3 months travelling asia

The Best 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary: 2024

Planning a 3 Month Southeast Asia itinerary? Here’s our in-depth guide on how to travel around Southeast Asia in 3 months. Spend your days exploring tropical jungles, admiring temples and enjoying some of the world’s best cuisines. With 3 months in Southeast Asia, there’s a lot you can see and we’ll show you how to create the perfect itinerary.

Southeast Asia is one of the most popular backpacking destinations with countries filled with adventure, friendly locals and budget-friendly prices.

This region of the world is perfect for any type of traveller and we’ve created the best 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary for you to plan the perfect trip. Firstly, we’d like to cover a few things – what countries are in Southeast Asia ?

The mainland Southeast Asia trail covers Thailand , Cambodia , Vietnam and Laos with the addition of Malaysia , Singapore and Myanmar (Burma) for those with more time.

Other popular countries in Southeast Asia are the Philippines and Indonesia (including Bali) which usually involve flying as they both consist of a lot of tropical islands! Finally, there’s Brunei and Timor-Leste which definitely don’t get as much attention as other countries in Southeast Asia.

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In this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary, we show you how to visit Singapore, Malaysia , Thailand , Cambodia , Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia with the option to switch plans around and create your perfect itinerary.

Quick Tips for a 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

• Currencies  – All 7 countries in this Southeast Asia itinerary have different currencies. Here’s a list if you’d like to compare it to your own currency : Singapore Dollar, Malaysian Ringgit Thai Baht, US Dollars & Cambodian Riel, Vietnamese Dong, Laotian Kip and Indonesian Rupiah.
• Language  – These countries also have their own languages and English is found in popular travel destinations. It’s recommended to learn a few phrases before visiting!
• Food  – Curries, rice dishes, noodle dishes, fresh fruit, coconuts & more!
• Apps  –   GoogleMaps, GoogleTranslate, Grab & Gojek
• Accommodation – Hostelworld here  or  Booking.com here
• Travel Adaptor  – (Plugs C & G) We recommend buying an International Worldwide Travel Adaptor !

Also check out our Southeast Asia Packing Guide and Budget Guide for Southeast Asia !

How to get around Southeast Asia

Once you arrive in Southeast Asia, the best way to get around the region is by bus, ferry or flying! When you’re in a country, island or city the best way to get around will be a scooter, tuk-tuk or local transport if they have it! Tuk-tuks and taxis are always around the major destinations if you’re ever stuck.

Flights  – Check Skyscanner  for flight times and prices!

3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

Now onto the part, you came here for – the Southeast Asia 3 month itinerary! We’ve added how to get around from each destination, a recommendation of where to stay and a list of the best things to do in every city, town or island! We’ve also put the itinerary on GoogleSheets *for free * so you can use it during your trip.

Find the full itinerary on GoogleSheets here – copy and paste it to start creating your 3 Month Southeast Asia itinerary! You can also share it with family and friends so they can see where you’re staying and which country you’re in. Here’s our in-depth travel itinerary!

Singapore | 3 Days

• Singapore | Day 1 – 4 (3 days)

The futuristic urban jungle of Singapore is the best place to start your 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary! The flights arriving into the country are usually pretty good from around the world (as well as flying into Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur), and Singapore is a great city to get over jetlag whilst exploring the sights.

The small country of Singapore is more pricey than other countries in Southeast Asia which means it’s likely to be above budget as accommodation is more expensive. Keep this in mind when starting your 3 months in Southeast Asia and definitely eat in Hawker centres if you want budget-friendly food in Singapore! The best way to get around the city is by metro, bus or Grab .

Things to do in Singapore

• Walk around the Gardens by the Bay & see the view from Marina Bay Sands
• Admire the Botanical Gardens
• Eat your heart out in the Hawker Centre’s
• Visit Sentosa Island & spend the day at Universal Studios
• Browse around the colourful streets of Little India and China Town
• Watch the impressive light & water show

Where to stay in Singapore – 7 Wonders Hostel in Little India!

Malaysia | 10 days

• Malaysia | Day 4 – 14 (10 days)

A country filled with rainforests, wildlife, beautiful islands and vibrant cities deserves a spot on this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. We loved our time in Malaysia and would return just for the food!

With a mixed population of Malay, Indian and Chinese – there’s some amazing street food and restaurants to eat at during your 10 days in Malaysia.

There’s so much to do in Malaysia and with 10 days you’ll be able to visit the main highlights! The best way to get around the country is by bus or flying .

Kualar Lumpur – 3 days

Start your Malaysia itinerary in the hectic capital city, Kuala Lumpur! It’s a 5 hour bus ride to get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore and the prices are inexpensive. 3 days is perfect for Kuala Lumpur and a great amount of time to explore the city visiting the towers, malls, parks and temples. The metro system is easy to use and Grab’s are available everywhere around the city.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

• Visit the tallest twin towers in the world, Petronas Towers & browse around KLCC (park)
• Take a trip to the Batu Caves
• Admire Thean Hou Temple
• Walk around Perdana Botanical Gardens & Walk high in the trees at KL Forest Eco Park
• Visit Central Market & China Town & shop at Petaling Street Market
• Here’s our 3 Day Kuala Lumpur itinerary with more details!

Where to eat in Kuala Lumpur – Sweet Veggie (Pudu), Happy Sambodi Vege Restaurant, Sangeetha Veg Restaurant, SALA Berjaya Times Square

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur – D’majestic Place By Homes ($-$$)

Cameron Highlands – 2 days

Next up in your 3 months in Southeast Asia itinerary is the Cameron Highlands – a beautiful region filled with tea plantations, colder weather and rainforests. Check out our guide to visiting Cameron Highlands with many recommendations and tips!

It’s a 4 hour bus ride to get from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands and the best way to get around the Cameron Highlands is by scooter, tours or renting a car .

Things to do in Cameron Highlands

• Visit the BOH Tea Plantations & Cafe
• Explore the Mossy Forest & Mount Brinchang
• Browse around the town of Tanah Rata
• Go hiking in the hills ( find out more here ) & jungle trek to find the Giant Rafflesia
• Visit Bharat Tea Plantations
• Pick your own strawberries

Where to eat in Cameron Highlands – Singh Chapati, Restoran Sri Brinchang

Where to stay in Cameron Highlands – Bricks Cameron Hostel (this is where we stayed)!

➤ Still saving for your Southeast Asia trip? Here’s our tips on how to save money for your travels !

Penang – 3 days

The best area to base yourself in Penang is the colourful city of Georgetown. Spend 3 days wandering around the colonial streets finding street art and amazing local cuisine. Penang also has amazing viewpoints, jungles, and beaches to explore outside of historic Georgetown.

It takes around 5 hours on a bus to get from Cameron Highlands to Georgetown, Penang and the best way to get around Penang is by bus, scooter or tour .

Things to do in Penang

• Visit Kek Lok Si Temple
• Chill at Batu Ferringhi Beach
• Get the cable car or hike up Penang Hill
• Walk around Little India (the best restaurants & street food!)
• Admire the street art in Georgetown
• Enjoy all the multicultural food Penang has to offer
• Check out our Penang itinerary to plan your trip!

Where to eat in Penang – Ee Beng Vegetarian Food, Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant, Jian Jian Vegetarian Food

Where to stay in Penang – We Love GuestHouse ($) – Find the link here!

Langkawi – 2 days

Now it’s time to explore the first tropical island of your 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary! Langkawi is a beautiful island in the northwest of Malaysia near the border of Thailand. It’s a nature-filled paradise with wildlife, beaches and waterfalls.

It takes about 3 hours by ferry to get from Georgetown to Langkawi and the best way to get around Langkawi is by walking, scooter or tour .

Things to do in Langkawi

• Walk along the Langkawi SkyBridge & go on the Langkawi SkyCab ( Cable car )
• Admire Telaga Tujuh Waterfall & Seven Wells Waterfall
• Visit the Eagle statue (Dataran Lang)
• Relax on Tanjung Rhu beach
• Go on a mangrove tour in Kilim Geoforest Park

Where to stay in Langkawi – Gecko Guesthouse – Find the link here !

Malaysia travel guides : 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary , Cameron Highlands Itinerary , Ipoh Itinerary , Melaka Itinerary , Penang Itinerary and Kuala Lumpur Itinerary !

Southern Thailand & Bangkok | 13 days

• Southern Thailand & Bangkok | Day 14 – 27 (13 days)

The Thai islands will be some of the most beautiful places on your 3 months in Southeast Asia itinerary. Whether you’re into relaxing on the beach, snorkelling or partying – there’s really something for everyone in the South of Thailand .

On a Southeast Asia 3 months itinerary it’s going to be hard to visit all of these stunning islands, so we’ve chosen three for you to enjoy. If you have more time head over to the Gulf of Thailand to enjoy Koh Tao , Koh Phangan and Koh Samui . You can also check out our 1 month Thailand itinerary !

Koh Lipe – 2 days

Koh Lipe is a lovely island to start your Thailand trip – white sand beaches, crystal clear water and hiking on nearby islands. When you enter Thailand, you’ll have to get your visa when you arrive at the border.

It takes 2 hours by ferry to get from Langkawi to Koh Lipe and the best way to get around Koh Lipe is by walking or bicycle . Find out how to book transport online here !

Things to do in Koh Lipe

• Relax on Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach & Sunset Beach
• Day trip & hike Koh Adang
• Go snorkelling & admire tropical fish
• Browse and shop around Koh Lipe walking street

Where to stay in Koh Lipe – Bayview Sunset ($) – Find the link here !

Koh Lanta – 3 days

Koh Lanta will always hold a place in our hearts as we lived there for 2 months volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare . We highly recommend visiting Koh Lanta for a few relaxing days and taking it slow on your Southeast Asia 3 month itinerary. Visit the many beaches of Koh Lanta as well as explore Old Town and the national park.

It takes around 4 hours by ferry to get from Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta and the best way to get around Koh Lanta is by scooter, tuk-tuk or tour.

Check out our 3 days in Koh Lanta itinerary for a more in-depth travel guide!

Things to do in Koh Lanta

• Visit Lanta Animal Welfare ( find out about volunteering here! )
• Hike around Visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park
• Visit the beautiful Old Town
• Take a Thai cooking class ( with Time for Lime, find out more here !
• Relax on the many beaches around the island
• Go on a snorkelling tour or go scuba diving

Where to stay in Koh Lanta – Coco Lanta Resort ($$) – Find the link here & Baan Suan Rim Klong ($)- Find the link here !

Best Restaurants in Koh Lanta – Yawee Restaurant, Aleena’s, The Angels & Spring Rolls (We have a vegan in Koh Lanta travel guide )!

➤ Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand – The Best Thailand Travel Tips!

Koh Phi Phi – 3 days

The famous Koh Phi Phi could be the most popular island in Thailand (along with Phuket). Other than the island being catered towards tourism with markets and tours, it’s absolutely beautiful and the rock formations around the islands will leave you speechless.

It takes around 1 hour by ferry to get from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi and the best way to get around the island is by walking !

Things to do in Koh Phi Phi

• Visit Monkey Beach
• Take a trip to Bamboo Island
• Shop around the Phi Phi markets
• Take a snorkelling tour around the islands (see Maya Bay)
• Hike up to Phi Phi viewpoint

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi – Harmony House ($) – Find the link here!

Krabi (Ao Nang) – 2 days

Krabi is the region of Thailand which includes Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi and in this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary, we recommend basing yourself in Ao Nang once on the mainland of Krabi. Ao Nang has many restaurants and easy access to boat tours, ferries and Railay Beach.

It takes around 2 hours by ferry to get from Koh Phi Phi to Ao Nang, Krabi and the best way to get around Krabi is by scooter, Grab, taxi, tour, car rental & walking around Ao Nang .

Things to do in Krabi

• Hike to the Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)
• Take a trip to Railay Beach
• Relax on Ao Nang Beach
• Admire the rock formations or go rock climbing
• Here are even more things to do in Krabi, Thailand !

Where to stay in Krabi – J Mansion, Ao Nang ($) – Find the link here !

Bangkok – 3 days

After an amazing 10 days of island hopping in Thailand, head to Bangkok – the capital of Thailand! Bangkok is the central hub of Southeast Asia and another great place to start your trip. There’s many things to do in the city such as temples, markets and shopping. It’s also a great city for rooftop bars and nightlife!

It takes around 1.5 hours to get from Krabi to Bangkok by plane or it’s a 10-hour bus journey. We used the bus and it’s not too bad overnight, just long! The best way to get around Bangkok is by Grab, metro & bus .

Things to do in Bangkok

• Visit the famous The Grand Palace
• Also, visit Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Arun Ratchawararam & Wat Traimit
• Browse around the Chatuchak Weekend Market
• Walk around Lumphini Park
• Visit Khao San Road & Chinatown
• Shop in the many malls such as MBK Center & Central World
• Plan your 3 days in Bangkok with our travel guide!

Where to stay in Bangkok – Pillow & Bread ($) – Find the link here !

Some of our Thailand travel guides : 4 Day Phuket Itinerar y / 3 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary / 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary / Thailand Travel Tips / 2 Week Thai Islands Itinerary

Cambodia | 12 days

• Cambodia | Day 27 – 39 (12 days)

The next country on your 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary is Cambodia . It’s home to the well-known Angkor Wat and many more temples across the country. The islands here are more natural and not as touristic as the Thai islands but just as beautiful. Cambodia is definitely worth a visit on a 3 month Southeast Asia route.

The best way to get around Cambodia is by bus and then using tuk-tuks or scooters when in destinations. It’s also very easy to get to Cambodia from Bangkok. Here’s our 2 Week Cambodia itinerary !

Siem Reap – 3 days

The first destination on your Cambodia trip is Siem Reap and the Angkor Complex. Siem Reap is the perfect base for exploring the temples and you can spend anything from 1 day to 1-week temple hopping. We spent 1 day at the Angkor Complex due to the difficult high heat in April and saw the main highlights.

The bus journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap takes around 8 hours including the border crossing. It’s also possible to fly to Siem Reap in 1 hour. We took the bus during the daytime and it was comfortable but long.

The best way to get around the Angkor Complex is by tuk-tuk for the day or by bicycle . It is possible to walk, but it’s not advised as it can take 4.5 hours to get around in the heat.

Things to do in Siem Reap

• Explore the famous Angkor Complex  (1 day is $37, 3 days is $62 & 7 days is $72)
• Walk down Pub Street
• Visit the Angkor National Museum
• Shop the markets & eat street food

Where to stay in Siem Reap – Side Walk Hotel ($) – Find the link here !

Phnom Penh – 2 days

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and there’s so much history to learn around the city. 2 days is a good amount of time to spend here and you’ll also come back for one evening at the end of this Cambodia itinerary. Phnom Penh is not as developed as Bangkok or Singapore.

It takes around 7 hours to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by bus and the best way to get around Phnom Penh is by tuk-tuk, taxi or Grab .

Things to do in Phnom Penh

• Learn in the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (the dark history of Cambodia)
• Browse around the Central Market & Russian Market
• Visit the Royal Palace of Cambodia
• See the Buddhist temple – Wat Phnom
• Learn more at the Killing Fields in Choeung Ek

Where to stay in Phnom Penh – Hotel Zing ($) – Find the link here !

Kampot – 2 days

The riverside town of Kampot is a unique place to visit in Cambodia during your 3 months in Southeast Asia itinerary. Spend the next few days taking it easy in Kampot and the islands after understanding more about Cambodia’s history.

It takes around 3 hours to get from Phnom Penh to Kampot and the best way to get around Kampot is by scooter, tuk-tuk or walking .

Things to do in Kampot

• See the view from Bokor Mountain
• Kayak through the mangroves in Kampot River
• Visit the Pepper Farm
• Watch the sunset from the riverside beaches

Where to stay in Kampot – Bohemiaz Resort and Spa Kampot ($) – Find the link here !

Koh Rong – 2 days

Welcome to the tropical Cambodian island of Koh Rong! This is the first of two islands you’ll visit in Cambodia on this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. If you want to relax a little more, you can also just choose one island – Koh Rong is more popular whilst Koh Rong Sanloem is usually the quieter island.

As far as we know, there are no roads or ATMs in Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem and limited electricity and Wifi.

It takes around 4 hours to get from Kampot to Phnom Penh by minivan and ferry. The best way to get around Koh Rong is by walking tours, and boat taxis.

Things to do in Koh Rong

• Relax at White Beach
• Walk through the jungle to Long Beach
• Enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling or kayaking
• Join the bars & party at Police Beach

Where to stay in Koh Rong – Psk Vimean Koh Rong Guesthouse ($) – Find the link here !

➤ Check out our Southeast Asia Budget Guide to plan prices for Cambodia!

Koh Rong Sanloem – 2 days

Similar to Koh Rong is another beautiful island – Koh Rong Sanloem! It’s more chilled, less developed and another great island for snorkelling, relaxing and you’ll still find a few parties going on.

It takes around 40 minutes by ferry to get from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Sanloem and the best way to get around Koh Rong Sanloem is by walking, tour, or boat taxi .

Things to do in Koh Rong Sanloem

• Chill at M’Pai Bay & swim with Bioluminescent Plankton
• Hike to the Old Lighthouse
• Visit Saracen Bay or Lazy Beach
• Watch the sunset at Sunset Beach

Where to stay in Koh Rong Sanloem – The Cliff Hostel ($) – Find the link here !

Phnom Penh – 1 day

It takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on which ferry you take to get from Koh Rong Sanloem to Sihanoukville. From Sihanoukville, it takes around 5 hours by bus to get to Phnom Penh.

You’ll most likely arrive in the evening, so find some dinner and prepare for the next adventure in your 3 months in Southeast Asia itinerary to Vietnam.

Check out our 2 Week Cambodia Itinerary for more details!

Vietnam | 22 days

• Vietnam | Day 39 – 61 (22 days)

If you’re planning a 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary, Vietnam can’t be missed. It’s one of the best countries for backpacking in Southeast Asia with a variety of things to do! Between 3 weeks to 1 month is the perfect time to spend in Vietnam ( you’ll probably want longer too! ), eating the delicious local cuisine, and exploring hills, jungles, beaches, caves, and falls!

The best way to get around Vietnam is by night buses, trains, and flights . The night buses have sleeper seats throughout the country, making them very comfortable for sleeping if you’re not too tall!

Ho Chi Minh – 2 days

Ho Chi Minh, also known as Saigon, is one of Vietnam’s biggest cities filled with street food, shopping, monuments, and museums! Spend 2-3 days in Ho Chi Minh adjusting to Vietnam before taking a trip to the Mekong River.

It takes around 7 hours by bus to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh and the best way to get around Ho Chi Minh is by Grab, tuk-tuks, walking, and tours .

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh

• See the view from Bitexco Financial Tower
• Learn about history at the War Remnants Museum
• Visit Giac Lam Pagoda
• Walk down Pham Ngu Lao Street
• Send a letter home from the Central Post Office & visit Notre Dame Cathedral
• Take a trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh – Ngoc Loan Hotel ($) – Find the link here !

Can Tho – 1 day

On day 3 of your Vietnam trip, head to Can Tho to experience the city on the Mekong River. It’s also possible to do this on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh, but we really enjoyed a full day in Can Tho including the early morning wake-up to visit the floating markets.

It takes roughly 4 hours to get from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho and the city is easily walkable other than visiting the floating markets on a local boat.

Things to do in Can Tho

• Hop on a boat and see the Cai Rang Floating Market
• Walk around Ninh Kieu Wharf
• Visit the Cacao farm & Rice Noodle Factory
• Browse the many markets in Can Tho

Where to stay in Can Tho – Green Village Mekong ($) – Find the link here !

Ho Chi Minh – 1 day

After spending one night in Can Tho, head back to Ho Chi Minh after visiting the floating markets and relax before catching another bus the next day.

Mui Ne – 2 days

There is one reason Mui Ne made it onto this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary – it’s home to white and red sand dunes – which is completely different from the rest of the tropical and mountainous country. Mui Ne is the perfect base to book a sunrise tour and see everything in the town!

It takes around 4.5 hours by bus to get from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne and the best way to get around Mui Ne is by booking a tour . There are rumours that the police like to try to catch tourists out on scooters here, so we wouldn’t recommend renting one!

Things to do in Mui Ne

• Take a Sunrise Tour of the Red & White Sand Dunes
• Visit the Fishing Village & Market
• Walk through the sandy Fairy Stream
• Relax on the beach & enjoy the nearby restaurants

Where to stay in Mui Ne – Mui Ne Hills Backpackers ($) – Find the link here !

Da Lat – 2 days

In the Central Highlands of Vietnam is the French colonial city of Da Lat. If you’re visiting between December and March it can get pretty chilly in the mountains, but the most popular thing to do here is to go canyoning! Our guides at Dalat Adventure Tours were amazing we highly recommend them!

It takes between 4 to 5 hours by bus to get from Mui Ne to Da Lat and the journey takes you higher into the mountains with many windy roads. The best way to get around Da Lat is by scooter, taxi or walking .

Things to do in Da Lat

• Go canyoning in the falls of Da Lat ( Dalat Adventure Tours )
• Walk around the Valley of Love
• Browse the Da Lat Market
• Get lost in the Crazy House
• Visit the Maze Bar
• See the Pagoda’s

Where to stay in Da Lat – Raon Hotel ($) – Find the link here !

Hoi An – 3 days

Hoi An is one of central Vietnam’s prettiest cities – making a name for itself with beautiful lantern markets along the river. You can spend anything from 3 days to a week here enjoying all the best things to do in Hoi An. The best way to get around Hoi An is by walking, scooter, bicycle or tour .

It takes around 14 hours to get from Da Lat to Hoi An by an overnight sleeper bus – which will be the second night bus on your 3 months in Southeast Asia itinerary. Vietnam sleeper buses are pretty comfortable! The other way to get to Hoi An is to fly from Da Lat to Da Nang and take a 45-minute bus to Hoi An.

Things to do in Hoi An

• Fall in love with the Old Town
• Shop at all the Local Markets & get a Tailored piece of clothing
• Chill on An Bang Beach
• Rent a bicycle or scooter & ride around the countryside
• Visit Ruins, Museums & Monuments

Where to stay in Hoi An – Legend Ancient Town Hoi An Hotel ($) – Find the link here !

➤ Plan your clothes with our Southeast Asia Packing Guide !

Da Nang – 2 days

Not many people talk about Da Nang on a 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary, but as it’s home to the famous Golden Bridge in the sky – it’s become a popular place to visit. The city is right on the beach with beautiful mountains surrounding the skyscrapers.

It takes 45 minutes by bus to get from Hoi An to Da Nang and the best way to get around Da Nang is by Grab, scooter or tour .

Things to do in Da Nang

• Visit the Ba Na Hills ( theme park resort )
• Relax on My Khe, Pham Van Dong & Non Nuoc Beach
• Watch the fire show at the Dragon Bridge
• Drive to the Hai Van Pass ( the best way is to rent a scooter )

Where to stay in Da Nang – Señorita Boutique Hotel ($) – Find the link here !

Hue – 1 day

Also in central Vietnam is Hue – a city known for its impressive Imperial City . In this Southeast Asia 3 month itinerary there’s enough time for 1 day in Hue to enjoy the best things to do in the city and prepare for a night bus the following day.

It takes about 3 hours to get from Da Nang to Hue by bus and the best way to get around Hue is by scooter, taxi or tour .

Things to do in Hue

• Visit the Imperial Citadel
• Visit the Tomb Of Khai Dinh, Tomb Of Minh Mang & Tomb Of Tu Duc
• Explore the Abandoned Water Park ( where the famous dragon is! )

Where to stay in Hue – Tâm Homestay ($) – Find the link here !

Ninh Binh – 2 days

Ninh Binh is a beautiful place to visit during your 3 months in Southeast Asia. You can spend your days on a small boat floating through caves or hiking to peaks with views of rice paddies. Base yourself in Trang An or Tam Coc to really feel the nature here!

It takes around 11 hours by bus or train to get from Hue to Ninh Binh and the best way to get around Ninh Binh is by scooter, bicycle, taxi , tour . When arriving in Ninh Binh you will need to get a taxi to Tam Coc or Trang An.

Things to do in Ninh Binh

• Explore the beautiful Tam Coc
• Hike to Hang Mua Peak & visit Mua Cave
• Take a boat trip around Trang An
• Find the Bich Dong Pagoda
• Ride around the beautiful scenery (by bicycle or scooter)

Where to stay in Ninh Binh – Tam Coc Melody Homestay ($) – Find the link here !

Cat Ba – 2 days

Cat Ba is an alternative place to stay to Ha Long Bay – it’s a lot more chilled and the views are almost the same! The island has so much to offer and one of our favourite views from a hike is in Cat Ba National Park.

It takes around 4.5 hours to get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba by bus and ferry. The best way to get around Cat Ba is by scooter and joining onto a boat trip to explore the famous bays (Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay).

Things to do in Cat Ba

• Go on a Lan Ha Bay Cruise (also visits Ha Long Bay)
• Hike in Cat Ba National Park
• Go kayaking, snorkelling or rock climbing
• See the views from Canon Fort & explore Đài Quan Sát Phía Đông)

Where to stay in Cat Ba – Bao Phuc Hotel ($-$$) – Find the link here !

Sapa – 2 days

Up in the northwest of Vietnam, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies is the beautiful town of Sapa! Sa Pa is a popular hiking spot in Vietnam and you can take walking tours with the locals to explore the area. The best places to stay in Sa Pa are homestays overlooking the rice paddies. Check out the town on your way back to the bus station.

It takes around 13 hours to get from Cat Ba to Sapa on a ferry and an overnight bus and the best way to get around Sapa is by scooter, walking, taxi or tour .

Things to do in Sapa

• Trek through the rice paddies
• Ride the Cable Car to Fansipan (one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia)
• Hike to Love Waterfall & Silver Waterfall
• Get cosy in the cafes in Sapa town
• Stay in a homestay

Where to stay in Sapa – Surelee Homestay ($) – Find the link here !

Hanoi – 2 days

Now it’s time to explore the capital city of Vietnam – Hanoi. Hanoi is another unique capital city on this 3 months in Southeast Asia itinerary with French influences, along with Chinese & Southeast Asian. The city’s Old Quarter has many markets, shopping and restaurants to enjoy 2 days in Hanoi.

It takes 7 hours by bus to get from Sapa to Hanoi and the best way to get around Hanoi is by Grab, walking or taxis .

Things to do in Hanoi

• Browse around the beautiful Old Quarter
• Go to a cafe on the Train Tracks
• Visit the Temple of Literature & St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake
• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Where to stay in Hanoi – Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel ($) – Find the link here !

Laos | 7 days

• Laos | Day 61 – 68 (7 days)

Onto the next country on this 3 months in Southeast Asia itinerary – Laos is a country in the north filled with quaint towns, beautiful mountains and jungles. We recommend you spend at least 1 week in Laos exploring 2-3 towns before catching the slow boat into the North of Thailand.

Vang Vieng – 2 days

Vang Vieng is a small mountainous town that became a very popular party and tubing destination. It was stopped for a long time due to the dangerous side of mixing both of these activities together – but in 2024 it’s now possible to go tubing again (responsibly)! The surroundings of Vang Vieng are definitely worth a visit during your 3 months Southeast Asia trip.

It can take around 20 hours by bus to get from Hanoi to Vang Vieng which is very long, but the best option if you’re on a budget. Alternatively, there’s a new railway connecting Hanoi to Vientiane and then you can catch a bus to Vang Vieng.

It’s also possible to fly to Vientiane to save time and check out Vientiane along the way, we didn’t have time on our 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. The best way to get around Vang Vieng is by songthaews & scooter .

Things to do in Vang Vieng

• Take a dip in Blue lagoon 1 & Blue Lagoon 3 
• Go Kayaking or Tubing on Nan Song river
• Admire the surrounding at Pha Tang Bridge
• Head to Nam Xay Viewpoint & Tham Chang cave 

Where to stay in Vang Vieng – Vang Vieng Champa Hotel ($) – Find the link here !

Luang Prabang – 3 days

Another must-visit destination in Laos is Luang Prabang – an ancient capital known for its temples and monasteries. This royal city is also a great spot for visiting the popular Kuang Si waterfalls.

It takes around 6 hours to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang bus however there is a new railway that may only take 2 hours by train. The best way to get around Luang Prabang is by scooter, tuk-tuk or tour .

Things to do in Luang Prabang

• Visit the Kuang Si waterfalls
• Admire the view from Phu Si Mountain
• Explore the Royal Temple, Wat Wisunalat & Wat Xieng Thong

Where to stay in Luang Prabang – Golden Lotus Place ($) – Find the link here !

➤ Here’s our tips on how to save money for your backpacking trip !

Mekong River Slow Boat (Travel Days) – 2 days

The Mekong River stretches through many countries of mainland Southeast Asia and you now have the option to take a two-day slow boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. It’s a popular route for backpackers and although not the most comfortable – it’s definitely an experience!

There are around 8 hours of sailing on the first day and around 7 hours on the second day with an overnight stop in the small town of Pakbeng. The boat will drop you off in Chiang Khong and then it’s a 2-3 hour bus journey to Chiang Rai.

Northern Thailand | 8 days

• Northern Thailand | Day 68 – 76 (8 days)

After the long slow boat from Laos, you will arrive back in Thailand – this time Northern Thailand! The north is filled with gorgeous jungles, mountains, temples and nature. The cuisine is also a little different in the North, so make sure to take the time to eat the local Thai food.

Chiang Rai – 2 days

The slow boat from Luang Prabang will take you to the mountainous city of Chiang Rai. This is where you can visit the famous White Temple, enjoy the waterfalls and check out Chiang Rai markets before heading to Pai.

Things to do in Chiang Rai

• Visit the White Temple
• Admire the Blue Temple
• Have fun at Khun Korn Forest Park, Khun Korn Forest Park & Pong Phrabat Waterfall
• Explore the Chiang Rai Night Markets 

Where to stay in Chiang Rai – Pan Kled Villa Eco Hill Resort ($$) – Find the link here !

Pai – 3 days

The backpacker favourite, Pai is located in the Mae Hong Soon Province. It’s known for its beautiful mountain scenery, laid-back town and delicious street food. Over the years Pai is becoming more and more popular and has a lot of influences from Western culture, especially the healthy yoga scene.

It takes around 7 hours to get from Chiang Rai to Pai by bus and the best way to get around Pai is by scooter, taxi, tour or songthaew .

Things to do in Pai

• Climb up to the White Buddha
• Watch the sunset at Pai Canyon
• Find the best food at Pai’s Walking Street Night Market
• Visit Mo Paeng Waterfall & Pam Bok Waterfall
• Visit the Land Split or go Whitewater Rafting

Where to stay in Pai – Kuad Khon Thoe Pai Cottage ($) – Find the link here !

Chiang Mai – 3 days

Chiang Mai is the main hub of Northern Thailand and one of our favourite cities on this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. Walk around the preserved Old City, visit temples, eat delicious Northern Thai food and explore the beautiful nature around the city. Chiang Mai is also a great spot for shopping!

It takes 4 hours by bus or minivan to get from Pai to Chiang Mai by bus. The best way to get around Chiang Mai is by using Grab, a scooter, songthaew, tuk-tuk, tour & walking .

Things to do in Chiang Mai

• Visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan & Wat Phra That Doi Kham
• Browse around the Night Bazaar or Sunday Walking Street Markets
• Take a Thai Cooking Class
• Have fun at the Grand Canyon Water Park

Where to stay in Chiang Mai – BB House Budget & Boutique ($) – Find the link here !

Our Thailand Travel Guides : 11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips , 1 month Thailand itinerary & 2 Week Thai Islands Itinerary !

Indonesia | 14 days

• Indonesia | Day 76 – 90 (14 days)

After spending just over a week in the beautiful North of Thailand, it’s time to head to your last country on this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. On our first trip to Southeast Asia, we ended our time relaxing on the beaches of Indonesia and it was the best way to prepare for home.

Spend 2 weeks exploring the Gili islands, the Nusa islands and beautiful Bali whilst enjoying the delicious Indonesian cuisine, and admiring the rice paddies, waterfalls and Balinese culture.

Bali (Ubud) – 3 days

Start your trip in central Bali surrounded by jungle and rice paddies! Ubud is one of the most beautiful places in Bali with nature, markets and the best food. 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time here to settle into the Bali lifestyle whilst checking out the best things to do in Ubud.

The best way to get from Thailand to Indonesia is by flying! Chiang Mai has an international airport and you may have to layover in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur before getting to Bali Denpasar airport. The flight from Bangkok to Bali is around 4.5 hours.

The best way to get around mainland Bali is by taxi, scooter, Gojek and hiring a driver .

Things to do in Bali, Ubud

• Explore the rice fields ( Tegallalang Rice Terrace )
• Visit the Monkey Forest & Campuhan Ridge Walk
• Discover the surrounding waterfalls ( Tegenungan Waterfall )
• Drive north to Sekumpul Waterfalls

Where to stay in Bali, Ubud – Parthi Puri Ubud ($) – Find the link here !

➤ Travelling on a budget? Check out our Southeast Asia Budget Guide !

Gili Trawangan – 2 days

Head over to the Gili Islands (part of Lombok) to relax and explore the world underwater! Gili T is one of three Gili islands and is mostly known as the popular party island. We have stayed on all three and Gili T definitely has the most development and infrastructure which means more guesthouses, restaurants and shops.

There are a few ways how to get from Bali to Gili T but generally, it should take around 3 hours by mini-van and speedboat. The Gili islands have no roads, so the best way to get around Gili Trawangan is by walking or bicycle .

Things to do in Gili Trawangan

• Snorkel with the turtles
• Explore the island by bicycle
• Relax on the beaches
• Visit the shops & markets

Where to stay in Gili Trawangan – Little Woodstock Homestay ($) – Find the link here !

Gili Air – 2 days

Gili Air is the third island out of the Gili islands and on the way, you will pass Gili Meno (the second island). Gili Meno is the quietest of the three islands which is why we recommend you visit Gili Air unless you want a quieter few days! Gili Air is laidback and has many restaurants to keep you busy whilst enjoying the beaches.

It takes 20 minutes to get from Gili Trawangan to Gili Air by speedboat and the best way to get around Gili Air is by walking or bicycle .

Things to do in Gili Air

• Go Snorkelling (Find the underwater statues)
• Find the swings at the beach
• Watch sunsets at the beach

Where to stay in Gili Air – Kelapa Gading Bungalows ($) – Find the link here !

Nusa Penida – 3 days

Nusa Penida is known as the smaller version of Bali nestled in between Bali and Lombok. Spend the next 3 days exploring beautiful beaches, viewpoints and all the best things to do in Nusa Penida!

It takes around 2.5 hours to get from Gili Air to Nusa Penida by speedboat and the best way to get around Nusa Penida is by scooter, car rental or tour .

Things to do in Nusa Penida

• Visit Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach
• Hike down to Kelingking Beach
• Explore Broken Beach
• Admire the views from Teletubbies Hill

Where to stay in Nusa Penida – The Kleep Jungle Resort ($) – Find the link here !

Nusa Lembongan – 2 days

Nusa Lembongan is another tropical island just next to Bali with wonderful nature, wildlife and coastal cliffs. It’s a great place to spend 2 days before making your way back to mainland Bali to end your 3 months in Southeast Asia.

It takes around 20 minutes to get from Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan and the best way to get around Nusa Lembongan is by scooter, taxi or tour .

Things to do in Nusa Lembongan

• Watch the waves at Devil’s Tears
• Snorkel or dive with Manta Rays
• Explore the Mangroves
• Visit the many beaches on the island

Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan – Wahyu Homestay 1 ($) – Find the link here !

Bali (Canggu) – 2 days

End your 3 months in Southeast Asia on the beaches of Bali before catching a flight out of Asia. Canggu is becoming more popular each year with travellers enjoying the waves, rice paddies and massive amounts of western cafes and Balinese food.

It takes around 2 hours to get from Nusa Lembongan to Bali, Canggu and the best way to get around Bali, Canggu is by scooter, Grab, taxi or tour .

Things to do in Bali (Canggu)

• Chill at Batu Bolong Beach & Berawa Beach
• Surf at Canggu Beach
• Explore the markets, cafes and restaurants

Where to stay in Bali, Canggu – Leyeh Leyeh Homestay ($) – Find the link here !

3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary Breakdown

Just like that, we’ve come to the end of this 3 Month Southeast Asia itinerary! As the region is so big with multiple countries, there’s no time to fit every destination in. We loved Southeast Asia so much that we made sure to visit again and explore more areas whilst revisiting our favourite spots. In the future, we’d love to explore Malaysian Borneo, Myanmar, and more of Indonesia and Laos.

We hope that this 3 months in Southeast Asia itinerary is the best plan for you to create the best backpacking trip with the option to change a few things around!

Other places to visit during 3 Months in Southeast Asia

• The Philippines (Here’s our 3 weeks Philippines Itinerary )
• More of Indonesia
• Borneo Island (The Malaysian side)

Best time to visit Southeast Asia

The best time to visit Southeast Asia is between November and March in the dry season. However, it’s totally possible to explore the jungles in the rainy season when the colours are fresh!

In Laos and Northern Thailand, farmers burn their crops around March and the pollution is pretty bad. We recommend visiting at the beginning of the dry season when waterfalls are still beautiful and the air is still breathable! Some of the ferries to islands from June to September may have delays if there’s bad weather.

What to pack for 3 months in Southeast Asia

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle  – One of the most important items to bring on a trip to SEA.
• International Worldwide Travel Adaptor  – The best plug for travelling to multiple countries!
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes  – The easiest way to pack your backpack!
• Sawyer Mini Water Filter  – Perfect to pair with a reusable water bottle & save plastic!
• Waterproof Bag 20L with Waterproof Phone Case  – Keep your valuables safe when island hopping!
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit  –  This tripod is the best lightweight tripod out there, helping you capture amazing shots if there’s no one around. We use a Joby GorillaPod  with our  Sony A6000 and would highly recommend it!
• Mosquito spray – The best mosquito spray to buy before a 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary.

➤ Here’s our Southeast Asia Packing Guide !

How to get to Southeast Asia

There are multiple airports around the region including big cities and small islands. The best way to get to Southeast Asia is to fly into Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore . These destinations usually have the best-priced flights with direct and stopover options.

We’ve visited Southeast Asia twice – the first time was from London to Singapore and the second time was from Sri Lanka to Phuket, Thailand. At the time we also saw flights to Phuket for the same price as London to Sri Lanka.

The best way to find great flights is to check Skyscanner !

Helpful Info for a 3 month Southeast Asia Itinerary

When travelling throughout Southeast Asia it’s important to remember and respect the culture of each country. Cover up when visiting temples and wear beachwear only at beach areas or pools!

The main religions in Southeast Asia are : Islam, Buddhist, Hinduism, Christianity (Philippines) with many more throughout the countries.

There’s going to be delays during your Southeast Asia trip. A lot of transport in the region runs on island time – which means things usually take slower and sometimes you don’t really know whats going on. With the help of friendly locals, we always make it from A to B.

Pack light – You’re going to carry your bag around for 3 months in Southeast Asia! If it’s heavy, you will regret it. The less you pack the better, you can buy almost anything you need in these countries.

Visas in Southeast Asia

As you’ll be exploring 7 countries on this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary, you’ll have to consider getting multiple visas. Some of these visas cost money or are needed in advance. Here’s visa information for UK passport holders in the 7 countries on this itinerary:

• Singapore – Visa-free on arrival (90 days)
• Malaysia – Visa-free on arrival (90 days)
• Thailand – Visa-free on arrival (30 days)
• Cambodia – USD$30 visa on arrival (30 days)
• Vietnam – up to 15 days for free or around USD$20 for a 30 day visa (apply about 1 week before travel online)
• Laos – USD$35 visa on arrival (30 days)
• Indonesia – Free tourist visa on arrival (30 days)

Alternative 3 Month Southeast Asia itinerary (missing out Laos)

If you need more time in some of these countries, removing Laos from this itinerary may be best. As sad as it is to remove a country, during 3 months in Southeast Asia you’re going to be exhausted on the move all the time! It takes a little while to get to Laos and the time can be spent in other countries.

• Singapore (3 days)
• Malaysia (12 days)
• Southern Thailand & Bangkok (16 days)
• Cambodia (12 days)
• Vietnam (24 days)
• Northern Thailand (9 days)
• Indonesia (14 days)

5 Months in Southeast Asia Itinerary

• Singapore (4 days)
• Malaysia (14 days)
• Southern Thailand & Bangkok (21 days)
• Cambodia (14 days)
• Vietnam (30 days)
• Northern Thailand (10 days)
• Indonesia (21 days)
• Malaysian Borneo (12 days)
• The Philippines (21 days)

If you have longer than 3 months in Southeast Asia, spend longer in each country or hop over to more islands in the region. When backpacking Southeast Asia remember to take rest days and chill – it’s tiring to travel around a lot but it’s also amazing!

More  Asia  guides:

• 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary, Philippines
• 3 Day Bohol Itinerary, Philippines
• 4 Day Penang Itinerary, Malaysia
• The Best 2 week South Thailand Itinerary
• Southeast Asia Packing Guide
• Southeast Asia Budget Guide
• All our  Southeast Asia posts !

