travel asia guide

From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of adventure, solace and spirituality that it has fixated and confounded travelers for centuries.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi

Wat Pho is our absolute favorite among Bangkok's biggest sights. In fact, the compound incorporates a host of superlatives: the city's largest reclining…

Fuji Five Lakes

Fuji-san is among Japan's most revered and timeless attractions, the inspiration for generations of poets and the focus of countless artworks. Hundreds of…

War Remnants Museum

Ho Chi Minh City

To understand the US invasion of Vietnam, and contextualize its devastating impact on the country's civilians, this remarkable and deeply moving museum is…

Tokyo National Museum

Ueno & Yanesen

If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including…

Polonnaruwa

Part of Parakramabahu I’s northern monastery, Gal Vihara is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sinhalese rock…

Po Lin Monastery & Big Buddha

Po Lin is a huge Buddhist monastery and temple complex that was built in 1924. Today it seems more of a tourist honeypot than a religious retreat,…

A still, serene and deeply moving place, Nagasaki's Peace Park commemorates the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945, which reduced the…

This cable-hauled funicular railway has been scaling the 396m ascent to the highest point on Hong Kong Island since 1888. A ride on this clanking tram is…

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Asia and beyond

Ultimate ASIA Travel Guide

Asia  holds some of the most beautiful, diverse and fascinating landscapes and cultures on the planet. It spans an enormous surface of the earth and is a part of the world that we’ve been to several times. This Asia travel guide is designed to help you navigate the different areas and plan an amazing trip.

Located to the west of  Oceania  and to the east of  Europe ,  Africa , and the  Middle East , the Asian continent is divided into five distinct regions, each one offering a completely different flare to the others.

North Asia  pretty much holds only the massive country of Russia and features the great wilds of Siberia.

Central Asia  is one of our favorite places to travel in Asia. It features 5 countries, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, that make up the epicenter of the historical Silk Road route. The rich trade history blends with the intriguing Nomadic cultures of the steppe to offer a travel experience that’s hard to find in other places.

East Asia  showcases the traditional Asian culture that most people think of with 7 countries including Mongolia, Tibet, China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan.

South Asia , also known as the India Sub-Continent, is a place where seasoned travelers go for some culture shock. This region is made up of 6 countries including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan.

Southeast Asia  is so different from the rest of Asia that we’ve broken it off in an  entirely separate   Southeast Asia travel guide . This region is made up of x countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia , Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines.

Collectively, we’ve spent nearly a full year of time traveling the vast expanses of this region. That’s a lot of time with boots on the ground. We haven’t been to every country on this continent, yet, but we hope to provide you with some insight to help plan your own trip to this fascinating part of the world.

Destinations

Asia travel: quick tips, don’t visit asia without:.

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ASIA BUCKET LIST

See the great wall of china.

Hands down the most iconic attraction in Asia, the Great Wall of China stretches 13,171 miles, with all of its branches. Consider  walking the Great Wall of China  to see multiple sections over several days.

STAND AT THE DOOR TO HELL

The Darvaza Gas Crater is affectionately named the Door to Hell by locals and is far off the beaten path within the borders of  Turkmenistan . It was lit more than 30 years ago and still burns today. 

ESCAPE TO THE MALDIVES

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a nation of 1,192 islands and is an absolute paradise. You’ll find  world-class scuba diving  and idyllic beaches to set the stage for the many  things to do in the Maldives  on your visit.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN ASIA

There is no shortage of great things to do in Asia during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our country guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

SEE THE TAJ MAHAL: (India)  The  Taj Mahal  is the main icon of India due to its sheer size and beauty. It’s located just outside of  Agra  and is literally part of every India tour that includes  Rajasthan  in its itinerary. Hot tip, go early to avoid huge crowds.

TOUR THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE: (India)  If you’re visiting India for the first time, chances are high that your tour will focus on exploring the sites around the  Golden Triangle of India . Aptly named because a high number of iconic sites fall within relatively close distance. You’ll start in  Delhi  and visit  Jaipur  and Agra. There are often deviations to other places such as  Udaipur ,  Jodhpur  and  Pushkar , to name a few.

EXPERIENCE VARANASI: (India)  If you seek a direct immersion into the strong religious culture of India, then you should head directly to  Varanasi . It is here, on the banks of the might Ganges River, that people are transitioned to the afterlife. Rituals are performed daily and it is also possible to take boat trips along the river. We also recommend that you wander the narrow and winding streets of the city too.

SPOT LEOPARDS IN YALA NATIONAL PARK: (Sri Lanka)  One of the best places in the world to view Leopards in the wild is Sri Lanka. I know that comes as a surprise, many people think it’s only possible in Africa,  but the viewing here is actually really good in the right seasons.  Yala National Park  likes on the southeast corner of the country and connects to several other parks and preserves so you’ll have fun spotting a multitude of other wildlife while on safari here.

TAKE AN ELEPHANT SAFARI: (Sri Lanka)  There are plenty of great  safaris in Sri Lanka , and aside from leopards, elephants are the main draw for them. While you can see them literally all over the country, the best places to view them are in the north-central province at either  Kaudulla National Park  or Minneriya National Park. The two border each other and the animals migrate between them depending on the season.

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN ARAGUM BAY: (Sri Lanka)  If you like off the beaten path beach towns, then you’ll want to put  Arugam Bay  on your  Sri Lanka itinerary . Not only does it tout one of the  best beaches in Sri Lanka , but it is also laid back and quiet making for a relaxed experience when compared to the more popular  Mirissa  area beaches.

DISCOVER TIBET: (China)   It won’t be easy and it won’t be cheap, but it  will  be worth it. While the  Tibet Autonomous Region  has been occupied by China since 1951 it is a place that exists uniquely separate from China in everything but political control. Traveling overland is the best way to experience this region, especially if you make the trip from Lhasa to  Mount Everest .

SEE GIANT PANDAS: (China)  One of the most unique things you can do in China is to see the Giant Pandas. They rarely exist in the wild, however, a series of wildlife sanctuaries have been set up in the Sichuan province near Chengdu. It is here that you can learn more about them and even  volunteer to help care for Pandas .

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND BEIJING: (China)  Beijing  has one of the most diverse and lively street food scenes in the world. Navigating your way through the  Beijing street food  will leave you both surprised and satisfied.

VISIT THE DMZ & NORTH KOREA BORDER: (South Korea)  There are few places in the world as tense as the demarcation line between North and  South Korea . If you find yourself in Seoul, we’d recommend that you book a  DMZ tour  to learn more about the conflict between the two countries and what it’s like to share a peninsula. For the more adventurous, you can also book a  tour to Panmunjeom  to visit the demarcation line and see North Korean soldiers.

SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SEOUL: (South Korea)  Seoul was a city that completely surprised us when we visited. If there was ever a perfect blend between Western and Asian cultures, it happens in this city. From the  food scene  to the  temples  and the craziness of the Gangnam district, Seoul is worth at least a week of your time.

WITNESS KOK BORU: (Kyrgyzstan)  The first time we saw a game of  Kok Boru  we were speechless. Chances are you will be too. This national game of Kyrgyzstan is played on horseback with a dead goat acting as the ball. It’s a proud game of the Central Asian nomads and a must-see when traveling the region, especially in Kyrgyzstan.

HIKE IN THE TIAN SHAN MOUNTAINS: (Kyrgyzstan)  As the Himilayas work their way to the north and into Central Asia, they become the Tian Shan Mountains. This transition loses none of the spectacular beauty and is one of the best places to hike in Asia. Head to  Kyrgyzstan for trekking  in the spectacular Jeti Oguz Valley and the surrounding mountain routes.

SEE REGISTAN SQUARE: (Uzbekistan)  This is the most spectacular singular architecture we have seen during our Asia travels. Yes, even when compared to the Taj Mahal. Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan is a towering sight to behold. It features classic onion domes and huge archways that are decorated with bright blue tiles. It’s also a spectacular place to mingle with the locals, as the interior of the square is set up daily as a local wares market too.

WANDER THE ANCIENT STREETS OF KHIVA: (Uzbekistan)  If you like old world, then you should head straight for Khiva, Uzbekistan. This walled city was once a destination in itself along the silk road and the same mud walls that traders passed through in ancient times still stand today. The interior features some of the most beautiful architecture in the country, behind Registan, and was our favorite city in Uzbekistan.

TOUR THE WHITE MARBLE CITY OF ASHGABAT: (Turkmenistan)  Awe, strange and bizarre, the  capital of Turkmenistan , Ashgabat is constructed almost exclusively with white marble. When we asked our guide about why this was done, he simply said to us  ‘because someday, after humanity has failed and cities have fallen, someone will discover the ruins of this city and know that the city of Ashgabat was a grand city of white marble.’ 

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

The food is one of the most exciting things to enjoy when you travel to Asia. This is one of the best and  most diverse foodie regions in the world . The one constant throughout Asia is  street food , so don’t be afraid to dig in with the locals!

In South Asia, you’ll be treated to  hot curries , naan bread, and Biryanis. In Southeast Asia, you’ve Thai food, Vietnamese food, Malaysian food, and so much more to enjoy.

Chinese food is incredibly diverse, while Japanese delicacies such as  Ramen  and  Sushi  are a must-eat.

Central Asia is a built around hearty staples like potatoes and are always meat-centric. You can’t visit the region without tucking into a bowl of  Lagman , while North Asia is heavily influenced by Russian cuisine. In short, you’re never going to go hungry when you travel to Asia.

ASIA FESTIVALS

If you’re visiting Asia, you’re going to run into an event or festival at any time of year. In East Asia and Southeast Asia,  New Year  celebrations are the biggest events. In Vietnam, it’s  Tet ; in Thailand,  Songkran , and, of course, there’s  Chinese New Year .

In South Asia, there are famed events such as  Holi , and there are countless more religious and cultural celebrations.

In Central Asia, the summer months bring nomad games. This includes the  Nadaam Festival  in Mongolia,  Salburuun Fesitval  in Kyrgyzstan and every 2 year on the even years, the  World Nomad Games , to name a few.

In Muslim majority countries, you have  Eid , the end of  Ramadan . Plus, every nation has its own national or  independence day  to celebrate.

LOOKING FOR SOME TRIP INSPIRATION?

Popular regions in asia, central asia.

Central Asia includes Kazakhstan,  Kyrgyzstan ,  Uzbekistan , Tajikistan, and  Turkmenistan . It encompasses the unique and emerging travel destinations of the former Soviet Union. This is where you’ll find the Stans, but they aren’t quite as similar as you might think. Travel across Kazakhstan by train and visit the modern cities of Astana and Almaty before heading to Kyrgyzstan, where you can live and trek like a nomad in the mountains. Tajikistan is where you’ll find the Pamir Highway, one of the highest altitude  road trips  in the world. Uzbekistan is the land of ancient Silk Road cities, marvelous architecture, and tasty food. Turkmenistan is bizarre: you’ll find marble cities and the endless fires of the Gates of Hell here.

North Asia is the most under-visited part of the vast continent, but it’s perfect for adventurous travelers looking to get off the beaten path. North Asia is essentially  Russia , a vast and empty part of the world that can be difficult to travel around. You’ll need visas, patience, and some language skills. Ride the Trans-Siberian, visit the endless steppes of eastern Russia, and end up in the remote city of Vladivostok or the untouched Kamchatka Peninsula.

East Asia is a diverse and vast region consisting of Mongolia,  Tibet ,  China , Japan, North Korea,  South Korea , and Taiwan. You can spend endless weeks traveling through China, exploring vast megacities, ancient archeological sites, and incredible nature. In Tibet, see the roof of the world as you admire the Himalayan mountains and unique culture. In Korea, enjoy the modern sights of Seoul before you stare over the DMZ at the north –  you could even take a trip from China to North Korea if you dare. Japan is the land of high-speed trains, Onsen baths, and incredible food, while Taiwan is the island nation where you’ll find more traditional Chinese culture than you ever could on the mainland.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

In  Southeast Asia , you can backpack or enjoy luxury; eat cheap street food, or dine at fancy restaurants. There’s so much to see and to do in this part of Asia. Enjoy the islands of  Thailand  or  the Philippines , the food of  Malaysia  and  Singapore , the culture and history of  Myanmar  or  Vietnam , or the untouched jungles of  Borneo  or  Indonesia . Or, of course, you could eat, pray, and love in  Bali .

South Asia is a huge region and one that can often be a huge culture shock to first-time travelers. This region includes  India , Nepal, Bangladesh,  Sri Lanka , Bhutan, and the  Maldives . In Nepal, you can trek in the Himalayas, while in Bhutan, you can be immersed in a sheltered nation hidden away from the world. India needs little introduction is probably the most visited country in this region, next to Nepal, and will delight with its color and food. Sri Lanka offers beautiful beaches and highland scenery. To be honest, this is one of our favorite countries in the world. It offers beaches, culture, food, and safaris. Head to Bangladesh to get off the beaten track or the Maldives for a tropical island escape.

ASIA TRAVEL BUDGET

Travel costs vary from one region to the next. In general, for Asia travel itineraries focused in the east, you’ll need more spending money than other destinations.

Setting a budget for travel to Asia is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in Asia on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Asia. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Accommodation can be found for as little as a few USD per night, averaging USD 10 for  dorm rooms or budget hotels . A midrange Asia travel itinerary will need at least USD 50 per night for  private accommodation  (double this for Japan or Korea).  Luxury accommodation  can be as low as USD 100 per night in Southeast Asia or South Asia, but much more in East Asia.

FOOD:  Food is inexpensive across the entire continent. If you eat in  local restaurants  and at  street food stalls , you’ll pay between 1 USD and 5 USD per meal (even in places like Singapore!).  Restaurant meals  will be between USD 10 and USD 20 per person.

TRANSPORT: Local buses  and  trains  can cost just a few USD per ride, and  flights  from one country to the next are good value with budget airlines. Costs vary between countries, but in general, transport won’t break the bank. In Japan, save money with a rail pass.

ACTIVITIES:  Activity costs are inexpensive in South, Southeast, and Central Asia.  Diving  can be as little as USD 30 per tank, while  multi-day hiking treks  in the Himalayas will cost just USD 50 per day. In East Asia and North Asia, factor in more for your Asia travel activities.

20-100 USD PER DAY

Budget travel will vary from as low as USD 20 per day in South Asia and Southeast Asia, up to USD 100 per day in East Asia (particularly Japan). This budget will allow you to stay in dorms or basic guesthouses, eat local street food and travel via local transport with only a few paid activities and tours.

