott for the recording of this episode, during which time they plan to do some cycling in Scott’s Bukit Kiara neighbourhood. The two discuss their different experiences biking in SE Asia as well as the great aspects of exploring the region by bicycle. Trevor enjoys how travel by bike allows you to mingle closely with local communities, while Scott talks about how it’s great to see the local sights. They bring in a cycling expert to share his expertise on what riders can expect from cycling in various countries across the greater region. From where the best areas are for climbing, road-riding trips, off-road adventures, and everything in between, we get to the bottom of what SE Asia has to offer riders.

EPISODE 9: IMPRESSIONS OF KUALA LUMPUR

Trevor is visiting Scott in Kuala Lumpur (KL), where he just celebrated his one year anniversary living in the Malaysian capital city. Trevor suggested chatting about the city, what it’s like, and what it has to offer would be a good episode as many foreigners aren’t generally familiar with what to do or see in Kuala Lumpur. Trevor thinks that unlike visitors to Thailand, Cambodia, or Singapore, a lot of people don’t have deeply ingrained preconceived notions about what the country and its capital is like. Scott gives us a quick overview on how he ended up in KL and how, after one year, he knows the city well enough to share some of his insights with prospective visitors.

EPISODE 10: DRINKING BEER IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH BEERVANA’S AARON GRIESER AND BRIAN BARTUSCH

Drinking Beer in Southeast Asia: Scott and Trevor discuss how the beer scene in Southeast Asia isn’t what it is in Europe or North America: There are a few international brewers mass-producing traditional lagers but in general there’s not a wealth of beer diversity. Luckily, Scott points out, beer in most SE Asian countries is some of the least expensive in the world, save Malaysia and Singapore, and if you scratch the surface a bit, there are some interesting beer discoveries.

EPISODE 11: ASIA’S SOMEWHAT SECRET BEACHES

In this episode Scott and Trevor talk about some up-and-coming beaches and islands they’ve discovered over the years that aren’t as-of-yet overrun with tourists but are likely to be places you will be hearing about soon. Scott kicks things off by recognizing that the perfect beach is something different for everyone. For some it’s quiet and secluded, with soft white sand and nearby snorkelling and diving; for others it’s access to nightlife and shopping. Trevor joins Scott in Kuala Lumpur for this episode en route from Thailand’s Koh Samui en route to Bali. Both are famous tourist destinations, but Trevor admits, after his 16th trip to Samui that it would be worth an episode entitled ‘Rediscovering Samui’.

EPISODE 12: PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS WITH CRAIG DODGE

In this episode Scott and Trevor talk about some up-and-coming beaches and islands they’ve discovered over the years that aren’t as-of-yet overrun with tourists but are likely to be places you will be hearing about soon. Scott kicks things off by recognizing that the perfect beach is something different for everyone. For some it’s quiet and secluded, with soft white sand and nearby snorkelling and diving; for others it’s access to nightlife and shopping. Trevor joins Scott in Kuala Lumpur for this episode en route from Thailand’s Koh Samui en route to Bali. Both are famous tourist destinations, but Trevor admits, after his 16th trip to Samui that it would be worth an episode entitled ‘Rediscovering Samui’.

EPISODE 13: TANTALIZING TRAVEL TALES

Scott starts by explaining how travel sets the stage for wild things to take place like few other things can: New places, intriguing people, the great unknown, caution thrown to the wind, and perhaps a few too many drinks. Things happen, doors open, situations arise, and hopefully legends ensue.

EPISODE 14: TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TRICKS WITH DAVE LEMKE

Scott introduces the episode by talking about how digital cameras and other technology have made capturing quality images easier and more affordable than ever.  Trevor and Scott then discuss some of their own experiences taking photos while on the road and how, while cameras have become more affordable and tools for post-editing are abundant, these technical tools can’t trump a good eye for photography.

EPISODE 15: DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Trevor introduces the episode by talking about how, while their careers have been travel related, Scott and he still haven’t seen it all.  People often assume because of their jobs they’ve been everywhere and seen everything but the reality isn’t that simple.  Scott agrees that there are never enough hours in a day, weeks in a month, and months in a year for travel.

