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The Ultimate Southeast Asia Itinerary

06/17/2018 by Ashley Yap 14 Comments

The parallel universe called Southeast Asia draws me in over and over again. Coming to Southeast Asia feels like coming home. Each time I return, I find comfort in the ease of traveling there, the excitement of new discoveries, and the energy hanging in the sweet, sticky air.

I’ve traveled in Southeast Asia for over 2 cumulative years, going from popular spots to places that do not even have an English name yet. Whether you are a budget backpacker, solo traveler, a couple, family, or a group of friends, Southeast Asia’s bound to have something intriguing for you. This could make planning a trip to Southeast Asia overwhelming – there’s just so much to see and do!

So let’s make it easy. Here are a few amazing Southeast Asia itineraries, customized to different interests, ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months:

Table of Contents

2-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary

While two weeks is simply too short to attempt to see all of Southeast Asia, the good news is that you can still get a delicious taste of Southeast Asia all within 2 weeks.

My advice is to pick fewer places to see, and take travel time into account. Some countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam are easy to get around, whereas countries like Myanmar and the Philippines require much longer travel times to move from one place to another. Here are a few itinerary suggestions for 2 weeks in Southeast Asia that cover 2 countries:

Best of Both Worlds: Philippines + Singapore

Spend about 10 days in the Philippines and maximize your time in nature, be it the beautiful islands , the most stunning rice terraces, or the amazing waterfalls. You can narrow down the specifics by picking your favorites from this itinerary . Then fly over to Singapore and enjoy the metropolitan city, eat all the food, and have the country’s signature drink, Singapore Sling, at one of the many speakeasy cocktail bars before your flight home.

Hiking Adventures: Borneo + Indonesia

Spend about 4 days in Borneo and hike up to the country’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu , which requires a minimum of 2 days, then check out the orangutans of Sepilok. Next, fly over to East Java, Indonesia, to hike Mount Rinjani , or Mount Bromo . Spend your last few days relaxing in Bali or Lombok before flying home.

Sun, Sea, and Salt: Southern Thailand + Malaysia

Spend a week in each country. Both countries are home to some of the most gorgeous islands I’ve ever been to. Some of my favorite islands are Koh Chang , The Similan Islands, Koh Yao Noi , Langkawi , The Perhentian Islands, and Tioman Island.

A Cultural Experience: Myanmar + Cambodia

Spend about 10 days in Myanmar, not only because there’s  so much to see and do , but also because transportation can be pretty difficult. Expect to spend some nights on bumpy overnight buses. Bagan, Mandalay, and Yangon are awesome for anyone seeking a cultural experience thanks to the beautiful temples and the less touristy feel of Myanmar. Fly over to Cambodia and continue your journey with an awe-inspiring trip to the majestic Angkor Wat (you will need at least 2 full days for that, trust me!), and hang out with the locals before your flight home from Siem Reap.

Overland Travel: Southern Vietnam + Cambodia

Spend a week in each country. There’s a ton of things to do in both southern Vietnam and Cambodia, but it’s also easy to pick and choose based on your interests. My suggestion is to start your trip in Siem Reap and see as much as you can of Angkor Wat in 2 days, and take an overnight bus to Sihanoukville’s Otres Beach for some R&R time, before another bus ride to Ho Chi Minh City. Apart from eating all the food , there’s a lot of history to explore especially for those interested in visiting the Củ Chi tunnels and the War Remnants museum. From there, it’s another bus ride to Mui Ne for some sandboarding fun, and Da Lat to check out some beautiful waterfalls, before flying home from Ho Chi Minh City.

Slow-Paced Travel: Laos + Northern Thailand

Laos is incredibly slow paced and rustic, which is great for relaxation and discovery. Spend about 9 days in Laos and you will find yourself surrounded by the most incredible waterfalls in the northern city of Luang Prabang, floating down the river on a tube, or motorbiking the Bolaven Plateau down south. Then take a slow boat to northern Thailand, and spend the next few days exploring Pai , savoring delicious local food, and temple hopping  in Chiang Mai before flying home.

First Name:

1-Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

If you have a full month, I’d suggest picking 1 country and really doing it justice, or picking 2 countries and spending about 2 weeks each. You can refer to the itineraries above and combine 2 of them, or pick 3 countries and spend about 10 days each. Here are some more adventure possibilities:

Island Fever: Philippines + Indonesia

One could easily spend a full month just in Indonesia or the Philippines, and still feel rushed since both are island nations with so much distance to cover. The good news is both have tons of variety and each one has its own unique luster. The Philippines is known for friendly people and stunning beaches, whereas Indonesia is known for having great food, some of the best diving in the world, and unique culture on each island. The good news is both are pretty cheap to enjoy. I suggest either picking one to explore over the course of one month, or spending half of your time in each. Here’s a Philippines itinerary and an Indonesia itinerary to help you narrow down exactly where you wish to go.

If you’re into diving, after much exploration in all of the best spots in both the Philippines and Indonesia, I can confidently recommend Raja Ampat if traveling in October – April and Komodo if traveling in May-September. Both will blow your mind!

Food and Culture: Singapore + Northern Thailand + Myanmar

Myanmar is not the quickest to travel through, but it’s also one of the best places in Southeast Asia for cultural exploration, gorgeous temples, friendly locals, and an opportunity to head farther off the beaten path than one can find in places like Thailand these days. With three weeks in Myanmar, you should be able to complete this Myanmar itinerary .

Best of both worlds: Vietnam + Cambodia

One of the best trips in Southeast Asia is traveling from tip to tip of Vietnam, either beginning in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (but don’t forget to include  Sapa, Vietnam !). Give this Vietnam itinerary at least three weeks if you can, then head into Cambodia for Angkor Wat and if you have time, check out the smaller towns like  Kratie in Cambodia or head to the coast.

Off the beaten path: Laos + Myanmar

If you want to get away from the typical tourist route and are at peace with missing the Thai islands, focus on Laos and Myanmar, both of which are stunning countries that get fewer visitors. Either give two weeks to each country, picking your favorites from the Laos and Myanmar itineraries , or give one more weight and spend the bulk of your time in whichever calls to you more. Just make sure that at some point, you’re able to get to a major enough city to fly between the two to save time.

3-Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

You’ve got three months in Southeast Asia? Awesome! You can take your time more and enjoy each place you visit a bit more fully and feel less like you’re rushing around. While it may be tempting to try to blast through every country in Southeast Asia within these three months, as many travelers do, I highly advocate taking this time to more deeply immerse in the local culture and explore further than the well known destinations.

Since you have so much more time than the other itineraries, I’d leave a lot more room for serendipity and just pick a few must-sees to plan your trip around.

Here are the places that I recommend based on different interests to help you build a framework:

If You’re into Local Culture

For me, part of the allure of Southeast Asia is the various cultural sites and temples. Most countries have an interesting mix of different history, religions, and beliefs, resulting in different religious sites, styles of architecture, and cuisines. Here are the go-to places if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture:

Bagan, Myanmar: A UNESCO Heritage site and valley of more than 2,000+ ancient temples built during a golden era of Burma in the 12th century, this place is a must-see if you love temples. The best way to explore Bagan is to rent a bike and roam freely. Chances are you will end up in your own private little temple with no one else around to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

Inle Lake, Myanmar: The floating villages, which are essentially neighborhoods on stilts, where locals live in huts built above a network of marsh and grass waterways, is a beautiful place to take a peek at the locals’ daily life. Take a boat and see what it’s like living on water.

Luang Prabang, Laos: Aside from the popular Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang is also known for the early morning alms, where hundreds of monks walk along the streets to collect offerings from the locals. It is quite a sight that is worth setting your alarm for. Just make sure you watch it with distance and respect, and not be one of those tourists who shove their big cameras up in the monks’ faces.

Siam Reap, Cambodia: Angkor Wat is perhaps the most recognizable temple in Southeast Asia. Though the ticket prices have increased steeply over the years, you should still consider visiting it, especially if you are interested in temples and ruins.

Chiang Rai, Thailand:  The north of Thailand is home to some of the most creative temples I’ve seen, and there are hundreds of them. I promise you won’t get templed out if you pick the right ones to visit, though. My personal favorite is the White Temple , an architectural wonder that started in 1997, and is still undergoing construction until 2070.

Borneo: In Sarawak, the local tribes stay together in a longhouse. By together, I mean with the entire extended family. You can arrange a longhouse homestay with the local communities and experience what it’s like to live as a local tribe. Follow the family around as they go about their day, hang out with the children, and chat with the elders for a unique and unforgettable experience. Similar experiences are available in Sapa, northern Vietnam.

If You’re a Foodie

Bangkok, Thailand:  So. Much. Food! Whether it’s a local food market, street food stalls, or the restaurants galore in the giant shopping malls, Bangkok is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite. What’s really cool about Thai food is that you can try the same dish at drastically different price points. Pad Thai is a great example – I’ve had them straight from the wok at a night market for less than $1, at local restaurants for a bit more, and at luxury hotels for 5 times the price. To be honest, the street version is always my favorite! Needless to say, being a foodie in Bangkok is a lot of fun. Here are a few more of my suggestions on how to really fall in love with Bangkok.

Chiang Mai, Thailand : Aside from the delicious northern cuisine, Chiang Mai is also a great place to attend a cooking class and bring new skills home. In Chiang Mai, I went with Basil Cookery school which was pretty healthy and very well-run. You can see more about the cooking class and other Chiang Mai favorites here.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : The capital city of Malaysia is a foodie’s wonderland, thanks to the country’s multiracial profile. Spoil yourself and indulge in Chinese, Malay, Indian and international cuisine at a reasonable price range. Immerse in the local culture by checking out a mamak (Indian Muslim eatery) for some awesome supper at night. There is a popular mamak within walking distance from the Petronas Twin Towers, in case you are wondering which one to go to!

Hanoi, Vietnam : Vietnamese food is a powerhouse mix of influences from all over the world. French, Chinese, and Japanese flavors blend with Vietnam’s own unique approach to food to create an unforgettable culinary experience. In Hanoi, the best way to sample the food is through a street food tour. Just ask your hostel / hotel for recommendations! Also, don’t forget to try an egg coffee at Cafe Giang! It sounds strange but it’s probably the best coffee I’ve ever had in my life, and that’s coming from a friend.

Singapore : As it’s the most expensive country in Southeast Asia, one would think that eating in Singapore is an expensive affair. I was very pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to find cheap and delicious street food through the hawker stalls, as well as hippie cafes serving western and even vegan food when I felt the need for a change.

If You’re into Beaches

These are not the typical suggestions you probably see that feature Phuket and Koh Samui. I like the places that fly under the radar a bit more, just on the cusp of popularity. They’re amazing because of who they attract, the fact that they aren’t as crowded, but that they offer the same as, or even more than, their more-known counterparts.

El Nido, The Philippines : With beautiful white sand beaches and blue waters, El Nido has everything a beach lover wants. Don’t limit yourself to just the main island, as there are many small islands around it worth exploring. Just search around and book an island hopping tour , and you will find yourself swimming in the crystal clear water, with a chance to encounter whale sharks and manta rays. For a unique experience, you can also camp on the beach.

Siargao, The Philippines : An off the beaten path island that is becoming more popular, but is still a laid-back surf island. Locals will welcome you into their guesthouses with open arms for you to explore powdery, undeveloped nearby islands, local cafes, fish markets, and surf!

The Nusa Islands, Indonesia : You can easily hop from one island to another, which is what makes the Nusa Islands so appealing even for those that are short on time. Each island has a ton of beautiful beaches and things to do. Click here for an awesome Nusa Islands itinerary !

The Gili Islands, Indonesia : Another 3-in-1 package deal, you can hop from Gili Air, to Gili Meno, and to Gili Trawangan . Each island offers a slightly different vibe, but all three islands have one thing in common – gorgeous beaches.

Tonsai Beach, Thailand : Rock climbers, slack liners, and beach bums alike love this hippie paradise. Go there and enjoy, but don’t tell anyone about it, okay?

Koh Chang, Thailand : I love Koh Chang because it’s closer to Bangkok than the southern islands in Thailand, making it a great choice for those low on time, and it’s just as beautiful but less touristy. It’s also lovingly referred to as the ‘last cheap island’ in Thailand. Lonely Beach is the backpacker hangout, though the whole island is worth exploring. It is also, in my opinion, the best island in Thailand for solo backpackers.

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia : These two islands right next to each other are so darn beautiful, and there’s a nice backpacker vibe on the smaller island. Book ahead when heading here, as things fill up quickly. Internet is very limited on the island, which is perfect for those who are seeking for a break from social media and work emails. It’s also great for diving!

If You’re into Hiking

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia : This 3 day/2 night hike was a truly unforgettable experience for me. I recommend showing up on Lombok and booking directly with a tour operator there rather than organizing through a travel agent elsewhere in Indonesia or online. The first two days of the trek are not too challenging, though the last day gets tough, offering a sweeping view from the top of the volcano as a reward. Find the  full guide to hiking Mount Rinjani here . I also highly recommend staying in Lombok and exploring the many waterfalls and beaches. It’s one of my favorites in all of Southeast Asia.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia : Mount Bromo is probably Indonesia’s most famous volcano. It sits at the eastern end of Java between Surabaya and Yogyakarta and is quite often lumped in as part of a tour heading out of one of those two cities. There are tons of tour operators selling Jeep tours to Mount Bromo, which is fun to some, but I did it independently and preferred it that way.

Kawah Ijen, Indonesia : Slightly more off the beaten path compared to Mount Rinjani and Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen is perfect for those who want to see something different (note: blue flames!). The volcano itself  is beautiful but hiking in with the stars, getting up close to the blue flames and viewing the truly stunning sunrise are what makes Mount Ijen so unique and special.

Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia : Why not hike up to the highest mountain in Southeast Asia? I managed to hike to the top in one day , but since the earthquake, it is no longer permitted. Hikers are required to do a minimum of 2D1N compulsory climb these days. The hike is challenging, almost entirely straight up stairs, but the view on top is absolutely stunning. Given the weather conditions, hikers often make it close to the summit and have to turn back. If possible, leave some room for serendipity just in case you need to stay one more night for the bad weather to pass.

Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand : Doi Chiang Dao is Thailand’s third tallest peak, accessible via a fairly easy drive 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai and surrounded by mountain after mountain in every direction. It’s a lovely hike worth including in your northern Thailand itinerary. Concrete information online was hard to find, so here’s my guide to hiking Doi Chiang Dao that has everything you need to know!

Kalaw, Myanmar : Many people visiting the popular Inle Lake choose to do a 3-day trek from Kalaw to get there. The trek takes you through valleys and small villages where you’ll stay each night, experiencing rural Myanmar life. The cost is cheap, the views are spectacular, and the trek is life-changing. There are no hot showers, no electricity, and no internet, just pure experiences with the nicest people on earth.

If You’re into Diving

Raja Ampat, Indonesia : The liveaboard diving trip I did in Raja Ampat was the hands down best diving trip I’ve ever done in my life, and this is coming from a girl who has done more than 150 dives! The area was largely uninhabited, where I spent afternoons pretending to be a mermaid, and the time spent under water was incredible, with tons of diversity and abundance of sea creatures. If you want to see Manta rays, turtles, Wobbegong sharks, Mobula rays, Spotted rays, Black-Tipped Reef sharks and Groupers, go to Raja Ampat. It’s worth going the distance for.

Sipadan Island, Borneo : It’s called one of the best diving sites in the world for a reason. I love that they limit the area to only 120 divers per day, which really helps sustain the ecosystem and keeps the site beautiful and safe for both the sea creatures and visitors. Make sure you book at least 2 weeks in advance.

Coron, Philippines : This was another liveaboard diving trip I did in the Philippines and enjoyed thoroughly. If you love wreck dives, Coron is the perfect choice for you. I remember clocking around 10 wreck dives in 6 days!

Tioman Island, Malaysia : So underrated, but so good! The island is dreamy and beautiful, yet you won’t have to share it with too many other people. My guess is that since the restaurant choices are very limited, alcohol isn’t widely available, and you can pretty much forget about getting on the Internet, it keeps the crowds away.

Komodo, Indonesia: If Raja Ampat and Sipadan take the #1 spot for the best diving I’ve done, then Komodo is a very, very close second. The soft corals are colorful and gorgeous and it’s full of sea turtles and the occasional Manta ray as well. Plus, most liveaboard trips combine an excursion to see the Komodo dragons as well.

If You’re Seeking Spirituality

Chaiya, Thailand : I did a 10-day silent meditation retreat at Wat Suan Mokkh, Chaiya district, located in Surat Thani province, close to the popular Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The retreat takes place at a Buddhist monastery in the forest where the attendees don’t speak, use technology, or even read books. They just meditate. Held once a month (from the 1st – 10th), Wat Suan Mokkh is a beautiful place for those who are into spirituality and meditation.

New Life Foundation, Thailand : Though this is more of a place to live and volunteer for a month or longer, particularly for those who are stressed out and just need a little vacation from everyday life, they do hold retreats here from time to time. I attended a silent meditation retreat at the center and found it to be more comfortable and an overall easier experience than Wat Suan Mokkh, though the two are hard to compare as they’re so different. You can read more about New Life here .

Bali, Indonesia : If you’re looking for a yoga retreat, Bali is the epicenter of such things in Southeast Asia. Each month all over the island there are tons of retreats to choose from that focus on wholistic wellness, raw food diets, tantric yoga, and a wealth of other options. You can find them on this booking engine . If you want something a bit more relaxed and remote, look at the Nusa Islands , which are just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Bali.

Siquijor Island, Philippines : The mystical island is full of healers and witches. If you want this experience, the first thing to do is talk to a local if you can. See if you can get him or her to bring you to a legitimate shaman. I spoke with another traveler who did a smoke clearing ritual in the middle of the island with a folk healer, which he gave me a moderately excited review of. You can find them  here  if it interests you.

If You’re into Wildlife

Chiang Mai, Thailand : Elephants are one of the icons of Thailand. Many visitors are excited about interacting with them, but sadly, it has resulted in unethical businesses that involve torturing wild elephants to tame them for entertainment purposes. It’s our responsibility, as tourists, to make sure we’re putting our money into the hands of programs that make their lives better. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is a highly reputable sanctuary for rehabilitated elephants. If you want to play (feed & bathe only, no riding) with elephants ethically, I recommend checking it out.