50-250 USD PER DAY

Midrange travelers will need a budget of USD 50 up to USD 250, depending on the region. This is for private rooms, a mix of restaurants and street food, and plenty of activities. Generally, the further south you head in Asia, the further your dollar will stretch and the more you can do.

100 USD + PER DAY

Luxury travelers will need upwards of USD 100 per day in South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia for a luxury Asia travel itinerary. Your money goes much further in these destinations than in East Asia, where you’ll need a budget upwards of USD 250 per day for luxury hotels and experiences.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN ASIA

Asia travel itineraries will need to factor in a range of buses, trains, boats, flights, shared taxis, tuk-tuks, and many more modes of transport.

Buses are the most common mode of transport, but trains are incredibly popular in mainland Asia. The quickest way to get around is by flying, particularly if you are including multiple countries on your bucket list when you travel to Asia.

In Japan, the Japan Rail pass will save you lots of money on transport. Depending on the region you plan to visit, your options will vary. Plan ahead and be flexible.

TOURS:  Don’t discount this style of travel for exploring some of the more difficult regions in Asia. Some of the countries, such as Turkmenistan, North Korea and Tibet, are not possible to visit unless you are being guided. Tours are a great way to travel through Central Asia, for example, because there is a lack of transportation between cities.

CRUISES:  Asia cruises are very popular and ply the waters along the entire eastern coast of China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, India and Sri Lanka. You can see A LOT of ports if you book an Asia cruise.

CAR RENTAL:  On the islands themselves, you might want to consider renting a car to get around. Most islands – aside from the larger islands in the north, such as Cuba – can be driven around in a day, and you’ll be able to stop off and explore as and when you like. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

FLIGHTS:  If you’re short on time and visiting places that are not easily reached by bus, flying is your best option. There are a number of regional carries throughout Asia that will serve the major cities, and popular regions, just about anywhere you go. They range from extremely cheap budget airlines in Southeast Asia to more well-known carriers like Air India.

BUS:  Bus travel is possible all across Asia, of course, dependent again on the destination, and is an affordable yet slow option for moving around. It is important to check bus schedules though and have a backup plan in case they aren’t running.

TRAINS:  If you love train travel, so some of the iconic and adventurous train trips in the world can be experienced in Asia. This includes the Trans-Siberian train route that stretches from Moscow to the far east across Siberia in Russia. India and Bangladesh both have extensive train systems to support both local and luxury train options. In China, trains will get you into the deep corners of a fascinating country.

TOP ASIA TOURS

5 stans of the silk road.

26 Days Bishkek to Ashgabat Visits: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

EXPLORE INDIA & NEPAL

17 Days Delhi to Kathmandu Visits: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Pokhara, Chitwan NP, Kathmandu

TIBET ADVENTURE

15 Days Beijing to Kathmandu Visits: Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongbuk, Tingri & Kyirong

WHEN TO VISIT ASIA

Asia is an enormous part of the world, and the climate and weather vary dramatically from one country to the next.

Northern Asia  is characterized by severe winters: places like Siberia are some of the coldest places in the world. In summer, though, the temperatures can be roasting hot. Either time of year, however, there are few tourists in this part of Asia!

Central Asia  also experiences extremes of weather, with hot summers and cold winters. The height of summer is best avoided unless you stick to the higher altitude mountains. This is a place best visited in spring or fall.

East Asia  is a much more temperate Asia travel destination, with the traditional four seasons in Korea, Japan, and much of China. You can visit all through the year, but remember that summer is generally the peak season to travel to Asia!

South Asia  is where things begin to get more tropical, but the climate varies spectacularly. There are distinct wet and dry seasons. You should aim to travel during a region’s dry season for the best South Asia travel experience. The northern Himalayas are cold in winter, the deserts of Rajasthan are hot and dry for most of the year, and the coast of Sri Lanka sees multiple monsoons!

Southeast Asia  is tropical, too, with wet and dry seasons. Again, head here in the dry season for the best travel experience.

For more specific information, check out:

• Best Time to Visit the Maldives
• Best Time to Visit Bali
• Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

PLAN A TRIP TO SOUTHEAST ASIA!

Safety in asia.

When you travel to Asia, you’re very likely to have a safe travel experience. The region is large and diverse, but also welcoming and hospitable. As with anywhere in the world, travelers need to be aware of their belongings, as petty theft can occur anywhere.

Scams can be common in major tourist destinations, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. While they are annoying, they are mostly harmless.

Importantly, travelers should be aware of the customs and culture of each country they visit. What is accepted in one region will be different in another. Try to research a region’s laws and religions before you arrive, so you don’t cause offense.

Solo female travelers may experience harassment in some parts of the region if they travel to Asia, particularly South Asia.

We’ve traveled all over Asia and had mostly positive experiences but stuff does happen, even to experienced travelers. The best advice we can give is to be educated and prepared. Have a look at our  25 Essential Safety Tips for Travel  to make sure you’re on the ball for your next trip.

ASIA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Asia travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Asia and start planning your dream trip.

42 Top Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan (Pro Guide)

15 unreal maldives beaches you cannot miss, best time to visit the maldives: month by month breakdown, 16 unforgettable things to do in tibet, 21 incredible things to do in delhi, india (for first time visitors), best time to visit sri lanka: month by month breakdown, 10 best places to visit in rajasthan (for a perfect itinerary), 16 unmissable things to do in beijing, golden triangle of india: ultimate itinerary & planning tips, ultimate guide to the sigiriya lion rock in sri lanka, polonnaruwa in sri lanka: best sights & travel tips, 6 best places to visit in north india (do not skip these), inside the capital of turkmenistan: ashgabat is a strange place, best sri lanka safari: 8 park comparison guide, ultimate trip to maldives planning guide, 20 unmissable things to do in south korea, 9 best things to do in amritsar, india (plus travel tips), turkmenistan travel guide: an inside look at a bizarre nation, essential uzbekistan travel guide: everything we wish we’d known, ultimate sri lanka itinerary: 2 weeks to 4 weeks, 10 epic things to do in ella, sri lanka.

Luxury travel in Asia: A journey of indulgence and discovery

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• Vientiane Travel Guide

Explore Asia's Most Beautiful Destinations to Travel

Look, folks, if you’re not planning a trip to asia,, you’re doing it wrong. big time..

Asia is the goddamn continent of contrasts.

You’ve got your bustling metropolises like Tokyo and Seoul,

where neon lights and skyscrapers pierce the sky like a drunken dragon’s breath.

And then you’ve got your serene villages nestled

among lush rice paddies and ancient temples, where time seems to slow down to a crawl.

Oh, the food.

From the fiery curries of Thailand to the delicate sushi of Japan, your taste buds will be on a rollercoaster ride of flavor.

And don’t even get me started on the street food.

You’ll be chowing down on everything from skewered meats to fried insects, and you’ll love every damn bite.

The people?

Warm, welcoming, and always up for a good time.

You’ll make friends wherever you go, and you’ll be invited into homes for tea and conversation.

And if you’re lucky, you might even get to witness a traditional ceremony or festival.

So what are you waiting for?

Book your flight to Asia today.

And if you see me on the streets, don’t be afraid to say hi. I’ll be the one with the big grin and the even bigger appetite.

Now go forth and explore, you magnificent bastards!

Thailand Travel Guide

Vietnam Travel Guide

Myanmar Travel Guide

Indonesia Travel Guide

Our asia travel guide blog.

FAQs About Travelling to Asia

The best time to visit Asia depends on the country you are visiting. Some countries, such as Thailand and Cambodia , have a tropical climate with a hot and humid rainy season. Other countries, such as China and Japan, have a more temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia include:

• Thailand : Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi
• Vietnam : Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An
• Cambodia : Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Phnom Penh
• Indonesia: Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok
• Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima
• China: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Hong Kong
• India: New Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), Mumbai, Jaipur

Asia has a lot to offer visitors, including:

• Visit ancient temples and ruins
• Explore bustling cities and markets
• Relax on beautiful beaches
• Hike in lush rainforests
• Experience unique cultures and traditions
• Enjoy delicious food

Here are a few tips for traveling in Asia:

• Be prepared for the heat and humidity.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other scams.
• Be prepared for power outages and other disruptions.
• Pack light so that you can easily move around.

The best way to plan your trip to Asia is to start by deciding which countries you want to visit and what you want to do. Once you have a general idea of your itinerary, you can start to book your flights, hotels , and tours.

Go Asia Guide can help you plan every detail of your trip. We have a team of travel experts who are available to answer your questions and help you book your travel arrangements.

We also offer a variety of travel guides and resources to help you learn more about the countries you are visiting.

The visa requirements for travel to Asia vary depending on your nationality and the country you are visiting. It is important to check the visa requirements for your specific trip in advance. You can usually find this information on the website of the country's embassy or consulate.

The currency in Asia varies depending on the country you are visiting. Some of the most common currencies include the Thai baht (THB) , the Vietnamese dong (VND) , the Cambodian riel (KHR) , and the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). It is important to check the exchange rate for the currency of the country you are visiting before you travel.

Asia is the largest and most populous continent in the world, and it is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating cultures on the planet. Asia is the largest and most populous continent in the world, and it is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating cultures on the planet. 

FAQs About GoAsiaGuide

Go Asia Guide is the most comprehensive and up-to-date travel guide for Asia. We provide information on over 50 countries, including visa requirements, currency exchange rates, popular tourist destinations, and more. We also offer flight booking, hotel booking, and tour booking services.

Go Asia Guide is for anyone who is interested in traveling to Asia, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler. We provide information and resources for all types of travelers, including budget travelers, luxury travelers, and families.

Go Asia Guide provides a wide range of information on Asian countries, including:

• Visa requirements
• Currency exchange rates
• Popular tourist destinations
• Things to do
• Food to eat
• Transportation options
• Accommodation options
• Tips for traveling

the ultimate travel guide to Asia

The beauty of travelling to Asia is the varied sights, tastes, sounds and smells you can experience. From skiing in Japan to sweating it out at a yoga class in Ubud to sampling spicy food at a street parade in Thailand … it’s a true adventure for the senses. We outline all the best of Asia and its countries in our Asia travel guide here.

From Tokyo Bay by boat to Nepal like a local and ancient discoveries from Tibet to Sri Lanka, there’s no end to the rich experiences and adventures that Asia has in store.

Top Destinations In Asia

Best places to visit in Asia

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8 world wonders to experience in 2024

The world is a wondrous place, filled with landscapes shaped by natural phenomena, age-old civilisations and awe-inspiri...

Beautiful Bali is on the hit list for many Australian travellers thanks to the short flight from our shores. Strolling the beachside shops in Seminyak , escaping to the rice paddies in Ubud or partying in Kuta, there really is something for everyone here.

Thailand is another popular spot. Bustling Bangkok is a shopper’s delight while the sun-drenched islands will lure those in search of a beach holiday. To see the more traditional side of Thailand head to Chiang Mai in the mountains.

Japan is officially one of the hottest travel destinations right now. With its rich culture, beautifully refined cuisine and brightly lit capital Tokyo , it’s no wonder so many people are flocking to this part of the world.

For the more adventurous traveller, India might be the place to go. Spicy cuisine, beautiful people, stunning beaches and energetic cities are the order of the day in India.

More than just a stop-over en route to Europe , Singapore has come into its own as a travel destination with its incredible hotel offerings and world class cuisine.

Explore the rich and multicultural nature of Malaysia , south-east Asia’s most colourful of paradises. The term ‘cultural melting pot’ can be too readily thrown about, but Malaysia really does live up to the hype.

Cambodia offers Siem Reap, considered to be one of the world’s most incredible cities, and some incredible hidden beaches and towns along the mighty Mekong.

Vietnam offers travellers scenic treasures in the form of jungle mountain vistas, heavenly beaches and also modern, constantly changing cities where there is every modern luxury while also paying homage to the traditional culture and design of pre- and post-colonial times.

China and Hong Kong are where you’ll find some of the world’s most amazing food. The shopping in this part of the world is also something to write home about.

In Asia, Laos is certainly a highpoint. From the verdant city of Luang Prabang and its spectacular Kuang Si waterfalls, to the peaceful town of Vang Vieng, this is a trip that is as captivating as it is relaxing.

And let’s not forget Sri Lanka – the destination that is now popping up on many a travel mag’s hot list, thanks so it’s unique landscape, stunning beaches, formidable cuisine and broad range of accommodation options.

There really is something for everyone.

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How to plan a trip to Asia

The hottest openings and travel news you missed in Asia

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Any month you want to travel you’ll be able to find somewhere in Asia with great weather. The only thing to try and avoid weather-wise is monsoon season, and this varies from country to country depending on its geographical location. So our advice is to look up the monsoon season for the country you’re thinking of travelling to and try and work around that.

With so many budget airlines flying between Asia and Australia you can land some really cheap flights. Sign up to the carriers like Scoot, Air Asia and Jetstar to keep on top of cheap flight alerts.

Some part of Asia require vaccinations and visas as well, so be sure to check out the Australian government’s Smart Traveller website for information regarding your specific destination.

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What to do in Asia

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If you’re after a high-octane holiday there are all sorts of rugged outdoor adventures to have in Asia, whether it be speed boat rides, wildlife expeditions, hikes, diving, skiing trips or surfing safaris. Alternatively, if you want to simply spend your mornings shopping, your afternoons lying by the pool and your evenings eating at some of the world’s greatest restaurants, Asia can deliver that too. If you’re a history buff, the countries of Asia also deliver some of the most enthralling cultural experiences on the planet.

Beaches in Asia

The geographical location of Asia makes it the ideal place for a beach holiday. Balmy weather and warm waters make this a sun-seeker’s paradise.

Thailand is famed for its islands such as Phuket , Koh Samui , and Koh Phangan , where excellent resorts abound. Krabi appears to be the next big destination according to latest travel stats and we can see why. It’s nowhere near as busy as the tourist hotspots in Thailand and offers some of its most striking scenery. The area’s stunning natural beauty is a drawcard. Limestone formations soar above the Andaman Sea and white sand beaches are met by turquoise waters. You’ll feel like you’re a world away in a tropical paradise.

Bali is a mecca for surfing enthusiasts (as well as sunbakers in Seminyak and Lombok), India has the beaches of Goa , Sri Lanka will take your breath away with its white sandy shores and the Maldives is one of the most sought-after beach locations in the world.

Malaysia and Cambodia also have their fair share of excellent beaches that are a little more off the beaten tourist track.

