Hoko Travel

Travel blog

Ideas, itineraries and booking advice

60 practical guides for planning a trip across Asia-Pacific.

Planning · 3 min read

Planning a Two-Week Asia Trip: Three Route Ideas

Three sample routes for two weeks in Asia, plus advice on pacing, flights and choosing hotels along the way.

27 October 2026

Planning · 3 min read

Digital Nomad Basics: Choosing a City and a Base in Asia

What remote workers should check before picking a city and a place to stay, from connection and time zone to visas.

16 October 2026

Planning · 4 min read

The Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia, Country by Country

Monsoons come at different times across the region. Use this quick guide to avoid the worst of the rain.

14 October 2026

Planning · 3 min read

Street Food for Beginners: How to Eat Well and Stay Healthy

Simple rules for enjoying street food across Asia with confidence, from choosing a stall to pacing your stomach.

9 October 2026

Planning · 3 min read

North Vietnam Plan: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh

A practical northern loop covering the capital, the famous limestone bay and the river landscapes of Ninh Binh.

1 October 2026

Tips · 4 min read

How to Read Hotel Reviews Without Getting Misled

A score of 8.8 can mean very different things. Learn what to look for beyond the headline number.

30 September 2026

Planning · 3 min read

Island Hopping in Thailand: Planning Your Hotels

How to link Thai islands by ferry, choose bases wisely and avoid the common mistakes of a multi-island trip.

18 September 2026

Itineraries · 4 min read

Three Days in Bangkok: An Easy First-Timer Itinerary

Temples, river life and one unforgettable night market, in a plan that does not exhaust you.

12 September 2026

Planning · 3 min read

The Cheapest Months to Visit Top Asian Cities

Hotel prices follow seasons, holidays and weather. Learn the patterns so you can travel in quieter, better value months.

3 September 2026

Itineraries · 4 min read

A Slow Week in Bali: Beach, Jungle and Cliffs

Split your time across three bases and you will see three completely different sides of the island.

25 August 2026

Ideas · 3 min read

Best Cities in Asia for a Weekend Break

Compact, well connected cities that reward a short stay, plus tips on choosing a hotel for two or three nights.

21 August 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Japan Hotel Etiquette: What First-Time Visitors Should Know

Slippers, shared baths, quiet hours and tipping: a short guide to staying politely in Japan.

8 August 2026

Ideas · 3 min read

Wellness Stays: Spa and Yoga Retreats in Asia

How to choose a spa hotel or yoga retreat that genuinely helps you rest, rather than one that only looks calm.

2 August 2026

Deals · 3 min read

Budget or Luxury? Where Your Money Goes Furthest in Asia

In some cities, a five-star stay costs less than a mid-range hotel in Europe. Here is where to splurge.

20 July 2026

Ideas · 3 min read

Heritage Hotels: Sleeping in History

Colonial mansions, old courtyard houses and converted palaces can be superb stays, if you set the right expectations.

7 July 2026

Tips · 4 min read

How Hotel Price Comparison Works (and How to Get the Best Rate)

Why prices differ between sites, what 'from' prices mean, and a simple routine for booking at a fair rate.

2 July 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Beating Jet Lag on Your Arrival in Asia

Practical ways to reduce jet lag on a long flight to Asia, from pre-trip routines to your first days there.

30 June 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Temple and Cultural Etiquette Across Asia

Simple, respectful habits for visiting temples, shrines and communities across Asia.

24 June 2026

Itineraries · 4 min read

10 Days in Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

A classic north-to-south route with hotel tips for each stop, from the Old Quarter to the Mekong.

18 June 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Using Ride-Hailing and Taxis Safely in Asia

Practical advice on using ride-hailing apps and taxis in Asian cities, from pricing to personal safety.

17 June 2026

Ideas · 4 min read

Boutique Hotels in Asia: Why They Are Worth Choosing

Small, characterful hotels can offer warmer service and a stronger sense of place, if you know what to check.

11 June 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Health and Food Safety Tips for First-Time Visitors

Sensible, practical health and food advice for first-time visitors, so you can eat well and stay well.

10 June 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Choosing a Family-Friendly Hotel in Asia: 10 Things to Check

From pool depth to connecting rooms, a checklist for travelling with children.

3 June 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Travel Insurance for Asia: What to Look For

How to choose travel insurance for an Asia trip, from medical cover to exclusions and claims.

3 June 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Money Matters: Cash, Cards and ATMs in Asia

How to carry, spend and withdraw money across Asia, with tips on cards, cash, fees and staying safe.

27 May 2026

Ideas · 4 min read

Beachfront Resort or City Hotel: Which Is Right for You?

Compare the real trade-offs between a resort by the sea and a hotel in the city, then pick the one that fits your trip.

23 May 2026

Tips · 3 min read

How to Stay Comfortable in Tropical Heat: Hotel and Travel Tips

Hot, humid cities are very manageable with a few smart choices about timing, clothing and where you sleep.

20 May 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Staying Connected in Asia: SIM Cards, eSIMs and Wi-Fi

How to choose between a local SIM, an eSIM and Wi-Fi so you stay online without surprises.

20 May 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Packing List for a Two-Week Southeast Asia Trip

A practical, light packing list for two weeks in Southeast Asia, covering clothing, health, tech and documents.

13 May 2026

Tips · 4 min read

From Airport to Hotel in Asia: Safe, Simple Transfers

Trains, taxis, ride-hailing and hotel cars compared, with tips for arriving late at night.

