Munching through street food heaven. Slurping coconuts every day. Exploring dreamy temples. Relaxing on the world’s most beautiful beaches. Trekking through lush rainforests. Diving, canyoning, tubing. Traveling along the Southeast Asia backpacking route, you can have the time of your life. Adventure is calling!
Although the different Southeast Asian countries all have some things in common on the cultural side, backpacking in Southeast Asia is such a diverse experience. Every country has its unique vibes. I loved the most how you feel the difference in their landscapes, food (well I’m a huge foodie so that’s always important to me), how the temples looked a bit different, and the people had their own traditions in each new country I visited.
I went on a spectacular adventure backpacking through Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia for six months. While I planned a 3 months Southeast Asia itinerary in the beginning, I ended up exploring this beautiful part of the world for half a year. And I came back many times to some of the countries after this large trip, because this is where my heart belongs.
Well, I’m half Malaysian, so I’ve got Southeast Asian roots and have visited this country many times since I was a small child. So Southeast Asia has a place deep in my heart and I may be biased. But exploring more of the continent has been an adventure of a lifetime.
In this Southeast Asia backpacking guide, you’ll get all the juicy insights about the best highlights in well-known countries such as Thailand to hidden gems like Laos, and which places to visit in each country. Also, where to sleep, and tips on food.
Besides, I share tips on getting off the beaten path, and everything you need to know for planning your trip.
Table of contents
Southeast Asia Backpacking
Backpacking Southeast Asia itineraries
Good to know
Sustainable travel hacks in Southeast Asia
Accommodation in Southeast Asia
Best time to visit
Is Southeast Asia the right destination for me?
Choosing the right destination for an upcoming trip is always exciting. Yet, you have to research a bit and be sure of what you want and what you can expect from a certain travel destination, in order to make the best out of your trip.
Let’s consider some questions:
- Are you fascinated by Buddhism and/or Hinduism, ancient temples (or in general different cultures & religions)?
- Do you like Asian (street) food and eating spicy?
- Would you like to go jungle trekking?
- Are you looking for paradisiacal beaches and islands?
- Do you love diving or would love to learn how to dive?
- Can you cope with very humid heat?
- Do you like exotic animals?
If you can answer most of these questions with a yes, there’s a high chance that you fall in love with backpacking in Southeast Asia.
Backpacking in Southeast Asia has become very popular, so the infrastructure for travelers is quite good in many places – a huge choice of hostels, (night) buses, and countless activities. That makes it quite easy to get to know other travelers.
And nature here is simply stunning – from the most beautiful beaches and islands you can imagine, to the world’s oldest rainforest.
The countries offer an awesome balance between experiencing foreign cultures and nature, beach time, exploring ancient temples, bustling megacities, river adventures, munching street food, and meeting fellow travelers to hang out.
However, you should also consider that backpacking in Southeast Asia comes with long bus journeys, tons of mosquito bites, heavy humid heat, and sometimes crazy traffic. Accommodation is not always super comfortable if you’re traveling on a budget and communication can sometimes be difficult (or much fun). And you’re a guest in a foreign culture with completely different customs and traditions. Some fall directly in love with life in Asia, and for some the first days are a heavy culture shock.
Eventually, you have to listen to your own needs and desires, but also have to be realistic about what to expect. Then this Southeast Asia backpacking route can be the adventure of a lifetime for you.
Backpacking in Southeast Asia
Backpacking Southeast Asia itineraries
You can start your Southeast Asia backpacking trip in pretty much all countries. As I have family in Malaysia, I started my trip here. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) also one of the best-connected airports, just like Bangkok (with usually the cheapest international flights from Europe). So I’d recommend flying to either Malaysia or Thailand, especially coming from Europe.
This is the Southeast Asia itinerary I took:
- Malaysia (peninsula or down along the west coast)
- ⇨ Singapore
- ⇨ Malaysia (up north along the east coast OR flying over to Borneo)
- ⇨ Thailand (south)
- ⇨ Cambodia
- ⇨ Vietnam
- ⇨ Laos
- ⇨ Thailand (north)
This ends up in a loop. But of course, you can also start in any other country and follow the same loop.
If you want to add Indonesia, you most probably have to fly (except if you’re planning to go to Sumatra which you can reach by ferry from Malaysia). So you can include this in your Southeast Asia itinerary wherever it suits you best.
Southeast Asia backpacking map | option 1
My recommended Southeast Asia itinerary, however, is in this order:
- Malaysia (peninsula or down along the west coast)
- ⇨ Singapore
- ⇨ Malaysia (up north along the east coast OR flying over to Borneo)
- ⇨ Thailand (south & north)
- ⇨ Laos
- ⇨ Cambodia
- ⇨ Vietnam
This is the smarter route that involves the iconic slow boat ride from northern Thailand to Laos and avoids the crazy long bus ride (25h) from Vietnam to Laos.
Even though I also love being spontaneous, and you shouldn’t plan a too rigid itinerary, choosing a rough Southeast Asia backpacking route can help you with some of the planning. This way, you have a general idea of where you’d like to go and what you want to see. But you still have the option, to stay flexible and alter your itinerary to travel with new travel buddies or to change spontaneously because you’ve heard of an incredible hidden gem on the way (happened to me often).
Southeast Asia backpacking map | option 2
4 – 6 months Southeast Asia backpacking route
With four to six months you’ve got a lot of time – perfect for a Southeast Asia backpacking route along the loop (which is the route I took):
Malaysia (south peninsula) ⇨ Singapore ⇨ Malaysia (north peninsula and Borneo) ⇨ Thailand (south) ⇨ Cambodia ⇨ Vietnam ⇨ Laos ⇨ Thailand (north) ⇨ Indonesia
However, as mentioned before, the border crossing from Vietnam to Laos involves a really long bus trip (25h) from Hanoi to Luang Prabang, so this is the smarter route (and it involves the iconic slow boat ride from northern Thailand to Laos):
Malaysia (south peninsula) ⇨ Singapore ⇨ Malaysia (north peninsula and Borneo) ⇨ Thailand (south & north) ⇨ Laos ⇨ Cambodia ⇨ Vietnam ⇨ Indonesia
1 week in Malaysia (south peninsula):
If you fly to Kuala Lumpur (which often has the best prices for flights from Europe), start by spending a few days in this megacity to adjust to the Asian climate and culture. If you’re struggling with the heat, spend a few days in the cooler climate of Cameron Highlands. From here, head down south to the beautiful colonial coastal town Malacca (which is right between KL and Singapore).
1 week in Singapore:
From Malacca, you can easily take a bus to Singapore which is just a 2-3 hour bus ride from Malacca. Including Singapore at the beginning of your trip makes sense, as this is a soft introduction to Asia. Here, you can find a mix of Western and Asian culture without the huge chaos that awaits you in other Asian megacities. Enjoy the modern architecture, great food and don’t miss a walking tour through the city and seeing one of its islands.
2-3 weeks in Malaysia (north peninsula and/or Borneo):
After Singapore, you can cross the border back to Malaysia and explore more of its highlights, such as some islands along the east coast (Tioman, the Perhentian Islands, or another smaller & lesser-known island). Then cross over to the north-west where two true highlights await you: Penang Island with the cute town George Town the best food in the country (the island is so worth visiting although it doesn’t have the nicest beaches). Afterwards, Langkawi Island will spoil you with its beaches.
If you’re on a longer trip, I highly recommend including Borneo to your Southeast Asia itinerary. As my dad (who is Malaysian) once said: “You haven’t really seen Malaysia, if you didn’t go to Borneo!”. Here, you can find the world’s oldest rainforests and some amazing national parks where you can go jungle trekking.
2-3 weeks in southern Thailand (incl. Bangkok):
Thailand is among the largest Southeast Asian countries. Especially the north is vast and lesser touched, but many Southeast Asia itineraries focus on the country’s south with its islands. And the south is indeed stunning. The most fun way to cross the border from Malaysia to Thailand is by boat from Langkawi to Koh Lipe. Starting on this tiny island, you can perfectly move on to more islands in the southwest around Krabi, such as Koh Lanta.
From Krabi, you can easily reach many parts of Thailand, so I made my way to the southeast for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao by bus & ferry. This is where I’ve been to some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, and the perfect place to learn how to dive.
You can then move on to the magical capital Bangkok to explore amazing temples, visit Ayutthaya, awesome street food markets and much more. If you can’t get enough of beaches, add another island stop in Koh Kut (for a hidden gem with much fewer tourists than other islands). If you want to visit all these islands, you will need at least three weeks. With less time, you have to pick (I know, the choice is hard).
