Koh Lanta, Thailand: dial the clock back to prehistoric times and get back to nature's basics

The world is a watercolour of indistinct blues and greens, my heart hammering from a brief but intense swim. Saltwater stings my eyes – I didn't grab enough air before diving.

This month's Southeast Asian temptations will have you dangling from tree branches, walking with monks while they collect alms and detoxing for less in the Philippines.

Let children do what children do best – play on the beach, surf in the sun or pedal off into the distance on their mountain bike – while you unwind with a 60-minute shiatsu massage and, perhaps, a couple of sunset cocktails.

Phnom Penh based Norwegian pianist and composer Ingolv Haaland, 37, is first and foremost an improviser.

He mixes lounge music with Khmer lyrics by singer Ouch Savy and leads by Yun Theara to create an Asian chill-out ambience in his record Journey.

Cambodia's favourite haven for laidback travellers is the epitome of a sleepy river town.

Mention Kampot and you'll be met with wistful sighs and eyes glazing over with fond memories. In this quiet, sleepy town on Kampong Bay River, the vibe is relaxed; the air clean.

One of the world's most deliberately distant countries is being dragged a little closer.

Its proximity to North Korea has turned China's border town Dandong into something of a peculiar tourist destination. The city is the main gateway to China's reclusive neighbour, attracting busloads of tourists all year.

The rites and rituals of ancient India are still shaping Southeast Asian culture.

"Come on sir, we must hurry now," came an impassioned voice from the other side of my door. The time was nearly midnight, but I was awake in my misery, choking on the thick smoke of a mosquito coil, fending off legions of the vicious beasts. My caller had a cycle rickshaw waiting outside the hotel, certainly the cheapest hovel in Haridwar.

Sean Hocking's Hong Kong-based Metal Postcard may be a small label, but his ambitions are loudly independent, original and uncompromising

"I formed Metal Postcard in 2003, to spread my vision of what a small label should be and the type of music it should release," record label owner Sean Hocking states proudly. His philosphy is "play it, release it and don't worry about other people's opinions too much; they all come around eventually."