Phu Quoc is just one hour’s flight south of Saigon, but it’s Vietnam’s most underrated island – full of stunning bays and empty white beaches, bustling seafood markets and sunset bars along its western coastline where simple barefoot restaurants serve fresh seafood to travellers.

The islands of the Philippines are also known for their magnificent beaches ( and there’s more to it than just Boracay ).

Cultural experiences in Asia

Asia is a destination with an astounding, ancient and fabled history, where traditional cultures collide with bustling, modern cities; with a cuisine so diverse and full of flavour you’ll be watering at the mouth; and whose people are eager to share their land and stories with you.

From traditional tea ceremonies in Japan to exploring the Hindu temples of India and giving an offering to Buddha in China, this is an area teeming with authentic cultural experiences.

Perhaps you’d like to experience geisha culture on a trip to Japan or explore the Temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

In Vietnam you can experience the country’s colonial past, even encountering its famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where many resistance activities took place during the Vietnam War. Cruise down the Mekong Delta, experience the picturesque beauty of Halong Bay and see the beautiful Po Nagar Cham Towers of Qui Nhon.

India is home to some incredible grand palaces and Jaipur is the jewel in the crown of the country. The pink blush of the incredible architecture here will take your breath away.

Home to 10 of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, Nepal has got to be on your bucket list. Spend a day in Kathmandu acclimatising to the Himalayan altitude before getting to grips with local markets, ornate temples and traditional dancing.

The Great Wall of China stretches 8,850 kilometres from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert, built from brick, stone, earth and wood in the seventh century BC to keep northern raiders at bay. Nothing can prepare you for the awe of the Great Wall as it snakes along the mountain ridges as far as the eye can see.

The ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar is home to the largest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world, with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. As many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood in the area around Bagan, and to this day, more than 2200 standing ancient temples rise from the green plains.

Cities in Asia

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Tokyo is the city that never unplugs. Bright lights, 24-hour dining opportunities, crazy experiences and colourful characters are absolutely everywhere.

If you love food, head to Kuala Lumpur (affectionately known as KL), where many of the best epicurean experiences in Malaysia – from hawker stalls to high-end restaurants – are ready to be digested.

Seoul has a remarkable cityscape of ancient World Heritage-listed architecture and sparkling skyscrapers, an innovative tech-obsessed culture, amazing cuisine and fabulous street food (hello Korean BBQ), bustling markets, an energetic nightlife and kooky K-Pop culture.

Bustling Beijing will knock your socks off. Areas such as Simatai or Jinshanling are not visited as much and therefore have fewer tourists. Also, the Huanghuacheng area is a particularly scenic area of the wall that can be seen by boat.

Ho Chi Minh City is a frenetic destination of contrasts: bustling alleyways, sleek skyscrapers, tasty street food, first-class dining venues, French Colonial architecture and reminders of the harrowing American War.

Situated on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam’s second largest city and capital. In its heart, the centuries-old Old Quarter is a cultural hotspot.

With 101-hectare waterfront park Gardens by the Bay, Singapore is a picturesque city. Try something different and go to Singapore Zoo in the morning for ‘Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife’, where you’ll eat your brekky with orangutans.

Kyoto delivers Buddhist temples, ancient wooden houses, zen rock gardens and geishas, all nestled within the confines of the neighbouring mountains.

Bangkok’s night markets are the stuff of legends (don’t miss the street food), and Hong Kong is one of the most hyper-lit and compelling cities in the world.

The metropolis of Shanghai is a fascinating city to survey from afar; all those flashing lights and sharp-edged skyscrapers each trying to be taller than the last – but hit the streets (face mask optional) and you will find a modern city thriving on change but still retaining its soul.

Last but not least – from garish to gritty, historic to heart-wrenching, Mumbai will take your breath away with its frenetic energy.

Animal experiences in Asia

Ethical encounters with endangered Asian elephants – where you observe and possibly interact with them but refrain from riding – can be a highlight of visiting this part of the world. Just make sure to do your research when choosing an elephant encounter.

India has some of the richest biodiversity in the world, and the array of animals that call this country home is breathtaking. There are about 400 species of mammals, 1250 birds, 460 reptiles, 240 amphibians and 2550 fish – among the highest species count for any country.

Take a wildlife-watching excursion to one of India’s famous national parks such as Ranthambore, Pench, Kanha or Bandhavgarh. Tigers, elephants, rhinos and eagles are among the animals you might glimpse.

Borneo is also bursting with beautiful wildlife that will take your breath away. Animal lovers will delight in meeting orphaned orang-utans during feeding time at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can’t help but feel intimately connected to these magnificent creatures.

You can also get up close and personal with giant pandas in China .

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Thai massage showdown: 5-star resort vs shop-front

Giving a balanced, fair comparison between a five-star hotel spa treatment in a resort vast enough to have its own postcode and a ...

Personal shopping in Bangkok’s temple of fakes

Bangkok's biggest shopping mall, the bright and shiny MBK, is not what it first appears to be, writes Steve Madgwick (more&hel...

The ‘Toy-land’ of Thailand

An ancient Thai city filled with remnants of a turbulent past and millions of toys. Tim Richards takes a nostalgic trip in a uniqu...

Koh Phangan – more than just a Full Moon Party

Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party is an infamous monthly event drawing backpackers from all over.  Two things happen when you tell...

A Licence To Thrill: Phuket Speedboat Tour

Dimity Noble set off on an all-day boat tour with Phuket Sail Tours around Phang Nga Bay, Phuket, Thailand. (more…)...

Tamarind of Laos: Underrated Southeast Asian Cooking School

Easily the most underrated cooking school in Laos, and perhaps all of Southeast Asia, Tamarind is building a reputation for quali...

Friends in High Places – Everest Base Camp

A trek to Everest Base Camp turned out to be more than just a 'life-changing hike' for Flip Byrnes, it almost ended it... (mor...

What to eat in Asia

Prepare to take your palette on an adventure because Asia has some of the most incredible flavours in the world.

Japan is renowned for its unique cuisine with each region having its own delicacies and seasonal recipes.

From a tempting tempura bar in an old Kyoto geisha district to bustling markets and barbecue joints in the ‘nation’s kitchen’, Osaka, the food options in Japan will make your mind boggle.

From tummy-filling Pad Thai noodles to the spicy Tom Yum soup, Thai cuisine is globally popular for a reason. Sweet tooths aren’t left out either with mango sticky rice being one of the country’s most popular desserts. Check out our list of six tasty Thai dishes to tuck into for a bit of culinary inspiration.

Food is a big deal in Malaysia, from the durian that locals love to eat despite its pungent odour (it is not unheard of to see the fruit dangling out of the window of a car because it’s too stinky to be inside) to the hot noodle dish char kway teow, the essential ingredient of which is a slightly burnt, smoky flavour known as the breath of the wok.

Sure, there may be a few things here that might challenge your palette (chicken’s feet, anyone?) but there are so many delicious Chinese flavours that you just have to dive in and hope for the best. This is where you will eat incredible dumplings, perfectly steamed fish with fresh ginger, deliciously tender duck, spicy Szechuan noodles and crispy greens drowned in oyster sauce. The food is one of China’s biggest drawcards. No doubt about it.

The thick creamy curries of the north. The super spicy tang of dishes in the south. This is a country that takes its food very seriously, so immersing yourself in these great culinary styles is a superb travel experience.

It’s also a great option for vegetarian travellers, due to the large proportion of Hindus who are vegetarian. There are plenty of cooking courses available if you want to learn the skills yourself, so you can take the heady flavours back home with you.

Vietnamese food is without a doubt a global food phenomenon. This is largely due its fascinating geopolitical history; which has seen empires, colonisation and revolutions each make their mark on the country’s cuisine.

For this reason, you can’t help but get a taste of the country’s complexity in every single dish. Here a noodle soup is never just a noodle soup, with every city having its own unique role to play in the country’s history. And thus, its flavours. We have a great guide to dining in Vietnam to help you plan your meals.

12 must-try Korean dishes

From ‘addictive’ snacks to a seafood dish so fresh it’s still moving (in your mouth), Korean food is fresh, flavou...

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Discover Bali’s unique culinary culture

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Where to find the best Japanese food in Tokyo

It has been said that it is difficult to have a bad meal in Tokyo. But with an estimated 160,000 restaurants in the city, there is...

13 Japan foodie experiences to rival the Tokyo fish market

From a tempting tempura bar in an old Kyoto geisha district to bustling markets and barbecue joints in the ‘nation’s kitchenâ€...

Best places to eat and drink in Hong Kong

When it comes to food, there are not many places on Earth where the locals take more delight in the act of eating, or where they...

7+ strange Japanese foods to try while you’re there

A brief guide to all of the weird and wonderful dishes you can try during a visit to Japan. Japan is undoubtedly a country that h...

Eat your way around Shanghai in 7 dishes

Walking The Bund and sailing the Huangpu River are great, but there’s no better way to get a feel for the heartbeat of China’s...

Why Osaka is the food capital you need to visit

If your trip to Japan is guided mostly by your stomach, Osaka is the best place to start your feast. Losing out to Michelin-starr...

Bali or Bondi: why are Aussies setting up shop in Bali?

With an influx of Aussies setting up restaurants in Bali, is the island at risk of becoming oversaturated. Is it still worth visit...

Where to find Bangkok’s best street eats

After worldwide tears, local confusion and an official denial, it seems Bangkok’s street food is safe (for now).  We explore s...

3 Singaporean culinary delights worth trying

Singapore is renowned for many things, including its culinary delights. In this article we explain the top 3 signature Singaporean...

Our list of top Singapore restaurants to dine at

Singapore has forged its place in the food lexicon as the home of award-winning cheap eats. (more…)...

Food secrets in Bangkok with Marion Grasby

Chef and TV star, Marion Grasby spills the beans on where to eat, drink and play in Bangkok (more…)...

The 6 must-eat foods in Japanese airports

Forget McDonald's, Subway et al when you need a snack or meal at an airport in Japan. These 6 pre-plane Japanese foods blow the ch...

The quick food-lover’s guide to Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan food has a rightful reputation as some of the most delicious in south-east Asia, using very little meat, lots of seafo...

Kuala Lumpur’s most eclectic eats

Cindy Bingley-Pullin brings her appetite to Kuala Lumpur, finding eclectic eating options from everyday to exclusive. (more&hellip...

Taiwanese cuisine: so much more than dumplings

Deborah Dickson-Smith eschews more well-known Asian fare on offer and goes in search of modern Taiwanese cuisine. (more&helli...

Bangkok the Culinary Capital: By nahm guru David Thompson

The dining and street-eat scene in Thailand’s capital is not what it once was. Kate Gibbs gets the Bangkok lowdown from local Au...

Top 5 French restaurants in Vietnam

France's colonial rule may have ended in Vietnam over 50 years ago, but coffee and croissants are still almost as easy to find as ...

Review: Il Ristorante Restaurant, Bulgari Resort Bali

High-end Bulgari brand combines with Italian cuisine and an idyllic Bali setting to create Il Ristorante Restaurant at Bulgari Res...

Christine Manfield on eating in India

One of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Christine Manfield has been eating her way around India for more than two decades. She...

Accommodation options in Asia

featured post

What it’s like to stay at the Bangkok hotel rumoured to be the next ‘White Lotus’

This year, the behemoth urban oasis on the banks of Bangkok’s emblematic Chao Praya River is the ultimate in contempor...

The great thing about Asia is there really is something for every budget. From camping on the beach and sharing high-vibe hostels in Tokyo to splurging on a five-star hotel in the city or a luxury villa on the beach, the options are almost endless.

Backpacking

The fact that Asia has long been a cheap and cheerful destination for many a backpacker has meant there are some excellent hostel options. They really have come a long way since the ‘90s. And it’s not just an option for the youth – increasingly the young at heart are finding hostels are a great place to meet travellers and make friends.

The new capsule hotels are also a great choice for people travelling on a budget.

Luxury resorts

Thanks to all that beautiful coastline and all those beautiful islands, this really is the home of the luxury resort. From the mountains of Ubud in Bali to the islands of the Maldives, Thailand and Malaysia, the number of luxury resorts in this part of the world is remarkable.

Some of our favourites include Oberoi Vanyavilas in India, The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa in Bali, Vana Belle in Koh Samui, Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia, Dedon Island Resort in the Philippines, and Fusion Maia in Vietnam. Also check out our guide to romantic accommodation options in the Maldives and Phuket’s top five remote resorts.

If you’re staying in one of the bigger cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai or Kuala Lumpur a hotel might be your best option. There’s a huge range, from the big chain five-star hotels to more boutique offerings.

Favourites include the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, The Warehouse in Singapore , Hotel Majestic in KL , The Peninsula in Shanghai, Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi, and The Park Hyatt in Seoul.

In Bangkok stay at Conrad Bangkok for views of the urban sprawl; at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok to be in shopping nirvana; at Millennium Hilton Bangkok to experience life on the banks of the Chao Phraya River; and in 2018, go luxe at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

Famous for good Japanese food and drink, relaxation and their hot spas, a stay at a traditional ryokan is an authentic Japanese experience not to be missed. We have a comprehensive guide on finding the ultimate ryokan for your Japan escape and another guide on observing ryokan etiquette .

This year, the behemoth urban oasis on the banks of Bangkok’s emblematic Chao Praya River is the ultimate in contemporary luxury...

Review: Four Seasons Chiang Mai

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Keeping culture alive at a Northern Thailand farm stay

The hosts of a farm stay in northern Thailand sow seeds of hope in the community with a range of down-to-earth activities. I’m ...

A new era of Regent Hong Kong

The reimagining of a legendary five-star hotel in Hong Kong is a balance between legacy and modernity symbolic of the city itself....

Why ‘naked’ stays are taking off in Bali

Travellers have never been more nuts for nature and Bali is taking notice. Walls and doors are so yesterday. If the pandemic has ...

Review: Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Singapore's most famous hotel has been charming guests for over 125 years, but does the legend live up to reality? It’s said th...

Top 10 hotels in Singapore

One of the world's key transit hubs - and an interesting place to visit in itself - Singapore offers a huge array of cho...

Experience Indonesia’s House Reef at Wakatobi Resort

There are some experiences in life that shouldn’t be missed. Like floating weightless in warm, crystal-clear water immersed in t...

Centara: Thailand’s answer to every holiday style

As winter comes to an end in Australia and monsoonal rains make way for tropical sun in Asia, there’s no better time to leave th...

11 of the best villas in Seminyak

Seminyak is an area of Bali that really does offer the best of both worlds – plenty of action when it comes to shopping, dining ...

