Embarking on several months of random budget travelling in S E Asia, John Staniland takes us on a journey to several stimulating and exotic countries in this remarkable part of the world. This life-changing adventure arises as a result of semi-retirement from the business world and an amicable marriage break-up.

Lightweight backpacking in middle age with a bit more cash in his pocket than the usual young post ‘A’ Level or post-degree traveller, he was not restricted to living off pot noodles in a hostel or eking out limited funds for the odd beer or bottle of wine from a 7-11 store. Getting out and about, mainly by bus and train, following his nose and listening to locals and other travellers, he discovered a huge amount about life in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Highlights included trekking in North Thailand, a wonderful boat trip across the awe-inspiring Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island, taking the Reunification Express sleeper in Vietnam, raving all night at a Full Moon party, eating dog, walking deserted beaches in Malaysia, poignantly visiting the Killing Fields in Cambodia and enjoying a dawn visit to the fabulous Angkor Wat temple site.