That’s the end of our The Best 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary: 2024!  Have the best trip and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Don’t forget about Travel Insurance! –  SafetyWing  Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing  is a totally flexible monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay safe on your 3 Month Southeast Asia itinerary and anywhere in the world.  Find out more here!

Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Singapore is definitely on my list (for Gardens by the Bay) but you’ve made me want to travel so much more. <3 love the packing tips

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Malaysia , Thailand , The Philippines , Vietnam

3 month southeast asia itinerary & backpacking route.

Table of Contents

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Looking for the perfect Southeast Asia itinerary for 3 months? You found it! There are so many fascinating destinations and beautiful sights to see in this region. If you have no idea where to start or how to get around, fret not as I’m sharing my tried and tested Southeast Asia backpacking route.

Read next: 101 Southeast Asia travel tips

Where to go during 3 months in Southeast Asia

The countries I’ll be talking about in this blog are Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. If you’ve yet to decide which countries to visit, you might be best off reading my guide to the best things to do in Southeast Asia ordered by country. If you know where you want to go, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, I’ll share 3 travel itineraries for spending 3 months in Southeast Asia. The first is for the big four: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam . This Asia backpacking route can be explored entirely by land with no flights needed. The second two Southeast Asia itineraries include Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines although, a word to the wise, I don’t recommend trying to see all eight countries in three months. It would be insanely busy!

3 MONTHS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ESSENTIALS Copy of Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a shoestring Book buses and trains: 12GoAsia Book flights on Skyscanner Accommodation: Browse Hostels (Hostelworld) // Browse hotels (Booking.com) Tours: GetYourGuide For foodies: A Chef’s Tour Stay connected: an Airalo e-SIM for 18 Asian countries Travel insurance:  True Traveller  (European travellers) /  Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /  Safety Wing  (digital nomads) Essential reading: Things to do Southeast Asia / Vietnam travel guide / Backpacking the Philippines / Malaysia itinerary / Bali itinerary

Before we get stuck into my Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary, I want to share…

The perfect Southeast Asia backpacking route

I believe I’ve hacked the perfect route around Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It was trial and error because I definitely did it ‘wrong’ during my first trip. My first attempt at a Southeast Asia backpacking route was from northern to southern Laos to visit Four Thousand Islands on the border of Cambodia only to travel back up (which took almost two days!) for my flight to Vietnam. Then I ended up in Cambodia two months later. In retrospect, there’s a more sensible route…

Perfect Southeast Asia backpack route:

• After seeing Thailand, take the slow boat from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Laos
• Travel down Laos by bus to the Four Thousand Islands
• Cross the border to Cambodia
• After seeing Cambodia, cross the border to Vietnam (by boat or bus) and arrive in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)
• Travel up Vietnam and finish in Hanoi.

I believe this is the perfect Southeast Asia backpacking route. You won’t pay for any flights (which is great for Planet Earth) and you’ll take the more adventurous, scenic route. This 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking route doesn’t include Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines or Indonesia so keep reading as I’ll include an itinerary for these later.

How to get around Southeast Asia

One of the best things about backpacking Southeast Asia is how easy and affordable it is to get about. Here are the main options: Flights – there are numerous budget airlines in Asia including Nok Air, Lion Air, Scoot and Air Asia. Book them on AirAsia or Skyscanner . Buses – this is a popular way to travel in Asia and usually my preferred option. Many of the Southeast Asia backpacker buses are comfortable with reclining seats, aircon, and snacks included with the ticket. Use 12GoAsia to book and compare prices. Trains – you can travel by train in various parts of Southeast Asia. These are a scenic way to travel and usually very comfortable. Trains can also be booked on 12GoAsia . Boat – don’t overlook boat as a way to get around. The slow boat from Northern Thailand to Laos and the bus and boat along the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam are adventures in their own right.

My top tip for backpacking Southeast Asia – travel early in the morning for short journeys and throughout the night for longer ones. Yes, it feels a bit rough but it saves you so much valuable time.

How long to spend in Southeast Asia

How long is a piece of string? I spent almost a year in Southeast Asia from 2015-16 and another year from 2018-19. But I’m aware most people probably don’t have that much time on their hands, especially if they don’t work online. I would suggest spending 3 months in Southeast Asia at a minimum. The following 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary will help you see the best of the region. Note – these itineraries are busy and fast-paced to incorporate as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to stay longer in places you love and miss a few stops!

Want to stay connected while travelling? Download an Airalo e-SIM and connect as soon as you land in Asia. Browse packages for individual countries or get the Asialink card for 18 countries.

#1 – Southeast Asia 3 month itinerary (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam)

This Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary is a classic. This popular section of what’s often called the ‘Banana Pancake trail’ is the perfect place for beginner travellers, solo travellers and those who’ve never backpacked before. It’s safe, affordable and you’ll meet plenty of other travellers. There are beaches, adrenaline adventures and bucket list experiences aplenty…

Overview: 1 month Thailand , 2 weeks Laos, 2 weeks Cambodia and 1 month Vietnam .

Weeks 1-2: Southern Thailand

After flying into Bangkok, make your way down to the islands by night bus or flight. There are two main clusters of Thai islands : – Koh Tao (famous for diving), Koh Samui and Koh Phanang (famous for the Full Moon Party) off the east coast – Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Yai further south off Krabi on the west coast. If you have 2 weeks in Thailand, include these stops in your 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary…

Days 1-2: Bangkok. A two-day Bangkok itinerary is enough time to see highlights including the Grand Palace , Wat Pho , Wat Arun and Chinatown. Catch a flight to… Days 3-4: Koh Samui . Visit the Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple and explore beaches and waterfalls – you can also join this tour to explore. Swap this stop for Koh Phangan if it times with a Full Moon Party. Read about the differences between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan . Days 5-7: Koh Tao. Try diving and spend longer if you wish to complete your Open Water diving qualification. Catch a ferry to Surat Thani and a bus to… Days 8-10: Krabi. Explore Railay Beach and its caves, hike to Wat Tham Sua temple, and visit Krabi Hot Springs. Days 11-12: Koh Lanta . My favourite Thai island has loads to do from boat trips, kayaking, volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare and visiting caves, beaches and national parks. Days 13-14: Koh Phi Phi or, if you’re not a fan of parties, visit quieter Koh Yao Yai .

Read next: the ultimate guide to solo female travel in Thailand

Weeks 3-4: Bangkok and Northern Thailand

After two weeks of island paradise, get your culture fix by travelling back to Bangkok and making your way towards Northern Thailand. The mountains, countryside and temples are a total contract to the south. Here’s my itinerary for 2 weeks in Northern Thailand : Days 15-16: Return to Bangkok. Take a trip to Ayutthaya , Thailand’s ancient temple site.

Days 17:18 : Take a bus or train to Sukhothai , a UNESCO site populated from 1238 until 1438. Days 19-21: Chiang Mai. This small city in Northern Thailand is one of my favourites in Asia. Take a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or catch a flight. Check out my Chiang Mai itinerary . Days 22-24: Pai. This hippie town in the mountains is a lovely spot for a couple of days exploring hot springs and Pai Canyon.

Days 25-26: Head back to Chiang Mai and take a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park with GetYourGuide . Alternatively, take longer overnight hikes from Chiang Mai . Days 27-29: Chiang Rai. Not only is this town a fantastic place for temple-hopping but it’s an essential stop if you’re heading to Laos. Tour companies will take you to Huay Xai to begin the boat ride. Check out my 2 day Chiang Rai itinerary . Day 30: Slow boat to Laos. Follow my Southeast Asia backpacking route by taking a 2-day slow boat from Thailand to Laos and soaking up some amazing scenery along the way.

Weeks 5-6: Laos

The small, landlocked country of Laos may be lesser-visited but it’s well worth including in your 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. Here’s how to spend 2 weeks…

Days 33-36: Luang Prabang. The slow boat from Thailand arrives in Luang Prabang. Things to do in Luang Prabang include temple-hopping, shopping and eating at the night market, watching sunset from Mount Phusi and swimming in Kuang Si Waterfall. Days 37-38: Vang Vieng: Spend a couple of days in eco-adventure paradise, kayaking, canoeing, abseiling and trekking.

The most popular tours in Vang Vieng:

• 🛶 Experience adventure in Vang Vieng by kayaking on the Nam Song River and tubing inside Tham Nam None Cave with this tour
• 🏞️ Enjoy an easy half-day zip lining experience surrounded by green beautiful forests and mountains
• ⛰️ Discover some of the most beautiful caves and trails available in Vang Vieng with this full day trekking tour

Days 39-40: Vientiane : The capital of Laos has a few cool attractions including Pha That Luang temple and Buddha Park . It’s also a good place to try tasty Vientiane food . Days 40-41: Kong Lor Caves. These huge limestone caves in central Laos can be explored by boat. Days 42-44: Pakse . Travel from Kong Lor to Pakse. Visit Wat Luang Temple and learn about the region’s culture at Champasak Historical Heritage Museum. Days 45-47: Don Det, Four Thousand Islands. Three months in Southeast Asia can be busy so take some time to relax. The Four Thousand Islands are scattered in the Mekong connecting Laos and Cambodia. Bag yourself a $5 beach hut on Don Det and book a kayaking tour to spot river dolphins.

When you’re done, continue my Southeast Asia backpacking route by booking your transportation from Don Det to Siem Reap, Cambodia .

Weeks 7-8: Cambodia

Days 48-51: Siem Reap . It wouldn’t be a trip to Cambodia without marvelling at Angkor Wat , a Hindu temple site dating back to the 12th century. Stay in Siem Reap town and hire a tuk-tuk driver who will bring you to the temples for sunrise.

Days 53-53: Kep . Once an elite French seaside town, Kep is now a popular stop for travellers. Hike in Kep National Park, soak up the sunset and sample fresh seafood. Days 54-55: Kampot. This is favourite stop for foodie travellers who come from far and wide to sample famous Kampot crab seasoned with Kampot pepper. Days 56-57: Koh Rong . Travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong island known for its diving, snorkelling and lively beach bars. Days 58-59: Koh Rong Samloem . Take a trip to the smaller and more peaceful Koh Rong Samloem. There are fewer busy beach bars and more empty beaches.

Days 60-62: Phnom Penh. Explore Cambodia’s capital and visit tragic but important locations, the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide . Book activities on GetYourGuide . Afterwards, catch a 3-day boat and bus combo ticket from Phnom Penh to Saigon .

Weeks 9-12: Vietnam

I adore Vietnam! It’s well placed on the Southeast Asia backing route and home to cities, beaches, mountains and more. Spend four weeks here to finish up your Southeast Asia itinerary.

Read next: The ultimate Vietnam itinerary

Days 65-68: Saigon . Explore the War Remnants Museum, Chu Chi Tunnels, Walking Street and Ben Thanh Market. Follow my Saigon itinerary .

Days 69-70: Mui Ne . Try your hand at sandboarding. Days 71-72: Da Lat . This cool, mountainous part of Vietnam is known for coffee, canyoning and countryside tours . Day 73-74: Nha Trang . I don’t love Nha Trang but you’ll need to stop over to break up the journey up the coast. Take a trip to the nearby hot spas. Days 75-78: Hoi An . This quaint city is a must for any Southeast Asia backpack itinerary. Include the Ancient Town and My Son Temples in your Hoi An itinerary . Day 79: the Hai Van Pass . Cruise the coastline by scooter or Jeep to soak up some of Vietnam’s best scenery. Days 80-81: Hue . Spend 2 days in Hue to explore Vietnam’s ancient capital and explore the temples.

Read next: guide to travelling solo in Vietnam as a woman

Days 82-83: Phong Nha National Park . The largest caves in the worlds are found in Phong Nha . Take day trips from the town at the centre of the national park. Board a night bus to… Days 84-85: Ninh Binh.  Spend 2 days in Ninh Binh . Explore mountains and countryside temples. Days 86-87: Hanoi. Vietnam’s atmospheric capital is one of my favourite places. Spend 3 days in Hanoi to catch the highlights. Days 88-90: Sapa.  A few days hiking in Sapa is a must for nature lovers. Days 91-93: Ha Long Bay.  Spend a couple of nights cruising between islands in Ha Long Bay. Book a 2-day Hanoi cruise to finish your 3 month trip!

3 month Southeast Asia itinerary – more than the big 4!

Want to do more than Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia? I don’t blame you. The next two Southeast Asia itineraries include some of my other favourite countries. Add to your Southeast Asia backpacking route:

Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore , Indonesia and the Philippines

#2 – Southeast Asia itinerary (inc Myanmar and Malaysia)

This 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary is similar to the one above but it spends a little less time in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos to allow for a month exploring Myanmar and Malaysia .

Overview: 2 weeks in Malaysia, 3 weeks in Thailand, 2 weeks in Myanmar, 10 days in Laos, 10 days in Cambodia, 2 weeks in Vietnam

Weeks 1-2: Malaysia

Malaysia is truly one of my favourite countries which is why I recommend visiting during your 3 months in Southeast Asia. In my 2 week Malaysia itinerary , I share three different itineraries suited to city, beach and nature lovers. Here’s a quick overview:

Days 1-2: Kuala Lumpur. Explore highlights in the Malaysian capital like the Petronas Towers, Chinatown, the Batu Caves and Little India. Use my 2 day KL itinerary to plan your trip. Days 3-5: Taman Negara . This ancient rainforest and national park in central Malaysia makes a great escape from the big city. You can stay overnight (I spent 3 days trekking and spotting wildlife on guided nature walks) or if you’re short on time, take a day tour from KL . Days 6-8: Cameron Highlands. Drink tea in the cool, lofty climate of this ex-British hill station. Days 9-11: Penang. Stay in Georgetown and explore the vibrant capital of Penang Island. Once you’re done with street art , street food , cool cafes and culture, you can take a day trip to Kek Lok Si Temple .

Days 12-14: Langkawi . Spend a few days snorkelling, beach-basking, taking boat trips and other activities in Langkawi , Malaysia’s most beautiful island.

How to get from Malaysia to Thailand: Of course you can fly from KL or Penang airports but this Southeast Asia backpacking route is all about overlanding! You can travel by bus and boat from Langkawi to the Thai islands without catching a flight. The Langkawi ferry arrives into Koh Lipe from where you can catch another ferry to Koh Lanta.

Week 3-6: Thailand

Spend 2-3 weeks in Southern Thailand depending how much you like beaches and nightlife. An itinerary could look like this (for descriptions about these places, see my #1 itinerary above). Days 16-19: Koh Lanta . Relax in island paradise. Days 20-21: Koh Phi Phi . Party and snorkel. Days 22-23: Krabi . Visit beaches and rock climb. Days 24-26: Koh Tao . Try your hand at diving or check out Koh Samui or Phangan instead. Days 27-30: Bangkok . Explore the Grand Palace and eat street food. Days 31-34: Chiang Mai . Visit temples and night markets. Head from Chiang Mai to Myanmar by bus or flight.

Week 6-7: Myanmar

Note – in 2022, Myanmar is not safe for travel due to the political situation. I will update this post if this changes. One of the most captivating and culturally rich countries I’ve been to is Myanmar, a must for your 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. Tourism is still fresh compared to Thailand and it’s the perfect place to get off-the-beaten-track and see how locals live. Here’s how to spend 2 weeks… Days 35-36: Yangon. Explore the vibrant and busy city of Yangon. Visit 99-metre Shwedagon Pagoda, eat barbecued seafood on 19th Street, walk around Kandawgyi Lake and take a trip to pilgrimage site, the Golden Rock. Days 37-40: Bagan. With 1,000 years of history and hundreds of ancient temples to explore, there’s nowhere quite like Old Bagan. Stay within the temple site and explore the countryside by e-bike or day tour , finding shrines and pagodas as you go.

Days 41-43: Kalaw to Inle Lake trek. Arrive by bus into Kalaw and locate Sam’s Family restaurant and trekking company. They’ll take you on a multi-day adventure through the countryside destined for Inle Lake. Days 44-45: Inle Lake. Spend a few days exploring Inle Lake by boat, watching local fishermen row with their feet and visiting floating markets. Finish your day with a sunset Inle Lake tour . Days 46-48: Mandalay. Visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, travel to U Bein Bridge and watch sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill.

From Myanmar, fly back to Northern Thailand. When you arrive back in Chiang Mai, you can continue your Southeast Asia backpacking trip by taking a bus to Chiang Rai and boarding the slow boat to Laos. Alternatively, fly into Luang Prabang.

Week 8-9: Laos

Spend 2 weeks exploring the highlights of Laos. For descriptions about these stops, see my #1 itinerary above. Days 50-52: Luang Prabang. Visit temples and swim in Kuang Si Falls. Days 53-54: Vang Vieng. Try adrenaline activities and explore the countryside. Days 55-56: Vientiane . Visit the Laos capital. Days 57-58: Kong Lor . Cruise through this enormous cave complex by boat. Days 59-60: Pakse. Stop overnight. Days 61-63: Don Det, Four Thousand Islands. Relax and kayak to see river dolphins.

Week 9-10: Cambodia

Spend 2 weeks exploring the highlights of Laos. For descriptions about these stops, see my #1 Southeast Asia itinerary above. Days 65-67: Siem Reap . Explore Angkor Wat. Days 68-69: Kep . Relax and hike. Days 70-71: Kampot . Eat Kambot crab. Days 72-73: Koh Rong . Party and snorkel. Days 74-75: Koh Rong Samloem . Chill in paradise. Days 76-78: Phnom Penh. Catch a boat and bus combo ticket towards Saigon or for a quicker journey, a bus from Phnom Penh to Saigon.

Weeks 10-12: Vietnam

With two weeks in Vietnam, following this itinerary. Check out my 2 week Vietnam itinerary for more details. Days 80-81: Saigon. Explore War history and eat street food. Days 82-85: Hoi An. Soak up Hoi An Ancient Town and take day trips. Catch a night train from Da Nang to Hanoi. Days 86-87: Hanoi. Shop and eat in Hanoi Old Quater. Days 88-90: Ha Long Bay. Take a 1 or 2-night boat cruise. Days 91-93: Sapa. Hike in the mountains to finish this Asia itinerary.

#3 – Southeast Asia itinerary (inc Indonesia and the Philippines) 

For this final Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary, I’ll include two of my favourite countries: Indonesia and the Philippines. If you’re keen for beaches, diving and island-hopping, this is the Asia itinerary for you!

Overview: 2 weeks in Thailand, 1 week in Laos, 1 week in Cambodia, 2 weeks in Vietnam, 3 weeks in Indonesia, 3 weeks in the Philippines

Weeks 1-2: Thailand

Spend a week in the Southern Islands and a week in the North. For descriptions about these places, see my #1 Southeast Asia itinerary for 3 months (above). Days 1-2: Bangkok . Visit temples, museums, eat and party. Days 3-4: Krabi . Hike and rock climb. Days 5-7: Koh Lanta . Relax, snorkel and hike. Days 8-10: Koh Phi Phi . Enjoy the nightlife. Catch a ferry to Phuket and flight to… Days 11-13: Chiang Mai . Take cooking courses and visit temples. Days 13-14: Chiang Rai. Board the slow boat to Laos from Huay Xai.

Week 3: Laos

For a flying trip to Laos, stick to three locations. For descriptions about these places, see my #1 itinerary above. Days 16-17: Luang Prabang . Eat, temple-hop and chase waterfalls. Days 18-19: Vang Vieng. Take eco tours. Days 20-23: Don Det, Four Thousand Islands . Relax, unwind and spot dolphins.

Week 4: Cambodia

For a flying trip to Cambodia, stick to three locations. For descriptions about these places, see my #1 itinerary above. Days 25-26: Siem Reap . Marvel at Angkor Wat. Days 27-28: Kampot. Beaches and seafood. Days 29-30: Phnom Penh. Museums and history.

Weeks 5-6: Vietnam

Spend a glorious two weeks catching the highlights of Vietnam. Follow my 2 week Vietnam itinerary mentioned above. Days 33-34: Saigon. History and street food. Days 35-37: Hoi An. Wander lantern-lined streets and visit Hoi An cafes . Days 38-40: Hanoi. Explore the vibrant capital. Days 41-43: Ha Long Bay . Take a boat cruise . Days 44-45: Sapa. Hiker’s paradise!

Weeks 7-9: Indonesia

The captivating country of Indonesia is comprised of 17,000 islands, of which Bali, Lombok, the Gili trio and the Nusa islands are the most popular and accessible on the Southeast Asia backpacking route. While there are countless lesser-visited islands to explore, with just 3 weeks in Indonesia , I would suggest exploring both Java and Bali. Follow my Asia backpacking itinerary…

Week 7 (days 46-53): Java . Fly into Yogyakarta (you may need to transfer in Jakarta), the culture capital of Java island. Spend up to four days in Yogyakarta to explore the city’s highlights, sample Javanese food and take a day trip to Borobudur and Prambanan temple sites. Head overland towards Mount Bromo, an active volcano that you can hike for sunrise. Fly from Juanda Airport into Denpasar, Bali. Alternatively, take an overland tour (usually lasting 9 days) from Yogyakarta to Bali visiting Malang and Mount Bromo en route. This arrives in Bali by ferry. Weeks 8-9 (days 54-68) Bali : Spend two weeks in Bali to get the best of the island, from rich Hindu culture, unique Balinese architecture and fresh, veggie-friendly Balinese cuisine . Be sure to get off-the-beaten-track and find the Bali hidden gems especially in North Bali !

2 weeks in Bali

– 3 days in Ubud . Visit temples, rice fields, do yoga and indulge in the Ubud food scene. – 3 days in Canggu . Relax, eat, surf, repeat! – 3 days in Uluwatu . Visit Uluwatu Temple for sunset. – 4 days on Nusa Penida island. Swim with manta rays!

Weeks 9-12: The Philippines

I spent two whole months in the Philippines and can safely say it’s one of the most beautiful countries on earth. If you don’t have that long, no worries – just follow this Southeast Asia itinerary for 3 months. This condensed version whizzes around the Philippines’ highlights in just 3 weeks. There are countless Filipino islands to visit so do your research and pick the ones best suited to you. This 3 week Philippines itinerary includes Coron, Palawan, Cebu and Siargao. Day 69: Manilla. I didn’t love this city so I would recommend moving on fairly quickly to… Days 70-73: Coron . On this picture-perfect island, you can dive a shipwreck and explore beaches aplenty. Day 74: Ferry to El Nido , Palawan .

Days 75-77: Island hop in El Nido . Spend a couple of days taking boat trips, hiking to Taraw Peak and visiting Nacpan Beach. Days 78-79: Port Barton . Take more boat trips in Port Barton and find hidden gems in this less touristic version of El Nido. Days 80-82: Puerto Princesa . Visit the Underground River and watch prisoners perform hip hop dance shows to aid their rehabilitation at Iwahig Jail . Day 83: Fly to Cebu . This busy city isn’t the greatest so I’d suggest boarding a bus to… Days 84-86: Moalboal . Here you can snorkel with turtles and sardine shoals, hike to Osmena Peak and swim in Kawasan Falls. Days 87-90: Siargao. Finish your Southeast Asia itinerary in paradise! Things to do in Siargao include learning to surf and taking boat trips to nearby islands. To spend more time here, consider skipping Cebu and Moalboal.

Essentials for 3 months in Southeast Asia

• A power bank to keep your devices alive
• Copy of Lonely Planet Southeast Asia
• A GoPro if you’re into making videos – I use the HERO8 Black
• Sustainability: stainless steel reusable water bottle to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water
• Travel luggage: Osprey Farpoint backpack ( men’s ) ( women’s )
• Microfibre quick-drying towel
• Security: A handy bum bag with secure zip .

Southeast Asia bucket list

Check out my ultimate Asia bucket list including 101 experiences to tick off during your Southeast Asia itinerary for 3 months. For a quick rundown, here are my top 15… – Go temple-hopping in Chiang Mai – Take a Muay Thai boxing class – Celebrate Songkran Festival in Bangkok – Cruise through Ha Long Bay by boat in Vietnam – Watch sunset over Angkor Wat – Trek through misty mountains and earn about minority groups during a Sapa tour in Vietnam – Eat famous Penang street food in Malaysia – Climb the rainbow staircase at the Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur – Visit the world’s largest Buddhist temple site, Borobudur on Java Island, Indonesia – Dive with manta rays around the Nusa Islands, Indonesia – Dive a shipwreck in Coron, the Philippines – Take a cooking class in Hoi An, Vietnam (or anywhere else!) – Stay in a hostel and explore the nightlife with new friends – Learn a few words of a new language – Learn a new skill like kayaking, surfing or boxing.

Thanks for reading my Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary!

I hope you find it easy to follow my Southeast Asia backpacking route and have countless fantastic experiences along the way! Let me know how you get on.

If you liked it, please share it!

See you next time for more adventures,

Ps. Liked my 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary? Pin it for later! 

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

41 thoughts on “ 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary & Backpacking Route ”

What was your daily budget in SO Asia?

Probably about £30 per day!

The last plan is insane! i genuinely think i wanna follow it and do it! one thing tho, how do you commute between all these spots? it will be my first time travelling solo, so a bit nervous as you can imagine

Hello! Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam can all be done by land (mainly bus), Bali you usually need taxis to get around, and Philippines is about flights and boats! Most things can be booked there: just ask at your accom! 🙂 enjoy your trip!

Suuuuch a great website – thank you so much for the insanely helpful info ✌️

Thanks Raph! Enjoy your trip

Hi such great itineraries! i would like to follow the last plan but im a bit unsure how to get from sapa to Indonesia ive tried googling flights but cant find any. Any help would be great thank you!

Hi Elle! Glad you liked them. I would suggest bussing it back to Hanoi to get a flight 🙂

Hi, I’m looking to do the same route for 3 months, do you know how much money you left more or less between everything, to have an idea of the budget to take, thanks.

Hi Mark! On a backpackers budget, I’d say you could do it for as little as $1000 a month 🙂

Hi, thank you for these itineraries they’re amazing! I’m thinking of doing the last one including the phillipines/indonesia – in terms of budgeting does the above budget of approx 1000 dollars a month include flights between countries etc? I can see for some of these they’re super cheap but some a bit pricier so just wanted to triple check. Thank you!

Hi Lara! Great question, I would say my budget of 1000 did not include flights as I mainly took buses where possible. Best add a bit to the budget for them!

Hi, your blog has been so useful for me in planning my backpacking trip next year, they’re great itineraries! I’m probably going to follow your 3 month itinerary for the big 4 to start with, as then have another 3 months to spend in Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. I was wondering if you had a map or link to map of your 3 month itinerary with all the locations you visited? As would be great to see how all the locations look on a map to plan travel between those. Thanks

Hi B! I just made and added a map for each itinerary so check back:)

Hey Rose, I love your plans!! Just a quick one about the big 4 how did you get between them without flights and how much did it cost you. Thankyou so much!

Hello! Cambodia to Thailand can be done by bus; Northern Thailand to Laos can be done by bus and boat; Laos to Cambodia can be done by land too and so can Southern Vietnam to Cambodia by bus and boat. The only place you’ll want to fly is Laos to Northern Vietnam as the bus is hellish.

Check 12go for prices!

Hey Rose, really enjoyed reading through your guide as i am preparing my trip to the south at the end of this year. I will do slight the opposite, as i will start in Hanói and make my way down these countries as i plan to end my trip in Australia!

My question is related to Visas! do you have a guide or any advice how i can easily manage to get visas between the different countries? I am slightly worried about this. Apologies if you have this information in your guide but could’t find it.

Hi Jay, glad you liked the guide and hope you have an amazing trip!

All the visas vary per country and depending on what your passport is, and they change from time to time. So I don’t like to give advice and it be wrong – so I would recommend researching them individually 🙂

Hi Rose! This post has been super helpful learning the must see spots and some suggestions with routes. I am planning to go to South East Asia starting Oct/Nov until end of April. Do you have any suggestion on where to start so the weather works in the countries along the way. (Wanting to hit the 6 countries you listed)

Hi Sophia, sounds like a great trip! To my knowledge, they are all pretty good in that season… Apart from Northern Vietna which is cold in winter so maybe you want to save that region until like March!

Hi Rose! How far would you book accomodation and flights in advance?

Hello – accommodation you can do last minute, but flights between Asian countries I’d do a month in advance. For your flights out to Asia, try and do a few months before!

Hi Rose Very helpful post! Would you say that May-July might be too hot/humid/rainy for doing Thailand (including the gulf-side islands), Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam? Ideally would be a better trip Jan- April but timing means I’m likely to travel in May/ June from the UK. I know Malaysia and Indonesia are fine/great May- Sept but seems less so for Thailand/Indochina. Any thoughts?

Hello! I have only been in Vietnam in that season and it’s pretty hot but you can work around it. Not too sure about the others, sorry!

Hey Rose, awesome itineraries thank you 🙂 How far in advance would you recommend booking cross-border trains, boats and buses between South East Asian countries?

Hello, just a day or so before is fine!

Really great article. Thanks for taking the time to explain things in such great detail in a way that is easy to understand.

Absolutely Brilliant Rose Old fart going solo and planning 9-10mths. It’s given me the heads up ive been looking for to look into. Its either 1 or 3 Tks

Hey David! Have a amazing time!

Hey! I love this itinerary. I want to travel to SOA beginning of next year and want to take a very similar route to this one. I initially planned Feb – Apr, but someone warned me about burning season in north Thailand & Laos. Do you have any experience with this issue & how bad is it? If I start in January, are my chances of avoiding this better? Anyway, thanks for this post, it’s helped me tons with planning!

Hello, yes it’s pretty bad! I would avoid the region in Feb and March. Hope you can work around it and have a fab trip!

Hi Rose, this is super helpful – thank you! My wife and I will be spending 6 months in SE Asia next year and want too also include Borneo to go and try and see the orangutans. Would you recommend going from Bali or after the Philippines (potentially on the way back to KL or Bangkok)

Hi Laura, thanks for reading! I think you’ll find it easier and cheaper to get a return flight from KL so maybe do it as a side trip from there? That’s what I did anyway!

Incredible post thank you! Saved for our trip in a year’s time!

Woah, I got tired and anxious whilst reading? Btw, how did you manage accomodations? Did you book them in advance or book them as you arrive to the place? There’s a lot of jumping.

Lol, yes a lot of travel can be tiring and I’m sure anxiety-inducing for some. I usually just book on Hostelworld on my phone the day before arriving!

Hi! Thank you for such detailed itineraries. I’m thinking of doing the last one but only Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Philippines (leaving out Laos and Vietnam). But I only have 6-8 weeks. Do you think this would be possible?

Hi Emma, yes I think so, I would spend the most time in Thailand and Malaysia… Maybe just pick 1-2 places in the Philippines as moving around islands is time consuming!

Hi Rose, Thank you so much for this itinerary! I was wondering (in terms of the 3-month big four trail) if it could work better to fly from the UK to Phuket and start there then work our way up to Bangkok so that we don’t have to double-back on ourselves? Then follow the rest of the trail from there. We are yet to book our flights and thought this could be a good option?

Hello yes great idea! Enjoy!

Thanks Paula!

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A Perfect Southeast Asia Itinerary – 3 Months on the Banana Pancake Trail

The perfect Southeast Asia itinerary for 3 months of backpacking and travel is a tough trip to plan as the “perfect” route highly dependent on you, your tastes, and what you enjoy most in your travel experiences. 

With so many countries, so many options for proceeding through them, and so many sites and experiences that you absolutely must experience, it can be a pain crafting your perfect trip . Trust me; I know what you’re feeling.  During my first trip through Southeast Asia, I pretty much just wandered with no timeline, experiencing each place as it came and deciding the next city of my trip just a couple days before departure.  Though this is a wonderful way to travel, not everyone has an unlimited amount of time to wander the way I did.    Of course, we all still want to experience Asia’s best, even with limited timelines .

Lucky for you, I discovered all of the highlights of Southeast Asia not to be missed.  With this perected Southeast Asia Itinerary 3 Months will be more than enough to discover the best of Southeast Asia. These highlights add up to a list of unique experiences suited to specific “types” of travelers (street food, surfing, trekking, partying, safaris, motorbiking, etc.) and patched them together into a “create your own adventure” itinerary.

Don’t fret about creating that perfect SEA backpacking trip.  In this post, we’ll share the perfect core itinerary for backpacking Southeast Asia for three months. We’ll then share how to adapt the perfect Southeast itinerary to your specific tastes by recommending a couple of extra countries focused on specific adventures and experiences.  The result – the perfect Southeast Asia travel itinerary for you .

MY EXPERIENCE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ON THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL

Three years ago, I quit my job, packed my things, and set out to treat myself to a year of discovery wandering the world.  Though I had already been to the Middle East, South America, and Europe, a close friend still recommended Southeast Asia and, what he called, the “Banana Pancake Trail” as the best starter for travel around the world.

He was absolutely right.

At his recommendation, I booked a one-way flight to Thailand and a rough plan to travel to the Thai islands and find a deserted beach with a beach hut to gather myself for the trip to come.  However, the beauty of experiencing Southeast Asia is that the “Banana Pancake Trail” already has a plan for you.

By the end of my first night in Bangkok (where I first arrived), my plan for Southeast Asia had been scrapped, I found a travel buddy, and the adventures were in full swing.

The following day, we decided to go to the north’s Chiang Mai hill country, exploring and wandering as our crew grew from 2 members to 10.  The adventures that followed over the next four months were more than I could have planned, asked for, or dreamed.

The Banana Pancake trail’s momentum took us tasting, exploring, and partying with like-minded travelers in Thailand.  We continued to experience history, culture, and adventure in Vietnam.  Surprisingly, Vietnam turned out to be one of the richest destinations of all my travels, suitable for any age.  We continued by cruising the Ho Chi Minh trail by motorbike “moto-packing” on 125cc Vietnam and made motorcycles up to China and down through Laos, ultimately experiencing places that hadn’t seen people like us in decades.  Through Cambodia, we continued exploring ancient kingdoms and Asian castles that are rightly called “wonders of the world.” 

Then, we all parted ways, but my adventure continued.

I trekked to floating cities and wandered through lost kingdoms and thousands of Pagodas in Myanmar.  I trekked alone to the highest mountain in the world, Everest, in the peaceful quiet of Nepal.  I shared bananas with a wild elephant alone in Sri Lanka. I tackled fears and surfed waves taller than me in Bali. And I swam with giants, diving breathlessly below whale sharks in the Philippines.

All of this happened with no plan, with ease, and on a budget.

My experience was genuine but far from uncommon for backpackers on the Banana Pancake Trail.

I highly recommend the experience.

After al of this firsthand experience bouncing around the best of Asia, how long is the perfect Southeast Asia Itinerary? 3 Months.  Yup.  You guessed it.

Now that we have your interest let’s explore how you, too, can experience the Banana Pancake Trail with this Southeast Asia Itinerary for three months of mind-blowing travel and experiences.

THE “ADVENTURE FIRST” SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY FOR 3 MONTHS

To maximize your enojoyment and experience, here is a Southeast itinerary for 3 months that will help you see more than you ever thought possible.  This itinerary helps you start with adventures and end with countries specific to your favorite travel experiences.

• Weeks 1 to 3: Vietnam
• Weeks 4 to 5: Laos 
• Week 6: Cambodia
• Weeks 7 to 9: Thailand
• Weeks 10 and 11: Additional Country #1
• Weeks 12 and 13: Additional Country #2
• Additional Countries Recommended: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bali (Indonesia), The Philippines, Nepal

WHAT IS THE “ADVENTURE FIRST” ITINERARY, AND WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT?

The first itinerary starts you off in Vietnam, arguably the new hotspot for backpacking (dethroning Thailand). Thailand’s long north to south stretch of traveler trail is filled with likeminded backpackers and travelers that are bussing and “moto-packing” between cities to hike, climb, party, and explore in a very adventurous way.

Followed up Vietnam with even more rural and adventurous Laos for jungle trekking and outdoor adventures, and your trip will be front-loaded with adventurous memories.

Then, proceeded through the more relaxed and slower-paced Cambodia sites on to the beaches, rice fields, and street food experiences of Thailand before moving on to the “name your own adventure” portion of your itinerary.

THE “PLEASURE FIRST” SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY FOR 3 MONTHS

For those that need to start their travels with a chance to recharge and refresh, this itinerary for three months in Southeast Asia takes you through the peaceful pleasures of the Banana Pancake Trail before introducing its adventures.

• Weeks 1 to 3: Thailand
• Weeks 6 to 8: Vietnam
• Week 9: Cambodia

WHAT IS THE “PLEASURE FIRST” ITINERARY, AND WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT?

Thailand is renowned for its beaches, street food, traditional Thai massages, and how easily new travelers can experience the country.  If you’re escaping the world and need to “decompress” to get yourself into the travel mood, “the Thailand first itinerary” is the one you want to roll with.

Thailand is the original backpacker paradise offering a slower-paced experience (if you want it to be) with all of its highlights catering to the senses and enjoyment.  In Bangkok, street food and traditional Thai massage rejuvenate you and awaken the senses.  In the northern portion of the itinerary, in Chiang Mai and Pai, temples, rice fields, and pleasant company pull you into a state of peace.

In the southern portion of the Thailand itinerary, the beautiful beaches and countless islands keep you in that state of pleasure and relaxation with the option of all-night parties with fellow travelers.

If the idea of a cottage on the beach or serene rice field is exactly what you need right now, start with Thailand first, continue through Laos, on to the adventures of Vietnam and the ruins and history of Cambodia.  Finally, end your itinerary with one or two of the “additional countries” listed below that speaks to your unique travel tastes.

THE “OTHER COUNTRIES” I RECOMMEND IN SOUTH ASIA

The four core countries on the “Banana Pancake Trail,” Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos , are all amazing experiences that nearly any traveler can appreciate.  However, there is beauty, pleasure, and adventure strewn across Southeast Asia to experience far beyond just these four countries.

Of the seven “optional countries” in South Asia, I recommend adding on at least one or two to the end of your trip.  Each of these extra countries has an irreplaceable theme or experience that perfectly fits a certain type of travel urge.

The five additional countries to consider adding to your Southeast Asia backpacking trip are:

• Myanmar : Remnants of an ancient empire with thousands of temples and lake treks in the backdrop of a recently opened country
• Sri Lanka : The Garden of Eden, wild animals, ruins of ancient kingdoms, hiking, and surfing for all levels
• Bali, Indonesia : A true paradise with rice fields, beaches, hipster backpacker havens and a spiritual backdrop
• The Philippines : A true water world of those of islands and the most pristine water and beaches I’ve ever seen – perfect for divers, free divers, snorkelers, and water children
• Nepal : A mecca for trekking, rural mountain cultures (Sherpa) and home to the tallest mountain in the world

SOUTHEAST ASIA HIGHLIGHTS NOT TO BE MISSED

As you adapt this itinerary for your travel preferences, spend more time in places that offer what you love and don’t be scared to skip places that don’t offer anything that interests you.  Your time and money is precious, treat it as such.

Lucky for us, and planning, each country in Southeast Asia naturally has a specific theme, experience, or adventure that it offers better than any other destination in the world.  Use the list of SE Asia highlights

SOUTHEAST ASIA HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCES + WHERE TO FIND THEM

• Street Food: Thailand, Vietnam
• Ancient Cities and Ancient Ruins: Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Pagan (Myanmar), Polonnaruwa (Sri Lanka)
• Animal Experiences: Sri Lanka
• Diving Adventures: Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand
• Surf Adventures: Bali, Sri Lanka
• Trekking: Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia
• Wild Motorbiking Adventures: Vietnam, Laos – mini-adventures in Thailand and Bali
• Wild Outdoor and Rural Experiences: Laos

WHY IS THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL A PERFECT TRAVEL ADVENTURE?

This route through southeast asia offers every sight, taste, and experience you want from a good travel adventure, all for cheap and easily navigated..

There are many other backpacking routes through the world:

• The Gringo Trail **
• The Balkan Walk **
• The Arabian Trail **
• and more…

However, the Banana Pancake Trail through Southeast Asia is one of the best, cheapest, and easiest, making it perfect for first-time travelers.

THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA IS THE BEST FOR NEW AND BUDGET TRAVELERS.  HERE’S WHY…

Wherever you travel to in Southeast Asia you’ll always find these amazing benefits:

• Cheap Cost of Travel
• Great Travel Infrastructure
• Variety in the Adventures
• Several exotic cultures in an easily navigated experience
• Fantastic Food Experiences
• Boundless pleasures suitable for all types of travelers

Cheap Cost of Travel: $15 to $35 per day, with cheap intercity/intercountry buses and budget airlines

Great Travel Infrastructure: From the cheap yet extremely comfortable hostels to the easily and cheaply booked buses, rail, and trains, navigating Southeast Asia on a budget is very easy and convenient

Variety in the Adventures: Day trips by boat, motorbiking around an entire country, swimming in empty bays with glowing plankton, trekking, food adventures, diving, surfing, and so much more.  Few other regions of the world offer such a variety of adventures in such a small area for such a low price.