2-3 weeks in northern Thailand:
While I moved on to Cambodia after Bangkok, I’d now recommend heading on to the incredible north of Thailand. Your first stop is most likely Chiang Mai, the gate to the north. Enjoy the night markets and temples and maybe spend a few days in a meditation or yoga retreat. Then start the iconic scooter trip to Pai (if you’re confident on a scooter, otherwise take a minibus) – a small place in the north with a laid-back vibe perfect for nature lovers, foodies and yogis. If you’ve got more time, extend your adventure to Chiang Rai or some villages along the Mae Hong Son loop.
2-3 weeks in Laos:
The most iconic way to enter Laos is by slow boat from northern Thailand (from either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai) – a trip that takes two days floating on the Mekong River, until you slowly reach Luang Prabang. Enjoy this truly beautiful little town with its many temples and two rivers. Then take the bus or train to Vang Vieng for lots of outdoor adventures and if you like you can add a short stop in Vientiane, Laos’ sleepy capital. After that, it’s time for some scooter adventure around Pakse and a unique trip to 4000 Islands close to the Cambodian border.
2-3 weeks in Cambodia:
No matter, if you’re crossing the border from Thailand (Bangkok) or from Laos, your first stop in Cambodia is most likely Siem Reap where you can visit the breathtaking temples of Angkor Wat. The small towns Kampot & Kep are also worth visiting (it’s where the renowned pepper grows) before making your way to Phnom Penh. Cambodia’s capital has more to offer than crazy traffic, and a dark history. Give it a chance by exploring its lovely temples, before making your way to Vietnam.
3-4 weeks in Vietnam:
From Phnom Penh, it’s super easy to cross the border to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam’s south – a city with a mix of traffic chaos and street food heaven.
Vietnam stretches super long which means many distances and bus/train journeys are really long. On the other hand, the network is quite good. After a stop in the Mekong Delta (which you honestly cannot miss – here you can visit the coolest floating market and enjoy this riverside paradise), you move from south to north. Popular stops are Mui Ne to admire sand dunes or go kite-surfing, Dalat for waterfall canyoning and mountain adventures, and lovely Hoi An & Hue for a pretty colonial town with shining lanterns & ancient temples. Once you’ve reached the north, explore Vietnam’s capital Hanoi which is full of contrasts from bustling markets and hipster cafes to neat villas and art galleries. From here, you can start the unique boat trip to Halong Bay and recharge in between its mystical limestone formations. An unforgettable experience!
3-6 weeks in Indonesia:
If you’re on a six-month journey and still have time left, I highly recommend adding Indonesia to your itinerary. The country is huge, so you have to pick a few islands.
You can for example fly to Lombok which has the surf & yoga vibe such as Bali but still feels more authentic and is far less touristy. From here, you can take a short boat ride to one of the Gili Islands, such as Gili Air, and move on to famous Bali to experience this famous island with its unique vibe and lovely Buddhist culture.
But I highly recommend also visiting Java, where you can experience a very authentic side of Indonesia and meet much fewer tourists. There’s a boat from Gilimanuk to Ketapang. Highlights are the area around Malang in Java’s far east with stunning volcano hikes, Yogyakarta with two of Southeast Asia’s most stunning temples and a relaxed backpacker vibe. A true highlight for me was the tiny island Karimunjawa which you can reach from Yogya by night bus & ferry. A paradisiacal island without any tourism. Back on Java, you can either add a short stop around Bandung for more volcano adventures or head straight to Jakarta.
Of course, you can also do it the other way around, starting in Jakarta and moving on to Bali, the Gili Islands and eventually Lombok.
3 months Southeast Asia backpacking route
If you’ve got 3 months to explore, you can easily cover four to five of the countries from the suggested Southeast Asia Backpacking route, such as the following:
- Malaysia peninsula (incl. Singapore) ⇨ Thailand (south) ⇨ Cambodia ⇨ Laos ⇨ Thailand (north)
- Malaysia peninsula (incl. Singapore) ⇨ Thailand (south) ⇨ Cambodia ⇨ Vietnam
- Malaysia (north peninsula) ⇨ Thailand (south) ⇨ Cambodia ⇨ Vietnam ⇨ Thailand (north)
Small Singapore can obviously be seen in a few days and Laos and Cambodia are both rather smaller countries as well.
Or you can pick three larger countries such as:
- Malaysia (incl. Singapore) ⇨ Thailand ⇨ Indonesia
2 months Southeast Asia backpacking route
With two months, I’d say you can cover 2-3 countries from that Southeast Asia itinerary, e.g.
- Malaysia peninsula (incl. Singapore) ⇨ Thailand (south) ⇨ Cambodia
- Malaysia peninsula (incl. Singapore) ⇨ Thailand (south) ⇨ Laos
- Malaysia (north peninsula) ⇨ Thailand (south) ⇨ Vietnam
- Thailand (north) ⇨ Laos ⇨ Cambodia
- Thailand (south) ⇨ Cambodia ⇨ Vietnam
- Thailand (south & north) & Malaysia peninsula (incl. Singapore)
- Indonesia & Malaysia
1 month Southeast Asia backpacking route
If you’ve only got one month, I’d suggest focusing on one larger country (e.g. Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia or Vietnam) or picking 2 neighboring countries out of this Southeast Asia route and shortening it accordingly.
Depending on the size of the country, you can easily spend an intense time in one country. Or cover two smaller countries in a month.
These combinations can make a great Southeast Asia backpacking trip for 1 month:
- Malaysia & Singapore
- Thailand & Laos
- Thailand & Cambodia
- Vietnam & Laos
- Vietnam & Cambodia
Best places to visit when backpacking in Southeast Asia – Country breakdowns
Which countries to visit on a Southeast Asia backpacking trip?
Southeast Asia is a region made up of eleven countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
The easiest countries to combine in a Southeast Asia backpacking route are those connected on the mainland: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Cambodia used to be the capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, and you can find the world-famous Angkor Wat temple site here. Laos offers some spectacular mountainscapes and some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful Buddhist temples. Malaysia is extremely diverse and is home to the world’s oldest rainforests. Singapore is the most westernized city in Asia and its architecture, greenery and food will blow your mind. Thailand is the softest start for new backpackers, famous for its paradisiacal islands and beaches, welcoming locals, and some of the best street food. This is also true for the street food paradise Vietnam where you can experience the majestic landscape around the Mekong River, rice paddies and towns full of colorful lanterns.
Even though I loved my travels through Myanmar (it was one of my favorite trips ever), visiting this country is not recommended due to the dangerous and difficult political situation after the military coup in 2021. That’s why I’m leaving Myanmar out of this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary.
But I also included Indonesia which is an amazing addition if you have enough time, even though the country is further away from most on the Southeast Asian mainland.
Because the Philippines are more off the beaten path and thus harder to include in a backpacking route where you travel mostly by bus or train, I left the country out of this Southeast Asia backpacking guide. But the Philippines are definitely worth a separate trip.
Eventually, it all depends on how much time you have (Indonesia, for example, is huge and you can spend way more than a month in that country alone), and on your preferences.
Malaysia
With its huge variety across the country, Malaysia combines everything that you can imagine in Southeast Asia. A bustling capital. Amazing street food on every corner. Paradisiacal beaches and islands. Lovely small colonial towns with smiley locals. And of course, majestic rainforests (the world’s oldest!) full of singing birds.
Well, of course I’m biased, as my dad is from Malaysia and I’ve spent a lot of time in this country already as a small child. But the country is simply full of stunning places, waiting to be discovered.
Even though I call it my second home, every time I’m here, Malaysia amazes me with its beautiful islands, beaches, landscapes, and new hidden gems that I haven’t yet explored.
So you shouldn’t miss it on your backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary.
Malaysia’s highlights on your backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary:
- Kuala Lumpur – The country’s capital with a mix of huge skyscrapers (one used to be the world’s highest building until 2004) & business people but also street food vendors, and a bustling Chinatown.
- Malacca – Historically seen, the country’s most important harbor town, and a pretty one with its colorful houses and riverside cafes.
- Cameron Highlands – A natural paradise with a cooler climate.
- Penang Island – Malaysia’s street food heaven with its cute main town Georgetown where you’ll come across lovely street art.
- Langkawi Island – Stunning beaches with clear water and fine sand, amazing natural surroundings, and a great selection of attractions for the whole family.