EPISODE 16: DIGITAL NOMADS WITH GARY ARNDT AND NIALL DOHERTY

Scott begins this episode by explaining that ‘Digital Nomads’ are individuals who leverage telecommunications technologies to perform their work duties, and more generally conduct their lifestyle in a nomadic manner.  He explains that technology’s furious pace of development has quickly upended how we live, travel, and work. It’s made businesses and lifestyles possible that weren’t just a decade ago.  Scott then explains that the episode will feature two guests who will talk about how they’ve embraced technology to make a working/traveling lifestyle possible.

EPISODE 17: FAVORITE WATERING HOLES

Scott and Trevor are back together to record Episode 17, this time at the FCC Bar and Restaurant in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Trevor introduces the episode by explaining that Scott and he are no strangers to the nightlife scene. In fact, while he only devotes a portion of his travel writing to nightlife venues, people seem to think that he is an expert on every place to go for a drink in every destination he’s ever been. So as not to disappoint his fans, he has tried to keep on top of the scene in every area he hangs out in and Scott has been an indispensable resource in this regard.

EPISODE 18: TRAVEL WRITING WITH TOM VATER

Trevor kicks off the episode by explaining that he’s been primarily employed as a freelance travel writer for going on a decade now and that its been a great ride: He gets to travel to exotic places, immerse himself in local cultures and nature, and both experience and learn as much as he possibly can about a particular destination.  The job is exciting but not nearly as glamorous as some might think, he explains.

EPISODE 19: FAVORITE FOODS OF ASIA

This week’s episode explores one of the greatest aspects of diversity in Asia: the wide range of food available both across the region and within each individual country. Every foodie and every local seems to have a favorite dish and knows the best place to get it: Scott and Trevor are no exception, and in Episode 19 of Talk Travel Asia they talk about some of their Favorite Foods of Asia and fill you in on the restaurants that they think serve the best!

EPISODE 20: PADDLING THAILAND’S SOUTHWEST COAST WITH IAN TAYLOR

Scott starts the episode talking about how paddling is something that he has always enjoyed doing when at a beach where there are kayaks for rent. Typically he’s only ridden on simple sit-on-top varieties and usually has only done so for an hour or so. He enjoys it because it’s very inexpensive –typically about $5US/hr in Thailand, it’s good exercise, and it gets you up close and personal with the area.