Several exotic cultures in an easily navigated experience: Though westerners may think of Southeast Asian countries as all the same, each country on “the trail” has its own very unique culture and highlight experience.   This variety accents the overall travel experience and opens the mind, all presented in a way that isn’t too shocking for even newbie travelers.

Food Experiences: Southeast Asia – specifically Thailand – has one of the most robust food scenes globally.  The street food scene of Thailand boasts food carts with Michelin stars, and Bali is the peak of “hipster fusion,” creating an adventure within an adventure for foodies on the road.

Pleasures: From traditional massages to the most beautiful beaches in the world with sunsets on beanbags with coconuts, in Southeast Asia, there is always a new (or old reliable) pleasure around the corner to soothe the senses

THE PERFECT SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY FOR 3 MONTHS

The beauty of the Banana Pancake trail, for old and new travelers alike, is how well the tourism and travel infrastructure is built out and well defined the “highlights” are for each location.

Thanks to this well defined and supported travel route, choosing the right cities to visit – that deliver experiences worth your precious time and energy – traveling between them are easy.

The following itinerary of countries and cities hits the irreplaceable highlights of the region. It flows in such a way that you will be able to cheaply and easily travel to your next stop while bumping into familiar friends along the way.

Note: This itinerary is the “Adventure First” itinerary.  To prioritize relaxation and pleasure, make the same city stops, but placing Thailand first

OVERVIEW OF THE PERFECT BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL ITINERARY

1.     vietnam (3 weeks).

• Ho Chi Minh City (2 Days): A big, bustling city with 3 centuries-old – Essential Ho Chi Minh City Experiences –   Ben Thanh Market , touring the Cu Chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War, city tour by motorbike** , free walking tour**, countryside bike tour
• Dalat (2 Days): Vietnam’s city of eternal spring with amazing architecture and a mountain backdrop – Essential Dalat Experiences – Canyoning tour, a coffee experience with a trip to a plantation and several cafes, “chase clouds” in Trai Mat, visit Truc Lam Buddhist Temple, visit Elephant Waterfall, visit Maze Bar Dalat (100 roofs café).
• Da Nang (1-2 Days): Another big city offering typical tourist delights – Essential Experiences – Visit Ba Na Hill & Golden bridge, ride the dragon bridge by motorbike, explore the nightlife, and plenty of great restaurants
• Motorbike the Hai Van Pass from Da Nang to Hoi An (2-hour ride): A straight of coastal mountain highway with beautiful, peaceful ocean views for the entire stretch, perfect for two-wheeled adventures and open-air Jeeps
• Hoi An (2 Days): A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the most well-preserved Southeast Asia trading ports dating back to the 1400s. Hanoi artfully blends local and foreign influences into architecture, food, and experience – Essential Experiences – Hoi An Central Market, wander Hoi An Old Town, plenty of food adventures, walking across “Japanese Bridge,” get some tailor-made suits or clothes for fun, take a cooking class, grab a beer by the Thu Bon River on itty bitty plastic chairs, motorbike to the Marble Mountains, Hoi An Night Market
• Hanoi (3 Days): Charming and heavily influenced by French architecture and food.  Wonderful for relaxing while being a gateway to the more beautiful north of Vietnam – Essential Experiences – Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake + Legend, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi Hilton tour (Hoa Lo Prison) Pho, Egg coffee at Café Pho Co overlooking the legendary Hoan Kiem lake, street food tour, shop for potentially counterfeit outdoor and adventure gear/clothing (“Made In Vietnam” store), Phung Hung Mural Street, Dong Xuan Market
• Essential Side Trips from Hanoi: Ha Long Bay (2 Days), Sapa (2 days), Ha Giang Loop (4 Days),  Ba Be (2 Days), Ninh Binh

TIP: From here on the Vietnam itinerary, continue on to northern Vietnam as the often skipped north has what I would argue to be the most beautiful landscapes and experiences in Vietnam

2.      LAOS (2 WEEKS)

• Luang Prabang (3 Days): Kuang Si Waterfalls, countless Buddhist temples, 
• Vang Vieng (3 Days): Tubing or kayaking the Nan Song River (with booze and friends), dense jungle day hikes – both of these are only possible outside of monsoon season
• Vientiane (3 Days): Sunset by the river with the evening market and experiencing Laos local life, visit the COPE Center (Vietnam War in Laos history)
• Optional: “Don Det” 4000 Islands in Si Phan Don (if traveling by motorbike to Cambodia): to float, wander, and relax
• Optional: Motorbike Thakek Loop en route to 4000 Islands
• Optional: Gibbon Experience** ziplining through the jungle canopy in Nam Kan National park

3.      CAMBODIA (1 WEEK)

• Phnom Penh (1 Day): S-21 Genocide Museum, shoot big guns, temples (Wat Phnom), a river cruise on the Mekong
• Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2 Days): Angkor Wat by tuk tuk at sunrise, night market experiences of The Lane + Pub Street
• Optional (2-3 Days): Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Ron Samleon island for beautiful beaches and phosphorescent plankton
• Optional – Kampot: A low key town where backpackers enjoy riverside cocktails and food, rent scooters to cruise the hills nearby

4.      THAILAND (3 WEEKS)

• Chiang Mai (3 Days):   Walking tour of Old Town Chiang Mai, Temples, Old Town and Nimman Street Food Night Markets, Thai Massags, a Thai cooking class,
• Pai (2-3 Days): Cruise the hills of Pai by motorbike, and hike a beautiful Pai Canyon hike by sunset. cave tours. By Street food at the Pai Night Market by night
• Bangkok (3 to 5 Days): Party on Khao San Road, street food, Bangkok floating market, Chao Praya River area and ancient royal district, the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho temple
• Krabi / Railay (3 Days): Railay Beach, the towering Tiger Cave Temple (+1,237 steps), Soi RCA, Ao Nang Night Market & street food, Emerald Pool and hot spring  waterfalls, jungle trek through Khao Sak National Park, cave swingat Hollow Mountain
• Ko Phi Phi (2-3 Days): Maya bay day trip, boat tour between the islands, lots of beach time, or consider Ko Lanta for a more peaceful experience as Ko Phi Phi tends to be a party island
• Koh Tao (2-3 Days): Motorbike, cruise, and snorkel between beaches, SCUBA dive certification, Ko Tao pub crawl, sunset at Mango Bay, Love Koh Tao Viewpoint Café for coffee.
• Ko Pha Ngan (2-3 Days): Full Moon Party ( Full Moon Party calendar here for 2020 + 2021 ), half-moon beach party, wander between beaches andwaterfalls,

5. ADDITIONAL COUNTRY OF YOUR CHOOSING #1 (2 WEEKS)

Choose an additional country specializing in something you love, based on our list of additional recommended countries .  Choose two shorter ones, or just one country if a 3+ weeks itinerary is required.

6. ADDITIONAL COUNTRY OF YOUR CHOOSING #2 (2 WEEKS)

Choose a second additional country that specializes in something you love, based on our list of additional recommended countries

A Tip on itineraries: Prioritize the sites and adventures that are “musts” for you, and from there, don’t stick to a strict itinerary abiding by the days recommended.  Stay in each city as long as you’re vibing with that particular city. Don’t feel pressured to book accommodations, transport, or excursions far in advance as there will likely always be a suitable option available.  Leaving that room for flexibility in your adventures is invaluable.

A Note on “Days per Destination” in this itinerary: Each destination has a 2 to 3-day buffer, allowing you to stay longer if you are enjoying a place more than normal.  On the other hand, if you arrive in a place and you’ve either 1) quickly completed all of the experiences or 2) simply don’t like it, I highly recommend proceeding onward to create extra time for your favorite places that pop up in the itinerary.

THE PERFECT SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY FOR 3 MONTHS IN-DEPTH

• Vietnam (3 Weeks)
• Laos (2 Weeks )
• Cambodia (1 Week)
• Thailand (3 Weeks)
• Additional Countries 1 and 2 (We offer our favorite suggestions below)

VIETNAM ITINERARY FOR 3 WEEKS

Vietnam is a cheap, beautiful, and adventure packed country that is arguably the best place in Southeast Asia for backpackers – old and new. 

Whereas Thailand was once the “go-to” Southeast Asia travel destination, Vietnam is now single easiest, most entertaining, and most economical destination in SEA. 

THE TOP 5 REASONS WHY VIETNAM IS AN EXCELLENT DESTINATION:

• A deep, unadulterated cultural experience: food, experiencing Vietnamese daily life, and finding tourist-free locales
• Amazing adventure opportunities : Motorbiking the entire country, canyoning, trekking
• Amazing beauty and landscapes: “Floating islands”, Patagonia-esque mountains, beautiful beaches, jungles, canyons, rice fields and more
• Making new backpacker friends on the backpacker trail is insanely easy
• Great transportation infrastructure makes getting around easy and cheap and tons of cheap yet comfortable lodging in every city (~$5 to ~$25 USD per night) keep travel cheap

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Motorbiking the length of the country, the Ha Giang Loop, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail
• The Hanoi experience: Heavy French influence in Asia
• Beautiful Northern hill country: rice fields, amazing views, and a great cultural experience (Sapa & North)
• Ha Long Bay and the “Castaway” experience
• Plenty of friendly backpackers and travelers to befriend

 OVERALL RATING FOR VIETNAM

• Tourist Rating: 8/10 – Something for everyone and travel options to fit all tastes
• Adventure Rating: 9/10 – Motorbiking, trekking, and adventure sports to fit all types
• Backpacker Travel Rating: 9/10 – Cheap, fun, social, and easy to travel. The new “it’” destination

 THE VIETNAM ITINERARY: 3 WEEKS

With this near perfect Vietnam itinerary, 3 weeks will be enough to experience the best and most unique of Vietnam while experiencing the food, culture, amazing landscapes, and adventures you’ll find few other places in the world

• Ho Chi Minh City (2 Days)
• Dalat (2 Days)
• Da Nang (1-2 Days)
• Motorbike the Hai Van Pass from Da Nang to Hoi An (2 Hours)
• Hoi An (2 Days)
• Hanoi (3 Days)
• Ha Long Bay (2 Days) or Ha Long Bay Castaway Experience (2 Days)
• Sapa tour and ricefields trek (2 Days)
• Ha Giang Loop – solo by motorbike or via tour (4 Days)
• Ba Be National Park (2 Days)

HO CHI MINH CITY (2 DAYS )

The capital of Vietnam is big and bustling but proceed quickly to other, better adventures throughout Vietnam

TOP EXPERIENCES IN HO CHI MINH CITY

• 3 centuries-old Ben Thanh Market
• touring the Cu Chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War
• City tour by motorbike: Bookable through most hostels
• One of the many free walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City
• countryside bike tour

WHERE TO STAY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

• Hideout Hostel
• Airbnb for a more private yet economical option

DALAT (2 DAYS)

Vietnam’s city of eternal spring with amazing architecture and a mountain backdrop

TOP EXPERIENCES IN DALAT

• Canyoning tour
• coffee experience with a trip to a plantation and several cafes
• “chase clouds” in Trai Mat
• visit Truc Lam Buddhist Temple
• visit Elephant Waterfall
• visit Maze Bar Dalat (100 roofs café)

WHERE TO STAY IN DALAT

• Pretty Backpacker House
• Tigon Dalat Hostel

DA NANG (1-2 DAYS)

Another big city on the Vietnam adventure trails that offers typical tourist delights

TOP EXPERIENCES DA NANG

• Visit Ba Na Hill & Golden bridge
• Ride the dragon bridge by motorbike
• Explore the nightlife
• Plenty of great restaurants.

MOTORBIKE THE HAI VAN PASS FROM DA NANG TO HOI AN (2-HOUR RIDE):

The “Hai-Van Pass” is an epically beautiful stretch of coastal mountain highway between Hoi An and Da Nang. The entire stretch of peaceful ocean views is perfect for motorbiking adventures and open-air Jeep tours from Hoi .

How to ride the Hai Van Pass: Arrange rental of a motorbike to cruise at your own pace from Hoi An to Da Nang and arrange transport of your bags to be taken separately by car.  The scooter/motorbike rental will be for a one way trip and the provider should be able to arrange delivery of your bags. Ask your hostel/hotel staff for motorbike rental recommendations – they will be the best source of information for the adventure.

HOI AN (2 DAYS)

A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City recognized as being one of the most well-preserved Southeast Asia trading ports dating back to the 1400s, artfully blending local and foreign influences into architecture, food, and experience

TOP EXPERIENCES HOI AN

• Hoi An Central Market
• Hoi An Old Town
• Plenty of food adventures,
• Japanese Bridge
• Getting a tailor-made suits or clothes for fun with wacky prints
• Vietnamese cooking class for Hoi-An specific cusisine
• Grabbing a beer by the Thu Bon River on itty bitty plastic chairs
• Motorbiking to the Marble Mountains
• Hoi An Night Market

WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE

• Grab Bánh mì at Banh Mi Phuong, recommended by Anthony Bourdain
• Pork buns, Bahn Xeo

WHERE TO STAY

• Vietnam Backpackers Hoi An : A resort-like hostel tucked into an artistically remodeled historic building

HANOI (3 DAYS)

A charming city despite its size, heavily influenced by French architecture and food.  Wonderful for relaxing exploration while being a gateway to the more beautiful north of Vietnam

TOP EXPERIENCES HANOI

• Hanoi Old Quarter
• Hoan Kiem Lake + Legend
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Hanoi Hilton tour (Hoa Lo Prison) Pho
• Egg coffee at Café Pho Co overlooking the legendary Hoan Kiem lake
• A street food tour
• shop for potentially counterfeit outdoor and adventure gear/clothing at one of the “Made In Vietnam” store)
• Phung Hung Mural Street
• Dong Xuan Market
• Vietnam Backpackers Central: 100% party and instant social life (book directly via the hostel’s site)
• Republik Backpackers hostel : Peace, quiet, and comfort

WHAT TO EAT

• Bun Cha, Pho

ESSENTIAL SIDE TRIPS FROM HANOI AND IN NORTHERN VIETNAM 

Recommended tours from hanoi.

• Ha Long Bay (2 Days) or Ha Long Bay Castaway Experience (recommended via Vietnam Backpackers)
• (Optional)Cat Ba Island
• (Optional) Ninh Binh

HA LONG BAY (2 DAYS)

This bay of 1,600 floating islands inspired the dreamscapes of the movie Avatar and are the best experience for a fun boat tour, allowing you to swim and kayak along the way. Consider leveling up the experience with a party heavy two-day castaway leaving you stranded on an island for an excitingly irreplaceable experience.

SAPA (2 DAYS)

This romantic mountain town is nestled in the cool north.  Experience the relaxing ambiance with a day trek (guided by locals) through the hills and rice fields, sharing history and culture along the way.

HA GIANG LOOP (4 DAYS)

Rent a motorbike and ride this four-day loop of northern Vietnam through rice fields, mountains, and to the border of China for arguably the most beautiful and authentic adventure in Vietnam.  Grab your motorbike for the trip from Style Motorbikes in Hanoi.

BA BE NATIONAL PARK (2 DAYS)

4.5 hours from Hanoi lies a peaceful escape, a national park of only bays, caves, and flooded rice paddies.  Stay at a guesthouse on the cheap and take a guided tour of the park (by boat) for an experience you can’t have anywhere else.

(**Ba Be National Park video**)

(OPTIONAL) NINH BINH

If you have extra time consider adding the beauty of Ha Long Bay’s floating islands experienced on land.

OTHER GREAT EXPERIENCES FOR ANYWHERE IN VIETNAM

• Vietnamese Coffee making class: Best in Dalat
• Vietnamese cooking class: Best in Hanoi, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh city
• Riding all of Vietnam by Motorbike: Buy a motorbike from a fellow backpacker for $200-$500 USD, and ride!
• Vietnam Backpacker’s “Bull Run”
• Vietnam Backpacker’s Castaway in Ha Long Bay
• Ninhvana Backpacker’s Resort in Ninh Van
• Riding the Hai Van Pass

VIETNAM IN PICTURES

BUDGETING AND COSTS IN VIETNAM

• Nice Hostel Bed per Night: $7/Night
• Hotel Room Per Night: $25/night
• Average Meal: $3
• Daily Backpacker Budget: $25/day + additional $30-$50 for each big trip

ESSENTIAL FOOD AND DRINK IN VIETNAM

• Bun Cha (Best in Hanoi)
• Egg Coffee (Best in Hanoi)
• Vietnamese Coffee
• Local beer: Made from rice, and served draught streetside at the bars with countless tiny chairs
• Banh Mi (Best everywhere, style varies by city
• Cao Lao (Best in Hoi An)
• Cha Ca (Best in Hanoi)
• Guoi Cuon (Spring Rolls)
• Bun Bo Hue (Best in Central Vietnam)

HOW TO GET AROUND VIETNAM

• From Airports: Grab Rideshare app (to avoid being ripped off by taxis)
• Between Cities: 12go.Asia or Rome2Rio for planning buses or booking shuttles through your hostel, hotel, or local travel agent kiosk
• In-Town: Byfoot is the best option for explorers, booking tour buses for adventures outside of town.  Moto taxis are great for getting around town and best booked in the Grab rideshare app or with a price agreed upon in advance
• Adventure Option – Motorbike Vietnam: Join the Vietnam Backpackers FB groups and purchase a used motorbike from a fellow backpacker for $200-$400, “moto-pack” the length of Vietnam, and resell before leaving.

VIETNAM VISA STRATEGY

Available for 1, 3, and 6 months, authorization required before arrival

• Vietnam Visa Fees: Agent fee (varies) paid in advance and stamp fee on arrival (varies)
• All visas require a visa approval letter attained prior to your arrival from a visa agent and printed to present at the airport on arrival – you won’t have the chance to print on arrival and will be turned away if you don’t have it
• Different visas are required if you fly internationally into Vietnam or cross a land border (via Cambodia, Laos, or China).  Request the correct type of Visa accordingly.
• Average Visa Agent Fees (paid in advance to private visa agent): 1 month single: $6 / person; 1 month multiple: $6 / person 3 months single entry: $15 / person ; 3 months multiple entry: $20 / person – these are in addition to stamp fees paid on arrival
• Visa Stamp Fees (paid on arrival to Vietnamese government): Bring cash (in USD or VND) as you will have to  pay for visa stamp fee (paid by yourself upon arrival at the airport: 25$ for 1 month and 3 month single entry, 50$ for 1 month multiple entry and 3 month multiple entry, 95$ for 6 months multiple entry, 135$ for 1-year multiple entry
• My Visa Agent: I used http://vietnamvisapro.com/ several times with no issues

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN VIETNAM

I highly recommend having travel insurance in Vietnam, as the motorbiking, canyoning, and off the beaten path adventures.  I recommend the following two options

• World Nomads : Higher cost, but great support and few issues filing claims
• SafetyWing : Lower cost, but sufficient to cover most all adventures in Vietnam

ESSENTIAL HEALTH TIPS FOR VIETNAM

  Consider getting a rabies booster in advance.  Carry the medications you need for most situations for a minimum of 3 days, including stomach meds as you adjust to Asia (Pepto, Immodium, etc.) and pain relievers.

WHEN TO VISIT VIETNAM

December to March during high season, when the weather is dry.

LAOS 2 WEEK ITINERARY

Laos is a rugged and often overlooked backpacking destination in Southeast Asia, but the hidden beauty, preserved culture, and numerous outdoor adventures – trekking, rafting, motorbiking, and more – make Laos a fulfilling locale for budget travelers and backpackers that love the outdoors.

HERE ARE THE TOP 5 REASONS TO TRAVEL TO LAOS

• Rural, off the beaten track feel: No matter where you go in Laos, it feels like you’re traveling back in time experiencing Asia before the Banana Pancake Trail set in
• Plenty of Outdoor Adventures: Jungle treks, floating down the river on inner tubes, and exploring limestone caves/bunkers are a few of the many adventures that we miss in urban destinations
• Laos is cheap: For travelers on a budget, Laos will be the cheapest destination on your itinerary while still providing plenty of easy travel and transport infrastructure
• Hidden history: From unexploded ordance to the history of the “Secret War”, Laos will shock you with history you likely have never heard about
• Amazing Landscapes: Top to bottom, Laos is filled with towering mountains, green jungles, and rolling hills that most westerners will only witness in pictures

OVERALL RATING FOR LAOS

• Tourist Rating: 6/10 – Not as glitzy as other SEA destinations as Laos lacks urban flare
• Adventure Rating: 9/10 – Perfect for lovers of the outdoors and adventure sports
• Backpacker Travel Rating: 9/10 – Cheap, easy to travel, and rugged enough to be charming

2 WEEK LAOS ITINERARY

If you’re backpacking SEA and want the best of everything, this 2 week Laos itinerary helps you maximize your time by hitting the quintessential experiences that you can only experience in Laos.

• Luang Prabang (3 Days)
• Vang Vieng (3 Days)
• Vientiane (3 Days)
• Optional: “Don Det” 4000 Islands in Si Phan Don (if traveling by motorbike to Cambodia)

LUANG PRABANG (3 DAYS)

Luang Prabang is an absolute highlight of adventuring through Laos.  A former French colonial town, this UNESCO world heritage site boasts an amazingly rough and southeast backdrop, monasteries and temples to explore, and countless wild adventures outside of the city

TOP EXPERIENCES IN LUANG PRABANG

• Kuang Si Waterfalls, countless Buddhist temples

VANG VIENG (3 DAYS)

A haven for wild backpackers and backpackers that love the wild outdoors, Vang Vieng is a jungle town with adventure and relaxation in equal parts.  Cheap, cozy, comfortable, and perfect for a genuine travel experience.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN VANG VIENG

• Tubing or kayaking the Nan Song River (with booze and friends), dense jungle day hikes – both of these are only possible outside of monsoon season

VIENTIANE (3 DAYS)

A big colonial French city, Vientiane is more of a “transit and resupply” location with much less charm and adventure than Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.  Plan in this stop as simply a transit point, and use the days to wander Laos’ biggest city, eating the local (and French inspired) food, observing the architectural influence, and ending sunset on the local river walk next to the market.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN VIENTIANE

• Sunset by the river with the evening market and experiencing Laos local life, visit the COPE Center (Vietnam War in Laos history)

OPTIONAL ADVENTURES LAOS

• “Don Det” 4000 Islands in Si Phan Don (if traveling by motorbike to Cambodia) to float, wander, and relax
• Optional: Gibbon Experience** ziplining through the jungle canopy in Nam Kan National Park

LAOS IN PICTURES

BUDGETING AND COSTS IN LAOS

• Nice Hostel Bed per Night: $5
• Hotel Room Per Night: $20 – $40
• Daily Backpacker Budget: $20
• Daily Tourist Budget: $60

ESSENTIAL FOOD AND DRINK

• Larb/Laap – A meat salad served with sticky rice
• Khao Jee – Baguette Sandwich
• Khao Poon – Spicy Soup with Vermicelli Noodles and Pounded Meat
• Sai Gok – Laotian sausage, season pork served with sticky rice
• BeerLao – A local beer brewed with rice (vice grains)
• Laos Pho – Similar to Vietnamese Pho but served with flat noodles (or thin rice noodles on request) and may have beef innards (heart, liver, etc.)
• Or Lam – A Lao stew originating in Luang Prabang made with dried buffalo meat
• Sien Savanh – Laotian beef jerky
• Tam Mak Hoong – Lao papaya salad

GETTING TO LAOS

• From Vietnam by Air, fly from Hanoi into Luang Prabang, making for a smooth, one-way tour south (~$100).  Most flights from Ho Chi Minh city connect through Hanoi, making Hanoi the best departure point
• Consider leaving Hanoi to Luang Prabang from Vietnam by bus, but plan on a 25-hour bus ride.
• From Thailand, consider taking the relaxingly adventurous slow boat from Huay Xai to Pak Beng to Luang Prabang.  Travel by bus from Chiang Rai, Thailand, to the border
• BEST OPTION: Buy a motorbike in Vietnam , ride into Laos**, ride to the northern border (China), ride west into Laos, and ride south toward Vang Vieng à Luang Prabang à Vientiane.  Be sure to by a bike with the “blue card” to ensure you can make it across Laos – Vietnam border

GETTING AROUND LAOS

• Plan for roughly a day of travel (4 to 12 hours) between cities
• Minibusses between Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane arranged through your hostel, hotel, or local travel agency – Online bookings and route times available at 12goAsia
• Consider buying a motorbike in Laos, easiest in Vientiane for ~$150, and explore the country

VISA STRATEGY

• 30-day visa on arrival available for most nationalities at 27 entry points/border crossing. Extendable twice up to 90 days total. ($30 to $42 depending on nationality, plus passport photo) (Link: http://www.immigration.gov.la/visas.html )
• 60-day e-visa available to nationalities ineligible for the Visa on arrival and can be used to enter at the Thai-Laos friendship bridge, Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), and Luang Prabang International airport ($50) (Link: https://laoevisa.gov.la/)

PACKING ESSENTIALS

• A good backpack – roller luggage or duffel bag would make travel miserable
• A good compressible daypack as most of the adventures are less than a day’s length
• Good boots for hiking, to make the most of the exploration opportunities
• Adventure and trekking ready sandals like the Xero Trails or Chacos
• A 10L to 20L waterproof bag to keep the essentials dry in wet weather and on river floats
• Ziploc bags large and small, to keep things dry and un-muddied on the adventures
• Bug spray to start the adventures as jungles are filled with buggies

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN LAOS

Laos is an adventurous destination.  With the river floating, jungle trekking, and motorbiking experiences, travel insurance is an absolute must .  I wouldn’t consider visiting without it.  I highly recommend either World Nomads or SafetyWing as they have both been reliable on adventures and the cost is reasonable

WHEN TO VISIT LAOS

January to March in Laos is best as temperatures are manageable and the weather is drier. The Laotian monsoon season is May until October, and the dry season is from November to April.

MOVING ON FROM LAOS: GO TO CAMBODIA OR VIETNAM

Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are all very accessible from Laos.  Plan on flying out of Vientiane to your next destination, or consider motorbiking through Laos and on through Cambodia

CAMBODIA 1 WEEK ITINERARY

OVERALL RATING FOR CAMBODIA

• Tourist Rating: 9/10 for Angkor Wat, 6/10 elsewhere
• Adventure Rating: 6/10
• Backpacker Travel Rating: 9/10 for Angkor Wat, 6/10 elsewhere
• Phnom Penh (1 Day): S-21 Genocide Museum, shoot big guns and things that go “boom,” markets (Russian Market + food stalls), temples (Wat Phnom), a river cruise on the Mekong
• Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2 Days): Angkor Wat by tuk tuk ($25 for Tuk Tuk + $37 entry ticket) tour starting at sunrise, night market experiences of The Lane + Pub Street
• Optional (2-3 Days): Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Ron Samleon island for white sands, clear waters, and phosphorescent plankton
• Optional – Kampot: A low key town best for backpackers, enjoy riverside cocktails and food, rent a scooter for a fun half-day ride through the hills nearby

CAMBODIA IN PICTURES

BUDGETING AND COSTS IN CAMBODIA

• Hotel Room Per Night: $35
• Average Meal: $6
• Daily Budget: $25 to $70 + fees for major attractions
• Note: Siem Reap will be much more expensive than Phnom Penh, Kampot, and Koh Rong

GETTING AROUND CAMBODIA

• Plan to travel between cities by bus booked through your hostel or hotel, or at a local travel kiosk.  Aim to only travel between cities during the day due to safety risks (bandits, robberies targeting foreigners on roads between cities at night).

CAMBODIA VISA STRATEGY

e-Visa valid for 30-day stay costing $36 USD available at the Kingdom of Cambodia visa pagehttps://www.evisa.gov.kh/

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR CAMBODIA

Fanny pack/bum bag or other means of tightly securing valuables from “run-by” bag thieves

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN CAMBODIA

Absolutely necessary! Confirm coverage includes medical evacuation

Most reputable travel insurance options will do because there are few “high risk” activities to do in Cambodia.  I highly recommend SafetyWing for budget travelers and World Nomads for travelers with larger budgets.  Due to the risk of getting sick (stomach bugs) and relatively poor medical facilities, having medical evacuation coverage with your travel insurance is highly recommended.

WHEN TO VISIT CAMBODIA

Visit during the dry season between November and May, with November to February being the coolest months. Visiting during the dry season ensures the weather will be suitable for the Angkor Wat experience. 

Cambodia’s wet season is from June to September.  Expect extreme heat (highs of ~35 Celsius, 95 Fahrenheit) between March and June

ESSENTIAL BOOKS AND MOVIES ABOUT CAMBODIA

The Killing Fields (movie)

GETTING TO CAMBODIA

Arriving in Cambodia from Vietnam, a 6-hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh city to Phnom Penh is the best entry plan.  When arriving from anywhere else to Cambodia , an international flight into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap is the best, cheapest, most efficient option.

MOVING ON FROM CAMBODIA

Fly on to Chiang Mai or Bangkok in Thailand or to Ho Chi Minh city or Hanoi in Vietnam to continue the Banana Pancake Trail.

THAILAND 3 WEEK ITINERARY

The original “backpacker” paradise: Street food, beautiful islands, and peaceful hill country

HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCES IN THAILAND 

• Excellent starter destination
• Street food (Bangkok and Chiang Mai Old Town)
• Bangkok backpacker experience
• Khao Sak National Park
• Hill Country and Monastaries (Chiang Mai and Pai)

LOWLIGHTS OF TRAVELING IN THAILAND

• Fading “backpacker” vibe, as prices rise and heavy tourism takes over

OVERALL RATING FOR THAILAND

• Tourist Rating: 9/10
• Adventure Rating: 9/10
• Backpacker Travel Rating: 9/10

CHIANG MAI (3 DAYS)

Walking tour of Old Town Chiang Mai + visit the Temples around Old Town Chiang Mai ( Wat Rajamontean , Wat Lok Molee , Wat Suan Dok ), visit Wat Doi Suthep in the hill country + Doi Suthep hike, visit the many Old Town and Nimman Street Food Night Markets, Thai Traditional Massage Experience, take a Thai cooking class, visit the mega mall and a hipster café in Nimman.  Also, check out the many Chiang Mai cafes and coworking spaces to plan the rest of your trip.

Getting to Chiang Mai: Take the train from Bangkok (booked at the train station), then take a red collective taxi (the pickup trucks) for 35 Baht to your destination

PAI (2-3 DAYS)

Rent a motorbike (from the main road) to cruise and explore the hills of Pai, then ride and hike to the following adventure spots: Mae Yen waterfall, the World War II Memorial Bridge (Japanese Bridge), the short yet beautiful Pai Canyon hike by sunset. Take a cave tour (Tham Lod is a good choice). By night, enjoy street food at the Pai Night Market ( here ) on the main road.

Getting to Pai: Book a shared van through your hostel/hotel or 12go.Asia to Pai. You’ll take the same van back to Chiang Mai when moving on

My Personal Notes on Pai: Pai is a backpacker haven where solo travelers will make tons of friends.  Stay at a good hostel close to the main strip, be social, and make the most of the time.  Rent a motorbike (~150 Baht per day on the main street of Pai) for ultimate freedom.

BANGKOK (3 TO 5 DAYS)

Party on Khao San Road, explore the street food scenes near Khao San Road and in China town, eat a whole suckling pig (like Anthony Bourdain) at Tang Jai Yoo restaurant, visit the airplane graveyard and the flooded mall, visit the Bangkok floating market, explore around the Chao Praya River and ancient royal district, visit the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, visit Wat Pho temple to see the golden reclining Buddha and get an amazing traditional Thai massage, visit Siam or Chatuchak Weekend Market.  Also, consider the Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets & Bridge on River Kwai day trips from Bangkok.

KRABI / RAILAY (3 DAYS)

Enjoy Railay Beach, rent a motorbike and ride to the Tiger Cave Temple (+1,237 steps), party at Soi RCA, street food at Ao Nang Night Market, dip in the Emerald Pool and hot spring-fed waterfalls, jungle trek through Khao Sak National Park, swing under the huge cave at Hollow Mountain, hike to the Hang Nak Mountain for a towering viewpoint, raft the Songprak River.

KO PHI PHI (2-3 DAYS)

Maya bay day trip, boat tour between the islands, lots of beach time, or consider Ko Lanta for a more peaceful experience as Ko Phi Phi tends to be a party island

KOH TAO (2-3 DAYS)

Rent a motorbike and snorkel and cruise between beaches to sun and snorkel, consider taking a course for SCUBA dive certification, join the Ko Tao pub crawl that happens nightly for new friends and some interesting experiences, sunset at Mango Bay, Love Koh Tao Viewpoint Café for coffee.

KO PHA NGAN (2-3 DAYS)

Full Moon Party ( Full Moon Party calendar here for 2020 + 2021 ), half-moon beach party, wander between and soak up the sun on countless beaches, hop between waterfalls, Thong Sala Night Market for street food, explore the forbidden on at “Eden,” smoke some “stuff” at Amsterdam Bar.

THAILAND IN PICTURES

TRAVEL BUDGET AND COSTS IN THAILAND

• Nice Hostel Bed per Night: ~$10
• Private Hostel Room or Hotel Room Per Night: $20-$30
• Average Meal: ~$3
• Daily Budget: $30
• Pad Thai – Thai Stir-Fried Noodles
• Khao Pad/Khao Pad Kai – Fried Rice/Chicken Fried Rice
• Pad Krapao – Fried Basil and Chicken/Pork
• Panang – Thai Curry
• Guay Teow – “Noodle Soup”
• Tom Yum Goong – Spicy Shrimp Soup
• Tom Kha Gai – Chicken in Coconut Soup
• Som Tam – Papaya Salad
• Laab Moo/Ka – Spicy Pork/Chicken Salad
• Pad See Eiw – Stir-Fried Thick Noodles
• Pak Boong – Morning Glory
• Salted, grilled fish (street food)
• A “bucket” of alcohol – on Khao San Road, or in the Thai Islands

GETTING AROUND THAILAND

• Between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, traveling by train is your best option, bookable at 12Go.Asia or directly at the train station.  Still, use 12Go to find timetables.
• For any other travel in mainland Thailand (Chiang Mai to Pai, Chiang Rai, Krabi), aim for vans and buses, best booked at one of the many small travel agent kiosks throughout Bangkok, or 12Go.Asia
• Traveling by ferry is the obvious option for travel between islands .  It is best to book in advance at your port of departure or at one of the small travel agent kiosks you will see around.

VISA STRATEGY THAILAND

Thailand’s Visa Exemption is free and allows most nationalities to stay up to 30 days, but beware; you are only allowed two visas exemptions per year. Note that you must have a confirmed departure ticket (from Thailand) within 30 days from arrival.  You may be required to show proof that you have at least 10,000 Thai Baht (in any currency), but this part is rarely enforced

If you plan on expat’ ing or traveling Asia extensively, it is best to get a 60-day Tourist Visa in advance (at most Thai embassies and consulates) and save the Visa Exemptions.  Thailand is a great fall back location if something goes wrong anywhere else. Bangkok is a great hub for getting anywhere else – keeping at least one visa exemption creates a great backup plan when travels elsewhere in Asia go sour.

Thailand is an extremely developed destination, and you will likely be able to find anything you need on the road in Bangkok. 

You will absolutely be adventuring heavily through wet and dry climates, so a good pair of adventure-ready sandals are crucial as well as a pair of adventure-ready shoes or boots .

Leave the roller luggage at home and bring a good travel backpack and daypack, ideally carry on size.

Bring a rain jacket or waterproof shell as Thailand does have those surprise Asia rains year-round – or go cheap and buy a poncho on arrival

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN THAILAND

Though traveling Thailand can be exciting and slightly risky, hiking canyons, SCUBA diving, and cliff jumping, most reputable travel insurance companies will do for the adventure – so stick with travel insurance you know and trust, but check to ensure they cover any of your “crazier” activities (like SCUBA diving or freediving )

If you’re searching for travel insurance suitable for Thailand, I highly recommend Safetywing as a budget option and World Nomads if you have the extra cash to spare.  Both have served me very well during my travels.

WHEN TO VISIT THAILAND

November to early April is the best time to enter Thailand, during the cool, dry season, but this applies mostly to mainland Thailand.  For coastal Thailand, on the Gulf of Thailand in the east and the Andaman Sea in the west, the dry and wet season aligns with summer and winter.  Because of this, Thailand always has an island to runaway to for great relaxing and diving.

ESSENTIAL BOOKS AND MOVIES FOR TRAVELING TO THAILAND

The Beach is a classic and arguably the quintessential “backpacking” movie.

GETTING THERE TO THAILAND

Flying into Bangkok is your best, and cheapest bet as Bangkok connects to most major international destinations

MOVING ON FROM THAILAND

If you are just starting the “Banana Pancake Trail” backpacking tour through Southeast Asia, continue east to Luang Prabang, Laos.  The journey (via bus then boat) is best started from Chiang Mai.

If you’ve already completed the basic Banana Pancake Trail (Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam), consider continuing through Southeast Asia to create a more “tailored” experience.  Add one or two of the following “additional” countries in Southeast to your itinerary to build in specific adventures and specific experiences that are especially meaningful to you.

THE BEST “ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES” TO CONSIDER ADDING TO YOUR SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY

The core itinerary of Southeast Asia – Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos – is perfect for any traveler and easy to do enjoyably within two months.  For those travelers with three months to spare, this extra month leaves a fantastic chance to experience a few more of South Asia’s gems of travel.

Each of the countries listed below is just as easily traveled as the other core SEA countries but offers something special, making it one of the world’s best places to experience that.

Cap off the adventure of your dreams by adding one or two of these countries to the end of your itinerary based on what you love about travel.