Sabah, Borneo:  Borneo is a great place for some adventure time deep in the jungle. Danum Valley Conservation Area is a beautiful place known for its beautiful primary forest and wildlife experience. For an experience that will remind you of the Amazon in Peru , check out Lower Kinabatangan River. Finally, Deramakot Forest Reserve is wonderful for many reasons – it is in accordance with good forestry practices, you will have the opportunities to see Pygmy elephants, bearded pigs and orangutans.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia : I had a close encounter with dragons in Komodo . They are the world’s largest, bloodthirsty lizards that roam freely on Rinca Island. This is also the only place on Earth that you can see them, so if you find yourself in Indonesia, be sure to check them out. Other than the Komodo Dragons, you may also chance upon the manta rays, sharks, turtles, and dolphins if you dive!

Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, Indonesia:  For an even more authentic orangutan experience, head to Sumatra. I just loved the little jungle town of Bukit Lawang, accessible via Medan, for hanging out, tubing down the river, and of course, jungle trekking to see the orangutans.

If You’re an Adrenaline Junkie

Cebu, Philippines : Many people rave about the Kawasan Falls tour, for a good reason! It’s a thrilling day trip around the area with canyoneering, cliff jumping, jungle trekking, and swimming on the docket. Your experience ends at Kawasan Falls, a picturesque waterfall that plummets into the turquoise lagoon below and has quickly become an instagram favorite. When you see it, you’ll understand why!

Vang Vieng, Laos : With strict rules and regulations imposed on the once deadly tubing that was notoriously popular among backpackers, the activity is now safer and just as fun as before. Other than tubing, kayaking and rock climbing are also popular in that area.

Gibbon Experience, Laos:  If trekking and ziplining through a lush jungle and staying in a treehouse is on your radar, check out the Gibbon Experience in Laos. Brochures can be found in almost all hostels, so you just have to ask! It’s also possible to book online .

Country Motorbiking in Vietnam or Laos:  If you are comfortable on a motorbike, take a road trip! You get all the freedom in the world, and it’s a great way to experience Vietnam from north to south  (or visa versa) or to explore Laos’ Bolaven Plateau, which is basically waterfall heaven.

If You’re into Off the Beaten Path Adventures

Myanmar:  Myanmar has only decided to open up its door to tourism a little 6 years ago. The locals are still getting used to seeing foreigners, and traveling around can be quite challenging and confusing. However, this is a paradise for those who are looking for a journey in Southeast Asia that’s off the beaten path. Just look further from the popular spots like Yangon and Inle Lake, talk to the locals (many young locals are receiving linguistic education from volunteers, and they are encouraged to practice their English with tourists! Just be friendly and respectful), who will be happy to show you around, rent a bike if you are comfortable on one and just ride away. Check this itinerary for the best spots .

Nong Khiaw, Laos : Though only a 4 hour bus ride away, Nong Khiaw is often hidden in the shadow of Luang Prabang’s popular waterfalls and backpacker area. It is a quiet, laid-back village with just a few guesthouses lying around. There are a few hills that make for amazing sunrise/sunset spots, and if you want to go even further, take a 2 hour walk to another village, Huay Bo, for a rustic, wholesome overnight stay with the locals. You’ll wake up to the sound of roosters, walk around a small village with kids running around, women making Laos liquor, and men working away in the fields.

Lampang, Thailand : Lampang is a northern province that is fairly popular among the locals, but not so much with the foreigners just yet. When I did a road trip there I found an emerald lake and had it to myself, until a small group of local cyclists came. I also hiked up to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, Thailand’s floating pagodas , and again, had the place mostly to myself except for a few local tourists. What’s keeping tourists away from these spots is the accessibility, but if you are considering renting a car, you will not have any problem getting there.

I gotta say it’s not easy putting this together, there’s just so much Southeast Asia has to offer! But I hope the itineraries are helpful to you, and if you need more information about each of the Southeast Asian countries, check out the destination page , where I’ve included the essential information, accommodation guides, transportation tips, top things to do, and all of the blog posts from each country. Enjoy the journey, and comment below if there’s any other places in Southeast Asia that you think I should visit next!

What to Pack for Backpacking in Southeast Asia

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06/17/2018 at 9:05 pm

Great overview of traveling in Southeast Asia! I have a questions for you. If you could ONLY go back to one country, which one would you choose?

Kristin says

06/19/2018 at 9:31 pm

In Southeast Asia? I’d pick Indonesia because it’s so huge and diverse.

Renuka Walter says

06/18/2018 at 7:30 am

I’m amazed! I’m always looking for a trip somewhere in Europe, but I think I should think about planning a trip in Southeast Asia. Lovely pictures!

06/18/2018 at 10:06 am

You have clearly put a ton of effort into this post, very impressive. You are to be commended and I will use this for any travel I do one day in SE Asia, I promise. The beauty of it is in my case I might be restricted to a few countries and limited time so this will help me immensely in planning a custom itinerary. You seem to really have covered your bases, tapped into years of past posts, videos and personal experiences. A beautiful, organized collage. The only thing I could possibly add to this for those who, in addition to outdoor, solo adventure, like shopping binges along the way is that Kuala Lumpur is ranked 4th in the world by CNN as the best city to shop :). Three of the 10 biggest malls in the world are there, they say at least. I’ve heard Bangkok is pretty good too. I don’t know if this is really an addition to this, but a side note :). As another interesting side note: There is a ski “resort” inside a megamall in Penang, Malaysia called “Snowland” or “Snowland at Megamall Penang”. It looks like fun. According to one site I found, it is fun for those who have never done it before and drops 46 meters and has 6 snow machines which keep it at -5 degrees C in the indoor arena, so it feels real too. Have you ever heard of it? There’s also “SnowTown Saigon” but I think that is more for kids and there is a small ski slope for training (it is warmer though, 10-15C). I found these when wondering about snow/skiing in SE Asia and found “snow” here :). Keep up the fine work you are doing!

06/19/2018 at 9:30 pm

There’s a ski resort in Malaysia?! Wow! Never heard of it until now!

09/23/2018 at 1:39 am

I love this post! I’m going to be in Southeast Asia with my boyfriend for 1,5 months this November and December. Though we’d be considered typical backpackers, being young, on a budget and traveling with a backpack (obviously), we are less into partying and more into exploring. We thought about following route:

Week 1 Starting in Hanoi and experience it for a few days Heading over to Chiang Mai, exploring Northern Thailand (including Wat Chaloem, Doi Inthanon, maybe Pai and the Elephant Nature Park)

Week 2 Traveling to Cambodia and taking a few days to visit Angkor Wat and maybe Sihanoukville Flying to Bangkok

Week 3 Exploring Bangkok Doing some island hopping in the south of Thailand

Week 4 Heading over to Kuala Lumpur for a few days Flying to Singapore and do some sightseeing

Week 5 (and half of Week 6) Bali Chill-Out (maybe exploring Nusa Penida)

I am afraid this could be to strict and fast-paced, but we don’t want to miss out on something. Would you recommend skipping Taiwan, which we want to visit before starting in Hanoi, to have one extra week in SEA (maybe for a whole 2 weeks in Bali and another few days in Northern Thailand)? Or skipping Kuala Lumpur for a few days extra on the islands in South Thailand?

Thanks and keep up the good work!

09/23/2018 at 5:49 pm

I would recommend spending more time in fewer countries and then having looser plans while you’re there. I tend to burn out when I’m moving so fast.

Rickey Masters says

12/04/2018 at 11:52 am

where can you go as a person with a hip disability. I am unable to backpack but can ride motorbikes. I understand my limitations but am eager to make 1 trip to as many countries as I can. time is not a limitation and money would be subject to a medium budget. Thank you for your knowledge and help

12/04/2018 at 11:48 pm

Anyone here have suggestions? I can’t answer from personal experience but I’d love to find out as well!

07/10/2019 at 2:31 am

George Town, Penang Island ‘s d food capital of Malaysia ! Kuala Lumpur pales in comparison..

Carlos says

11/27/2019 at 6:20 pm

Great article, the only thing I miss… where to go if you love to party!

11/28/2019 at 8:06 am

Pretty much everywhere! I’m not a party person but the Thai islands, Cambodian coast, most of the major cities and tourist towns will all have party options.

Siim Kuusik says

01/17/2020 at 12:41 pm

As for me and my girlfriend Malaysia so far has been the best country in Southeast Asia so far, because they have 50% Malaysians 30% Chinese and 20% Indians living there, which means they have the BEST foods there in ONE country. And it is cheap!

Ava Brown says

02/09/2020 at 8:26 pm

Nice blog you have here with unique and different thoughts!

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South East Asia

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Thailand was the first place where we caught the travel bug and we’ve been back to the region again and again.

Start with some of our top articles!

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From the culture and beaches of Bali to the hectic pace of Vietnam , and the luxury of Singapore , South East Asia is a great introduction to immersing in different cultures and experiencing new adventures.

Between the mountains of Borneo , the ruins of Cambodia and Myanmar and the modern cities of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, there’s something for everyone.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Backpacking Travel Guide

Backpacking Southeast Asia Travel Guide (Budget Tips • 2024)

For many travellers, backpacking Southeast Asia is the ultimate highlight of their backpacking adventures. If you are coming from Western civilisation, exploring these mystical countries is like being catapulted into an alternate reality.

Over my travel experiences, I’ve spent YEARS bouncing around this dazzling area of the world. And still – to this day – I am awe-struck by it, time and time again.  

From the moment you set foot on the continent, you can feel the electricity in the air. Your senses explode from stimulation as you head out into the hustle and bustle in search of the BEST street food and an ice-cold beer…

If you’re new to backpacking, this corner of the world is a great place to start your travels: it’s affordable, safe, diverse, friendly, and astonishingly beautiful. From the heart of Bangkok to the islands of Indonesia, legions of inspiration are found in every country throughout the region – and you’ll want to see it all. 

With enticing tales of adventure coming from generations of travellers, it can be hard to know where to start planning your visit to Southeast Asia. It’s not as straight forward as arriving in other continents in the world. Having some travel tips with do you a world of good. 

Never fear! This Southeast Asia travel guide details ALL the low-down with everything you need to know to embark on your epic journey. From the OG Banana Pancake Trail itinerary to my favourite cheap eats, this guide has it all.

Spoiler alert : banh mi is the best street food!

Fasten your seat belts and don’t forget your motorcycle helmet. This is the ultimate backpacker’s guide to travelling Southeast Asia!

Why Go Backpacking in Southeast Asia?

Backpacking Southeast Asia is wildly chaotic, punctuated by brief moments of reflection and utter calm. When I first landed in Vietnam and began my travels in the region, I got that wonderful thought of so this is what travelling is about .

The best thing about visiting Southeast Asia is that you can stick to the well-trodden path and still have a mind-blowing adventure that’s easy on logistics. There are cheap buses you can catch between countries, it’s easy to buy your own motorbike and explore yourself, plus internal flights are usually cheap too.

Conversely, it’s very easy to step off into the wilderness and have a raw, untamed adventure. Some of my best memories come from taking a side road through the jungle on the Vietnam-Laos border. I camped on the outskirts of small villages amongst unruly jungles that hadn’t seen tourists come through in 10 years. Of course, obligatory rice wine was shared each night!

Generally speaking, backpacking in Southeast Asia is very cheap compared to travelling to other parts of the world. You don’t have to count your pennies and hustle at every step of the way in order to enjoy a beer at the end of the day. I’d say this part of the world takes the cake when it comes to budget backpacking .

Because the region is so cheap, you can enjoy big-ticket experiences that you might not be able to afford in other regions of the world. This could include world-class SCUBA diving in Malaysia , or a freediving course in the Philippines.

Even the ‘everyday experiences’ of backpacking Southeast Asia are epic, though! Think about taking yoga classes in the morning and surf in the afternoons in Indonesia . What about hiking through dense jungles exploding with wildlife, raging rivers, and massive waterfalls in Laos ? And you can’t forget to explore Vietnam by motorbike .

There is a reason that, despite how touristy some parts of the region get, Southeast Asia remains an incredibly special place to both first time and veteran travellers!

It’s just that bloody good .

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Southeast Asia

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Let us be clear about one thing: Southeast Asia has so many things to do and see that it would be impossible to see it all in one lifetime let alone in just one backpacking trip. That said, you can sure pack in a whole lot no matter what your time frame is!

Also, remember that this is a region that lives, breathes, and thrives on a certain degree of chaos. Backpacking in Southeast Asia requires one to adapt to that chaos and embrace the wonderful spontaneity that can arise here.

I don’t think that you should attempt to plan your trip to the last tuk-tuk ride. That said, having a general Southeast Asia travel itinerary in mind will help you get the most out of your trip. You don’t want to spend your time scrambling for things to do – nor do you want to pack so much into your travels that you forget to enjoy yourself.

Do you have 2 weeks? 3 months? 6 months? No matter what your time frame is, the itineraries I have listed below have helpful travel routes for Southeast Asia to suit all schedules.

Note that each itinerary can be combined with another, done in reverse, and customized based on your interests. Sometimes it’s worth leaving off one or two sights in order to fully enjoy the others.

2 Weeks Backpacking Southeast Asia Itinerary: An Epic Getaway

When low on time, I advise sticking to smaller countries like Laos, Thailand, or Cambodia. That way the transportation distances won’t eat a big bite out of your precious backpacking time. You will certainly only be scratching the surface, but you will leave with an even more intense hunger to return!

You could start your 2 weeks by visiting Bangkok  and exploring the city for a few days. Thailand also has some spectacular temple ruins of its own at Ayathuya and  Sukhothai which are close to Bangkok and well worth checking out.

From Bangkok, it’s easy to travel to Chiang Mai  in Northern Thailand and from Chiang Mai onwards to the mountain town of Pai in just a few hours. If the north doesn’t quite do it for you, you can always go party on the epic Thai islands in the south.

Alternatively, you could go from Bangkok across the border into Cambodia . There you can go see Angkor Wat and go south to visit the tropical islands off Cambodia. While there is a party vibe on the Cambodian islands, they’re definitely more relaxed. Think swimming at night with bioluminescence and chilling all day in a hammock with just a splash of psytrance.

3 Months Backpacking Southeast Asia Itinerary: The Banana Pancake Trail

This backpacking itinerary takes you through the heart of what put Southeast Asia on the map. This is the juiciest of the banana pancake trail!

I would recommend flying into Bangkok and still kicking off your Southeast Asian travel with a bang. As you head north to the likes of Chiang Mai and the hippie village of Pai where there are lots of opportunities to creep off the beaten path.

Explore the best of what Thailand has to offer before heading to Laos. Take the slow boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang . If you have time,  climb Mount Phousi , because daaaaaaaamn , those views are insane! 

Laos receives a fair amount of backpackers, however far fewer than Thailand. The main attraction to Laos is its unmatched natural beauty, kind people, and rock-bottom prices. Vang Vieng is the main backpacker playground in Laos; this is the place where you can smoke a joint and eat banana pancakes all day.  Tad Lo Waterfall is definitely worth the visit as well.

Vietnam is another classic stop on this route. Soak in the majestic views and cooler temperatures of the mountains in the north before heading south. Hire a motorcycle, explore the cities, go scuba diving, or hop around the islands.

Vietnam has THE best street food in all of Southeast Asia, so prepare your belly for bliss. From backpacking Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi there are ample rice paddies, bustling metropolises, and banh mi glory to enjoy!

Finally, travel to Cambodia and Angkor Wat en route back to Thailand’s southern beaches. Learn about Cambodia’s sobering recent history whilst exploring some of the most impressive temples and beaches in all of Southeast Asia.

You can finish your 3-month extravaganza with a full moon party on one of Thailand’s best beaches. Bottoms up! You deserve it.

6+ Months Backpacking Southeast Asia Itinerary: The Longterm Backpacker

You will not be the first backpacker who loved backpacking Southeast Asia so much that you spent 6 months there followed by another 6 months followed by another cheeky 6 months. The longer you spend here, the more that the region opens up beyond parties on the beach.

Go trekking in Borneo! Get your ass to Indonesia and explore a few of the thousands of remote islands there! Hit up far-flung places in the Philippines! I will always vouch for travelling off the beaten path .

This itinerary would still have you flying into Bangkok AKA Asia’s Sin City. Backpacking Thailand is almost a rite of passage for those that backpack Southeast Asia. Now, while Thailand is crazy beautiful, you can experience a lot of Thailand’s best highlights  in a month or less. 

You can travel south to explore Cambodia and the Thai islands before crossing over into Northern Malaysia . Check out Langkawi Island before heading south. Staying in Penang is the best; it’s one of my favourite cities in Southeast Asia, with some great hikes and diving to be had around Penang National Park .

Alternatively, you can travel to Bali or Manila  from Bangkok and explore a totally new part of Southeast Asia. Philippine highlights include climbing Mt Pulag ,  Sagada’s Crystal Cave  and  Olahbinan ,  Kalinga Jungle ,  El Nido for some climbing and partying, and Coron for epic scuba diving.

If you want to dedicate a couple of months to Indonesia you won’t be disappointed. Alongside the Bali to Flores route, you can also catch a flight to Sumatra . Here, visit the orangutan sanctuary in Bukit Lawang  and the stunning Lake Toba .

Also on tap here is world-class diving at Pulau Weh . This tiny island is located at either the beginning or end of Indonesia, depending on which way you’re looking at the map. You’ll have to pass through the town of Banda Acehto  to reach here, which is the only place in Indonesia that has Sharia Law in place. This definitely isn’t the place to come party while backpacking Indonesia, but the juice is worth the squeeze if you get to Pulau Weh.

Is this the Best Hostel in South East Asia?

Tribal Hostel  – Bali’s first purpose-built co-working hostel and perhaps the greatest hostel in the world!

An ideal hub for Digital Nomads and backpackers, this very special hostel is now finally open…

Come on down and enjoy amazing coffee, high-speed wifi and a game of pool?

Southeast Asia is truly massive .

There are 11 countries that comprise the Southeast Asian region; each one is special and also radically different in its own ways. You won’t even be eating the same food from country to country. Sure, it’s all mostly rice-based, but is it fried Nasi Goreng with an egg on top or is it laden with spicy green Thai curry?

The landscapes are even more varied with jungles, mountains, epic coastlines, and deserted islands all found in this region.

There’s something addictive to landing smack bang in the humid collection of markets, traffic, and skyrises that do crop up amongst all major Southeast Asian cities. Just visiting one or two of these countries will have you desperate to come back for more!

