travel tips to asia

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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Tips & Advice

Apr 16, 2024 • 6 min read

For many, packing is the most stressful part of trip prep. Here are our tips to make sure you bring what you need, nothing more.

Mar 1, 2024 • 3 min read

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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!

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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

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.

50 Essential travel tips for first time backpackers visiting Southeast Asia

• July 27, 2023
• curious goose

This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you use these links.

Make sure you read these essential tips for Southeast Asia to help plan your trip.

Southeast Asia is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers. It’s easy to see why – gorgeous sandy beaches, cultural temples, delicious food and bustling cities makes for an attractive mix. It’s also a safe and cheap place to travel, meaning that Southeast Asia is a great place for first time travellers getting to grips with backpacking and those on a budget.

Southeast Asia has been on my bucket list for years and in 2022, I spent 7 months travelling in Thailand , Vietnam , Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia. Based on my experience, I’ve put together 50 essential travel tips to help you plan your trip to Southeast Asia. These tips cover everything from what food and drink to avoid, to how to keep track of your budget while travelling and travel hacks to make life on the road easier.

These travel tips for Southeast Aisa will prepare you for a great trip and hopefully help to prevent you from getting into any tricky situations!

50 Essential travel tips for first-time backpackers visiting Southeast Asia

Practical information for travel in southeast asia, managing your budget and finances when travelling in southeast asia, top tips for getting around in southeast asia, food and drink in southeast asia, local cultures and traditions in southeast asia, travel health, packing tips.

• Lastly…things to remember when travelling

Travelling takes a lot of organisation and planning. Here’s a few hacks to help you have a smoother travel experience.

1. Get yourself a sim card as soon as you land

Often the best sim card deals can be found in the arrivals hall at the airport, with a ‘tourist sim’. I’d recommend getting a sim card as soon as you arrive in the country, especially if you are taking public transport from the airport / ferry / bus terminal to your accommodation. Most likely, you will be dropped off at a location in the centre of town (or at the side of the road as I experienced several times!) and having the internet to figure out where you are is very helpful.

2. Download an offline version of google maps before you arrive at a new place

Even if you have a sim card with data, you might not always have a signal to access the internet. Make sure that you download an offline version of google maps, covering the area you are travelling to. You might need to download several if the area you are travelling to is vast. Another handy tip is to ‘pin’ key locations onto your map, such as your accommodation, attractions, bus terminals and places to eat! That way, if you can’t access the internet you’ll still be able to find your way to key services and attractions.

3. Screenshot or note down your accommodation booking confirmation and address

Don’t rely on being able to access the internet to retrieve the information of your accommodation. You’d be surprised how many travellers get off a bus in a new town and don’t know the address or even the name of the place they are staying at and can’t access their emails as they don’t have internet! Take a quick screenshot of your accommodation and travel bookings, or write the important information down in a notebook or in the notes folder on your phone.

4. Print any important documents you need to enter a country

For entering many of the countries in Southeast Asia, you’ll need a visa (and may need other supporting documents too). It always helps to have a printed copy of any important documents as well as the electronic version on your phone. This way, if your phone gets lost / stolen / runs out of battery, you’ll have a backup copy. If you are travelling between countries, your hostel or hotel might be able to print documents for you, or they can usually point you in the direction of a printing shop.

5. Be aware of scams

Travelling in Southeast Asia is an amazing experience and most of the local people you meet will be welcoming, friendly and helpful. However, you will also encounter locals who will try to take advantage of travellers. The most common scams usually involve taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, or money exchange kiosks. When travelling around in Southeast Asia, always negotiate the price and be clear on what the price covers. Only change money in authorised exchange kiosks – your accommodation should be able to help you with this.

How do you know if something is a scam? Usually you can tell if something doesn’t feel right. If you don’t feel comfortable and are unsure, just say no and move on. It also helps if you do your own research and plan beforehand. For example, if you research how much a specific A to B journey should cost in a tuk-tuk and the price you are being quoted is over double, you know they are trying it on.

6. Don’t put tissue paper down the toilet

As a general rule, putting tissue paper down the toilet is a no-no in Southeast Asia. There are some exceptions to this rule, for example in more modern, and usually more upscale resorts. However, in most places, the pipes cannot cope with the paper and they will block, which is not nice for anyone. Use the bin provided or embrace the water gun!

