Sections:

South East Asia's Epic Destinations

South East Asia Backpacking Itinerary

Cost of Backpacking in South East Asia

Travelling to and Between Countries in South East Asia

Languages and Cultures

Travel Visas Required

South East Asia Packing Checklist

Working While Backpacking in South East Asia

South East Asia’s Epic Destinations

South East Asia is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world with incredibly diverse scenery and attractions. Travel to its bustling cities and then relax on a white sandy beach on one of its 20,000+ islands. If you're looking to climb mountains, venture through tropical rainforests, or get caught up in the lively bar scene, South East Asia offers something for everyone. For tips on planning your trip, check out our South East Asia travel guide.

Thailand

Best time to travel - Thailand experiences three seasons of changing weather but its size and tropical warmth allow most areas and activities to be enjoyed year-round. The wet season lasts from mid-May to mid-October. During this time, travel is best further north and inland. If you do get caught up in the rain it shouldn’t last long though. You’ll likely experience only a short burst spread across very warm days. It won’t affect those beach holidays. Exploring the hills, mountains, and of course, the rice terraces are must-do’s this time of year. Thailand’s cool season runs mid-October to mid-February. This is the best time of year to visit Chiang Mai. The weather is gorgeous during the day and rainfall is very unusual. Thailand’s hot season lasts from mid-February to mid-May. Make sure you visit Thailand’s stunning islands, especially those off the south coast like the Phi Phi islands and Koh Phangan. Thailand’s most insane holiday, Songkran falls during the hot season. If you happen to be in Thailand the second week of April, you’ll get to experience Thailand’s traditional New Year’s Celebration: the Songkran Festival ! Often called “The World’s Biggest Water Fight,” this celebration involves pouring giant barrels of ice water on unsuspecting persons and bombarding pedestrians with enormous squirt guns. If you’re well dressed, expect to be quickly targeted. It’s an experience, to say the least!

The Philippines

Best time to travel - Philippines is busiest during its dry season, which lasts from November to April. This is a great time to explore all of the country’s beautiful islands and its remote locations too. The best weather runs from December to February while March and April can get very hot. The wet season which consists of short spurts of heavy downpours followed by the quick return of the sun lasts from May to October. This rain shouldn’t ruin your travel plans, there are plenty of beautiful days to enjoy. Flights will also be cheaper during this off-peak season. No matter the season you choose to visit the Philippines, the weather can be extremely random. If you plan to visit in January, attend Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan festival! This week-long event consists of parades, colorful costumes, massive floats, and street dancing where visitors are encouraged to join. It is considered the “Mother of all Philippine festivals” for a reason.

Vietnam

Best time to travel - Vietnam is a great destination to travel to year-round with attractions and all the best places to visit open year-round and generally unaffected by the weather. Due to the extensive length of the country, there are different seasons north to south.

So, the north of Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, can get colder between November to March with temperatures on average dropping to around 20 degrees. However, the crowds drop significantly during this period so you get to enjoy the scenery with fewer tourists. Also, the cost of flights and some tourist attractions also decrease in price during this quieter period so best time to grab a bargain! Ha Long Bay is one of the new 7 wonders of the world and a bucket list destination.

The centre and south of Vietnam, including Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, experience a short rainy season from around June to October with relatively predictable short showers. Again allowing for better prices and fewer tourists during this period. The rest of the year is hot and dry. Hoi An voted the best city to travel to in 2019, even with a beach close. Be sure to check out the full moon lantern festival held monthly!

Vietnam is an absolute must-visit country with its diverse range of things to see from north to south.

Cambodia

Best time to travel - Cambodia experiences a wet season from May to November, while the dry season lasts from December to April. The best time to visit is without a doubt December or January due to the dry, warm weather and lack of humidity. However, this is also the busiest time for tourism. If you visit in October or November you can experience the amazing annual Cambodian water festival. People travel from all parts of the country and converge in Phnom Penh for three days to watch brightly coloured boats zoom through the water.