The preferred way to stay in Asia

With over 750 extraordinary and stylish properties across 85 countries in their collection – including Asia’s hottest destinat...

Hotel Review: The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa, Bali

In one of Bali’s most bustling areas, where things are ever-changing, one Seminyak hotel has stood the test of time. Originally...

Hotel Review: Sudamala Suites and Villas, Sanur, Bali

For a serene and soulful Bali stay, check into Sudamala Suites and Villas in Sanur.  Serene, simple Sanur is one of Bali’s und...

Hotel review: The Mulia, Nusa Dua, Bali

It’s one of Bali’s most luxurious beach resorts, complete with butler service and a Sunday brunch that’s the stuff of legend...

How to choose a ryokan in Kyoto

A stay in a traditional inn, or ryokan, is an essential shortcut to experiencing Japanese culture at its most charming and hospita...

Hotel review: InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort

Tucked away off the coast of Cambodia lies the Vietnamese island of Phú Quoc, a hidden paradise that is set to become the next mu...

Hotel Review: The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand

If you're looking for an abode to call your own during your stay in Thailand, it can seem a little more than overwhelming. Thankf...

Review: Benesse House, Japan’s Unique Island Art Hotel

In a world where hotels are attempting to emulate the art gallery experience, Alison Langley found a Japanese art gallery totally ...

The bright light of the Maldives luxury times two

If you've been thinking about it, the time has now come... (more…)...

The Warehouse: Singapore’s boutique past meets its present

In Singapore, where the past has often been sacrificed in favour of the future, Leigh-Ann Pow discovers a new boutique hotel that ...

Review: Centara Grand Resort and Villas, Hua Hin

Susan Murphy lives it up at the grand dame of Hua Hin, a beautiful hotel from a bygone era. (more…)...

Review: The Imperial Osaka

In Osaka, finding a well-priced and spacious room comes with a few compromises. Finding space at a reasonable price is the age-ol...

Could this be the most chill place on Earth?

What is the definition of luxury? Freya Herring heads to the world’s top paradise destination, the Maldives, to find out. (more&...

Review: Hotel Icon, Hong Kong

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Review: Alcove Library Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

The Boutique Alcove Library Hotel in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City makes for a quiet and restful place to lay your head after explori...

Review: The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

Behind the Fullerton Hotel's stately edifice, there is more to this Singapore icon than  just stylish rooms, exceptional food and...

Alila resorts: Balinese luxury at its best

A trio of Balinese properties, each of which encapsulate the concept of luxury at its best. First impressions of Alila Manggis [...

Review: The Siam, Bangkok

As the head of a successful design empire, Brian Tunks knows good design when he sees it, and he sees it everywhere he looks at Ba...

Japanese ryokan etiquette 101

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Attention luxury lovers: Cambodia’s Phum Baitang hotel

Taking design inspiration from a traditional Cambodian village, a new hotel raises the bar for boutique stays in Siem Reap. (...

Review: The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam

We find a new standard of  luxury in Vietnam, where time stands still in lieu of relaxation. Time ceases to exist while at the N...

The mystique of Kashmir by houseboat

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More of Asia to explore

• Ho Chi Minh

Asia Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Asia travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Asia is the world’s largest continent, and home to many memorable travel experiences. Hike up to Bhutan’s breathtaking Tiger’s Nest temple , explore well-preserved culture on Japan’s Taketomi Island , trek Nepal’s Mohare Danda Eco-Trek in the Annapurna Himalayas, or enjoy the beauty of Goa’s Palolem Beach .

These are just a few of many things to do in Asia!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Asia.

Note: This guide to Asia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Bhutan Travel Video

Best places to visit in china, best destinations in india, india travel video, bali travel tips, japan food trip, nepal travel video, taiwan food trip, thailand trip advice, best places to visit in vietnam.

Use this map of Asia to get started with your travel planning:

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above Asia travel map.

Bhutan Travel Guide

Best places to visit in bhutan.

Exploring Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley, Land Of The Rare Black-Necked Crane

Exploring Jakar, The “Switzerland” Of Bhutan

There’s A Place In Bhutan That’s Obsessed With Penises (Punakha)

10 Amazing & Immersive Experiences To Have in Thimphu, Bhutan

How To Hike To Bhutan’s Breathtaking Tiger’s Nest

Bhutan Travel Tips

What Everyone Should know About Planning A Trip To Bhutan

Is Bhutan Worth The $250 Per Per Person Per Day Fee?

10 Reasons Why Bhutan Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Bhutan Trip Reflections

6 Highs & 6 Lows From A Trip To Bhutan

13 Things That Make Bhutan Unlike Any Place In The World

China Travel Guide

Macau: China’s First & Last European Colony

Butterfly Valley, China: Where Visitors Become Family

China Highlights: Biking & Rafting In Yangshuo

Hiking The Longji Rice Terraces In China

A Unique Adventure Destination In Asia: The Altai Mountains

Hiking, Culture And Cuisine In China’s Sichuan Province

India Travel Guide

5 Must-Visit Places To Experience The Best Of India

Traveling Northern India: 12 Experiences Beyond The Temples & Taj Mahal

10 Reasons Why Kerala Should Be Your Next Trip

10 Amazing Places For A Solo Trip From Delhi, India

India Adventures

Love hiking, cycling, and active adventures? Don’t miss:

Dzükou Valley Trek: Your Ultimate Guide To India’s Famous Hike

South India Travel Guides: Kerala

An Organic Farmstay Experience In Kerala, India

Houseboating Through Kerala’s Backwaters

Cycling The “Scotland Of Asia” To An Organic Farm In Kerala, India

Cycling Kerala’s Cardamom Trail

Ascending Tall Peaks & The World’s Highest Organic Tea Garden In Kerala

Why Kerala’s Silent Valley Is One Of The World’s Best National Parks

Cycling Kerala’s Culturally-Immersive Canal Route

South India Travels In Goa

Great Goa: Yoga, Dolphins & A Dose Of Clarity On Palolem Beach

A Disappointing Spice Farm Day Trip In Goa (& What To Do Instead)

Tips For Northern India Travel

India’s Unique Karni Mata Temple Is Devoted To Worshipping Rats

10 Unforgettable Things To Do In Delhi, India

How To Get High (Legally) In Varanasi, India

The Secret To Finding Peace In India Can Be Found In Bundi

Exploring Northern India Through Food

Tips For India Travel

Ayurverdic Massage In India: Not For The Modest

10 Reasons Why You Need To Visit India

5 Amazing Ways You Can Explore India’s Spiritual Side

9 Essential Travel Tips For Southern India

20 Unforgettable Solo Female Travel Destinations In India

India Travel Stories

How India Broke Me (& Why I’m Thankful For It)

That Time I was Charged By An Elephant In India

Indonesia Travel Guide

Bali Solo Travel: How To Have An Amazing Time When Visiting Bali Alone

12 Best Flower Baths In Bali

Best & Worst Time To Travel To Bali

7 Day Bali Itinerary (With Map!)

Mount Agung Trekking: The Ultimate Guide

3 Day Ubud Itinerary (With Map!)

2-Week Bali Itinerary (Super Detailed!)

15 Best Waterfalls Near Ubud, Bali (With Map!)

Japan Travel Guide

Best places to visit in japan.

Japan Travel: 5 Reasons To Visit Taketomi Island In Okinawa

An Enchanting Deer Experience In Nara, Japan

A Tale Of Two Japans: From Cosmopolitan Tokyo To Okinawa’s Tropical Islands

8 Reasons Japan’s Kansai Region Should Be Your Next Trip

Islands Of Adventure: Jungle Trekking On Okinawa’s Iriomote Island

Kyoto Day Trip: Amanohashidate, Japan’s Scenic Sandbar

Finding True Love At The Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto

Sipping My Way Through Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s Speakeasy Neighborhood

Japan Culture Experiences

Weaving, Shiisa, Ishiganto: Experiencing Culture On Taketomi Island, Okinawa

Taking Part In A Traditional Tea Ceremony In Tokyo, Japan

Culture Shock: My First Onsen Experience In Japan

Tradition In Okinawa: What Is Shiisa?

Japan Travel Advice

Essential Japan Travel Tips (With Helpful Planning Lists Included)

What To Know Before Eating The Deadly Fufu Fish In Japan

Learning The Art Of Soba Making In Japan

Having A Shabushabu Experience In Gion, Kyoto

4 Do-It-Yourself Dining Experiences Near Namba Station In Osaka

Malaysia Travel Guide

Malaysia Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

Mongolia Travel Guide

18 Best Places To Visit In Mongolia

The Perfect 2 Week Mongolia Itinerary

An Unforgettable Adventure In Mongolia’s Altai Mountains

10 Festivals In Mongolia Worth The Trip

Best Time To Visit Mongolia

Nepal Travel Guide

Best places to visit in nepal.

Mohare Danda Trek: A Stunning Annapurna Region Trekking Route

Nepal Food: A Kathmandu Cooking Class + Local Food Tour

Taiwan Travel Guide

Best places to visit in taiwan.

Active Exploring In Taiwan’s Taroko National Park

Cycling Sun Moon Lake In Taiwan

Hiking In Taiwan’s Dramatic Yehliu Geopark

13 Best Hiking Trails In Taiwan You Shouldn’t Miss

Taiwan Travel Advice

How To Have A Quirky Stay At Hi-Lai Plaza Hotel’s Hello Kitty Room

Unusual Excursions: Traveler’s Guide To Quirky Taiwan

Solo Travel In Taiwan: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

Eating Loofah In Taiwan

Unusual Discoveries In A Taiwanese Fish Market

Thailand Travel Guide

Best places to visit in thailand.

Offbeat Thailand: Amazing Ways To Explore Chiang Mai Beyond The Guidebook

Solo Travel, Local Culture & Going Beyond The Guidebook In Thailand

Discovering The Meaning Of Buddhism In Thailand

How To Spend A Year In Thailand

Thailand Travel: How To Use The Free Bangkok Airport Shuttle

Turkey Travel Guide

These Turkey travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Cruising The Mediterranean: Turkey & Greece

Okey & Turkish Tea In A “Men Only” Hangout In Istanbul

Antalya: Luxury, History & Culture On The Turkish Riviera

Tracing The Heritage Of Delicious Turkish Dolma [Recipe Included]

Solo Travel In Istanbul: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

Vietnam Travel Guide

Stunning Images From The World’s Largest Cave In Vietnam

Solo Travel, Local Culture & Going Beyond The Guidebook In Vietnam

My Unwanted Paparazzi Moment On Cat Ba Island In Vietnam (Important Lesson Included!)

Asia Travel Tips

Traveling to Asia ? This Asia travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip!

Top 10 Vacation Destinations In Asia

5 Amazing Ways Solo Travel In Southeast Asia Changed Me

25 Best Places To Travel Solo In Asia

20 Best Beach Destinations For Solo Female Travelers (Asia & Beyond!)

Top Asia Tours

Enjoy the best of Asia travel and tours through the following experiences.

• Tour of Jewish Shanghai (China) led by a Jewish History Expert
• 9-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour with Day Hikes
• Taroko Zhuilu Old Trail Tour in Taiwan
• Phi Phi, Bamboo & Rang Yai Islands in Thailand Snorkeling Trip with Lunch by Speedboat

Click here for a full list of Asia travel tours .

Asia Hotels

Click here to browse the best hotels in Asia!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Asia Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on an Asia tour. When visiting Asia — or any other destination in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Asia itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Asia Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Asia .

Q: What is Asia famous for?

Along with being the largest continent on Earth, Asia is known for its delicious food, holistic wellness practices, well-preserved cultural traditions, and for being home to 14 of the world’s tallest mountains.

Q: Where should I travel in Asia for the first time?

When considering the top places to visit in Asia , it’s tough to narrow it down to just one. Many travelers choose to backpack through Southeast Asia and visit many countries, though other worthwhile options include island hopping in Indonesia (and doing a relaxing Bali flower bath !), shopping in Hong Kong, eating your way through Singapore, going back in time at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex, or immersing yourself in the cultural traditions of Japan.

Traveling alone? There are also many great solo female travel destinations in India !

These are just a few of many ideas when it comes to Asia travel!

Q: What is the best country in Asia to visit?

According to the United Nations, there are 48 countries in Asia — though, narrowing this list down to the best places to travel to in Asia is challenging, as each offers something unique and special. That being said, a few popular countries to visit include Thailand , South Korea, Sri Lanka, China , Vietnam , Indonesia, India , and Japan .

While the above list is in no way exhaustive, these destinations hopefully provide a good starting point for your travel plans. These are also great places to visit if you’re planning a solo trip to Asia .

Q: What is the cheapest country to travel in Asia?

A few of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia include Nepal , India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Pakistan (which is physically located in South Asia but is also considered part of the Greater Middle East).

Q: How much money do you need to travel around Asia?

The cost of traveling to Asia will depend on numerous factors, such as where you’re visiting, where you’re flying from, and your travel style. That being said, once you book your flights and get your travel insurance , you can generally start with a budget of $40 per day per person and adjust it from there.

Keep in mind, depending on where you’re going you may need to allot extra money for visa fees.

Q: What are the most beautiful countries in Asia?

A few of the most beautiful countries in Asia include the Maldives, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.

Q: Where is the best place in Asia to go to learn to meditate?

If you’re interested in wellness travel , particularly meditation, don’t miss visiting Rishikesh in India. This is known as the birthplace of yoga, which meditation is an important part of.

Q: What are the top tourist attractions in Southeast Asia?

A few of the top tourist attractions in Southeast Asia include Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Hồ Chí Minh/Saigon (Vietnam), Ha Long Bay (Vietnam), Kuang Si Waterfall (Laos), Inle Lake (Myanmar/Burma), and the Batu Caves (Malaysia).

What would you add to this Asia travel guide?

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Geography
• 4.2 History
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 6.3 By boat
• 6.4 On foot
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2 By boat
• 7.3 By train
• 7.6 Local transport
• 8.1 Natural places
• 8.2 Cultures and religions
• 8.3 Itineraries
• 8.4.1 Asian Games
• 13.1 Armed conflicts
• 13.3 Natural disasters
• 14 Stay healthy

Asia is the world's largest continent by land area and population, home to 4.4 billion people, more than half of the world's population.

The continent is too massive and diverse to conceptualize as a single digestible travel "destination". Travel options range widely, from the desert ruins and modern mega-malls of the Middle East to the magnificent ancient monuments and giant mountains in South Asia , from the beach bungalows and jungle treks of Southeast Asia to the mega-cities and technology capitals of East Asia .