7. Read reviews

Whilst it’s not a good idea to get hung up on one negative review out of 10’s of positive ones, reading reviews is definitely worth doing. Whether this is for accommodation, attractions or transport. Filter the reviews to ‘Newest first’ and make sure you know what to expect before you part with your money.

8. Check the weather when planning your trip to Southeast Asia

Generally speaking, October – March is the best time to travel in Southeast Asia as this is the dry season and the weather is cooler and more manageable. However, research the individual countries you want to visit to plan which month would be best for you to travel.

9. Plan your route but allow for flexibility

Whether you are visiting one country or several countries in Southeast Asia, plan your itinerary beforehand. Having a rough plan of your route is a good idea so that you have an idea of what you would like to see within your time frame. However, don’t be rigid with your plans. Be flexible and embrace opportunities to visit places you hadn’t included in your original itinerary. Having unexpected experiences is one of the best things about travelling!

Budgeting for your trip is one of the most important things you can do, both before and during your travels. Make sure that you read these top tips to help you manage your budget and keep track of your spending when travelling.

Need help saving for your dream trip? Check out my 12 super simple tips for how to save for full time travel

10. Have a couple of good debit cards

One of the most important things you will need when travelling is a safe way to access your money. Instead of using your normal bank debit card, which may have expensive fees for use overseas, get yourself a new debit card, purely for travelling. I use a Starling Bank debit card, but I’ve also heard good things from travellers about Revolut and Monzo too. Instead of having all your money on your travelling debit card, simply ‘top it up’ when you need and keep just a small amount on the card. That way, if you lose the card, or it gets stolen, you don’t risk losing a lot of money. For this same reason, having two debit cards you can use in this way is also a great idea (just make sure you keep them in different places!).

11. Pay for large items on a credit card

When booking things like accommodation, travel (especially flights) and activities, always use a credit card. Credit cards offer a much higher protection on spending and if something goes wrong with the supplier (for example, if the service provider goes out of business), your credit card company can help you to claim your money back. I have a Halifax Clarity credit card which is great for travelling and using abroad. Shop around and find a credit card with low or zero exchange fees or charges for using it overseas.

12. Always carry some cash

When travelling in Southeast Asia, it’s a good idea to always have a bit of cash on you. If you are travelling to more remote areas, or buying something from a local shop or stall, you will need to pay for it in cash. Just be aware that many of the ATM’s in Southeast Asia charge for withdrawing money and they have a limit for how much you can withdraw, which is annoying!

(Image: Windmill Viewpoint, Phuket, Thailand)

13. Make sure you can access your bank account if you lose your phone

Most of us manage our bank accounts via an app on our phones. However, what happens if your phone is lost or stolen? Make sure that you know how to access your bank account online or over the phone.

14. Set yourself a travel budget and track your daily spend

Possibly THE most important element of travelling is budget management! It doesn’t sound exciting (and it’s not!), but it’s vital if you don’t want your trip to end abruptly because you’ve run out of money.

When planning your trip, do your research and set a daily budget. This should be based on the prices of accommodation, food, transport and activities in your destination and also what kind of experience you want to have (on the scale of budget backpacker – luxury holiday). Read my step by step guide on How to budget for full time travel and create your own Travel Budget (you can also download my FREE Travel Budget Spreadsheet Template).

Make sure you record your daily spend to keep you on track. I use the free version of @travelspendapp . Managing your budget means that if you’re careful in some places, you can splurge on more expensive trips in others, such as an overnight luxury cruise to Halong Bay in Vietnam

15. Take advantage of travel rewards programs

There are plenty of rewards programs available to savvy travellers. One of my favourite reward programs is the Booking.com genius program. The more qualified bookings you make through your Booking.com account, the more genius points you can earn, which can get you discounts and upgrades on certain hotels, transport and experiences.

Another great rewards program, if you are from the UK, is Topcashback . Simply login to your Topcashback account and make your booking with one of the travel providers via the Topcashback site to earn cash back on your purchase.

Southeast Asia is a large, diverse continent and even the individual countries within Southeast Asia are massive, so you’re going to want to travel around and explore as much of it as possible. Getting around in Southeast Asia is not always the most straightforward, so here’s some tips to help you navigate public transport.