ITINERARIES FOR THE BEST “ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES”

MYANMAR (1 TO 2 WEEKS)

• Mandalay (2 Days): U Pein Bridge by sunrise, a bike tour of Mandalay, Mandalay Hill by sunset, Jade market
• Bagan (Day 2): Take an “e-bike” mounted tour past thousands of temples (~$4), sit atop a temple for sunrise and sunset overlooking the Bagan Archeological Zone
• Inle Lake trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake (2 to 4 Days): ~$30 USD for a two-day trek
• Inle Lake Experience  (2 Days): Tour Inle Lake by boat, Mingala Market, Pindaya Caves, cooking class
• Optional: Yangon (Rangoon) (2 Days):  Bagyoke Market, Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon Circular Train experience

Highlight Experiences: 1000’s of ancient temples in Bagan, trekking through the rural country, witnessing a floating city on Inle Lake, Mount Popa, and the monastery (on the way from Bagan to Kalaw)

SRI LANKA (3 WEEKS)

Note: The best Sri Lanka itinerary in the south is heavily dependent on the monsoon season.  Plan accordingly with the timelines below to avoid being caught in a storm

DECEMBER TO APRIL SRI LANKA ITINERARY

(Start on the Southwest Coast for Beaches)

• Colombo/Negombo (2 Days): Consider renting a tuk tuk to drive yourself around Sri Lanka
• Hikkaduwa (1 Day): A small beach town an hour outside of Negombo with great surfing and cheap hotels (and beach bars) ~20ft from the beach
• Galle (1 Day): Visit the beautiful Dutch Galle Fort, walking on the fort’s wall’s by sunset
• Weligama (2 Days): Enjoy relaxing surfing in the sandy-bottomed and calm Weligama Bay
• Tangalle (1 to 2 Days): Spend a day on beautiful, desolate beaches
• Tissamaharama & Yala National Park:
• à Proceed onto the northern circuit to Ella and cultural triangle

APRIL TO DECEMBER SRI LANKA ITINERARY

(Focus on the Southeast Coast for Beaches)

• Colombo/Negombo (2 Days): Considering renting a tuk tuk to drive yourself around Sri Lanka
• Tangalle (1 Day optional and weather dependent on the season): Spend a day on beautiful, desolate beaches
• Yala National Park Safari via Tissamaharama (1 Day): Take a jeep tour through Yala National Park ($35 to $90) to see leopards, elephants, crocs, peacocks, and more, follow up with a   self-guided tour of Yala by Tuk Tuk ending at the Sithulpawa Monastery, sleep in Yala National Park
• Arugam Bay (3 Days): Soak up sun and vibes in this cozy surf town with varied, mellow waves suitable for new and advanced surfers alike
• Proceed onto the northern circuit and cultural triangle

CONTINUE ONTO THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT AND CULTURAL TRIANGLE ITINERARY

• Ella (3 Days): A beautiful mountain town in the cool, high country filled with trekking and surrounded by tea plantations.  This town is built around backpackers and tourism and is arguably the comfiest city in Sri Lanka (tying with Arugam Bay)
• Ella/Nuwar Eliya to Kandy Train Ride (1 Full Day): The most beautiful train ride in the world, stretching a 2 to 9-hour ride through Sri Lanka’s green high country
• Nuwara Eliya (2 Days): A once English settlement that maintains its British roots and is a perfect base for the epic Adam’s Peak hike
• Kandy (1 Day): A big city and gateway to Sri Lanka’s cultural heart
• Dambulla/Sigiriya (1 Day): A tour of ancient caves turned into monasteries at Dambulla and the epic Lion’s Rock of Sigiriya, both with insane backstories reminiscent of Game of Thrones
• Anuradhapura (1 Day): Spend a day wandering the 1000+-year-old temples, castles, and ruins that make the entire city an archeological site comparable to Angkor Wat and Bagan

Highlight Experiences: Driving a tuk tuk around a country, surfing, wild animal safaris, ruins,

BALI, INDONESIA (2 WEEKS)

• Canggu (3 Days): Learn to surf and soak up the sun in Bali’s hipster center and favorite surf village on the beach filled with trendy bars, cafés, yoga studios, and endless nightlife (+ Seminyak and Kuta)
• Ubud (3 Days): Visit the spiritual heart of Bali tucked in the mountains and hills of rice field laden high country for trekking, jungle excursions, monkey forests, and cultural experiences
• The “Gili’s” (2 Days): Disappear to the islands free of cars and motorbikes for parties and peace & quiet with white sand beaches and plenty of turtles in between.  Great for SCUBA diving and snorkeling
• Nusa Lembongan (2 Days): Head to an even smaller island for amazing surfing and diving all in one spot
• Uluwatu & the Bukit (3 Days) : Crystal clear turquoise waters and some of the best surfing and most beautiful beaches in Bali along with cultural experiences like seafood markets, temples, and Kecak dances
• Optional: Amed (snorkeling and diving), Medewi (longboard surfing), Candidasa (peaceful and quiet)

Highlight Experiences: Beautiful beaches, spiritual experiences, SCUBA and freediving, surfing, hipster traveler/backpacker partying

THE PHILIPPINES (3 TO 4 WEEKS)

• Manilla (2 days): Explore mega malls, museums, and plenty of food
• Cebu City (1 day): Move quickly on to Oslob
• Oslob, Cebu (2 days): Dive with whale sharks
• Dumaguete (2 days): Snorkel and SCUBA dive with turtles and beautiful coral on “Turtle Island” aka Apo Island
• Bohol (2 days): Motorbike rides to the chocolate hills and nightlife on the beach
• El Nido (3 days): Consider a liveaboard cruise (like Tao Philippines), rock climb, sun on the beach, cruise a motorbike around the many beautiful beaches
• Coron (3 days): Take a boat tour each day to the most beautiful and recently discovered destinations for mainstream travelers
• Siargao (Optional): Surf and sun in this hip new destination made famous by Red Bull surfing

Highlights: Day trip boat cruises, pristine beaches, and waters, amazing diving, liveaboard cruises, swimming with whale sharks

When to Visit: November to April is the dry season & peak tourist season.  April is best for whale shark sightings

Optional Additions: Volcano country, eco-friendly whale shark diving in Donsol

NEPAL (2 TO 3 WEEKS)

• Kathmandu (2 Days): Acclimatize and pick up the gear you’ll need for your trek of choice
• One Trekking Route: Everest Base Camp (12-14 days) or Annapurna Circuit (20 days)

Highlights: Trekking in the Himalayas

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES ABOUT BACKPACKING THE WORLD

• The 9 Best South America Backpacking Routes for 2 Weeks to 6 Months of Travel
• 5 Essential Routes for Backpacking the World and Visiting Every Continent
• The Balkan Walk: The Perfect Backpacking Itinerary for the Balkans
• 3 Months in Southeast Asia: A Perfect Plan for the the “Banana Pancake Trail”
• The Mini Backpacking Trails: 15 Itineraries Aroudn the World for 2 Weeks or Less

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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• Asia , Southeast Asia

Looking for the best Southeast Asia backpacking route? With so much to see and do in this region of the world, it can be hard figuring out how long to spend here and where to go! To help you get an idea of how much you can see with 3 months in Southeast Asia, take a look at the backpacking route I took across Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

Backpacking Southeast Asia was hands down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Building up the courage to jump on a plane by myself and backpack solo around the countries of Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam completely changed who I was and irrevocably impacted the person I am today! (In, like, the best way possible.)

If you’re considering a Southeast Asia backpacking trip and wondering if it’s the right decision, this is your sign.

This is your sign to reserve that plane ticket, pack up your bags, and get your butt over to Southeast Asia for the wild ride that is backpacking this wondrous region of the world! Not to mention, it’s the BEST for those who want to backpack and travel long-term on a small budget.

In the sections below, I’m covering how I spent 3 months backpacking Southeast Asia, including what countries I went to, how much time I spent in each, and the places I visited in each country.

Don’t forget to read my 4-part guide on everything you need to know about backpacking Southeast Asia! Part 1 shares how to prepare for your trip , part 2 dives into what you should expect when there , part 3 explores budgeting and saving money , and part 4 covers all the miscellaneous must-know tips !

Table of Contents

HOW I SPENT 3 MONTHS BACKPACKING SOUTHEAST ASIA

You’ll find the countries of Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam on this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary, as well as some of the top cities to visit, like Bangkok, Siem Reap, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

This itinerary could be considered the so-called “Banana Pancake Trail” but with a little twist, as it starts in Bali, which I think is a must-visit in Asia!

Also, don’t miss out on reading to the bottom! I’m including some of my favorite tips on how to best backpack Southeast Asia for a ridiculously awesome trip.

Bali, Indonesia

First things first — where the heck do you fly into?

Well, personally, I bought a one-way flight from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia. It costs me around $600 for a one-way flight from Minnesota to Bali.

(Psst, I always use Skyscanner to book my flights ! It’s one of the BEST sites I use to score cheap flights .)

As someone who was yearning to visit Bali, I found this was the best place to start my 3 months in Southeast Asia. Not to mention, flying from Bali to the rest of Southeast Asia is pretty simple, too, as it’s become a major destination among travelers.

While in Bali, I spent 3 weeks here and traveled to:

• Kuta/Seminyak (3 nights) — awesome nightlife and restaurants
• Canggu (5 nights) — discovered the amazing vegan food here !
• Ubud (4 nights) — incredible waterfalls and awesome day trips
• Amed (3 nights) — fantastic for snorkeling and low-key beach days
• Gili T (5 nights) largest of the 3 Gili Islands; super chill, good food, great nightlife, and even better snorkeling
• Nusa Penida + Nusa Dua ( day trip from Kuta ) — exceptional islands off the Bali coast that are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and boating around

Some of my favorite places I stayed on the island of Bali include The Hostel Canggu , Green Paddy Hostel & Villa in Ubud (amazing atmosphere and pool!), and Voodoo Gili on Gili Trawangan (fabulous pool and friendly owners).

For more info on traveling Bali, check out these posts — 10 essential things to pack for Bali , where to find the best vegan food in Canggu , and my first 36 hours in Bali, Indonesia .

After spending 3 weeks traveling around Bali, Indonesia, I flew from Denpasar to Bangkok, Thailand, and spent 2 weeks hopping around its islands.

(On my most recent visit, I spent 3 weeks in northern and southern Thailand — you can check out that itinerary here !)

One of my absolute favorite countries to visit, Thailand boasts beautiful beaches , wondrous temples , gorgeous landscapes, amazing people, awesome vegan cooking classes , and even more delicious food!

When mapping out my route around Thailand, I initially planned on doing the southern region and then heading on up to spend 10 days in northern Thailand … however, fate got in the way and I ended up following a newfound love interest to Laos after just two weeks here!

(Hint: this love interest is now my British husband, Dan! So I’d say it worked out. 😉 )

Anyways, in the two weeks I spent in Thailand, I visited:

• Bangkok (4 nights; split between two visits) — exceptional nightlife, food scene, and cultural highlights
• Krabi (2 nights) — great base for exploring nearby attractions and islands; good nightlife
• Koh Phi Phi (3 nights) — party central, beautiful views, and good restaurants
• Koh Tao (3 nights) — awesome snorkeling, beautiful beaches, fun nightlife, and stunning viewpoints
• Koh Phangan (2 nights) — *for the half moon party, which was incredible (you could also do the full moon party if planned right)

Also, it’s important to know I opted for bus transportation between Bangkok and southern Thailand, which is about a 16-20 hour ride. I was backpacking Southeast Asia on a budget and this was the most cost-effective option!

If you’re wanting to speed things up and you have the monetary means, taking a plane is also an option.

(That said, if you’re aiming to be a more sustainable traveler , bus transportation is the way to go!)

Regarding accommodations, there’s not many places I can recommend. However, here are some places I wish I would have stayed! As they all have raving reviews from fellow Southeast Asia backpackers.

These accommodations include The LOL Elephant Hostel (Bangkok), Pop-In Ao Nang Hostel (Krabi/Ao Nang), JJ Bungalow (Koh Phi Phi), Koh Tao Heritage (Koh Tao), Hideout Hostel (Koh Phangan), Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 Bangkok (Dan and I did personally splurge and stayed here! It was fantastic).

Not sure what to pack? Check out my packing guides! I have one on 10 odd essentials I never travel without , my favorite zero waste packing essentials , best chemical-free and zero waste sunscreen , and what to wear (and NOT wear) in Thailand .

After backpacking around Thailand for two weeks, I headed to Laos and spent around one and a half weeks there!

This country was a top destination highlight on my 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking trip, as it completely surpassed my expectations!

With 1.5 weeks in Laos, I traveled to:

• Luang Prabang (3 nights) — Kuang Si waterfall, Mekong Delta boat rides, temples and palaces, and incredible cultural activities and attractions
• Vang Vieng (5 nights) — incredible landscapes, caves, blue lagoons, temples, and river tubing
• Vientiane (2 nights) — stunning temples, incredible markets, Buddha statue park, and amazing museums

To find out more about what I did with my time in Laos, read these similar posts on two weeks in Laos , the best things to do in Vang Vieng , and top things to do in Vientiane !

You’ll find some good Southeast Asia backpacking inspiration and tips reading that content.

Some great places to stay throughout Laos include La Casa Hostel (Luang Prabang), Vang Vieng Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng), Sailomyen Hostel (Vientiane).

Following my jaunt in Laos exploring its major destinations of Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane, I went to Cambodia and spent around one and a half weeks there as well!

While in this magical country, I visited:

• Siem Reap (4 nights) — Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and cool cultural attractions
• Phnom Penh (3 nights) — amazing temples, bumping nightlife, pristine palaces, awesome markets, and lots of great food stops
• Sihanoukville (3 nights) — day trip to the pristine island of Koh Rong, great nightlife, fun boat trips, and a relaxing beach atmosphere

Sounds pretty amazing, eh?

If you’re backpacking Southeast Asia and plan on visiting Cambodia, I highly recommend adding Angkor Wat at sunrise to your bucket list! As well as Sihanoukville or the island of Koh Rong for a relaxing beach getaway.

And don’t forget to read my blog post on the things you must know before traveling to Cambodia !

For places to stay, I recommend Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap , Onederz Hostel (Phnom Penh), and the Villa Blue Lagoon (Sihanoukville).

Plan on staying in a lot of hostels? Don’t forget to read my post on must-have hostel essentials every traveler needs to have on their packing list !

Vietnam is the country I spent the most time in when backpacking Southeast Asia for 3 months. Considering this country is so long, it can take a while to get from destination to destination! Especially if using buses as the main mode of transportation, which I did.

So to make sure I had enough time to see the best of what Vietnam had to offer, I spent 30 days here and explored the following destinations:

• Hanoi (3 nights) — discover the best things to do in Hanoi here
• Sapa (3 nights) — amazing hiking, motorbiking opportunities, and lovely locals (read this post on my top Sapa tips before heading there)
• Halong Bay (2 nights) — wondrous landscapes filled with karst limestone mountains and beautiful blue bays
• Ninh Binh (2 nights) — known as the “Halong Bay of Inland Vietnam”; gorgeous scenery, temples and boat rides
• Phong Nha (3 nights) — incredible caves to visit, mountains, hiking opportunities and backpacker nightlife
• Hue (2 nights) — known as “Vietnam’s Imperial City” with museums, temples, and more; also has an abandoned waterpark that is so cool to visit
• Hoi An (3 nights) — magical town known for its lanterns and beautiful architecture; also has lovely beaches
• Da Lat (3 nights) — great for unique temples, waterfalls, motorbike adventures, coffee plantations, and incredible canyoning experiences
• Mui Ne (3 nights) — sand dunes, lovely beaches, a magical fairy stream, and unique landscapes
• Ho Chi Minh City (4 nights) — incredible nightlife and sky bars, bustling markets, fantastic museums, historic sites and attractions, and some really cool architecture

For more information on a Vietnam itinerary and backpacking trip, read my post on how to spend one month in Vietnam ! Near the bottom of the post, you can find my top Vietnam travel tips, how much it costs to backpack Vietnam, and more.

Additionally, check out my other posts on Vietnam…

• 9 incredible reasons to visit Vietnam
• 10 amazing experiences to have in Vietnam
• 16 remarkably useful things to know before traveling Vietnam
• The peculiar tale of how a girl fell madly in love with Sapa, Vietnam

Wondering where to stay in Vietnam?

Here are some of the top places I bunked at — Vietnam Backpackers Hostel – Downtown (Hanoi), The Little Hmong House Homestay (Sapa), Trang An Eco Homestay (Ninh Binh), Central Backpackers Hostel (Phong Nha), Azumi Villa (Hoi An), Mui Ne Hills Backpackers , and The Hangout Hostel Saigon (HCMC).

After traveling throughout Vietnam, I then caught a flight out of Ho Chi Minh City to my next destination, which was the UK and then back home to Minnesota!

Ho Chi Minh City is a nice destination to end your 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking trip because it’s quite a big hub that’s easy to fly out of.

Furthermore, I want to mention that this Southeast Asia backpacking route is simply an outline you can use for inspiration on how to plan your own amazing trip!

If you end up liking one destination more, stay there a bit longer! Don’t like a place as much or not feeling the vibe? Get outta there and go to your next stop!

One great thing about booking your accommodations through Booking.com or Agoda (which are my favorite booking sites) is that you often get free cancellation. This means you can have a more flexible plan!

Anyways, I’m a big fan of Southeast Asia and as someone who typically travels on a budget, this region of the world is incredibly affordable for many backpackers! So that’s always a win in my book.

To help you plan for your trip even more, check out these posts:

• Scoring cheap flights • The top sites I use to book affordable flights
• What to wear in Thailand (and what NOT to wear!)
• Psst, many elephant “sanctuaries” and elephant experiences aren’t ethical or responsible. Here’s why.
• 15 things that shocked me when backpacking Southeast Asia for the first time
• Must-have hostel essentials every traveler needs to have on their packing list

Curious to know what camera I use to take my photos while backpacking? I always travel with a Sony A7 Mirrorless camera and GoPro camera ! They’re both lightweight and compact, and fit great in my carry-on travel bags.

My Top Tips for Backpacking Southeast Asia

Last but not least, it’s important to follow a few of my top Southeast Asia backpacking tips.

#1 — ALWAYS Get Travel Insurance

Southeast Asia can be an unpredictable and sometimes dangerous place. You never know what can happen when backpacking so it’s important to cover your ass by getting comprehensive travel insurance.

I recommend either World Nomads (I used them for my 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking trip) or SafetyWing (I use them now for shorter trips).

#2 — Check if You Need a Visa

Many countries in Southeast Asia require visitors to have a certain visa.

This depends on what country you’re from but from what I can remember, all countries on this 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary require visitors who hold a passport from the USA, Canada, or the UK to have a visa that you must pay for.

I recommend using iVisa for both checking if you need a certain visa and actually getting the right visa through them. They’re online visa process is super simple and completely affordable! Not to mention, it takes off the stress of getting it at the border or in the airport.

Check out iVisa here . Or use the widget below to put in your specific information!

#3 — Use Common Sense

If you’re a young backpacker in Southeast Asia, it can be tempting to slip into the Southeast Asia oblivion and get caught up in the partying, wild rides, and oftentimes, the drugs.

However, I recommend using your common sense and doing only what you know you can handle!

This doesn’t mean skipping out on all the fun — I would never do that myself! I just want to stress that you should not simply do what everyone else is doing. Only do what feels comfortable to you and make sure to stay safe!

For example, I went too far in Vang Vieng, Laos, and did some very sketchy drugs. It was NOT fun and I would not recommend it to anyone. I failed to listen to my intuition or common sense and it could have ended really badly. Thankfully, nothing went wrong but that experience still haunts me!

Alright, with those top tips and my 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking route above, you can start planning your own backpacking trip here ASAP!

Tell me, are you wanting to backpack Southeast Asia for 3 months, or are you wanting to spend a shorter/longer amount of time there? Do you have any other questions for me? Stick your thoughts and Qs in the comment section below!

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

• Backpacking Southeast Asia travel guide: preparing for your trip (Part 1 of 4)
• Packing for my long-term trip to southeast Asia
• 10 airport travel tips all flyers should know
• The best chemical-free, zero waste sunscreen to pack for Bali
• 10 odd essentials I’ll never travel without

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As mentioned above, this post contains affiliate links. Which means if you make a purchase through the links, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure here .

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9 reasons to visit Vietnam that you’ll absolutely love

Article comments.

I loved reading this. What hostel did you go to right after you landed in Bali?

Hey Jack, I love that you loved reading this! Thank you for stopping by the blog. The first time I got to Bali, I stayed with a Couchsurfer host! The second time, I stayed at The Ruum Hostel Canggu (which is not open anymore). There are some really great hostels in Canggu though, which is a big hub for backpackers!

Did you prebook your flights in and out of each country (for visa reasons)? So you could prove you didn’t intend to stay longer than the visa allowed. Or were you able to book one way tickets in and out of each country at a time for flexibility? Great blog! Very informative, thank you.

Hi Simone! I had to have a flight out when I flew to Bali, Indonesia, but it was the airlines that asked for it (not immigration). For Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, I told them I was traveling each country via ground transportation (e.g. bus or boat) and that seemed to work!

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Asia Guides

The most amazing 3 month southeast asia itinerary.

If you’re thinking of going on a backpacking adventure, Southeast Asia is a great choice. In fact, this fascinating region is a very popular choice for first-time backpackers, as well as avid adventurers. Coupled with the low cost of travel, incredible activities, and sights to offer everyone, you can’t go wrong. This sub-region boasts out of this world scenery, unique cultures, mouth-watering food, buzzin’ metropolitan cities, and heavenly tropical beaches. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. We cover a whopping 8 countries, recommend the best route to take, how long to spend in each place, the must-see attractions, and give recommendations of where to stay.

Disclosure: Untold Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy and privacy policy here.

Northern Thailand (13 days)

Bangkok (3 days).

This Southeast Asia travel route starts in the heart of Thailand; Bangkok.

How to get to Bangkok: This itinerary kicks off in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Bangkok boasts a large international airport, making it super easy and convenient for tourists to find cheap flights from places such as Europe or the USA. We recommend checking Skyscanner for the best deals and prices.

Top attractions:

The Grand Palace Wat Arun Shopping at Chatuchak Market Party on Khao San Road Taling Chan Floating Market Wat Samphan Temple (Pink Dragon)

Where to stay in Bangkok: Comfy Bed Hostel for a dorm, or Amarin Inn for a budget private room.

Ayutthaya (2 days)

How to get to Ayutthaya: 2-hour minivan from Moh Chit BTS Station in Bangkok. The cost is 50 Baht ($1.65). Or take a tour from Bangkok .

Ancient town Cycle ride around the temple complex

Where to stay in Ayutthaya: A cute boathouse with cheap double rooms, Ayutthaya Riverside House.

Chiang Mai (3 days)

How to get to Chiang Mai: A comfy 9-hour VIP bus for $24.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple Take a Thai cooking class Doi Inthanon National Park Eat at the night markets or take a food course and tour Go water crazy at the Songkran festival (April)

Where to stay in Chiang Mai: Red Brick Guesthouse for a dorm room

Pai ( 3 days)

How to get to Pai: Take a 3 hours mini-van ride for $6

Explore on a scooter Pai Canyon Pam Bok Waterfall Love Strawberry Farm Land Split Bamboo Bridge

Where to stay in Pai: Pai Loess Resort for a private double room

Chiang Rai ( 2 days)

How to get to Chiang Rai: 7.5 hours mini-van journey , costing $18

White Temple Black House Tea plantations Golden Triangle House of opium

Where to stay in Chiang Rai: Busket Hostel for a cheap modern dorm

For a more detailed Thailand backpacking guide, don’t miss this post!

Laos (8 days)

Luang prabang (3 days).

How to get to Luang Prabang: 2-day slow boat from Chiang Rai

Kuang Si Waterfalls Watch the morning Tak Bat Phousi Hill & Temple Night market Late-night bowling alley

Where to stay in Luang Prabang: Sok Dee Guesthouse for a cheap cosy double room

Vang Vieng (3 days)

How to get to Vang Vieng: 5-hour mini-van ride for $16

Tubing on the Nam Song River Blue Lagoon Phu Kham Cave

Where to stay in Vang Vieng: Faraway Suites for either a dorm room or a private room

Vientiane (2 days)

How to get to Vientiane: 4-hour bus that costs $9

Explore the city by bicycle Buddha Park COPE Museum

Where to stay in Vientiane: My Box Hostel & Cafe , great value for money dorm rooms

Don’t forget to check out our ultimate 2-week Laos itinerary here!

Vietnam (20 days)

Hanoi (3 days).

How to get to Hanoi: 22-hour sleeper bus that costs $32. This is a super long journey so you may prefer to fly instead.

Hoan Kiem Lake St. Joseph’s Cathedral Hoa Lo Prison Train Street Take a food tour Bia Hoi Street Hanoi Night Market Drink egg coffee at the Note Coffee shop

Where to stay in Hanoi: Nexy Hostel for a super clean, modern dorm

For more things to do in Hanoi at night, don’t miss this post!

Ha Long Bay (2 days)

How to get to Ha Long Bay: Scheduled tour from Hanoi

Limestone islands Kayaking

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: On the boat.

Sapa (3 days)

How to get to Sapa: 6-hour bus for $12

Ride the Fansipan cable car Go on a trek through the rice terraces Meet H’Mong tribes Drink at the H’Mong Sisters

Where to stay in Sapa: Sapa Village Hotel for a modern stay overlooking the mountains

Ninh Binh (2 days)

How to get to Ninh Binh: 9-hour bus for $17

Cycle through rice paddies Eat at Chookies Hang Mua Caves Tang An boat ride Bich Dong Pagoda

Where to stay in Ninh Binh: Amira Homestay for a cosy stay & free bicycle rental

Hue (2 days)

How to get to Hue: 11-hour bus for $14

Old Citadel Abandoned water park Thien Mu Pagoda

Where to stay in Hue: Bon Ami Hostel  for cheap private rooms in a central location

Hoi An (4 days)

How to get to Hoi An: Ride the Hai Van Pass

Cycle around the old town Take a boat ride Shop for lanterns Stroll around the rice paddies Go shopping for lanterns Take a day trip to Ba Na Hills Eat Cao Lao noodles

Where to stay in Hoi An: The Serendipity Hostel for a dorm bed, or Aroma Homestay & Spa for a budget private room.

For a more detailed Hoi An guide, click here!

Dalat (3 days)

How to get to Dalat: 14-hour sleeper bus for $17

Drive around the mountains on a scooter Sip coffee by the romantic lake Go canyoning Crazy House The Clay Tunnel Eat Dalat Pizza

Where to stay in Dalat: Dalat Backpackers Hostel for a social dorm or private room, or Original Kens Backpacker Hostel for a more relaxed vibe

Don’t miss this amazing detailed Dalat itinerary !

Ho Chi Minh City (3 days)

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City: 7-hour bus for $22

Bui Vien drinking street Ben Thanh Market Saigon Notre Dame & Post Office War Remnants Museum Bitexco Tower Half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels Day trip to the Mekong Delta

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Galaxy Capsule Hotel for a modern stay in the heart of the city

For a more detailed Vietnam itinerary, make sure to check out this awesome 3-week in Vietnam itinerary. Or, click here for a super detailed Vietnam travel guide .

Cambodia (9 days)

Phnom penh (2 days).

How to get to Phnom Penh: 6-hour bus for $12

The Killing Fields S21 Prison Royal Palace Silk tour at Angkor Artisans

Where to stay in Phnom Penh: Golden Boat 72 Guesthouse for a cheap, quiet retreat

Kampot (3 days)

How to get to Kampot: 3.5-hour mini-van for $9

Ride a scooter up Bokor Mountain Abandoned casino Kep fishing town Pepper farm Fireflies boat tour

Where to stay in Kampot: Marany Guesthouse for a private double room

Siem Reap (4 days)

How to get to Siem Reap: Take a bus back to Phnom Penh , which takes 3.5 hours and costs $9. You can either stay one night in Phnom Penh or if you leave early enough, take another direct minivan from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap . It takes 6 hours and costs $10.

Take a tuk-tuk tour of Angkor Wat and the other ancient temples Siem Reap Silk Farm Pub Street

Where to stay in Siem Reap: Pub Hostel for a social vibe with choices of dorms or private rooms

If you need a more in-depth itinerary for Cambodia, don’t forget to check out our backpacking Cambodia guide! Also, don’t forget to check if a Cambodia visa on arrival is available for your nationality or not.

Southern Thailand (10 days)

Bangkok (1 day).

How to get to Bangkok: 9-hour bus for $24

Koh Phangan (4 days)

How to get to Koh Phangan: From Bangkok, you will need to take an overnight bus and ferry. You can read in more detail about the trip here.

Thong Sala Night Market Phaeng Waterfall Paradise Waterfall Lazy beach days Explore by scooter

Where to stay in Koh Phangan: Backpackers Hacienda for a cheap stay with a pool overlooking the beach

Krabi (3 days)

How to get to Krabi: 6-hour high-speed ferry and bus that costs $18

Railay Beach Tonsai Beach Tiger Temple Emerald Pool

Where to stay in Krabi: J Hotel for a cheap double room with balconies overlooking the sea

Phuket (2 days)

How to get to Phuket: 3-hour mini-van costing $15

Beach days Bangala Road

Where to stay in Phuket: Bed Hostel for a social atmosphere and a choice of a dorm bed or private twin room

Malaysia (14 days)

Penang (5 days).

How to get to Penang: Take a direct flight from Phuket

Ride a bicycle around the street art Drink beer at the Elbow Corner Eat Wan Tan Mee Chew Jetty Kek Lo Si Temple Kapitan Keling Mosque

Where to stay in Penang: Rainbow House for a quiet stay, or Drippin’ Dragon Hostel for a social vibe & pool.

For a more detailed post on things to do in Penang at night , make sure to check out this awesome post!

Cameron Highlands (3 days)

How to get to Cameron Highlands: 4.5-hour bus for $10

Tea plantations Strawberry farm Parks

Where to stay in Cameron Highlands: Traveller Bunker Hostel for a range of dorms & a lively atmosphere

Kuala Lumpur (4 days)

How to get to Kuala Lumpur: 4.5-hour bus for $11

Petronas Towers KLCC Park China Town Little India Merdeka Square National Mosque Bukit Bintang

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur: Big M Hotel for affordable, modern private rooms, or Dorms KL 2 for cheap but super clean dorm beds.

If you only have 2 days spare for Kuala Lumpur, make sure to check out this ultimate Kuala Lumpur itinerary!

Melaka(2 days)

How to get to Melaka: 2-hour bus for $5

UNESCO town Dutch Square Ride a funky tri-shaw Hang out at the mall

Where to stay in Melaka: The Pillohouzzze for dorms and private rooms

For a more detailed itinerary, make sure to check out our backpacking Malaysia post!

Singapore (2 days)

How to get to Singapore: 4-hour bus for $8

Marina Bay Sands Gardens by the Bay Little India China Town Sentosa Island Universal Studios

Where to stay in Singapore: OSS Backpackers Hostel for a dorm bed, or Hotel Classic by Venue for a cheap double room

Click here for a more detailed Singapore itinerary!

Indonesia (9 days)

Yogyakarta (4 days).

How to get to Yogyakarta: Fly from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. If you choose to fly from Kuala Lumpur, you can take a direct 5-hour bus for $17 from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.

Borobudur Temple Prambanan Temple Malioboro Market Taman Sari Rent a motorbike & ride in the mountains Eat gudeg

Where to stay in Yogyakarta: The Journey Hotel for budget stylish private rooms

You can read our full Yogyakarta itinerary here!

Bali (5 days)

How to get to Bali: Take a flight from Yogyakarta

Visit the rice terraces Relax on the beaches Explore waterfall after waterfall Go temple hopping Snorkelling on Gili T Party in Kuta

Where to stay in Bali: Grandmas Hotel for a cheap relaxing stay

Read a more detailed Indonesia itinerary here!

Myanmar (11 days)

Yangon( 2 days).

How to get to Yangon: Take a flight from Bali

Shwedagon Pagoda Ride the circular train Eat on 19th Street Watch a movie with the locals

Where to stay in Yangon: Agga Youth Hostel is one of the few properties that offer dorm beds. They also have private rooms too.

Bagan (3 days)

How to get to Bagan: Take a 10-hour night bus for $10

Watch sunrise and sunset over the thousands of ancient temples Get around by electric motorbike Jasmine Lacquer Ware Factory

Where to stay in Bagan: Shwe Na Di Guesthouse for a cheap homely guest house

Mandalay (2 days)

How to get to Mandalay: Take a 5.5-hour bus for $6

Mandalay Hill U Bein Bridge Hsinbyume Pagoda Old British Fort Watch the local football team, Yadanarbon

Where to stay in Mandalay: Hotel 82 for a cheap but heavenly stay

Inle Lake (4 days)

How to get to Inle Lake: 9-hour bus for $12

Take a tour of In le Lake Marvel at the floating villages Visit a silverware factory Visit a boat-making factory Explore the village by bicycle

Where to stay in Inle Lake: Silver Lake Hotel for a private double room

Don’t miss our ultimate Myanmar backpacking guide!

Your 3 month Southeast Asia travel route has come to an end

Phew! What an epic 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary . From Inle Lake, you can take a bus back to Yangon. From Yangon, you can either try to find cheap flights back home. However, we recommend heading back to Bangkok to fly from there, as international flights tend to be much cheaper.

How much does it cost to travel to Southeast Asia for 3 months?

This is a hotly debated topic among backpackers. One would proudly announce you can get by on as little as $15 a day, and one would argue that you would easily need $50. The truth is, is everyone is different, and so is their travel style. However, we won’t leave you hangin’. We will give you our recommendation on how much to budget for this 3-month Southeast Asia itinerary. Just remember, your travel style could be totally different from ours, so take this with a pinch of salt and judge your budget according to your preferences.

Our 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary budget

From our previous travels in Southeast Asia and living in Vietnam for 4 years, we would personally budget $50 per day for the two of us. Clean modern dorm rooms average $7 per night, whilst private double rooms average $12. Furthermore, local food in this region is super cheap and convenient, with almost every city and town serving up the most delicious meals from a cart on the market or the side of the road. You can easily eat three square meals a day for less than $10. In terms of activities, if you plan, you can do lots of exciting things for free. Most of the time, there is no need to pre-book tours! Getting around is made easy too, with plenty of scooter rentals, and motorbike taxi apps such as Grab.

Additional costs to consider

Further to your daily budget for your Southeast Asia trip, you will need to factor in the cost of flights and any visas you may need. Again, this is just our personal opinion of how much a reasonable budget for this itinerary is. If you want to go out partying every night, tuck into Western food, or sit back and relax in the comfort of air-conditioned taxis, you will, of course, need to increase your budget.

Looking for what to pack? Check out this essential Southeast Asia packing list !

Essential resources for this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary

Travel Insurance – No matter whether you’re travelling around Asia for 3 months or just a week, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway . Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

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2 thoughts on “ The Most Amazing 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary ”

That s a great summary of your trip! How long did it take by boat to get to Luang Prabang? and similarly how long did it take to get to Hoi An? I d love to know the time it took with public transportation ??

Hi, Thanks for the comment. The slow boat to Luang Prabang takes 2 days. We have an entire post on it 🙂 check it out.

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Where to Travel in Southeast Asia for 3 Months

If you’ve only got three months, this Southeast Asia itinerary will take you through the region’s best bits—both the highlights and the hidden gems.

When you tell your friends you’re leaving to “backpack Southeast Asia,” they’ll probably envision you in harem pants, partying with fire dancers on Thai beaches.

Your parents probably think you’re off to volunteer caring for elephants or teaching Cambodian kids English. And you’re probably getting excited to break some serious boundaries—like summiting mountains, eating scorpions in night markets and practicing your meditation from temples.

The truth is that it’ll probably be an amalgamation of it all—and Southeast Asia is a sunny, culturally diverse and cheap ( like really cheap ) place to do it all.

When I say Southeast Asia, I’m talking specifically about Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. While there are other plenty of other countries in the region, there are time constraints when traveling Asia for just three months.

Meanwhile, in the “core four,” and with this Southeast Asia itinerary, you can travel freely without having to book tickets in advance.

Southeast Asia is often touted as a backpacker’s haven, likely because you and other travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to hostels. There are also clearly defined routes that run throughout the region, and most backpackers in the area are heading in the same general direction, which means making travel buddies in those hostels is easy.

There is no need for flights because day and night buses between all of these countries are simple and cheap, and hitchhiking is even common due to the population of backpackers.

And, for the more experienced backpacker who feels comfortable venturing off the beaten path, there’s more to Southeast Asia than the standard route. It’s stupidly simple to rent a motorbike for days on end and explore these countries without seeing others for days.

If you’ve only got three months, this itinerary will take you through the best bits and hidden gems.

Thailand: One Month

Thailand should be your first stop since Bangkok’s airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is the largest hub in and out of Southeast Asia. Most international flights will fly into there. More than 35 million people visited Thailand in 2017, which means that the country caters to tourists, and you’ll have an easier time navigating the different cities and finding accommodation in each place.

If you have never been to Asia before, Bangkok will induce serious culture shock, but embrace it; you’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy.

Your one month in Thailand is going to be all about visiting temple ruins, trekking through the jungles and consuming fresh, fragrant foods. You will see, hear, smell and taste things you’ve never experienced before and you will be immersed in a new and fascinating culture. Say yes to everything (except maybe “Ping Pong” shows… just trust me).

Day 1-3: Bangkok

As you travel from the airport into city (I recommend the tram) you’ll be hit with an explosion of color and sound. Multi-colored taxis honk as they swerve across five-lane highways, while motorcycles transporting entire families weave through the traffic. It’s chaos, and it’s a little overwhelming, but it’s exciting.

I have friends who have planned trips to Thailand and banked on spending a week in Bangkok at the beginning to ‘get their bearings.’ Don’t do this. Bangkok is absolutely incredible, but a week here is too long simply because there are better places to spend your time .

I recommend spending just a few days here exploring. You’ll want to check out the Wat Pho Temple , one of the largest temple complexes in the city known for its 151-foot-tall reclining, gold-leaf Buddha. Shopping in the Chatuchak Market could consume an entire day.

If you’re in the mood to party, spend the night bar hopping in Soi Cowboy , a street made famous by The Hangover that offers live music dive bars, clubs and go-go bars to a crowd of travelers and expatriates alike. One night should also be dedicated to Khao San Road , Bangkok’s most famous party street.

While you’re in Bangkok, it’s worth getting lost in the streets of skyscrapers to check out the hundreds of food stalls selling chicken skewers and scorpions and pla pao erupting with smells that could alone sate an appetite. There are also floating markets during the weekends and tons of biking trails to be discovered.

Day 4-11: East Coast Islands or West Coast Islands

Had your fill of the city? Now, it’s time to head south and hit Thailand’s world-renowned beaches. You can take buses and trains down south, and trains are usually more scenic. Choose either the East Coast ( Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan ) or the West Coast ( Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Phuket ) and island hop.

Just keep in mind that monsoon season will be affecting one side, while the other is sunny. It typically lasts from July to October and typically dominates the southwest—so if you go during those months, you may want to choose the eastern islands instead.

The islands are super simple to hop, as ferries run regularly between them for decent prices. You don’t need to plan or buy tickets in advance either.

On the West Coast, the more famous Ko Phi Phi Leh , an island of the Phi Phi Archipelago in the Krabi Province, was made famous by Leonardo Dicaprio’s The Beach. If that’s not reason to visit, its bath-temperature waters will be begging you to swim.

But also be sure to take a day trip from one of the main islands to Koh Hai or Koh Yao Yai . These islands are far less developed than their neighbors and boast amazing opportunities for cliff jumping, snorkeling, hiking, and swimming.

Meanwhile, the East Coast’s Koh Phangan is home to the world famous Full Moon Party. This is not for everyone. It’s 30,000 people covered in neon paint drinking questionable concoctions from buckets on the beach. But for party-people, this is heaven.

If you’re not interested in the Full Moon Party, there are plenty of smaller parties on the islands, including the Half Moon Party and Lost in Paradise, among regular nightly beach parties with fire dancers.

You should also take the opportunity to get your PADI diving license on Koh Tao . It’s one of the cheapest places on the planet to do it and the diving there is unparalleled. Or, if you’d rather keep on terra firma, trek through the jungle to find the Na Muang Waterfall on Koh Samui .

Day 12-16: Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is well known for its role in World War II. It is the site of the Death Railway, a tragic railroad that was built under Japanese orders to connect Thailand and Burma. The Japanese used prisoners of war and civilian laborers to construct the railway in hellish conditions. Malnourishment, tropical diseases and poor safety on site led to the deaths of over 100,000 people.

Nowadays, you can ride along the Railway from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok and learn about the history of this region for an adventure through time.

While you’re here, take a walk across the bridge over the River Kwai. From the bridge, there are beautiful views of the river and the floating accommodations that line its banks. Other popular activities worth doing include exploring the Erawan National Park , canoeing along the River Kwai, trekking through the jungle and bamboo rafting.

Day 17-22: Chiang Mai

As you meet people along your travels you will hear the same place muttered over and over again: Chiang Mai. It’s up north, but it makes the most sense to start working your way back north since the next country on your list, Laos, will be easier to enter up there.

So let’s start with Chiang Mai, a little city is a universal favorite with travelers and recognized as the digital nomad capital of the world.

In fact, you’ll meet a lot of Westerners in Chiang Mai who visited once years ago and never left. It is the kind of place that sucks you in and captivates you.

There is a lot to see and do in Chiang Mai and, because of its leisurely pace, you won’t want to rush. So, give yourself at least five days here.

Chiang Mai is the hub of adventure activities in Thailand . Here, you will find ziplining, jungle treks ATV riding and a whole lot more. These adventure tours are usually very reasonably priced and include transfers and lunch. In the evenings, head to the night bazaar in the city center and gorge on freshly cooked Thai street food.

For example, you could fly through the treetops and see the Mae Kampong Falls and, if you’re lucky, elusive wild gibbons. Or you could spend an entire day trekking up Doi Inthanon , Thailand’s tallest mountain.

Important Heads Up

If you want to spend time with elephants in Chiang Mai then do your research. While there are some legitimate elephant sanctuaries around, there are also a lot of sham sanctuaries (learn more about that here ). Elephant Nature Park is the only rescue center that I can comfortably recommend, as it comes highly recommended by experts for its ethics and I’ve been there myself.

The same thing goes for Tiger sanctuaries. You might have seen people on Instagram posing with cuddly, subdued tigers. The tigers look this way because they have been drugged. Err on the side of caution and give the tigers a miss altogether if you don’t want to contribute to animal abuse.

Day 21-26: Pai

Pai is a quiet town in northern Thailand, which can be used as a base for trekking adventures. Northern Thailand is hill country covered with lush green grass and rice paddies. From Pai, you can take a day trip to the Mae Yen or Huay Chang Waterfalls or you can go for something more hardcore like a five-day trek through the entire region .

In the Huay Nam Dang National Park , Soppong and Mae Hong Son also have plenty of hiking routes to explore. If you have the stamina, there are multi-day treks in these areas, some of which include bamboo or white water rafting. While you’re trekking, you’ll have the chance to drop in to hill-tribe villages, small communes of Thais who still maintain a traditional way of living. Think straw huts and tribal outfits.

Day 27-30: Chiang Rai

As you make your way to Laos, make a brief stop in Chiang Rai It’s home to the exceptionally beautiful White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), an all-white, spiky building that looks like its made of icicles. It’s also surrounded by outstanding natural beauty—think tea plantations and rivers. Grab a bike and cycle around the area to get a taste for what life is like in this northern region.

To immerse yourself fully in nature, there is a treetop walk that stretches through the sublime Mae Fah Luang Gardens in Doi Tung. You can share a taxi with others for about an hour ride from Chiang Rai, and you’ll find signs for the walk not far into the gardens. From the walk’s aerial vantage point, there are spectacular views of the gardens along with a mild adrenaline rush from being suspended 100 feet in the air.

When you’ve walked the whole route, come down and enjoy the gardens from ground level. Entrance to the garden and the treetop walk combined comes to around $7.

Laos: Two Weeks

From Thailand, Laos is just a hop, skip and a really long boat ride across the border. If you thought you had gotten used to Southeast Asia after a month in Thailand, think again. Laos is a whole new ball game and, while it might only be next door, you are still going to experience some culture shock when you arrive.

One thing you should know about Laos is that there are no trains. You will have to get around by bus, which would be fine, were the roads in Laos a little… better developed. It’s all part of the adventure and being jolted around in a bus for a few hours is a small price to pay to experience Laos.