Backpacking Thailand

For many first timers, backpacking Thailand is the image at the forefront of their imaginations when it comes to destinations in Southeast Asia. Those white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and towering jungle peaks are sprinkled with a little hedonistic fun and low, low prices.

Finding a Thailand backpacking route is easy, as many routes are well-established and there are plenty of backpackers on the ground to grab tips from. You just never know who will suggest an epic street food vendor where you find spicy watermelon, or who will give you the heads up that certain roads have become notorious for police asking for bribes.

In addition to its natural splendour, Thailand boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities, especially if you are wanting to settle in somewhere as long term as a digital nomad. In fact, Thailand is rapidly becoming the digital nomad capital of the world. While being a digital nomad changes your travels , it can be incredibly rewarding – especially if you’re surrounded by a group of like-minded people.

Thailand receives more visitors annually than any other Southeast Asia nation by a long shot, so it’s not super easy to get off the beaten path. That being said, if you drive far enough north, you’ll stop seeing tourists and start seeing covert drug smuggling routes. I’m not suggesting that drug smuggling routes make the best adventure – especially for first-time backpackers – but if you happen to find work as a fresh-faced, aspiring journalist, then this country is definitely still full of stories.

There are also some lesser-known hikes nearby Chiang Pai – plus the motorbike riding around there is amazing . Just be aware of elephant experiences–the vast majority are unethical, so make sure you do your research and only visit TRUE sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park.

What to Know Before Visiting Thailand

• Don’t miss out on… the North – this is the REAL Thailand! Sure, those Southern Islands are beautiful and full of some cheeky debauchery, but if you want to get off the beaten path then you need the jungle mountains of the north.
• You know what’s overrated… the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan – it’s pretty sloppy here, not to mention hectic. The Eden Party is way better.
• The coolest hostel is… Get Hi Hostel in Chiang Rai is a The Broke Backpacker favourite! Especially if you’re travelling solo through Thailand, it’s a perfect place to find your tribe.
• The best food is found in… Bangkok. If you find yourself craving a cheesy pasta or fat steak you won’t be disappointed in this city! But even better (in my opinion) are the endless side alleys and markets selling incredible street food. Spicy watermelon, pad thai style noodle salads, and soups so spicy you’ll sweat out your demons… YES, please!

Backpacking Vietnam

Over the last few decades, Vietnam has charged to the head of the line as a top destination for backpackers. Delicious cuisine, cheap places to stay, epic ancient temples, and mind-boggling motorbike routes are just a few of the draws that make up the charm in Vietnam.

If you are wanting to explore Southeast Asia by motorbike, then Vietnam is the best place to go. The country is long and thin, so it’s perfect for a road trip and bikes with Vietnamese plates can enter most other countries in Southeast Asia (this is pretty unique).

Vietnam has the feeling of a country that’s leapt into the future so quickly that its countryside is buffering to catch up. When exploring Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, or any of Vietnam’s big cities you’ll find skyscrapers and high-speed internet. There are underground music scenes and students who deal a little weed on the side to ex-pats. The streets are thick with motorbikes.

Then there’s the countryside: rolling green rice paddies, straw hats, and shacks. The mornings are long and slow, the evening is full of the sound of insects. Fields are thick with buffalo herds. And yet, both sides of Vietnam are united by their incredible food.

Pho might be the most famous noodle broth, but it’s far from the only tasty meal. Vietnam knows how to make a meal out of very little and they know how to make it taste good . Most backpackers will at some point indulge in a 3 am banh mi after a big night out and know what I mean!

What to Know Before Visiting Vietnam

• Don’t miss out on… the  Ha Giang Loop by motorbike . This one of the hidden gems of Vietnam that takes you through towering jungle covered mountains on windy, delicate roads. This is not for the faint hearted or ill prepared. This is a real adventure!
• Look out for… those bamboo pipes in the north – they’re used for smoking local tobacco and hit HARD. You might risk lung cancer, but all in the name of experiencing the local way of life, right?
• The coolest hostel is… Redhouse Dalat . It’s easily one of the most beautiful hostels I’ve ever stayed in and the owner, Linh, is an absolute gem!
• The best food is found in… Hue – it’s well known for its Central Vietnamese plates. I had quite possibly the best meal of my life here (definitely top 10, anyway). In a back alley, crammed into plastic chair far too small for me, I sampled the legendary Bun Bo Hue… I never knew noodles and broth would make me want to become a foodie.

Backpacking Laos

Laos is truly a special country in Southeast Asia and one that has managed to retain its easy-going identity in the era of mass tourism. Wild jungles, river deltas, smiling locals, and amazing treks make Laos the backpacking paradise that it is.

Places in northern Laos, like the areas in and around Luang Prabang , experience cooler temperatures in the mountains and rainforest. The south is more of the agricultural heart of the country.

Each area holds a lot to explore for backpackers. Laos is the perfect country for backpackers wanting to experience Southeast Asia within a short time frame as you can get in a bit of all climates, different cultures, and party vibes.

One can easily see the highlights and experience the country off the beaten path in 2 weeks to a month. Take it easy though. Laos is a country that is not to be rushed through. Plus, going slow means you might just end up on the 420-friendly river island– Don Det –just like I did!

You will see when you get your boots on the ground that nothing happens quickly in Laos anyway… This is a land of chill .

What to Know Before Visiting Laos

• Don’t miss out on… the mountains around Vang Vieng. Lots of people neglect exploring these in favor of tubing the river. The river party scene in Vang Vieng is diminishing anyways.
• You know what’s overrated… Luang Prabang. In recent years, it’s become very touristy and a bit disingenuous. The nearby waterfalls are still cool though.
• The coolest hostel is… Vang Vieng Chill House . It encompasses all the things I love most about hostels: chilling and good vibes. It gets a little noisy sometimes but it’s a great place to meet people.
• The best food is found… on the streets! The street food in Laos is absolutely top-notch.

Backpacking Cambodia

The temples at Angkor Wat are an obvious draw for those backpacking Cambodia and are truly impressive. Cambodia is a country rich in culture, beautiful beaches and islands, the Mekong River Delta, and bustling markets.

The nation of Cambodia is a country still pulling out of an extremely dark, recent past. A staggering 1.5 – 3 million people were killed by the Khmer Rouge, led by tyrant Pol Pot. It happened only 35 – 40 years ago and is still very fresh and raw to the Cambodian people.

Despite the tragic history, the local Khmer people are some of the kindest humans in the world. The country is still recuperating, rebuilding, and moving forward, however, corruption is hindering its rehabilitation.

There is a strange energy in the air in Phnom Penh sometimes. It can be quite tense and stifling amongst the humidity. It’s as if everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop and for chaos to return.

This is a country that makes you think about how lucky you were to be born into a country of peace. And I think that it’s important amongst the wild nights partying in Cambodia that you pause and really learn something from the lands you’re travelling in.

Cambodia is one of my favourite Southeast Asian destinations to travel to; I loved it so much that I ended up overstaying my visa. From the awesome hostels , cheap prices, and epic off-the-beaten-track travels, Cambodia seriously has it all. See it for yourself and you’ll fall in love too.

What to Know Before Visiting Cambodia

• Don’t miss out on… the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng. One of the most sobering places in Southeast Asia and a refreshing change of pace.
• Keep an eye out for… temples other than Angkor Wat. Cambodia is full of Khmer ruins, like Koh Ker. You can spend days getting lost in the ruins of an empire past.
• The coolest hostel is… Yellow Star Hostel . It’s the kind of place you extend your stay for as long as your Cambodia itinerary allows.
• The best food is found in… the outdoor food market in Siem Reap. Most of the backpacker accommodation is conveniently located around here so it’s simply a matter of walking down and gorging yourself silly!

Backpacking Myanmar

Oh, Myanmar. For a few years between roughly 2011 and 2019, backpacking in Myanmar really took off as the country instituted democratic reforms and started to open up to the world. There was even a fear that in opening up to the world too quickly, Myanmar would lose some of its authenticity and charm.

I want to stress that I love Myanmar. I love the country and I love the people. I travelled there through some of the remote Northern regions. I caught the dilapidated trains, hitchhiked with monks, and even publically pooped my pants on a public bus after some dodgy food.

The temples are second to none, the food is cheap and delicious, and the countryside is beautiful .

But, the seeds of what has happened to Myanmar had been sown many years before. You can trace the military take over and crackdown back to the consequences of British rule back in Imperial times. There was a lot of tension during the decolonial period too with the government shirking a lot of international aid and joining any international forums.

This isolationism was intensified with the first military coup of the 1960s. This was the same military that was loosening the reigns during the 2010s that allowed a few of us to explore what truly is one of my favourite countries on the planet.

The tensions with the various ethnic groups on the borders never went away though. And neither did the military. As of early 2021, Aung San Suu Kyi (the former democratic leader) has been imprisoned and political dissenters shot and jailed as the military clamps down on control again.

I couldn’t in good conscience advise anyone to go backpacking in Myanmar at this time. But I don’t want to strike this country off the map entirely. The people deserve better than that.

It’s probably not the place of a travel guide to tell you to support democratic movements – especially not ones that are as flawed as Aung San Suu Kyi’s – but I think it’s fair to say that the moment it’s safe. Go backpacking Myanmar!

February 2023 Update : In the past few months, Myanmar has reopened its e-visa program and is officially “open for tourism.” Many travellers have reported successful and problem free trips, BUT it’s still important to proceed with extreme caution. Though the political situation has stabilized, there is the chance of getting stuck in the country.

What to Know Before Visiting Myanmar

• Don’t miss out on… Bagan. There are touristy spots in Bagan, however, the scope of the area is immense. Riding an e-bike to a secret place and setting up for sunset is the way to go. There are so many side roads and off the beaten path ruins here that you’ll find something special.
• You know what’s overrated… Inle Lake. Super beautiful, super touristy, and super expensive. Visit, then shoot through for some of the mad trekking in the nearby regions.
• The coolest hostel is… Ostello Bello . These guys are a solidly run hostel chain that will have your back and provide a place of comfort while travelling Myanmar.
• The best food is found in… Mandalay. I actually love staying in Mandalay , and the aromas drifting from the nighttime street food market is a big reason why! It’s a big city so there’s a lot

Backpacking Malaysia

I absolutely LOVE backpacking in Malaysia. Somehow, Malaysia has managed to stay below the radar of many travellers on the Southeast Asia backpacking circuit. To write off Malaysia as uninteresting would be a mistake: Malaysia should be your next backpacking destination!

For one, I found Malaysia to have some of the lowest prices in all of Southeast Asia. The country is extremely clean, the roads are in great shape, and the people speak decent English. Malaysia is also a majority Muslim country, which I found to be an interesting contrast to the Buddhist majorities of the countries to the north.

Tioman Island is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets. Getting your PADI open water certificate is cheaper on Tioman than anywhere in Thailand. Also, diving is better – in my opinion. The coral reefs are not experiencing the same level of bleaching as they are in Thailand. I saw plenty of turtles, sharks, and more vibrant reef systems generally.

Malaysia is also home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests at Taman Negara . So alongside some of the most vibrant and developed cities in Asia are some of Asia’s most wild and unruly jungles! And, if that wasn’t enough, Malaysian food is seriously delicious.

Then there is Malaysian Borneo . Parts of Borneo are surprisingly well developed. That said, there are giant swaths of the island that are still wild and teaming with rhinoceros, orangutans, and other rare wildlife. The trekking here is of the old school, beat your way through the jungle variety! Malaysia has incredible adventure opportunities for those willing to get well off the beaten path!

What to Know Before Visiting Malaysia

• Don’t miss out on… Borneo. It’s such an overlooked destination but there’s so much cool stuff going on here. Get a tattoo in Kuching!
• Look out for… hidden speakeasies in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. They’re VERY well disguised, and absolutely worth it! Being an Islamic country, it’s harder to get alcohol here but where there’s a will there’s a way.
• The coolest hostel is… Best Attitude Hostel Cenang . This hostel has great social events running all the time – even if the karaoke makes me cringe!
• The best food is found in… Penang. Whilst ALL the food in Malaysia is good, Penang takes top honors. Seriously, those soups had me in a proper food coma.

Backpacking Singapore

Singapore is the smallest country to make our list. This tropical island city-state nation might be a blip on the map, but it is a regional economic and cultural powerhouse.

Backpacking Singapore has the reputation of being an expensive place to visit in Southeast Asia. Whilst Singapore is certainly more expensive when compared to its relatively cheap neighbours, there is still plenty to do for backpackers on a budget.

Some of the best street food in the world can be found amongst the food stalls of various markets. Singapore is a multi-cultural melting pot, so it is possible to taste the influences of many different cultures in a single dish. Rub elbows with locals and chow down on some epically delicious cheap eats.

Visit Chinatown , explore Arab Street , and be sure to grab a curry in Little India . Just based on the neighbourhood names alone, you can gather that many ethnic groups are represented across this city-country.

If you are visiting Singapore for longer, be sure to check out the nature reserves surrounding the city. Few people realize that just outside of Singapore’s urban centres there are some great day hikes to be had in the surrounding jungle. There’s also plenty of local life to be experienced beyond the neon landscape.

Singapore is a city that has something for every backpacker. Whether you are just passing through or coming specifically to backpack Singapore, you can be sure that there is always something awesome (and tasty) to get into here. It’s wildly different to other countries within the region, and yet there are glimmers of something similar. You’re sure to love it!

What to Know Before Visiting Singapore

• Don’t miss out on… the hawker centres (cafeterias). When you’re in Singapore, you EAT. The food is incredible.
• You know what’s overrated… Sentosa Island – it’s just Disney World with a fake beach. And you know what’s worse than hoardes of people? Paying to be around hoardes of people.
• The coolest hostel is… The Bohemian . This colourful little corner of Singapore makes my heart sing… apore.
• The best food is found in… Maxwell Food Centre. This is the most famous hawker centre in Singapore. In fact, the world’s cheapest Michelin-star restaurant is here! But aside from that, there are countless delicious options. There’s little wonder I ended up a couple of kilos heavier after backpacking in Singapore!

Backpacking Indonesia

As a vast archipelago nation composed of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. The country is so big and so spread out that exploring it can feel overwhelming.

Backpacking Indonesia is an adventure like no other. For starters, you can climb active volcanoes, encounter orangutans in the jungle, visit ancient temples, and enjoy spectacular diving.

All along the way, you’ll be welcomed in by some of the most friendly people out there while you enjoy the varied and delicious cuisine. Best of all, you can easily backpack Indonesia on a budget.

Bali is definitely the backpacker magnet of Indonesia and for good reason. Along with a blossoming digital nomad scene and tons of epic places to see, Bali is also surf and party central. If you are wanting to become a yoga teacher, there are countless programs being offered all across the island.

It’s worth staying in Bali for some time, but be sure to visit some of the other islands as well. Though fun, I would argue that Bali is not at all what the rest of Indonesia feels like. The country is jam-packed with off the beaten path exploration potential.

17,000 islands bro! Get yourself out there and explore some of them and you will quickly fall in love with this massive island nation. Because the real Indonesia is well outside of Bali.

The streets of Jakarta are a hot mess of traffic and street food contrasted with towering skyscrapers. The outer islands are deserted. There are jungles and villages as much as there are modern cities.

What to Know Before Visiting Indonesia

• Don’t miss out on… island hopping. Backpacking Nusa Penida , Derawan, the Kai Islands, Wakatobi; these are some of the best, but there are many more to see.
• You know what’s overrated… Kuta, Bali. Avoid it like the plague. Drunk Australians and piles of garbage. Plus, the tourists have made many of the locals suspicious of travellers. Not a vibe.
• The coolest hostel is… Tribal Hostel . Super cool, open and tropical, you won’t find a better place to stay than Tribal. In the quiet area of Pererenan Bali, and with a huge coworking space, Tribal has it all!
• The best food is found in… Jakarta. This city takes satay to a whole new level. Be sure to try as many satay sticks as possible – and Nasi Goreng, of course.

Backpacking The Philippines

Cheap beer, beautiful beaches, adrenaline-pumping activities, and some of the most friendly, genuine, people in all of Asia; the Philippines truly captured my heart. I made some incredible friends in the Philippines and I have to say, it is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel around as the locals are so friendly.

Getting around the Philippines as a backpacker and finding a sweet and cheap place to stay (and a sweet and cheap thing to eat) is breezy.

There are thousands of islands to choose from. This translates into EPIC scuba diving, a great place to learn to snorkel and to go fishing. If you have never learned to spearfish , you should absolutely give it a go. Spearfishing doesn’t get much better than in the Philippines where the visibility is insanely good!

If you love trekking like me, then you will be pleased to find some epic hiking opportunities in the Philippines. Caves, rivers, mountains, you name it, one can find all the outdoor playgrounds here. There are heaps of adventure opportunities in The Philippines if you’re equipped for the job!

There are endless trekking options in the Philippines: remote hill hikes and active volcanoes, gentle strolls, and multi-day backpacking trips. Some popular treks include  Cordillera and its rice terraces and trekking Mt. Pulag .

Not too far from here you can reach Sagada (and my saucy Sagada travel guide ) and hike in the hills. Bohol and the Chocolate Hills are a great place to trek as well. The Philippines is home to 25 active volcanoes that can be climbed to the summit!

If you’re a fan of a party then you’re in the right place as festivals in The Philippines are some of the most lively events you can experience as a traveler, and a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the culture of such a diverse country.

What to Know Before Visiting the Philippines

• Don’t miss out on… El Nido. It’s utter paradise, the stuff of dreams and legends. Stay here forever if you can.
• Look out for… crowds at Baguio. It’s becoming one of the most popular places in The Philippines; let’s hope it doesn’t become TOO popular.
• The coolest hostel is… Mad Monkey Hostel Siargo . The MM chain is somewhat legendary – but this one is my favourite.
• The best food is found in …hard to say, really – there’s just so much diversity when it comes to Filipino food . Suckling pig in Cebu, empanadas in Ilocos, bulalo in Tagaytay; nothing really beats adobo  made by a local grandma though.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Southeast Asia

Once you have your boots on the ground, the Southeast Asia backpackers circuit will be as obvious as the stars in the night sky. Backpackers generally don’t venture too far off of the so-called Banana Pancake trail.

That said, if you are a keen and adventurous type, there are many parts of Southeast Asia that are untouched by backpackers to this day. Many regions are very wild and make for endless exploration opportunities.

Additionally, there are islands in Southeast Asia (think Indonesia) that are so damned remote, few westerners have ever been to them. Have fun on the Banana Pancake Trail, but don’t forget to dip out once in a while to truly explore.