16. Shop around for the best deal on public transport

During the 7 months I spent in Southeast Asia, I booked a lot of my bus and ferry journeys online. One of the best booking platforms for transport in Southeast Asia is 12go . Camboticket in Cambodia is also another good option. (For booking tours, Viator , Get your Guide and Klook are all great platforms). But don’t just rely on websites. Speak to your hotel or hostel and get their advice. Sometimes they can tell you about transport routes or tour companies that don’t appear on the larger comparison websites. Whatever you are booking, shop around and get a couple of prices for the best deal.

If you are travelling a longer distance, or between countries, don’t assume that travelling by plane will always be more expensive. Sometimes a flight can be cheaper, or a similar price to a long distance train, especially if you have carry-on only bags. It’s also worth taking into consideration the journey time. If a flight is only £30 more but takes 14 hours less than the bus, it may be a better option for you.

17. Travelling from A to B is not as easy as it sounds!

Travelling from A to B sounds easy (and it should be!), however travelling from A to B in Southeast Asia usually ends up being a lot more complicated than it needs to be! Don’t be surprised if you are asked to change buses several times throughout your journey as different drivers and companies take over each section of the trip. I took a journey in Thailand from Railay in Krabi to Koh Samui which took 12 hours and consisted of 1 boat, 5 buses, 1 ferry and a taxi (which was 4 more buses than expected!) Try to stay patient and go with it, it won’t make you feel any better getting stressed about it.

18. Give yourself plenty of time for transfers

As I’ve mentioned, travel in Southeast Asia is usually not a simple process. Often journeys depart later than scheduled and will take a lot longer as the drivers make random stops along the way. If you are planning a journey that has transfers with different companies (for example, a bus journey followed by a ferry), make sure that you leave plenty of time between each leg of the journey, as you are most likely going to be late!

19. Prepare for delays or things to go wrong

You can see a theme emerging here! Most journeys in Southeast Asia are late, or delayed, or there’s been a miscommunication with your booking. Try to be patient and polite with the locals. Most local people I encountered in Southeast Asia were incredibly warm and friendly and willing to help. So, be respectful and don’t be rude if things don’t go to plan, it’s all part of the travelling experience!

20. Don’t expect formal booking confirmations for public transport

If you’re the kind of person who likes to have written confirmation of everything, then prepare to get out of your comfort zone! As someone who is super organised and over-prepared, I had to learn to accept that formal booking confirmations don’t always exist in Southeast Asia when booking transport. Instead, you’ll be given a flimsy paper slip as confirmation, which at some point will be taken off you and replaced with a coloured sticker (which may later be replaced with another sticker!) They do love a sticker, especially in Thailand! Just take photos of your paper slip or sticker in case you lose it and you’ll be fine.

21. ALWAYS negotiate when ordering a tuk-tuk or taxi!

Rule no.1 when travelling in Southeast Asia – always negotiate! In some of the larger cities you can use Grab, Uber or Gojek which is great as it gives you an idea of what the cost should be. Even if you are getting a ride with a local driver, use the price on Grab/Uber/Gojek to help you negotiate. If that is not available, ask your hostel or hotel how much the prices should be so you have an idea of what is a good price and what is a bad price.

22. Get an international driving licence

If you are considering hiring a car or scooter in Southeast Asia, get yourself an International driving licence. If you are from the UK, you can pick these up in the Post Office for £5. Make sure you keep your licence and your international licence with you at all times when driving. Occasionally local police may stop you and ask to see your licence and if you don’t have it (or the correct one), they may fine you.

23. Don’t feel pressured into riding a scooter

Travelling in Southeast Asia and riding a scooter seem to go hand in hand (if you believe everything you see on Instagram, or read in some blogs). However, don’t feel pressured to ride a scooter if you don’t feel comfortable. The roads in Southeast Asia are uneven and windy and the traffic can be crazy, with people cutting you up and zig-zagging down the road. It is absolutely possible to travel in Southeast Asia without riding a scooter if you don’t want to. If you do want to ride a scooter, make sure your travel insurance covers you and always wear a helmet.

24. Have motion sickness tablets with you on travel days

Even if you don’t normally feel travel sick, you may find yourself feeling queasy. Many of the roads in Southeast Asia are quite hilly and windy and the drivers can be fast and erratic. Also, if you are on a small minibus, it is usually hot and cramped, making you feel even worse. (If you are in the north of Thailand, the Chiang Mai – Pai bus is notorious for making people feel ill). Buses aside, you will likely be taking several boats and ferries during your time travelling in Southeast Asia and some of the boat crossings can be bumpy. Make sure that you have some motion sickness tablets with you for your journey. These can be picked up cheaply from 7/11 in Thailand and also most pharmacies or shops.