- Perhentian Islands – Two tiny islands in front of Malaysia’s east coast to enjoy diving, swimming and relaxing.
- Borneo – Home to our planet’s oldest lung: The world’s oldest rainforest, worth visiting for its nature, biodiversity, and national parks.
Favorite activity: Boat trip to Unesco Global Geopark through the spectacular mangroves and Kilim River in Langkawi.
Coolest hostels:
- 1000 Miles right in the heart of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur
- Yote28 in Malacca
- Bed Attitude in Langkawi
Nicest hotels:
- Tiang Jin Hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur
- Liu Men Melaka which combines traditional architecture and modern style
- SAVV Hotel with a lovely pool in Geroge Town (Penang)
- the paradisiacal BuBu Villa in the Perhentian Islands.
Malaysia in three words: rainforest | food heaven | humidity
What you’ll love: Trying aaaall the street food!
Did you know? The word “orangutan” stems from the Malay language, meaning “human of the forest”
Best food: Hokkien Mee in Penang
Favorite photo spot: Street art in Georgetown, Penang
Impressions of Malaysia
Singapore
The first time I came to Singapore, it felt like the superlative of Malaysia’s most adorable sides to me – the yummy local food, the tropical weather, and the mix of cultures. Plus, it’s amazingly clean, the people are super lovely and it’s safe.
While the city displays vast contrasts of ultra-modern architecture and colorful, historic quarters, to me the most beautiful thing to see in Singapore is the different cultures living in harmony. And therefore – the amazing food from the mixed cultures!
Of course, there are many famous highlights in Singapore, but it’s well worth getting off the beaten path, exploring some hidden gems in Singapore, and experiencing authentic Singaporean charm.
Singapore’s highlights on your backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary:
- Kampong Glam & Haji Lane – With the beautiful street art, the colorful shop houses full of handicraft shops & cute cafés around quirky Haji Lane and the beautiful Sultan Mosque, the Muslim quarter is my favorite area in Singapore.
- Chinatown & Little India – For great and cheap street food and wonderful temples, this area is worth exploring on a free Signature Walking Tour.
- Hawker Centers – You simply cannot miss out on eating in a hawker center – an original food court serving great & cheap local food.
- Singapore’s green parks – From famous Gardens by the Bay. and the majestic Cloud Forest, Flower Dome (two greenhouses with huge indoor rainforests) to the Botanical Gardens and hidden parks. This city boasts about its greenery.
- Marina Bay – Embraced by majestic skyscrapers, Singapore’s modern bay is especially impressive at night and from the top of famous Marina Bay Sands.
Favorite activity: For sure, a Free Walking Tour with Wei, e.g. the “Overview of Singapore” Free Walking Tour through Marina Baywhich is the perfect start to get to know Singapore’s most famous area. Or the“Culture Vulture” Free Walking Tour across Kampong Glam and Bugis.
Coolest hostel:
- The Bohemian – with a great location in Chinatown from where you can walk everywhere
Nicest affordable hotels:
- KINN Studios – a modern hotel in a wonderful historic building in Chinatown
- Heritage Collection on Arab – A digital hotel with self-check-in and small rooms for budget travelers
- Wanderlust Unlimited Collection – What a beautiful accommodation in a historic building in bustling Little India
Singapore in three words: hawker stalls | clean | skyscrapers
What you’ll love: Seeing Singapore from above.
Did you know? Singapore didn’t really have to fight for its independence. As this fisher town didn’t seem that lucrative to keep for Malaysia, they let them go. Little did Malaysia know that this fisher town would develop into one of the world’s most important transportation hubs and a wealthy country within just a few centuries.
Best food: Singapore Hokkien Mee
Favorite photo spot: Haji Lane
Impressions of Singapore
Thailand
For many backpackers, Thailand is at the top of their list when heading to Southeast Asia. That’s for a good reason – it’s full of paradisiacal islands, impressive temples and stunning nature. Also, the country’s infrastructure is awesome which makes it easy to get from one place to the next, it’s fairly safe, and cheap, the locals are lovely and many speak English.
And of course, it’s super easy to meet other backpackers. So Thailand is the softest introduction to backpacking in Southeast Asia. Make sure to visit the beaches in the south but also the country’s spectacular north!
And then there’s Thai Food! It’s so delicious, that I could literally eat Thai Food every day. It is no wonder that everyone falls in love with Thailand.
Thailand’s highlights on your backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary:
- Bangkok – The capital offers awesome street food stalls, wonderful temples, crazy tuk-tuk rides, a great backpacker scene and crazy nightlife. But also the surroundings such as the ruins of Ayutthaya are very worth visiting!
- Chiang Mai & Pai – Enjoy this amazing landscape with adventurous scooter rides to waterfalls, temples, viewpoints and night markets where you can feast till you drop.
- Krabi & Koh Lanta – Thailand’s southwest offers so many relaxing beaches, snorkeling and amazing cooking classes.
- Koh Lipe – This cute, tiny island is the perfect stop before or after hopping to/from Malaysia.
- Koh Tao & Koh Phangan – More beach vibes on the small islands in the southeast which are a paradise for diving (& doing your Padi), crazy beautiful sunsets, and an amazing backpacker scene
- Koh Kut – A hidden gem with little tourism (yet) that has managed to keep its authentic charm.
Favorite activity: Day trip to Ayutthaya (from Bangkok) where you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of numerous large temples.
Coolest hostels:
- Deejay Pai – In a beautiful setting with a view of Pai’s rice fields and free yoga classes in the morning.
- Shiralea – Close to the beach with a cozy chill area in Koh Phangan’s calm north.
- Aha Lanta Cozy Hostel – In a more secluded area just 5 minutes from the beach this is a really cozy place in Koh Lanta.
Nicest hotels:
- Pai Village Boutique Resort – A little paradise right in the heart of Pai where you stay in a wonderful but traditional wooden Thai hut & relax in their lush garden by the pool.
- Benjamin’s Hut – Spectacular budget stay in Koh Phangan in lovely modern huts right by the beach where you can enjoy sunsets every night.
- The Lazy Lodge – A small resort in Koh Lanta with amazing bungalows that all have a hammock on their gorgeous terraces.
- Anankhira Villas – You will love the sea view from up here where you can treat yourself during your days in Koh Tao.
Thailand in three words: street food | tuk-tuks | massage
What you’ll love: Munching from one street food night market to the next
Did you know? Over 27 million tourists visited Thailand in 2023, so let’s treat this place with care!
Best food: Pad Thai, Red curry, and Papaya salad (and basically everything else!)
Favorite photo spot: Wat Pha Lat Temple close to Chiang Mai
Impressions of Thailand
Laos
Often overlooked by travelers, this small country has so much to offer, even though it’s the only country without access to the sea. Wonderful mountains & picturesque scooter rides, lots of outdoor adventures, a deeply rooted Buddhist community & stunning temples, and even islands. So many that the Mekong region is called 4000 Islands – a wonderful area where the Mekong River meanders through like a snake with a thousand arms.
In Laos, you can experience the most authentic side of backpacking in Southeast Asia, as it’s not as touristy as most of its neighbors (yet!).
Laos’ highlights on your backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary:
- Luang Prabang – A cute little town on the Mekong River with almost 80 Buddhist temples (some say it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia).
- Vang Vieng – A paradise for outdoor and action lovers with a huge choice of activities like kayaking, rock climbing, zip lining, hot air balloon rides, and much more.
- Pakse – The Pakse Loop offers an awesome scooter itinerary with crazy beautiful landscapes on the Bolavan Plateau where coffee grows, waterfalls rush down hills and ancient Buddhist Temples watch majestically over the area.
- 4000 Islands – Islands like Don Det and Don Khon spread a laid-back vibe on the spectacular Mekong River.
Coolest activity: Cooking class & Baci ceremony in Luang Prabang – Start at the local market, cook your own food (vegetarian options are no problem), and experience a wonderful ceremony with music and blessings. I love events like this where you can really interact with locals and get to know their culture more in-depth.
Coolest hostels:
- Vang Vieng Chill House – A great location in Vang Vieng with comfy beds, clean facilities, and a really nice pool. What else do you need?
- The Jam Hostel – An awesome hostel with a large pool and a very social atmosphere in the heart of Luang Prabang.
- Sanga Hostel – This hostel in Pakse offers free ice cream! Plus, the staff is super welcoming & helpful, and they have the most comfy large beds.