Indonesia

Best time to travel - Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, but the nation’s most popular island is Bali. Bali’s dry season lasts from May to September and the wet season from October to April. As an equatorial country, you can anticipate beautiful sunny days almost year-round, even during its wet season. Perfect for spending your days at the beach ! The best weather occurs in May, June, and July. For surfers searching for some epic waves, visit between May and October. If you visit during June and July, you can check out the Bali Arts Festival for live performances of dancing and music.

Laos

Best time to travel - For the best weather and little rain, visit Laos between October and April. In the middle of the warm season you’ll find Bun Pi Mai, the start of the New Year in Laos. This April holiday is a water festival similar to the Thai version, Songkran. The rainy season runs from May to October, during this time the country’s scenery explodes with wildlife, natural scenery, and waterfalls. Laos’ varying landscape makes the climate differ across the country. Rivers, coastal regions, and highlands all impact the variance in rainfall and temperature. If you’re looking for a slightly off the beaten path adventure, Laos is the place for you!

Sri Lanka

Best time to travel - Two monsoon seasons complicate weather in Sri Lanka. One side of the island may be beautiful while the other experiences intense rain. December to April is the best time to visit for the weather. Visiting in these peak summer months is also tourist season. One of Sri Lanka’s best celebrations: Navam Perahera, occurs during the full moons in February and March. This traditional celebration consists of many performances of song, dance, and fashion. Even elephants play a part in this production!

South East Asia Backpacking Itinerary

Planning an adventure through South East Asia over a short period of time? Make sure you have the right itinerary. Are you looking to hit all the major sites? Do you have time to fully explore each destination? Whichever itinerary style you are looking for, take a peek at our brief suggestions:

One Month

If you only have one month to spare, consider splitting your time between Thailand and Vietnam or Vietnam and Cambodia. With some of the most popular backpacking spots in South East Asia, these countries are also conveniently located near each other. The easiest way to make sure you see the best of these epic destinations is by jumping on a group tour so you don’t have to worry about sorting your accommodation or transport for a whole month and you won’t miss any of the epic bucket list locations. Check out some potential itineraries below!

Thailand and Vietnam :

Days 1-3: Fly into and explore Bangkok

Days 4-5: Travel to the islands and check out the central part of Thailand

Days 6-8: Spend time at one of the beautiful islands, Koh Phangan

Days 9-12: Kick back at breathtaking Koh Phi Phi

Days 13-17: Catch a flight from Phi Phi up to Chiang Mai. Soak up the culture and visit an elephant sanctuary.

Days 18-19: Jump from Thailand over to Vietnam by flying Chiang Mai to Hanoi. Take a few days to check out the city.

Days 20-21: Stop by the famous Ha Long Bay

Days 22-23: Work your way through the central part of the country, stop in Ninh Binh.

Days 24-25: Go to Hoi An

Day 26: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 27-28: Check out some sights in the south of the country like the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta

Day 29: Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City to fly home or to onward travel!

Vietnam and Cambodia :

Day 1-2: Fly into Hanoi and explore the city

Day 3: Travel to Ha Long Bay via an overnight boat

Day 4: Relax and stay on a private island

Day 5-6; Explore Ninh Binh’s beautiful landscape, take a bike ride through the country before hiking up to Dragon Mountain Viewpoint.

Day 7-8: Take a Vietnamese cooking class and go crab fishing in Hoi An

Day 9: Catch a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City and explore

Day 10: Visit the local villages of the Mekong Delta

Day 11: Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 12: Take a bus to Cambodia’s capital city Phnom Penh

Day 13: Tour Phnom Penh and stop at the S21 Prison and killing fields

Day 14: Travel to the peaceful countryside of Kampot and kayak down the river

Day 15: Visit a pepper plantation and take a Khmer cooking class

Day 16: Bus and ferry to the island of Koh Rong

Day 17: Take a boat island hopping and snorkel in the beautiful blue water

Day 18: Enjoy a Khmer massage on the beach

Day 19: Venture through the rural, floating villages outside Siem Reap

Day 20: Travel by tuk tuk to the Angkor Wat Temple

Day 21: Say goodbye to Cambodia!