25. Pack warm clothing in your day bag on travel days

If you are travelling long distances on a coach or sleeper bus, make sure you keep a warm top or hoodie with you. The buses in Southeast Asia are renowned for having the coldest air conditioning!

Sampling the food and drink in a new country is all part of the travelling experience and one of the best parts of visiting Southeast Asia is to eat the local food. Here’s a few tips to keep you safe and avoid the dreaded traveller’s belly!

26. Don’t drink the tap water

Unless you want to spend a couple of days being ill, don’t drink the tap water! Bottled water is very cheap to buy, Unfortunately, this does often mean that you will be using a lot of single-use plastic, which is a big problem in Southeast Asia. Some larger cities such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai in Thailand have filtered water machines where you can top up your refillable water bottle for a fraction of the cost.

27. Be careful of the fruit!

It can be hard to stay healthy when travelling and the fruit in Southeast Asia is delicious, however, just be careful where you buy it from. There’s plenty of street stalls selling pre-cut fruit. Most of it will be fine, however you don’t know how long it has been sitting there getting warm and also whether it has been washed in clean drinking water. Eating dodgy fruit can make you really sick and wipe you out for several days – believe me! Try to pick places where they cut the fruit fresh in front of you, or buy whole fruit which you can peel/cut yourself.

28. Eat the street food!

The street food scene in Southeast Asia is brilliant (plus its great for your budget too!) The street markets are a lively buzz of noise and smells, creating a great atmosphere. Make sure you go to as many street food markets as you can, it’s all part of the Southeast Asia experience! If you buy meat from a street vendor, make sure that they fry it / cook it in front of you. Eating meat that has been left out for a while is another thing that could leave you chained to the bathroom for a day or two.

29. Try local dishes

When you visit somewhere new, make sure you know what the local dishes are and try them. Ask the locals you meet what food you should eat whilst you are there. There’s often regional variations of national dishes too.

30. Don’t be put off by the interior (or lack of!) a place

Some of the best food I’ve eaten in Southeast Asia has been whilst sitting outside on a tiny plastic stool at a metal table! In my experience, the small, family-run local restaurants have the best food and even better, they are the most budget-friendly too!

31. Bring a reusable water bottle and bag

As I’ve mentioned, some of the larger cities and towns in Southeast Asia do have places where you can top up your reusable water bottle. There are also some cafes which will allow you to top up for a small charge. Reusable water bottles are also vital for taking on some of the amazing hikes Thailand has to offer. Tip – buy an insulated bottle to keep your water cool!

Take a reusable cotton tote bag too for your shopping, rather than asking for a plastic bag each time you go to the shop. This foldable tote bag is perfect as it has a zip to keep your valuables secure too.

32. Check the spice level!

Spicy food in Southeast Asia is on a different level! A ‘mild’ dish is comparable to a medium in the UK. Don’t be afraid to ask for no chilli or for a dish to not be spicy.

Experiencing a different culture and learning about the history and traditions of a place is one of the best bits about travelling. Read these four things you must do to make sure that you are respectful and get off to a great start with the locals when travelling in Southeast Asia.

33. Learn basic phrases

If you are travelling in another country, even just for a couple of weeks, it’s a great courtesy to know a couple of key phrases, such as Hello and Thank You. Even though English is widely spoken across Southeast Asia, locals love it when you try to speak a little of their own language and will be happy to teach you some new phrases.

34. Be respectful

Southeast Asian culture is very different to western culture and each country in Southeast Asia has their own traditions and cultural differences. Make sure that you know how to behave in certain situations and be respectful. For example, women should not approach, converse with or touch Monks. Women also cannot enter certain shrines or temples whilst menstruating.

Travelling to Bangkok? Make sure you visit these three temples

35. Dress appropriately

Whilst both men and women should make sure that they are respectfully dressed when entering a temple or government building, this mostly applies to women. Whether you’re exploring Ankor Wat , in Cambodia or the Grand Palace in Bangkok, women must always cover their knees and shoulders when visiting a temple.