To get from Thailand to Laos, you either need to sit on a boat for two days or in a minivan for 14 hours. Neither is ideal, but both will leave you with a handful of interesting stories.

Day 31-33: Vientiane

Compared to Bangkok, Vientiane is child’s play. It is quiet, easy-going and small. Despite the fact that it’s the capital, you really won’t need long here to cover the bulk of the city’s attractions. Once you’ve got your culture fix at the Museum of Lao Art, the Lao National Museum and the Wat Simuang Temple , head out to Vientiane’s outskirts for some nature.

Xieng Khuan , a meadow filled with Buddha statues,is a popular day trip from Vientiane. Otherwise, the Ang Nam Ngum Reservoir is an idyllic spot for camping, hiking and paddling around in boats. That’s the capital city covered.

Day 34-36: Vang Vieng

From Vientiane, head north in the direction of Vang Vieng. This once notorious backpacker hub is now a lot more chilled since tubing has been banned . The town is a ghost of its former self—that’s exactly why you should visit.

Nowadays, there are no more Chads chugging beers and wearing lurid vests. It’s peaceful, beautiful and tubing is still on the cards—it’s just way calmer than it used to be. Enjoy a beer as you float along the river and soak up the stunning views of the jungle around you.

While you are in Vang Vieng you should go hot air ballooning (the photo above is all the convincing you ought to need). Also check out the Blue Lagoon and Cave . The water that feeds into this lagoon comes from the mountains and is a beautiful turquoise color. There are swings that hang from the trees over the lagoon.

Don’t forget to take a walk around the cave, too! All of these sites will be easy to visit by motorbike on your own or by setting up tours at your hostel or with travel companies in the center city.

Day 37-40: Luang Prabang

Deservedly on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Luang Prabang is a charming city in the northern part of Laos. A lot of people are tempted to miss out Luang Prabang because it is too far North. Don’t miss it out. It may well turn out to be your favorite place in Southeast Asia.

The number one sight in Luang Prabang is the stunning  Kuang Si Waterfalls . You can swim at the top of these cascading falls that tumble into more tiered pools of crystal clear water. It’s best enjoyed visiting on your own, as opposed to going with a tour that’ll rush you through it. Consider renting a motorbike because it’s a relatively easy drive.

If you still have energy to expend after the waterfalls, you might want to climb the 355 steps to the top of Mount Phousi . OK, it’s not exactly a mountain, but the views from the top are insane. You’ll see the mighty Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers that carve through the vivid green scenery and the houses and huts that pepper the landscape.

Day 41-44: Phongsali

In the mountains of northern Laos sits Phongsali, the capital of Laos’ northernmost province. Although the town itself is reasonably large, you won’t find many other travelers here. If you were looking to get off the beaten path, this is the place to do it. By way of stimulation, there’s not a whole lot going on in Phongsali. But, that’s not why you came.

You come to Phongsali to breathe in the fresh mountain air, look at the stars at night and fall asleep to the cries of nature. And, above all, you come to Phongsali to trek. Set out on foot and explore the gorgeous scenery that flanks the town on all sides. Delve deep into the wilderness and seek out some of the secret hill-tribe villages.

BONUS: 4,000 Islands

If you happen to have more time in Laos because you opted to skip one of the above or you’d spent less time than you anticipated in one of them, you should check out the 4,000 Islands. You can catch an overnight bus to the 4,000 Islands from most major cities like Vientiane or Vang Vieng.

The overnight buses will take you to a town called Pakse, where you’ll have to catch another tourist bus to the port to the islands in Ban Nakasong. It’s about a three-hour journey. Once you’re there, you can decide between Don Det or Don Khong , connected via a bridge.

I recommend checking out both Don Det and Don Khong if you have the time. Don Det offers higher-end guesthouses and attracts an older crowd. But it boasts the beautifully cascading Liphi Waterfalls , where you can spot fresh-water dolphins.

Don Khong is the biggest of the 4,000 islands and is a sleepy hippie haven peppered with hostels and inexpensive guesthouses. It has tons of riverfront bars and restaurants, too.

Vietnam: Three Weeks

Just when you thought you’d adjusted to the lazy pace of Laos, it’s time to shake things up again. Welcome to Vietnam. Despite still bearing the visible scars of its conflict with the US, Vietnam is a thriving country with modern cities.

I’ll admit, one thing that plagued me before I touched down in Vietnam was how the Vietnamese would treat me given the fact that I’m American. Honestly, I had no problems.

The older generation occasionally gave me disapproving looks but, as a whole, people were super friendly—especially young people. Just try not to be too American while you’re there , if you get what I mean.

Vietnam is the perfect mixture of urban and rural, and it’s teeming with man-made and natural beauty. There’s a lot to see in this country and, in three weeks, you’ll barely scratch the surface. But, that’s all the more reason to go back someday.

Day 45-47: Sapa

Your first stop on your journey through this beautiful and historically fascinating country will be Sapa. It will also, most likely, be your most beautiful stop. But, be aware that the climate in Sapa is a lot cooler than what you’ve experienced so far due to the altitude. Wrap up warm and bring some waterproofs.

As you emerge from the fog that often blankets Sapa, the world will suddenly be tinged with green. Terraced rice paddies sit one on top of the other, verdant and pristine. This is what happens when people work in tandem with Mother Nature. Spend your time here trekking through hill-tribe villages and dosing up on fresh, clean air.

Day 48-51: Hanoi

Home to over four million motorcycles, Hanoi thrums with energy and simply crossing the road is an adventure in itself. It’s Vietnam’s capital city and is, in itself, a historical relic.

Yet, while the streets are chaotic, the parks and plaza are oddly serene. French style architecture can be found throughout the city, as well as bakeries selling French pastries—remnants from their colonial rule.

Take it slow in Hanoi. Hire a bike and cycle around the Hoan Kiem Lake, or just walk if you don’t trust yourself on two wheels near a body of water. Cross the bridge that leads to the middle of the lake and visit the temple there. I also recommend paying your respects at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, an impressive building fit for such a respected military leader.

Day 52-53: Halong Bay

Pretty much everyone who goes to Vietnam goes on a cruise of Halong Bay. While I usually advocate avoiding places heaving with tourists, Halong Bay is an exception.

Boat tours go out in the bay for days at a time, laden with adventurers who want to admire the pinnacles up close. If somehow you haven’t already seen photos of Halong Bay, it consists of dozens of jagged green islands that plunge up out of the water. Each island has sheer walls densely covered with vegetation and the whole place has a prehistoric feel to it.

There’s not much to do here other than sitting on a boat and enjoy yourself. You can sign up with Halong Bay tours through your hostel, which I recommend over sometimes dodgy and overpriced tour companies in the city.

Day 54-56: Hoi An

Head a little further south and you’ll hit Hoi An. Most people will take the train to Danang and a cab from there, but there are also minivans that pass through the Hai Van Tunnel. This is the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia, stretching a staggering four miles.

Once you arrive in Hoi An, you are likely to be approached straight away by someone trying to sell you custom-made clothes. Hoi An is the tailoring capital of Vietnam and, if you were looking to get a bespoke suit or dress made for a fraction of what you would pay back home, you need look no further.

Strolling through Hoi An, you’ll encounter the Japanese Bridge , the Fukian Assembly Hall and lots of beautiful, old buildings. I recommend hiring a bike for a couple of dollars and cycling through the city and out into the rice paddies. Again, motorbikes are easy to rent here and the freedom is worth the extra money for a few days.

Day 57-60: Nha Trang

Nha Trang is the most popular beach spot in Vietnam. Given that you haven’t been on the beach since the Thai Islands over a month ago, you should treat yourself to a bit of sea and sand here. A few days is all you need to check out the highlights and top up on your tan before you carry on your journey through Vietnam.

You’ll notice a lot of dive shops all over Nha Trang. The diving here is excellent and the prices are reasonable. Whether you’re a qualified Dive Master or have never so much as seen an oxygen tank before, you should spend a morning diving here.

Now, this is a bit of a guilty pleasure but, after months of temples and cultures, it is certainly justified. In Nha Trang you will find Vinpearl , one of Southeast Asia’s premier theme parks. Sitting on its own little island, the park has a safari, water park, golf resort, spa and just about anything else you could think of.

Theme parks may not be the most culturally enlightening experience, but whoever said travel had to be all about culture? This is guaranteed to be a day of seriously good fun.

Day 61-62: Mui Ne

Mui Ne is the driest place in Southeast Asia. Although the region is just four hours by train from Ho Chi Minh City, it feels like you’ve just been transported out to the Sahara. You only need a day here to experience it; it really is just sand dunes as far as the eye can see.

Visiting Mui Ne is worth it though. Get up at the crack of dawn and watch the sunrise over the dunes. Then rev up a quad bike and prepare for action. Racing around these dunes is a cool experience that will get the adrenaline pumping before breakfast.

Day 63-66: Ho Chi Minh City

Finally, you’ve made it right down to the bottom of Vietnam, to the commercial hub of the country: Ho Chi Minh City. You might be more familiar with the city’s previous name, Saigon. During the Vietnam War, this city played a pivotal role in the military developments and eventually fell to the communists, ending the war entirely.

The city is an interesting mixture of old and new, with modern business centers sitting side by side with colonial churches. The post office in downtown Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture.

To get a taste of HCMC’s history, check out the War Remnants Museum . Getting to see the Vietnamese perspective of that notorious war is both interesting and valuable.

When you’re ready for adventure, leave the city and travel to the Mekong Delta for a day. Here, you can float along the river, explore floating markets and even try your hand at fishing.

Cambodia: Three Weeks

Your final country on your journey through Southeast Asia is Cambodia. Yet again, you’re going to need to readjust to a completely different culture. Vietnam and Cambodia might be neighbors, but they are startlingly different.

Cambodia moves at a slower pace to its neighbors and it is noticeably less developed. Just like in Laos, your primary modes of transport here are going to be buses, minivans and, this time, tuk-tuks. But, don’t worry, everywhere in Cambodia is well connected and, given that it is such a compact country, it’s reasonably easy to pack a lot into three weeks.

Day 67-70: Phnom Penh

For a capital city, Phnom Penh will seem exceptionally quiet. There are no crowded freeways or mega-malls with glitzy billboards like in Bangkok. Instead, you’ll find dirt roads laden with street vendors and tuk-tuks, and rickety shacks filled with local snacks (and Oreos—you can find Oreos everywhere).

Phnom Penh has a turbulent past. The year 1979 marked the end of Pol Pot’s bloody dictatorship that ordered a systematic genocide of the Khmer people. The regime slaughtered an estimated three million people.

The Tuol Sleng Killing Fields Museum and the Killing Fields are two important sites for those wishing to understand more about Pol Pot’s regime.

Tuol Sleng , a former high school turned concentration camp, is still in the exact state it was when the Vietnamese liberated Cambodia. It is a macabre and harrowing place to visit, but it’s worth the trip to understand just how brutal Cambodia’s dictatorship was.

Even if you’re not a history buff, the genocide was relatively recent and most Cambodians living today have lost family and friends during it. Understanding what happened will help you to understand the country and its people living today, too.

Day 71-74: Kampot

Kampot is where people come to kick back and relax. But, there are still activities on offer if you’ve got itchy feet. Or hire a kayak for the day and paddle through the mangroves and tributaries of the Kampot River.

As you move along the water, you’ll catch a glimpse of life on the banks of the river. For the rural villages that flank that waterway, the Kampot River is a lifeblood around which they have built their lifestyle. Then simply stroll or cycle through the town and along the edge of the water. Nothing moves fast here so neither should you.

Day 75-80: Sihanoukville & Koh Rong

Time for some more beach—and this time it will be even cheaper than anything you’ve experienced before. In Sihanoukville you can live like royalty for less than $20 each day. Cambodia might not have much of a coastline, but what it does have will blow you away.

Not keen on lying on the beach all day? Watersports are the main attraction for thrill-seekers in this part of the country. Diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing are all on the menu here. Fortunately, the water there is delightfully warm so you don’t need to squeeze yourself into a wetsuit if you don’t want to.

While here, be sure to spend at least a few days on the island of Koh Rong . Far less developed than the Thai islands, Koh Rong still has an element of wild about it. Sure, there are bars and resorts, but there are also patches of untouched natural beauty and utter tranquility.

Day 81-83: Battambang

Also known as Cambodia’s rice bowl, Battambang is a photographer’s mecca. That is, if you go to the right places. Less than 7.5 miles out of town is Phnom Sampeau , a large hill with a temple on top. The temple itself is nothing to write home about. But turn 180 degrees and there are magnificent views of the rice fields. They’re green as far as the eye can see.

Phnom Sampeau is also home to more sobering sites, including the Killing Caves . Just as the name suggests, these caves saw the deaths of thousands of regime dissenters during Pol Pot’s rule. Not for the faint-hearted, the caves display the skulls of hundreds of victims who’d lost their lives here.

If the Killing Caves are too chilling to experience, the nearby Bat Cave should be a more light-hearted experience. In the evening, hundreds of bats fly from the caves in what is quite an astonishing natural spectacle. Once they are all out of the cave, you are free to go in and explore.

Day 84-86: Tonle Sap Lake

The Tonle Sap Lake is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. It’s depended on by over a million Cambodians. In fact, it’s the lifeline for some Cambodians, who bathe in, use it as a bathroom, illegally fish in it, wash their dishes and clothes in it, and even drink from it. At the level of poverty that hits Tonle Sap Lake.

There are tours that’ll allow you to hop in a canoe and float through the stilted villages that sit on top of the water (read about my experience doing just that here ), but I recommend only visiting to educate yourself —don’t contribute to poverty tourism in Asia.

Of course, part of the adventure is to learn about how other people live. But remember: These people’s home are essentially on display for tourists who travel to Cambodia, an incredible luxury that many of them will never be afforded.

Day 87-90: Siem Reap

Wow. After three months of adventure in Southeast Asia you have finally come to your last stop—and, what a way to end the trip. Siem Reap is home to, among other things , the most famous collection of ruins in Asia, and possibly the world: Angkor Wat .

The Cambodians built it somewhere between A.D. 1113 and 1150, and about two million people visit to revel in its storied history each year.

There’s a lot to learn about this temple, dubbed the most spiritual temple in the world. Originally a Hindu temple, the Cambodian’s dedicated this one to the god Vishnu, and they added Buddha effigies in the 14th century.

People also generally accept that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II, who built it to mark the capital of the Khmer Empire as his state temple and eventual mausoleum.

Some people just spend a day at Angkor Wat. I wholeheartedly advise you to dedicate at least two days to it though. You need it to really understand its magnitude.

If you visit for just the sunset around 5 p.m., you can get in for free. Then use your ticket again for the following day. But you must get your ticket from an office a short drive away from the temple itself. Make sure you buy your ticket before heading to the temple.

While sunset is gorgeous, sunrise at Angkor Wat is famous for a reason. On day one, get up while it’s still dark and make your way to the temple complex. Get there in time to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat and the lily lake. It’s a phenomenal sight

Spend the rest of the day and the following day exploring the dozens of temples.

Cambodian Temples to Visit

• Bayon : Fifty-four gigantic stone faces with creepy smiles fill the Khmer temple. Architects built it in the late 12th or early 13th century. It was the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII.
• Ta Phrom : Architects built it in the Bayon style in the late 12th and early 13th century. Today, thick tree roots cover it, and it was the set of the film, Tomb Raider.
• Banteay Srei : Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva is this 10th-century temple. Intricate, beautiful carvings decorate it.
• Preah Khan : Architects built this one in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father. Today’s it’s one of the largest and least-restored temples.

And that concludes your journey through Southeast Asia. You’ll make your way back to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and fly home from there. As the international hub of Southeast Asia, this is where you’ll find the cheapest flights.

And while this itinerary is detailed, remember that it should only be used as a guideline. Part of the beauty of backpacking through Southeast Asia is having the freedom to be spontaneous.

If you want to take a detour via a temple you’ve heard about, do it. If a national park keeps getting recommended to you by other travelers, see it!

After all, that’s what adventure is all about.

Let us know in the comments what you’re most excited about!

Southeast Asia Itinerary FAQs

How long do you need to travel southeast asia.

You can take anywhere from a week to several months to travel Southeast Asia.

How much should I budget for 4 weeks in Southeast Asia?

You should be able to spend 4 weeks in Southeast Asia for around $1500.

What is the cheapest country in Southeast Asia?

Thailand is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.

Is Southeast Asia cheaper than Mexico?

Southeast Asia is cheaper than Mexico overall. However, some cities (like Singapore) will be more expensive.

What is the most underrated country in Southeast Asia?

Cambodia is one of the most underrated countries in Southeast Asia.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Wow, this itinerary is so comprehensive! Is it based on your own trip? I wish I had done something like this! I mean backpacking Southeast Asia for 3 months 🙂 But at least I saw parts of Thailand and Cambodia. The other 2 are still on my to-go list.

Hi Jeremy, Jules Verne wrote “Around the World in 80 Days” and you wrote in 90 Days; hahaha! However, your post was really informative and I just loved to read. Maybe I’ll try once to discover the world in 90 days!

I have been to Vietnam, I feel this place is wonderful to come back again. how to make slime

So many great places to visit in SEA, and they each have their own unique culture.

I also like to take better advantage of each place I go, and one thing I’ve been trying to do is really policing myself to take better care of my finances and to be more selective in every place I decide to visit and get to know in a city or country. Because since we are long-term travelers it is easy to end up having unnecessary expenses and this post helped me to reflect on the importance of this. Thanks for sharing your experience the Asian region with us Jeremy 🙂

Wow what a cool place .. I even gave it a try to take a tour in this region. I have been looking for places like this here in the Country that I am going through but I have not yet found. Thanks for the tip. I’ll take a closer look at who knows the Asian places too.

Amazing itinerary!! I know its hard to give an accurate answer but could you give an estimated budget for this trip? Excluding international flights of course! Thanks in advance…

Southeast Asia can definitely be done for $1k/mo if you’re on a budget. It all depends on the types of places you stay and where you eat. Hostels and street food vendors are your best friends!

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Southeast Asia Itineraries: From 2 Weeks to 3 Months

Itinerary planning is a complex beast. There’s no single best route out there. Everyone has different travel desires, goals, and needs (let alone budgets). It’s why I’ve always shied away from discussing itinerary planning for long-term travel .

Showing someone how to plan a trip is one thing, but actually planning a trip for someone else is tricky, because I don’t know what they want or like.

Because, at the end of the day, there is no such thing as a perfect itinerary. You have to go where you want to go and, while suggested routes can help inspire you, at the end of the day, only you can plan the best route for you.

However, that can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to tackle an entire region like Southeast Asia . So, in this post, I’ll provide a few suggested itineraries to help you conquer this fantastic region.

For the two-week itinerary, I’ll break things up by day, but as we get into one-month and three-month territory, you’ll have a lot more flexibility with your time, so I’ll give rougher estimates of how to spend it.

After all, part of the beauty of travel is keeping yourself open to serendipitous moments and experiences!

Table of Contents

Southeast Asia Two-Week Itinerary

Southeast asia one-month itinerary, southeast asia three-month itinerary, the best time to visit southeast asia, what visas do you need for southeast asia.

If you only have two weeks in Southeast Asia, I suggest sticking to just 1-2 countries so that you don’t spend all your time in transit. You’ll also be able to better soak up the atmosphere if you’re not trying to cram too much in. With a more limited time frame, just accept that you’ll have to leave some things to look forward to on your next trip!

Take a walking tour to get your bearings and get local recommendations from the guide. Bangkok Walking Tours or Free Bangkok Walks are two great free options — just remember to tip your guide at the end!

For a more in-depth tour, you can take a city highlights tour , on which your guide will take you through some of Bangkok’s major attractions.

While the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market just outside of Bangkok exists mostly for the benefit of tourists, I still like visiting it. The tours that go there leave early in the morning and last about half a day. It’s not a great place to shop (prices are much higher than elsewhere), but the area is good for photography and eating.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK : Lub d Siam – This is a very popular spot for backpackers looking to stay somewhere other than the infamous party district that is Khao San Road. The hostel is modern, the rooms are spacious, and there are plenty of common areas to socialize in, including a café/bar.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’s most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of the Buddha himself). It offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and, at 6pm each day, you can watch the monks chant. The main other temples are Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Jet Yot. Walking tours that visit several of these main temples start at 500 THB.

If you want to see elephants, a good way to get up close with them is to volunteer at or visit Elephant Nature Park. This sanctuary near Chiang Mai rescues abused and injured elephants from around the country. It’s a phenomenal place, and after coming here, you will know why you should never ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs 2,500-3,500 THB for adults.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHIANG MAI : Hostel Lullaby – This fantastic hostel in the heart of Chiang Mai was even voted the best in Thailand. Besides the comfortable facilities, there are a ton of perks here, including free bikes, free breakfast, and free Thai boxing, cooking, and yoga classes.

Days 7-9: Chiang Mai to Bangkok Here you have a few options: stay longer in Chiang Mai to do more jungle trekking; head up to Chiang Rai to see the famous White Temple; or take the long way back down to Bangkok, stopping for a night in each of Thailand’s ancient capitals (Ayutthaya and Sukhothai) or spending some time in one of the national forests, such as the incredible Khao Yai National Park .

Once back in Bangkok, you can either head into Cambodia to see Angkor Wat if you’re ambitious, or just hang out in Bangkok for a few more days before your flight home.

If you choose to go to Angkor Wat, here are my recommendations:

Be sure to visit the Landmine Museum. Landmines have devastated the country, maiming and killing thousands. They still cause destruction today, as remaining mines from the Vietnam War (which spilled over into Cambodia) are discovered every year. The museum has an in-depth exhibit that is very worthwhile, as it gives perspective on their use, dangers, and efforts to remove them.

Also, spend a day at Angkor Wat , the ancient site that was the center of the Khmer Empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. The temple was built in the 12th century and covers over 500 acres.

While a single-day visit can cover the main temples, this is an amazing site to explore, so I highly recommend two days (at least).

You can hire a tuk-tuk for the day or rent bicycles and explore on your own. Tuk-tuks have room for 3-4 people, making it a cheap and convenient option if you can split the ride with other travelers. You can also take a full-day guided tour to learn even more from a professional.

Admission is $37 USD per person for a day pass, $62 USD for a three-day pass, and $72 USD for a seven-day pass.

WHERE TO STAY IN SIEM REAP : Mad Monkey – This is a fun, lively, and social hostel with a bar, pool, and lots of tours and organized activities to help you meet people and explore the city.

Day 13: Bus back to Bangkok Take the bus back to the Thai capital, where you can spend the last day of your trip exploring more of the many things to see and do in Bangkok , or just simply hang out, relax, and eat all the delicious Thai food you can before your journey home.

Day 14: Departure day Head off to the airport knowing that you made the most of your two weeks in Southeast Asia. Chances are that you only whetted your appetite for traveling through this amazing region of the world, and you might already be planning your next trip on your way back home!

With one month, you’ll be able to take it a little slower, see more places, and get off the beaten path a bit more. You can add another country and leave more flexibility in your itinerary.

Days 1-3: Bangkok Follow the Bangkok itinerary above, and stay for a few more days if you like! There are endless things to do in Bangkok.

For more recommendations, check out my free Bangkok city guide .

Day 4: Bangkok–Chiang Mai With one month, you can choose to take the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It’s not only cheaper but a nice way to see the countryside. Sure, you “waste” a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train, and can eat from vendors who briefly board at every stop.

The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book as the journey is 10-13 hours long.

Days 5-7: Chiang Mai See the Chiang Mai itinerary above. For more recommendations on things to do, check out my free Chiang Mai city guide .

Days 8-10: Slow boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, Laos After spending your first week in cities, take a load off and drift down the river on a slow boat. These boats generally take two days, stopping overnight at a guesthouse along the way. It’s a beautiful way to see the scenery and recharge a bit from a busy week.

Alternatively, if you want to save time, you can fly between the two destinations, or skip ahead in this itinerary to Vietnam .

Although it’s small (around 56,000 people live here), there’s a lot to see and do, with dozens of temples, streets lined with French colonial architecture ( this walking tour hits all the highlights and then some ), a bustling night market, river tours , and waterfalls. I came here for three days but ended up staying a week!

Start off with a visit to the “Buddha Caves” (officially, the Pak Ou Caves). They hold over 6,000 Buddha statues that the locals still use for worship. There are standing Buddhas, sitting Buddhas, reclining Buddhas — you name it! You can visit solo or book a guided tour .

While you’re here, don’t miss the iconic Kuang Si waterfalls (you’ve probably seen them on Instagram already). They flow through the limestone-rich jungle and empty into a series of three gently cascading pools. While it’s one of the most popular attractions in the area (avoid the weekends, when it’s super busy), the Kuang Si Falls was also one of the most breathtaking things I saw in Laos.

Other things to do here include:

• The Royal Palace
• Mount Phousi
• Wat Xieng Thong Monastery
• The alms ceremony
• Kayaking the Mekong River

For more things to do, check out my free guide to Luang Prabang .

WHERE TO STAY IN LUANG PRABANG : Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2 – This is a great little hostel with free breakfast, moped rentals, clean dorms, and super helpful staff.

Kick things off with a tubing trip down the river. It’s the best way to relax and stay cool. A tubing and kayaking tour costs around 575,000 LAK.

And if you want to stretch your legs, climb Pha Poak Mountain. It’s only a 30-minute climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the area’s limestone mountains.

Other things to see and do in Vang Vieng include:

• The Golden Cave
• Hot air balloon rides
• The Blue Lagoon

For more things to do, check out my free guide to Vang Vieng .

WHERE TO STAY IN VANG VIENG : Nana Backpackers Hostel – This is a fun, social hostel with a swimming pool, movie room, small gym, and bar with free vodka and whiskey every night from 7pm to 9pm.

Nowadays, the city is a hub for café culture, cheap spas, golden temples, and diverse riverside markets. Much of its historical center has kept its colorful colonial architecture intact too, making it a nice area to stroll around.

Wander the wide boulevards, take in the crumbling mansions, chill out in Chao Anouvong Park, enjoy the flavorful local cuisine (there are a ton of delicious French bakeries here as well).

Make sure you visit Buddha Park, a sculpture park is just 25 kilometers (15 miles) outside of Vientiane. There are around 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues here, all of which appear to be centuries old (they’re not — they were made in the 20th century out of concrete). While not “historic” per se, it’s still worth visiting, as there are all kinds of unconventional designs, including a three-meter (9.8-foot) demon head that you can enter, and staircases from heaven and hell that you can climb. Admission is 15,000 LAK.

You’ll also want to admire the Great Stupa (Pha That Luang). It’s a 44-meter (148-foot) gold-covered stupa (dome-shaped Buddhist shrine) and is the most important monument in the country. Built by King Setthathirat in 1566, its exterior looks like a fortress with high walls. Inside, the walls are covered in Buddhist, floral, and animal imagery. Admission is 10,000 LAK.

Other things to see and do in Vientiane include:

• The COPE Visitor Centre
• Victory Gate (Patuxai)
• Chao Anouvong Park
• Lao Boat Racing Festival

For more things to do, check out my guide to Vientiane .

WHERE TO STAY IN VIENTIANE : Dream Home – This is a fantastic hostel that offers everything you need while staying in the capital. There’s free breakfast, comfy beds, AC, a nightly happy hour at the hostel bar, and a 24-hour reception with friendly staff members.

Days 20-22: Pakse Pakse is the gateway to Laos’ 4,000 Islands (in the Mekong River), so there isn’t a ton to do here other than chill out and relax. It’s a nice place to stop while heading south to Cambodia. Alternatively, you can take a 1.5-hour flight from Vientiane to Phnom Penh to save some time and give you extra days elsewhere.

WHERE TO STAY IN PAKSE : Sanga Hostel – This cozy hostel has super comfortable beds, a restaurant with fantastic home-cooked food (free banana cakes!), and a lovely owner.

The Royal Palace is home to beautiful flower gardens and the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is made up of more than 5,000 silver tiles; inside is an emerald-covered Buddha and a diamond-covered Maitreya Buddha. The palace also has murals around its outer wall that tell the story of the Ramayana.

On the palace grounds are five stupas, with the two largest to the east containing the ashes of Kings Norodom and King Udung (the two most famous kings of modern Cambodia) and a statue of King Norodom on horseback.

The most important thing to see here, however, is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. Tuol Sleng is a former school where the Khmer Rouge interrogated and tortured people in the 1970s. You’ll see rusty beds and torture devices, in sharp contrast to the beautiful trees and lovely jasmine smell in the gardens.

After, head to the Killing Fields. It may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for a hallowed and memorable experience, a testament to the dangers of uncontested power. Admission to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is $20 USD. This includes a guided tour so you can get an in-depth look at this haunting place.

For more things to do, check out my guide to Phnom Penh .

WHERE TO STAY IN PHNOM PENH : Mad Monkey – This is a lovely social hostel with a bar, restaurant, beer garden, and swimming pool. They organize all kinds of events and tours, so it’s easy to make friends here.

Days 27-29: Siem Reap Follow the Siem Reap and Angkor Wat itineraries from above.

If you have time, visit Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and UNESCO nature reserve. It is 52 kilometers (32 miles) from Siem Reap. Sailing down the river and around the lake gives you a look at how closely Cambodian life is tied to this major waterway. Guided tours to Tonle Sap start at $20 USD.

Day 30: Bangkok Head back to Bangkok for your flight home!

If you have three months to spend, you don’t want to have everything plotted and planned out to the day, like you might want to with the shorter itineraries above. Having flexibility to change plans is a must (and will make your travels much more enjoyable). On a trip of this length, you don’t want to burn yourself out too fast!

With three months, you have enough time to be flexible and still see a lot. I’d recommend rough planning in weeklong chunks.

MONTH ONE: Thailand

Week 1: Bangkok and Backpacking Kanchanaburi Province Follow the three-day Bangkok itinerary above, and extend your stay by a few days to take things slower and see even more of this vibrant city. You can also do more day trips or even multiday trips to the surrounding region.

When you’ve had your fill of bustling Bangkok, take your time heading north. Kanchanaburi Province is a great place to spend some time, as it’s home to a lush, undisturbed forest, wetlands, and mountains that are perfect for trekking, either on multiday tours or day trips from Bangkok . The area is very biodiverse, with two wildlife sanctuaries: Thung Yai Naresuan, and Huai Kha Khaeng.

However, its history is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was built during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railway’s construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and the subject of both a famous film and a book. While these sights are haunting reminders, they are an essential part of Thailand’s history.

Here are some options to consider for your meandering journey north:

Ayutthaya – Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767, when it was razed by the Burmese during a war. The city’s ruins, with its palaces, temples, monasteries, and statues, form an archaeological park that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train.

You can also visit on a day trip from Bangkok for just 1,105 THB.

Khao Yai National Park – Established in 1962, Khao Yai was Thailand’s first (and one of its best) national park and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s visually stunning and empty of tourists but filled with lush flora and fauna, bat caves, and even a few wild elephants. It’s about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok.

There are also day trips to Khao Yai from Bangkok starting at around 2,500 THB.

WHERE TO STAY : Greenleaf Guesthouse – This hostel has the best tour/accommodation deals in the area. Let them know when you’re arriving by train or bus, and they’ll pick you up at the station.

Sukhothai – Sukhothai was the Kingdom of Siam’s first capital city, in the 13th century. There are hundreds of ruined buildings here, including the royal palace and countless temples.

There are actually three ruined cities that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and since they’re a bit spread out, seeing them by bike is a fun way to cover a lot of distance. You can take a full-day or two-hour bike tour with Sukhothai Bicycle Tour .

WHERE TO STAY : Old City Boutique House – This hostel is in a great location, right near the entrance to the historical park. The guesthouse has AC, free breakfast, bike rentals, and friendly owners to help you with whatever you need!

Chiang Mai is the main starting point for all sorts of jungle trekking tours. I like the three-day ones the best, but the longer the tour, the more interesting and secluded places you’ll visit. Be careful with whom you sign up, as many guides simply walk with you and don’t tell you much about the land or wildlife.

Moreover, if you visit a tribal village, make sure that the money stays with the villagers, and that they aren’t being exploited, which unfortunately happens a lot.

If you prefer to do a few different day trips rather than multiday tours, TripGuru Thailand offers full-day tours to Doi Inthanon National Park and the Chiang Dao cave system , among others.

Week 4: Northern Thailand If you want to continue soaking up northern Thailand, a great way to do so is on a motorbike trip. Many people rent bikes and tour the countryside and take in the scenery. This area is particularly popular for a 1–3-day trip. Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop, starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai.

Note: Make sure that if you’re renting a motorbike, you’re comfortable with driving it. And never ever drink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.

Pai – Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape some of the craziness of the larger cities. It’s nestled in rolling green mountains and near incredible hiking trails. Stay on the outskirts of this backpacker town in a lovely little bungalow, rent a bike, traverse the hills, and bathe in the cool waterfalls.

Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves; you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way.

WHERE TO STAY : The Famous Pai Circus Hostel – This is the best hostel in Pai, with a host of amenities, from air-conditioned dorms, comfortable mattresses, and bamboo bunk beds to an infinity pool, nightly bonfires, a fantastic buffet breakfast, free dinners, and overall, a great atmosphere.

Chiang Rai – Many people visit Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai , expressly for the purpose of seeing the White Temple. This intricately designed complex with its reflective pools and shimmering white exterior is designed in the style of a Buddhist temple. However, it’s actually a work of art by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, and is still currently in the process of being completed.

WHERE TO STAY : Baan Mai Kradan Hostel – This sleek, modern, and centrally located hostel has free breakfast, fast Wi-Fi, comfortable pod-style beds, and plenty of indoor and outdoor common areas to relax in.

MONTH TWO: Laos and Vietnam

Week 5: Slow Boat to Luang Prabang Take the two-day slow boat to Luang Prabang. Once there, follow the Luang Prabang itinerary above, but at a slower pace. You can also spend some time in the surrounding, even smaller villages like Nong Kiew, a sleepy village located a few hours from Luang Prabang. The towering limestone cliffs surrounding it are ideal for experienced climbers, and there are many hiking trails leading to nearby waterfalls and caves. You can take the bus from the city for about 40,000-65,000 LAK.

WHERE TO STAY : Lamorn Guesthouse – This is an incredibly affordable guesthouse located right on the river. The rooms are basic but clean, each with its own private bathroom and air-conditioning.

Week 6: Vang Vieng and Vientiane Follow the itineraries for Vang Vieng and Vientiane above. Then, you can either choose to continue your trip in Laos by heading south to Pakse and 4,000 Islands (in which case, follow the itineraries outlined above), or head on to Vietnam.

If going to Vietnam, you can take an overnight bus to Hanoi or a quick flight from Vientiane. If flying, keep in mind that there are only direct flights a few times a week (otherwise you must connect through Bangkok), so plan ahead if going with that option.

It’s also one of the best places to eat endless bowls of pho, bun cha, or cheap bahn mi from food vendors on just about every street corner.

Start your visit by exploring the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Its 2,000-year-old streets are a web of shopping opportunities and cheap eateries. There’s also a lot of fascinating Old World architecture that highlights the influence the French had on the area.

Hanoi is also a good base for doing multiday tours to postcard-perfect UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay. One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, the area comprises more than 3,000 islands, all with different activities on offer. Tours here usually last 3-5 days and can include sleeping on a boat or staying on some of the islands around the bay, as well as cave tours and kayaking. If you really want to splash out, take a 3-day luxury cruise .

If you don’t want to do a longer cruise, you can choose a two-day (overnight) cruise or a full-day trip from Hanoi ; however, given that you’re on a three-month adventure, I’d recommend going with the few-day options.

Other things to see and do in Hanoi include:

• The Temple of Literature
• See a water puppet show (an ancient Vietnamese art form)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Dong Xuan Market
• Go on a food tour
• Quan Su Pagoda

For more things to do, check out my guide to Hanoi .

WHERE TO STAY : Little Hanoi Hostel – Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this hostel has air conditioning, free breakfast, free welcome drinks, and — most importantly — clean, comfy rooms. The staff will help you book tours of the city and surrounding region.

It’s also an extremely popular place for ordering tailored clothing, which is one of the main reasons people come here. You can get anything made here — from custom-made suits to gowns to sundresses to leather boots to sneakers. The tailor shops will even mail all your goods home to you.

Otherwise, Hoi An makes for a relaxing destination in an otherwise hectic country, with the beach only a 15-minute bike-ride from town.

Some of the top things to do here include the following:

• Explore My Son Sanctuary: – This is one of the most important sites relating to the ancient Kingdom of Champa and is said to have been Vietnam’s religious and intellectual center. Even in their ruined state, the remaining Hindu temple structures are impressive. Go in the morning to beat the crowds and heat. A morning guided tour with transportation from Hoi An is the best option.
• Relax on the beach – An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are both close to Hoi An and great places to spend an afternoon. Cua Dai is designated as one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites; both beaches offer soft white sand and excellent beachside restaurants.
• Attend the Full Moon Festival – Hoi An’s Full Moon Festival is held on the 14th day of the lunar cycle each month and is probably the best time to visit the city, if you don’t mind the crowds. This is a fun time to party with locals, as the streets come alive with folk music, plays, and dancing!
• Learn about (and eat!) all the food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Hoi An offers a few ways to dive into this incredible cuisine: take a food tour , do a cooking class , or learn how to make Vietnamese coffee !

WHERE TO STAY : Vietnam Backpackers Hoi An Hostel – Located conveniently between the Old Town and the beach, this hostel has a great outdoor pool and terrace, tons of social events, small dorms (max. 6 beds), and rain-head showers with excellent pressure. If you stay in a private room, you’ll even get a free bicycle to use (rentals are also available if you’re staying in a dorm).

Ho Chi Minh City – My favorite Vietnamese city after Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is the largest and most chaotic in the country. Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever they please, and lots of street stands and markets spill into the traffic lanes.

It’s a metropolis with a billion things happening at once, and a lot to offer travelers. Stay a few days here to take in the wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, delicious food, plentiful historic sites, and interesting (though propaganda-heavy) museums.

WHERE TO STAY : The Hideout – This is a conveniently located, social hostel with super clean rooms, free beer at the bar every day, and showers that you can use even after you check out. They organize many tours of the city and area as well.

MONTH THREE: Cambodia

If you’re looking to soak up some sun, Independence Beach and Otres Beach are probably your best bets. But mainly, Sihanoukville is a jumping-off point for other islands and beach towns in the area, such as:

Koh Rong – This island is a 45-minute ride from Sihanoukville. If you’re pressed for time, you can do it in a day trip, but stay overnight if you can. The beaches here are way better than on the mainland (and a lot less polluted), and there’s great snorkeling and diving.

Bokor National Park – Hike through a stunning rainforest or see the atmospheric ruins of the French aristocracy for whom Bokor was a big drawback in the day. You’ll have some amazing views, and there are ruins, waterfalls, and temples all around.

Kep – This quaint beach and fishing village is a quiet version of Sihanoukville but without a party atmosphere, therefore a nice place to relax near the ocean. It’s famous for its pepper crab and empty beaches. Sure, it’s quite sleepy and there’s not a lot to do, but it’s the perfect place to relax, read a book, and eat all the delicious crab. You can also spend some time on nearby Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), a secluded and charming escape from the world if you’re looking to disconnect.

Kampot – This is another quiet town on the coast. Most people come here to enjoy the scenic riverside views as well as the rolling hills and pepper farms that surround the city. The area used to be a getaway for the French, so you’ll see old colonial architecture around. At night, the street near the old bridge is lined with fruit shake vendors. Try a million — the city is famous for them. Also, if you only do one thing in this entire itinerary, make sure it’s eating the ribs at the Rusty Keyhole — they are some of the best ribs I’ve ever had.

Week 11: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Follow the above suggestions for Siem Reap and Angkor Wat but at a slower pace. There’s a lot to see and do in the area. You can easily spend several days just exploring Angkor Wat. You can also do more day trips into the surrounding region.

A great way to spend a day is to head to Koh Ker, located in the jungle around 2.5 hours from town. Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the Khmer Empire, and many of the temples here are over a thousand years old. It’s a massive archeological site that sees far fewer tourists than Angkor Wat.

For another fun day trip, head to Phnom Kulen, considered the country’s most sacred mountain. It’s located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Siem Reap and offers some amazing jungles, hiking, and picturesque waterfalls where you can take a dip to beat the heat. You can easily spend a day here. If you head up to the summit, there are some great views, as well as a large reclining Buddha statue. Try to arrive early, as the park fills up by lunchtime.

There’s seemingly an island for every type of traveler here. Some are overdeveloped, while others only have a single bungalow. Some of my favorites are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang, Ko Tao, Ko Jum, Ko Lipe, Ko Samui, and the Similan Islands. You could easily spend weeks (or months) bopping around to different islands, but if you’re on your last week, just choose one or two, depending on what you’re looking for.

Some recommendations to get you started:

Ko Lipe – This lesser-known island is one of my favorite places in the world. There are amazing seafood meals, beautiful beaches, and warm waters in which to swim and snorkel . I came for three days and ended up staying for a month. In the last few years, it has become more developed, and it’s not the sleepy little island it used to be, but it’s still way less touristy than many other destinations in Thailand.