Nicest hotels:
- Riverside Boutique Resort – In a magical location next to the river in Vang Vieng, here you find wonderful rooms and an amazing pool that makes you want to stay forever.
- Moonlight Champa Riverview – Located on the Nam Khan River in Luang Prabang, their hammocks overlooking the river are the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
- Xuanmai Garden Resort – A lovely privately run oasis in Pakse! Cozy rooms, extremely clean, and a wonderful garden to relax in.
Laos in three words: Sticky rice | Mountainscape | Baci ceremony
What you’ll love: Renting a scooter & discovering the Lao countryside
Did you know? “Laos” is not the official name of the country, but “Lao People’s Democratic Republic” (Lao PDR). The locals refer to their home as “Pathet Lao” or “Muang Lao” which means “Lao Country” or “Land of the Lao”.
Best food: Vegetarian Laap
Favorite photo spot: The temples in Luang Prabang
Impressions of Laos
Cambodia
Cambodia is one of a kind. Besides its world-famous impressive temple site Angkor Wat, you will find busy streets crowded by tuk-tuks, rusty motorbikes, and donkey carts. Extremely young kids trying to sell bracelets next to vendors frying tarantulas.
You can feel that you’re in one of the world’s poorest countries. But the history of the Khmer people will leave you breathless – from the old Empire and its remains found in the temples of Angkor to a very recent dark history, these people have deep stories to tell.
Cambodia’s highlights on your backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary:
- Siem Reap & Angkor Wat – The archaeological site of Angkor Wat was supposedly the largest ancient city in the world and you could spend days there and still leave every evening in awe.
- Koh Rong Island – A small island with crystal clear water and fine white sand, just as in Thailand, but with much fewer people.
- Kep & Kampot – Two towns where you can get a feeling for the local life, enjoy the natural surroundings and visit pepper plantations.
- Phnom Penh – Cambodia’s capital is full of history.
Coolest activity: Angkor Wat Small-Group Sunrise Tour brings you to the temples in the early morning before the crowds arrive and I heard the guides are so much fun.
Coolest hostels:
- Funky Moon Kampot – Do you like the idea of relaxing in a hammock by the river, renting a kayak and a family setting with modern, clean rooms? Then Funky Moon is the place to go.
- Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem – The perfect hostel for a beach stay on the island Koh Rong Sanloem (next to Koh Rong), right on the beach.
- Onederz Hostel Siem Reap – A nice, modern hostel close to the city center and with a rooftop pool where all the backpackers hang out while not visiting the temple sites.
Nicest hotels:
- Naroth Beach Bungalow – A little dream for budget travelers in Koh Rong. Located right on the beach you’re in the most beautiful spot where you can see glowing plankton at night.
- Maison 557 – It feels like a little boutique hotel with a garden oasis and is just a few minutes walk from Siem Reap’s center.
- La Chronique Hotel – A lovely oasis in the middle of busy Phnom Penh! Cozy rooms, extremely clean, and just a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride from many highlights in the city.
Cambodia in three words: Angkor Wat | Amok | Som Pas
What you’ll love: Enjoying the paradise of Koh Rong
Did you know? The Cambodian flag is the only flag worldwide that features a building. You can probably guess which one.
Best food: Cambodian Amok curry
Favorite photo spot: The classic Angkor Wat shortly before sunrise – it’s magical
Impressions of Cambodia
Vietnam
After all the adventures on your Southeast Asia itinerary, the next street food heaven waits for you.
Although I originally didn’t plan to come to Vietnam, I met numerous travelers on my Southeast Asian backpacking journey who were amazed by the country’s diverse landscapes and climate zones. And can you imagine, how fast I fell in love with Vietnam’s food, its waterfalls, sand dunes, towns full of colorful lanterns, and landscapes with endless ricefields?
Vietnam’s highlights on your backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary:
- Ho Chi Minh City & Hanoi – Two bustling large cities that couldn’t be further from each other, but both full of interesting architecture, amazing street food and deep history.
- The Mekong Delta – Enjoy a vast floating market by boat and experience how locals live a life on the water.
- Mui Ne – For breathtaking sand dunes and the best place to go kite surfing.
- Hoi An & Hue – Two lovely towns: one full of yellow colonial houses, small restaurants, and busy alleys, and the other used to be the capital of Vietnam and offers an impressive old palace.
- Halong Bay – The boat trip through these mystical limestone formations is probably one of the most unique surroundings I’ve experienced.
- Sapa – The region in Vietnam’s far north is full of spectacular mountains and scenic hiking routes.
Coolest activity: Waterfall Canyoning in Dalat was my highlight. Enjoy the Vietnamese forest landscape where a river runs down the mountains through the forest, shaping many waterfalls and pools. You can rappel down cliffs and waterfalls and jump into the river in beautiful surroundings.
Coolest hostels:
- Tiny Tigers Hostel – A small hostel in Dalat, run by a family with so much love! The highlight is the family dinner that takes place every night. One of my best travel experiences so far!
- Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel – In the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this is not just a beautiful and clean hostel but a great place to socialize. Try to book a bit ahead of time, as it’s very popular and gets full fast.
- SnapStay Hoi An – A social hostel with a co-working cafe, a pool, and some cute cats located on the local food street just a short walk from Hoi An Ancient Town.
Nicest hotels:
- Bhaya Cruise in Ha Long Bay. – Not exactly a hotel, but the most wonderful boat where you can spend a few days floating through Halong Bay.
- Myrcella Urban Studio – A super nice studio in the center of Hanoi, equipped with everything you need, even a washing machine and a dryer.
- MaiChi Villa Hoi An – In the best location this is a wonderful oasis with lots of lush plants, rooms with balconies and a pool where you can cool down.
- Midori Coffee Farm – Close to Dalat, here you can stay in harmony with nature at a coffee farm with a spectacular view, lovely cats and dogs and homemade, organic food.
Vietnam in three words: Nón lá (the typical straw hats) | street food | colorful lanterns
What you’ll love: Canyoning down waterfalls in Dalat
Did you know? The Mekong Delta is one of the world’s largest river deltas and the largest in Southeast Asia.
Best food: A “jungle curry” (pumpkin curry) I ate at a street food stall in Ho Chi Minh City
Favorite photo spot: The floating market close to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta
Impressions of Vietnam
Indonesia
How can you squeeze a country with 17,000 islands into a Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary? Well, you can’t. That’s why you need to pick a few islands. What I highly recommend is to not only visit Bali.
Java is such an authentic experience, with few international tourists, hidden paradisiacal islands, breathtaking temples and impressive volcanoes. And Lombok fills your heart with its lovely people, paradisiacal beaches, waterfalls and rice paddies that blow your mind.
Indonesia’s highlights on your backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary:
- Lombok – Often called “the Bali from decades ago”, it has the easy-going vibe of Bali, the perfect surf spots & yoga studios, but it’s not as overcrowded, westernized and touristy yet. And the landscape with its rice paddies and waterfalls is breathtaking.
- Gili Islands – Three tiny islands between Lombok and Bali where you can go diving & enjoy the beach.
- Bali – While Bali has become extremely touristy, it still has a special vibe, the temples are beautiful and the waves are great for surfing.
- Java – As one of the world’s largest islands full of volcanoes, waterfalls and hidden gems, Java is worth a trip by itself. But it can be perfectly included in a backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary.
Coolest activity: Mount Bromo & Madakarpipura Waterfalls Tour – While it’s freezing up there, the view at sunrise is breathtaking. And you can perfectly combine it with these stunning waterfalls afterward.
Coolest hostels:
- H2O Yoga – A lovely yoga hostel on Gili Air, just a few minutes walk away from the beach.
- In Da Lodge – Among the fancy hostels that are getting more and more expensive, this is a super nice but affordable hostel with a pool right next to some rice fields
- Wonderloft Hostel Jogja – A hostel with a cool tub to cool down from the heat? How cool is that! Plus, it’s a really beautiful, stylish hostel in the perfect location.
Nicest hotels:
- Mana Eco Retreat – I spent a magic week at this little paradise with wonderful daily yoga classes, the best massage I’ve ever had anywhere in Asia, and lovely new friends I met there. They have great yoga teachers and occasional events such as cacao ceremonies.
- Imagine Bali – A wonderful small hotel in a traditional Balinese house with a tropical garden and lovely outdoor bathrooms for unbelievably affordable prices
- Bedhot Homestay – What an amazing homestay in a traditional building. Enjoy sitting on the veranda in the mornings and make yourself at home.