EPISODE 21: THREE NIGHTS IN BANGKOK

EPISODE 22: THE PLANET D WITH DAVE & DEB

EPISODE 23: PLANNING AN ASIAN HONEYMOON

EPISODE 24: TRAVELING VEGETARIAN IN ASIA WITH ADAM PLATT-HEPWORTH

EPISODE 25: TANTALIZING TRAVEL TALES, PART II

SPECIAL EPISODE: TRAVELING NEPAL, POST EARTHQUAKE WITH MADS MATHIASEN

EPISODE 26: RESPONSIBLE TOURISM WITH BODHI GARRETT

EPISODE 27: ANGKOR 201

EPISODE 28: VERY THAILAND WITH PHILIP CORNWEL-SMITH

EPISODE 29: THREE NIGHTS IN CHIANG MAI

EPISODE 30: UP AND COMING CAMBODIA WITH NICK RAY

EPISODE 31: BALI 101

EPISODE 32: BIKING IN BANGKOK WITH GREG JORGENSEN

EPISODE 33: THREE NIGHTS IN PHNOM PENH

EPISODE 34: ECOTOURISM IN LAOS WITH PAUL ESHOO

EPISODE 35: INSIDE BANGKOK – THE NANA NEIGHBORHOOD

EPISODE 36: TRAVELING SE ASIA

EPISODE 37: TREKKING ASIA’S TEA TRAILS WITH JEFF FUCHS

EPISODE 38: THREE NIGHTS IN HUA HIN

EPISODE 39: CLIMBING NEPAL’S HIMALAYAS WITH BILLI BIERLING

EPISODE 40: TANTALIZING TRAVEL TALES 3

EPISODE 41: TRAVELING NORTH KOREA WITH GEOFFREY CAIN

EPISODE 42: TRAVEL GUIDES, ONLINE RESOURCES, AND MOBILE APPS

EPISODE 43: ADVENTURE TRAVEL IN ASIA WITH JOHN ROBERTS, MEI ZHANG, AND WILLEM NIEMEIJER

EPISODE 44: GREAT DAY HIKES IN ASIA

EPISODE 45: OUT THERE ASIAN ADVENTURES WITH RIC GAZARIAN

EPISODE 46: DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATIONS 2

EPISODE 47: TREKKING THE GREAT HIMALAYA TRAIL WITH ROBIN BOUSTEAD

EPISODE 48: SNORKELING & SCUBA DIVING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

EPISODE 49: HIKING & MOUNTAIN BIKING IN HONG KONG with STEVE COWARD AND DAVE STAMBOULIS

EPISODE 50: 50 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT TRAVELING IN ASIA

IF YOU ENJOY LISTENING, PLEASE DONATE TO THE SHOW

You can sponsor anywhere from $1/month upwards. These funds will help us cover costs of keeping the show going. Visit PATREON TO DONATE TO THE SHOW or search Talk Travel Asia Patreon. Thanks in advance for supporting the cost and helping to keep the travel talk happening.

EPISODE 51: VOLUNTEERING WHILE TRAVELING WITH JAMES SUTHERLAND OF FRIENDS-INTERNATIONAL

EPISODE 52: LIFE AS A TRAVEL WRITER WITH TREVOR RANGES

EPISODE 53: NEPAL ONE-YEAR POST-EARTHQUAKE WITH MADS MATHIASEN

EPISODE 54: IMPRESSIONS OF JAPAN

EPISODE 55: VIETNAMESE CUISINE WITH BOBBY CHINN

EPISODE 56: ASIA THEN & NOW

EPISODE 57: TEXTILES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH CHOMWAN WEERAWORAWIT

EPISODE 58: ASIAN BAR GAME OLYMPICS

EPISODE 59: PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS WITH CRAIG DODGE

EPISODE 60: BEST OF ASIA

EPISODE 61: RIDING VESPAS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH STEVE MUELLER

EPISODE 62: INTERESTING ASIAN HOLIDAYS

EPISODE 63: JOE CUMMINGS ON THE HUNT AND SACRED TATTOOS OF THAILAND

EPISODE 64: PACKING TIPS

EPISODE 65: SCUBA DIVING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH CHRIS MITCHEL

EPISODE 66: ANIMAL TOURISM IN ASIA

Episode 67: Craft Beer in Vietnam with John Pemberton

Episode 68: Wild & Wacky & Activities in Southeast Asia 

Episode 69: Skiing in Iran with John Fiddler and Kathleen Egan 

Episode 70: Impressions of Yangon, Myanmar

Episode 71: Famous Thai Film Locations with Chris Lowenstein

Episode 72: Northern Myanmar with Nick Ray

Episode 73: New Year’s Travel Resolutions with Scott & Trevor

Episode 74: Three nights in Luang Prabang, Thailand

EPISODE 75: VEGETARIAN VIETNAMESE WITH CAMERON STAUCH

EPISODE 76: TRAVEL LIGHT & RESPONSIBLE

EPISODE 77: OVERTOURISM WITH CHRIS BOTTRILL

EPISODE 78: FAVORITE ASIAN ADVENTURES

EPISODE 79: REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES WITH REFILL NOT LANDFILL’S DEAN MCLACHLAN & CHRISTIAN DE BOER

EPISODE 80: ALMOST ASIA! HAWAII FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

