There’s a ton of information and resources out there about traveling in Southeast Asia, butI tend to find a lot of it generic or outdated. Whenever I’m traveling around Thailand or the rest of the region however, I always consult these websites and resources because I know they will be helpful and and accurate as possible for an area where things are always changing.

Travelfish

If you’ve been traveling in Southeast Asia and not using Travelfish, you’ve been doing it wrong! The independent travel guides from Travelfish focus solely on Southeast Asia and are regularly updated by writers living in the regions they’re talking about. Everything listed on the site has been visited and well researched and they don’t beat around the bush – if a place is boring they’ll say it’s boring. Instead of wasting time in elaborate descriptions and hyperbole, Travelfish just cuts to the chase. You can also download FREE customizable PDF guides for the locations you’re interested in.

Coconuts

Coconuts Media runs a network of localized websites for:

• Bali
• Yangon
• Bangkok
• Hong Kong
• Jakarta
• Kuala Lumpur
• Manila
• Singapore

The sites share news and events from the cities geared toward English-speakers with an emphasis on the strange and ridiculous. (Some recent headlines from Coconuts Bangkok include, “Hooters Helps Orphans Celebrate the Breast East Ever”, “Checkbook Buddhism Offer Thais Stairway to Heaven” and “Murdered Sheep Gets Proper Funeral at Laksi Farm”.) While many of the articles seem irreverent, they actually help shed some light on what the heck is going on in these destinations that foreigners aren’t usually privy to. There are also large food and dining sections, so instead of taking your guidebook’s recommendations check out the latest new eateries here!

Agoda

Though many smaller guesthouses and hostels don’t have listings on booking sites, if you’re looking for accommodation that’s more mainstream Agoda is an excellent site to start with. (That said, you can still find some hostels, guesthouses and apartments too.)  The hotel booking site lists properties around the world but specializes in the Asia-Pacific region and always seems to have some of the best deals around. I’ve booked multiple times through the site (like for this hotel), always take a look when I’m headed to Bangkok, and have been perfectly pleased with the price and service. (Booking.com also seems to have a wide range of Southeast Asia accommodation listings.)

Southeast Asia Backpacker

This online magazine is free to download and  packed with stories and tips written by backpackers for backpackers. Not only are the stories interesting and varied, but the website also offers a number of forums, travel buddy match ups, tours, travel insurance and helpful country information (including details on currencies, key phrases and important holidays) to help you plan your trip and better understand the areas you’re traveling through. (The company has also started a site for South America Backpacker.)

AirAsia

Despite the unfortunate incident in December, AirAsia has a high safety track record and continues to provide some of the cheapest fares to the most destinations in Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The company regularly runs special deals so it’s best to look at the regional website of the destination you’re flying in. (For example, I usually look at the Air Asia Thailand site, but if I’m going out of the country, like to Bali, I’ll check out the Indonesia site.) That said, be careful when you book – AirAsia is a budget airline and the site tries to trick you into purchasing add ons like baggage, insurance, and even choosing your own seat. Did I miss anything? What other online resources do you turn to for traveling in Southeast Asia? (Also, if you’re heading to Southeast Asia soon, check out this article on what to pack.)