For starters, I’d suggest trekking in Borneo or taking a long motorbike excursion to the Vietnam-China border. These are two wildly different types of adventure, but they hint at the wild times you can forge for yourself if you avoid other tourists like the plague.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Southeast Asia is an adventure playground. It is a backpacker paradise and a place teeming with awesome budget adventures. There will certainly never be a day where you are bored for lack of things to do in Southeast Asia. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the radical adventures that await you in Southeast Asia…

1. Jungle Trekking

There is some great jungle trekking in Northern Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam… Hell, in every country in Southeast Asia, really! If you choose to go trekking make sure to go on a multi-day hike. Personally, I prefer trekking in Laos, and I had an epic experience in Myanmar back when it was safe to travel through.

I would love to explore more of the remote corners of Indonesia and Borneo too – the options to go jungle trekking in Southeast Asia are really limitless!

2. Scuba Diving

Many backpackers fall in love with scuba diving whilst in Southeast Asia. Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia offer incredible diving opportunities in crystal clear waters with abundant marine life and plenty of wrecks for the underwater adventurer. The cheapest place to learn is the island of Kao Tao in Thailand and the islands in Malaysia.

If you’re not up to learning to dive, you can always learn to snorkel too. But with the affordable prices of Asia combined with the excellent visibility, you can’t really go wrong!

3. Motorcycle in Southeast Asia

Perhaps there is no better way to explore a country than by motorbike . You’re truly free to design your own itinerary and take every side alley that takes your fancy.

Plus, you become part of the landscape when you’re riding. There aren’t windows of a bus separating you from the buffalo or the mountain.

But there also isn’t much of anything to protect you if you fall off. So I’d suggest wearing proper riding gear and having insurance. That way, you’re free to enjoy the jungle roads, the epic peaks, and the offbeat camping destinations that Southeast Asia has to offer with some peace of mind.

4. Learn To Cook

Love the hell out of Southeast Asian cuisine? Me too!

Taking a cooking class whilst visiting a Southeast Asian country will supercharge your cooking skills. You will be preparing delicious meals for years down the line that remind you of the good ol’ days backpacking Southeast Asia.

Each country is full of such diverse dishes, too. You could pick up a nasi goreng recipe down in Indonesia which would stand completely apart from a classic Thai green curry, or a delectable set of Vietnamese rice paper rolls.

5. Chase Waterfalls

Don’t go chasing waterfalls… What nonsense! In every country in Southeast Asia, you will stumble upon waterfalls, epic waterfalls. Each will be more impressive than the last and will have you dreaming of turquoise waters for years to come.

6. Go Caving

Southeast Asia is home to some truly impressive cave systems. If you have the chance, you must explore some of them! There is the world’s largest cave in Vietnam, but many of the smaller caves throughout the region are equally as epic and more accessible. Over in the Phillippines, you can even try your hand at cave diving – that shit’s UNREAL!

7. It’s Street Food O’Clock

Love trying new things? There is something delicious, tasty, and bizarre to put in your mouth around every turn.

I hope the words “no, I don’t think I want to try that” never come out of your mouth. You will find food that makes you cry tears of joy. There will be times when your entire mouth becomes a burning pit of hell. And there will be magical moments where it’s a bit of both.

Each country brings something unique to the table for you to sink your teeth into – literally. So you’ve got no choice but to start munching your way through street carts!

(Exceptions are granted only if the food in question is an endangered or protected animal.)

8. Go climbing

Southeast Asia is full of karst mountains, which rise like pillars and towers from the ground. For the casual tourist, these spires make great photos. For climbers though, these are the stuff of dreams.

Visit Railay, Cat Ba, and Kuala Lumpur for some grade-A routes.

9. Island hopping

The Philippines has over 7,100 islands; Indonesia has 17,000. Combine these with all the other random islands scattered throughout Southeast Asia and you have a shit ton of islands to live out your Robinson Crusoe adventures. Better get started now – it’s going to take a while to visit them all.

If you get really addicted to island life, you may want to try boat life . That way you can perpetually traverse the best of Southeast Asia’s islands and beyond…

10. Stay in a Coworking Hostel

More and more backpackers are looking to turn their travels into a full time way of life… the best way to get inspired is to meet and brainstorm with other aspiring entrepreneurs and digital nomads, check out Tribal Hostel in Bali to find ideas, support and new friends 🙂

Psssst…. Searching for your Tribe?

Tribal Hostel – Bali’s first purpose-built co-working hostel and perhaps the greatest hostel in the world!

Come on down and enjoy amazing coffee, high-speed wifi and a game of pool 😉

The most common place to stay while backpacking Southeast Asia is, of course, hostels. They’re cheap, ubiquitous, and can be a helluva a lot of fun.

Never stayed in a hostel before? You’re in luck! Southeast Asia is the best place to learn how to live the hostel life .

Southeast Asia has some of the most well-known and well-regarded hostels in the world, which would impress even the most seasoned backpacker. There’s a real mix of cheap places to stay, too. There are the classic party hubs where to beer never stops flowing. But there are some really chill places where it’s more likely that everyone is sitting around smoking a joint while swapping travel stories.

If you’re going to be hitting the Banana Pancake Trail hard and for several months, you’ll want to pack the right stuff with you. We all know that guy who steals towels from hostels and takes them wherever he goes; don’t be that guy.

Whilst it’s easier to find hostels in the well-trafficked parts of Southeast Asia, there are some real gems just slightly off the beaten path. One of the best hostels I ever stayed in was in the middle of nowhere Northern Vietnam.

As is always the case, camping would be the ultimate way to save cash while backpacking. Just make sure you take a good tent with you and do your best to check your site – there are some really dangerous snakes and crazy, heavy rain out there in the remote, jungle areas.

There is really never a need to stay in a hotel while backpacking Southeast Asia. If you need a private space, book an airbnb or find a local guesthouse instead. Because it’s Asia, it won’t be very expensive and might be just what you need to recharge yourself.

• Where to Stay in Vietnam
• Where to Stay in Thailand
• Where to Stay in Malaysia
• Where to Stay in the Philippines
• Where to Stay in Singapore
• Where to Stay in Cambodia

Southeast Asia is the Mecca for cheap places to travel broke . Nowhere else on earth can you drink beer, find accommodation, and eat out every day easily for under $10 USD .

To give you an idea of the cost of backpacking Southeast Asia, here are some examples of shoestring travel budgets:

• $20 – $30 / day: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
• $25 – $35 / day: Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia
• $30 – $40 / day: Indonesia, Philippines

As you can see, some countries in Southeast Asia are more expensive than others. For example, the cost of a trip to Thailand  is not as dirt cheap as you might think, especially if you plan on just eating Western food.

Generally speaking, any of the islands you visit whilst backpacking Southeast Asia will be more expensive than the mainland. Also, Singapore kind of stands as its own thing – you can expect a much higher cost of travel there than the rest of Southeast Asia as it’s not catered to budget travellers.

Creating the right Southeast Asia budget for yourself is the key to a successful backpacking adventure. Travelling in Southeast Asia should never be super expensive. With a few budget travel hacks up your sleeve, you will save a ton of money and have the time of your life.

A Daily Budget in Southeast Asia

Here is a more in-depth breakdown of what you can expect to pay on a daily basis whilst backpacking Southeast Asia…

Budget Tips for Visiting Southeast Asia

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst travelling in Southeast Asia, I recommend sticking to these basic rules of budget adventuring….

• Camp : With plenty of untouched beaches, forests, stunning countryside, and far-flung jungle, Southeast Asia can be a great place to pitch a tent for the night. A solid sleep system saves you money and can help you get off of the beaten path.
• Eat street food : Southeast Asia has the BEST street food in the world. You can easily load up on just a few dollars. Night markets are iconic places to start from.
• Couchsurf: Southeast Asian locals are awesome, so get to know some! Check out Couchsurfing to make some real friendships and see a country from the perspective of locals. When using Couchsurfing, be sure to send personalized messages to your potential host – make yourself stand out!
• Haggle: Barter, negotiate, sit down for a tea, and philander hedonistically if necessary. A good haggling game is going to go a long way towards backpacking Southeast Asia on a budget.
• Hitchhike: This is just your friendly neighborhood reminder that hitchhiking is the best, and it saves you cash! But more than that, it launches you right into the thick of it and entices adventures to come out of their hidey-holes.
• Leave “The Bubble”: Staying in the tourist bubbles always gets more expensive. Remember to leave the bubble and live the local life for truly cheap Southeast Asia travel.

Why Should You Travel to Southeast Asia with a Water Bottle?

Whilst there’s a lot that we can do when it comes to travelling responsibly , reducing your plastic consumption is one of the easiest and most impactful things you can do. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, don’t take plastic shopping bags, and forget straws. All of this just ends up in landfills or in the ocean.

One way you can minimise your plastic footprint is by investing in a premium filtered water bottle . That way, not only do you save money by not having to buy bottled water everywhere you go, but you aren’t contributing to the problem. You’re being part of the solution! And the turtles thank you!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Due to the great distances involved when we are talking about ALL of Southeast Asia, the weather can really vary.

The peak tourist season in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam is from November to February when the weather is beautiful across the region, but there’s a high chance you’ll run into a ton of tourists. The really popular guesthouses fill up fast.

The local people are a really friendly bunch and keen to help so if you have any problems don’t be afraid to ask for directions from the locals. It is best to avoid northern areas of Thailand from February to April as the burning season starts and mountains will slowly be covered in smoke.

When we are talking about Indonesia for example, keep in mind that Indonesia is WAY farther south and nearer to the equator. The weather in Indonesia can be loosely applied to Malaysia as well.

Generally speaking, there are 2 seasons in Indonesia – the dry season and the rainy season. In most parts of the country, the dry season lasts from May to September . Of course, this is also the most popular time to visit.

Consider visiting in either May or September if you want to try and avoid the massive summer crowd, especially in Bali. This way you can find cheaper accommodation which is difficult to find during peak season.

Most of the rain in Indonesia falls from October to April , with some regional variations. Those looking to do some serious trekking or diving may want to try and plan a trip in the dry season. There’s no need to let a little rain spoil your trip, though. Rain usually comes in quick downpours so just take a solid rain jacket; you’ll still get to enjoy several hours of sunlight.

Best Time to Visit – Country Breakdown

Best Months to Travel: November-February, March-September (Southeast Coast)

What’s the climate in Thailand like? 

Most of Thailand is dry and comfortable to visit from November-February. In March and April, the temps start to rise until they become horrible in June. The rains start in May.

The exception to this is the southeastern coast of Thailand (Koh Samui, Hat Yai, etc). The rains come a bit later here.

Best Months to Travel: November-April (North & South), February-July (Center)

What’s the climate in Vietnam like? 

Vietnam is a weird one: the North and South have similar rainy seasons, but the center’s is a bit later in the year. The absolute perfect time to visit the whole country would be in February and March.

Best Months to Travel: October-April

What’s the climate in Cambodia and Laos like? 

Pretty straightforward with only two distinct seasons: a wet one and a dry one.

In the wet summer season, downpours can washout dirt roads, and the heat can be OPPRESSIVE. Be prepared for lots of lazy days of doing nothing if traveling to Cambodia or Laos during the summer season.

Best Months to Travel: October-March

What’s the climate in Myanmar like? 

Typical Southeast Asia. The dry season in Myanmar actually runs until May but the temperatures at the end of the month are just WAY too much. June is unbearable to visit.

Visiting during March or October (shoulder months) are great times.

Best Months to Travel: November-February (West Coast), March-September (East Coast)

What’s the climate in Malaysia like? 

Pretty hot and humid all year round but each coast has opposing rainy seasons. Stick to one coast depending on when you’re visiting Malaysia.

Note the Cameron Highlands are temperate all year-round with a rainy season from September-December.

Best Months to Travel: May-September

What’s the climate in Indonesia like? 

In most of the country, the wet, hot season runs from October to April. Around May, the rains start to subside, temps drop, and tourists return. Visit Indonesia in May before prices go up.

Northern parts of Indonesia, like Maluku and Raja Ampat, experience the wet season in OPPOSITE months. October-April is the best time to visit these.

Best Months to Travel:  November-May

What’s the climate in the Philippines like? 

Not quite as hot as continental Southeast Asia, which makes travel in April and May more viable. But June-August should definitely be avoided – this is typhoon season and storms can very dangerous. Most ferries and resorts shut down during this time.

What to Pack for Southeast Asia

An adventure backpacking in Southeast Asia means navigating a certain level of chaos. If this is your first backpacking trip, or even if you’re a veteran, you gotta make sure you’re equipped for the job!

Make sure that packing list is spot on. For every adventure, there are a few things I never go travelling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Is Southeast Asia Safe? This is easily one of the most common questions I’m asked.

Every country on earth has a certain degree of crime and the associated shitty people. Southeast Asia is no different. Though violent attacks on backpackers are extremely rare, they can happen.

A common problem in Southeast Asian cities is the motorcycle bag snatch. Two dudes roll up on a motorbike and grab your purse or day bag and they ride off into the night (or day). I have heard reports of this gig being particularly rampant in the touristic areas of Phnom Penh.

Keep an eye on your stuff, especially when you are in the big cities and crowded bus stations. Be smart hiding your valuables and money when travelling and things will be chill. In general, Southeast Asia is one of the safest places in the world to go backpacking, so fear not!

Wear a helmet when you hop on a motorbike in Asia . Despite being an experienced driver, I’ve had a total of 3 crashes in Southeast Asia over the last 10 years. On the one occasion, I wasn’t wearing a helmet, I split my head open and had to go to the hospital. Your mum doesn’t want to get the call about your insides being on the outside…

To stay safe, every backpacker should follow the common-sense rules of safe backpacking .  In general, being out late, drunk, and alone is a recipe for trouble anywhere in the world.

If ever you run into the very rare hold-up situation, give them what they want and don’t resist. Your iPhone and wallet are never worth dying over, ever!

• Is Thailand Safe to Visit?
• Is Vietnam Safe to Visit?
• Is Cambodia Safe to Visit?
• Is Myanmar Safe to Visit?
• Is Indonesia Safe to Visit?
• Is Malaysia Safe to Visit?

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in Southeast Asia

There’s a reason that those seeking something a little hedonistic oftentimes get stuck in Southeast Asia… You can buy ketamine from certain pharmacies and the acid seems to be ubiquitous amongst travellers. Many Southeast Asian countries have very harsh drug penalty laws though, and even without harsh laws, there are some truly crippling fines dished out.

Drugs on the road is pretty much a guaranteed experience – and in Southeast Asia more so than ever. There are the magic mushroom shakes popular in Thailand and Cambodia; there are the strong and freely available prescription meds too.

Plus, doobies are a staple of almost every hostel. So, if you’re gonna do the good stuff, then stay hydrated and watch out for ya mates!

What seems to go hand in hand with travelling even more so than drugs? Why, love and sex of course! But we don’t like to have frank and honest discussions about sex on the road out of fear we’ll be too judgemental – or not judgmental enough.

At the end of the day, love and sex will on the road is inevitable so we might as well have a conversation about it.

Remember that free love is about love as much as it is about sex. And I’d be dancing around the elephant in the room if I didn’t talk about how easy it is to engage with sex tourism in Asia.

Regardless of your beliefs and thoughts on prostitution, remember this is another person with thoughts, feelings, and a life outside of the sex industry too. You are not superior to these people; you just happen to be from a more privileged background.

Go to Asia and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of – but be respectful along the way. Travelling the world makes you an ambassador for your country , which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with our countries…

Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

As I said before Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are Southeast Asia’s two main international hubs. Most backpackers start their journeys visiting and staying in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok for a spell. Budget flights throughout the region will almost certainly have you passing through one of those airports.

If you are looking to do the classic Southeast Asia Loop or the Banana Pancake Trail, then starting off by staying in Bangkok is the obvious choice. Flights into Vietnam through Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are getting increasingly less expensive as well, so keep an eye out if the prices keep falling.

Visas and Entry Requirements for Southeast Asian Countries

The biggest headache of travelling is getting a visa organised! The rules are subject to change at a moment’s notice and you never know what the land border will actually be like. All I can say is do your research, (politely) refuse to pay bribes that you don’t have to, and get organised in advance.

Luckily, most Southeast Asian countries have pretty straightforward visa requirements. Tourism is their bread and butter after all.

• Visa on arrival: Visa-free travel, 30 days for most countries.
• Extension: Yes, one-time, usually for 30 additional days, $60.
• Notes: Those arriving by land usually receive a 15-day visa-free waiver.
• Visa on arrival: Yes, but only for a small group of countries.
• Evisa: Yes, 30-day validity, $25, longer stays possible.
• Extension:  Yes, but you’ll need to leave the country and reapply for the evisa.
• Notes: Evisas are not valid at many border crossings.
• Visa on arrival: Yes, 30 days for most countries, $37.
• Evisa: Yes, same price and length as visa-on-arrival.
• Extension: Yes, one-time, usually for 30 additional days, $48.
• Notes: If crossing from Laos or Thailand, visas will cost more if you pay in baht or kip.
• Visa on arrival: Yes, 30-day validity, $35.
• Evisa: Yes, 30-days, price varies
• Extension: Yes, $2/day, filed in Vientiane .
• Notes:  The evisa is inconvenient, most travelers may opt for visa-on-arrivals.
• Visa on arrival: Yes, 90-day validity, no charge.
• Extension: Possible at embassy.
• Notes: Malaysia is very easy to enter but takes overstays very seriously.
• Visa on arrival: Yes, between 30-90 days, free.
• Extension: Possible to file online.
• Notes: Like Malaysia – easy to get in, just don’t overstay.
• Visa on arrival: Yes, 30-day validty for most nations, $35.
• Extension: Only available to those with visa-on-arrival or prearranged visa.
• Notes: Foerginers can enter Indonesia on a visa-waiver program for free but they will not be able to extend stay. Some ports of entry require prearranged visa.
• Visa on arrival: Visa-waiver (30-day validity) or visa-on-arrival (59-day validity) available.
• Extension: Possible for those with visa-on-arrival.
• Notes:  You will need proof of an outbound flight to enter the Philippines.

The most popular and rewarding way of independent travel in Southeast Asia is to rent or buy a motorbike. It also helps if you can rent for longer periods of time. Most shops in Bali charge around $5 a day for a motorbike, but I was able to rent one for only $50 a month!