EPISODE 81: TENTED CAMPS IN ASIA WITH JOHN ROBERTS AND MARIUS HERMANN

EPISODE 82: CAMBODIA’S BEACHES AND ISLANDS

EPISODE 83: TRAVELING RESPONSIBLY IN ASIA WITH SHANNON STOWELL

EPISODE 84: FOREIGNER FAUX PAS AND CULTURAL CLUMSINESS WITH ED KNUTH OF BANGKOK PODCAST

EPISODE 85: 4,000 ISLANDS & VAT PHOU, LAOS

EPISODE 86: ASIA’S BEST MEALS 

EPISODE 87: EXPLORING UNEXPLORED ASIA WITH STUART MCDONALD OF TRAVELFISH.ORG

EPISODE 88: FAVORITE WATERING HOLES II – BEST PLACES TO DRINK IN ASIA

EPISODE 89: BAGAN, MANDALAY & INLE LAKE, MYANMAR

EPISODE 90: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SHOPPING IN ASIA  

EPISODE 91: ROCK CLIMBING IN ASIA WITH JOJO YEE

EPISODE 92: TRAVELING IN 2018 AND THE YEAR AHEAD

EPISODE 93: LIVING IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN PROJECT WITH PAUL ESHOO

EPISODE 94: BANGKOK’S CHANGING FACE

EPISODE 95: CAMBODIA’S EVOLVING HOTEL SCENE WITH ALEXIS DE SUREMAIN 

EPISODE 96: ACTIVE IN ASIA – STAYING IN SHAPE WHILE ON HOLIDAY

EPISODE 97: TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH JUSTIN MOTT

EPISODE 98: SOUTHEAST ASIA’S WILD SIDE WITH PATRICK WINN

EPISODE 99: TRAVELING XINJIANG, CHINA WITH JOSH SUMMERS

EPISODE 100: 100 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT ASIA

IF YOU ENJOY LISTENING, PLEASE DONATE TO THE SHOW

You can sponsor anywhere from $1/month upwards. These funds will help us cover costs of keeping the show going. Visit PATREON TO DONATE TO THE SHOW or search Talk Travel Asia Patreon. Thanks in advance for supporting the cost and helping to keep the travel talk happening.

 

Check out these episode teasers in case you’re interested to learn more!

 

Episode 26: Responsible Travel with Bodhi Garrett

Many travelers want to have an outreach capacity to their trip to Asia, but doing so in a constructive, non-disruptive way can be quite difficult. The terms ‘ecotourism’, ‘green travel’, sustainable travel’, and ‘responsible tourism’, among others, have been thrown around over the years, and often abused. On this episode we chat with Bodhi Garrett of Andaman Discoveries, who says, “Responsible travel is about minimizing the negative impact of your travel and directly giving back to the communities you visit. It’s about understanding the story behind the price you are paying, and knowing the local people who are working hard to make your holiday an enjoyable one.” Read the full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 26 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Special Episode: Traveling Nepal Post-Earthquake with Mads Mathiasen

In the aftermath of the earthquakes that struck Nepal in early 2015, millions donated to relief efforts. Yet the devastation people have witnessed on TV and social media only tells part of the tale so this week’s special episode features longtime Nepal resident and travel expert Mads Mathiasen to wanted to  talk about the areas of Nepal that were unaffected by the earthquakes, which tourism attractions and activities are still open for business, and why you should travel to Nepal in 2015. Read the full show notes for this episode.

 Download and Listen to this Special Episode on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 25: Tantalizing Travel Tales, Part II

Scott and Trevor had so much fun sharing their travel tales in Episode 13: Tantalizing Travel Tales (also one of listeners favorite episodes) that they decided to give it another go. Have a listen as Scott and Trevor tell true-life travel stories from their many years living and working on the road! Read the full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 25 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 24: Traveling Vegetarian in Asia with Adam Platt-Hepworth

It seems that vegetarianism is getting more popular by the year and some vegetarians wonder if they’ll be able to stick to their non-meat diets while traveling in Asia. The good news is that it’s very easy to enjoy incredible food throughout much of the region as a vegetarian. You’ll want to learn a few key local words to ensure cooks understand you are a vegetarian, but once you get those down you’re set. On this episode of Talk Travel Asia, Scott and Trevor talk with Adam Platt-Hepworth about living and traveling in Asia as a vegetarian. Read the full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 24 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 23: Planning an Asian Honeymoon