Indonesia in three words: adzan (mosque prayers) | batik | nasi goreng
What you’ll love: Traveling beyond Bali to experience the true Indonesia
Did you know? Most locals aren’t used to seeing westerners, so most probably they will ask you if they can take a picture with you at some point. If you’re not comfortable with that, you can kindly decline.
Best food:Gado gado and vegan saté
Favorite photo spot: Underneath Sendang Gile Waterfall in Lombok
Impressions of Indonesia
Best things to do in South East Asia
While every country has its own highlights, there are some things that you shouldn’t miss while you’re on your Southeast Asia route. Nature and culture over here are just waiting to be explored. So adventurers, beach lovers, hikers, fans of water sports, foodies, and culture lovers – let’s go out and explore the best things to do while backpacking in Southeast Asia.
Rent a scooter
Riding a scooter is one of the most popular means of transport – for locals and travelers. Locals love to carry and transport anything you can imagine (and even stuff you wouldn’t imagine) on their scooters – huge baskets of fruit, building material, tables, TVs. At some point you think you’ve seen it all, then you come across someone transporting a wardrobe on a scooter.
At the same time, there are lots of extremely scenic routes worth a scooter or motorbike adventure. So enjoy the breeze dancing around your nose and explore some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular landscapes. Some of my favorite scooter rides when backpacking in Southeast Asia are:
- Cruising around islands to explore hidden beaches & street food markets where the locals go:
- Langkawi (Malaysia)
- Penang (Malaysia)
- Koh Phangan (Thailand)
- Epic adventurous routes (that can be spread across several days):
- Mae Hong Son Loop (Thailand), or just pick the part between Chiang Mai & Pai
- Pakse Loop (Laos)
- Driving around spectacular landscapes such as rice paddies, waterfalls & temples:
- Lombok (Indonesia)
- Yogyakarta (Indonesia)
- Dalat (Vietnam)
- Luang Prabang (Laos)
Riding a scooter when backpacking in Southeast Asia
Visit temples, ruins & mosques
One of the things I love most in Southeast Asia is the mix of Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic influences and the beautiful places of prayer locals have built.
My favorite place to visit old temples is probably Bagan in Myanmar. However, sadly this country is not safe to visit right now.
Even though being “overtempled” is a term commonly used by travelers in Southeast Asia (from seeing so many temples in a short time that they lose their magic), you’ll be amazed by how different the temples look in each country. And all the small wonderful details of both Buddhist and Hindu temples. That’s why I recommend visiting a different temple every now and then (especially when you’re traveling for several months) instead of trying to cramp it all into a short period.
Some of the most spectacular temples I’ve visited:
- Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia) – Of course this had to lead the list, as it’s one of the largest and most important ancient temple sites in the world
- Borobudur (Yogyakarta, Indonesia) – The largest Buddhist monument in the world
- Prambanan (Yogyakarta, Indonesia) – A large and impressive site with numerous Hindu temples
- Harmony Street (Singapore) – A street in Singapore’s historic center with a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, a church and a mosque almost side-by-side
- Wat Pha Lat Temple (Chiang Mai, Thailand) – One of the most peaceful places I’ve visited
- Luang Prabang (Laos) – There are more than 80 temples in this beautiful small town in Laos
- Ayutthaya (close to Bangkok, Thailand) – UNESCO World Heritage ruins of numerous large temples
- Wat Pho (Bangkok, Thailand) – The whole temple complex with its many pagodas is super beautiful and there’s a large lying Buddha
- Penang Hill (Malaysia) – I’ve loved coming here since I was a small child
Don’t forget that Malaysia and Indonesia are Muslim countries, especially worth visiting are:
- Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) – The country’s largest mosque (and the second-largest mosque in Southeast Asia) inspired by the architecture of the Taj Mahal and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
- Istiqlal Mosque (Jakarta, Indonesia) – The largest mosque in Southeast Asia
Temples on your Southeast Asia backpacking route
Visit a floating market
Especially around the Mekong River, which reaches the ocean in one of the world’s largest river deltas, the Mekong Delta, life is lived on the water. Locals head to work on small boats, kids are sent to school by boat, and of course, shopping is done on boats. That’s how floating markets have evolved.
While some have become huge tourist magnets and lost their charm (such as the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market close to Bangkok), there are still areas where you can experience authentic haggling on the water, such as
- Can Tho (Mekong Delta, Vietnam)
- Tha Kha (Bangkok, Thailand)
- Tailing Chan (Bangkok, Thailand)
Floating market in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Hang around on (tiny) islands
What most travelers love about backpacking in Southeast Asia is all the amazing islands and their paradisiacal beaches. I’ve rarely seen water so clear, beaches so white, and the sea so turquoise, as in Southeast Asia.
While there are larger islands such as Langkawi & Penang in Malaysia, Koh Phangan & Koh Lanta in Thailand, and of course Lombok & Bali in Indonesia, the loveliest are the tiny ones.
Here you will find calm beaches with white sand and warm shallow water. And on many there are not even cars.
Some of the best tiny islands in my opinion can be found in:
- Perhentian Islands (Malaysia)
- Koh Lipe, Loh Tao and Koh Kut (Thailand)
- Koh Rong (Cambodia)
- Karimunjawa & the Gili Islands (Indonesia)
- Cat Ba (Vietnam)
- 4000 Islands (on the Mekong River in Laos)
And well, even though the Philippines aren’t part of this Southeast Asia Backpacking itinerary, I have to mention that the Philippine Islands, especially the tiny islands around Coron, are simply out of this world.
Islands in Southeast Asia
Go diving
The clear, turquoise water in the South China Sea, the Gulf of Thailand and the Java Sea is not only perfect for swimming but also for diving.
I’ve seen some amazing underwater world diving in Thailand and Indonesia. And it’s also one of the cheapest regions to get your diving license! Especially the small island Koh Tao is well-known to be a paradise for people learning to dive. It’s actually also where I did my diving licence ten years ago.
Here are some of Southeast Asia’s best diving spots:
- The Thai islands – especially around Koh Tao, Koh Phangan & Koh Samui
- The area of Sipadan, Borneo (Malaysia) – a natural paradise where the amount of daily divers is restricted
- Raja Ampat – The Indonesian archipelago is a paradise for divers
- The Gili Islands – Here you can dive with sea turtles which was one of my highlights when I was backpacking in Southeast Asia
Diving on my Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary
Hike through rainforests
I honestly love rainforests! And the Southeast Asian rainforests are magical, especially since Malaysia is home to the world’s oldest rainforest. No matter if you go to the national parks such as Taman Negara on Malaysia’s peninsula, Bako National Park (Borneo) or smaller areas such as the Taman Negara in Penang.
Laos is another natural paradise. Make sure you go hiking there and breathe in the fresh air deeply. Here are some ideas:
- Join a multi-day trekking adventure tour with homestay – Delve into the backcountry and rural villages with Tiger Trail Travel who aim to generate income for poor communities through their community-based tours. An unforgettable adventure:
- 3-Day Cultural Remote Trek with Homestay – Head deep into the mountains, jungle, and rice paddies to homestays in remote villages where you can step into the world of Lao mountain village tribes.
- Mountain Trek & Local Villages Overnight Tour – Embark on a two-day adventure and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of rural villages. Meet local people and spend a night in a family homestay.
Malaysian rainforests
Join a boat trip adventure
Even though I tend to get seasick easily, a boat trip is always exciting. And Southeast Asia offers some incredible adventures on a boat (Just remember to take a pill against seasickness before).
In Vietnam, you can float through the amazing limestones around Halong Bay, from Thailand to Laos you can have a unique border crossing experience on a longboat, you can join aboat trip to Unesco Global Geopark through the spectacular mangroves and Kilim River in Langkawi, or take a boat to Bako National Park in Borneo. All of these are spectacular and unique experiences.
And almost everywhere on your Southeast Asia backpacking adventure you can book snorkeling trips to explore islands and the underwater world.
Boat trips in Southeast Asia
Visit waterfalls
Awww, the waterfalls in Southeast Asia. You have to visit at least some of them. I’m still blown away thinking about the crazy beautiful waterfalls in Lombok (Indonesia), Laos or Thailand. They’re the perfect mix of adventure (often you need to hike to reach them) and cooling down from the Southeast Asian heat (in many of them you can swim or take a “waterfall shower”). Among my favorites are:
- Dalat (Vietnam) – The waterfall canyoning tour was one of the highlights of my backpacking Southeast Asia itinerary.