6 May 2026

Planning · 4 min read

Typhoon Season Basics for Travellers in East Asia

What typhoons mean for your trip, how to read warnings, and how to book flexibly and stay safe.

6 May 2026

Ideas · 4 min read

Rooftop Pool Hotels in Asia: What to Look For

A rooftop pool can make a city stay, but only if you check access, shade, hours and noise before you book.

4 May 2026

Planning · 4 min read

Monsoon Travel: How to Enjoy Asia in the Rainy Season

Rainy-season travel can mean green landscapes and fewer crowds if you plan for the weather.

29 April 2026

Tips · 4 min read

How to Avoid Hidden Hotel Fees

Resort fees, taxes and add-ons can inflate a hotel bill. Learn where extra charges hide and how to see the full price before you pay.

28 April 2026

Planning · 4 min read

Songkran, Tet and Lunar New Year: Travelling During Big Festivals

What to expect, how to book and how to behave when you travel through Asia's biggest festival periods.

22 April 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Long Stays: Booking a Hotel for a Month in Asia

Planning a month in one place? Here is how to choose a hotel or serviced option, negotiate rates and make a long stay feel like home.

21 April 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Business Travel in Asia: A Hotel Checklist

A practical checklist for choosing a business hotel in Asia, covering location, internet, workspace, sleep and expense paperwork.

16 April 2026

Planning · 4 min read

Cherry Blossom and Autumn Colour: Booking Hotels in Japan and Korea

How to plan hotel stays around blossom and autumn leaves in Japan and Korea, when nature sets the schedule.

16 April 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Honeymoon Hotels in Asia: How to Pick a Romantic Stay

Choosing a honeymoon hotel in Asia? Compare settings, privacy, service and timing to find a stay that feels special without overspending.

11 April 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Solo Travel in Asia: Choosing a Safe, Social Hotel

Travelling alone in Asia? Learn how to choose accommodation that balances safety, comfort and the chance to meet other travellers.

6 April 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Member Rates and Loyalty Programmes: Using Them Wisely

Loyalty schemes and member rates can lower costs, but only if you use them thoughtfully. Here is how to get real value.

1 April 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Hotel Star Ratings Across Asia: What They Really Mean

A four-star hotel in one country may differ greatly from another. Learn how star ratings work and how to read them sensibly.

27 March 2026

Tips · 4 min read

What to Check in Hotel Photos Before You Book

Hotel photos can flatter or mislead. Learn which details to inspect so the room you book matches the room you imagined.

22 March 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Booking Hotels for a Multi-City Asia Trip

Plan hotels for a trip across several Asian cities with smart routing, sensible stay lengths and flexible bookings that survive changes.

17 March 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Hotel, Hostel or Villa? How to Choose

Each type of stay suits a different trip. Here is how to match a hotel, hostel or villa to your budget, group and travel style.

12 March 2026

Tips · 4 min read

Hotel Breakfast in Asia: What to Expect and When It Is Worth It

From buffets to local noodle stalls, here is how to judge whether a hotel breakfast is worth adding to your Asia booking.

7 March 2026

Tips · 5 min read

Free Cancellation Explained: When It Is Worth Paying For

Free cancellation can save a trip or waste money. Learn how it works and when the flexible rate is genuinely worth the extra cost.

2 March 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Ubud or Seminyak? How to Choose Your Bali Base

Rice terraces and culture in Ubud, or beaches and nightlife in Seminyak? A clear guide to picking your Bali base.

28 February 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Where to Stay in Bangkok: Riverside vs Sukhumvit vs Siam

Comparing Bangkok's three most popular hotel areas by atmosphere, transport, food and who each one suits best.

23 February 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Two Days in Ho Chi Minh City: Landmarks and Street Food

A fast-paced two-day Ho Chi Minh City plan with colonial landmarks, markets, history and plenty of street food.

18 February 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

A Weekend in Hanoi: Old Quarter and Beyond

Lakes, temples, coffee and street food: a two-day Hanoi plan with tips on where to stay and how to cross the road.

13 February 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Five Days in Phuket: Beaches, Islands and Old Town

A five-day Phuket plan balancing west coast beaches, island day trips and the colourful old town.

8 February 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Three Days in Da Nang and Hoi An

Beaches, marble hills, lantern-lit lanes and central Vietnamese food: a three-day Da Nang and Hoi An plan.

3 February 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

A Weekend in Sydney: Harbour, Beaches and Coffee

Harbour ferries, coastal walks and strong flat whites: a relaxed two-day Sydney plan with hotel area advice.

30 January 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Two Days in Kuala Lumpur: Towers, Temples and Food

A two-day Kuala Lumpur plan covering skyline views, temples, heritage streets and the city's best food.

25 January 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Four Days in Seoul: Palaces, Markets and Cafes

A four-day Seoul plan mixing royal palaces, street markets, hillside cafes and easy subway travel.

20 January 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

A Long Weekend in Hong Kong

Skyline views, ferries, temples and dim sum: a practical long-weekend plan for Hong Kong with hotel area tips.

15 January 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Three Days in Singapore Without Overspending

How to enjoy Singapore's gardens, hawker food and skyline on a sensible budget, with a day-by-day plan.

10 January 2026

Itineraries · 5 min read

Two Days in Tokyo: A Compact First-Timer Plan

A realistic two-day Tokyo route covering old temples, famous crossings, food stalls and the best area to sleep.

5 January 2026