What does it take to build a life, businesses, and a family on a Thai island? 🏝️ Maayan from Sweet Life Lanta shares her journey that resulted in her finding a home, starting a business and building a family on Koh Lanta - it's a story of organic growth, cultural immersion, and entrepreneurial resilience.
From a long-distance relationship while working in Myanmar to building several business on the island (Guesthouses, AirBnB properties and her husband, Mon's cooking school, the couple's businesses grew spontaneously and organically. When the pandemic hit, they pivoted to online cooking classes, connecting with people worldwide who missed Thailand and their YouTube channel was born.
In this episode, we explore:
Whether you're dreaming of island life or planning your first Koh Lanta trip, Maayan offers genuine insights into creating a sweet life in Southeast Asia.
Links & Resources
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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 Adventures
The unexpected beginnings of TruTravels and the surprising acquisition offer that changed everything
Why 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 Party
Honest reflections on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and what it means to build a life around passion
As 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 & Resources
💌 For news, stories, tips and inspiration for your next trip to Southeast Asia, sign up for the South East Asia Backpacker Newsletter!
Step into the ring with Kru Mam Supannee, the formidable grandmaster and owner of Sitjemam Muay Thai in the picturesque northern town of Pai! 💪🇹🇭
This episode reveals Mam's incredible journey, from raw teenage street fights at temple fairs to building a world-renowned Muay Thai camp with her former champion husband.
Whether you're curious about the intense training that changes bodies and minds or simply want to explore Thailand's hidden gems, this podcast episode is a must-listen.
In this episode Mam shares her powerful insights on:
As Kru Mam passionately states, "You don't have to fight, but you should try!" - an invitation to discover strength, confidence, and a rich cultural heritage.
🌴 Links & Resources:
💌 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:
📖 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!