With a full tank of gas costing only around $1, you can cover a lot of ground without burning a hole in your wallet if you’ve got a long-term motorbike rental. Pair this with a proper motorcycle tent , and you’ll hardly ever spend a dime!

Common Types of Transport in Southeast Asia

You can easily buy a bike in Thailand or Vietnam (or anywhere really) and then pass it on to a local or fellow traveller when your time backpacking Southeast Asia is through. Don’t buy the first piece of shit bike you come across!

If possible, try to get the bike checked out by someone who knows bikes. It would be a shame to buy a bike just to have it break down the next day. Again, always wear a fucking helmet!

Taking local buses and trains (when possible) is the most economical way of getting around. Sometimes, this will mean rocking up at the bus or train station and sussing out a ticket, but it’s getting easier than ever to sort your journeys in advance.

Bookaway is an epic online booking platform where you can book bus, train, and ferry tickets in advance for a nominal fee – this is way better than rocking up at the bus or train station and hoping you can get a ticket – because sometimes you can’t.

One can find budget flights in Southeast Asia, but these flights and taking ferry boats to the islands add up. So pick and choose where you want to go and budget accordingly.

For short distances,  tuk-tuks are your best bet just keep an eye on your shit and keep your wits about you when in a tuk-tuk . Luckily, Grab (similar to Uber) is now readily available in several countries in the region, including Thailand!

Grab is hands down the best way to get around cities, the price is locked in on the app so you can’t get ripped off, AND it will always work out cheaper than travelling by taxi or rickshaw.

Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia

Hitchhiking should not prove to be too difficult and in some countries, it is fairly easy to get picked up. You have to be persistent and make sure the locals understand where you need to go or you will end up getting dropped at a bus station.

Some locals decide to turn their car into a taxi cab the minute they spot a foreigner on the highway. I would never assume that the ride is free initially. Always ask to avoid having an awkward scenario in which the driver who picked you up is demanding an unexpected fee.

Due to the large number of backpackers riding motorbikes across Southeast Asia, it is possible to score a ride with some fellow travellers. Generally, hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though you still have to be smart and use good judgment.

Onwards Travel from Southeast Asia

Whether you are heading home or carrying on travelling, budget international flights are your best bet. Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur is where you will find the lowest prices.

India and South Asia may beckon the vagabond to continue their travels. Or, Australia and New Zealand might get the backpacker to settle down in a sense and get a backpacking job .

Many backpackers pop over to Australia or New Zealand for 6 months to a year on a working holiday visa, make some cash, and come right back to Southeast Asia for their second round of backpacking escapades.

• Backpacking Australia
• Backpacking New Zealand
• Backpacking Fiji
• Backpacking Oceania

Working in Southeast Asia is certainly popular – though not especially lucrative. Scoring a gig as an ex-pat of some kind is always great, but most backpackers won’t fall into that category. Since work visas are sometimes difficult to get, a lot of the work ends up being done under the table.

That’s not to say it’s all dodgy run businesses, of course. There are a surprising amount of opportunities for backpackers to find work in Asia, but don’t expect to make a lot of money. You’re here for the lifestyle and experience, not the cash.

Popular jobs include dive instructor, English teacher, or some kind of hospitality. How easy it is to get a job will depend on the country. But a more popular way of making money while on the road in Asia is to work as a freelancer or digital nomad – this is where Asia truly shines.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

The Digital Nomad Scene in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is THE most popular place for digital nomads to base themselves (based on recent digital nomad stats ). Places like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Bali are thriving nomad hubs that attract people from all over the world. Kuala Lumpur and many large Vietnamese cities are quickly following suit.

Southeast Asia is a paradise for remote workers for many reasons:

• The cost of living is very low.
• Internet is ubiquitous and reliable.
• Expat communities are strong.
• Local economies are booming.
• Visas relatively easy to organize.
• Conferences and events are frequently organized.
• There’s a lot to do in your free time.

If you’re a digital nomad or someone who wants to give the lifestyle a try, you can’t go wrong living in Southeast Asia.

Teaching English in Southeast Asia

For another way of living or extending your trip to Southeast Asia, people have been teaching English abroad for a long time. Though you won’t always need one, having a TEFL certificate will increase your chances of scoring a gig.

We suggest using MyTEFL to get accredited. Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50 ).

I think that working as an English teacher does give you a deeper appreciation of the country that you’re travelling in. You spend time fostering connections to a place and you are, ultimately, teaching people a skill that will carry them far in life.

Volunteering in Southeast Asia

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Southeast Asia including teaching, construction, agriculture, and pretty much anything.

There are so many different volunteer opportunities in Southeast Asia to suit any skill set. You could support communities doing social work in Vietnam, help out on farms in Thailand, teach English in Cambodia, or volunteer in a hostel in Laos.

Other opportunities include bartending, doing community work, and web development. Short-term volunteers should apply for a tourist visa before arriving, but you’ll need the appropriate permits to stay longer depending on what country you’re in. 

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are great places to start looking for volunteer work – but it doesn’t cover you for everything . Always tread with extra caution, especially if you’re working with kids or animals.

Ask the average Joe what they know about the history of Southeast Asia and most will be able to think as far back as the Vietnam War, maybe the Japanese occupation of Thailand. Beyond that, Southeast Asia is kind of a mystery.

But the history of Southeast Asia is long, complex, varied, and extremely fascinating. Before the Europeans arrived – the French in Vietnam, English in Burma, and Dutch in Indonesia – there were great kingdoms: the Toungoo, Khmer, and Malaca Sultanate, to name a few. Through these channels, Buddhism, Islam, trade, and science all flowed.

It is quite difficult to talk about “Southeast Asian Culture” because it would be a generalization; there are just so many different aspects.

What travellers SHOULD know about Southeast Asia is that it is, in fact, way deeper than it seems. Thanks to a long history of colonization that dates back before the Europeans – Indians, Arabs, and the East Asians all settled in SE Asia – the region is enormously diverse. Food, religion, politics, customs, all of the things that SE Asia does so well, come in part from external sources.

Of course, the colours of people’s personalities also change from country to country. Thais are legendarily nice (and open to just about anything). Malaysians are incredibly diverse ethnically and thus incredibly tolerable. Cambodians are the most laidback people in Southeast Asia by far. All of these traits become more obvious as you spend time in each country.

Don’t stay on the established Southeast Asian backpacking route if you want to get to know the locals. Koh San Road, Hanoi’s Beer Street, Kuta, and all the other tourist hotspots are poor representations of the culture.

The real Southeast Asia is found at the plastic tables on the street, inside the bike repair shops, and in the dusty corners of the region.

There are people who go backpacking in Southeast Asia just for the food. And for good reason, too: it’s fantastic! More than just delicious, it’s also cheap and hugely varied depending on where you are.

You can definitely expect a lot of rice, noodles, and curry in Southeast Asia. Luckily though, no two of these are ever the same. For example, noodles in Vietnam are traditionally served in broth ( pho being the most famous). Thailand, on the other hand, usually prefers dry noodles.

This is just the tip of the gastronomic iceberg that is food in Southeast Asia. And honestly, it’s really difficult to lump everything into one category. I will simply say that countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand consistently rank among the most delicious in the world, every year.

Because of its tropical climate, the fruit in Southeast Asia is also ridiculously good. Borneo is practically the Garden of Eden where just about everything grows, and the local markets in all the major cities have incredible selections to choose from. Be prepared to eat lots of fruit on your backpacking trip, especially bananas when served with pancakes.

I definitely recommend eating at the local markets and street food stalls. The prices are super low and the food is just as good as anything you’d find in a restaurant. Just keep on an eye out for sanitation – make sure the food is fresh and things look clean (enough).

Food to Try in Southeast Asia

There are some dishes you simply HAVE to try when you go to Southeast Asia:

• Banh Mi Thit (Vietnam) – The best sandwich in Asia.
• Pho (Vietnam) – Noodles served in broth w/ extras.
• Pad Thai (Thailand) – Dry noodles w/ peanut sauce and chilis.
• Tom Yung Goong (Thailand) – Soup made with lemongrass, herbs, and shrimp.
• Satay (Malaysia, Indonesia) – Grilled meat skewers.
• Fish Amok (Cambodia) – Spicy fish coconut curry served in a banana leaf
• Burmese Curry (Myanmar) – Local take on the dish that is famously good.
• Shan-style noodles (Myanmar) – Thin-sliced, flat noodles.
• Nasi Goreng (Indonesia) – Fried rice.
• Chili crab (Singapore) – Singapore’s claim to fame.
• Larb/Laap (Laos, Cambodia) – Beef salad with lots of seasoning.
• Tam Mak Houng (Laos) – Spicy green papaya salad.

Southeast Asia is a fantastic budget destination that is great for your everyday travels, but it’s also amazing because it allows you to splurge on some truly unique experiences.

You can go surfing, sky diving, bungee jumping, or any number of exciting things! But there are two big-ticket items that grabbed my heart more than any other: trekking and SCUBA diving .

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Trekking in Southeast Asia

Each country in Southeast Asia offers up trekking experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Whether you prefer guided or independent trekking, there is ample hiking on hand for every backpacker to enjoy. Pack yourself the right adventure gear , and go do something crazy!

• Taman Negara, Malaysia : Explore the oldest rainforest in the world and spend the night in a bungalow in the jungle (for free).
• Kibungan Circuit, The Philippines: A 3-mountain circuit in the town of Kibungan in Benguet . The circuit, which takes anywhere from 2 to 3 days to complete, spans across the mountains of Tagpaya , Oten , and Tagpew .
• Shan State, Myanmar : Shan state is a popular place to go trekking and there are some great hikes around Kachin state as well. You will likely encounter no other travelers whilst trekking here.
• Phongsali, Laos : If you want to get off-the-grid and go trekking in Laos, I recommend making the long journey to the northern town of Phongsali . Though tough to reach, it’s equally rewarding for trekkers. While there isn’t much to do in the actual town, there are plenty of opportunities to visit remote hill tribes through the Provincial Tourism Office.
• Ring of Fire, Indonesia: While the beautiful beaches in Indonesia may be the major draw for tourists, there are also plenty of opportunities for adventures on land. Located in the Ring of Fire, Indonesia is home to well over 100 volcanoes. Trekking to the summit of some of these volcanoes is one experience you won’t want to miss when backpacking Indonesia. In addition to the aforementioned Mt. Bromo  and  Mt. Rinjani , you can also scale  Mt. Agung on Bali or  Mt. Egon on Flores .

Scuba Diving in Southeast Asia

If you have been paying attention, you should be aware now that Southeast Asia is fucking paradise when it comes to scuba diving. Without a doubt, Southeast Asia is the cheapest place in the world to become a certified diver. That fact coupled with some of the best dive sites in the world make scuba diving a no-brainer whilst you are backpacking Southeast Asia.

If you want to go diving in Thailand, go for it! Though I must reinforce how great diving is in Malaysia and Indonesia. The reef systems are in better shape and you won’t have to contend with quite so many tourists. Bali has loads of diving sites , and that’s just the start of the underwater sightseeing.

And if you aren’t up to learning to SCUBA, then you can always learn to freedive or snorkel. There is truly a whole other world waiting to be discovered once you leave the surface!

You’ve got questions about Southeast Asia and we’ve got answers!

Is backpacking in Southeast Asia safe?

Yes. Violent crime against tourists is very low in this part of the world – and even petty theft isn’t that common. That being said, you should still watch out for your valuables in very touristy areas. The thing to watch out for here is food/water bugs that can really knock your health back.

Where can I backpack in Southeast Asia?

Currently, all countries in Southeast Asia are open for backpackers, though Myanmar is still (sadly) risky to visit.

How long do you need to backpack Southeast Asia?

A backpacker could get a good idea of the region by spending 3 – 6 months there. Really, you could spend a lifetime exploring Southeast Asia and still have oodles left to explore. But this is enough time to explore a heap of places without feeling too rushed.

How much does it cost to backpack Southeast Asia for 6 months?

Southeast Asia is a blessing to broke backpackers. You can live comfortably here on $10 a day and splurge every so often on unique experiences. Including flights, insurance, and wiggle room within your budget, 6 months in Southeast Asia should cost between $5000 – $10 000.

What’s the best country to backpack in Southeast Asia?

This is a contentious question! My personal favourite is Vietnam simply because their food is my favourite. Aside from that, it’s cheap, full of epic motorbike adventures, and deadly rice wine!

Be good to Southeast Asia. It’s an incredible region that truly does have a little bit of something for everyone – all while being super cheap. We risk ruining a place when we don’t appreciate how special it is, and Asia is pretty freaking special.

Whether you stop by just one of its countries for a short SCUBA diving trip, or whether you get lost on the banana pancake trail for a year or so, you know you’re in for a good time. There are rice paddies, ancient temples, piles of spicy noodles, and some of the friendliest faces in the world waiting for you here.

Now, I hope I’ve been a source of inspiration in this guide but I also hope you’re ready to forge your own path through this great region. Because there are so many offbeat adventures and epic trekking to be done – you don’t need to get lost in the endless supply of cheap beer.

So off you go, you broke backpacker! I hope to see you deep in the Malaysian jungle or ordering your fifth banh mi of the week in Vietnam. Whatever you choose to do in Southeast Asia, it’s sure to be an adventure.

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Updated February 2023

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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40 Comments

Hi! Me and a friend of mine are planning on backpacking in Asia from start of April to beginning of July. The only problem is, we are scared it is going to be too hot and humid. We are both from norway and not really used to super high temeratures, so my question is basically: what route can we take, without dying from the extreme heat? It does not have to be in the southeast of asia, but more asia in general. Love your website btw. Love from 20 year old adventurers and coldblooded girl.

Head to the islands, riversides and coastlines. If you are really struggling, follow the lead of locals and do things early morning and late evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Dress appropriately in layers that you easily remove. Keeping properly hydrated will also help you acclimatise .

Hi there, anyone who has read this brilliant article should definitely try out south east Asia, there are so many amazing experiences on offer. Me and my partner took six months off work a few years back and decided to go travelling around southeast Asia. We visited Vietnam first, then Laos then we discovered our new home – Thailand which is where we spent most of our time as we fell in love with the people, the culture and just the country in whole. We loved it so much that we decided to take the leap and move to the island of Koh Samui. We hope to one day be as travelled as the owners of this amazing blog. 10 out of 10 read!

This was amazing…leaving in 3 days for a year to SE Asia and this post nearly brought me to tears of joy with the emotions it generated. So excited about what is to come!

Superb blog

Will, thank You for the effort and time You invested in writing this informative and useful article about backpacking around southeast Asia. Also, I really appreciate the fact that through this article You inspire other people to travel on a budget, which is something that I also encourage 🙂 Keep up the great work!

Hi Will, thanks for the info! Two questions: Can one easily get through customs when you enter a country and stay for thirty days without having a return ticket back to the US and not knowing what country you will visit next? I bought a one way ticket from San Francisco to Singapore and going to make up my trip as I go over 6 months. 2nd question: Is it safe to leave your MacBook or other valuables in a hostel while you are at the beach? How do you protect your belongings when you want to go swimming and your stuff is on the beach. Thank you for your answers!

Hi Jamie, great to hear from you!

Regarding return tickets and immigration, every country and airline has a different policy on return and onward tickets. Yes, even your airline can refuse to fly you if they feel it’s a risk immigration at the other end may not allow you entry based on a one way ticket. Your best bet is to research throughly on forums and travel sites to see the experiences of others. There are some destinations that are well known for NOT allowing entry without an onward ticket, such as The Philippines. Other destinations may allow you entry with none, some may allow you to say you are leaving overland on an approximate date. It’s a calculated risk, onward ticket companies, expensive full refundable tickets and cheap throw away tickets are also options if you find yourself if a pinch.

Unfortunately its a fact of long term travel, eventually you will probably have stuff stolen, lost or broken, no matter how careful or diligent you are. Following are my golden rules for reducing the bad feels of such an experience as much as possible.

1. Back up your shit, regularly! Ultimately the data inside the device will prove far more valuable to you than the device itself. 2. Lock up your shit, don’t leave your stuff unattended in dorms or on the beach, keep your valuables on you if possible when travelling and lock things away while in accommodation. 3. If you have a bad vibe about a place or person, follow your feeling and use your common sense. 4. If you have expensive gear, insure it correctly, make sure you know where the receipts are before your trip. 5. If something happens, get a police report. 6. Don’t take anything travelling with you that you aren’t willing to have lost, stolen or trashed. Leave it at home. 7. When it’s gone, it’s gone. Theft can happen anywhere, don’t spend too long dwelling on the event or let it be a singularly defining experience of a destination.

Have a great trip!

Great blog, really good and usefull info in it. Thanks a lot.

I would so recommend getting vaccinations in the country once you arrive – we got them at medconsult clinic ( a british doctor based in Bangkok), saved a fortune compared to the UK for the exact same vaccine – got typhoid, japanese encephalitis and a hep b booster done.

Excellent information! Thanks for sharing.

I am really appreciative of this blog post. My boyfriend and I had been dreaming of backpacking SE Asia on a shoestring budget for some time now. He is Norwegian, and I am from the USA, but have been living with him in Oslo for the last three months. My visa extension was just denied, and he cannot get a visa for the US until January, so, we decided to push up our dreams and go backpacking and not be split up! We are starting in Bali, May 16th and I had NO idea where to go after that. I want to be adventurous and go where the wind blows, but also have some sort of a plan as we are on the smallest of budgets and HAVE to figure out how to make some money online, or find volunteer locations to house us. Anyway, this has helped me so much, as we are planning a 6 month trip right now, and are leaving in less than a month!

Thanks for dropping by! We hope that your backpacking trip in SE Asia is amazing!

What a long list of South East Asian countries to visit. The photos you used here just enticed me to add some of these places that I haven’t visited in my bucket list! I can’t wait!

Such amazing post!!

Thanks man!

Great post! I cannot wait to visit Asia next summer, my friend and I are looking for volunteering opportunities in Asia, we would like to know if it is possible and easy to find as we tavel around. We will really appreciate any kind of information about that.

If you’d like to find work as you travel through Southeast Asia, then try asking around English schools. Otherwise, Worldpackers is an excellent way to find work exchanges as well.

Thanks for the informative travel guide! My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Thailand in June and were looking for something like this! We are planning on staying in Southeast Asia for a while, so we have plenty of time to do everything there is to do.