3 Months (12 weeks)

Across 3 months you can smash out the absolute best of South East Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Week 1: Fly into Bangkok and check out the awesome city

Week 2: Travel to the islands and check out the central part of Thailand

Week 3: Spend time hopping around from island to island, make sure to stop at Koh Phangan

Week 4: Kick back at breathtaking Koh Phi Phi

Week 5: Catch a flight from Phi Phi up to Chiang Mai. Soak up the culture and spend time at an elephant sanctuary.

Week 6: Jump from Thailand over to Vietnam by flying Chiang Mai to Hanoi.

Week 7: Soak in the famous Ha Long Bay

Week 8: Work your way through the central part of the country, stop in Ninh Binh.

Week 9: Stop off in Hoi An and relax as your trip starts to wind down.

Week 10: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and explore as much as you can!

Week 11: End your journey in Cambodia by checking out the major cities Kampot, Koh Rong, and the capital city Phnom Penh.

Week 12: Explore the rapidly growing city of Siem Reap, then travel home or onward.

6+ months (24+ weeks)

If you have a full 6 months or more to travel, concentrate your time in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia and make shorter trips to Bali , Laos, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka as you see fit. Sometimes it is easiest to reach these destinations at either the beginning or the end of your trip. For 6 months, consider following the 3-month itinerary as your base guide, but double your length of stay at each stop to explore more of the local culture. To really settle in and get a feel for one of these amazing locales, you could even consider working whilst backpacking.

Cost of Backpacking Southeast Asia

South East Asia is inexpensive compared with other destinations around the world. Still, travelling expenses can add up faster than you'd expect. It is important to budget your money appropriately to avoid overspending and be able to enjoy your trip from start to finish without breaking the bank.

The table below breaks down a rough basic daily budget for different countries throughout South East Asia. This guide assumes a backpacker’s budget with very economical aims, including hostel stay over hotels. If you’re seeking nicer accommodations and activities it will, of course, cost more. Based on these numbers, food will take up approximately one-third of the budget. Street food in Southeast Asia is extremely affordable and delicious but it is still important to use common sense when eating street food. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables as well as tap water. As long as the place looks generally clean and tidy and has a lot of other customers, it should be safe. Street meals will range anywhere from $0.5 to $4 (USD) depending on what it is and how much food you get. Prices for a beer will range from about $0.50 to $2 depending on the country, with higher prices concentrated in touristy areas. Expect cocktails to hover around the $3 price range. If you’re a big partier, plan for a slightly larger budget to include more drinks!

Saving Tips

Clearly one of the major benefits of traveling to South East Asia is the affordability of the region. When travelling, as always, costs can add up unexpectedly. Budget as much as you can and try to save when you can. Here are a few basic tips that can help you save while backpacking:

Shared accommodation - A wide range of accommodations are available wherever you go, but shared dorms or hostels are a great option for saving money. Sharing space among multiple travellers presents a much lower cost than staying somewhere on your own. Staying in hostels is a great way to meet other travellers and make friends to share your journey with.

Haggle - Haggling or bartering is extremely common in these cultures. The practice is seen as a fun game played between the merchant and the customer. A good strategy is to have your opening offer start at half of the listed price and work your way up from there to meet in the middle.

Eat in the street! - Street markets are a hub for cheap food and souvenirs. This is also the prime time to put those haggling skills to work. Just make sure the food you are eating is safe and clean. The easiest way to tell is to eat where the locals are. Nobody wants food poisoning on vacation.

Watch out for hidden fees and scams - People will often try to take advantage of the language barrier and scam you out of paying more than you should. The best way to avoid this is through researching your day's activities and reading reviews about authenticity and average costs associated with it before you set out.

Take advantage of discounts - Many travel companies and even hostels will be given special discount deals to hand out to travellers. Simply ask around or check online.

Get a local SIM card - You won’t have much need for a phone when you’re in South East Asia unless it’s for the camera function. The best choice is to get a local SIM card. This is a cheap option that will allow you to keep your phone and still be able to use it. You will need to make sure your phone is unlocked to all networks before you go.