- Kuang Si waterfall (Luang Prabang, Laos) – Amazing turquoise waterfalls where you can swim and enjoy Lao nature, a short ride from Luang Prabang.
- Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfall (Lombok, Indonesia) – Two breathtaking waterfalls in the north of Lombok where can take a shower underneath.
- Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu Waterfall (Lombok, Indonesia) – Book a rafting tour at Benang Kelambu Waterfall to visit these amazing waterfalls.
- Bandung Pedut (Java, Indonesia) – Turquoise pools close to Yogyakarta where you can swim and cool down from the heat.
- Sticky Waterfall (Chiang Mai, Thailand) – While I’ve seen many waterfalls, there’s none like this. You can actually climb up the waterfall, as it’s not slippery at all.
- Seven wells waterfalls (Langkawi, Malaysia) – An easy hike starting close to the Skybridge parking brings you to these beautiful waterfalls.
Waterfalls all along my Southeast Asia backpacking route
Discover Asian metropolises & small towns
While the best about Asia is its spectacular nature and food (but more about that in a bit), the megacities are also worth a visit. I especially recommend visiting the following:
- Singapore
- Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City (both in Vietnam)
If smaller towns are more your thing, your Southeast Asia itinerary offers some cute towns as well. Especially worth seeing are:
- Melaka & George Town (both in Malaysia)
- Luang Prabang (Laos)
- Hoi An (Vietnam)
- Yogyakarta (Indonesia)
Kuala Lumpur | Singapore | Bangkok
Hoi An | Melaka | Georgetown
Melaka & Georgetown
Try the local food & visit night markets
I think you haven’t really seen a destination if you don’t try the local food. So ask the locals for their favorite foods, head to local restaurants or street food stalls where the locals eat and try something you’ve never heard of before.
Don’t leave Malaysia without visiting the street food heaven Penang (especially the “pasar malam” which are the night markets) and munching Nasi Lemak, Kuey Teow and Dim Sum. In Thailand, there’s no day without eating Pad Thai or Thai Curry and every small town has their own night market. Cambodia’s national dish is the delicious Amok Curry and in Vietnam you have to try Pho and Vietnamese spring rolls. In Singapore the best places to eat authentic food are the hawker centers, especially for budget travelers, and Chinatown.
I also recommend joining at least one cooking class in Southeast Asia, such as a Cooking class & Baci ceremony in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Enjoying Southeast Asian food on markets
Anti-tip / Not to do: Elephant sanctuaries & weasel farms
Elephant sanctuaries
I get it, especially wild animals are fascinating! However, as an animal lover, I’ve researched this topic extensively and I’ve come to a sad conclusion: I’ve found no truly ethical elephant sanctuary in Asia. Even for those who officially state on their website, that there’s no feeding and no touching allowed, you can find Google reviews commenting that the statements on the website are not true and they’ve witnessed tourists bathing and feeding the animals (here’s an example).
But let’s take one step back. That riding elephants is a horrible outdated practice is clear to most people with common sense. Riding is only possible after long-term torture to break the wild animal’s spirit so they let humans do whatever they want – riding, performing stupid tricks, and more things that they’re cruelly forced to do. This torture ritual is called “Phajaan” – here you can read more about it.
Eventually, riding also leads to cruel spine deformations and back issues. If that’s not enough, those poor elephants are held on short chains their whole life and many of them are showing clear signs of depression.
But you may still wonder: Why is visiting an elephant sanctuary bad? They must have been rescued from their horrible captivity and now lead a happy life with some humans even helping them to take a bath every now and then. Well, that’s only how it looks at first sight.
First of all, terms like “sanctuary,” “refuge,” “rescue,” or “orphanage” are not regulated, so basically any place can call itself an “elephant sanctuary” but continue with harmful practices.
And even practices that may seem harmless like bathing or feeding mean involuntary close contact with humans. Try to see it from the animal’s perspective: If you’ve endured torture, carried tourists on your back for years, and lived on a short chain with humans treating you badly all the time – would you consider humans as your friend? Would you want to continue having dozens of humans around you every day when they’ve been the source of your pain for so long? Would you want them to touch your sensitive skin and bathe with them for their pleasure when you don’t even feel like bathing? Elephants are extremely smart animals and they can handle their body care by themselves. They don’t need to bathe every day or even several times daily, as they also enjoy being covered in dust which protects their skin.
Besides, the elephants in those “sanctuaries” are kept in small boxes overnight. So in the end it’s all about what’s fun for the human visitors and making money with the animals.
The only truly ethical way of seeing elephants would be in a place where you can only watch them from further away while they roam freely in a large area. No touching, no bathing, no feeding.
As PETA states: “True sanctuaries never buy, sell, trade, breed, exploit, or profit from elephants. They never use bullhooks or punish them in other ways—even out of tourists’ sight—and they don’t force animals who naturally avoid humans into close contact with them. They provide the elephants with the companionship of members of their own species and large natural habitats that allow for normal behavior (…) These facilities are often closed to the public except on certain days—and when they do offer tours, they keep visitors at a comfortable distance so that they don’t disturb the elephants. Visitors are not allowed to touch an elephant there, because these sanctuaries exist for them—not the tourists.”
Weasel farms
For weasel coffee farms, it may be a bit more obvious why you should not support those if your heart is in the right place.
Especially in Vietnam, visiting a weasel coffee farm still seems quite popular. However, these places are pure cruelty and hell for the animals that are kept here. The weasels, and sometimes cats, are kept in tiny cages where they lie on metal bars, can barely turn around, and have no activity or interaction with other animals. It’s said to be a specialty drinking coffee that is made from beans that those weasels/cats ate and excrete. No one really looks after the animals, so they’re treated like a product or machine in the production chain.
When you visit such a coffee farm or plantation, you directly support this animal cruelty which is impossible to do with sanity and reason. The animals are in horrible condition so I ask you not to support this.
A poor elephant living a life on a chain
Good to know before backpacking in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia Backpacking budget
How much money do you need for backpacking in Southeast Asia?
Well, your travel budget for backpacking in Southeast Asia varies a bit from one country to the next. Also, it highly depends on the way you travel (from hostels to hotels and from local buses to tourist shuttles and flights).
I traveled budget-friendly by eating mostly at street food stalls and in local restaurants. Also, I mostly traveled around by bus and trains except for a few trips with grab/taxi. And I slept both in nice, well-rated hostels and in basic double rooms most of the time. In the end, I spent around 1000 $ per month (6000 $ for the whole six months), but that includes everything: entrance fees and activities such as diving, tours, and guided hikes. So it can still be done a bit cheaper, but you can also spend way more during your Southeast Asia backpacking adventure.
Which Southeast Asian country is the cheapest?
In my opinion, most countries can be traveled on a budget. Laos and Cambodia were especially cheap. While in Singapore, accommodation is rather expensive, you can still eat well in hawker centers without breaking the bank. And in Indonesia, Bali is quite expensive and so is Jakarta. Other parts of the country are way cheaper to visit.
Here is my average spending in each country:
- Malaysia:
- Food: average meal in a food court 7 – 13 Ringgit (2 – 3 $)
- Hotels: around 30 – 40 $ for a nice, basic double room / 8 – 12 $ for a hostel bed in a dorm room
- Transport: a 5-6 hour trip by local bus around 40 Ringgit (10 $)
- Singapore:
- Food: average meal in a restaurant 10 – 15 SGD (11 – 15 US$) / dish in a hawker center 5 – 8 SGD (4 – 6 US$)
- Hotels: around 80-100 US$ for a very simple double room (often with no windows) / 20-35 US$ for a hostel bed in a dorm room
- Transport: 1.50 – 2.50 SGD for a metro journey, day pass 17 SGD (13 USD)
- Thailand:
- Food: average meal in a local restaurant 90 – 120 Baht (3 – 4 $) / Pad Thai at a street food stall 50 Baht in the north to 80 Baht in the south (2 – 3 $)
- Hotels: around 30 – 40 $ for a nice, basic double room (easily more in very touristy areas, especially in the south) / 8-12 $ for a hostel bed in a dorm room in the north (& 15-18$ in the south)
- Transport: an overnight bus + ferry ticket (e.g. Bangkok to Koh Tao) starting from 950 Baht (29 $), local night trains starting at around 10$
- Cambodia:
- Food: average meal in a simple, local restaurant 3 – 4 $
- Hotels: around 20 – 25 $ for a nice double room / 5 – 8 $ for a hostel bed in a dorm room
- Transport: a night bus trip 12 – 15 $
- Vietnam:
- Food: average meal in a restaurant 50 – 80.000 Dong (2-3$), and street food can be even cheaper
- Hotels: around 20-30 $ for a nice, basic double room /6-10 $ for a hostel bed in a dorm room
- Transport: an 8-hour overnight trip in a local sleeper bus around 12 – 17 $
- Laos:
- Food: average meal in a local restaurant 40.000 Kip 2 $ / even less for simple local food at street food stalls
- Hotels: around 20 $ for a nice, basic double room / 5 – 8 $ for a hostel bed in a dorm room
- Transport: a night bus trip 12 – 15 $
- Indonesia:
- Food: average meal in a local restaurant 40 – 100k Rupiah (3 – 7 $), depends a lot on how touristy the area is / simple local food for less
- Hotels: around 20 – 25 $ for a nice, basic double room (easily more in Bali) / 5 – 10 $ for a hostel bed in a dorm room
- Transport: an 8-hour trip by local train in Java around 8 – 20 $, but also for a 1-2 hour shuttle on Bali
The biggest difference, as you can see, can be made by the type of transport you use, where you eat and how simple or fancy your accommodation is. Also touristy areas are always much more expensive.