Asia gets a tremendous number of travellers, both for tourism and business. Many of the world's most-visited cities are in Asia, including Bangkok , Beijing , Dubai , Hong Kong , Jerusalem , Mumbai , Seoul , Singapore , and Tokyo .

Asia offers intriguing destinations for every type of traveller, be they a novice or an experienced road-warrior. Easier options include modern, prosperous countries like Japan and the East Asian Tigers of Singapore , Hong Kong , Taiwan , and South Korea , where people enjoy very high standards of living.

There are also poor Asian countries with significant levels of malnutrition, such as Cambodia , Afghanistan , Laos , and East Timor . Some countries are well-established on the budget tourist trail, including Thailand , Vietnam , and Indonesia .

There are countries that strictly restrict tourism to certain regions or types of tourism, such as Bhutan and the Maldives . North Korea and Turkmenistan , easily the world's most isolated and repressive states, take it even further, with constantly-watched group tours dedicated to their "great leaders".

Of course, there are also many countries lying somewhere in the middle, which is where one might place the emerging powerhouses of China and India ; those huge, populous lands make wonderful travel destinations in themselves due to their long history, traditions and diversity.

Regions [ edit ]

The traditional Asia–Europe border through Russia is the Ural Mountains and the Ural River. For cultural and historical reasons, some parts of the Caucasus are considered European. The Bosphorus bisecting Istanbul is also regarded as the border between Asia and Europe. Sinai is geographically in Asia but politically a part of Egypt. And at the other end of Asia, the continental plate of Australia also includes parts of Indonesia , which is generally counted as part of Southeast Asia . Similarly, the island of Cyprus is geographically part of Asia, but usually considered part of Europe.

Cities [ edit ]

• 13.75 100.516667 1 Bangkok — Thailand's bustling, cosmopolitan capital with temples, nightlife and fervor
• 39.90403 116.407526 2 Beijing — the capital of China with Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and many cultural sights.
• 25.269722 55.309444 3 Dubai — the most modern and progressive Emirate in the UAE, developing at an unbelievable pace
• 22.278333 114.158611 4 Hong Kong — a truly world-class metropolis with a unique mixed Chinese and British heritage
• 31.778889 35.225556 5 Jerusalem — containing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City, sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims
• 19.075833 72.8775 6 Mumbai — the financial heart of India is an extraordinarily diverse, busy and cosmopolitan city, known for its nightlife and for being the capital of Bollywood.
• 37.56 126.99 7 Seoul — with beautiful palaces, great food and a hopping nightlife, Seoul is a frenetic way to experience the Asia of old and new
• 1.3 103.8 8 Singapore — a modern, affluent city-state with a medley of Chinese, Indian, Malay and British influences
• 35.683889 139.774444 9 Tokyo — the world's largest city brings a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis with high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan

Other destinations [ edit ]

These are some of the largest and most famous destinations apart from major cities.

• 13.4333 103.8333 1 Angkor Archaeological Park — the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire
• 31.5207 35.4845 3 Dead Sea — stay afloat in this extremely salty lake
• 40.416667 116.083333 4 Great Wall of China — several thousand kilometers long, its condition ranges from excellent to ruined
• 53.302778 108.004722 5 Lake Baikal — the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the world, containing over one fifth of the world's supply
• 27.988056 86.925 6 Mount Everest — the world's tallest mountain straddling the border of Tibet and Nepal
• 30.328889 35.440278 7 Petra — an ancient city carved out of sandstone and one of the new Seven Wonders
• 39.654722 66.975833 8 Registan — the impressive historic heart of Samarkand, a major trade city on the Silk Road
• 27.174167 78.042222 9 Taj Mahal — the incomparable marble tomb in Agra

See also UNESCO World Heritage List#Asia .

Understand [ edit ]

Asia is the birthplace of eleven major religions : namely, Hinduism , Buddhism , Islam , Christianity , Judaism , Zoroastrianism , Sikhism , Shintoism, Taoism, Jainism and the Baha'i Faith , not to mention countless other tribal faiths. It is also home to the world's fastest growing cities, a wide range of exotic cuisines, the world's highest mountain ranges and some of the world's most ancient cultures.

Geography [ edit ]

Asia is by far the largest continent and as such is extremely varied geographically. Asia contains virtually every possible climate and terrain from the frozen plains of Siberia to the jungles of Indonesia to the deserts of Arabia.

Asia's (and the world's) highest point is Mount Everest, in the Himalayas along the border of Tibet and Nepal , which rises to 8,848 m (29,029 ft) above sea level. Its lowest point is the Dead Sea , located at the meeting points of Israel , Palestine and Jordan , whose surface is 400 m (1,300 ft) below sea level. Asia's longest river is the Yangtze , which runs 6,300 km (3,900 mi) through China all the way from the high Tibetan Plateau to Shanghai . Its largest lake is the 386,400 km² (149,200 square mile) Caspian Sea, which is surrounded by several Central Asian nations. Asia is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, by Australia to the southeast, and by the Indian Ocean to the south. It is bordered by the Red Sea to the southwest, by Europe and the Urals to the west, and by the Arctic Ocean to the north.

East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) is relatively temperate with distinct seasonal differences. South and South East Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, India, Burma etc.) has a monsoon climate. Generally hot all year round but with a wet and dry season. Most of Asia's rainforests and beaches are to be found here. West Asia (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon etc.) is hot and often dry. Winters can be mild but summer can be extremely hot. Central and north Asia have continental climate with the coldest winters outside Antarctica and hot summers; in some places the difference between all-time highs and lows can be over 100°C.

History [ edit ]

The history of Asia is long, complex and diverse enough that some universities have whole departments devoted to it and a full account would be a multi-volume work. Even a reasonable summary would be much more than a travel guide could sensibly attempt.

Most of our country articles, and some region or city articles, include summaries of the relevant history. Consult those for basic information, or see Wikipedia, other sites, or a library for more detail. Most Wikivoyage articles include a link to the corresponding Wikipedia article; it is found in the menu to the left of the text.

Also, some articles here cover historically important things in Asia:

• Asian empires: Ancient Mesopotamia , the Persian Empire , Alexander the Great , the Caliphates , the Ottoman Empire , the Mughal Empire , Imperial China , the Mongol Empire , pre-modern Korea , pre-modern Japan , the Khmer Empire
• Colonial empires: British Empire , Russian Empire , Japanese colonial empire , Dutch Empire , Portuguese Empire , Spanish Empire , French colonial empire
• Routes: Silk Road , On the trail of Marco Polo , On the trail of Kipling's Kim , and Istanbul to New Delhi over land
• 20th century: Soviet Union , Chinese Revolutions and Pacific War

All the UNESCO lists — World Heritage , Intangible Cultural Heritage , Biosphere reserves , Geology parks and Creative Cities — include sites in Asia. So do the Wikivoyage articles on Archaeological sites , Historical travel , Architecture , and Old towns .

Talk [ edit ]

English proficiency varies widely between countries and regions. English is the main working language in Singapore , and widely spoken as a second language by educated people in many former British and American colonies such as Malaysia , Brunei , the Philippines , Hong Kong , most of South Asia , the small Arab states of the Gulf , Jordan and Israel . Elsewhere, English proficiency is rudimentary at best. Refer to the guide for individual countries for how well you are likely to fare.

It is not possible to list all the languages and dialects throughout Asia. We can however detail the major groups you are likely to encounter:

• Sino-Tibetan — The Chinese languages ( Mandarin , Cantonese , Minnan etc.), Burmese , Tibetan , Dzongkha and some languages in North-Eastern India .
• Turkic — Turkish , Azerbaijani , Uyghur , Turkmen , Kazakh , Kyrgyz , Uzbek , Tatar and several local languages throughout Siberia
• Semitic — Arabic is spoken in Arab countries throughout the Middle East, and Hebrew is spoken in Israel .
• Iranian — Persian , Pashto , Tajik , and Kurdish are widely spoken in the Middle East and Central Asia. Also includes the Ossetian language in the Caucasus , and some minority languages in Xinjiang , China.
• Indo-Aryan — the descendants of Sanskrit , including Hindi , Urdu , Bengali , Punjabi , Marathi , Gujarati , Sinhala , Sindhi and Nepali are found through much of the Indian sub-continent .
• Armenian is the official language of Armenia , and also spoken by the ethnic Armenian minorities in neighbouring countries such as Turkey , Iran , Iraq , Syria and Russia .
• Russian , spoken in Russia and serving as a lingua franca in much of the Caucasus and Central Asia . Also the most widely spoken foreign language in Mongolia
• Portuguese is an official language in Macau and East Timor , where it is spoken by a significant minority. It is also spoken by a small, mainly upper class, community in Goa , while a Portuguese-based creole is spoken by the Portuguese Eurasian community in Malacca .
• Dravidian — A distinct language group of South Indian languages including Tamil , Kannada , Malayalam and Telugu . These are completely unrelated to the north Indian languages such as Hindi and Urdu, though they contain a number of loan words from Sanskrit.
• Tai–Kadai — Thai and Lao are spoken in Thailand and Laos respectively. Other languages in this family are spoken by ethnic minorities in Myanmar, Vietnam and China.
• Austroasiatic — Vietnamese and Khmer are spoken in Vietnam and Cambodia respectively. Other languages in this family are spoken by ethnic minorities in Myanmar, Thailand and China.
• Austronesian — Malay and Indonesian are mostly mutually intelligible; most other local languages in Malaysia and Indonesia such as Javanese , Sundanese , Balinese , Iban and Kadazan are not mutually intelligible, but also belong to the same language family. Most languages of the Philippines — the most important are Tagalog and Cebuano — are also in this group. Tetum , the main language spoken in East Timor , also falls in this family. Other Austronesian languages are spoken in Madagascar , throughout the Pacific islands, and by the indigenous Taiwanese.
• Mongolic — Mongolian , as the name suggests, and some minority languages in Russia such as Buryat and Kalmyk

Asia has a few significant isolated languages not proven to be related to others including Korean , Japanese (except the Ryukyuan languages spoken in the Ryukyu Islands ) and Georgian .

Some linguists group Japanese, Korean, the Mongolic languages, the Tungusic languages (e.g. Manchu , Xibe , Evenki , Even , etc.) and the Turkic languages into a single language family called the Altaic or Transeurasian languages, but this is controversial. All these languages share similar grammatical structures, which make the others easier to pick up if you already know one of them.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Asia's busiest airports include Hong Kong ( HKG  IATA ), Dubai ( DXB  IATA ), Beijing ( PEK  IATA , PKX  IATA ), Singapore ( SIN  IATA ), Kuala Lumpur ( KUL  IATA ), Bangkok ( BKK  IATA ), Seoul ( ICN  IATA ), Tokyo ( NRT  IATA , HND  IATA ) and Jakarta ( CGK  IATA ). If you're heading to anywhere in Asia, chances are that you'll pass through at least one of these airports whether in transit or as a final stop. Fortunately for those with long transit times, they are some of the best equipped airports in the world, known for their efficient service and ample distractions. Additionally, Shanghai ( PVG  IATA ) and Guangzhou ( CAN  IATA ) are major hubs for travel to China, and New Delhi ( DEL  IATA ), Mumbai ( BOM  IATA ) and Chennai ( MAA  IATA ) for the Indian sub-continent. For the Middle East, Doha ( DOH  IATA ) and Abu Dhabi ( AUH  IATA ) also have reasonably good connections.

By train [ edit ]

If you are coming to Asia by train, you'll likely be coming in through Russia or Turkey , although other options may exist. For an interesting experience, try the Trans-Siberian Railway , or alternatively some of the lines from Moscow to Central Asia.

By boat [ edit ]

Asian ports are cruise destinations, and various companies such as Royal Caribbean and Princess [dead link] run cruises from Australia , while Holland America travels across the Pacific from North America . Freighter travel is another option, including if you wish to travel to ports in the Asian part of Mediterranean. Coming from Africa sea piracy is a threat to take seriously. Piracy in the Strait of Malacca has declined, but may still be relevant.

As the Bosporus is considered to be the boundary between Europe and Asia, one of the various ferries in Istanbul can also get you into Asia.

There is ferry access from Asia to Africa and reverse via Jordan and Egypt. As of 2019 Ferries still connect African Egypt with Asia via ABMarine. However you will not be permitted to leave Sinai into the rest of Africa unless you take the Nuweiba, Egypt ferry from Aqaba, Jordan. Leaving Asia to Africa via Israel, will cause you to not be able to leave Sinai into the rest of Africa as you can not get permission to go further into Africa when using the Israeli borders or even the Taba, Egypt port as well. The Nuweiba ferry is the only way to go if you want to travel via ferry and land to Africa. If you enter Asia this route, several nationalities can enter visa-free as long as you exit Jordan via the same city within 30 days because of the AZEA Trade Agreement.

On foot [ edit ]

Some cities, including Yekaterinburg are built across what is commonly considered the dividing line between Europe and Asia and you can comfortably walk across that line if you are in the city already. Istanbul is also nominally in this category, but pedestrians aren't normally allowed in any of its intercontinental bridges and tunnels.

Get around [ edit ]

Air travel is a good mode of transport between this large region's many travel destinations. Fares are lower on average than in Europe or America, and low-cost airlines in Asia are rapidly expanding their networks particularly in Southeast Asia. In addition, Asia is also home to some of the world's best regarded full service airlines, such as Singapore Airlines , Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific , South Korea's Korean Air and Asiana Airlines , Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) , Taiwan's EVA Air and the big three Middle Eastern airlines Emirates , Qatar Airways [dead link] and Etihad Airways , which make good options for those willing to spend some extra money to fly in relative comfort with better service.

Ferry services connect China , South Korea and Japan in East Asia . There are also very many international and domestic ferry services for the island nations in South East Asia including the Philippines , Indonesia , Singapore and Malaysia .

There are highly developed train networks in India , China , South Korea , Taiwan and Japan , as well as less developed services throughout South East Asia . Most of these countries, but especially China have also been investing a lot in high speed rail , and even for longer distances trains might be a worthwhile option not only in terms of views and comfort but also in terms of price and speed, especially if you figure in the time and money saved while you sleep on sleeper services. In Russia and India, big parts of the country are mostly served by slow rail and it is a superb way to get into contact with locals (bring a phrasebook) or just see the country pass by the window. China and Japan are expanding their high speed networks, with China even planning to build international links to South East Asia and possibly North or South Korea. South Korea's relatively young network of high speed lines is also planned to expand within the next decades, however due to the political situation, international links are unlikely in the immediate future.