Do a group tour - Group tours are an amazing choice for young backpackers who want to enjoy the experience with other people. This option is super affordable as the tour leaders will have your itinerary planned each day, accommodation booked, and fun nights out planned for everyone to party together!

Work - If you plan to travel over an extended period of time, working is a great way to offset your expenses. Saving up while working will allow you to have more money to spend on your travels. Just make sure you have a proper visa that allows you to work while travelling, so you can avoid legal issues. It’s the age of the digital nomad and there has never been a better time to take advantage.

Safety While Travelling

When travelling through South East Asia, like any part of the world, it is important to stay safe and be aware to avoid dangerous situations. Stay street smart like you would in any big city to avoid trouble and headaches. Here is a brief list of practices to follow when backpacking in South East Asia and anywhere else.

Get travel insurance - Although you most likely won’t need it, it is always best to have insurance coverage, especially when in remote places in Asia.

Share your travel itinerary with family and friends - The more people know where you will be and when, the better. It’s always a good thing to check in with friends along the way so they know you’re safe. Also, who doesn’t want an excuse to brag about how much fun you’re having?

Notify your bank of travel - You don’t want your card to get frozen while you’re adventuring. Consider bringing a couple of different cards in case one is frozen or stolen. Also, double-check if any travel fees apply and make sure your card is widely accepted in the region.

Avoid scams - Unfortunately, there are lots of people out there looking to take advantage of innocent tourists. Luckily, we have Google right at our fingertips! Use it to fact check any services so you don’t fall for a scam.

Lock up valuable items - It’s best not to bring many valuables along while traveling. For anything that you do bring, it is smart to get a small lockable bag or safe to keep them safe.

Don't keep anything in your back pocket - It is easy to get your phone or wallet taken from your back pocket, especially in crowded streets. Try to keep these items secured at all times and at the very least, in your front pocket.

Write down emergency numbers and accommodation address - You may not have service all the time so it is very important to have a physical copy of important information handy, you never know when you may need it.

Travel in a group - A good solution to most of your concerns is to travel with others. Scammers and other dangerous people are less likely to target big groups of people travelling together than they would a solo traveller.

Travelling to & between countries in South East Asia

Flying into South East Asia is often the most expensive part of your adventure. Booking flexible flights, avoiding peak holiday times, and flying on weekdays can all give you cheaper rates. Larger name airlines, like Emirates, can provide direct flights but will be more expensive while the most affordable options include several connections, which can make a seriously grueling travel day. Once you get to South East Asia, travelling between countries becomes a lot easier and cheaper.

Flights to Southeast Asia

This will be the greatest cost of your trip. However, you can try to lower this cost significantly by shopping around for deals, traveling at off-peak times, and booking far in advance. Flight prices vary greatly depending on the seasons, airlines, and destinations but expect a flight to cost you between $750 and $1000 USD. Try finding cheaper deals on websites like Skyscanner and Expedia. Just be patient and book the trip as far in advance as possible.

Travelling between countries

Internal travel around South East Asia is significantly cheaper than flying in. If you’re looking to go from place to place you have many options on how and all of them are actually affordable.

Bus - Buses are by far the most affordable option. Expect rides to cost you a dollar or less! But be prepared this won’t be a luxurious coach bus.

Train - Trains are another great choice for cheaper travel. Taking an overnight ride is an amazing experience that everyone needs to try at least once. Prices will vary based on surge pricing, class of ticket, and how far you’re travelling. Expect the average train tickets to range between $7 and $15 dollars.

Plane - Flying within one country and between other countries in the region are relatively cheap as well. Expect internal flights to range between $50 and $100, while flights to other countries will be between $100 and $200.

Motorcycle - You can rent a personal motorbike for only about $4 per day, but although this may sound fun, driving here is not like driving back home. Discouraging this option, I would lean towards one of the other alternatives simply because of how dangerous this can be.

Languages and Cultures

Nervous about bridging the language barrier? Running into different dialects in a single country is daunting. Luckily, most of South East Asia is used to English speaking tourists. However, it is important to be respectful of the various cultures you encounter wherever you go. Check out this brief guide on languages you will encounter and tips on cultural customs you should adhere to.