Phuket – Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island. While most visitors stick to the overdeveloped south, if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the crowds. In fact, the northern part of the island is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Thailand.

Ko Phangan – This island is home to the infamous Full Moon Party , one of the most famous parties in the world, with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so you’ll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint.

Ko Tao – If you’re looking to dive in Thailand, go to Ko Tao , which caters specifically to divers. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. Day trips start at 5,900 THB for two dives, including equipment and park fees. If you’ve never dived before, a day trip that teaches you all the basics starts at 2,500 THB while a four-day open water course starts at 11,000 THB.

After your time in the islands, head back to Bangkok for your return flight home.

If you’ve got even longer, this region has so much to offer — from Malaysia to Singapore to Indonesia and more!

The best time to visit Southeast Asia largely depends on your preferences, where exactly you’re going, and what you plan to do. But generally, the dry season, spanning from November to April, is prime time for travelers. During these months, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos boast sunny skies, lower humidity levels, and comfortable temperatures.

If you don’t mind occasional rain showers, the shoulder season (from May to October) is much less crowded. You’ll get lower prices on accommodations too. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates.

This is all a vast generalization though, as it’s a big region and conditions vary drastically depending on where you are. Be sure to check my Southeast Asia Travel Guide and specific country guides for more information.

U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for many countries in Southeast Asia, and where a visa is required, it’s usually pretty easy to get. Assuming the purpose of your trip is tourism only, here are the latest visa requirements:

• Thailand: U.S. citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days.
• Vietnam: U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. The easiest option is an e-visa through the Vietnam Immigration website. The e-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and does not allow for renewal from within the country. You can also get one through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
• Cambodia: U.S. citizens can get a visa on arrival at major entry points or apply in advance for an e-visa. Both options typically allow for stays of up to 30 days.
• Laos: U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Laos. Visas can be obtained on arrival at major entry points or in advance through a Laotian embassy or consulate. You can extend the visa for up to 60 days through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
• Myanmar (Burma): U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Myanmar. You can either get an e-visa online in advance or apply through a Burmese embassy or consulate.
• Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines: U.S. citizens typically do not need visas for short stays (usually up to 30 days) in any of these countries.

Visa requirements do change periodically though, so be sure to check before your trip in case any of the above has changed. Also ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the end of your trip and that you have enough blank pages for entry visas. While not all countries require this, most do!

Southeast Asia is one of the best regions to backpack in. It’s fun, affordable, safe, and has something for everyone. But it can be tricky to plan a trip here, as there is a ton to see and do. So, as you try to craft the perfect Southeast Asia itinerary, just keep in mind that plans change. You meet people or learn about something new, and all of a sudden your meticulous preparation goes out the window.

These days, I leave much more room in case plans change — because they always do. Give yourself that wiggle room. That way, no matter what comes your way, you’ll be able to adapt.

Be flexible. Go slow.

That’s how you plan an amazing itinerary. Not only to Southeast Asia but anywhere in the world!

Book Your Trip to Southeast Asia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as it has the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money too.

Want More Information on Southeast Asia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Southeast Asia for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Three Months in Asia: A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Long-Term Trip

With its diverse and captivating cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history, Asia is a continent that begs to be explored. And with three months at your disposal, you have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the local way of life and experience all that Asia has to offer.

The first step in planning your long-term trip to Asia is to decide on your destinations. With so many countries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. Consider what interests you most – whether it be the ancient temples and palaces of Thailand, the bustling cities and stunning natural beauty of Japan, the stunning beaches and rich culture of Vietnam, or the stunning mountain ranges and unique wildlife of Nepal. It may be best to focus on one or two countries rather than trying to see too many, as this will allow you to fully experience the local culture and way of life.

Once you’ve chosen your destinations, it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully. Make a list of the top sights and activities you want to experience, and be realistic about how much you can fit in during your three-month trip. Remember to leave some room for flexibility and unexpected adventures as well.

Accommodation is another important factor to consider when planning your trip. While hotels can be convenient, they can also be expensive. Consider alternative options such as hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals, which can be more cost-effective and provide the opportunity to meet and interact with locals.

Food is another area where you can save money while traveling. Street food is often delicious and cheap, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture. If you’re staying in a guesthouse or Airbnb, consider cooking your own meals. Not only will this save you money, but it can also be a fun and authentic way to experience the local cuisine.

Finally, don’t forget to budget for transportation costs. Public transportation is generally reliable and affordable in Asia, so consider taking buses, trains, and subways instead of taxis or private car services. If you’re traveling with a group, consider renting a car or van, which can be a cost-effective way to get around.

With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can make the most of your three-month trip to Asia and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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3 Months in Southeast Asia Budget | How Much I Spent?

Categories Asia , Cost of Travel

I love Southeast Asia and have spent over a year backpacking Southeast Asia in total over multiple trips. For this 3 months in Southeast Asia trip, I travelled it on a backpacker budget and kept notes of how much I spent in Southeast Asia whilst visiting 4 countries in 3 months !

I wasn’t on a super strict backpacker budget for these 3 months in Southeast Asia but I didn’t spend a lot of money either. So here is a break down of how much I spent which I hope shows you that you can visit Southeast Asia on a budget too!

3 Month Southeast Asia Budget

• Related Posts:
• 60 Things To Know Before Going to Thailand!
• 2 Week Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok Itinerary for Indonesia!
• 5 Must Visit Places in Vietnam!
• How To Spend One Day in Singapore!

Days Spent: 25 Money Spent: £600.00

Days Spent: 13 Money Spent: £237.00

Days Spent: 32 Money Spent: £1180.00

Philippines

Days Spent: 15 Money Spent: £453.00

Look for the best flights here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price! 

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

Cost of Countries in South East Asia

Overall I was really happy with how much I spent. Vietnam was definitely the cheapest Country , followed by Myanmar which I was pleasantly surprised by.

I knew the Philippines was going to be a bit more expensive than other South East Asian Countries but I thought I’d spend more than I did.

I was in Thailand over Christmas and New Year so I paid more on accommodation than normal plus I had a lot of nights out which increased how much I spent but that’s what I was there for so it was ok!

Tips for Southeast Asia on a Budget

The total costs for Vietnam and Myanmar includes their visa costs- £40.00 for Vietnam and £34.00 for Myanmar .

I visited Thailand over Christmas and New Year so accommodation was a lot more expensive than I would have usually paid so on any other month other than December this would be a fair few hundred pound less.

In all countries I could of done the accommodation cheaper, I barely stayed in hostels and instead shared a private room with friends which cost a bit more.

In the Philippines, I paid for 4 internal flights which are included in the above cost and in Vietnam I paid for return internal flights to Phu Quoc island from HCMC which are also included in the above price.

The above totals do not include flights between countries, I  was pretty flexible with the dates I could go and only booked them a week or so before I left but if they had been booked further in advance they could have been cheaper.

Cost of Flights in Southeast Asia

HCMC, Vietnam- Yangon, Myanmar : £43.00

Yangon, Myanmar- Bangkok, Thailand : £50.00

Phuket, Thailand- Manila, Philippines : £75.00

Manila, Philippines- Bangkok, Thailand : £70.00

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Monday 22nd of January 2024

Great article. I'd also recommend a good tip on money in SE Asia. Atms are usually the better way of getting cash and you can use apps like ATM Fee Saver - it helps finding the fee-free and lower fee Atms in the region along with withdrawal limits for foreign card holers. worth adding to your list of tricks!

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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!

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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.

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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

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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Going Awesome Places

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3 Month Backpacking Trip To Asia Packing List

Last Updated February 20, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Packing Lists » 3 Month Backpacking Trip To Asia Packing List

Alright so I thought it’d be helpful for any backpackers or semi-backpacker like me to see what the heck did I actually bring on my epic trip that started it all ?  When you know you’re going to be out there for 3 months, some thought has to go into what to pack. I’m such a gear junkie and I ended up spending more money than I should’ve on new gear and clothes and whatnot.  

Post-trip I can say that I did a pretty good job at packing.  I don’t think I ever really thought I needed more than I had in my pack.  It sure pays to be prepared.

I’m going to keep this post pretty simple.  1)  What it is, 2) Where I bought it, 3) Why I brought it, 4) Was it useful or not.

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In This Article

What to pack for a 3 month trip to Asia

The backpack, the backpack bag, the mesh stuff sacks, 20l stuff sack, rolled up t-shirt cube, medical kit, quick dry towel, zip locks, elastics, paper clips and zip ties, electric plug converters, toiletries bag, dressy summery shirts, technical t-shirt, sleeveless shirts, uv water shirts, swim trunks, fleece zip up,  the giant behemoth camera backpack, the valuables, survival gear, macbook air, toilet paper to go, hand sanitizer/wet naps, body and lens, my submarine, backup hard drive, memory card reader, other camera gear, what’s in the backpack.

Model:   Gregory Z55 M-size

Purchased:  MEC

I had an old MEC branded backpack (the cheapest one that everyone buys as a beginner backpack) and I knew I wanted to upgrade to something that had better build and features.  I picked this up for my Australia/NZ/Cook Islands trip back in 2010 and I’ve been using it ever since.  Very solid bag with 55L capacity and has this really awesome jetstream feature where your back actually sits against a mesh and not directly against the bag so air is allowed to flow between the mesh and bag.

Gregory makes awesome bags.  Definitely useful and top notch quality.

Model:   Generic black bag with top loading zippers that fit my Gregory

Purchased:   MEC

I know this isn’t absolutely necessary as you can check-in your backpack for most flights (as long as you buckle everything in) but I decided to get this to protect the bag and provide an additional backup bag in case I needed to carry around more stuff than my bag could carry.  For example, I would throw my backpack in there but on top of that I can throw in my tripod and maybe I picked up some extra souvenirs I couldn’t fit in my bag.  Worst case scenario, I can use this bag as an entirely separate check-in bag.

They add a bit of bulk to the backpack but I love my flags and they give me some extra insurance in case I need travel with more stuff than I anticipate.  Quality wise they do end up ripping up in certain areas though that may just be a testament to how rough bags are handled at the airport.

Model:   Mesh stuff sacks (M & L) by Cactus Creek

These mesh stuff sacks are perfect for putting in your rolled up clothes.  They’re great because it keeps your backpack very organized.  Prior to this I would just kind of throw my clothes in my backpack.  With these, I can now organize types of clothes for each stuff sack.  For example I would use the orange one for underwear and socks.  The black one I’d use my bigger clothing items like shorts and my button up shirts.  For the blue one I used it for my swim trunks.  Since my backpack is a top loader, I just drop these stuff sacks into the bag and when I need to pull stuff out, by color I can determine exactly which one I need to pull out.  Trust me it makes life that much easier.  On top of organization these are great for clothes because they are breathable so less funk can develop.

Used these for two mega trips so far and I’ve loved them so far.

Model:  MEC 20L Stuff Sack

I had no idea how I was going to use this when I bought it but somehow this ended up being my de-facto dirty laundry bag.  It’s pretty large at 20L and I just threw in my dirty socks and underwear in there which worked because I didn’t want to use a mesh for the beautiful smells to spread to everything else.

I don’t know if you need 20L for that.  I would say something like 10-15L would suffice for next time but now that I have it I guess i’ll be using it for awhile.

The Rest of the Stuff Sacks

Model:   S to M sized stuff sacks from a variety of companies (REI-branded, Outdoor Research and Sea to Summit)

Purchased:  From a variety of stores including REI, East Mountain Sports (in NY) and MEC

I kind of went a little overboard with the stuff sacks as I was planning the trip but I figure I’d have some use for it down the road.  Feels like i’m looking at mugshots when I have these stuff sacked lined up like this.  I had an assorted way of using these.  One of them I ended up using to carry all my electronic-ey type of stuff (HD backup, plugs, chargers, my P&S camera accessories  nail clippers, swiss army etc.).  Another I used to put my flip flops in so that I wouldn’t get my other stuff dirty.  The others I had as backup stuff sacks and they eventually filled up with souvenirs (lots of magnets and other random stuff).

I don’t know if I’d bring as many stuff sacks for my next trip.  2 was probably enough.  I bought the blue one (Sea to Summit) thinking that I might need some water-proofing.  They only time I actually used that feature was when I went diving and wanted to keep some of my camera accessories/clothes dry.  Water proof bags are expensive and I only wanted to pay for a small one.  For future diving trips, I’m definitely going to invest in something like a 15L or 20L waterproof stuff sack.

Model:   Eagle Creek PackIt Specter Cube

Purchased:  Europe Bound (in Toronto)

As you know I already did a video review of this so I won’t go into too many details but this was absolutely an awesome addition to my backpack for my summer 2012 trip.  I was able to roll a good 8-9 t-shirts in there which was everything I travelled with.  It kept everything organized and also made it extremely small in profile.  This bag I typically kept at the top of the sack and shoved it along the back-side of the backpack.  When I needed it all I needed to do was pull back up on the handle strap of the cube and I’d have access to it right away.

Hell yes get one of these!

Model:   Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit .7 by Adventure Medical Kits

This was one of those things that I really struggled with as I really didn’t want to be allocating space for this and have to carry it around for 3 months but ultimately I decided to get one of these that came with a decent amount of supplies.  The main reason for this was because I knew we were going to be doing some trekking in Thailand wanted to be prepared.  I’m happy to say that I never had to use this thing at all.  Bad thing is that it kind of reaffirmed my thoughts that I didn’t need it.

For the paranoid ones and if you are doing some series backcountry stuff it would be a good idea but for the trip that I ran which ended up being in more civilized places than anything, I dont’ think it’s worth it.  You can buy most of this stuff along the way if you need it.  The only thing I always make sure I bring are bandaids and some essential meds.  That should be enough.

Model:   PackTowl Personal Towel by MSR (Large)

These towels work wonders.  They’re super compact, light and somehow still are able to absorb all the water off your body after a shower.  This item I really felt I didn’t need to bring if it wasn’t for the trekking.  I suppose I could’ve stolen a hotel towel along the way for this but I figure this would be good to have “in case”.  The downside of course is that I lugged this around everywhere when I barely ever used it.

Product is fantastic and would highly recommend this for any sort of camping/canoe/trek trips.  If you’re going to be staying at hotels, leave this at home.  I guess I really should’ve weighed the need to have this for trekking for one night’s shower vs 90 days of not requiring it.

Model:   At home

Purchased:   Anywhere

I’ve always developed a habit to bring these backup items along.  You never know when you need a small bag to carry some small things.  Maybe you collect some shells on a beach one day and need a small zip lock to store it in or you need something rolled up with an elastic band or zip tie.  It may look like this is pretty extreme but it’s one of those “you never know when you might need it” things.

I still stand by my decision to bring these despite not using these all too much.

Model:   I don’t really know

Purchased:   Some of these I purchased off of eBay, some are from the dollar store and some are just really old things from my parents

These are often times forgotten about but pretty obvious at the same time.  Do your research and figure out what plug converters you need.  Also these days all of your electronic chargers should be suited for both 110V and 220V but I guess double check to make sure.

Definitely bring these.  Minimum 1 up to 2 are good for each type of plug you need.

Model:  Muji Hanging Wash Bag

Purchased:  Muji

I’ve had this for a very long time since my consulting days.  It’s a fantastic bag to keep all your toiletries and meds together.  The biggest feature that you should look for in any kind of toiletries bag is a hook so that you can hang it onto something when you’re in a tight quarters bathroom or don’t want to put it on some sort of surface for some reason.  This one has been pretty clutch for me and can carry quite a bit of stuff here.  No need to go into too much detail on what I put in there but here are the essentials:

• Conditioner
• Tooth paste
• Cheap electric tooth brush
• Thermometer
• Tylenol Cold

Model:   Braun 350cc shaver

Purchased:   Walmart

So this is one of those luxury items that I just have to have with me.  I’m not a fan of razors (I never really learned how to do it properly sadly) so I bring this around.

Yep I’d still bring it for my next trip despite the extra bulk it has and the need for an extra charger.  Oh and don’t forget the charger.  I thought the charge would last on my trip to Australia/NZ/Cook Islands but somehow during flight the on button was pressed and it was pretty much out of juice at my first destination.  Had to use razors the rest of the way.  Lesson learned.

What Clothes Do You Bring to Handle the Blistering Heat of Asia in the Summer?

Model:   Khaki one is from CK and the black one is small brand from MEC

Purchased:   CK and MEC

I bought these because I wanted something a bit different from normal shorts and at the same time were ones that were thin, light and also had some waterproof-ness about them.  Both of these capris (is that what you really call these for guys?) served me well over the entire trip.  The black one I bought specifically for it’s selling feature as basically being multi-use swim trunks.  The added benefit to these type of pants is that I didn’t have a problem when we visited temples in Thailand.  What most people don’t think about is that there is actually a loose dress code when you visit these temples.  For guys it means no excessive amount of skin showing (sleeveless is out of the question) and pants that don’t show the knees (normal shorts out of the question).  These ended up being perfect for this.  On the other hand Jia had no choice but to wear his long khakis (a.k.a. horse pants we called them later as an inside joke) which i’m sure was miserable in that heat.

I love versatile clothing and this was perfect for the job.  Would definitely bring these next time.  I did have a problem with size along the way.  I found that I was a lot skinnier than when I tried them on.  I’m going to need a smaller size next time.

Model:   Khakis from GAP

Purchased:   GAP from a long time ago

Despite what I said above, I still needed one pair of comfortable and light khakis.  These are awesome because they have the drawstring which allows you to tighten the waist to however you need it.  Super versatile for when the weather gets a bit chillier or when you need long pants to be a little bit more formal.  I usually wore this in combination with my summer dress shirts for nights when we went out for a fancy dinner or for partying.  When you’re in the tropics you can totally pass with a nice shirt, khakis and flip flops.

This is a no brainer.

Model: Dark grey khaki shorts

Purchased:  American Eagle

This one I knew was a bad choice but I loved them so much that I just had to bring them along.   This was probably the most illogical choice I made for this trip – they’re heavy, difficult to roll and take up a lot of space.  Still, I loved wearing these and I typically just rotated my shorts between this and the capris.

If I were to do it all over again, I might’ve shopped around for something similar but much more packable and lighter.  This guy definitely took up a lot of space in the backpack when I wasn’t wearing it.

Model:  Yeah…it’s what you see

Purchased:   Hollister and CK

I don’t know what these are called but let’s just stick to “dressy summery shirts”.  These are also two items that probably weren’t the most logical but I knew I needed something a bit nicer for those nights going out.  These were great at night when I didn’t need to be lugging around my day pack anymore and just wanted to be super laid back.  As an experiment for this trip, instead of rolling these shirts I actually used a medium compression bag (not depicted in this blog) to hold them.

I would probably just bring one next time.  I think what influenced me to bring two was due to the fact that we were staying at some fancier hotels (especially the big resorts I was doing – Conrad Bali and Conrad Koh Samui).  For more normal trips I’d probably just bring one.  The compression bag was cool and all but rolling it and storing it in a mesh stuff sack would’ve been good enough.

Model:  Arcteryx Motus Crew Graphite M

Purchased:   REI (they had a sale…otherwise Arcteryx is too baller for me)

This is my first piece of hardware from Arcteryx and I have to say that I’m incredibly impressed.  This has got to be the lightest t-shirt I have ever owned.  On top of that it has amazing moisture wicking.  This was definitely one of the stars of my clothing line up especially on those crazy hot days or when I was doing anything super athletic.

I would definitely bring this out with me again.  You need to have a few of these dri-fit/moisture wicking shirts for a summer trip like I did.  You cool off so much easily, the clothes don’t stay wet on your body as long while you’re wearing it and they’re ridiculously easy to wash and dry.  Check out my hand washing video for tips and tricks on how to do that.

Model:  Puma and Adidas sleeveless shirts

Purchased:   Probably some outlet

I plucked these right out of my gym clothes section of my closet.  With crazy heat I knew I wanted a few of these with me.  These were great for just having less clothes on you but also for developing less of a farmer’s tan on your arm ;).  Because they’re naturally gym clothes, they already have a lot of the built in dri-fit stuff so they did a good job with moisture wicking.

For summer travel, sleeveless shirts are a must.  I thought 2 was a good number and would do the same next time.

Model:  O’Neil UV protection shirts

These aren’t quite the rash guard shirts I originally had in mind but they still fulfilled the purpose of having some t-shirts that had built-in UV protection and would be useful in the water.  These are typically used for surfers that don’t go topless and the thought I had was that I could potentially use this when snorkelling if I didn’t want to get crazy sunburns on my back.  For my trip to the Cook Islands I encountered this problem where either you had to be topless in the strong sun or at the time grab a regular t-shirt to do some spear fishing.  Wearing a regular t-shirt in the water is just uncomfortable as it really drags you around with the added weight and when you’re out of the water they take forever to dry.  With these, if you don’t feel like taking off your shirt then you can go right ahead and jump into the water.  If you’re nowhere near water, these are still fantastic regular t-shirts to wear that pretty much act like any other dri-fit kind of shirt with the added bonus of having some SPF protection.  Win-win.

Versatile is good.  Awesome shirts.  Would bring them along again.

Model:  O’Neill recycled poly swim trunks + Knock off Billabong board shorts

Purchased:   Century 21 in NYC for the O’Neill and Shanghai Science and Tech for the fake Billabongs

Board shorts are board shorts right?  Once I started doing a bit more shopping on these I realized that there was some new materials companies started to used to make these lighter than ever before.  The O’Neill’s were awesome.  They barely weighed anything and weren’t bulky at all when you wore them.  The Billabongs I picked up on one of my last few weeks in Shanghai.  They’re nothing too much to write home about.  I also had another one I originally brought with me and it was a white O’Neill one.  I will never buy white swim trunks again.  The problem is with the sunscreen.  I don’t know if it’s because I use high SPF sunscreen but when it comes in contact with white (especially in swim trunks) they start staining them as the sunscreen drips down after you go into the water.  Eventually you just get these nasty splatter/smear marks on your swim trunks that can’t be washed away.

The 1 or 2 or more swim trunks was something I debated about for awhile.  2 is the magic number I think.  If you’re doing two days of consecutive water sports, one can dry up in your room while you wear the other or vice versa.

Model:   Kathmandu blue half-zip fleece

Purchased:   Kathmandu Store in Queenstown, NZ

This is the only warm clothing I brought on the trip and it was enough.  The only time I needed to bust this out was for the morning hike to see the sunrise at Mount Bromo and when we slept overnight with the hill tribes in Chiang Mai.  Otherwise that was it.  It was just nice to know that if it ever did get cold for some reason that I could layer this on.

Rarely used but still important to bring along.  It was the right choice to bring only this one piece of warm clothing.

Model:   Nike running jacket

Purchased:   MEC (clearance)

I debated long and hard about what jacket to bring and originally I was going to bring a bulkier water proof jacket I had but then I stumbled upon this at MEC.  This jacket is really meant for runners but I thought this would be perfect.  It’s incredibly light.  It may not be fully waterproof but at least the material is water resistant.  It has a hood in case.  It zips up.  Done!

I pulled this out for that morning sunrise at Mount Bromo and while trekking when it started to rain.  This was the perfect jacket to have for the climate I was in for the summer.

I wasn’t going to show you all the t-shirts I brought nor could I remember exactly which ones I chose but I had around 5 or so normal t-shirts that I wore the bulk of the days while travelling.  I also bought a few extras along the way as souvenirs.

I don’t think you can travel with pure technical dri-fit clothing.  It’s still fun to wear graphic tees that make a statement or just make you feel cool wearing.

I figured you wouldn’t want to see DSLR photos of my underwear so I didn’t end up shooting them.  I’m also not going to mention too much about the underwear except that the ExOfficios were the best .  The cotton underwear I had were the majority of them but every time I had the opportunity to wear my ExOfficios, I felt so much more free and cool down (haha don’t laugh).

I love the ExOfficios so much that I bought another pair.  Underwear wise, just estimate how many days you can go without doing laundry.  That being said, hand-washing my own clothes has completely changed the game for me.  I must’ve brought 8 or 9 pairs of underwear.  If I knew I’d be doing the amount of hand-washing I ended up doing on the trip, I probably could’ve cut that down half the amount (4 or 5).  In a perfect world, I’d have 4 pairs of ExOfficios.

Nothing special here.  I think I only brought 3 or 4.  I barely ever wore them because I either had flip flops or sandals on.  Neither required socks.

I probably could’ve cut these down to 2 pairs.

What’s In The Day Pack Then?

Model:   Lowepro CompuPrimus All Weather Backpack

Purchased:   Henry’s

This backpack has been truly a stalwart for me.  I’ve had it for several years now and for every big trip I will eventually bring this backpack as my day pack.  A part of it is made necessary by the DSLR that I bring with me.  This conveniently has side access to a camera so you don’t need to take off your backpack to pull your SLR out.  It can hold a body with lens + additional lens which is perfect for me.  The top zipper compartment can carry all your other stuff.  Another bonus to this bag is that the front section can perfectly carry my Macbook Air.  Lastly it also has a GlideLock mechanism that can carry a tripod as well.  Somehow this just has every single feature I need.

You really have to decide what kind of day pack you want.  Considerations you have to make are, what kind of stuff am I going to need to be carrying on a day-to-day basis?  Am I bringing a laptop?  Since this bag is going to be used as a carry-on for flights, will it have sufficient space to hold everything I need? (i.e. laptop, camera, etc.)

Model:  Petzl Tikka Plus 2 and Mammut Lucido TX1 headlamps

Purchased:  Petzl from MEC and Mammut from REI

Seriously who still uses flashlights…put your hands up.  If you’re still using flashlights, you’re really missing out.  Headlamps has been one of my best purchases for travel.  It’s quite simple actually.  Flashlights require a hand hold, headlamps do not.  These were really useful while trekking and when we had to do that morning hike at Mount Bromo.  If you’re not doing any of those type of activities, I feel like headlamps are still useful just as an emergency tool (i.e. power outages, when you’re staying at a hostel and need to find something in the dark without waking everyone else up by turning on the lights)

Why did I bring along 2?  Well I know Chantelle and Jia didn’t have one so I thought it’d be good for them to have one to use.

Highly recommended.  I just stuff this into the waist pocket of my Gregory backpack.

Model: Victorinox Travel Organizer

Purchased:  Amazon

I kept pretty much all of my main valuables here (passport, reservations and cash).  In the past I used to carry some of this stuff in my money belt but sometimes it was just a lot easier to use one of these travel organizers to hold it all.  This held everything from membership cards, passport, student card, extra passport photos (good idea to have some), international drivers license (was initially going to rent a car in Koh Samui which would’ve made this necessary.  Good to have still), cash, pen and reservations.

In hotels I would lock this up in the safe for the day which is why I didn’t rely on the money belt as much on this trip.

This was great for keeping everything organized and together.  When flying I pretty much had this in my hand the whole time as it also has a pocket on the outside which allows you to slot in your passport and boarding pass so you can easily retrieve it.  This also eliminated the need to carry an additional folder or paper protector for all my print outs. Overall I loved this and would recommend having something like this.

Model:  Kindle + slip case from WaterField

Purchased:  Amazon + WaterField

I didn’t read a heck of a lot while I was on the go but I definitely put this to use during the long haul flights and some of the shorter ones too.  If you’re a reader this is definitely something you want to bring along.  I made my first crack at Storm of Swords on this trip.

For me this may have been something I could’ve left at home because I was either too tired to read or was busy blogging over anything else while travelling.

Model: Ultimate Ears Triple Fi Pro

Purchased:   Amazon

Those with keen eyes will notice that these aren’t the triple fi’s.  Long story short but there were serious cable issues with them and after 3 or 4 warranty swaps, I finally told them to just get me a different one.  This is the UE900 from Logitech’s new line.  Anyways you really don’t want to be stuck with crappy Air Canada earphones so make sure you bring your own.  Good for the plane and good for your iPhone or whatever music player you bring.

Model:   Ori g inal Buff

Purchased:  Gift

*Cue Survivor theme music*.  I write an extensive review on the Buff here so check it out .

Great piece of travel gear to have.  The theme is versatility as you can tell.  It’s versatile and therefore gets my thumbs up.

Model:  basic Swiss Army knife + old nail clippers from my parents

Purchased:  Gifts I suppose?

These are essentials for me for obvious reasons so I won’t say much.  Only thing to be careful of is to remember to not bring the Swiss Army knife on as carry on.  I was paranoid when packing so I always made sure this was in my other stuff sack for my checked-in backpack.  You don’t want to be going through security and find out it has to be confiscated.

A must-bring!

I always bring 2-3 carabiners with me that clip into various straps on my backpack.  The reason I do this is just in case I get lazy and want to strap bags or what not onto my bag so I don’t need to hold it.  Aside from that they’re just handy to have.  You never know when you might need them. They don’t take up much space and are super light.

Oh and this is an obvious one that I should’ve paid attention to.  White hats tend to get dirty easily and especially with how much I was sweating, the hat got stained yellow pretty quickly.

Model:   Unknown

Purchased:  Puma outlet

I usually love wearing hats and usually do when I travel but I realized throughout the trip that I was wearing my hat less and less.  It wasn’t because I liked my hat any less but it was just because of the sweltering heat.  I was always re-positioning my hat and scratching my hair because it felt like there was hot air trapped in there or something.  Towards the end I wore my hat once in awhile but not all too often.

Model:   Oakley Five Squared Ducati edition

Purchased:  eBay

I got these sunglasses earlier in the year, replacing my flak jackets that I had in favor of a new design and something polarized.

These sunglasses were great.  No complaints!  The only annoyance I would say about sunglasses in general is when it comes to photography.  You just can’t be wearing sunglasses when you’re trying to use the viewfinder.  I tried it and it doesn’t work.  I typically will end up wearing the sunglasses around the back of my head or taking it off completely.

Model:  Late 2011 Macbook Air 11″ + iPearl mCover Hard Case Shell

Purchased:  Apple Store + Amazon

Sorry I didn’t get a chance to snap a shot of my MBA but you all know what it looks like.  This was something that I would’ve debated about if I wasn’t going to be staying in Shanghai for a full month for school.  Otherwise, this would’ve been a harder decision.  That being said, this was great to bring a long since I was also staying at a lot of hotels.  It was great for doing some last minute research, to blog and surf around.  I usually have a leather sleeve case for this but for the purpose of this trip, I knew I needed something a bit more rugged and functional.  I found a highly rated case on Amazon called the iPearl mCover and picked it up because it would protect the entire Macbook and as a bonus it also had rubber feet and 2 leg stands for the back to give the laptop an elevated ergonomic stance when standing on a table.

If I wasn’t doing an extended stay anywhere, I probably would’ve considered a tablet for the trip.  As a matter of fact, I will probably pick up an iPad mini sometime soon so I can test it out for my next trip!

Model:  Coghlan’s Tissue on the Go!

Going to Asia I had a feeling that washroom conditions were going to be a problem and lack of toilet paper so I picked this up at MEC just in case.  To be honest though I never used it except for the one time while staying with the hill tribes in Chiang Mai and another time to give to Chantelle to use one time.   This was useful during trekking because there really wasn’t any toilet paper around.  In Indonesia, I might’ve needed to use it when we were taking that sketchy van ride from Bali to Mt. Bromo and then to Yogyakarta and stopping by random pit stops with squatter washrooms (gotta love that manual water flush) but luckily, #2 never hit when I was on the road.  I brought this around with me in my back pack everyday just in case.

Particularly useful for girls.  Even for me as a guy and considering some of the “less civilized” places we went to, I still think this is a good thing to have.  You don’t want to be stuck without it when you really gotta go.

I brought an assortment of 50-60SPF bottles of sunscreen.  Most were half used from old trips.  This is definitely critical when you’re out in the sun all day.  I learned from my all-inclusive days that you can’t be stingy with your sunscreen.  Apply often and concentrate on spots you often miss (behind the ears, the crack between you swim trunks and your waist, the arm pits, and getting someone to do your back since I have terrible arm reach).  High SPF is key as well.  I wouldn’t use anything below 50.  Just be aware that high SPF will cause yellow staining of white shirts when you hit the water.

Bring one bottle for the trip and if you need more, buy it along the way.

There were some countries where this wasn’t so much a problem and then others were we got eaten alive.  I brought one with Deet and it seemed to do a decent job at repelling the mosquitoes though I seemed to be travelling with people that were more attractive to mosquitoes.

You probably could buy it when you land but a lot of times you’ll forget or there’ll be strange brands/labels you can’t read.  I would recommend just buying it locally so you know what you’re getting.  One bottle should be good enough.

I guess I’m a bit of a boyscout when it comes to bringing all the necessary gear but this is helpful when you need a quick clean in a somewhat dirty area without a bathroom close by.  Wet Naps are awesome for wiping anything down like utensils you get or the table.

Wet Naps – You don’t need a whole lot of these but a few in case would be a nice to have.   Hand Sanitizer – Bring a small bottle.  Good to have.

Camera Gear

Model:   5D Mark II and 24-70 F/2.8L + Black Rapid Curve RS7

Purchased:   All used off either Craigslist or Fred Miranda.  The Black Rapid I got from Adorama

Well I couldn’t use my SLR to take a picture of itself could I?  This beastly combination has been a staple of my travel photography.  It’s not the lightest or the most compact but it’s something I’ve had to learn to deal with.  The 24-70 is the most versatile lens when travelling.  You really don’t have time to change lenses on the fly when you’re going from place to place.

At one point I really thought about not bringing an SLR but I just couldn’t help thinking all the awesome photos I would be able to take and did take.  At the same time though, halfway through the trip I really got tired of having to lug this gear around with me all day in my backpack.  The weight really gets to you.  What I really need a second higher-end point and shoot camera like the Canon G15 where on days I don’t feel like bringing out this big boy I can just put the P&S in my pocket.

As a photographer I’m all about the camera so I really couldn’t leave this at home.  This is something you’re going to have to think about – whether you’ll be okay with constantly thinking about good photos to take with it and carrying it around all day.

Model:   Canon D10 Underwater Camera + Accessories

Purchased:   eBay

I affectionately call this the submarine camera.  The metal, bulbous and screw hole features make it look like a submarine no?  Anyways this little guy has been awesome to me for my past many trips.  It’s great because in those situations where you don’t want to risk bringing out your SLR you can pull the D10 out instead which can handle hot and cold climates and most importantly handle little splashes of water to being totally submerged.  A bonus that came with this when I bought it off of eBay was that it came with all the additional accessories.  The strap can be swapped out for the rope looking thing which you can hang off your neck when you’re snorkelling or you can strap it around your BCD when diving.

My only gripe with it at this point is probably the quality of the photos.  At this point this camera is probably 4-5 years old and is in serious need of a refresh. The D20 is out but i’m not sure how good the reviews are.  The other downfall of this camera is that it can only handle 10M of depth which is good only for snorkelling and intro-dive depths.

I would highly recommend anyone to recommend in one of these rugged-type cameras.

Model:   16-35MM F/2.8L

Purchased:   Craigslist surprisingly (in the US of course)

Most of you know that I’m more landscape photographer than anything else so I felt that I had to bring this for those sunrises and sunsets I wanted to capture.  Great wide angle lens when paired with a CIR-polarizer.  I probably used this 20% of the time while the 24-70 was on the 5DMK2 80% of the time.

For my next trip I may consider just being a one lens guy.  I feel like the 24-70 truly is versatile enough to handle the wide at 24mm and some long shots at 70mm.

Model: Hyperdrive Colorspace UDMA

Purchased:   Purchased used through the forum, FredMiranda

This is the secret weapon out of all my gear.  During the days when I was less experienced with my SLR, I would always come to the problem of how much memory to bring and what to do when you run out.  One way to handle it is to just buy a shit load of memory cards but how do you know how much is enough?  I did my research for my Australia/NZ/Cook Islands trip and stumbled upon these backup hard drives.  These are specifically designed for photographers as they have dedicated slots on them for SD/CF memory cards.  The beauty of this is that when you’re done shooting a card, you can back up the entire card onto the hard drive immediately.  Once you’re done, that card is free to be formatted and used again.

For any serious photographer that shoots in RAW you have to have one of these.  You get the peace of mind that you’re getting backups of your photos and you will never run out of memory for your camera.

The Memory Cards

Model:   All San Disk ranging from 4GB – 16 GB

Purchased:  All over the place – Futureshop, B&H, Adorama

This is what I have:  3x8GB, 1x4GB and 1x16GB (not depicted here since it’s in the camera) = That’s 44GB of memory.

I probably burned through 4 or 5 cycles of these cards which makes for…A LOT of photos right?  That is why the Colorspace UDMA was such an awesome device to have.  Nothing too special I’ll note about this except for perhaps the system I came up with to make sure that I never lost track of what was empty and what was full and needed to be backed up.

The System:

The top 3 rows were always cards that were fresh and ready to use.  The bottom left and middle slot were always for cards that I just finished shooting and needed to be backed up to HD.  The bottom right card was for the 4GB card that I seldom used.  You just really have to be disciplined in your system because there was a time during my Australia/NZ/Cook Islands trip where I must’ve messed up along the way and forgot to back it up.  It was too late when I realized I formatted it and started to shoot over it.  When you’ve maxed out a memory card, IMMEDIATELY put it back into the card holder in the right spot, pull out a fresh card from the top row to replace it and advance forward the cards on this row to the right to make sure you’re not always using one card more than the other.  Yeah I’m a bit anal like that haha.  Hey you need to prevent card failure ok?

Model:  Some random brand called Kazee

Purchased:   Hong Kong electronics market

I picked this up along the way.  I had another card reader with me but it wasn’t that good and was only able to read CF cards while this one read CF and SD.  Now you’re probably wondering why I have this when I have the Colorspace UDMA backup HD.  Well I did have a laptop with me and so for blogging purposes I needed a way to pull photos off of my CF cards onto the Mac.

If you’re not bringing your laptop this probably isn’t necessary.

Model:  Hoya and Canon filters + Lenspen

Purchased:  Hoya from HK, Canon came with my 16-35mm purchase, Lenspen from Blacks

All of these I would consider to be critical for any photographer when on the road.  The lenspen is obvious.  The Hoya and Canon filters are both circular polarizers which are a staple for landscape photographers.  The 77mm is for the 24-70 and the 88mm one is for the 16-35mm.

Yep bring these along.

Model:   Rollei Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head

Purchased:  Camera market in HK (Sim City)

Last but not least is the tripod.  This one I struggled with THE MOST out of everything I packed.  I knew that this wouldn’t be used very often but was absolutely necessary for sunrise/sunset shots.  *sigh the tradeoffs.  Ultimately I decided to bring this along because I knew there were going to be a lot of good photo opportunities and didn’t want to miss out.  The crazy thing is I originally brought my old Benro travel tripod.  When I went back to Hong Kong for the second time on my trip, I did a little bit of shopping and picked up this Rollei Carbon Fiber tripod which is almost half the weight of the Benro.  At one point I had two tripods and not one to carry around but luckily I was able to get Chantelle to bring one back to Toronto for me when we met up again in Shanghai.

This one you’re going to have to think long and hard about.  For my Australia/NZ/Cook Islands trip, it was an easier decision because we would be renting a car for most of the trip.  For this one I had to lug this thing around everywhere and for days when I wanted to use it before dusk and I couldn’t go back to the hotel to pick it up before then, I had to carry this thing from morning to night which was hella annoying.  For my next trip I might contemplate buying one of those Gorilla Pods designed for SLRs.

What’s in My Pockets?

Model:   Sea to Summit Travel Wallet (Small)

Purchased:  SAIL (in Toronto)

In the past I used to have a leather type wallet but I found that it just wasn’t functional enough for travelling.  I wanted something rugged, lightweight, something with more pockets and more sealed up so stuff doesn’t accidentally fall out.  I was shopping around SAIL since it had recently opened up at Hwy 7 and Hwy 400 in Vaughan and saw this travel wallet.  What sold me on it was that it was fully zippered on the outside, it has it’s own coin pocket inside that also zips up, has enough slots for cards (4) and a 2 section partition for cash (plus mini pocket along the back).  Anyways this really wasn’t meant to be a fashion statement at all.  Sometimes when I bust this out I didn’t feel the most “cool” but it was extremely durable and met all my needs.

Never thought I’d actually have a travel wallet but for the type of adventures I was having, I thought this was a well worthwhile investment.

Model:   Apple iPhone 3G

Purchased:   Borrowed from my friend

Oh god this had to be the slowest phone I could bring on the trip with me but since I had just left my job and didn’t have any personal phone of my own I asked to borrow an iPhone from Hilton.  Now I would’ve borrowed a better phone (3GS at least) but it seemed that I could only unlock the 3G.  At the time the 3GS was not unlockable after you’ve upgraded to one of the newer baseband versions.  Anyways, I knew I wanted to have something to play music and have travel and utility apps for my trip, I decided to stick to this 3G.    Phone is obviously critical when you’re travelling in case you need to use it.  I don’t think I ever made calls with it other than during my month in Shanghai.  In terms of SIM cards, I used one in Hong Kong which I used all the way throughout SE Asia.  In Shanghai I got my own SIM and because I was cheap, I just used that same SIM throughout Taiwan, Palau and Japan.

The sad thing with the 3G was that well it was ridiculously slow and I got laughed at more than once when people saw my phone.  “IS THAT A….3G??”  Okay so bring a phone…hopefully one that doesn’t humiliate you, has some apps and can play music.