Talk Travel Asia listener Amy Hauke asked us to do an episode on honeymoons. Here it is! On Episode 23: ‘Planning and Asian Honeymoon’ Scott and Trevor offer tips on how to plan one of the most important trips of your life, and our favorite spots to do so. Planning a honeymoon isn’t easy. Everything has to be perfect! On this episode we share our tips on how to plan a honeymoon and share our favorite spots in Asia to go for that once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully!) special getaway holiday! Read the full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 23 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 22: The Planet D with Deb and Dave

Most people save up for a long time to travel. Dave & Deb, founders of The Planet D made travel their life and full-time job. We chat with them about how they made the leap and built a successful job around traveling, documenting their never ending journey to exotic places around the world. Read the full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 22 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 21: Three Nights in Bangkok

Scott kicks off this episode explaining that he and Trevor are often asked by friends, family, friends of friends, and friends of friends of some guy they met one time at a bar, “What should we do while in Bangkok?” He explains that Bangkok is a city of 10 million people and it’s arguably one of the most dynamic, exotic, and action-packed cities on the planet. How you should spend a few days there is a hugely subjective question, one with a myriad of answers, but that they have a few suggestions to make the most of your time in the City of Angels. Today they’re going to share with you some of their favorite things to do, places to visit, how to get to them, best spots for a drink and tasty food, and ensure that you don’t waste your time in Bangkok. Read full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 21 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 20: Paddling Thailand’s SW Coast with Ian Taylor

Scott first met Ian Taylor a couple of years ago in Bangkok, where Ian lives a good portion of the year. They share a common professor, along with Trevor, and that was a reason for them to meet up. Ian is best known as a professional photographer but he’s also an accomplished paddler. He’s kayaked Thailand’s southwest coast from Myanmar to Malaysia and he is going to share that journey with us today! Read full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 20 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 19: Favorite Foods of Asia

This week’s episode explores one of the greatest aspects of diversity in Asia: the food available both across the region and within each individual country. Every foodie and every local seems to have a favorite dish and knows the best place to get it: Scott and Trevor are no exception, and in Episode 19 of Talk Travel Asia they talk about some of their Favorite Foods of Asia and fill you in on the restaurants that they think serve the best! Read full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 19 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 18: Travel Writing with Tom Vater

Tom Vater is a writer and publisher working predominantly in Asia. Trevor met Tom while the two were both in Cambodia writing travel guidebooks for National Geographic and Moon, respectively. Tom is also the co-author of several documentary screenplays, most notably The Most Secret Place on Earth on the CIA’s covert war in Laos, and has published several non-fiction books, including the highly acclaimed Sacred Skin.  In this week’s episode, Tom shares his travel writing experiences with Scott & Trevor, a subject that each speaker has more than a few things to say about!  Read full show notes for this episode.

Download and Listen to Episode 18 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 17: Favorite Watering Holes

Scott and Trevor get together to record Episode 17 at the FCC Bar and Restaurant in Phnom Penh, one of their favorite watering holes in the Cambodian capital. Trevor and Scott go on to discuss some of their favorite, long-standing places to grab a drink in Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Bali, and Nepal.  Looking for a new place to wet your whistle?  Have a listen and learn what our hosts, no strangers to the nightlife scene, suggest for drinking venues across the region.  Read full show notes for episode 17.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 17 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 16: Digital Nomads with Gary Arndt and Niall Doherty

‘Digital Nomads’ are individuals who leverage telecommunications technologies to perform their work duties and more generally conduct their lifestyle in a nomadic manner.  Episode 16 features two guests, Gary Arndt and Niall Doherty, two very different “location independent individuals” who talk about how they’ve embraced technology to make a working/traveling lifestyle possible.  Read full show notes of Episode 16.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 16 on SoundCloud or iTunes Now!