Thailand - The official language is Thai. A few cultural points: avoid touching someone’s head, it is considered the most valued part of the body. Also, refrain from saying any rude comments about the royal family or you may end up punished under the country's law.

The Philippines - You can expect most people to speak both Filipino and English. The main cultural thing to keep in mind is that Philippinos have a very collectivist mindset. People are polite to one another and share with their families. Be observant of how this plays into having meals!

Vietnam - The language here is Vietnamese. There is a strict etiquette people must follow here. You should try to avoid public displays of affection, don’t touch anyone on the head, avoid standing with your hands on your hips and crossing your arms.

Cambodia - Cambodians speak their own language, Khmer. Similar to Vietnam, it is important not to touch someone’s head and not to point your finger.

Indonesia (Bali) - Because it is a nation with many islands you'll find tons of variations of the national language, Indonesian. For example, Bali has its own unique dialect. Like most of the other destinations, don’t touch anyone's head. It is also polite to greet strangers with a handshake.

Laos - The people here speak their official language called Lao and the country is culturally very similar to the other destinations. The head should not be touched, fingers shouldn’t be pointed up, and PDA should be avoided.

Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka has three official languages Sinhala, Tamil, and English. It is common to eat certain meals with your hands here, don’t cause a fuss if this bothers you and ask politely for some silverware. Avoid touching heads, avoid PDA, simply do as the locals do!

Travel Visas required

Each destination has their own unique visa requirements. Make sure you familiarise with these details on their respective immigration website as they can affect various aspects of your stay, including the length and work permissions. Although some countries may not have visa requirements for short-term visits, others do require additional approval before arrival. Here is a brief summary of each of the major destination’s requirements!

Thailand - The UK, Europe, Australia, NZ, Canada, and the USA passports do not require a visa for Thailand, as long as they are at least 6 months valid then you will receive a 30-day visa exemption on arrival. On the other hand, some other nationalities must apply for their visa beforehand.

Vietnam - Depending on your nationality and how long you’re planning on staying in Vietnam there are a few options. Some nationalities including most of Europe can enter Vietnam without a visa for a maximum of 15 days. If you want to stay longer than 15 days then you need to apply for a visa. If you’re not from one of the countries listed on the immigration website then you’ll need to apply for a one month visa at a Vietnamese Consulate nearest to you before you arrive, including paying a fee which costs about $60USD. The final option is to apply for a Visa Invitation Letter that allows you to pick up your Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport. This VOA is for one month costing about $25USD and needs to be paid in USD on arrival.

Cambodia - Most nationalities are able to get a visa on arrival in Cambodia. This extends for a maximum of 30 days, costing approximately $35USD, and will be payable upon arrival in cash. Some nationalities may need to make arrangements in advance.

Indonesia - Again, most nationalities will receive a 30-day visa on arrival in Bali. This visa is free for most of them and costs approximately $35USD for the others. Contrarily, some nationalities must apply for their visa beforehand.

Sri Lanka - Most nationalities require a visa or ETA (electronic travel authority) to enter Sri Lanka. This can generally be done online for approximately $35USD.

South East Asia Packing Checklist

A normal question that arises before travelling somewhere is what to pack. In this case, only the appropriate clothing and the essentials will do. Here is a checklist of some basic items needed for travelling through South East Asia.

• Passport : Your key to getting around Southeast Asia and getting home. Don’t forget it, and keep it safe!
• Debit/Credit Card: You can’t travel without some money. Most of South East Asia allows easy access for international ATM’s so a card is a must.
• Backpack: Reliable and comfortable, it’s your bff.
• Toiletries (Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap): Personal hygiene!
• Toiletry/Shower Bag: Make your trip to the shower easier.
• Compact Microfiber Towel: Avoid wasting backpack space with a small towel.
• Laundry Bag: A mesh bag is perfect, keep your clean clothes separated from the used ones.
• Sunglasses: Cheap will do but make sure your shades are rated to block some serious rays.
• Universal Adapter: Don’t forget this so you can charge up anywhere.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Save money while keeping plastic out of the ocean.
• Phone: If you are planning on getting a local SIM card you will need to make sure your phone is unlocked.