This may be the best travel article I have ever read and I have read a lot! Massive amount of useful information and I love that you added in the message about being respectful as a backpacker. I was actually warned in Japan by a young Belgian girl working at a hostel that drunk backpackers had a negative impact on her trip thru Vietnam. I’m on an 8 month trip thru Asia but do to some rookie mistakes will only have 3 weeks to get from Ha Tien, Vietnam to Singapore. Super disappointed not to have more time to explore Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia but your article gave me hope that I will at least see some amazing things along the mad dash. Thank you for all the time and effort!

Really glad you found this guide helpful and informative. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

I saw your Myanmar political situation post was made in February, do you know if there has been any change in government?

Just a little correction Will. Its “Lake Toba” not “Lake Tabo”. It`s in the 2nd paragraph below the Penang street art image. Anyway, if you guys planning on visiting West Sumatera, Sipora Island or Nias Island hit me up for some local tips.

Thanks for the correction, cheers!

Love his advice, thank you! Would you say it’s cheaper and better to do backpacking alone on a whim with rough idea of things to do rather than paying for a set tour prior to arriving? Some set tours are like 2500 excluding flights and I’m just wondering if it would be cheaper to get to Thailand, get a bike and then do any internal train bus journeys whenever I want.

Personally, I think paying for a tour in an ‘easy’ country like Thailand is a waste of money. Go with the flow, it’s probably the easiest region in the world to explore 🙂

Hi, Dig the site. Thanks for setting it up. My name is John. I’m from Texas. I’m currently in The Philippines. Looking for the best deal on a round trip ticket, from Manila to Cambodia, and back again . Any helpful hints?

Not a flight hacker or travel agent brother 😉

Wow @ Will – super extensive write up! Some of our friends just asked us for recommendations how to travel SE Asia. We send them your post together with our own experiences (which were much less exhaustive). 🙂

I see you mentioned that the hammock tent has been quite useful, though regards to safety, sleeping out in the open with your belongings. What exactly do you do with your pack and such? Also as a solo female traveler, would you still recommend this mode of accommodation?

Hammocking, and hammock tents, are an awesome way to sleep out as they don’t weigh as much as a traditional tent… However, I would not encourage sleeping out in a hammock EVERYWHERE – You need to pick your spot wisely, make sure it’s cool to camp there etc. I keep all my valuables in a daypack which acts as my pillow. My main pack I put under the hammock.

Truly an amazing post filled with so much information and more. Me and my boyfriend are planning to travel south east Asia for 7 weeks at the end of the year. You have given me so much information for us to digest and use. Thank you so much!

You are very welcome! Happy to be of service 🙂 Have an awesome time traveling in Southeast Asia!

Dude this was an epic write up and has gotten my partner and myself super excited to head off on our 6 month journey to South East Asia in October. Looks like Malaysia has now made the cut, and we are looking into adding The Philippines back on the agenda after getting some pretty mixed reviews. Wise words and sound advice, thanks again!

You are welcome! I’m glad you find it useful 😀

Great post!

I just came back from Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines, and I am 100% going back. Beautiful countries and each with their own unique cultures as well. I went for 40 days! Here’s a video of my travels:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osXq2N6e5aA&t=4s

I hope it inspires everyone to travel to these same places I did! 🙂

What a RAD article…thank you 🙂 I am about to embark on my first backpacking adventure around SEA and this was really helpful!

Great Post! Could get some very good information for my own worldtravel. Which country is your favorite one?

Myanmar and Thailand are my favourites…

As a seasoned spearfisher, I really need to put Asia on my agenda. I actually have a trip planned for the end of this year for Thailand and will definitely look into some fishing whilst I am there. I am only afraid of one thing. That I won’t want to return home!

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Where Should You Travel In South East Asia? My Backpacking Mini Guide

Trying to figure out where to backpack and travel in South East Asia? Here’s my overview of everywhere I’ve travelled in this amazing part of the world to help you plan!

Travelling in South East Asia is freaking amazing – the sights, the sounds, the smells ( ok so maybe not all of the smells! ) …it’s a huge bombardment for the senses in the best possible way!

Over the last few years I’ve spent a considerable amount of time exploring this part of the world and everytime I return I wonder why I’ve spent so long away from it!

With so many amazing countries to explore and an abundance of experiences to get involved in there’s no wonder why this part of the world is a favourite for backpackers – the low living costs, amazing cultures and sheer variety mean no matter what your budget, style and interests there’s something for everyone in this South East Asia.

It’s also an area that you guys seem super keen to find out more about too, posts like “ How Much To Budget For A Month In Thailand ” and my “ Thailand Mini Guide ” are some of my most read blogs – in fact the budget post has been viewed over 120,000 times!

How crazy is that?!

Since I’m putting together my next set of South East Asia travel plans I thought I’d share a quick run down of all the countries I’ve explored to help you guys decide which to fit into your own travel plans and a quick overview of what to expect.

There’s obviously some countries missing (like Burma, Japan, China etc….) but hopefully it’ll get you even more stoked for backpacking South East Asia!

UPDATES; Vietnam is now included following my trip there in Dec 2015!  Sri Lanka is now included following my two trips there in early 2016! Maldives is now included too after my trips there in 2016, 2017 and 2018!

Where Should You Travel In South East Asia? My Backpacking Mini Guide

The land of a thousand smiles is one of the most popular countries to travel in South East Asia, Bangkok is a huge international hub making it an easy and cheap place to fly into and the position of Thailand means it’s a great bouncing point to head off into other countries afterwards.

The common overland trail of Bangkok down to Singapore is an easy route to tackle and there’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful country too.

Whether you fancy learning to scuba dive in Koh Tao , island hopping over on Koh Phi Phi , tackling the infamous Khao San Road in Bangkok or chilling up in the jungle in hippie spots like Pai there’s plenty of adventure to be had and it’s a spot I’ve been drawn back to time and time again.

With a solid tourism infrastructure Thailand is the perfect country to introduce you to travelling in Asia too whilst still retaining heaps of culture, food and backpacker goodness, so there’s no wonder it’s heaps popular!

Pros : Cheap living costs, plenty of activities, easy to travel, great backpacker community, amazing food, huge variety of places to explore, cheap international airport, great starting point

Cons : can be a bit too touristy in places, maybe not off the beaten path enough for some people

I’ll admit now that Laos is probably my least favourite country in South East Asia.

There, I said it!

I really should head back and give it another chance though as it’s also the country I’ve spent the least amount of time in!

Having overlanded from Thailand I did massively enjoy Luang Prabang though and the waterfalls outside the town are some of the most incredible I’ve swum in around the globe!

The debauchery of Vang Vieng kind of tainted Laos for me – however this has now been shaken up and apparently it’s now and incredible spot for adventure tourism apparently, all the more reason to go re evaluate it!

The biggest let down for me though was the food. Considering the amazing culinary countries it’s surrounded by I thought Laos was a bit rubbish when it came to eating, which never puts me in a good mood…and that’s even before I went veggie.

Still if you want to tackle the 2 day slow boat over from Chang Mai and explore there’s plenty on offer including spots like Luang Prabang, Vietianne, Vang Vieng and the 1000 Islands.

It also fits in super nicely if you’re looping down into Cambodia too so it slots into most SEAsia travel itineraries pretty fluidly.

Explore waterfalls, delve into the history of the most bombed country in the world or try and spot the illusive pink river dolphins there’s a great variety of stops and experiences.

Pros : fits well into the South East Asia loop, cheap living costs, variety of things to do

Cons : I didn’t like the food, the 2 day slow boat from Chang Mai isn’t for everyone, some big distances between spots

Cambodia is easily one of my favourite places in South East Asia – I love it there!

Not only is it INSANELY cheap ( less than 30p for a beer in the pub! ) it’s super easy to get around and there’s a great cross section of things to explore.

Go all Tomb Raider and check out the epic temples of Angkor Wat , explore the darker history of Cambodia at S21 and the Killing Fields, meet some elephants at the Wildlife Alliance , party on Pub Street, relax on the amazing island of Koh Rong in the south of the country or even shoot and AK47 !

For me it’s the perfect companion to Thailand when it comes to a shorter stint of 4-6 weeks in Asia.

The best thing about Cambodia though is the people, I felt so welcomed by all the locals I met and they were genuinely friendly and smiley despite the recent and dark events they’ve been through. It’s a testament to the spirit of this amazing country.

Pros : super cheap, relatively easy to get around, great variety of history culture and beaches, a bit easier to get off the beaten track than the like of Thailand

Cons : avoid the border crossing scams , not cheap to fly directly into internationally

Vietnam is the most recent spot in South East Asia that I’ve explored and I have one take away from it –  why didn’t I travel there sooner?!

I spent 3 weeks travelling up the coast from Ho Chi Min City to Hanoi after heading overland there from Cambodia and to be honest 3 weeks just wasn’t enough!

From the moped chaos of Ho Chi Min to the beautiful lanterns of Hoi An. The crisp mountain air of Dalat and the stunning sand dunes of Mui Ne – Vietnam has so much to see and do.

And the coffee?! Oh the coffee! It’s totally ruined coffee for me but it was well worth it for 3 weeks filled with ice coffee, brewed coffee and egg coffee…so if you head that way make the most of it.

As with most spots in Asia is was super easy to organise transport throughout ( I used overland buses, internal flights and mini buses ) and there was plenty of accommodation for all levels of budget and style.

Check out my Vietnam Mini Guide for more info on where I headed and what I got up to!

I didn’t spend crazy amounts of time in Malaysia as I made my way overland to Bangkok from Singapore but it was certainly a country I enjoyed, despite only scratching the surface.

The capital – Kuala Lumpur – is the hub of Air Asia so it’s a really easy and cheap country to fly into and use as a connecting point to the rest of South East Asia and beyond…including some super cheap flight details to the likes of Australia, Japan and Indonesia!

When it comes to other things to do the area of Penang is world famous for it’s food ( seems I like my South East Asia cuisine hey?! ) and is well worth a stop off, as is Kuala Lumpur for some amazing shots of the Petronas Towers .

But for me the highlight of Malaysia was my stay on the Perhentian Islands on the East Coast – they were stunning!

As part of the main overland routing through Asia it’s dead easy to get around although the distances do involve some fairly hectic night buses, sometimes it’s actually easier and cheap to double back to Kuala Lumpur and fly to the next destination!haha!

Pros : great island hopping, amazing destination for foodies, hub for budget airline Air Asia

Cons : not the best spot if you don’t like cities, some overland routings are a bit hectic and long

Since I don’t like cities Singapore has always served as a stopover between international flight paths and I’ve never stayed more than a few days in the city.

Still as far as cities go Singapore is one of the cleanest and most efficient places I’ve ever stayed! 

Make sure you head down to the Marina Bay Sands and surrounding parks in the afternoon to take some awesome shots and watch the city skyline light up at night.

I can highly recommend staying at Matchbox Concept Hostel in China Town if you fancy sampling a few nights in a pod hostel amongst one of the more eclectic areas of the city.

My highlight here was the Singapore Night Safari which is a pretty unique and unusual, although I’m not really a zoo person anymore – slightly spoiled by my safari in South Africa!

Still if you’re in Singapore it’s one of the top rated things to do!

And of course you can head to Raffles and sample the original Singapore Sling…a bit of a budget buster though as Singapore comes with a much heftier price tag than the rest of South East Asia, so be warned! But check out these budget tips for Singapore to help you out.

Pros: great for connecting international flights, super clean city

Cons: not crazy amounts of things to do, high price tag, it’s a city!

The Philippines

For me The Philippines ticks all the boxes for an epic travel destination.

There’s incredible scuba diving, loads of wildlife, island hopping and of course surf spots too!

In fact I’m annoyed that I didn’t head there sooner – but better late than never hey!?

I’ve spent time in Manila, Siargao, Bohol , Palawan , El Nido and Coron now and I’ve had an absolute blast! There’s so many things to see and do – from swimming with whale sharks to surfing in Siargao and with over 7,000 islands to explore there’s plenty of scope to get off the tourist trail and have a solid adventure.

For me the highlight of The Philippines are the people themselves – much like Cambodia they’re incredibly friendly – but Filipinos also speak really good English which just makes everything heaps easier and is a huge plus to travelling around there!

In fact there’s very little not to like about the Philippines and the only real negative is the fact that because it’s a huge network of islands you need to plan a bit more and that usually involves splashing out on internal flights.

Still that’s a small price to pay to explore some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited and it comes highly recommended!

Pros:  cheap cost, heaps of island to explore, something for everyone, great surf, less touristy than much of SEAsia, extremely friendly locals, everyone speaks English!

Cons:  internal flight costs, need to plan route in advance

Indonesia & Bali

Despite all the amazing places to explore, surf is the main attraction in Indonesia…for me at least!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn or already love the waves then Indo and Bali are packed for of epic surf spots – from the world famous Uluwatu to Red Island in Java, Medewi and many more in between. If this is the reason you’re heading that way jump on a Bali surf charter to make the most of it!

Kuta is actually the base I use in Bali due to the fact it’s heaps cheap and walking distance from the beach but if you’re really looking to experience some more of what it has to offer spots like the Gili Islands and Ubud are always a good shout.

Explore monkey terraces, temples, learn to freedive or scuba dive alongside turtles and the famous Liberty Shipwreck  or head further West and visit Komodo, there’s a lot of options for travelling in Indonesia!

Big spots like Bali are tourist meccas and won’t be favoured by a lot of travellers but there’s so much opportunity to stray from the beaten path. Again cheap living, awesome culture and amazing food all make Indonesia a firm favourite in my book and I’m always heading back for more!

Pros:  cheap cost, lots of variety, pumping surf, amazing culture, lots of opportunity to get well off the beaten track

Cons:  Bali is very touristy, crowded lineups, transport can be tricky outside of main tourist hubs

I only spent a few weeks in Taiwan quite recently and from what I experienced it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

On one hand there is heaps of culture and amazing food to discover – but the West coast is pretty much one huge city…which are never my cup of tea!

The East coast on the other hand is full of natural beauty and surprisingly good surf too! The first part of my trip was with Island Rhythm Surf Tours and we scored some awesome waves surfing in Kenting and it was a great intro to the country, especially considering the language barrier out there.

The main downside for me thought was the cost, as Taiwan is more expensive than a lot of other South East Asia countries, not so much for food – but accommodation was around $15USD for a dorm bed!

Even though cities aren’t something I’m a huge fan of Taipei offered up some interesting experiences – including toilet themed restaurants, awesome views overlooking the Taipei 101 building and even love motels!

It wouldn’t be my first suggestion, but for anyone looking for something different Taiwan is somewhere to consider.

Pros: big culture shock, lots of amazing food, well of the main South East Asia backpacker route

Cons:  language barrier can be an issue, more costly than a lot of other Asian destinations, West Coast is one large city, can be difficult as a  vegetarian!

Sri Lanka is somewhere that wasn’t really high on my to do list – but when the tourism board of Sri Lanka invited me to come and explore what it had to offer I wasn’t going to turn it down!

And I’m glad I didn’t – Sri Lanka turned out to be an amazing place to explore and it’s somewhere I’d highly recommend! Sure it’s not as easy to bounce around as spots like Thailand or Cambodia but there are heaps of things to do in Sri Lanka and loads of awesome destinations to see!

From tuk tuk safaris in Columbo and tea plantations in the centre to whale watching in Marissa and incredible temples in Kandy –  it’s a land filled with amazing food, scenery and people!

And for ocean lovers the South West Coast from Ahangama to Mirissa offers heaps of epic Sri Lanka surf spots to hit up too! Winning!

Pros: more off the beaten track than a lot of Asia, incredible food, huge variety of locations and activities

Cons:  not as easy to get around as other Asian destinations, finding good hostels can be tricky

The Maldives

For me the Maldives was always somewhere I’d thought of as well out of my price range – a honeymoon destination. But when my Maldivian buddy Ni invited me over I decided it was the perfect excuse to see if budget travel in the Maldives was possible.

And I’m super stoked to say it really wasn’t as costly as I thought it would be! Sure it’s not as cheap as Thailand but it’s certainly cheaper than spots like Australia or New Zealand…and you’re in the freaking Maldives !

Stunning beaches, pumping surf and epic diving are all on the cards with this amazing destination and whether you decided to keep it cheap enjoying local island like Fulidhoo, surfing on Himmafushi splash out on a luxury resort the Maldives should certainly be part of your Asian adventure!

If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives  check out some epic Maldives tours over at RTW Backpackers

Pros:  absolutely stunning beaches, huge variety of islands, amazing surfing, amazing scuba diving, not swarming with tourists, lots of budget flights options now

Cons: not heaps of info available on how to get around on the cheap, not as budget friendly as other Asian destination, island hopping different Atolls can add up quickly

And There’s So Much More!

And of course there are so many other locations in Asia to explore too – so if you hit up any awesome locations I haven’t let me know some tips in the comments!

One of the glaring omissions is obviously Myanmar/Burma – so check out this mini itinerary for some tips on there. Borneo, Hong Kong and China should also be spots you look into including as well!

…hopefully I’ll get to visit them soon!

Have you travelled to South East Asia?

Any hints, tips or comments on where to go and where to avoid, related posts.

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17 comments

Glad you had a chance to see Southeast Asia. Sounds like a great trip. Have you been to Phuket?

Hey Jack – I’ve spent heaps of time there over the last few years, always get drawn back! Indeed I hit up Phuket a bit whilst doing my dive training in Phi Phi!

When we last went to Thailand, we wanted to combine Cambodia as well…but unfortunately my daughter’s school didn’t allow us the flexibility. But it is definitely on the plan now.

The fact that it will be our third trip in last one year…we will have to keep it cheap as well. So Cambodia, works!

Enjoy – Cambodia is an amazing spot to explore and definitely one of the cheapest places in Asia!

There’s a LOT to see in Southeast Asia. So far I touched Singapore, Malaysia. And I’m yearning to see a heck-of-a-lot more… Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Macau, Cambodia are among the top of the “delicacies” I’d like to see… In fact, I think Southeast Asia is one of the World’s most exciting places.

Totally agree – there’s so much more I want to explore too!

There’s a nice surfing hotspot in the Philippines’s Pacific Coast. Google Siargao. But that would be another plane ride. Another option is Baler, which is a bus ride away from Manila.

Good to know there’s a surf spot closer to Manila – might have to check it out!

Really great guide! Some potentially controversial statements regarding Laos there, but I actually often give a lukewarm recommendation for it as well. While Luang Prabang is very nice, the distances are long and there’s not too many points of interest, so if you’re pressed for time it’s possibly one country to overlook. I love the Philippines a lot as well – underrated gem!