By bus [ edit ]

Travel by bus is an option for the budget conscious traveler in most Asian countries, and often a good way to come into contact with locals. Quality of services ranges wildly from luxurious buses on par with or even more comfortable and faster than some trains to beat up old school buses where you might conceivable actually sit next to a live chicken. (Hence their nickname "chicken bus")

By car [ edit ]

As Asia has a high population density in many places and new road construction has not always kept up with growing traffic, congestion is a major problem, especially in urban centers. That being said a car is often a good and sometimes the only way to explore more remote areas. Keep in mind that bringing a car might necessitate a number of forms and permits; you will probably need an international driving permit and for some countries a Carnet de Passages for the vehicle.

Mainland China (excluding Macau and Hong Kong) does not accept international drivers licenses . If you want to go to or through China by car, you need to either obtain a local drivers license or hire a driver; see Driving in China for details.

Local transport [ edit ]

Many places have taxis, many of the major cities have good urban rail or bus systems, it is possible to walk or bike in some places, and some travellers will get around mainly on tour buses. While Japan has had world class (if expensive) urban rail for decades, China but also some more unlikely countries have followed suit and are still expanding and improving vast light and heavy rail networks. Where those exist they are usually the best option for tourists and locals alike.

However in many places other options are available as well, and often these are what the locals mainly use. If "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is part of your travel philosophy, then you should definitely consider these. In much of Asia there are various sorts of truck or van modified to carry passengers: angkots in Indonesia, jeepneys and UV Express in the Philippines, marshrutka in the ex-Soviet states, songthaews in Thailand, or similar vehicles elsewhere. In many places there are also pedal-powered or motorcycle-based tricycles, see Thailand#Tuk-tuk , Philippines#By_tricycle or India#By_auto-rickshaw .

Some areas also have motorcycle taxis, each with their local names ( habal-habal in the Philippines, ojek in Indonesia, xe ôm in Vietnam). These are too risky and uncomfortable for many travellers, but some like them.

See [ edit ]

Natural places [ edit ]

While all continents have a huge number of things to see, what sets Asia apart is the incredible variety of things to see . From the desolate Siberian tundra and taiga in the far north to colorful Indian street scenes, from ruins along the Silk Road to glitzy, futuristic metropolises and from the camels in the Arabian Desert to the Komodo dragons roaming the jungles of Flores , it is safe to say that Asia has something for everyone.

Stretching from the Arctic all the way beyond the Equator, Asia is home to virtually every kind of climate and ecosystem that exists in the world and a corresponding number of different plants and animals. Almost all parts of Asia feature iconic animals, such as pandas, brown bears, tigers, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, camels, and birds – though many of them are threatened in the wild. While north and central Asia is part of the palearctic region , south and southeast Asia makes up the Indomalayan region . There is also no lack of amazing landscapes either. Vast boreal forests cover the northern part of the continent interspersed by some of the longest rivers in the world. Further south, Asia is dominated by an enormous system of mountain chains reaching from the highlands of Turkey across Iran , Pakistan and Central Asia into China where it forks into a northern section including the Altai mountains and continuing all the way through the Russian Far East , and into a more southerly section including Himalayas , which feature the world's highest summits, and then the highlands of Southeast Asia. Many mountains in the easternmost parts of the continent are volcanic , and Indonesia and Kamchatka are indeed great destinations for volcanic tourism. Central Asia features steppe, which turns into desert when traveling south, and if you've always wanted to experience a desert environment , the Middle East is definitely a good choice. Another large desert is the Gobi at the borders of Mongolia and China. Finally, tropical Asia covering a part of East and most of South and Southeast Asia , where not cultivated or urbanized, is dominated by various kinds of tropical forests and thousands of beaches ranging from secluded paradise islands like the Maldives to some of the world's most popular beach resorts in Thailand .

Cultures and religions [ edit ]

Home to more than half of the world's population, the birthplace of all major world religions and using all the most widespread writing systems in the world, the different peoples and cultures you may encounter on this continent are likely even more varied than the landscapes. Almost all regions of Asia have ruins of some of the oldest civilizations in the world, often stretching back several millennia. The Holy Land of the Abrahamic religions can be found in the Middle East. Similarly, the Indian subcontinent is the wellspring of Hinduism , Buddhism , Sanamahism , Sikhism and Jainism, and East Asia of Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. Asia also bears witness to the spread of the great religions in the form of amazing religious architecture , including the ancient tombs and houses of worship in Angkor Wat , Borobudur , Samarkand , the Taj Mahal and countless thousands of others. There are also other kinds of historical sites such as the Great Wall , Petra , Ayutthaya and the royal and imperial palaces of both present and past dynasties. Even in the latter case the royal traditions may be experienced as in the royal change of guards at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul .

Colonial influences aren't as prominent as in Africa, the Americas or Oceania, but this doesn't mean that they aren't there. Virtually all of South and Southeast Asia were for centuries ruled by various European empires who introduced things like western architecture and foodstuffs (some of it from the Americas), as well as Christianity, European languages and the Latin alphabet. We should not forget Russian Asia as well as Central Asia which was part of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union for a century and a half. 20th- and 21st-century history , though for much of Asia featuring many wars and other sad things, are also present in memorials and museums. Finally if you want to plunge into modern cities with most the world's tallest buildings, glass, steel and huge LED-screens, extensive and modern transportation systems, and entertainment and amusement centers, Asia is the place to go too, especially the Gulf States and East Asia.

Itineraries [ edit ]

• Istanbul to New Delhi over land
• Hajj , the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca
• Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai overland
• Karakoram Highway , China to Pakistan
• Moscow to Urumqi
• On the trail of Kipling's Kim
• On the trail of Marco Polo
• Trans-Siberian Railway
• Russia to Japan via Sakhalin

Sports [ edit ]

Asian games [ edit ].

The Asian Games [dead link] are an international multi-sport event similar to the Olympics, albeit with participation restricted to Asian countries, as well as some dependent territories in Asia. The games were first held in 1951, and following that were held every four years starting from the 1954 games, two years apart from the Summer Olympics, and feature all Olympic sports, as well as several non-Olympic sports such as tenpin bowling, Asian martial arts and squash. Mind sports such as Chess , Go and Xiangqi , and even e-sports are also included.

The previous edition of the Asian Games was held in Hangzhou , China in 2023 (one year delayed due to COVID-19), while the next edition will be held in Nagoya , Japan in 2026.

Do [ edit ]

• Cruise between the dramatic limestone Karsts, islets and islands, in the emerald blue sea of Ha Long Bay .
• Sleep on board a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala in India .
• Experience the architecture of the Taj Mahal Agra in India .
• See Mount Everest , the highest point of land on earth ( Nepal ) or K2 , second highest, in Gilgit-Baltistan .
• Explore Borneo , an island divided between Indonesia , Malaysia and Brunei that contains one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
• Take a Tour to Yogyakarta , Indonesia's Cultural hub, and gateway to see the magnificent Buddhist temple Borobudur and Hindu temple of Prambanan .
• Explore Lake Toba , The largest volcanic lake in Indonesia and the world.
• Climb Mount Fuji , an icon of Japan
• Asia has a huge number of dive sites from snorkeling to scuba, with much interesting undersea life and quite a few wrecks. For details, see Scuba diving#Asia .
• Visit Cox's Bazar , the longest sea beach in the world, and the Sundarbans , the largest mangrove forest of the world, in Bangladesh and India .
• Watch a sumo wrestling match live in Japan.
• Go shopping for Persian rugs in the Central Asian bazaars.
• Gamble in some of the world's largest casinos in Macau .
• Experience the old Silk Road caravanserais like Samarkand in Uzbekistan .
• Relax on a beach in the Maldives .
• Visit the Holy Land in Israel and Palestine .
• Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok and experience Siberia from the comfort of a train car.
• Travel through the Asian cradles of civilisation, in the Indus River Valley , Yellow River Valley , and Ancient Mesopotamia .
• Go dune bashing in the Empty Quarter .

Eat [ edit ]

Asian cuisine is incredibly diverse, from Turkish kebabs to Arabic pita bread to Indian curries and Chinese noodles, there is really no shortage of different food that you can try. Rice, in its many varieties, is a very common staple throughout Asia. Street food is also available almost anywhere in myriads of variations. Southeast Asia offers a great variety of tropical fruit and wonderful food at inexpensive prices.

Wikivoyage has in-depth guides to various cuisines of the continent: see Middle Eastern cuisine , South Asian cuisine , Thai cuisine , Chinese cuisine , Korean cuisine , Japanese cuisine , Filipino cuisine , Malaysian cuisine , and Indonesian cuisine . Many parts of Asia have also developed their own unique takes on Western food that cannot be found in their respective areas of origin; most of these are covered in the respective regional cuisine articles, but see Western food in Asia for an overview of these.

Drink [ edit ]

Tea is the most common beverage, especially in both South Asia and East Asia . In tropical areas, enjoy fresh fruit and coconut juices. Fresh sugar cane juice is readily available in many cities in India. It can be served plain or with ginger and lemon. In some areas, fresh water and clean drinking water may not easily be available. Yoghurt-based drinks are common in some areas, lassi in India and Pakistan and doogh in some western parts of Asia like Iran and Armenia .

Alcohol is widely available throughout North, Southeast and East Asia. Often the larger cities or tourist areas have a modern nightlife scene. Alcohol is illegal in some parts of India and in some countries in the Middle East. While beer is commonly available in the countries that serve alcohol it often uses rice as the basic grain which affects taste somewhat. Another common beverage - especially in Japan, Korea and China - is "rice wine" (closer to beer as it contains more starch than sugar) sold and produced under various names and with a range of variations on the basic recipe.

Sleep [ edit ]

Depending on where you are everything from a tent with only the most basic facilities (if any) to a full blown five star hotel is available. Prices tend to reflect that.

There are all kinds of traditional local lodging too: try a ryokan in Japan , a yurt in Mongolia , a caravanserai along the Silk Road, or a Bedouin tent in Israel . Any of these is not just a place to lay your head, but a unique cultural experience.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Armed conflicts [ edit ]

Due to the vast size, safety in Asia varies wildly. It is a safe place in general and most tourist attractions on the continent are far from conflict, There are, however, some regions in which conflict and/or general lawlessness exists. The most obvious examples are Afghanistan , Syria , Yemen , and big parts of Iraq . Afghanistan's government controls only parts of the country and also Iraq is in a state of continued armed conflict. There are full-scale civil wars in Syria and Yemen . These countries are considered no-go areas and should be completely avoided by travellers (if you absolutely must go, consult War zone safety and the authorities of your country beforehand).

Although much of the Middle East can be visited without any major risks, it is known for its political tensions and there are no-go areas, for the moment especially Syria. The Gaza Strip is at times a war zone between Palestinian factions and the Israeli army, and kidnappings of foreigners have occurred. Israel has coped with missile attacks as well as suicide bombings by radical militant groups, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, but mostly in areas close to the Gaza Strip and Lebanon (and attacks from Lebanon happen only occasionally), and by far the biggest threat in most of the country is from dangerous drivers. Lebanon and the West Bank (Palestinian National Authority) generally cope with an unstable political situation and internal conflict.

Some regions of the Caucasus are considered dangerous due to active insurgent groups, particularly the North Caucasus ( Chechnya ), Abkhazia and South Ossetia .

Bahrain has experienced some political violence in the past, so check on current conditions before you go.

More dangerously, Pakistan is active in a full-scale war in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas , both of which should not be visited. Kashmir , claimed by both Pakistan and India, is also a region with tens of thousands of casualties since 1989 due to political strife and insurgency. In 2009, the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency in India has resurfaced, particularly in some parts of Chhattisgarh and other parts of Eastern India . Northeastern India also copes with dozens of insurgent groups, some of which have armed factions. The safest areas of Indian for all travellers including women travelling solo are in the Western Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand .

Southeast Asia is a major travel region and most of it is perfectly safe to visit. A notable exception is Myanmar , which has longstanding ethnic and political conflicts, and is in a state of civil war, particularly in the border regions. But even in some popular countries, there are some areas that should be avoided. Bangsamoro , a Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao in the south of the Philippines , is an area of conflict between the government and the Muslim separatist movements. The rest of the country is safe. Thailand , the most visited country in Southeast Asia, is generally safe with the notable exception of four deep southern provinces , where fighting between the Thai military and Islamic insurgent groups still continues, though tourists are rarely if ever the targets of violence. Indonesia is a very diverse country, with armed groups fighting for independence in Papua , while Maluku and Aceh are relatively safe now.

East Asia is generally the safest area in the continent for visitors, but political tensions also exist in this region. You should be aware that North Korea and South Korea are still officially at war and hostilities could in theory resume at any time, although the border between them is still a worthwhile tourist destination in its own right (check current conditions if you plan a visit). Some visitors have also been arbitrarily arrested in North Korea, and less often, China. China , a vast and diverse country, is a very safe destination with regard to violent crime, yet the restive provinces of Tibet and Xinjiang still often bar foreigners at any hint of trouble.

Crime [ edit ]

Refer to the specific country pages and the authorities of your country for more information. As a precaution, always know the address of embassies, and notify in case of any issues faced.

Natural disasters [ edit ]

Being the largest continent by far, practically every thinkable natural disaster is a risk at least somewhere in Asia. The area approximately along the Silk road is prone to earthquakes , and areas along the Pacific "Ring of Fire" — Kamchatka , Japan , the Philippines and Indonesia — have both volcanoes and quakes. Especially in South and Southeast Asia monsoon rains often result in massive floods. Tropical storms ( typhoons and cyclones) are a risk in much of tropical Asia during Northern Hemisphere summer and autumn. Smog and dust storms often occur especially in the northern part of China, making it very unpleasant for people with breathing difficulties.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Many areas of Asia, especially Southeast Asia and South Asia, are humid tropical, and there are health risks attached to travel in those regions. See tropical diseases and the country articles for specific information.

Parts of Asia, such as Mongolia and Siberia , have extremely harsh winters. See cold weather and country or region articles for details.

In some areas, such as Tibet , travellers will need to take precautions against altitude sickness .

Connect [ edit ]

Some of the world's best and cheapest internet connectivity is to be found in parts of Asia, with extremely fast speeds in South Korea , Japan , Singapore and many other countries on both fixed line and mobile. Conversely many countries also lag behind, and connections may be hard to come by.

Censorship is a big issue for connectivity in a handful of countries including China , North Korea , and Turkmenistan , where many websites and social networks are actively blocked from use.

