South East Asia Backpacker Podcast

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.

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 AdventuresThe unexpected beginnings of TruTravels and the surprising acquisition offer that changed everythingWhy 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 PartyHonest reflections on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and what it means to build a life around passionAs 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 & ResourcesTruTravels: trutravels.comTiki Beach Resort: tikibeachkohphangan.comDigital Nomad Adventures: instagram.com/digitalnomad_adventuresCheck 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!

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 roadThe highs and lows of running a business in Thailand and navigating cultural differencesA creative distribution network that delivered a print magazine by tuk tuk, boat, bus, and bicycleAdapting to massive shifts in technology and media - from the rise of travel blogs to social media, digital magazines, Google algorithm shake-ups, and now AIThe realities of female entrepreneurship, digital nomadism, and solo female travelCoping with the tragic loss of a loved one in a foreign cultureLessons 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!