Clothes for Backpacking South East Asia

Whether it’s warm and sunny or raining, you’ll need to be prepared. Here are some tips on the type of clothes generally needed in South East Asia.

• A few outfits: Don’t overdo it, less is more.
• Comfortable “going out” outfits: Let it fit your style for a fun night out!
• Underwear: You won't want to forget these.
• Bathing Suit: This is a MUST.
• Athletic Shoes: Make sure they are something you can hike in.
• Sandals: For the beach and everyday comfort.
• Rain jacket: No one wants to walk around soaking wet!

Forgot something on this list? No worries! You can always buy something when you get there. If you are planning an extended trip through the region, traveling light on your trip in, and stocking up once you get there can actually be smart.

Packing Light

Packing light is essential. Hauling massive suitcases around and bags through jungles, beaches, and wherever else your adventures takes you is extremely inconvenient. Packing light also means packing small. The more space you save, the more stuff you can cram in your bags. Try rolling your clothes up and shoving your socks inside your shoes. Don’t bring your entire wardrobe, it is super easy to find laundry services for cheap prices in South East Asia, and in case you forget something, it’s not a big deal, there are stores too, don’t worry.

Become an eco-friendly traveller

Travel has massive impacts on the world’s ecosystems. Beyond carbon emissions from flights and the development of coastal infrastructure, unconscious tourism leads to natural habitat loss, animal exploitation, and increased pollution, having a serious impact on nature. Now more than ever, it is important to be responsible and do what you can to reduce your own environmental footprint . Here are a few small changes that can have hugely positive effects:

• Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
  

• Bring a drawstring / tote bag
  

• Be conscious of animal welfare
  

• Turn off electronics and lights when you leave your accommodation
  

• Recycle! It may be hard to find so keep your eye out for opportunities, or hold onto the items until you can
  

• Try a reusable straw
  

• Take shorter showers to help conserve water

Working while backpacking South East Asia

Working part-time while travelling is a great way to help fund your adventures abroad. Spending money is essential for having the best experiences and every little bit of income goes a long way, especially in South East Asia. Here are some things to know if you’re interested in working while backpacking.

Working Visas Required

Unfortunately, the free tourist visas you receive when arriving in South East Asian countries forbids any form of work. If you want to get a proper job, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, information on which can be found on the country’s tourism website. Still, there are other options for making money where visas aren’t required.

Jobs Available

A rule of thumb for job opportunities here is that you are unable to legally work in a job position where there are sufficient locals able to perform the same job as well as a foreigner. Therefore, the main job people get in South East Asia is teaching English. Many schools need native speakers to help teach their students and for a backpacker, you can make a really nice wage helping out. Obviously, having a teaching degree, background, or other qualifications can help you get a better position making even more money to fund your adventures.

Become a Digital Nomad

Although the traditional paid jobs you can find are limited, there is another path to income where a visa isn’t needed. Becoming a digital nomad has been an extremely popular and rapidly rising position for travellers in Asia. In fact, there are many different ways to work remotely, a major one being through media and content creation and with social media growing to what it is now, Instagrammers, bloggers, vloggers, and other influencers have found that people love to see and hear about adventures in foreign lands. Thus, starting up your own page for content can lead to paid advertising, product, and tour reviews. Beyond this, people can find work doing freelance marketing, social media marketing, virtual tutoring, and more. Due to the advances in technology opportunities have arisen for travellers to still make a leaving no matter where they are and despite happening all over the world, it has become especially popular in locations like Bali and Chiang Mai.

First time Backpacking South East Asia?

If this is your first time backpacking South East Asia, try not to travel alone. Having people with knowledge of the region and understanding of the culture is very helpful to make your trip as safe and fun as possible. Whether you’re a solo traveller, or travelling with some friends, group tours are the best option for you. It is a great idea to join a larger group of similar and like-minded people to start your journey with. Creating memories and experiencing different adventures can lead to friendships that last a lifetime, while also providing the benefits that travelling in a group offers.

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