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Asia Travel Guide

Explore asia with this helpful asia travel guide and fall in love with its exotic culture, sun-kissed beaches, lush green forests, diverse wildlife, and hearted people, experience the wonders of asia.

With an aura of intrigue, adventure, spirituality, and solace expanding over its massive and diverse landscape, Asia is one of the continents that hold a special place in a traveler's bucket list. The snow-capped ranges of Mount Everest, the sunkissed coastal lines, the enchanting climate, the bustling metropolises, and the marvels of its picturesquely lush terrains, grasslands, and forests, are other chief attractions of Asia. 

Stretching from the Eastern Mediterranean sea to the Pacific Ocean in the West, Asia is the largest continent with 49 countries and 41 UNESCO World Heritage Sites .   A third of the world's population resides in Asia, making it one of the densely populated continents. 

There are a plethora of national parks in Asia intending to preserve wildlife and our ecosystem. Some of the official national parks in Asia are Fuji Hakone Izu National Park (Japan), Chitwan National Park (Nepal), Goreme National Park (Turkey), Ranthambore National Park (India), Koh Sok National Park (Thailand), and Guilin-Lijiang National Park (China).

Sorting down the list of places to visit when you travel to Asia can be a strenuous job. Explore this helpful Asia travel guide and learn more about this amazing continent, that offers the best Asian food and some of the best beaches in the world ! Find the best time to visit , things to know before you travel to Asia , and some of the best things to do while you are visiting Asia, a land of wonders!

Featured Asia Destinations

Popular countries to visit in asia by region.

Southeast Asia

The best Southeast Asian countries to visit are Thailand , Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines , Myanmar, Malaysia , and Indonesia . The Tea Plantations of Malaysia, the many rice fields ,  Bali , the city of Bangkok ,  paradise islands, Batad in the Philippines, and Inle Lake  in Myanmar are some of the places to visit in East Asian Countries. These countries are worth visiting for the adventure, nightlife, temples, sublime coastal line, and other scenic locations they offer. Other countries are Brunei, East Timor, Laos, and Singapore .

The most popular East Asian countries to visit are China, Hong Kong , and Japan . Other countries in East Asia are North Korea, South Korea, Macau, Taiwan, and Mongolia . Some of the best places to visit are Kyoto , bustling Tokyo , the Great Wall of China , Hong Kong Island , and Victoria Peak .

The best countries to visit in South Asia are India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, and Pakistan . Afghanistan and Bangladesh are other countries located in South Asia. The Taj Mahal, The Himalayas, Taktsang Palphug Monastery , and Sigiriya Fortress are some destinations you can add to your list while visiting South Asia. They are famous for their colonial architecture, Buddhist ruins, coral islands, and other religious shrines.

While traveling in North Asia, the area is mostly part of the  Russian regions east of the Ural Mountains: Ural, Siberia, and the Russian Far East , but the northern parts of Kazakhstan (Central Asia) and Mongolia (East Asia) are also sometimes related to North Asia. Amongst them, Russia is the largest country and one of the hubs of tourism. The Urals and Belukha mountains in Russia, Korgalzhyn and Burabay lakes, the Kyzylarai mountains in Northern Kazakhstan, and the Siberian Great Taiga Wilderness of Northern Mongolia are some of the dominating tourist sites in Northern Asia . The region is mostly known for its epic train rides, snow-capped mountains, rich wildlife, and many freshwater lakes, such as Khuvsgul Lake National Park .

Central Asia

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan are some of the best countries to visit in Central Asia. Samarkand, Khorog, Kabul, Herat, and Ashgabat are some fascinating places to visit in Central Asia . Tourism is not high in Central Asian countries compared to the other parts. These countries are famous for their scenic beauty and ancient culture.

Bahrain, Iran, Oman, Cyprus, Qatar, Lebanon, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are some of the best countries to visit in West Asia. Manama, Wabi Shab, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Wahiba Sands, Salalah, Istanbul, Pamukkale, and Bierut are a few places worth visiting in West Asian countries. They are known for their immense expanse of deserts, ancient culture, and hospitality. In total 20 countries are located fully or partly in Western Asia , out of which some are (also) part of The Middle East and the Arab world. Other countries are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Lebanon, and Yemen .

Chureito Pagoda in Japan Asia

Whang Od, Tattoo artist from Kalinga

Best time to visit Asia

It is not easy to specify the exact time to visit Asia as a whole due to its vast geographical expanse. Climate and weather vary according to the differences in the regions. The best time to visit Asian countries is during the dry (March to June) and cold (December to February) seasons. While planning your trip, try to plan according to the country and region you are visiting. For instance, you can visit Cambodia anytime during the year, and it is best to visit Indonesia either between January to March or June to September. Explore Asia by country, to learn more about the best time to visit specific places in Asia, such as the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

Things to know before you travel to Asia

Most Asian countries are safe to visit

Most parts of Asia are safe to visit and I felt safe in every Asian country I've visited. However, you may confront delays, cancellations, scams, thieves, and other such problems in most parts of Asia. You have to take care of yourself and your valuables like money, credit or debit cards, gadgets, and bags while traveling. Some of these precautions can help you while in Asia. Try to avoid walking on isolated roads and streets at night: in Flores, someone tried to rob our handbag. Carrying a money belt is helpful to avoid being the prey of bumps and grabs as well as pickpockets. Try to split your money and keep them in different places. Store expensive items in the locker of your hotel or hostel. While traveling on local buses or metros, you can have your bag in front of you. Always follow local rules and respect them as offending the natives can, at times, cause 

Currency in Asia

Though many countries in Asia accept the US dollar , it is always safe to keep the local currency as cash in your hand. Some of the countries in Asia that take the US dollar are Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam . You must know about the exchange rates as it will help you keep track of the money spent. Another essential thing regarding currency is to always carry your debit or credit card in Asia . E-wallets for payments are another great way of making transactions while traveling. Though most ATMs in Asia accept foreign cards, the withdrawal charges can be high. It is always better to withdraw a bulk amount based on the requirements or visit an exchange office. Having backup currency with you is necessary as in rural areas, online or card transactions are not always possible.

Tipping in Asia is encouraged in most places

Tipping is encouraged in Asia . However, in some countries, the natives consider it impolite. In China, Singapore, and Malaysia, people don't give tips in local shops and restaurants. But, in western restaurants and luxury hotels, you can provide around 10% of the bill as a tip. Even in high-end restaurants in Singapore, it is better to tip no more than 10% of the bill. In many Asian countries, there is a service charge of 10-15%. In such places, tipping is not necessary. However, in some countries like Vietnam and Thailand, service charges are not collected. So, it is essential to give a 10% tip. In these countries, you can also tip in dollars.

Sustainable Tourism in Asia

It is pertinent to ensure that we consider future generations while traveling. Sustainable tourism is a way of traveling where you care for the ecosystem and resources. You can travel responsibly by bringing some changes by relying on shuttle buses, trains, or metros for traveling from one place to another. Opting out of laundry services is also a way to travel sustainably.  Overtourism in Asia is a significant issue. From 2005 onwards, Bali has been implementing sustainable tourism measures. Vietnam is another country that focuses on green tourism. You can always travel sustainably by opting for eco-friendly tour operators and accommodations. You can always participate in eco-friendly programs like Angkor Wat Marathon.

Vaccinations to be taken while traveling to Asia

Vaccinations for Asia differ across countries. The WHO and CDC provide a list of vaccinations that one has to take before traveling to Asia. Getting vaccinations can act as a great preventive measure. In most parts of Asia, travelers are often affected by Yellow Fever and Cholera. Other vaccinations to be taken are for Measles, Hepatitis, and Typhoid.

Visa while traveling to Asia

Many countries in Asia provide on-arrival Visas and e-Visas . The need for a visa while visiting Asian countries depends on two factors. They rely on your nationality and the duration of your trip. Several countries in Asia allow tourists to travel visa-free if they are planning for a short-term visit (15 to 30 days). India, Cambodia, and Vietnam offer e-visa options for travelers. In countries like China and Japan, a visa is mandatory regardless of your nationality. It is always best to cross-check with the official websites of the countries before planning your trip.

Things to do in Asia to cross off your Asia bucket list

Batad Rice Terraces, Philippines

Located in the mountain ranges of Cordillera in the northern Philippines, Batad Rice Terrace is one of the  UNESCO sites in Asia . It is part of five clusters of lush green mountains and rice terraces, which include Bangaan , Mayoyao, Hungduan, and Nagacadan Rice Terraces  as well. It is a product of the Ifugao Ethnic group and therefore also called The Ifugao Rice Terraces . The amphitheater-shaped terraces of Batad are situated near Cambulo village and are known for their natural stairway to heaven. The best time to visit the Rice Terraces of Batad is either between April and May or October and November.

The Lagoons of El Nido (Palawan)

El-Nido often referred to as a tropical paradise of the Philippines, has several beaches, lagoons, and spots for adventures. Palawan is one of 1700 islands with sites of shipwreck, crystal clear lagoons, underground ruins, and Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park, which is yet another UNESCO's world heritage site in the Philippines. The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry months, which is between November and May.

Experience the Best of Bangkok

While touring Thailand, it is essential to go on a city trip to Bangkok. Consider visiting Wat Pho, Wat Arun, the floating markets, and Bangkok's China Town. Wat Pho or the temple of the Reclined Buddha is located right behind the temple of Emerald Buddha . You can buy a bowl of coins before entering the temple and drop each coin in the 108 bowls in the temple. Floating markets are yet another attraction in Bangkok. Some of them are, Damnoen Saduak floating market , the Amphawa floating market , the Khlong Lat Mayom , etc. These markets have lively boats moving about selling fruit and other food items. There are many things to do in Bangkok, including its bustling nightlife with night markets and fancy rooftop bars. Also, don't forget to add the Grand Palace to your Bangkok itinerary.

Big Buddha, Hong Kong

Big Buddha or the Tian Tan Buddha is the second-largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. Located on Lantau Island , it is at a ten-minute walking distance from Ngong Ping Village. The statue is on the peak of Mount Muk Yue, and it is seated in the South, facing Beijing. You would have to climb 268 steps to reach the Big Buddha. Along the way, there is an exhibition of the valuables of Buddha also.

Enchanting Bali and its temples

Bali is known for its varied landscape, mountainous volcanoes, and sandy beaches. It is an Indonesian island popular for its resorts and adventure sports. Some of the cities worth visiting in Bali are Candidasa, Denpasar, Sanur (famous for its sea resorts), Ubud (known for its terrace paddies, and culture). If you are someone interested in watersports, you can go Scuba diving in Tulamben . For surfing, Kuta, Legian, and Canggu are the best regions. You can also visit Mount Agung , which is a volcano, and the cliffside Uluwatu Temple is a religious spot worth visiting in Bali.

Bali also has surrounded Islands, that are known predominantly for their lifestyle, culture, and scenic beauty. Nusa Lembongan is an island known for having no traffic, as four-wheelers are not permitted. It has thick mangrove forests and a variety of aquamarine life. Nusa Ceningan is less known and is the favorite of people who love adventure. The 12m high jumping point and its blue lagoon are the chief attractions.

Flores Island, Indonesia

There are many places worth visiting on Flores Island . Kelimutu lakes are three crater lakes inside the mountains. The waters of these lakes sparkle in blue, green, and red color. Labuan Bajo is at the entrance of Komodo National Park . Belaraghi village and Bajawa are great spots for experiencing the local culture in Flores Island. 

Admire the Tea Plantations of Malaysia

There are many tea plantations in Malaysia. BOH or Bohea tea plantation , located 203 Km's away from Kuala Lumpur, is known for its production of the finest quality tea in Malaysia. Cameron tea plantation is the second largest tea plantation in Malaysia and is famous for its aromatic tea in the Cameron Highlands . Located 185 Km away from Kaula Lumpur, Gaharu Tea Valley is known for its production of organic farming and its picturesque views.

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Southeast Asia

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. 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. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

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Asia Travel

Wondering where to begin planning your Asia travel? Taking a big trip to the other side of the planet can seem daunting -- especially for the first-timer -- but it doesn't have to be! This step-by-step guide will take you from the U.S. to Asia with ease so that you can focus on the most important aspect of travel planning: the fun!

Traveling to Asia is as exciting as it sounds; Asia is the largest and most diverse continent on Earth, so you'll get more than your money's worth of culture, beauty, history, and adventure.

With a long to-do list, this Asia travel guide will help you to take care of items in the right order, so that you can be ready for the big departure day.

First, read about 10 newbie mistakes to avoid when you begin your travels!

Apply for a Passport

Long before you start worrying over what to pack or where to go, you should start the most time-consuming processes first. Asia travel is completely impossible without a passport, and as a good world citizen you should be proud to have one anyway!

The easiest way to apply for a U.S. passport is to do so at your main post office. Passport photos have strict guidelines; plan to have one taken at the post office or by a professional rather than risk having your application rejected.

Before heading to the post office, go to the official U.S. passport site to print your application and to see requirements. You will need an official birth certificate that lists both of your parent's full names. A valid driver's license is a big help for proving your citizenship.

People that have held passports before may be able to apply by mail. If you are leaving in less than two weeks, you can expedite the process by going in person to one of the U.S. passport agencies dotted around the country.

Losing or damaging your passport is a major taboo; treat it as a sacred object when it arrives!

Visit a Travel Clinic

Perhaps even more time consuming than applying for a passport, you will want some basic vaccinations for your Asia travel. Some vaccinations such as those for hepatitis require a series of shots spread across months to complete immunity. If short on time, you can get the first two injections before your trip, then get the third booster after you return home. Luckily, tetanus vaccinations are good for 10 years and the hepatitis vaccinations are considered to be good for at least 20 years, maybe life.

You may not need the full gamut of shots for Asia if you are only planning a short visit, or intend to stick around only tourist areas. Keep good records of your vaccinations to avoid overpaying for duplicates later; remembering what shots you did or did not receive 10 years later is not easy!

Ask your travel doctor about the following vaccinations; all are just as useful at home as they are abroad:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles (you probably received this one as a child, but check to be sure)
• Tetanus / Diphtheria (often combined in one injection)
• Typhoid (available in capsules / necessary only outside of large tourist areas)

Vaccinations for rabies and Japanese encephalitis are only necessary in special circumstances. Yellow fever is not a problem in Asia.

Read more about getting travel vaccinations for travel to Asia.

The CDC travel website has the most up-to-date information for Asia travel vaccinations.