Episode 15: Dream Travel Destinations

Ever wonder where travel professionals think about going when they’re planning their own vacations? Listen to Episode 15 of Talk Travel Asia: Dream Travel Destinations and find why Scott’s & Trevor’s bucket list includes: Si Phan Don (4000 islands) and Wat Phu, Laos; Virachey National Park, Cambodia; Preah Khan Kompong Svay, Cambodia; Siargao and Palawan, Philippines; Lombok, Indonesia; Putao, Myanmar, and more!  Read full show notes of Episode 15.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 15 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

Episode 14: Travel Photography Tricks with Dave Lemke

Taking good photographs while traveling is challenging. While digital cameras and other technology have made capturing quality images easier and more affordable than ever, having an eye for great shots is something one must learn. Trevor and Scott discuss some of their own experiences taking photos while on the road, then ask their guest Dave Lemke for tips on how to get the most out of shooting photos while traveling. Dave shares some valuable tips and gives insight on how to emotionally get more out of the experience. Read full show notes of Episode 14.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 14 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

Episode 13: Tantalizing Travel Tales

From their more immature amateur travel days to their careers as professional explorers, Scott and Trevor have likely to have been on more interesting adventures than the average traveler. On Episode 13 of Talk Travel Asia, you can hear six of their tantalizing travel tales from the mountains of Nepal, the bus stations of Cambodia, the outback of Australia, the late night streets of Vietnam, and the animal-infested regions of Thailand!   Read full show notes of Episode 13.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 13 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

Episode 12: Phare, The Cambodian Circus with Craig Dodge 

Phare, the Cambodian Circus has its roots in the refugee camps along the Thai border during the Khmer Rouge era and today is not only empowering youth and creating jobs but also restoring Khmer art and culture.  Scott and Trevor talk with Craig Dodge, director of Sales and Marketing, who explains not only the wonderful experience that awaits visitors to Cambodia’s Siem Reap, but also the three complementary social missions of Phare Performing Social Enterprise: Providing gainful employment to Cambodian youth from difficult social and economic backgrounds, financially sustaining its parent organization Phare Ponleu Selpak NGO school in Batdambang, and supporting the rebirth of Cambodian modern art.  Read full show notes of Episode 12.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 12 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

Episode 11: Asia’s Somewhat Secret Beaches

In episode 11 Scott and Trevor talk about some up-and-coming beaches and islands they’ve discovered over the years that aren’t as-of-yet overrun with tourists but are places you’ll likely be hearing about soon. Read full show notes of Episode 11.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 11 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

Episode 10: Drinking Beer in Southeast Asia with Aaron Greiser and Brian Bartusch of Bangkok-Based Beervana

Scott and Trevor discuss how the beer scene in Southeast Asia is different from North America or Europe as well as how it differs between countries across the region.  This episode’s guests, Aaron Greiser and Brian Bartusch, have such a love for fine beer and an affinity for Southeast Asia that they made it their profession as founders of Craft Beer importer/distributor Beervana. Read full show notes of Episode 10.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 10 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

 Episode 9: Impressions of Kuala Lumpur

Trevor is visiting Scott in Kuala Lumpur (KL), where he just celebrated his one year anniversary living in the Malaysian capital city. Trevor suggested that chatting about the city, what it’s like, and what it has to offer would be a good episode, as many foreigners aren’t generally familiar with what to do or see in Kuala Lumpur, including neighborhoods, nightlife, cuisine, outdoor activities, and a general overview of the city vibe.  Read full show notes of episode 9.

Click Here to Listen to Episode 9 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

Episode 8: Cycling Southeast Asia with Adam Platt-Hepworth

Trevor is in Kuala Lumpur visiting Scott for the recording of this episode, during which time they plan to do some cycling in Scott’s Bukit Kiara neighborhood. The two discuss their different experiences biking in SE Asia as well as the great aspects of exploring the region by bicycle. Trevor enjoys how travel by bike allows you to mingle closely with local communities, while Scott talks about how it’s great to see the local sights. They bring in a cycling expert to share his expertise on what riders can expect from cycling in various countries across the greater region. From where the best areas are for climbing, road-riding trips, off-road adventures, and everything in between, we get to the bottom of what SE Asia has to offer riders. Read Full Show Notes for Episode 8

Click Here to Listen to Episode 8 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

Episode 7:  Impressions of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic regions on the planet. Fly one hour in almost any direction – from Bangkok for example, and you’re in a totally different world: a different language, culture, cuisine, arts, customs, and so on. Southeast Asia is a tapestry of sorts and the preceding factors are certainly some of the reasons that travelers are drawn back to the region time and time again.