Hey Marek, Yeah I know I’m sure heaps of people will disagree with my Laos statement, but hey got to give an honest personal opinion and considering all the amazing places around it I’d never put it top of my to do list! Cant wait to get back to PH soon!

Gosh there is just so much to see in South East Asia! I love travelling this part of the world, and hope to see as much of it and as many countries as possible.

If you ever have a chance to visit Singapore again and for a few days longer than just passing through you should check out the less touristic, less expensive places like Little India and Arab Street. China Town has lots to offer as well… although I do agree that Singapore is definitely pricey especially if you are on a typical backpacker’s budget. But, you can’t visit Singapore without visiting some of the Hawker centres! Those are basically the local food markets – cheap local food, a genuine experience. Cheers!

Cheers for the tips – I may well be passing through there again next year so I’ll put them on my to do list!

Hey Chris, cheers for the run down of your Search Asia travel highlights. I see your currently in Cambodia (as am I), it would be fantastic to meet for a beer, share some stories and if you’re missing home at all we share a hometown. I’ll be in Cambodia for the next couple weeks before a month in Vietnam, let me know if your keen bud. Lewis

Hey Lewis, I’m in Siem Reap for the next few days, drop me a message on my FB as we’re also heading to Vietnam next too!

I’ve decided I’m going to travel India, China and south east Asia next year once I finish college. I was majorly inspired to do this when you were uploading from south east Asia and I was watching your vlogs every night. These tips are going to help a lot. Thanks guys :)

Stoked that everything helped you plan your trip – have an epic time!

This is amazing, thank you so much for sharing all of this info! I’m a solo female traveler in the daunting task of planning a trip through SE Asia, and this has been insanely helpful!

Southeast Asia

13 coolest hotels in hanoi, vietnam .

From glitzy high-rises to hotels with charming French architecture, these are the coolest hotels in Hanoi for your next holiday in Vietnam.

13 best day trips from chiang mai, thailand .

From wildlife experiences to white water rafting, these are the best day trips from Chiang Mai to help plan your adventures in Thailand!

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Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and you don’t know what to pack? Then use my Vietnam travel checklist to tick off all the items you need!

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Are you looking for the best experiences in Vietnam? From sailing around Halong Bay to exploring Sapa, this is what to do in Vietnam!

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Wondering how many days to spend in Halong Bay? I’ve done a 2 day & a 3 day cruise, so see which one I recommend for your Ha Long Bay itinerary!

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Are you looking at booking the basket boat tour in Hoi An, Vietnam? Then make sure you read this before you do to save some money!

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SouthEast Asia Travel Blog

Hello and welcome to our SouthEast Asia travel blog. You will find all our SouthEast Asia blog posts in this section of our website.

Maybe you found our SouthEast Asia travel blog because you are considering a visiting SouthEast Asia, or perhaps you are partway through planning a trip to the region. Whatever the reason, we hope we can provide some useful resources and travel tips.

Our SouthEast Asia blog posts are generally aimed at independent travellers and backpackers like us and have a strong focus on travelling around using public transport, staying in budget accommodation and exploring off-the-beaten-path and lesser-visited places.

BROWSE ALL SOUTHEAST ASIA BLOG POSTS BELOW

OR JUMP DIRECTLY TO A COUNTRY : Myanmar (Burma) | Brunei | Cambodia  | Indonesia  | Laos  | Malaysia | Singapore  | Thailand  | Vietnam

The Nightingale Olympic department store – Bangkok’s oldest shopping mall

by Mark | Jun 20, 2023

The Nightingale Olympic department store is the oldest shopping mall in Bangkok. Stepping inside is like going back 50 years in time!

25 locations that could be part of a Wes Anderson movie set

by Kirsty | Jan 27, 2021

Accidentally Wes Anderson – a selection of our photographs which we think belong on a Wes Anderson movie set #AccidentallyWesAnderson

2020, the year in travel that wasn’t!

by Kirsty | Jan 9, 2021

It’s that time of year when many travel bloggers round-up the past year in travel. 2020 was different, so here are some reflections.

World Smile Day 2020: Twenty smiles to brighten your day

by Mark | Oct 2, 2020

In celebration of World Smile Day, a photo essay featuring some of the smiling faces we have encountered during our travels around Asia.

Distinctive Architecture in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

by Mark | Sep 30, 2020

Architecture in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Phnom Penh’s architectural heritage from French Colonial to New Khmer Architecture.

Mekong Delta off-the-beaten-track: Places to visit in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

by Mark | Aug 27, 2020

A Mekong Delta off the beaten track itinerary for Vietnam. A guide to planning a multi-day Mekong Delta trip from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Street Art in Chiang Mai, Thailand

by Kirsty | Aug 5, 2020

A guide to the best places to find Urban Art, Grafitti and Street Art in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Introducing the Dream Space Gallery for indoor street art!

Reflecting on past travels to Vietnam and why we want to return ASAP

by Mark | Jul 15, 2020

An offbeat post featuring Mark’s reflections on our travels to Vietnam and why we are keen to return as soon as we can. Hint: Vietnam’s war memorials.

In Photos: Abandoned cars and other forsaken forms of transport

by Mark | Jul 8, 2020

Photos abandoned cars and other battered vehicles. The faded beauty of neglected vehicles from the UK to Thailand, and Kyrgyzstan to Cuba.

Alternative Bangkok: Things to do near Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok, Thailand

by Mark | Jul 1, 2020

A guide to alternative things to do near Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok, including a map of locations and directions for a self-guided walking tour.

Street Art near Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok, Thailand

by Kirsty | Jun 24, 2020

The best street art near Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok, is in Talat Noi and Bang Rak. Our guide includes the best street art and a location map.

The best temples near Yogyakarta in Java, Indonesia

by Kirsty | Jun 3, 2020

A guide to the best temples near Yogyakarta, Java. Beyond the city, lie some of the best temple complexes in Indonesia including Borobudur and Prambanan.

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Phnom Penh Architecture 

Stretching Cat at Bokor

Koh Rong Sunset

Fishing Boat in Kep

The White Building, Phnom Penh 

14 Hands-on Travel Experiences in South East Asia You Need to Know About

Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2023

Are you looking for a inspirational list of hands-on travel experiences in Central and East Asia? Then you’ve come to the right place! 

Over the past years, there has been a big trend in tourism where travellers no longer want to participate in just the standard sightseeing tours and attend so-called ‘cultural shows’, but really feel the need to get involved in experiences that are characteristic to the destination that they are visiting. This is called Creative Travel .

In this article, you can find some of the best creative travel experiences in South East Asia: Cambodia , Laos , Myanmar , Thailand and Vietnam . Keep coming back, because this list will keep growing!  

TOP ACTIVITIES:

• Buddhism Tour in Cambodia
• Learn to Grow Rice in Laos
• Taste Durian in Malaysia
• Fruit Carving in Thailand
• Rock Climbing in Thailand
• Thai Cooking Class & Local Market Tour in Thailand
• Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Farm Visit in Thailand
• Thai Cooking Class in an old Teak House in Thailand
• Traditional Ao Dai Dress Rental in Vietnam
• Traditional Ao Dai Cyclo Tour in Vietnam
• Ao Dai Photography Tour in Vietnam
• Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise with Kayaking in Vietnam
• Make a Lantern in Vietnam

HANDS-ON TRAVEL IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

Creative Travel Definition

According to the Creative Tourism Network, creative travel is considered “a new generation of tourism”, that offers visitors the opportunity to “develop their creative potential through active participation in courses and learning experiences, which are characteristic of the holiday destination where they are taken”.

From volunteer travel programs and language immersion programs to  cultural immersion travel experiences and real  community immersion , Creative Tourism is a way of travel that really is for everyone.

Whether you travel alone, as a couple or with a family or group of friends, there are many activities around the world where that offer educational courses and workshops , creative experiences where you get to learn different art forms or even adventure activities where you interact with the local nature and people in a fun, yet authentic way.

Complete Hands-on Travel in South East Asia List

Hands-on travel in cambodia, take a buddhism tour in siem reap.

Buddhism is an integral yet mostly invisible part of everyday life in Cambodia. Siem Reap , the county’s spiritual heartland, is the ideal place to learn about Buddhist philosophy and how it weaves its way through Cambodian history and culture.

TIP BY: Emily, wander-lush.org (<< read all about tours in Siem Reap)

“A fantastic way to have a hands-on experience and gain a deeper understanding is by doing a Buddhism tour . Most people come to Siem Reap to visit the nearby temples of Angkor without realizing that there are some incredible pagodas in the city itself.

Socially responsible company Ayana Journeys offers a Buddhist-themed tour, which is suitable for people of all ages (including families with kids). The tour starts in the early morning. Travelling by tuk-tuk with your local guide, you visit several of the most sacred shrines and pagodas in the inner city.

There’s a strong focus on learning and reflection , with lots of questions, prompts, and time for reflection. At one pagoda, you get the chance to sit with two monks and chat about their life experience. They then treat you to a private Pali chant and a traditional Cambodian blessing .

To end the day, your guide leads you through a short lesson on Buddhist meditation . It’s a truly memorable travel experience you can’t get anywhere else in the country.”

BOOK THIS ACTIVITY:

• Ayana Journeys

HANDS-ON TRAVEL IN LAOS

Learn to grow rice in luang prabang.

Did you know it takes 14 steps to cultivate rice ? For such a staple crop in so much of the world, it’s hard to believe what a labor-intensive process it is to grow.

TIP BY: Samantha Glauser, myflyingleap.com (<< read all about her travels on the blog)

“You can learn all about the process from seedling to your table at the Living Land Farm . This organic farm is only 15 minutes from the historic center of Luang Prabang , Laos. In addition to teaching visitors how to grow rice, it also provides many of the local restaurants with rice, vegetables, greens, and herbs.

Fees raised are used to provide free English language classes for the children in the area. Visitors get a tour of the property then a complete walk-through of every step in the process of cultivating rice.

You’re not standing on the sidelines at this farm but you are actually participating in every step of the process. Select and prepare the seeds then work alongside Rudolph the water buffalo to prepare the paddy for planting. Learn how to plant the seedlings, harvest the rice stalks, extract the rice, and prepare it for a meal. The enjoy the fruits of your labor with a tasty tray of rice treats. I will never look at a bowl of rice in the same way again.”

• Living Land Farm

HANDS-ON TRAVEL IN MALAYSIA

Taste durian in penang.

Durian is dubbed as the “king of the fruit”. Well known for its strong odor , this football-size thorny fruit is perhaps the most divisive fruit in the world .

TIP BY: Ming Lee, flyerism.com (<< read all about their world travels)

“Some say Durian smells like “ rotten onion with unwashed sock ”, while others say it is a real godsend. Durian can be found in a few countries in South East Asia , though the best breeds are from Penang , Malaysia.

The Durian season typically starts in late April to August. So if you are around the neighborhood during these months, brace yourself and visit these Durian vendors for some gastronomical adventure.

#1. Bao Heng Durian Farm : the farm nestled on the slope of the hill with a great view overlooking Balik Pulau . Unlike the Durian in town, the fruits here are fresh from the tree. You can even walk into the farm and have your pick. Just a reminder, you will want to arrange in advance for pick up and appointment.

#2. Penang Green Acres: the farm contains 450 Durian trees of 35 variants. It is said to be kept chemical-free since it was farmed decades ago. In June and July, they offer 2-hour long Durian tasting tour where visitors get to harvest, pick and taste the Durian and other tropical fruits.”

• Bao Heng Durian Farm
• Penang Green Acres

HANDS-ON TRAVEL IN MYANMAR

Learn thanaka making and application.

If you have been to Myanmar, you will invariably see the local women and sometimes even young boys with a white paste applied on their face. This is known as Thanaka and its paste is applied on the face mostly the cheeks and neck for skincare.

TIP BY: Amrita & Agni, taleof2backpackers.com (<< read all about the budget for Myanmar)

“Thanaka is a traditional powder derived from the bark of certain trees grown in the arid central region of Myanmar. Application of Thanaka has become a part of the tradition and lifestyle of the Burmese women.

Thanaka paste is made from grinding the bark against a flat, wet stone and then it is applied on the face. It is used as a sunscreen and also acts as protection against acne and other skin diseases.

During my Myanmar backpacking trip, we came across little girls and women outside the pagodas approaching us to apply thanaka on our faces. They used to carry the bark, paste it there on a stone piece and then it was ready to be applied to the face. This entire thing might look quite trivial, but it is the part of the Burmese history for the last 2000 years!

To be honest, after the application of Thanaka on my face, I had a cooling sensation and my skin felt better as well. It is truly a natural sunscreen, better than the one I carried.”

Take a cooking class in Nyaungshwe

If you’re planning on visiting Inle Lake , Mercury Cooking Class is a great primer to the culinary foodways of Myanmar.  The daily workshop is run by a Nyuangshwe local, Thi Thi, who donates the majority of her earnings towards serving her community.

TIP BY: Millette, thenextsomewhere.com (<< read all about her travels on the blog!)

“At the start of the day, Thi Thi gives attendees a booklet filled with recipes where you can choose a multi-course menu of one soup, three salads, and three entrees.

Then, it’s off to the marketplace to pick up fresh ingredients and glimpse into the everyday life of the Burmese. Afterwards, you’ll go to Thi Thi’s home, which has been transformed into an open-air cooking studio .

Unlike other cooking classes, this home-cooking class runs completely on rudimentary charcoal-fired stoves . Be prepared to be very hands on, as the creation of the feast is more about participating and less about observing. Thi Thi is typically assisted by her sister or husband so that there is always someone to help you during the cooking process.

During the meal, don’t pass up on the offer to try their fresh avocado smoothies ; they are worth it! Also, the meals can accommodate allergies.

• The 3-hour class is 15,000 Myanmar Kyat (~$10 USD) and can be booked by calling +95 9 253 796 716 or emailing Thi Thi at [email protected].
• ( See on Tripadvisor >>)

HANDS-ON TRAVEL IN THAILAND

Participate in the songkran festival.

Songkran, the most celebrated holiday in Thailand, is the official Thai New Year’s national holiday. Just like how there is a Chinese New Year and that celebrates the new year on the lunar calendar, Songkran celebrates in accordance to the solar calendar .

TIP BY: Sean, livingoutlau.com (<< read all about his travels on the blog!)

“When the sun moves from Pisces to Aries in the zodiac, the Thai New Year officially takes place. The official date of the Songkran festival is on April 13th, but the festivities continue until April 15th.

It shouldn’t surprise you that the Songkran festival is the biggest festival in Thailand. Foreigners might not understand the intricate culture behind some of the ceremonies such as pouring water over the Buddha statues, which means purification and washing one’s sins and bad luck away.

Locals also visit temples and offer food to the Buddhist monks. However, one thing that foreigners can enjoy about the Songkran festival is the country-wide water gunfight . Every street and corner is filled with locals and foreigners waiting to ambush you with their water gun or buckets of water! Don’t forget to have a waterproof camera !”

Make silver in Chiang Mai

Creative and cultural types visiting visiting Thailand can kill two birds with one stone by taking trying their hand at silver making in Chiang Mai .

TIP BY: Rose Munday, wheregoesrose.com (<< read all about her world travels on the blog)

“This is a good way to learn about Chiang Mai’s long artisan history , as well as taking home a souvenir to keep. The best place for silver making in Chiang Mai is none other than Wat Sri Suphan , otherwise known as the Silver Temple .

Dating back over 600 years, this unique temple is made entirely of silver carvings, intricately handcrafted by the monks of the monastery. Showing religion images, scenes of daily life and battle, it’s of historical and religious significance for Thai people.

Another reason for travellers to visit Wat Sri Suphan is to attend a silver making class . But don’t fret – you won’t be expected to craft an equally impressive temple during your first try! Instead, the resident artisans will help you craft a piece of jewelry, for example a ring or bracelet.

You’ll typically use a stencil to hammer a design onto a sheet of metal which you’ll weld into the shape of your finger or wrist later on. While visiting the Silver Temple, you’ll also get to explore the site and learn about its history. There are plenty of tour companies that offer this experience or you can arrive directly at the temple and book a class.”

Try fruit carving in Bangkok

Taking a fruit carving lesson is a great way to unleash your creative side on a visit to Thailand. It’s a Thai traditional art form that dates back to the Sukhothai dynasty , and many people still take it seriously today.

TIP BY: Fiona Berry, passportandpiano.com (<< read all about her travels on the blog)

“I participated in a full-day course at the Siam Carving Academy . I had great fun although I don’t think I’ll ever be talented enough to participate in one of the countries competitions.

Carving fruits is a skill that requires a large amount of concentration and excellent knife skills. Wan, the lady who runs the course is fantastic and incredibly patient.

Throughout the day you learn how to turn tomatoes into roses and cucumbers into pretty leaves . I was amazed at how I managed to make a carrot look so beautiful, but it did take me several hours. Wan’s skillful hands are amazing at rectifying your errors, and she was so encouraging throughout the day.

The academy provides all of the equipment and half-day courses are available if you prefer just a taster lesson.”

• Siam Carving Academy

Go rock climbing at Railay Beach (near Phuket)

One of the best creative experiences you can sign up for in Thailand might be an unexpected surprise to you: rock climbing on a day trip from Phuket to Railay Beach .

TIP BY: Mikkel Woodruff, sometimeshome.com (<< read all about this rock climbing experience on the blog)

“We hired a guide, named Aon, from the company Gecko Thailand . He set up everything including pick up and drop off to our hotel, a van to take us to the boat and communication with the long-tail boat that would take us to the shores of Railay Beach.

We spent the day rock climbing on this beautiful island. I’ve never rock climbed and my husband has, yet only indoors, so this was a treat. Any nerves or apprehension left us when we felt the comradery of other climbers nearby, of all skill levels, there to enjoy nature in a unique way like ourselves.

Climbing is a solo activity, of course, though it was fun to be there as a couple. And you truly don’t need any prior experience with a trusted guide who sets the course for you and spots, or “belays”, you. The cost is about $160 USD per person, not including a tip for the guide (which he definitely deserves). We cannot recommend this enough!”

• Gecko Thailand

Cooking class in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Taking a cooking class is an amazing travel experience; it’s a fun and interactive way to learn about a country’s food and culture.