Model:   Rick Steves’ Silk Money Belt

I have money belts from previous trips but one thing that annoyed me was how uncomfortable it was.  The nylon aways bugged me so I started to do some research and found that a lot of people raved about Rick Steves’ money belt.  I had no idea he sold his own gear.  The main draw for this one is that it is made of spun silk.  The reviews said that it was the most comfortable belt they had owned.  On top of that it was supposed to be even more light weight.  So I thought I’d give it a shot.  On the road, I used this about 40% of the time.  I thought it was definitely better than my previous money belts but still annoying to wear.  I don’t think anything can really change that.  The one lesson learned I will impart on you about the money belt is that you should always keep your cash and other important papers in a zip lock bag within the money belt.  Because this is sitting underneath your pants, there isn’t a whole lot of ventilation happening down there so it gets pretty sweaty.  In previous trips my bills and random paper would get moist and start deforming.  I kept things in a zip lock this time and it worked like a charm.

I ALWAYS recommend to anyone to bring a money belt.  You just never know when shit might happen on the road.  I always tell people the story of what happened in Paris and how if I was lazy and left my passport in my backpack, I would’ve been extremely screwed when those damn kids stole my backpack at Sacre Coeur but luckily I had all of my essentials in my money belt.  Ass saved.

Model:   ESQ watch

Purchase:  Gift

So this was something I thought was going to be essential going into the trip but once the summer heat started kicking in, I developed this rash around my wrist where I wore my watch.  I guess it had to do with the sweat being trapped there and chaffing that would occur.  For a good part of the trip I ended up not wearing it and just leaving it in one of my stuff sacks.

This is your preference but I almost feel like with the technology we have today, a cell phone should really be enough.

Model:  Transcend 2GB super tiny USB key

Purchase:   Canada Computers

This is a nice to have if anything but I always bring it with me and put it in my wallet because you never know when you might need to do a file transfer somewhere.  The only time I had to use it was during a trip where I went on an excursion and these guys took some photos of me.  We later met up and he luckily had a computer and was able to transfer it onto the USB key.  At the same time though I’m thinking e-mail these days would work just as well.

Okay now that I think about it, this probably isn’t really all that necessary.  Oh well!

Feet Options

Model:   Rainbow Smooth Leather Double Layer Arch Purchased:   Rainbow Store in NYC

Most comfortable pair of flip flops ever.  Period.  I’ve had these for 2 years now and they’ve battled through every condition I’ve thrown at them.  Thank you Jia for show me the light!   The awesome thing about Rainbows is that over time the leather sole gets shaped to the shape of your feet so it truly is customized to you.  My full review can be found here .

This one’s an obvious one to bring.  Just make sure you break them in if they’re new.

Model:   Keen Newpo r t H2

Purchased:  Europe Bound

I already have an in-depth review of these over here.  Read the Keen Newport H2 review .

If I were to do it again, I’d definitely bring these along.  You really don’t want to have to wear socks on a hot-climate type of trip like I did.  These give you the breathability that you want and versatility in the water.

What you should read next

• Conrad Maldives Preparation Excitement
• Egypt Packing List – What To Wear, Camera Gear, and more!
• Backpacking Asia Travel Guide – My Lessons Learned
• World Nomads Travel Insurance Review – Is It Worth It?
• How Does Travelzoo Work?

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Musings of a Rover

How Much Does It Cost To Travel Southeast Asia For 3 Months?

Keeping track of all of my expenses for three months wasn’t easy. But I did it. Now you can use it as budget guide!

Have you heard that Southeast Asia is cheap? I definitely did. But how cheap I wondered. Especially since, let’s face it, I’m thirty years old and sometimes I will pay for nicer things. Now I think I definitely still “backpacked.” I stayed in hostels, ate cheap food, and, yes, traveled with a backpack. And now that I’m back, I want to help you figure out just how much it costs to travel to Southeast Asia for 3 months.

Now, confession, I only went to three countries. So I didn’t “backpack” like some people I met did. They often would hit up Laos, Cambodia, & Vietnam as well. But this will at least show you what a 3 month budget could look like. And since I went to the most expensive places, this will hopefully show you the top end. So where did I go?

Thailand, Malaysia, & Bali. Oh and Hong Kong. And I’ve broken each of these countries down below so you can see my budget for each one.

I also spent about 11 days in true vacation style and I’ve separated that out below as well.

Budget Breakdown

• Backpacking: 90 Days
• Vacation: 11 Days

Pre-Trip Expenses

• Hong Kong: 5 Days
• Thailand: 50 Days
• Malaysia: 11 Days
• Bali: 20 Days

Read Next: 10 Days In Costa Rica: How Much Does It Cost?

Backpacking for 90(ish) days.

I started with roughly $50/day. And then started to build up my categories from there. And though I ended up with a daily budget over $50, it gave me a good starting point to think about.

My Monthly Budget was $2,050:

• Accommodation: $750
• Transportation: $500
• Excursions: $300
• Alcohol: $100
• Shopping: $100

Which meant my budget per day was about $68:

• Accommodation: $25
• Transportation: $17
• Excursions: $10
• Alcohol: $3
• Shopping: $3

So how did I do?

Actual Expenses

These are all of my backpacking expenses. The time I spent in vacation mode has been removed. Which left me with almost exactly 90 days left (basically 3 months). The other big expense missing is my flight from/to the United States. My “Pre-Trip” expenses are detailed below if you’d like to see what those were.

This is what I spent on the ground in Southeast Asia for 3 months.

• Accommodation: $1,177
• Transportation: $1,371
• Excursions: $831
• Alcohol: $229
• Shopping: $708

Total Cost: $5,138

Budget Vs. Actual

So how did I stack up? Well I basically spent almost $1,000 less than I thought I would. Most of this in accommodation. But I only exceeded my budget in one area: shopping. And I should have budgeted more here because I like souvenirs. Plus I had two big unforeseen expenses (like a new phone and a doctor visit).

And my final cost per day? $60

Here are two tables (sexy I know) of my expenses. Total and cost per day:

Vacation For 11(ish) Days

So that was backpacking. But what about my YOLO 11 days that I spent in vacation mode? Well I didn’t create a separate budget, so let’s stick with the one above and see just how much more I actually spent.

Total Cost: $1,597

My Cost Per Day: $145

Now as a note I spent these days in Hong Kong and Thailand. And anything related to these days I stuck here.

Below you’ll see where I spent this money and just click on each heading to expand it to see the details about the actual expense.

1. Accommodation: $270

Now this doesn’t look too bad…until you realize that it only covers 7 nights. So what was this breakdown?

(Also it’s important to note that this is my share only…so the real cost of these rooms is x2.)

– Hong Kong Hotel – 1 night: $74 – Sabai Corner (Koh Yao Noi) – 4 nights: $81 – Baan Khaolak Resort – 2 nights: $115

2. Food: $159

We just ate at slightly nicer places. Less street food and more sit down dinners with good seafood. Plus I had a tendency to skip lunch…and didn’t do that during these days.

And again this is only the meals on like 7 of the days.

3. Transportation: $462

This is only expensive because of the two flights I took. One to Hong Kong. And one back to Thailand. And then a sort-of expensive taxi ride from a boat pier on Phuket to Khao Lak.

4. Excursions: $40

This is just a motorbike rental and one snorkeling trip to the islands around Koh Yao Noi. But our “big” excursion I broke out into its own category…

5. Liveaboard: $595

This was our 4 night Liveaboard trip. With 12 dives spread out among those 4 days. And…I didn’t even scuba dive due to my ear injury. So this was my snorkeling cost. Here’s the exact breakdown:

– Snorkel Price for the Trip: $534 – National Park Fees: $32 – Tip for the Crew: $19 – Beer Money Onboard: $10

6. Alcohol: $40

Basically beers and cocktails at a few nice bars in Hong Kong will really set you back.

7. Shopping: $30

This is basically a few supplies we bought in preparation for the liveaboard. And a small painting in Hong Kong.

Now what about before my trip? And that pesky international, transpacific flight?

These are what I classified as my pre-trip expenses. Things that were definitely related to my trip but aren’t reflected in the costs I listed above (or in the country sections below).

• Travel Insurance: $251
• New Backpack from REI: $186
• Amazon Supplies (like locks, flashlight, etc.): $66
• Vaccinations: $253
• Roundtrip flight from Atlanta to Hong Kong: $434

Total: $1,190

Okay so I got a flight that cheap because I waited till a sale and then planned my trip around that. If that flight hadn’t landed in my inbox, I wouldn’t have gone on this trip . But I was waiting for a sale like that. And I booked it that night.

Hong Kong For 5 Days

I started and ended my trip in Hong Kong. Just a couple days on either side. This is definitely an expensive city so keep that in mind if you plan on coming here!

Total for Hong Kong: $470

Costs Per Day: $93

1. Accommodation Total: $143

For my first three days I got a private room ( Elog ) and then my last night I just stayed in a hostel, but had such a late flight I stored my bag for the day.

– Elogg Inn (3 Nights): $120 – Urban Pack Hostel (1 Night): $16 – Bag Storage: $6.50

2. Food Total: $129

I ate pretty cheaply but I had a couple of more expensive meals. I had Dim Sum twice at about $15 for each meal, some amazing ramen for $13, and a nice last meal for about $28.

3. Transportation Total: $187

Flight to Hong Kong (from Thailand): $128

The rest of the money here went to Octopus Top-Ups. Because I spent most of my time just exploring Hong Kong.

4. Shopping Total: $11

This was my Hong Kong sim card.

Thailand For 50 Days

This was where I spent most of my time. And even most of that was spent in southern Thailand, because I fell for a couple of places and didn’t coordinate very well. I could have easily cut this time way down by just planning a bit better. Oh and plus I wanted to be in Koh Tao for Songkran but needed to get my certification from there before then…and ended up going twice.

Plus I had a few unexpected expenses (like a new phone). And the flight back to Thailand from Bali was not exactly cheap.

Total for Thailand: $2,991

Costs Per Day: $60

1. Accommodation Total: $721

My cost per day on accommodation was just $14. I stayed in mostly hostels or cheap guesthouses. Occasionally I had to stay somewhere nice. (Like the resort after I discovered my guesthouse had bedbugs and everywhere else I checked was full. But that was $50 well spent to get out of there.)

2. Food Total: $406

So all of my meals were cheap. Food is where you’ll save money here. I had literally only 3 meals that were over $10. And one of those was in an airport.

Cost per day on food: $8

3. Transportation Total: $648

This is mostly minivans, ferries, buses, tuk tuks, taxis, and trains. So why the high cost? I spent about $400 on two flights to Thailand. The one to Chiang Mai from Bali was particularly expensive.

4. Excursions Total: $651

This is mostly motorbike rentals, snorkel trips/rentals, and entry fees. Except for a few big splurges listed below.

– Open Water Padi Certification (Scuba Diving): $296 – Overnight Lake Tour to Khao Sok National Park: $80 – Elephant Nature Park (Overnight): $180

5. Alcohol Total: $114

I didn’t actually plan for this and that was a big mistake. Mostly because I like to drink and go out. So if you’re going to do this (even just a little bit), make sure you plan for it!

Though I did drink very cheaply. Think beers purchased mostly at hostels and minimarts. And then maybe one out at the bar. Sometimes it pays to be a bit of a lightweight.

6. Shopping Total: $451

This expense was SO much more than I thought it would be. And this makes it look like I purchased a lot of things. And while this does include sim card data plans, souvenirs, and a lot of supply replenishment on the road (think sunscreen), there are two very large expenses here.

The first being the new phone I had to purchase in Bangkok because my old one broke. And then the clinic visit and medicine for my ears when I injured them scuba diving.

– New Phone: $217 – Clinic Visit & Medicine: $70

Malaysia For 11 Days

I was not planning on heading to Malaysia. And there’s so much more to do here than simply exploring the western coast of the peninsula. I’ve heard great things about the islands off the east coast. But I wanted to go to Bali and knew I needed several weeks there. So this was just a short stopover, but I had a great time nevertheless.

Total for Malaysia: $434

Costs Per Day: $39

1. Accommodation Total: $77

My cost per day on accommodation was just $7. My cheapest country by far to stay in. But again I picked mostly hostels. And one of those hostels was a 12 bed dorm…and I stayed there for 5 nights.

2. Food Total: $96

Cost per day? $11. I basically did two big things in Malaysia. Eat and drink. Though be warned! Malaysia food was definitely the spiciest. Even for basic things like rice and noodles.

3. Transportation Total: $157

Other than my flight to Malaysia and one very nice train ride from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, the rest of this is very cheap ferries, buses, and subways. Oh and Grabs. (This is the equivalent as Uber and was my main way of getting around on Langkawi.) They were super affordable (especially when split).

4. Excursions Total: $40

This is just a couple of items including going to the top of Penang Hill ($8), half of a scooter rental ($4), the cable-car on Langkawi ($14), and a mangrove boat tour ($13).

5. Alcohol Total: $39

See! I really just ate and drank here. But I met some amazing people. And we’d go out and have fun. Sometimes that’s all you need to have a great time.

6. Shopping Total: $26

This is basically some laundry, a few souvenirs, and my sim card.

Bali For 20 Days

In the back of my mind I knew I wanted to go to Bali. I mentioned it to my friend as a possibility months before I left. And when I spotted a cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur, I booked it. I told myself I was going for only 2 reasons: surfing and sea turtles. But I ended up having an amazing time and doing so much more than that. Bali is beautiful.

Total for Bali: $1,081

Costs Per Day: $54

1. Accommodation Total: $237

My cost per day on accommodation was about $12. All hostels like normal. But some of these were a bit nicer. And I did usually spring for the deluxe type of rooms (because A/C). And  Bong Hostel on Nusa Lembongan was “expensive” at about $15/night. But I loved it.

2. Food Total: $192

Cost per day? $10. I didn’t love the food in Bali. So I usually spent my time doing other things. And I occasionally did spring for some healthy and western food at this point. Because by this point I was getting a little tired of rice and noodles.

3. Transportation Total: $217

My two big costs here was my flight to Bali (~$100) and my fast boat to/from the Gilis (~$50). The rest of the boats/vans/grabs were relatively cheap.

4. Excursions Total: $140

This is mostly entrance fees and motorbike rentals. But a few things did push this much higher.

– Private Surf Lesson: $43 – Mt Batur Sunrise Hike: $22 – Snorkeling Trip from Nusa Lembongan: $25

5. Alcohol Total: $75

I exceeded my budget here a little bit. But I’m happy to do it if I get to meet amazing people. And I definitely did.

6. Shopping Total: $220

Yep I exceeded my budget here by $150. So why?

I did a lot of souvenir shopping in Bali. Think lots of earrings. Plus I had to buy a sweatshirt for the hike up to Mt. Batur for sunrise. And cheap sweatshirts don’t really exist because it’s usually hot as hell. So I got one from Hurley. That was expensive, but I do like it so I’ve re-worn it.

Oh yea! And I mailed home a box of stuff. That postage fee was more expensive than any of the souvenirs in the box.

Okay that’s it! Keeping track of every single expense I made for 3 months was not easy. So I hope you all find this helpful!

Related posts.

Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida: What You Need To Know

Similan Islands Diving: Why Sea Dragon Is The Best Liveaboard Trip

10 Things I Learned From Backpacking At 30

One thought on “ how much does it cost to travel southeast asia for 3 months ”.

Hey question! I read that you booked that cheap roundtrip flight from ATL to Hong Kong and it sounds like you didn’t hop on that second half of the roundtrip flight where you returned back home. I myself found have booked a cheap roundtrip flight into the Philippines in January but I will be missing the returning flight home as I am not planning on coming back to the US at that time.

I have a few concerns about missing that returning flight and was wondering if you could give me some advice! At any time, did you let the airline know you were not going on the returning flight home? Did you face any penalties for not getting on the return flight?

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Gap Year World

How Much Money Will I Need To Travel In Asia For 3 Months?

So you have three months. And you’ve chosen Asia. Let’s give 6 weeks to the Southeast ( Thailand , Cambodia , Laos , Vietnam ). Three weeks to China. And three weeks to India and Sri Lanka.

So how much will this set you back?

Remember, this is just a guide and prices are an average estimate (correct at the time of writing) to give an idea on how much you and your bank account need to cooperate with each other. We’ve channelled The Economist, and added in a Big Mac and Can of Coke Index to give you a better idea of how much your pound is worth in each destination.

Southeast Asia

Let’s start with the backpacker fave. Whether you’re a first timer, or a seasoned traveller, spending a gap year in Southeast Asia is something that never disappoints in terms of experience; it’s synonymous with being value for money and it has a tonne of must dos and must sees to tick off that bucket list.

Average Cost Of Accommodation In Southeast Asia Dorm rooms here average £6 per night (but you can get as low as £3.30), so if we’re here for 42 nights, you’re looking at £252.

Cost Of Food In Southeast Asia Meal on the go: Grab some Pad Thai for or a bowl of pho for about £1 Sit down meal: Three courses will cost roughly £11 for two people. McDonalds meal: £3.15 Bottle of 500ml water: Roughly 22p Can of coke: Roughly 34p Local beer: £1.35

Three low cost meals a day, more or less 6 bottles of water, a couple cans of coke and at least one beer, would set those on a budget back could set aside £6.50 per day for food. This equates to roughly £273 over 6 weeks.

For those that want to push the boat out and have at least one sit down meal (and a few more beers), you can expect to part with £15 per day. For six weeks this totals £630.

A Few Activities In Southeast Asia Angkor Wat’s got to be done right? If I were to pick, my top 5 experiences in Southeast Asia would include:

▪ Singapore Night Safari fr £31 ▪ Explore Angkor Wat, Cambodia fr £52 ▪ Tuol Sleng Genocide museum, Cambodia fr £28 ▪ Learn to dive on Koh Tao, Thailand fr £199 ▪ Cruise Halong Bay, Vietnam fr £193

This totals £503. If you can free up a few more notes and can add on a few more excursions then budget at least an extra £200.

So you want to see the Great Wall, fit in some Hong Kong , saunter around Shanghai? This part of Asia is a tiny bit pricier so you’ll have to make some wise choices when it comes to choosing accommodation and where to eat.

Average Cost Of Accommodation In China Dorm rooms here average £7 per night, so we’re looking at £147 for three weeks. Single rooms in hostels average £11 per night.

Cost Of Food In China Meal on the go: Grab a portion of noodles for roughly £1.50 Sit down meal: Three courses will cost around £13 for two people. McDonalds meal: £3.18 Bottle of 500 ml water: Roughly 33p Can of coke: Roughly 32p Local beer: £1

So if we’re looking at three meals a day, 6 bottles of water, a couple cans of coke and at least one beer, then those on a budget could get by with £8.00 per day for food. This equates to roughly £168 over 3 weeks.

Stretch the pocket further and have at least one sit down meal per day (and a few more beers), and you can expect to part with £17 per day. For six weeks this totals £357.

A Few Activities In China The top 3 experiences in to do on a gap year in China would include:

▪ Great Wall Experience fr £87 ▪ Beijing by bike fr £52 ▪ Visit the Terracotta Warriors fr £11

This totals £152 for three must-do activities in China. If you’re flush with cash, then add on an extra £150.

India and Sri Lanka host some of the world’s best (and cheapest!) food, most amazing sights, and captivating experiences that can be had on this planet. Some say it’s a little overwhelming, but this just makes you want to go even more right?

Average Cost Of Accommodation In India Rooms vary quite a bit from city to city in this part of Asia, so it’s harder to pinpoint an average. As a general rule, the cheaper accommodation should never set you back more than £6 per night, totalling a minimum of £126 for three weeks.

Cost Of Food In India Meal on the go: Grab a curry for less than a £1 Sit down meal: Three courses will set you back £6 for two people. McDonalds meal: £2.18 Bottle of water: Roughly 15p Can of coke: Roughly 24p Local beer: Less than £1

So if we’re looking at three meals a day, 6 bottles of water, a couple of cans of coke and at least one beer, then those on a budget could get by with £5.50 per day for food. This equates to roughly £105 over 3 weeks.

For those who have a bit more cash, and fancy at least one sit down meal per day (and a few more beers), expect to part with £7 per day. For three weeks this totals £147.

A Few Activities In India 3 must do experiences to do on a gap year in India include:

▪ Taj Mahal tour fr £40 ▪ Cooking lesson fr £25 ▪ Visit Sri Lanka’s Dambatenne Tea Factory fr £3

These three excursions in India add up to £68. If you’re willing to Push the Boat Out, and add on a few more excursions then I’d say budget at least an extra £80.

Getting Around; Southeast Asia, China & India

Getting around Asia is pretty easy, with plenty of flight, bus and train options. Flying is surprisingly good value, and if you book in advance you can grab a bargain; I just searched for a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and it cost just £11!

A short taxi ride could cost you a £1, whereas a ten mile airport drop could set you back £3. A train ticket from Bangkok to Singapore will set you back £40, and a hop-on hop-off Vietnam bus pass, is roughly £30. China and Japan are a little more costly; a daily rail pass in Japan would average £17, but in India, you’re looking at paying 50p for a three hour journey. Bargain!

It’s hard to gauge how much you’re going to spend on travel without knowing your exact itinerary. Remember, you won’t be in one place for too long if you’re going to fit this beautiful and intricate and land into three months, and even though it’s inexpensive, getting around will take up a sizable wodge of your budget.

I’d say on average you should factor in around £10 per day for transport, which will equate to £900 over three months.

So there you have it. Confused? If I add up the minimal costs of the above, you could probably get by on £2500. There’s also the really important matter of visas; lots of Asian countries require these for entry, and unless you’re willing to miss out a few countries, this isn’t something you can cut the cost on. Whack on another £150 for visas, at least.

Lets round this up to £3000, and I’d say you’ve got a realistic and sensible budget for your Asian adventure.

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What 6 Months of Traveling in Southeast Asia Cost Me (2023 Update)

09/25/2022 by Kristin Addis 210 Comments

2022/23 update: Since first traveling to Southeast Asia in 2012, I’ve revisited the region nearly yearly, logging over 2.5 cumulative years. Over that time some prices have changed, and this post reflects those numbers.

Back in 2012, I spent a glorious 8 continuous months backpacking in Southeast Asia on a long-term traveler’s budget. This meant staying in dorms, taking local transport, eating street food, and generally traveling on a shoestring budget.

In 2016, I returned with a more middle-of-the-road budget, and since then, have experienced the luxurious side of the region as well.

Over that time I’ve learned that whether you’re on a tight budget or have a bit more money to play with, your money will take you further in Southeast Asia than almost anywhere else in the world. Today, let’s answer the question – what does it cost to travel in Southeast Asia?

Table of Contents

On a Budget

I personally spent $7,958 USD (without SCUBA diving – $6,095) for six months in Southeast Asia, with a month each in Cambodia, Laos, northern Thailand, southern Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. With flights and pre-trip expenses, it added up to $11,000. Adjusted for today’s inflation, that would be about $15k.

Some guide books will swear that $30/day or less is sufficient for traveling in Southeast Asia – this is generally not realistic.

So how much will you need to budget to travel in Southeast Asia in 2022/2023? I wanted to give you the most up-to-date budgeting guide, and make calculations even easier with the addition of 1-month or 3-month breakdowns. With my recent trips back to Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, a bunch of online research and the help of a BMTM team member who lives in Southeast Asia, here’s how much you should budget for an extended trip in Southeast Asia:

Pre-trip Expenses:

1. travel insurance.

This is one of those costs that’s annoying, but necessary should the worst occur.  I went with World Nomads travel insurance which happened to be cheaper than any other company I could find for US citizens.

Saving tip: If you know for sure how much time you’ll be away, buying more months upfront is definitely cheaper than extending periodically.

2. Flights: $1500

Flights might be totally different depending on where you’re coming from, but I usually end up spending about this much including flights from home and any inter-country flights once in the region. The first time I went, I bought two one-way flights to get from LAX to Southeast Asia and back. In hindsight, this may not have been the cheapest way to travel (I could have saved a couple hundred dollars by booking round-trip), however, I was unsure of my dates and departure city. Sometimes, the penalties and restrictions on moving flights ends up making a RT flight too much of a hassle.

Other ways to save are by making your itinerary logical, so that you can take overland transport most of the time and don’t have to cover huge distances all at once.

Saving tip: To reduce your flight costs, subscribe to flight deals like this one , especially if you are flexible on the traveling dates. Flights are also cheaper during shoulder and rainy seasons. You can also travel hack like I do to save money. Here are my best tips on making your economy long haul flights more comfortable.

3. Immunizations: $350

You’re out of luck if you’re an American when it comes to travel immunizations, because chances are you’ll be covering them out of pocket. I personally elected not to take malaria pills nor get rabies vaccinations because of costs associated and unlikelihood of either becoming a real issue.

Saving tip: In order to get immunized the cheapest way possible, visit the travel specialist at your local county healthcare clinic, or get the immunizations at one of the Bangkok hospitals, which is the name of a premier hospital chain with multiple locations, in Thailand.

4. Travel Gear: $400

My backpack alone cost me over $200, but was worth every penny as nothing ever broke and I’m still using it over 10 years later!  I also invested in Pacsafe products  to keep everything protected, which I do not regret! Check my guide out for essential travel items.

Saving tip: Limit your luggage to carry-on only , so you can save on check-in luggage. Southeast Asia is generally hot and humid year-round, so you will only need thin and breathable clothes. Things are also incredibly affordable so you can always buy things you need as you go.

I am all about winging it when it comes to a backpacking trip, especially in Southeast Asia. However, if you are on a budget, it’s best to decide on your length of stay in each country to avoid unnecessary visa fees. Here’s a complete breakdown for most nations:

On-trip Expenses:

1. food: $10-$15/day.

Eating local delights and choosing street food when possible are the best ways to keep food costs down. The food tastes better and costs much less when it’s a local dish vs. a western dish. Why order a disappointing burger for $4 when you could have amazing steamed pork buns, papaya salad, coconut soup, pad thai (the list is endless!) in Thailand for less than $1? If you are staying at a place with a kitchen, you can get groceries for cheap from the local market and make your own food. Note that at certain places, like Bali and Kuala Lumpur, eating out can sometimes be cheaper than cooking.

Saving tip: Check with your hostel receptionist for local recommendations. Eat where the locals eat. Don’t fear street food. It’s cooked right in front of you and may even be fresher and less processed than food available at home.

2. Accommodation: $5-$30/day

This really varied depending on high/low season and country, and whether or not your’e willing to stay in dorms. Cambodia and Laos were the cheapest while Indonesia and Malaysia tended to be more expensive and provided less value for the money.

Here’s how much you should expect to pay per night, if you were to book a hostel bed a week in advance, and pick one that’s clean and strategically located:

3. Transportation: $2-$10/day

Land transportation is generally very cheap in all of Southeast Asia. Taking an intercity bus typically costs about $10. The cost of renting a bike is around $8-$15/day. On the islands like the Philippines, public boat trips take ages but they are extremely cheap at about $2/ride.

4. Activities:

Diving: If you are a diver, you will be thrilled to find many, many affordable diving spots all over Southeast Asia. Prices go as low as $100 for a 3D2N stay with 3 dive trips, though when I returned to Southeast Asia in 2018, I went on a glorious 11-day liveaboard diving trip in Raja Ampat which now costs over $6000.

Island Hopping: An island hopping trip with 5-6 stops for less than $30? Only in Southeast Asia. Your negotiation skills will decide how much you pay for your island hopping trip, so negotiate away, and if the price offered does not make sense to you, walk away – there will be 5 more agents down the same street. Generally, you should expect to pay about $15-$30 for a full-day (typically 9am-3pm) trip that you share with others. For a private trip, it will be over $100. Read my comparison of El Nido boat trips here.

Group Tours: A walking tour is often the best way to get to know a new city. There are many tip-based, free walking tours available, and some of them are actually really insightful and fun. It’s the best way to meet new friends too. Paid tours typically cost about $8-$15.

Hiking: I love that this activity is mostly free, save for the occasional entrance fee! Even some popular hikes, like Mount Bromo , can be affordable if you do it independently.

Cooking Class: This delicious activity runs about $20-$40 for a class. Consider the skills you will gain and the free food you will make. I’d say it’s pretty worth it, especially if you’ve fallen in love with the local cuisine.

Popular Tourist Sites: Angkor Wat costs a whopping $62 for a 3-day pass, getting to the sky bridge of the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia requires $20, and the beautiful Gardens by the Bay in  Singapore  also requires $20 to enter. Pick and choose what you’d really want to see and factor the entrance fees into your overall budget.

5. Shopping:

Toiletries: If you can, buy from the small local stores instead of the big chain drug stores. They are likely to cost less, and you get to help the locals out. If you want to stick with familiar brands like Pantene and Nivea, the cost is similar to what you’d pay back home, if not slightly cheaper. Local brands cost less.

Clothes: They’re so cheap and awesome! You can get a funky top for $3, cliche but must-have pair of elephant pants for less than $5, and a beautiful silk scarf for less than $8.

Outdoor gear: There are many “counterfeit” hiking gear options available in Vietnam and Indonesia for a fraction of the original cost, but the quality is lacking, too. You can get a legit waterproof jacket for as low as $12, but if you bring it from home, it’ll last longer.

First Name:

Why couldn’t I travel on only $30/day?

The $30/day benchmark does not take into account gear, insurance, flights, and immunizations.  It’s also easy to forget that things like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen , batteries, adapters, mosquito repellent, medication, and visas all need to be periodically purchased on the road. The cost seems small but when budgeting only $30 for one day, $4 on a small bottle of shampoo can really add up.

The $30 benchmark is more than realistic, if not a little rich, when staying in one place for an extended period of time in one of the cheaper countries.  I was able to spend $3/night on accommodation and around $10/day on food and drink in Otres Beach, Cambodia , for example.  I didn’t spend a dime on activities because the beach was free.  But what about the days when I moved around?  What about the times I had to spend $40 on a visa, $9 on a bus ride, and $3 on a water taxi?  My budget was blown before I even bought food or a bed for the night.

What about the days that I wanted to visit Angkor Wat, go SCUBA diving, or jungle trekking?  An extremely low budget is only feasible if you hardly move around and never spend anything on activities, but why travel to the other side of the world only to miss out on these things?

If I had not SCUBA dived, climbed  Mt. Kinabalu , or gone trekking in Bukit Lawang or  Mt. Rinjani , I would have shaved over $3000 off of my trip, easily. I also never spent more than a week in any one place.  Had I moved more slowly, I could have saved a lot more.

More saving tips:

• All hope is not lost if you have a smaller budget to work with.  To keep costs low, use services like Couchsurfing for free accommodation. Not into it? Stay in dorms.  They are a great way to meet people and save some cash. House sitting is also a possibility though less so in Southeast Asia.
• Always travel local instead of by private or tourist coach, even if that means travel days are longer. If you’re rich in time but not in funds, this is the best way to do it.
• Eat local foods and abstain from alcohol. The biggest budget eater is partying, by far.  If you never buy drinks, you’ll literally save thousands .  Really, thousands!
• Use a debit card that doesn’t charge fees and refunds the ATM fees assessed by other banks. The only one I’m aware of is Charles Schwab.

For a country-specific budget guide on each place mentioned above, I go into more detail in each of these posts:

Malaysian Borneo

Philippines

How much do you usually spend on traveling?  Do you have any budget travel tips to share? 

Best Places in Southeast Asia for Solo Travelers

The ultimate southeast asia itinerary, what to pack for backpacking in southeast asia.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links for products and services we personally use and love. Any purchase you make through them supports us at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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09/04/2013 at 9:18 am

Great resource! Thanks for sharing that with us!

Kristin says

09/04/2013 at 11:58 am

Glad you find it helpful!

Anonymous says

10/11/2017 at 2:03 pm

Thanks! Without the scuba diving, it would come right on budget with $30.45.

09/04/2013 at 9:19 am

I can’t wait for my trip to SE Asia after the World Cup in Brazil. I need to start saving!

Good luck! I’m loving how travel-focused we Gauchos are!

OCDemon says

09/04/2013 at 3:13 pm

I definitely thought this title was going to be more personal, like, the answer was going to be “MY SOUL.” Oh well though. Info is great too!

09/04/2013 at 3:53 pm

Hahahaha! Well that too! More like my heart.

TammyOnTheMove says

09/04/2013 at 9:50 pm

I think you budget is more realistic. If you are traveling in a country and not take part in certain tours, then you might as well not bother (i.e. Angkor Wat). Love Otres beach. So stunning!

Jo (The Blond) says

09/05/2013 at 3:46 am

I think $11,000 for 6 months travel, including everything is not bad at all considering that you did trekking, scuba diving and things like that.

09/05/2013 at 10:44 pm

Yeah and when one really adds in the extras like flights, immunizations, and insurance, that’s a pretty realistic budget.

Joanna says

09/05/2013 at 6:22 pm

I loved how you broke everything down! I get some frustrated looks when I can’t give one price tag for any one of my trips because it really depends on how you travel and what you do!

As much as it’s great to get advice on how to stay on budget, some experiences are priceless and would be a waste to pass while you’re RIGHT THERE.

Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says

09/05/2013 at 6:36 pm

Awesome breakdown!! I love how sometimes it’s just way better to separate the ‘real cost’ from the ‘I have an expensive scuba habit’ cost 🙂

09/05/2013 at 10:45 pm

Hahaha! Exactly. I had to state that hey, a lot of this was due to this habit I have of spending a lot of time under water. I’m a bit of a junkie. I know you can relate!

09/06/2013 at 2:47 am

Awesome 😀 , I always envy reading your blog :'(

I hope some day, I will take my own journey same like you do 😀

thak’s for the “VIRUS” hahahah

09/06/2013 at 11:22 pm

Awesome and you’re welcome 🙂

09/06/2013 at 6:38 am

Great breakdown. I wish I had the discipline to do that. Did you have any issues with the one way tickets and the airlines wanting you to have proof of departure from the destination country?

I have a way around that 😉

Chris Fitz says

05/11/2016 at 12:26 pm

I’m planning on traveling soon, and being only my 2nd time out of the country, don’t want to run into any unnecessary issues 🙂 what is your way around this?

Kayleigh says

09/06/2013 at 3:42 pm

Here I am sitting behind a desk bemoaning every hour of ridiculous corporate america. For the past year, I got away with playing the game my way. Was always on the ball with my work so I took advantage of countless travel opportunities and unpaid vaycay because I could care less about the money so long as I have enough to travel. Well for regulatory reasons I can no longer escape dreaded weeks, nor escape for an hour or 2 during the day for a yoga sesh when there is not work to do. 🙁 talk about killing my soul. Anyway, I can’t tell you how many people I tell about your blog and right you are, people just don’t get it. I guess taking the safe, traditional road (the road too highly traveled IMO) is what people feel comfortable with and so they stick with what they know. So here I am, trying to balance holding a job, saving the dough until I can take off on the trip of a lifetime! So glad I stumbled upon your site-absolutely love it!

09/06/2013 at 11:26 pm

Aww thanks so much for your comment. Hang in there, you’ll be back on the road and it’ll all be worth it.

Michelle | Lights Camera Travel says

09/08/2013 at 5:22 am

Thanks for sharing Kristin! It’s always helpful to see these posts. I generally budget the same, $1000 for ground expenses, and things like flights, visas, expensive activities (i.e scuba diving) on top and that usually works for me!

09/08/2013 at 11:56 am

1k is a great budget for the extra stuff.

Arianwen says

09/08/2013 at 10:36 pm

This is a really useful overview! I’m pretty bad at keeping a close eye on exactly what I’ve spent so when people ask me about my trip to South America, it’s a very rough estimate! Nice one keeping track!

09/09/2013 at 4:18 pm

I had a lot of going back through my bank account withdrawals to do!

Turner says

09/09/2013 at 10:00 pm

Not too bad. I would be about spending $30 a day too, as per Lonely Planet suggestions, that is if all that weed and hookers didnt get in way. Sigh.

09/11/2013 at 12:41 pm

It’s the ping pong shows and lady boys that really kill my budget.

Morgan says

09/10/2013 at 9:54 am

This is amazing! Thanks for putting it together. I’m also an American and just started vaccinations – the rabies and japanese encephalitis will probably be put on the back burner due to prices (It’s outrageous!). Do you think you went the correct route skipping those?

09/10/2013 at 12:31 pm

I couldn’t even find Japanese Encephalitis when I was getting my vaccinations. I understand it’s kind of important if you’re spending a large chunk of time in SE Asia though, as it’s a pretty serious disease. You can definitely find it in Thailand, although I’m not sure how much it would cost. I personally don’t have that immunization and, well, I’m still alive and kicking!

09/10/2013 at 3:05 pm

Great story and thank you for laying out your expenses like that. Helps those of us who are looking into long trips some very valuable info

09/10/2013 at 8:13 pm

Glad you found it helpful!

Jennifer says

09/11/2013 at 1:35 am

I love your breakdown and it’s really realistic. Just did the same and I’ve come to pretty much the same conclusions. It’s easy to be on the cheap in SEA, but not everywhere and all the extras add up really fast!

09/11/2013 at 11:12 am

Thank you! Yes the extras do add up.

Joey Rana says

09/12/2013 at 1:14 pm

please visit the philippines. plenty of places to visit and part of south east asia. many travelers often neglect the philippines and hope you can make an exception.

09/12/2013 at 8:20 pm

I will. Next year!

09/24/2013 at 1:53 am

Brilliant post, thank you so much! My trip is rapidly approaching and this has really helped.

09/25/2013 at 7:55 am

Hello! I came across your blog and found it really inspiring! I am planning a 3 week trip to HK and maybe Thailand in October. I will attempt to blog my journey and looking for blogs to follow as well as increasing my number of followers so feel free to explore and please join my site while you are at it!

09/25/2013 at 1:15 pm

Thanks Vera! HK is awesome

Simon Lee says

10/08/2013 at 12:00 am

Hi Kristin, Dropping by for the first time. I am from Malaysia.

I am surprised that you spent the most money for accommodation in Borneo as there are quite a number of budget accommodation in the area.

Did you checked out some of the islands off the coast of Semporna? Widely known as a scuba diver paradise and i am sure you will like it as diving is what fascinating you:)

Cheers, Simon

10/09/2013 at 8:08 am

Well, it had more to do with the fact that I had been spending closer to $5 in most other countries. Yes, Borneo has budget accommodation, especially in the cities, but it’s not as cheap as other places in Southeast Asia – Malaysia in general is not as cheap. I went diving in Sipadan and it was amazing!

Manfred says

11/27/2013 at 8:44 pm

We just finished 6-7 months around SE Asia as a couple and spent an average of just under $30 each. We started and finished in Bangkok though, so didn’t have the additional cost of flights to/from SE Asia. We also didn’t get any immunizations, as our doctors here didn’t recommend any. We also didn’t need to buy any travel gear, as we both already had suitcases. I think this would be the case with most travelers. We wrote a book about our experiences if anyone is interested. See our blog.

11/27/2013 at 8:51 pm

Oooh Yikes I would DEFINITELY suggest everyone at least get the Hepatitis vaccines and Tetanus. Very important!

12/25/2013 at 4:26 pm

hi, i wanna go to Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. but i am confused how to get a visa to Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. can you help me out?

12/25/2013 at 10:41 pm

It really depends on where you’re from! You should check your country’s travel advisory website for more info. If you’re from the US , Canada, or EU, you can get a visa on arrival for all of those countries.

12/26/2013 at 12:19 am

What country are you from. If from US, UK, etc, you don’t need visa for Malaysia or Singapore, and can get visa on arrival for Indonesia. For Indonesia you need to have a flight booked to leave the country before arriving.

12/27/2013 at 5:17 am

That’s helpful info because I actually got a two month visa for Indonesia prior to going there while I was in Kuala Lumpur. I was told I needed proof of an onward flight but they never asked, and I didn’t have one!

01/20/2014 at 8:24 am

Maybe it’s different if you have a visa in advance. Also, sometimes people need onward flights and sometimes they don’t check. But I know people that haven’t be allowed on their flight because they didn’t have onward tickets. I wish they had proper rules, but it’s all a bit hit and miss.

01/20/2014 at 8:32 am

You don’t *really* need anything booked onward. There are ways around that but I know what you’re saying. Thailand and Indonesia are often that way and the Philippines is as well.

01/19/2014 at 11:17 pm

This is awesome as I’m planning my next adventures. Im currently in New Zealand but i just wondered in which currency was your budget for Asia?

01/20/2014 at 8:15 am

Ah I should note that on the post. USD 🙂

01/21/2014 at 9:26 pm

Looking to do a 6 week trip this Summer with a friend starting with a week in Thailand and ending with a week in the Philippines. Unfortunately can’t visit every country you described – did you have any personal favorites or must-sees!? My friend and I are both scuba certified as well – any great scuba spots would be much appreciated! Thanks, love the website!

01/25/2014 at 9:00 am

Sipadan in Borneo is the best diving I’ve done. You must book that kind of far in advance. Komodo in Indonesia is also amazing but the current is strong and you need at least AOW certification. I loved Cambodia and Laos but in 6 weeks I wouldn’t try to rush too much. A lot of people do and they miss a lot. Northern Thailand is great!