While there are lots of diverse neighboring countries to explore, after more than a decade in the region Trevor and Scott feel like they’ve really only scratched the surface. On this episode of Talk Travel Asia we discuss some of our initial impressions traveling to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos as well as some of our most memorable experiences in these vibrant and diverse Southeast Asian nations. Read Full Show Notes For Episode 7 

Click Here to Listen to Episode 7 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

 

Episode 6: How to Plan a High Value Vacation with Lonely Planet Kyoto guidebook author Chris Rowthorn.

Scott and Trevor are no amateurs when it comes to planning adventures.  After discussing some of their personal approaches to organizing trips around the region they introduce Chris Rowthorn, a pro in the planning department.  Scott, Trevor, and Chris have a really great chat about how to best approach trip planning. Have a listen and please share with others! Read Full Show Notes for Episode 6

Click Here to Listen to Episode 6 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

 

Episode 5: Bangkok Scams, Hustles & Tourist Traps

Bangkok is legendary as one of the world’s most exotic and exciting cities. It’s also one full of scams, hustles, and tourist traps, luckily most of them relatively innocent and non-violent.  Scott and Trevor cover a few of the most common, elaborate, and colorful Bangkok scams so that you can have a lot of fun in Bangkok and not get ripped off!  Read full show notes for Episode 5

Click Here to Listen to Episode 5 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

 

Episode 4: The Plight of Asia’s Elephants with John Roberts

Both Trevor and Scott have had the pleasure of experiencing the mahout (elephant) program at the Anantara Golden Triangle in the far northern regions of Thailand along the Mekong River and welcome John Roberts to talk about an issue that is at the heart of many tourist experiences in Asia: elephants.

Luckily we’ve both had a good deal of experience with elephants in SE Asia but call upon the regional expert on the topic to chat about the plight of Asia’s elephants. While elephants are certainly a top tourist attraction in Thailand, Nepal, and to a lesser degree in Cambodia and Laos, few tourists are aware of the threat to elephant populations in the region caused by human development and deforestation of elephant’s natural habitat.  On this episode, John enlightens us on the subject. Read Full Show Notes for Episode 4

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Episode 3: Talk Travel Technology with Greg Jorgensen

Travel technology has had a massive impact on how we research, plan, book, experience, and share our travel adventures. Armed with only a smart phone, you can buy a plane ticket or get a hot hotel deal in real time.  There’s 3G and wifi hot-spots along the Mekong River in Laos and Cambodia; there are dozens of travel apps to help you along the way; and you can share your photos with friends and family back home with the press of a button. This week, Scott and Trevor discuss Travel Technology with longtime friend Greg Jorgensen, the founder and former co-host of Bangkok Podcast, a Thailand Twitter celebrity, and an all around nice guy. Read Full Show Notes for Episode 3   

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Episode 2: Angkor 101 – How to visit Angkor for First Time Visitors

Scott and Trevor share their tips for first time visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia.  As author of the first edition National Geographic guidebook to Cambodia, Trevor has explored the temples of Angkor dozens of times.  As founding partner of luxury travel company Smiling Albino, Scott has hosted guests at and visited Angkor for his own personal enjoyment numerous times too. He also has authored two editions of Groovy Map’s Cambodia guide map. Read Full Show Notes for Episode 2 

Click Here to Listen to Episode 2 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!

Episode 1: Meet the Hosts of Talk Travel Asia!

Talk Travel Asia co-hosts Scott Coates and Trevor Ranges share their backgrounds, including when and why they moved to Asia, how they got to know each other, and what they’ve been up to in the travel industry over the past decade.  Read Full Show Notes for Episode 1 

Click Here to Listen to Episode 1 on Soundcloud or iTunes now!