TIP BY: Vicky Sosa, buddythetravelingmonkey.com (<< read all about this cooking class on the blog)

“While traveling in Thailand, we took a cooking class in Chiang Mai with Anne of Zabb-E-Lee. During the almost five hours we spent with Anne, we visited a local market, learned about typical Thai ingredients, and cooked five different items.

Anne keeps class sizes small, but our class consisted of a variety of different kinds of guests; there were families, couples, and solo travelers. Everyone enjoyed getting their hands dirty, so to speak, and creating their favorite Thai dishes .

Our favorite dish that we created was the Pad Thai . With Anne’s excellent guidance, it turned out delicious and restaurant-worthy! We were so proud and so happy to have taken the class.

BOOK A SIMILAR ACTIVITY:

• Chiang Mai: Half-Day Thai Cooking Class & Local Market Tour
• Chiang Mai: Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Farm Visit
• Chiang Mai: Thai Cooking Class in an old Teak House

WHICH ACTIVITIES TO DO?

The Travel Tester loves to review different types of tours and activities around the world.

From well-known tourist attractions to bucket list experiences and from guided tours to self-guided visits of historical places, interactive museums, viewpoints, local events and much more… if it looks interesting to us, we’ll test it!

No matter where you’re going, with our reviews you’ll know exactly where to find fun activities!

HANDS-ON TRAVEL IN VIETNAM

Have a ao dai experience in hanoi.

Ao Dai is a traditional Vietnamese long dress which consists of two parts: long-sleeved dress, ankle-reached trousers, and a high collar.

TIP BY: Inna, executivethrillseeker.com (<< read all about her travels on the blog)

“The modern Ao Dai doesn’t have to follow traditional standards: it may consist of a high collar, a low collar or no collar at all; the length of the sleeves can vary, as may the length of the dress itself and the height of the cut on the dress. Most Vietnamese women wear Ao Dai for special occasions . Also, some banks and shops choose Ao Dai as a uniform for their employees.

When you see a Vietnamese lady in Ao Dai, you will notice how perfect it fits. The secret is that each Ao Dai is made custom using a person’s measurements. The average cost of Ao Dai in Vietnam is about US$ 40. So, you can get a custom-made dress and, for instance, have a photo session in it. Or you can go further and for a similar price, you can participate in a workshop and make an Ao Dai yourself.

For example, you can join a sewing workshop in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. This experience will help you learn more about the traditions behind the Ao Dai and learn about Vietnamese culture and fashion .”

• Hanoi: Traditional Ao Dai Dress and Non La Hat Rental
• Hoi An Cyclo Tour in Vietnamese Traditional Ao Dai
• Hoi An: Ao Dai Photography Tour

Practice Tai Chi in Halong Bay

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that is practiced for multiple reasons including its defense training, its health benefits and meditation .

TIP BY: Julie Ruhl, ruhlsoftheroad.com (<< read all about her travels on the blog)

“If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, make sure to try Tai Chi as the sun comes up one morning. The main ideas of Tai Chi include mind incorporation with the body , a control of breathing and movements, focusing on the present moment and creating internal energy, mindfulness, loosening and serenity.

Tai Chi classes can be found all over Vietnam including unique experiences such as classes on the beach at sunrise or on the rooftop deck of a cruise ship floating through Halong Bay . Many tours will even come with a short 15-30 minute Tai Chi class.

Wherever you are in Vietnam you will be able to find a class to participate in. Simply ask the front desk of your hotel, search Tai Chi in your Google Maps or ask a local! Tai Chi can be practiced at anytime throughout the day but it is recommended to do it first thing in the morning to set your intentions for the day.

Anyone can participate, including children and elderly. The best part is you don’t need any special equipment to try this local experience or even a big space. As long as you can reach your arms out to your sides and above your head you can participate.”

• From Hanoi: 2-Day Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise with Kayaking
• 2-Day Royal Palace Ha Long Bay & Ti Top Island Cruise
• Halong Bay: 2-Day 1-Night 3-Star Rosa Cruise
• Halong Bay: 2 Days 1 Night – Rosa Boutique 4-Star Cruise
• Amazing 3 Days Halong, Bai Tu Long on Swan Cruise & kayaking

Make coconut candy in the Mekong Delta

A 2-hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City, the picturesque village of Ben Tre lies in the Mekong Delta. Made famous due to its coconut candy , much of the town works in the candy making factories.

TIP BY: Delilah Hart, ourtravelmix.com (<< read all about world travels on the blog)

“Women here work stirring cauldrons of the sticky syrup, pouring it into molds, and cutting it into delicious treats. Visiting the Mekong Delta should be on anyone’s itinerary for Vietnam, and Ben Tre makes the perfect day trip away from the more popular tourist destinations of My Tho and Tra Vinh.

The short trip can be made year-round and can be done by booking a tour, however, it’s easy enough to do as a DIY day out. Whilst here, visiting one of the local factories allows you the opportunity to learn from the locals how to make tasty coconut candy treats the traditional way.

Many also make and stock other products, both for locals and for tourists. Ranging from souvenirs and trinkets, to bottled snake wine drunk by local men to improve virility! This is one of the best, and easiest, ways to get a more local and authentic feel for Vietnam.”

• Mekong Delta Small Group W/ Vinh Trang Pagoda & Rowing Boat
• From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Luxury 1-Day Group Tour
• Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Day Tour to My Tho & Ben Tre
• Mekong Delta Small Group Tour to My Tho and Ben Tre
• Upper Mekong River Tour with Vinh Trang Pagoda

Make a lantern in Hoi An

If you’re looking to get creative in Vietnam, why not have a go at making your own lantern in the streets of Hoi Ai? 

TIP BY: Ben Reeve, thesabbaticalguide.com (<< read all about more great places to travel in the world!)

“Lantern-making. Not something we’d planned to do on our trip to Hoi An in Vietnam but a very memorable highlight . The best teacher of lantern-making in town is the appropriately named ‘Lantern Lady’ who patiently walked us through the process – bending the bamboo struts into a frame, reinforcing them with wire and then cutting out coloured silk to be stretched out and glued into place.

The whole experience cost us around 4 USD and at the end of it we walked away with a souvenir better than any we’d pay for in a store (if not in quality, definitely in memories!). You can also buy supplies whilst you’re there which make perfect gifts for the family when you get home.

This truly is an experience for the whole family with kids welcomed alongside parents. To book a slot just search for ‘The Lantern Lady’ online, or look out for the posters around town. You can also just drop in and they will do everything they can to accommodate you.”

• The Lantern Lady

Do You Travel to Discover Hands-On Experiences?

Let us know in the comments below what your favourite activity in this list is – and if you have any great additions to share with us. We are always adding to this page, so keep your suggestions coming! Look below for more information about creative travel and where else in the world you can have great hands-on experiences:

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Creative tourism network.

If you are looking for more creative tourism examples, then make sure to head over to the website of the Creative Tourism Network, as they are a fantastic source of information and inspiration for your upcoming travels. 

The Creative Tourism Network is the international organization for the Creative Tourism development worldwide. They offer consulting and training to tourism professionals and also host the Creative Tourism Awards to reward projects, companies and destinations that foster the new generation of tourism with the active participation of tourists in creative activities.

www.creativetourismnetwork.org

Map of South East Asia Creative Travel and Tours

Creative Traveller’s Handbook

My travel blogger friend Elena wrote a wonderful book about creative travel that I can highly recommend reading. In this inspiring handbook, she answers not only the question who creative travel is for, but she gives practical tips on how to be creative on your own travels and how to plan your next creative trip down to all the details.

Read my full review of the Creative Traveller’s Handbook >>

Creative Travel Around the World

Read our other articles:

• Creative Travel : Is This The Best Way To See The World?
• 14 Hands-on Travel Experiences In Africa You Need To Know About
• 6 Hands-on Travel Experiences in East Europe You Need to Know About
• 7 Hands-on Travel Experiences In South America You Need To Know About
• 14 Hands-on Travel Experiences In South Asia You Need To Know About
• 10  Hands-on Travel Experiences In Japan  You Need To Know About
• 3 Hands-on Travel Experiences in Central and East Asia You Need to Know About
• 4 Hands-on Travel Experiences in Central America & The Caribbean You Need to Know About
• 8 Hands-on Travel Experiences in The Mediterranean You Need to Know About
• 10 Hands-on Travel Experiences in West Europe You Need to Know About
• 8 Hands-on Travel Experiences in Oceania You Need to Know About

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DISCOVER UNIQUE TRAVEL GEAR & GIFTS

In The Travel Tester shop, you will find our favourite travel products and original gift ideas.

Whether you’re looking for the best travel gear, gadgets, electronics, packing solutions, clothing, shoes, travel books, health- or beauty products… we’ve made a personal selection for you!

We’ve also included our favourite tech items used to create this blog, as well as material that can help you in your self-development, such as interesting books and courses.

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – All You Need To Know Country by Country

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – If you are reading this website, I guess you got your Asian Wanderlust too. No worries, travelling is good for the soul and Southeast Asia is definitely one of my favorite area in the world and I’m sure you will love it too! To get all my travel tips, just click on the country you plan to visit and you will see all the articles I wrote about.

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – Thailand

Thailand is the best place to relax, chill out and live a calm and happy life. I agree that some areas are definitely too touristy but you can always find a cool place to visit outside the crowd. My favorite place in Thailand is probably Ayutthaya for the amazing temples and the lovely atmosphere. Second is probably Chiang Mai for the delicious street food!

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – Bali

Ah Bali… Bali. What a special place this is! Even if my expectations were very high before to go to the island of the gods, I have to say that I was literally blown away. A bit disappointed by the touristy Kuta but I definitely loved Ubud region and also the gorgeous island Nusa Penida . Bali is simply one of my favorite places to visit in Southeast Asia !

Visit Cambodia

What I really love about Cambodia is you can visit amazing historical sites like Angkor temples and at the same time, you can find amazing beaches and islands. Culture AND Leisure, what else do we need?

To read all our travel tips about Cambodia, feel free to check out these articles: Cambodia Travel Blog .

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – Sri Lanka

My trip to Sri Lanka was absolutely amazing and I was blown away by the diversity of things you can do in Sri Lanka. You can discover an beautiful culture and rich history in the ruins Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa. You can enjoy the amazing natural landscapes in Ella or Sigiriya. And you can relax in the beautiful beaches of the south of the island. And don’t miss out the delicious local food! It’s a bit spicy but I bet you will love it. 🙂

For more info, feel free to check these blog posts: Sri Lanka Travel Blog .

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – Singapore

Singapore is definitely a unique place in Asia. Its culture is a mix of a bit of India, Malaysia and China and the result is amazing. Singapore food is actually one of my favorite cuisine in the world. In addition, there are many places to visit there such as the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and many more…

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – Taiwan

Taiwan is really one of my favorite destinations in Asia. The food is just amazing and very affordable. The culture is rich and combine Chinese influence but also Japanese and many more. The people there are nice, welcoming and open minded. Nature is also breathtaking and I really enjoy traveling through this very special island.

Explore Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a big place in my heart! Indeed, it’s where I started my adventures in Asia and I absolutely loved this city. I initially planned to stay 3 days but I ended up spending a whole month there. I definitely underestimated the things to do in Hong and I really advice you to not make the same mistake. So make sure you read all my travel tips that I compiled here: Hong Kong Travel Blog .

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – Malaysia

Malaysia is again a beautiful country with dream beaches and amazing islands. The food is also something that I really loved in Malaysia. You can find Chinese food, Indian currys and delicious Malay food too. In terms of where to go, Langkawi Island is definitely a place to visit and George Town has also a lot to offer.

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – Philippines

If you are looking for white sand beaches and cool people, then go to the Philippines! It’s probably in Palawan where I saw the most beautiful landscapes in all Asia! Port Barton is my favorite area there but I also liked El Nido , even it can be a bit busy in high season.

Southeast Asia Travel Blog – Myanmar

Myanmar is one of those countries that you never forget. It’s not only the things you see but the whole experience is unforgettable. The must-go places are Bagan and its beautiful temples (picture above) but Hsipaw and Inle lake were also places I really appreciated.

Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is a country full of surprises and it has so much to offer. I was actually very surprised by the size of the country and how the landscapes can change from the south to the north! I loved the culture there, the food with delicious Pho and the Banh Mi, the beaches of Nah Trang, Dalat city , Hoi An and its lanterns and so on… For more info about Vietnam, don’t hesitate to read these posts: Vietnam Travel Blog .

Travel to Dubai

Planning to visit United Arab Emirates for few days? Don’t miss all our tips about the city of Dubai : Dubai Travel Blog .

Safe travel in Asia! 🙂

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Recent Tourist Deaths In South East Asia – Is It Really That Dangerous?

by Marc Valentine

If you follow the media at all, you’ll be well aware there has been a string of recent tourist deaths in Southeast Asia Many of these deaths are shrouded in mystery, often with no facts or insights provided into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The seemingly ineffective authorities in the countries where the deaths occur, […]

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The Results Are In – Here Are The Worlds Top Ten Most Promiscuous Countries To Travel!

As a self respecting reader of this travel blog, you wouldn’t ever consider spending a passion-fuelled night with a stranger while overseas, now would you? Didn’t think so. So this post is not for you, this one is for the young single travellers out there, the liberal, free thinkers of todays world… What? it’s hardly […]

Latest Video – The Wonders Of Morocco

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This One’s For The Haters, The Pessimists and The Tip Toer’s Among Us

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Which Are The Friendliest Countries To Visit?

  We like to think were pretty friendly here at Art of Absence, so when deciding which country to visit next, a major part of our decision rests with how welcoming & friendly the country is. Fact is, some countries are more welcoming, friendlier, and generally more accommodating to foreigners than others. These countries get the […]

Top 10 Things To Do In Barcelona – Art of Absence Travel Blog

Spain’s magical city of Barcelona is pure ‘travel cocaine’ for all poor nomadic souls out there, doomed to suffer throughout their live’s with periodical bought’s of travel cravings. With a lure so potent, even the most travel hardened vagabond struggles to wander Barcelona’s streets and leave without acquiring an addiction, & falling hopelessly in love […]

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What To Expect From A Night In Morocco’s Sahara Desert

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Surviving Pamplona’s Running Of The Bulls – The Infamous San Fermin Festival

Taking part in the festivities of San Fermin in Pamplona has long been a dream of mine From the moment I saw the Running of the Bulls on a travel show many years ago, I’ve yearned to tread on those cobbled streets in Spain & share a few adrenaline fuelled moments of chaos with the […]

Australian Slang 101… A Fast Start Guide To Speaking Fluent Aussie

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Latest posts.

• Travel & Tourism Award 2023 - Feb 05, 2023
• The Ten Unwritten Rules of Travel - Jan 02, 2023
• Fast Fact you need to know about Sri Lanka - Nov 08, 2022
• How to be a more ethical traveler? - Oct 06, 2022
• Valuing our Mangrove Ecosystem - Sep 06, 2022
• 10 Tips for a Better Snorkeling experience - Aug 21, 2022
• Travel & Tourism Awards 2022 - Jul 18, 2022
• How you select your rental scuba diving equipment? - Jun 13, 2022
• Become Professional Scuba Diver - May 10, 2022
• Which Scuba Diving Course should I take? - Apr 13, 2022

Latest Comments

Travel & tourism award 2023.

Posted by | Tags: Award , Global Business Awards , Travel & Tourism Awards , most authentic Asia Travel Consultant , travel consulting

Congratulation to South East Asia Dreams to be awarded the second time as the most authentic Asia Travel Consultant of the Year 2023

Read more | Comments (0) | Feb 05, 2023

The Ten Unwritten Rules of Travel

Posted by | Tags: rules of travel , travel advisor , Travel Tips

The world of travel entered a new era after its COVID shutdown in 2020. Things changed rapidly, first with travel requirements and a dearth of demand emptying airports and then with a shockwave of revenge travel coming back shortly after that, when combined with the lifting of those restrictions, created a perfect storm of travel chaos.

Read more | Comments (0) | Jan 02, 2023

Fast Fact you need to know about Sri Lanka

Posted by | Tags: Sri Lanka , holiday in Srilanka , Fast Fact about Sir Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island country located to the south of the Indian Peninsula in the Indian Ocean and has an area of 65,610 sq. km. Most of Sri Lanka is low-lying and is ringed by sandy beaches and small, irregular lagoons.

Read more | Comments (0) | Nov 08, 2022

How to be a more ethical traveler?

Posted by | Tags: sustainable tourism , tourism , greenwashing

You are itching to get out there and want to do it with care. How do you avoid traps like voluntourism and greenwashing?

Read more | Comments (0) | Oct 06, 2022

Valuing our Mangrove Ecosystem

Posted by | Tags: Asia , South East Asia , mangroven

On the edge of the ocean lies a very special forest that lives both above and below the water. If you are looking for a glimpse of nature in both worlds, why not make a trip to see the mangroves?

Read more | Comments (0) | Sep 06, 2022

10 Tips for a Better Snorkeling experience

Posted by mallon | Tags: snorkeling , Phuket , snorkeling equipment , Mask , Fins and Snorkel

What are the important things to remember while Snorkeling? What should you not do while snorkeling? See below some important tips and tricks to enjoy a day of some amazing snorkeling.

Read more | Comments (0) | Aug 21, 2022

Travel & Tourism Awards 2022

Posted by | Tags: Travel & Tourism Awards , Award , excellence award

Congratulation to South East Asia Dreams to be awarded as the most authentic Asia Travel Consultant

Read more | Comments (0) | Jul 18, 2022

How you select your rental scuba diving equipment?

Posted by | Tags: scuba diving equipment , Rental scuba diving equipment , scuba diving , Scuba Diving , scuba diving package

When you rent scuba diving equipment, for your own safety and comfort, you should remember to check the following tips:

Read more | Comments (0) | Jun 13, 2022

Become Professional Scuba Diver

Posted by | Tags: Scuba Diving Instructor , PADI Divemaster Course , Divemaster , IDC , Thailand scuba diving

Are you ready to to the first step in working with scuba as a career? Then the PADI Dive Master Course will be your beginning into the professional levels of recreational scuba diving followed by a Instructor Development Courses (IDC) to become a fully qualify Scuba Diving Instructor

Read more | Comments (0) | May 10, 2022

Which Scuba Diving Course should I take?

Posted by | Tags: Scuba Diving , learn to dive , Thailand scuba diving

Adventure and Fun with friends! This is one reason why so many people decide to learn scuba diving or continue their education during their holiday in Thailand. But where to start and which would be your next level of training?

Read more | Comments (0) | Apr 13, 2022