03/09/2014 at 5:26 pm

This was a really helpful post. Thank you for all the details. I’m trying to decide where to visit on my way back from Australia to the UK. Cambodia and Vietnam are looking like they might come out top, although I really want to see the Philippines too! I see this trip extending…!

03/09/2014 at 6:13 pm

I just did a budget post on the Philippines and it’s more expensive than I thought it would be. I have one on Vietnam going up today so check that one out! I really loved Vietnam!

03/19/2014 at 8:53 am

I love your helpful breakdown, but I do think that hostels eat up a lot of the travel budget, so I almost always try to couchsurf or stay somewhere as a Workaway volunteer whenever I travel in Asia or Europe. I think hostels are my last resort because I’ve had a couple negative experiences in hostels, but also, when you CouchSurf (which doesnt always mean you sleep on a couch btw!) or stay as a volunteer with a local, first of all, it’s FREE–plus you get free meals as a Workaway volunteer, and your CS host may also invite you to join him/her or their family for a meal or two. And second of all, you are gaining a truly authentic experience and perspective of the lifestyle, and you have a local to help you and offer you excellent advice for your stay! 🙂

03/20/2014 at 7:55 pm

Great suggestions and agreed, especially in more expensive countries. I’ve couch surfed in Europe and in China.

Sidney says

03/23/2014 at 2:36 pm

Thanks this helped alot!

03/23/2014 at 8:15 pm

I’m currently planning my trip for this summer, and just wanted to say this post/site is extremely helpful! I just got all my vaccines last week. Japanese Encephalitis set me back $500 alone. Yikes! I’m now on to gear. Taking your advice w/ a 40L pack. As for travel insurance, I just got a quote online from World Nomad that says it’ll be $386 for 6mo. coverage. Why was yours so much more expensive? Was it the timing? Or maybe $793 is for a full 10 mo?

03/24/2014 at 12:54 am

I got the adventure plan which covers SCUBA diving, etc., and that was for the full ten months as well. I wish I had just bought it all at once upfront because it’s actually cheaper that way. Oh well! You live and learn 🙂

Allen Espy says

03/24/2014 at 6:04 am

I did a similar trip in 2000. 6 months, about eight countries. Semi-backpacking. $12,000

03/28/2014 at 9:08 pm

Did it cost money to get visas’ to these countries? Were visa’s even required if you’re not working?

03/28/2014 at 9:24 pm

Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are free. Cambodia ($20), Laos ($35 but depends on where you’re from), and Indonesia are all visa on arrival but they cost money. Vietnam must be procured before you land and it’s expensive. I paid $20 and then $45 for a stamping fee.

04/21/2014 at 11:13 pm

Hey Kristin – thanks for sharing this! I will say that traveling as a couple makes the cost a lot better. Rob and I did six months in SE Asia and with all flights and a lot of scuba, we came out to a bit over $30/day per person. We always stayed in private rooms with private bathrooms, although we did do a fair amount of haggling.

When you add in shots and flights to Asia, the costs do go up. But that’s what frequent flier miles and pre trip health insurance are for :o)

05/05/2014 at 1:17 am

Splitting taxis is a huge help. The months that I did most of my traveling with friends were definitely cheaper.

Christopher K says

05/02/2014 at 12:38 pm

Hey Kristin!

I’m getting ready for my trip to SEAsia in mid-June, arriving in Bangkok on a one-way ticket as well, and I just wanted to ask you about your experience flying with such a ticket.

Apparently one of the requirements for Thailand’s free 30-day tourist visa is to have proof of “an onward or return airline ticket within 30-days of arriving.” I’m planning on flying to Bangkok and staying there until my 30 days expire, at which point I’ll heading to Cambodia –> Vietnam –> Laos via LAND transport however (i’m planning on buying my bus and train tickets when I get there).

My question is: Did you happen to have another airline ticket (out of thailand within 30 days) purchased and ready to show to the immigration officials and/or airline when you arrived? How’d it go for you? Do you think the airline could bar me from getting on the plane if I show up to the airport in new york with nothing but the one-way ticket to bangkok and my passport?? :S

It’s just one of my scruples at this moment!

Hope that all made sense! Thanks so much!

05/05/2014 at 12:55 am

Sometimes the agent at the check in counter will ask for onward travel proof and if you don’t have it they won’t let you check in. I’d suggest editing an old e-ticket from a different airline with a future travel date and printing that to bring with you.

05/21/2014 at 3:03 pm

Thailand also has (or had 5 years ago) cheap rooms. I got a single or double bed room for 3-4€ outside of bangkok on different occasions. I plan for round trip with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos now and it is great to hear that I won’t be completely broke at the end of it. 🙂 Also one hint: An Indonesian friend showed me some Indonesian booking sites and they seem a lot cheaper than the American/European ones. Try tiket.com for instance.

Barbora says

05/28/2014 at 9:28 pm

Your website is freaking awesome! No nonsens lifestyle generic scribbling, but actual useful practical advice. Big thank you!

05/31/2014 at 3:09 am

Wow. THANK YOU!

matthew says

06/01/2014 at 2:05 am

I just got home from a 18 month trip all over SE Asia, Singapore 3x, Malaysia 6x, Indonesia 1x, Thailand 2x, Philippines 1x, and did the whole 18 months on $8200 USD including my separate 1 way flights back and forth from the US. It helps to make friends on the way, lots of free food and places to sleep.

06/02/2014 at 4:13 am

Couchsurfing and staying with friends definitely helps a lot. I tend to buy meals or pay my share or bring a gift, though, which does increase my costs. To me, it seems like the right thing to do.

06/22/2014 at 6:00 pm

Hey, I love your post and have found it particularly useful whilst planning my own trip, I’ve got a question about currency.. How did you handle money over there? Did you have lots of different currency on you at all times or did you literally just withdraw money in each country when you needed it? Also, how did you cross from each country to the next and have you got rough prices for them? Thank you 🙂

06/23/2014 at 2:45 am

I just withdrew money when I needed it. I crossed overland for the most part and typically you want to pay visa fees in US Dollars so always have some of those on you.

06/23/2014 at 11:08 am

Travelling is enjoying the different food: should be careful as paying too low …you might be fed with rat meat instead of pork… especially in poor country, meat is still expensive. If the meal is a buck, I’m not sure it’s pork or rat….? A 3 to 4 dollar meal should be very satisfying… if your budget could not afford that then I was wondering what would you enjoy in your travel? My idea is to save a bit more before your trip and really enjoy the time there …. if you find yourself penny-pinching then wait for another season and build those extra bucks…The worst thing is to see something that your friends enjoying while you couldn’t afford.

Wd you sleep in a place where rats came out at night to say hi? It is much more enjoyable to stay at a 5.00 or 10.00 room and enjoy the night rather than sleepless because of those vermins….

06/23/2014 at 5:43 pm

That’s absolutely ridiculous. You can see the meat before you eat it, usually raw, at the street stall. I think we all know that beef ribs look nothing like rat meat, and it’s possible to just go vegetarian as well. I also eat food locals eat and take pride in making. It’s insulting to them to claim they’re cooking rat’s meat.

$1 streetside soup in Vietnam (with a giant pork shank in it, I might add) is delicious.

Lastly, most rooms I stayed in that year were around $5-$10 per night. I now often spend a bit more but I wanted to see if it could be done for $30/day back then.

Kaylin says

07/24/2014 at 5:28 pm

After doing some number crunching, it looks like you spent about $34/day not including the scuba (which wouldn’t necessarily be something alot of people would do on such a trip) or the flights (which most people don’t include in their daily budget). So really it’s not so far off the $30/day recommendation! Either way, this is a great article showing real expenses on your trip. I have been to Thailand and Cambodia before for 2 weeks, but I want to go back and do a much longer trip to more countries in the next couple years, so I will definitely keep this budget in mind 🙂 You are so right that not drinking saves SOOOOO much money. I feel like half my budget in Cambodia was for those $5 buckets LOL.

07/29/2014 at 5:27 am

That’s true, but I think a lot of people have one or two expensive activities they just really want to try, so it’s worth budgeting that in. Cutting out drinking would actually make it much cheaper than $30/day considering where I was staying and the types of transport I was taking.

07/30/2014 at 4:04 am

Hey Kristin,

Great blog!! I was wondering if you had any advice on obtaining visas on your travels?? I have a one way ticket to thailand this upcoming November, and I was honestly just going to wing it as far as determining my length of stay in certain countries/areas. Any help would be appreciated!!

07/30/2014 at 7:36 am

I did the same. Most countries, except for Vietnam, you can just get a visa on arrival (depending on which country you’re from, of course), and it can be pretty easy to extend.

Ian Limbonis says

08/10/2014 at 11:12 am

Im on my 111th day today, and so far spent <1500$. Tracking all my expemses daily to meet the least possible expensiture, though i must say coffee, cigarette, and seldom beers can help lower this doen further.

08/11/2014 at 1:05 am

Wow you’ve done a great job then!

08/11/2014 at 1:59 am

Not as much as how you organized your expenses ;-). Im glad how quite basic i’m becoming

Michael says

08/25/2014 at 11:23 pm

Wow thats cheap.. good for you!

09/02/2014 at 10:54 pm

I tried! Could do it even cheaper and certainly more expensively as well.

Paul Durano says

08/27/2014 at 9:11 pm

If your in Cebu, Philippines by mid Jan – May 2015, I help you find a place for $20 per day. Living with local family.

Samantha says

08/29/2014 at 4:45 pm

Hey Kristin, HUGE fan of your blog and the advice you give. You have really helped me out as I plan for my backpacking trip to SEA, Australia, and New Zealand (leaving in 65 days!!–but who’s counting?!). Quick question: did you get a credit card for this trip? I opened up a Charles Schwab account for the ATM card, but I wanted to get a credit card with 0 foreign transaction fees as well, just as a precaution. Do you have any banker recommendations? :). Thanks again!

09/02/2014 at 10:43 pm

Glad to have your readership! I use a Capital One Venture card and would also suggest having some kind of back up as well. Airline mileage cards also often are transaction-fee-free.

09/18/2014 at 1:01 pm

Hi Kristin,

For your southeast asia travels you got immunizations for Hepatitis A and Tetnus?

Did you get any for: Fly or Typhoid or Hepatitis B or Japanese Encephalitis or Rabies?

Also, you mentioned you chose not to take medication for Malaria? Any concern why?

My mother wants me to inoculated for every conceivable transmittable/contagious disease but to save both money and side effects I want focus on the truly most necessary vaccinations.

Thank you! Haley

09/18/2014 at 10:21 pm

I got Tetanus and Hep A, already had B, as well as Typhoid. Did not get rabies and Japanese Encephalitis wasn’t even available at my clinic. I have never taken anti-malaria medication. I’m in that part of the world for way too long for that.

Stephanie Be says

10/03/2014 at 10:58 pm

I just wrote an article on tips for Thailand, and one of my tips was that it is NOT as cheap as people make it out to be. I couldn’t agree more with the misconception that it’s “easy” to live on a shoe string budget in developing countries. There are many costs, and chances are that most travelers WANT to experience things like an elephant reservation park or Angkor Wat.

Nice to hear it from you too!

10/04/2014 at 6:14 am

Southern Thailand is definitely more expensive than the middle and north as well!

Franca says

10/04/2014 at 1:33 am

I forgot how cheap SEA can be and after being traveling around Europe for more than 1 year, it seems like a dream being able to spend so little and still enjoying yourself so much! We spent a lot less than you have, but mainly because we didn’t do the activities you did and we took some extra vaccinations (rabies for instance because we volunteered in dog shelters) and malaria pills in some areas. Sometimes I miss these countries, maybe we should go back and explore the countries we haven’t been yet. There is too much of the world I want to see, my list gets longer instead of shorter 🙂

10/04/2014 at 6:13 am

Same here. I am over in Europe now, thankful that I now have a bigger budget but definitely do still love SEA, both for how cheap it can be and how amazing it can be.

Victoria says

10/04/2014 at 5:12 am

Definitely agreed $30 isn’t realistic if you want to see and do things, although I think as an American you have it way worse! In the UK immunisations are free, I go to TK Maxx for my travel gear so we’re looking at maybe £30-40 on a bag and then flights cost me about £400-£500 RETURN if I don’t care what day I travel on. When I did Phuket for a month it cost $400 US for my room ($13 per day) and then I spent roughly $10-$20 on food and I literally wasn’t doing ANYTHING except working on my computer and going to the beach. So really $30 is only do-able if you decide to do the ‘living somewhere’ option and do nothing.

10/04/2014 at 6:10 am

Definitely true. Moving around is expensive due to traveling costs, but living in one place or moving very slowly makes things much more affordable.

10/08/2014 at 8:00 pm

Hey Kristin, We shall be traveling Indonesia in June and we wondered if you had any tips on where to go? we figured we’d stop off in Bali (its the cheapest island to fly to) plus my friend works there as an instructor and I’m going to take my DM course there. Other than that we’ve seen that Sumatra and Flores look good, but we don’t really know anything about them. Also, how expensive is it to take a tour with the orang-utans? i’ve looked online and it said 20,000Rp… that seems pretty cheap to me, does that sound about right? Finally, how expensive is it to island hop? we traveled south thailand via boats and busses and it work out pretty cheap but will it be the same in Indo?

Thanks for your advice and your amazing travel blog! Keep up the awesome work! Emily 🙂

10/09/2014 at 11:41 am

Definitely I wrote a lot about it in the Indonesia https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/category/destinations/southeast-asia/indonesia/

Here’s the info on Orangutans https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/bukit-lawang-trekking/

Here’s info on island hopping local style https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-get-from-flores-to-lombok/

whitney says

10/16/2014 at 2:28 am

what backpack did you buy for $200 and what do you do for income (or has the initial funds from liquidating your assets not run out yet)? also do you still maintain and contribute to a retirement plan? lastly, i assume travel insurance makes up for not having employer sponsored health benefits? i too am a banker and im wondering how i can make this a reality for myself.

10/16/2014 at 8:04 am

Yes I contribute to a retirement account, which was pretty heavily invested in with my old job. I make money off of this blog and freelance writing. Check out my series on how to start a travel blog if that interests you! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/category/travel-prep/how-to-start-a-travel-blog/

11/05/2014 at 4:04 pm

i wanna backpack for 6- 8 months in Asia , and is like 10.000 dollar enough ??

11/06/2014 at 4:07 am

Well you can see how I laid out my expenses here, so I’d say that no, it is not, if you add in things like flights, gear, and insurance. It is if you don’t party much and don’t do expensive activities and stay in dorms, eat street food, and take local transport. It boils down to your way of traveling.

TeachingTravel says

11/24/2014 at 8:25 am

You really missed out by not spending as much time in Vietnam! Vietnam is extremely cheap. However I didn’t spend as much time in Cambodia, this time i’ll make sure to check out the beaches! Last time I just hit the temples of Cambodia and skipped right through!

Also traveling with someone else would really bring these costs down!

11/24/2014 at 8:53 am

I ended up returning to Southeast Asia and spending a month in Vietnam after writing this post. Traveling with someone else would definitely cut the costs down but I’m a solo traveler and that’s the focus of this blog 🙂

Claire says

08/28/2016 at 1:08 am

I’m so curious, why and what would all the reasons traveling with a partner cut the costs down??

09/07/2016 at 3:24 pm

You split cabs and private rooms

Muzammil says

12/17/2014 at 2:11 pm

Hey! Amazing article and love your website!

Can you please let me know how many flights did you have to take in your 10 months Oceania & SE Asia trip? And what were those flights?

Thanks! Muzammil

12/17/2014 at 3:19 pm

I probably took around 6-8. If you just stayed in Southeast Asia you can do almost all of it overland. You can get very cheap last minute ones on local airlines and on Air Asia. I really like Bangkok Airways in Thailand, and Tiger is also good.

12/17/2014 at 3:26 pm

Thanks for the response! When you say overland, are you referring to taking ferries/boats between countries like Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, etc.?

12/18/2014 at 2:14 am

You could do that but it takes a VERY long time and in that case I’d just fly.

12/29/2014 at 9:18 pm

Wow , I really want to do this how do you find all the places to sleep and not end up paying for hotels

12/31/2014 at 12:50 pm

Stay in hostels/guesthouses and especially dorms to save money.

Lesh @ NOMADasaurus says

01/03/2015 at 9:48 pm

What an awesome breakdown Kristin. I know what you mean about $30 a day. Sometimes it happens but most of the time not. There are so many awesome activities to do all over South East Asia and we were not missing out on them. Love your tips for cheap travel. We love eating locally and traveling locally too. It is not just cheap but such a great experience. We have met some wonderful people on some journeys. We have been taking a budget daily so we can keep track of our spendings. The fact it is there on paper has really helped us budget. Over spend one day, lay low the next day. It is crazy how much alcohol can add up too and how many stories I have heard of people spending all their money partying and have not enough to see the rest of the country. The country always comes first for us. Thank you.

01/04/2015 at 2:04 pm

Thanks Lesh. I definitely agree it’s better to buy experiences than beers, but if you can do both, even better! 😉

01/04/2015 at 6:29 pm

Hey Kristin, great breakdown – I’ve managed on $30 in Asia, but on the basis it was covering food and accommodation only and no sightseeing. Also, these kind of simple ‘figures’ just don’t work in places like Singapore, Tokyo, etc. It annoys me when I see guides/books/etc. encouraging this as an ‘option’ because there must be so few people who manage on something like $30 a day and still get to see and do everything they wanted! Bring more – see and do more.

01/05/2015 at 4:52 am

True Singapore is a lot more costly and I actually haven’t been there yet. If any guide books are suggesting $30/day is doable in Tokyo I’d toss that right out the window!

01/12/2015 at 6:26 am

How am I only just finding this blog? Good stuff

01/13/2015 at 1:23 am

Aw thank you.

01/25/2015 at 10:42 pm

Never tried this myself, but I would imagine $30 (3000 yen) in Tokyo is possible. Well, I am in Tokyo now working (I am from Canada) but will travel abroad in November.

3000 yen breakdown possibility (if not relied on heavy tourist travel-style) – of course, it all depends on what you want to do that day; the list of what to do is endless:

1. Yamanote Line (most of the touristy places are on this line): 730 (day pass; it is even less that if you want to stay in places that require less than 730 yen) 2. Food ~1000 a day IF cheap, healthy, and convenient food places (i.e. Sukiya) –> much less required if rice balls and other smaller foods bought at convenience stores or McDonalds (100 yen options) 3. Accommodation – Couchsurfing! (0 yen) 4. Others (museum fee, drinking, whatever you choose)

Total: 1730yen plus additional

I do not know how much travel insurance is needed. Nor visa. However, when sites that say $30/day is possible, I do not believe that cost includes visa, insurance, etc. I think it means just travel expenses (food, accomodation, and such).

And for visa, I have never bought it before. But according to my Japanese passport Visa requirement for travel in Europe, I can travel in Europe for 3 (or 6) months at maximum without visa, so I am sure Visa is not required if less than 3 (or 6) months?

01/27/2015 at 7:28 am

Thanks for that! I had no idea it could be so cheap since Japan is always thought of as so expensive. You can get a VOA for fewer than 3 months in Europe, yes. You can only stay for 3 out of every 6 months.

02/06/2015 at 1:55 am

I went for a month in December/January of last year and found it expensive, probably because I wasn’t able to find as many dorms and it was over the holidays which is an understandably expensive time.

sashlah says

02/22/2015 at 8:06 am

We are spending around 15/20$ a day in two in North Thailand. We rented a huge house with 3 bedrooms for little more than 150/month. We always cook at home buying stuff at the market.

02/23/2015 at 1:40 am

Northern Thailand is really nice and cheap. Cooking at home is cheaper than street food? That’s my favorite part of Thailand!

02/23/2015 at 9:11 pm

Thanks for the great advice! One thing to add, when I was traveling for 6 months through Western Europe, I got charged about $5 per ATM withdrawal– I have Chase. BUT, I called and asked them, and kind of sweet talked them, into refunding me the charges! It wasn’t a lot since I went to the ATM as few times as possible but every dollar counts!

02/23/2015 at 10:16 pm

I’d suggest Charles Schwab which refunds all ATM fees and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. I really think they’re the best option. Great customer service, too. Wow I sound like an ad but honestly I love them.

01/14/2016 at 6:05 am

do you by any chance know how this works for Europeans? Can, say a Belgian guy, get an Charles Schab account? 🙂 Have you met Europeans troughout your trip who managed to solve or eliminate these fees?

01/16/2016 at 1:01 pm

I believe Schwab is only in the US, these are some good suggestions: http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/avoid-paying-bank-fees-traveling/

03/07/2015 at 6:08 pm

First off I want to say I’m a huge fan of your blog! Your posts are always great and so interesting! I’m very grateful for this post in particular. I’m considering homeschooling my son for a year and spending the time traveling SE Asia. So I have a few questions for you: what is the point of travelers insurance? Is it health insurance? We have health insurance and I cover my electronics through my homeowners insurance (it’s very cheap btw) so I don’t think I need travelers insurance, right? Did any areas seems unsafe at all? My son is 13 so he’s not a baby but I still don’t want to put him directly in danger of course. When you reference “dorms” is that the same thing as hostels? What is high season in SE Asia? What language is most widely spoke? I was thinking about spending a few weeks in one spot to take courses on a foreign language. Anything else you think I should know? Thanks and keep up the great work!

03/11/2015 at 7:03 am

Hey Kristin! Depends on which country you’re in regarding which language is spoken the most widely. In Thailand that would be Thai, Malay in Malaysia, etc. However, most places you’ll find you’ll be fine communicating as locals speak at least some English and much communication isn’t verbal anyways, as I’ve learned through the years. I also don’t think a few weeks is enough time to learn much of a language, though I wouldn’t want to discourage you!

As for insurance, you can check if your health insurance covers you abroad. Mine didn’t. I have travel insurance so that I’m always covered and if I need to be flown home for medical care, I’m still covered. Hope that helps.

03/11/2015 at 9:35 am

Yes that helps a lot! Thank you!

05/07/2015 at 7:40 am

I find your post realistic! And refreshing knowing that I’m not able to always stick to $30/day either. Currently traveling in Northern Thailand and doing my best with level of comfort, while staying cheap. Probably the biggest money saver as you mention is indeed when I go a week or so without drinking. 🙂 Thanks for the honest post and keeping up with your site. Inspiring!

05/07/2015 at 7:32 pm

Thanks Erin! Yep the biggest budget killer is alcohol, even though each drink individually is cheap, it adds up!

05/29/2015 at 5:41 am

Awesome! I got to understand on how much should I be needing and what do I really want before exploring outside my country in SEA!

Very informative post! 😀

Liem @ Holiday Bays says

06/20/2015 at 10:28 pm

Hey Kristin, when will you visit Vietnam? We can go for coffee and eat some local food. I live in the Mekong Delta area. Love your blog by the way! 🙂

06/22/2015 at 4:10 am

I spent one month there in 2014 but would love to return. I love the food and the coffee so much!

07/18/2015 at 3:40 pm

Good write-up

The Wife & I traveled SE Asia for 3 months last year and are hooked! On seeing more. We did things a different way financially so are kinda setup now but it meant foregoing this earlier on. But also means work is almost optional now. We spent about $8k across 7 Countries and that’s staying in Hotels ranging from $50-$100 per night. Everything is cheap there and most things are just so much better. They live a good life and we now see that Western world has it all wrong

07/19/2015 at 2:16 am

Can definitely see where you’re coming from with that. Wouldn’t say they all live a good life though. It’s easy for us to do so because we were born with privilege, a passport that provides mobility, and the ability to earn in a strong currency.

Jasmine says

08/09/2015 at 6:49 am

My main question in all of this was how did you go about traveling to these countries once you started in Thailand? Are there cheap (significantly cheap) flights available from one to the next or are you able to cross the border in a local bus? *I’m trying to convince my friends of a southeast Asia tour and the only way I can persuade them is if this factor is relatively inexpensive lol.*

08/10/2015 at 5:01 am

Hi Jasmine, I generally crossed overland though I flew to Malaysian Borneo and did a few flights in Indonesia as well. For the most part busses and trains are the method of getting around, and they’re cheap! So are Air Asia flights so I’d suggest signing up for their newsletter and taking advantage of sales. I scored a flight for $18 with them previously.

Charmaine says

09/30/2015 at 12:52 pm

Thanks for all your tips! I’m looking to do some backpacking soon and one thing I’m concern about are bank fees! You mentioned Charles Schwab doesn’t have any fees, can you elaborate more on this? Were you always banking with them or only as a travel account? Is it only available to US citizens (I’m from Canada).

10/12/2015 at 6:38 am

Hi Charmaine, I don’t know if it’s available in Canada but I don’t think so. This post is a pretty good resource: http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/avoid-paying-bank-fees-traveling/

Izy Berry says

11/26/2015 at 2:30 pm

Is not that expensive !! Incredible is very economic

KeepCalmAndWander says

12/27/2015 at 7:44 am

Going back to Cambodia soon and I hope the country is still cheap! 🙂

12/27/2015 at 1:10 pm

It’s still cheap.

Christian Vielma says

12/29/2015 at 10:54 am

Nice post! My wife and I traveled this year around Asia, including SEA. We also find the $30 limit not very realistic unless you stay for long time and live more like a local (preparing your own food instead of restaurant)

12/31/2015 at 4:18 am

I feel like eating street food is superior to cooking your own when traveling in Asia. It’s fresh, cheap, and lots of it is healthy.

Darren Bush says

01/11/2016 at 11:06 pm

Hey Kristine, I just want to thank you. As your blog is super helpful for me. I will keep all your points in my mind as i am thinking of visiting few countries in southeast asia.

Oliver Mortimer says

01/13/2016 at 6:07 am

Great article, Myself and my girlfriend are travelling on the 10th of February for 167 days. We will be going to Thailand Laos Malaysia Indonesia and Cambodia. We will be taking with us just over 9000 euro and have our flights booked travel insurance bought and vaccinations done.

I’m wondering if you think this will be enough money? We would like to see and do as much as we can and will be mostly eating street food but will be staying in our own rooms and not in dorms.

01/13/2016 at 8:41 am

If you take local transport and don’t party too much it could work. You might have to stay in dorms sometimes but the main thing that eats a budget quickly is partying for sure.

01/14/2016 at 3:25 am

Thanks for the reply. We’re not going over to party, so hopefully we’ll be ok with the budget we have….

robbie says

01/20/2016 at 4:03 pm

is it best to book hostels and such before or just go on the go

01/22/2016 at 3:27 pm

I generally do it on the go unless it’s a holiday in which case they can book out for months ahead of time.

Natasja Trujillo says

01/25/2016 at 6:54 pm

Love your blog. What would you say this budget would be for 2 people?

01/28/2016 at 10:49 am

That was just for me. For two double the food costs and add for busses and flights too. I stayed in dorms as well so I paid a single amount but for a private room or a dorm for two you’ll pay double. It’s not entirely double the cost but I’d budget as much for cushion.

yuyazz says

02/03/2016 at 8:03 am

Hello i’m sorry but i really need to write on maximum english blogs because after 6 months of travel in South East Asia, it is my duty to prevent the maximum person from countries such england or australia Everywhere we went, thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Burma, Malaysia, and Laos, we encountered the same type of travelers, loud, arrogant, completely disrespectful of other travelers and local poeple or places..A on several occasions we had to change guesthouse to find a more quiet place, especially away from you english people. You have a tendency to shout rather than speak, to make noise, in couple or group, always acting as if you were alone in earth..Even if you know that the owner of the guest house sleeps just next door, even if his childrens have to sleep to go at school the next morning, it will not matter, you continue until late at night yelling like pigs, in total disrespect of your neighbors .I therefore ask you this: learn to respect your neighbors, cease to believe you higher because the whole world must understand you and speak your language when you do not speak any other language except yours..the local bad feel towards overseas is due in large part to your behavior..Vang Vieng but the Thai islands are the best examples of your behavior incredibly bad.English women love to put almost naked, where the local dress head to toe in all sacred places or elsewhere, you English women you absolutely not respect the modesty of local people, in bikini everywhere..we thing that you really behave badly, the whole world hates you for that, but you don’t care and continue..if ever someone notice it to you, you laugh..You, English, you must to know it, please, SHUT UP, and respect local cultures and your neighbors..your culture based on easy friendship, nudity in public places, and “shouting” must stop!!!.Please be respectful and forget your huge egos!!! … you are the shame of Western europe to abroad …you have to know and to behave in consequence please..if some of you think that i’m exagerating, just look and listen, everywhere in South asia, and certainly everywhere in the world..you are in holidays, ok..but maybe your neighbors or the local people around you are NOT in holidays!!! -so 1 : be quiet -2 : stop wearing bikinis and show your muscles to the whole world.. if people comme here to read these comments, be adise that you are not really appreciated in the world…especially because of young travellers who just care about themselves, and just think about making party… I had no bad idea about english or autralian before, not at all..now after six month travelling, i just hate you, and can’t stand anymore your fucking behaviour..

02/05/2016 at 6:41 am

I wasn’t going to approve because it’s racist this but then again, there are some nuggets of wisdom in here. People who travel elsewhere only to behave badly and disrespect the locals but partying like crazy are the scourge of Southeast Asia and a big reason why I tried to get away from the Thai islands and find other places that weren’t ruined yet.

Also, I’m not English. Not Australian either. Your problem is with the bad eggs, not the entire race of people. Calm down.

Brennan says

02/07/2016 at 7:04 pm

Hey Kristin, this is a great site and very helpful…kudos to ya for setting it up and providing all of the valuable information! I have been pondering leaving my job for some time now to travel Southeast Asia for a year. I have been fortunate that I can travel twice a year while still having my job, and I have been to a few countries so far (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines) but I really want to spend more time there than just a few weeks per year. What are your thoughts on being there for a year? Do you think it’s too long? Also, after your 8 month trip and you returned to the States what was your takeaway from it and are you more motivated to travel now or less? What would say was the best part of the trip?

02/10/2016 at 12:39 pm

Altogether I’ve spent 3 years of my life in Asia and I STILL feel like I haven’t seen it all so there’s no way that a year is too long. I loved the interactions with locals when they happened. Have fun!

03/29/2016 at 2:36 am

This blog is friggin amazing! Thanks for all the great advice. I’ve been saving for the last two years and I’m about to embark on an across the globe backpack journey, living on 20 dollars a day.

04/04/2016 at 4:43 am

Thanks a lot for sharing!! I’m planning a trip to Southeast Asia and this is the first article that actually helped me to calculate expenses. Thank you for all the helpful information

A Pin on the Map says

05/23/2016 at 10:36 am

Thanks so much for the invaluable info! Thinking of heading to Vietnam and Cambodia next summer and this post will be perfect to re-visit before I book my trip. Thanks for sharing!!

Julie Rog. says

05/24/2016 at 4:08 am

Thanks for all the great advice! I want to travel now ^^

NickPomata says

05/26/2016 at 4:40 am

i think 11.000$ is too expensive i also paln a 6 months travel, in southeast asia but probably 4000/5000 will be my budget

07/29/2016 at 2:47 am

Hi NickPomata, are you still traveling? And how about yourt target 4000/5000 per 6 months? Thank you!

Steeve says

07/08/2016 at 6:33 am

I am always amazed on how much expenses keep piling up when I am on vacation… Even when I don’t do anything fancy. I now try to do some volunteering work. I receive accommodation and meals and in return I do some work. It is the best way to travel with minimum expenses and to get to know some local people and the local culture. I did it last year in a yoga ashram in India called Arhanta Yoga. It was the best experience ever. I am now looking for a place in Cambodia, if any body has any suggestions… I would love to know!

Emilia @ mythicalasia.com says

07/13/2016 at 10:29 pm

Southeast Asia is a wonderful destination for the families with kids. Also for many travelers, this region is their first introduction to Asia.

Maddie says

07/23/2016 at 12:03 pm

Took my first trip to Southeast Asia summer of 2015 and spent 10 days in Thailand going through Ayutthaya, Lopburi, and then finally Bangkok. Even spent my 18th birthday in Bangkok and stayed on Khaosan Road! Best experience of my life, planning another trip summer 2017 with my dad that takes us to Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and finally Thailand. We both want to hopefully move somewhere in SE Asia in the next few years and this breakdown of costs and your experience helps with the planning process!

07/25/2016 at 4:18 am

That’s wonderful! So glad that you had such a great time 🙂

Naciholidays says

09/12/2016 at 2:57 am

Vietnam is also a good suggestion, I visited Ha Long Bay is very beautiful there and Nha Trang, Sai Gon … Maybe you’ll like it

James Crosby says

08/22/2016 at 11:32 am

If you really put young urban mind to it $30 a day overall is very realistic. I did that ciircuit as part of a larger trip and it can be done on around $18 a day. Couchsurf, hitchhike, and that’s your two biggest costs wiped out. As far as food, you can easily eat breakfast for $1 and evening meal for $3. Use a steripen so you can drink tap water, never drink alcohol. Also don’t take tuktuks unless you really need to. Wake up early and walk everywhere. Some days I would walk in excess of 20km to explore places. Keeps you fit and it’d free.

08/22/2016 at 4:56 pm

I’d say the biggest part of that advice that helps with costs is not drinking (and for the sake of argument, not doing activities that cost money). Eating local and sleeping cheap are great ways to save but I also think most people can’t resist indulging when they travel, in all of the fun stuff, so I’d rather spend a bit more to have more fun.

10/13/2016 at 2:06 am

My Partner and I are planning a 6 month trip to South East Asia with our 16 month old son.

We want to do it as cheap as possible and we’re thinking of buying a van and decking it out with a mattress etc.

Do you think this would be safe and efficient way to travel South East Asia? We are planning on going to Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia.

10/13/2016 at 11:07 am

I don’t really think that’s necessary. Busses and private rooms at hostels are so cheap, and I never really saw anyone self-driving there except for on a motorbike.

10/21/2016 at 1:44 pm

So true about the $30 a day and just totally going over with even just a visa fee or transport! Transport prices are what surprised us! I did not get any immunizations though and I flew from Australia so my flights were much less as well. Love your honest breakdown. Very helpful for first-timers to SEA 🙂

Äventyrsresenär says

12/11/2016 at 6:11 am

Hi there Kristin,

Just stumbled on your blog and as a former expat in Asia I’m glad to see you covered some useful tips and advice when traveling around this region. I haven’t read all of your posts for this particular adventure… you mentioned some stuff you did in the south of thailand and indonesia and malaysia, was it scuba diving? Would love to know more, did you write a post about these travel experiences as well?

Have a great weekend, Sam aka “Äventyrsresenären”

12/11/2016 at 11:15 am

Sure did! Scroll down to SCUBA diving on this active adventures page and you can see what I wrote about: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/outdoor-travel-blog/

12/13/2016 at 3:22 am

I am going away for 6 weeks on boxing day to Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia. What would you say is the best way to carry money as i will need three different currencies.

12/15/2016 at 8:59 pm

get it from ATMs

Agness of a TukTuk says

02/14/2017 at 12:39 am

Wow, this is great! I learned a thing or two I could’ve done better when I was in SEA. It’s affordable travel, but it could even be made more affordable. There’s something about the people in SEA that totally makes me want to go back.

02/22/2017 at 9:29 pm

Hi Kristin, Thank you for the tips, I have traveled around the world but most of them were with the US Marine Corps. I am just finishing up grad school this May and will travel for the first time that is not work related. I will be traveling for 3 months and want to start with Thailand, and end in Australia. I don’t drink (I am hoping that will save me some money) and I don’t have any other habits that will cost me more (want to get a scuba license though). I like the couchsurfing idea (do you know any other option if I don’t find accommodations for free?). What safety advice would you give me (specially if I was in military in my past life) and i believe I have most of the immunization done through military deployments. Where would I be able to learn to surf for cheap or even free in any of these countries that you have visited in SE asia? Thank you, Michael

02/22/2017 at 11:50 pm

There’s no surf except for in Indonesia, I’m fairly certain. As for safety, just be smart. If you don’t drink then that’ll help a lot with money and with not getting into trouble. Dorms are so cheap, if you can’t couchsurf then go for those.

Therie says

03/12/2017 at 7:35 am

You really can’t miss scuba diving in SE Asia. It’s a must and the experience is absolutely worth the money. Thank you for putting this together Kristin! Your blog is so awesome, great tips and recommendations, keep it up!

03/14/2017 at 6:48 am

Glad you liked it! I totally agree, I wouldn’t have wanted to experience SEA without the diving. It was worth every penny!

06/15/2017 at 11:43 am

Has anyone tried camping in South Asia or have any experience with it? I’m considering that 🙂

Piotr Kowalski says

09/26/2017 at 4:53 am

This is a very good post and I definitely was looking for something like this. I’m planning a long term trip to Asia next year and the information you have put here will make me change my plans a little. I didn’t know that Laos and Cambodia are so damn cheap, $2 for a bed is nearly like for free or to put it into perspective, I couldn’t even buy a nice sandwich in Europe for that amount. Which place/country you liked the most from them all that you’ve seen in south east Asia?

09/26/2017 at 7:03 am

I like them all for different reasons! Laos was pretty special, though, as was Cambodia, because they were a little less popular.

Abdulrahman Ameen says

11/26/2017 at 7:44 am

This is what I was just searching for. I’m planing to go to a trip to Southeast Asia soon but I have already visited Malaysia, So now I’m Planing to go to Cambodia,Vietnam,Indonesia, Philippines ,Thailand and Myanmar. But a lot of people told me Laos, Vietnam And Cambodia are much similar and they told me you can just go to Cambodia so what do you think of that? and how long should I take to visit these countries with how much budget like estimating ?

11/26/2017 at 9:26 am

I don’t think they’re similar at all. Each has its own unique culture and landscape and things to see. I think a month in each country is good if you can.

Valentina Greene says

07/28/2019 at 1:11 pm

Love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing.

07/31/2019 at 8:44 am

Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed reading your post, and it is very helpful for me to plan my next trip.

08/02/2019 at 4:46 am

Great post! It will be very helpful to those who are planning to the trip and the pics are very nice.

Daniel Gallo says

08/30/2019 at 12:20 am

Where do you get the money to do this if your on Min. Wage? im lucky if after all the bills are paid i have 100$ left. like a 1k a year. it take me over a decade to do something like this?

09/02/2019 at 9:53 am

You might find this helpful https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-afford-solo-female-travel/

Brendon says

11/16/2019 at 5:27 pm

Great article. I always save up and pay for insurance and the main flight ahead of time and then just pretend that money vanished ? And then I budget from there with my remaining money. Fortunely I’m Canadian and don’t have to pay for immunization. But again the CAD dollar is much weaker thanks USD. Stay in places longer and travel slower saved me hell of alot more money ?

Mary Smith says

01/03/2020 at 2:39 am

Great post! it will be very helpful for planning any trip to Aisa.

01/21/2024 at 11:11 pm

Great article. I’d also suggest a good tip on money in SE Asia. Atms are a good way of getting cash and you can use apps like ATM Fee Saver – it helps finding the fee-free and lower fee Atms in the region along with withdrawal limits for foreign card holers. worth adding to your list of tricks!

What is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and why is it in May?

A sian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed from May 1 to May 31. It celebrates AAPI culture, history and the stories of more than 20.6 million Americans per the U.S Census.

The AAPI population encompasses people from a wide swath of the world, including cultures from East, Southeast and South Asia, the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, MassLive will highlight AAPI leaders across the state.

But what is AAPI Heritage Month? Why is it celebrated and how was it established?

Rep. Frank Horton, R-NY, and Senator Daniel Inouye, D-HI, introduced two separate bills into Congress in 1977 that would designate the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, according to History.com .

The reason for choosing May was to commemorate two historical days for the AAPI community, according to the bills drafted by Horton and Inouye. The first was to celebrate May 7, 1843, the date when a 14-year-old Japanese boy named Nakahama Manjirō and his shipwrecked crew came to the United States after they were found by Capt. William Whitfield. Whitfield adopted the boy and brought him to his home state of Massachusetts — making Manjiro the first Japanese person to immigrate to the United States.

The second day commemorated in the bills was May 10, 1869 — the completion of the transcontinental railroad. A total of 12,000 Chinese immigrants made up the majority of those working on the railroad, and helped lay down tracks to connect the western part of the railroad to the eastern half.

Both these bills failed, but Horton introduced an identical bill the following year, which was approved by both the House and Senate and then signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. In 1979, the first Heritage Week was celebrated with an official proclamation by Carter.

In 1992, Congress voted to expand Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week into a month-wide observance, which President George H.W. Bush signed into law that year. In 2009, the name Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was rebranded as AAPI Heritage Month after President Barack Obama expanded the month to include the recognition of Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians.

The AAPI community is comprised of people who are from or have family that have come from several different countries, including China, Japan, Cambodia, India, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Polynesia, Laos, the Hawaiian Islands, the Marshall Islands and more.

According to the 2020 U.S. census, the AAPI population in Massachusetts is 504,900, with Boston and Quincy having the highest and second-highest AAPI populations in the state, respectively. Throughout May, Boston will be home to several events celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, such as an AAPI 5k race on May 18 and an AAPI comedy festival at the Rozzie Square Theater from May 24 to May 25 .

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