Exchange rates
7 countries and each has a different currency. That may be confusing at times. To help you a little bit and give you an overview for estimating, here are the approximate exchange rates to USD (as of 2024):
- Malaysia (Ringgit):
- 4 Ringgit are around 1 $
- Singapore (Singapore Dollars):
- 1.30 SGD are around 1 US $
- Thailand (Thai Baht):
- 35 Baht are around 1 $
- Cambodia (Mainly US dollars, but also Riel):
- FYI: While US Dollars predominate in everyday use, you sometimes get your small change in Riel, Cambodia’s old currency.
- 4,000 Riel are around 1 $
- Vietnam (Dong):
- 25,000 Dong are around 1 $
- Laos (Kip):
- 20,000 Kip are around 1 $
From street food to roof top drinks: you travel budget can vary a lot
Sustainable travel hacks in Southeast Asia
While Singapore has become a leader in sustainability (in terms of green buildings but also eco-tourism), most of the other Southeast Asian countries still struggle with improving their sustainability. In some areas, you can feel that there’s more awareness for sustainability, but there’s still a long way to go, especially for poorer countries such as Cambodia and Laos.
Those poorer countries have a huge garbage problem. Honestly, it’s hard to go backpacking in Southeast Asia without seeing beaches and roadsides covered in trash. Also, deforestation is a huge threat to most countries and wildlife is constantly decreasing in Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia (even though they’re home to the world’s oldest rainforests).
It’s clear that most Southeast Asian countries have yet many obstacles to overcome when it comes to sustainability, conservation, and education.
Yet, with the way we travel and behave during our trip, we as travelers can make a difference and leave a positive impact on our destination. Let’s always try to be part of the solution and not the problem.
And it’s indeed possible to travel more sustainably in Southeast Asia.
So here are a few sustainable travel hacks:
Sustainable accommodation
Sustainable tourism is way more than staying in an expensive eco-lodge. While you can find many of them in all Southeast Asian countries, make sure to check if they actually operate sustainably. The problem is that there are no official regulations you have to consider and meet in order to call your accommodation an “eco-lodge” or “eco-hotel”.
That’s why you should always check their websites and reviews to find out which sustainability practices they follow (e.g. waste separation, recycling, water and power saving, supporting community projects, offering organic food, or using local or recycled building materials).
Also, do your bit and try to use the fan instead of the power-consuming aircon.
And keep in mind, that in many cases, local guesthouses or small hotels run by locals are still the most sustainable option.
local accommodation on my Southeast Asia backpacking route
Transport
All across Southeast Asia, public transport is very good, and you always have the choice between taking local buses or trains within the countries and to neighboring countries. So you can easily avoid flying on your Southeast Asia backpacking journey!
If you think about renting a scooter, check with rental companies if they also have e-scooters.
Eco-friendly food
It’s not a secret anymore that the worst CO² polluter is the meat industry. So by eating less meat and animal products, we can travel and live more sustainably.
During my Southeast Asia backpacking trip, I found it super easy to find meat-free and even vegan meals. Many local dishes are vegetarian (such as Thai curries with tofu).
Also, try to support local restaurants to make sure your money actually reaches their economy instead of an international restaurant or even worse, a chain (also true for guides and accommodation). If you research a bit, you can even find vegan local restaurants almost everywhere.
Eating locally in Southeast Asia
Water
Moreover, many accommodations started offering free filtered water in recent years, so you’re perfectly equipped with a reusable bottle in order to avoid plastic bottles. Yet, a water purifier bottle is the best choice for your Southeast Asia backpacking trip, so you can travel around without ever worrying about buying water. Please try to avoid buying plastic bottles!
Southeast Asian countries simply don’t have a proper recycling infrastructure. So all your plastic bottles will end up in landfills. Just do the math and realize how many plastic bottles you buy in just a few weeks of backpacking in Southeast Asia. If you’re interested in one, read my review on the water filter bottle I use.
Filtering with my Grayl water purifier bottle
Eco-Tours & activities
You may have to research a bit, but there are some eco-tour operators in Southeast Asia, such Tiger Trail Travel in Laos, or Bhaya and YESD RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL in Vietnam.
But if you can’t find any, always choose local tour operators and guides in order to support the local economy.
Plastic packaging & trash
Sadly, for most Southeast Asian countries, there’s still a long way when it comes to trash.
So much takeaway food is packed in single-use plastics and many locals simply don’t understand the impact of littering the environment. We’ve seen many people on buses and in cars throwing empty plastic bottles and packaging out of the window. Heartbreaking!
So it’s our obligation as travelers to actively refuse plastic packaging whenever we’re offered a bag, plate, or straw made out of plastic. When we stay consistent, we show that travelers care and can make other people start to rethink.
Just bring a reusable bag, food container, and a bamboo cutlery set to avoid plastic bags and packaging when you’re backpacking in Southeast Asia. Just ask the food vendor to put your dish in there instead of plastic packaging.
Eventually, education is key. So by drawing attention to waste reduction, over time hopefully there will be fewer locals throwing their trash out the car window. Besides, you can also join a beach clean-up.
Zero waste equipment for traveling
Shopping
With the above-mentioned tips for packaging and avoiding plastic, you’re already well-equipped when it comes to grocery shopping.
In general, the rule “local first” also applies to shopping. When you want to get souvenirs, choose handcrafted products from locals instead of items produced in China sold at a huge shopping mall.
And of course, never buy souvenirs made from wildlife or where animals had to suffer such as weasel coffee!
Southeast Asian food
When backpacking in Southeast Aia, you realize that the food in some countries is similar. All across Southeast Asia, you can find curries, fried noodles and rice dishes. Yet, each country has some signature dishes.
Also, I never struggled to find something as a vegetarian. Actually, many of the signature dishes are vegetarian or can be found in a vegetarian version, such as:
- Curries (instead of meat curries, you can always find curries with vegetables)
- Fried noodles such as Pad Thai in Thailand or Kuey Teow in Malaysia
- Fried rice with vegetables is also very common in many Southeast Asian countries
- Spring rolls and summer rolls in Thailand & Vietnam
- Dumplings / Dim sum (filled buns) can sometimes be found with vegetable filling
Besides, you will always find tropical fruits and freshly pressed fruit juices (such as mangos, pineapples, melons, starfruit) and coconuts!
Mhhh there’s nothing better than sipping coconut water by the beach. And they’re also super cheap in Southeast Asia.
Food in Southeast Asia
Accommodation for backpacking in Southeast Asia
Hotels, eco-lodges, apartments, or hostels. You can find all types of accommodation when you’re backpacking in Southeast Asia. And what kind of accommodation is perfect for you eventually depends on your needs and preferences.
As mentioned before, look out for accommodation run by locals as well as ones committed to sustainability practices.
For hotels and eco-lodges, major sites such as booking.com are the perfect place to look.
If you’re on a budget and looking for hostel beds in dorm rooms, there’s no way to go backpacking in Southeast Asia without Hostelworld. More and more hostels over there also offer nice double rooms. So it’s always worth checking out.
In general, it’s fine to book your next accommodation a few days before. You’ll always find something. We even booked lots of our places to stay just the night before. This way, you can stay more flexible and easily extend your stay at a certain place if you love it there.