Apply for Travel Visas

Perhaps one of the most bewildering and confusing aspects of Asia travel, applying for visas stumps a lot of first-time travelers.

A travel visa is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport which allows access into a new country. Some are free, some have an application fee, some can be obtained in the airport at your destination, and some must be obtained before you get to a country! What's worse, visa requirements for different countries are always changing, depending on the whim of bureaucrats.

You will either need to visit a country's embassy to apply for a visa before you leave home, or mail your passport to them. If you mail your passport, don't skimp on the postage! Use certified mail with tracking and delivery confirmation; mail your passport directly from the post office rather than dropping it into a mailbox.

Countries such as China, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, and a few others require that you arrive with a visa already in your passport; otherwise, you could be denied entry and put back on a plane! Countries such as Thailand allow exemptions if you just show up, however, you can get up to 60 days if you apply in advance before you arrive.

When researching visas, get the latest requirements directly from the consulate website rather than trusting other information sources that may or may not be up to date with new requirements.

Note: Many countries that claim to have an "onward ticket" requirement rarely actually enforce it. Travelers commonly fly into countries such as Thailand, then travel overland by bus or train to neighboring countries. Dressing nicely, explaining your travel plans, or showing adequate proof of funds is often enough to avoid the onward ticket requirement.

• Read all about how to get a visa  for the countries that require one.

Book a Flight to Asia

Ask every passenger on a plane what they paid for their airfare and you'll probably receive a different answer from each one! Getting a good price on a ticket to Asia is akin to playing the stock market lately: more a dark art than a science, and a lot of luck is required.

Purchasing your ticket too far in advance isn't always the best way to ensure a good price. Try to book your ticket 30 -- 60 days before your trip; you'll save money by being more flexible with your departure date and airports.

Some quick tips for booking your flight:

• Asia is a long flight away -- sign up for a mileage reward program to take advantage.
• Leave from a major hub city; the best deals to Asia are often Asian-based airlines flying to and from the west coast of the U.S.
• Decline additional travel insurance, your regular travel insurance will probably have coverage.

Learn some more secrets for booking a cheap flight to Asia .

Get Travel Insurance for Asia

Travel insurance may seem like just another expense added to a long list of Asia travel expenditures, however, once you take a hair-raising tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok at rush hour, you'll realize that the peace of mind was worth the price!

Fortunately, travel insurance is far less expensive than regular health insurance. Follow these tips before choosing a suitable policy:

• Check your renter's or home owner's insurance to see if they will cover valuables such as camera and laptop while you are abroad.
• Make copies of receipts and record models/serial numbers for expensive electronics that you plan to take to Asia.
• Choose a travel insurance policy that offers emergency evacuation back to the U.S.
• Realize that many travel insurance policies may require an additional "rider" to cover you during adventure sports such as scuba diving. Driving motorbikes is almost never covered.
• Travel Guard (Compare Prices) is the leading travel insurer in the U.S.

Read more about why budget travel insurance is a good idea and how to choose the right policy.

Plan Your Asia Travel

Now that all the prerequisites for Asia travel are done, time for the fun part: planning your trip!

The most common mistake that a first-time traveler to Asia makes is trying to see too much in too short of a time. With such interesting cities, beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia, we are all guilty!

Keep in mind that things move a little slower in developing countries than they do at home; transportation may or may not go on schedule. Arriving in Asia with an aggressive itinerary is a sure recipe for stress.

Here are some tips for planning your Asia travel:

• Check the Weather: Many parts of Asia have distinct wet and dry seasons. An island is no fun when monsoon rains keep you indoors most of the time! Research monsoon season dates for your destinations, however, keep in mind that the world's weather has changed and isn't as predictable as it once was. Read more about the weather in Southeast Asia .
• Check Festival Dates: Big holidays and events such as Ramadan or Chinese New Year will certainly affect your trip to Asia. Accommodation prices during large holidays go up and transportation may be limited. Arrive early if you wish to enjoy the festivals in Asia.
• Don't Worry About Language: While knowing how to say hello in Asia is certainly fun and useful, language differences should not be a concern when planning your trip. You will find English spoken to some degree nearly everywhere, particularly along popular routes such as the Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia. Learn some of the local language will certainly enhance your trip to Asia, however, you will learn exponentially faster once you hit the ground.
• Check Festival Dates: Big holidays and events such as Ramadan or Chinese New Year will certainly affect your trip to Asia. Accommodation prices during large holidays go up and transportation may be limited. Arrive early if you wish to enjoy the festivals in Asia .

See everything that you need to plan Asia travel.

Arrive Prepared

Although so much trip preparation can seem a little overwhelming at first, remember: flexibility always outweighs extreme preparation in the long run!

Some last minute things to research and take care of before you leave home for Asia:

• You will undoubtedly be a little jet lagged your first days in Asia. Know these jet lag remedies .
• Know how to beat the top 5 travel health ailments that affect many travelers.
• Walk softly and don't support harmful practices you may or may not realize; read about responsible travel in Asia.
• Research the currency exchange for your destinations before you leave home. Learn how to access and carry money in Asia and get the current exchange rates for Asia.
• Pack light -- you'll inevitably want to take advantage of the cheap shopping in Asia. Consider bringing these essential items with you to Asia.
• Know about these common scams in Asia so that you don't become a victim as soon as you hit the ground.
• Register your trip on the U.S. State Department Travel website; the consulate will know that you are there in case of natural disaster or political turmoil.
• Contact your bank and any credit cards that you intend to carry on your trip; they need to be aware that you are traveling, otherwise they may lock your card to protect against fraud when they see strange charges in Asia come across!
• If traveling for a long time, fill your cars with gas and add fuel stabilizer to the tank.

Most importantly, enjoy your trip of a lifetime!

Vital Information for the First-Time Visitor to Thailand

Vacation Countdown: 17 Smart Things to Do Before Leaving Home

What to Do in an Emergency in Mexico

10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Asia

Traveling Safely in Greece

Prepare for Overseas Travel With This Checklist

Visa Regulations for Asian Countries

10 Things to Do Before Visiting a New Country

Visa Requirements for Greece

Visa Requirements for Canada

Visa Requirements for Italy

Visa Requirements for Sweden

Plan Your Trip to Africa in 10 Easy Steps

What to Bring to Asia

How to Rush Your Passport Application and Get Your Passport Quickly

When Should You Renew Your Passport?

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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.

Is this the Best Hostel in South East Asia?

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

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

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

Southeast Asia is truly massive .

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

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

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

Backpacking Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting Thailand

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

Backpacking Vietnam

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting Vietnam

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

Backpacking Laos

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting Laos

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

Backpacking Cambodia

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting Cambodia

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

Backpacking Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting Myanmar

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

Backpacking Malaysia

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting Malaysia

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

Backpacking Singapore

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting Singapore

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

Backpacking Indonesia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting Indonesia

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

Backpacking The Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Know Before Visiting the Philippines

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

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Jungle Trekking

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

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

2. Scuba Diving

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

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

3. Motorcycle in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

4. Learn To Cook

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

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

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

5. Chase Waterfalls

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

6. Go Caving

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

7. It’s Street Food O’Clock

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

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

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

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

8. Go climbing

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

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

9. Island hopping

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

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

10. Stay in a Coworking Hostel

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

Psssst…. Searching for your Tribe?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Daily Budget in Southeast Asia

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

Budget Tips for Visiting Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit – Country Breakdown

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

What’s the climate in Thailand like? 

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

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

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

What’s the climate in Vietnam like? 

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

Best Months to Travel: October-April

What’s the climate in Cambodia and Laos like? 

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

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

Best Months to Travel: October-March

What’s the climate in Myanmar like? 

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

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

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

What’s the climate in Malaysia like? 

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

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

Best Months to Travel: May-September

What’s the climate in Indonesia like? 

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

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

Best Months to Travel:  November-May

What’s the climate in the Philippines like? 

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

What to Pack for Southeast Asia

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

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

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

Hanging Laundry Bag

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

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

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

Monopoly Deal

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

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visas and Entry Requirements for Southeast Asian Countries

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

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

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

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

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

Common Types of Transport in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

Onwards Travel from Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Digital Nomad Scene in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

Teaching English in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

Volunteering in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food to Try in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trekking in Southeast Asia

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

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

Scuba Diving in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

Is backpacking in Southeast Asia safe?

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

Where can I backpack in Southeast Asia?

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

How long do you need to backpack Southeast Asia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Updated February 2023

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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Asia's Last Wild Lions Live Only 200 Miles from Mumbai

Asiatic lions, or Panthera leo persica, are a lion subspecies, just like the better-known African lion. These powerful apex predators roamed the forests of India, the deserts of the Middle East, and what is now Türkiye until the late 19th century. They were slowly eradicated country by country until the only ones that remained were sheltered within the private hunting grounds of a princely family. Fortunately, this small corner of India's Kathiawar peninsula, which juts off the west coast of Gujarat state, was under the rule of a well-known animal lover who reportedly owned more than 2,000 dogs. As one legend goes, Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III began noticing fewer and fewer lions on his regular forest walks. Ordering an official survey that reportedly only counted 12 total lions within his district caused him to ban all hunting in the area.

Without the nobleman’s timely intervention, the lions would have likely gone extinct.

Thankfully, intrepid travelers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path wildlife experience can still travel from Mumbai or nearby Rajasthan into Gujarat and see the majestic creatures for themselves. Brimming with wildlife and satisfyingly expansive, Gir National Park evokes the African savannah with the only noticeable difference being the big cats that live there. Asiatic lions are lanky and have close-cropped, dark manes, as opposed to flowing golden-brown locks. They also have spunky tufts of dark hair on the tips of their tails and elbows.

Without the vast expanse of Africa’s never-ending savannah , Asia’s last lions have acclimated to living near the congestion of India’s cities and the 1 million inhabitants of the surrounding district. But these lions remain wild. They’re the last of their species. And India has gone to great lengths to protect them. Now they live and roam inside of a beloved national park that most foreign visitors have never heard of.

It wasn’t easy to get there, though. In fact, doing so without a rental car was something akin to an Olympic event involving a series of trains and buses that rattled through the desolate arid desert and into the teak forests of Gir. The train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad was a slow, scenic, and relatively painless eight hours as promised. But a second train to Junagadh, which lasted nearly as long, ended our rail journey and the last semblance of comfort. As we boarded a local bus, every surface was coated in the desert’s dust. The bus crawled onward for what seemed like an eternity, all its windows open, allowing for heat, dust, and the smoke of farmers stubble burning in their fields to saturate the air.

But even though the journey was arduous and uncomfortable, most experiences worth their salt are.

Upon arrival in the small village of Sasan Gir, we were met by our guesthouse host to guide us to The Wild's Villa Gir . We left town in a rickshaw and followed a dirt path through the forest for three miles, immersing ourselves in the wilderness. The guesthouse, which was located on a small mango farm, offered excellent home-cooked meals, a swimming pool, and nature walks with a resident guide. (For a more lavish accommodation option rather than a budget-friendly homestay, consider The Fern Gir Forest Resort, which has numerous pools, spacious rooms, and wildlife walks.)

It’s very different from the conservation-focused Gir safari area that we visited.

Driving along the narrow dirt paths as the sun rose red in the sky, we approached lazy groups of lionesses lounging just 30 feet from the track. With no other jeeps in sight, there was no rush. We could watch them stroll through the scrubland and roll in the dust until our hearts were content. Nosing up to a watering hole, a single lioness strolled within 10 feet of our stopped vehicle. Accustomed to living within the park, she barely glanced our way, knowing humans posed no threat to her life, and that there were plenty of Sambar deer in the area worth eating. Our guide, Uday Kahor, is from a nearby village used to the presence of the lions. “Living here is not risky,” he told me. “If we do not disturb the wildlife, the wildlife will not disturb us.”

Gir National Park is closed between June and October for the monsoon season. This practice allows for a rewilding of the natural landscape. Even when it’s open, the untamed shaggy scrubland feels remote. Only 150 Jeeps can enter the park daily, 50 for each of the three safari time slots, which are three hours apiece. Those 50 jeeps are then assigned to one of 15 trails cutting through the park and cannot deviate from their designated route. This practice minimizes overcrowding and prevents guides from radioing to others within the park to converge on one unlucky lion.

From the visitor's perspective, this often translates to a more intimate experience described as serene rather than chaotic. Wildlife within the park is bountiful, lion's appetite aside. Peacock, hyena, chital (spotted deer), pangolin, golden jackal, flying foxes, sloth bear, wildcat, leopard, mongoose, and the world's only four-horned antelope, to name but a few. Our exceptional lion luck—spotting two males and 12 females—extended to exceptional wildlife luck in general. A single jackal darted in front of us, likely in hot pursuit of prey. A muster of peacocks strutted through the underbrush, their bright jewel tones easily distinguished from the monotone landscape. Hanuman Langurs perched in the trees above the spotted backs of chital grazing with a single stoic sambar deer keeping careful watch nearby. A deadly Russell’s Viper attempted to conceal its thick body in the leafy fodder near the path. The landscape was quiet but filled with life.

This plan seems to be working. "Over the last several years, the lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X back in 2020. “This is powered by community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management, and steps to minimize human-lion conflict.”

Hemmed in by farmland and sprawling but densely populated Indian cities, this habitat has little room for expansion. The next step in lion conservation, then, is the relocation of some lions to other places in India that are already protected and once held their own populations. This dispersal is a necessary insurance policy; otherwise, the entirety of the species could be wiped out by one highly transmissible virus. Just this year, the Gujarat Government announced that Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, about 62 miles from Gir, was slated to receive around 40 lions from the park. As of February, there were already 4-5 lions moved inside the protected area.

But until that project is completed, there’s only one place to see them.

Our guide, Kahor, remained cool. It occurred to me that these sightings could get monotonous, just like anything else. But he told me that was not the case. “Lions are a sacred animal of India, and I get to see them every day,” as he put it. While many animals are emblematic of India—from the stealthy Bengal tigers to the Elephants reminiscent of the god Ganesh—you can find them scattered throughout the country in abundance.

But the Asiatic lion is the Pride of Gir and Gir alone. Want more Thrillist? Follow us on  Instagram ,  TikTok ,  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube .

Geena Truman is a   travel journalist who loves to write about adventure travel, ethical wildlife encounters, food, and immersive cultural experiences. She can often be found on grand adventures in off-the-beaten-path destinations, like independently driving across Mongolia or motorcycling through Pakistan. She's a contributor to publications like Fodor's Travel, National Geographic, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, Matador Network, and more.