Best time to visit Southeast Asia
I’ve been to Southeast Asia many times, as I have family in Malaysia and love to combine a family visit with a longer trip. On my longest Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary, I traveled through seven countries in six months from November to May (actually eight because I also spent a week in Hong Kong but this isn’t part of my Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary).
I loved this time of the year, as I was able to escape European winter and experienced mostly warm temperatures but crossed all kinds of climates. I had traveled through the hot, humid rainy seasons of Malaysia and Singapore, the heat of Thailand, Cambodia, and Southern Vietnam, and the cold winter of Northern Vietnam, while Laos awaited me with a nice warm and dry climate in early February.
In almost all Southeast Asian countries, the best time for a backpacking trip is during the dry season, roughly between November/December and March/April. But those times can also vary a bit from one country to the next, so make sure to check for each country separately. During this season, you’re able to make the most out of your time.
But as usual, the high season also comes with more tourists and higher prices for accommodation (especially around Christmas and New Year’s).
During the rainy season, it’s still nice and warm. But it can be harder to get to some of the more remote destinations. And well, the chance for a sunny beach day is lower, and it’s definitely not as much fun hiking across muddy paths.
But well, almost any time of the year you should be prepared for some rain, as there are rainforests all over Southeast Asia.
Hot days by the beach
What to pack for backpacking in Southeast Asia
Well, I’m not going to spam you with a full packing list over here. You will probably know best what you need for a backpacking trip that lasts several months.
Still, I have some tips for items, that I highly recommend to my fellow travelers when you’re planning to go backpacking in Southeast Asia:
- Water purifier bottle – to be able to drink water anywhere and save a ton of plastic bottles
- bite away – a super smart gadget for insect sting relief
- Organic anti bug spray – to keep insects away without chemicals
- Smell-proof laundry bag – for your sweaty, damp or even wet clothes, so the rest of your backpack stays fresh
And for zero waste travel:
- Reusable silicone zip lock bag – to get your take-away food without plastic
- Cutlery & reusable straw – to avoid using plastic cutlery
- Toothbrush made from bamboo and toothpaste tablets – to keep your dental care plastic-free
- Shampoo bar – so you don’t have to worry about liquids
Is it safe to backpack in Southeast Asia?
Well, most Southeast Asian countries have become quite popular among backpackers. There are plenty of hostels all across Southeast Asia, so it’s easy to get to know fellow backpackers.
My first longer Southeast Asia backpacking trip was in 2014, in the beginning of my 20s, and I felt quite safe as a solo backpacker. And I went back many times, never having any troubles (except that my phone got stolen in Cambodia once).
To be honest, some sites on the internet will leave you scared of backpacking in Southeast Asia (especially as a solo traveler). They talk about violence in poor neighborhoods, high criminal rates, or travelers getting robbed. But never only listen to governments’ travel warnings. If you did so, you wouldn’t be able to leave your own house. And you’d definitely miss out on many of the most amazing backpacking destinations in the world.
That said, backpacking in Southeast Asia is relatively safe.
I had mostly positive experiences with the open and friendly locals. Not once did I feel unsafe in any of the countries, even on local buses and in very rural areas.
With open eyes and common sense, you can have an awesome experience backpacking in Southeast Asia.
Of course, always be cautious and take some measures such as:
- Avoid walking home alone at night.
- Leave your valuables (such as your passport and credit cards you don’t need at the moment) locked at the accommodation, and just take a bit of cash when you’re out.
- Store your money and credit cards in different places in your luggage (in the rare case you get mugged, you still have some money source somewhere else).
Is Southeast Asia safe for solo female travelers?
From my personal experience, I can say: Absolutely yes! I’ve traveled through Southeast Asia on my own and had an awesome time! Also, I’ve met many female solo travelers.
And if you don’t feel comfortable about taking public transport, you can stick to tourist shuttles. Or do what solo travelers do: Find some travel buddies in your hostel and you won’t travel alone at all!
Besides, take the usual precautions as mentioned above. And in case it makes you feel safer, you can bring pepper spray.
Solo backpacking in Southeast Asia as a woman – one thing is for sure: you’re never really alone unless you want to
How much time do you need to backpack Southeast Asia?
To make the most out of your trip when backpacking in Southeast Asia, you should plan at least 2 – 3 months. It mostly depends on how many countries you want to visit. Have a look at my suggested itineraries above. There’s something for everyone – from 1 month to six months. Taking more time, gives you the possibility to slow down and dive deeper into the culture.
Is Southeast Asia easy to travel around?
Transportation options in Southeast Asia are quite good which makes it easy to travel from one place to the next. And even from one country to the next.
On most routes, you can find transport for all budgets and comfort needs.
The different options to get around when backpacking in Southeast Asia can be split into the following:
- Local buses – In all Southeast Asian countries, traveling by local bus is super cheap, brings you closer to the local way of living, and is always fun. Yet, it can get cramped in there, but you have to try it!
- VIP bus companies – Local bus companies offering “VIP buses” are a great option to get from one country to the next in a more comfortable way. There are many routes all across Southeast Asia.
- Train – Many countries offer great train routes as well, such as Thailand, Indonesia and even in Cambodia train routes are improving.
- Grab or private shuttles – In many places, you can also find the option to book a Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber). Of course, this is a more high-class version of traveling. In my opinion, booking a private shuttle only makes sense if you’re planning to head to a totally remote location or you can share it with several fellow travelers. Otherwise, just sitting in your private car with a driver is not really environmental-friendly.
Almost everywhere in Southeast Asia, there are also tuk-tuks for short distances. Or you can rent a scooter or a bike for a few days.
Which way of transport you eventually choose, depends on the time you’re willing to spend on the road and your budget for backpacking Southeast Asia.
For some routes, taking a shared shuttle will only take a quarter of the time that a local bus (with changes) would take. Yet, shuttles also cost much more than a local bus ride.
I stuck to local buses and trains for around 90% of the routes all over Southeast Asia. Just in some instances (when the trip by local buses would take 2 days or for complicated trips like from Karimunjawa to Malang/Surabaya in Java, Indonesia) we decided to book a private shuttle that I shared with three other backpackers.
Transportation in Southeast Asia
Can you get a SIM card for all Southeast Asian countries?
In Southeast Asia, there are all kinds of internet and phone providers. But you have to get a different sim card in each country.
A great option, also to use less plastic, is an eSIM. There’s an eSIM card from Holafly with which you don’t have to buy a new simcard in each country.
Country data
| Country | Capital | Currency | Emergency number | Visa (US & European citizens) | Cost for entering the country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | Ringgit | 999 | no visa for up to 90 days | – |
| Singapore | Singapore | Singapore Dollars | 995 | no visa for up to 30 days | – |
| Thailand | Bangkok | Thai Baht | 191 | no visa for up to 60 days | – |
| Cambodia | Phnom Penh | US Dollars & Riel | 117 | visa required for up to 30 days (organize it before arriving at the border) | evisa: 35 $ + 7 $ (processing charge) |
| Vietnam | Hanoi | Dong | 112 | no visa anymore for up to 45 days | – |
| Laos | Vientiane | Lao Kip | 1192 | visa on arrival, you can stay up to 60 days | 30 – 45 $ |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | Rupiah | 112 | e-visa required for up to 30 days (you can organize it before arriving at the border) | 500,000 IDR (approx. 33 $) |
Get more in-depth info about backpacking Southeast Asia
Besides blogs, I always love to comb through my Lonely Planets. They are written by travelers, are regularly updated, and are full of in-depth info, e.g. about certain border crossings, visa regulations, and much more.
So check out one of the following travel guide books:
- Southeast Asia on a Shoestring – the best for budget travelers backpacking in Southeast Asia
- Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia & Northern Thailand – with all the best planning advice for these lesser-visited regions
- Southeast Asia Phrasebook & Dictionary – helps you communicating with locals
More travel guides on backpacking in Southeast Asia
Backpacking Southeast Asia – a wrap-up
Southeast Asia in three words: Street food | temples | warm sea
Did you know? In most countries in Southeast Asia, you take off your shoes before entering a house – that also applies to many hostels
Favorite photo spot: Hard to say among all these highlights, but maybe the floating market in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam or the classic: Angkor Wat shortly before sunrise
Favorite food: Pad Thai and curries – basically the street food
Can’t miss: Getting off the beaten path by visiting lesser-known regions
Have you ever been backpacking in Southeast Asia? Any hidden gems you’s like to share or any place that shouldn’t be missing on any Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary? Feel free to leave a comment below!
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