When bathing in certain spots, it is respectful to cover up. Wearing a bikini is acceptable at most public beaches and in your hotel or hostel pool, however, if you are visiting a local bathing spot, you will notice that Southeast Asian women wear shorts and a t-shirt to bathe in. It is polite to do the same.

36. Take off your shoes

This is common practice in many places throughout Southeast Asia, but it is mostly associated with Thailand. Shoes should always be removed before entering a temple, but you will also need to remove shoes before entering other places too. If you are staying in a small guesthouse, or homestay, it is polite to leave your shoes outside. This is the same if you enter a small, local shop and even when you travel on certain boats and buses (especially the sleeper buses in Vietnam).

Prepare for your trip to Southeast Asia by making sure that your health requirements and needs are taken care of before you travel…

37. Check what vaccinations you need before you go

When planning a trip to any new country, it is important to make sure you have received all the relevant vaccinations beforehand. If you are in the UK, you can check the NHS website to see which vaccinations are recommended for the country you are visiting and which vaccinations you can get for free on the NHS.

38. Stock up on sunscreen

Suncream is not widely available in Southeast Asia, especially if you are travelling away from the main tourist holiday destinations. It is also very expensive. You will find lots of ‘sun serums’ or ‘daily lotions with spf’ – be careful with these, whilst they do offer some level of protection, they are not full sun creams and are not recommended for using while sunbathing. If you are only travelling for a short amount of time, take several bottles with you from home, if you have room.

39. Take any medication / feminine products with you

If you are travelling to some of the smaller islands, or more remote places in Southeast Asia, there is not always a large pharmacy available. So, if you need medication, make sure that you bring it with you and restock it before you run out. Feminine products can be expensive too, so if you can, bring these with you.

40. Always carry medication for ‘travellers belly’

It’s not nice to talk about but almost every traveller will experience an upset stomach at some point during their travels in Southeast Asia (no matter how careful you are). Although the best advice is to rest and let the bug ‘pass through’, that is not always possible, especially if you have a bus journey to get through. With that in mind, carrying some tablets for diarrhoea will be a lifesaver!

41. Always have a toilet roll with you on travel days!

This goes hand in hand with the above – most toilets in Southeast Asia don’t have toilet paper and there’s usually a small fee for using them, so carry some small change too.

Depending on how long you are travelling in Southeast Asia for, your packing list will vary. This is also true if you are planning a long trip and are visiting other places outside of Southeast Asia too. So, rather than include a full packing list in this post, here’s a couple of top tips to help you pack better.

42. Take a Scarf or sarong

A scarf or sarong is one of the most versatile items you can pack in your bag. It is great for covering your shoulders in a temple, laying on at the beach, throwing on over a bikini, using it as a pillow on travel days or keeping you warm on the buses! Plus it takes up virtually no space in your bag!

43. Pack layers

You definitely don’t need as many clothes as you think you do, and you will end up wearing the same things over and over! Pack light things that you can layer and roll up small in your bag. In terms of shoes, one pair of trainers, one pair of flip flops and one pair of Birkenstock or chunky walking sandals will be suitable for pretty much everything in Southeast Asia. I lived in my Birkenstocks for pretty much the whole year!

44. Leave room for new clothes!

Don’t go shopping for everything before you leave home. The clothes in Southeast Asia are so cheap and let’s face it, most of the clothes you will buy at home will most likely come from Southeast Asia anyway! If there’s anything you’ve forgotten or wished you had packed, you will more than likely be able to buy it in Southeast Asia.

45. Be savvy with your chargers

There’s nothing worse than having a bag full of cables and charging wires! A lot of devices will accept the same charger cable and this is a great way to reduce the number of wires you take. For example, my laptop wire will fit my phone and my Go pro, meaning I only need one wire for three devices. (I do also have a single USB cable that will plug into an adaptor so I can charge two things at one, but this takes up hardly any room). I’d also recommend putting your wires into a small organiser case , so they are easy to locate in your bag.

46. Embrace the packing cube!

Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to packing for travelling. Even if you are sceptical about it at first, you will soon realise how handy they are. It’s a great way to separate (and easily locate!) your clothes in your bag. They also help to condense things down in your bag!

Making the decision to go travelling can be scary but it is also super exciting! Have the best time and remember that comparison is the devil!

47. Chat to others

One of the best parts of travelling is meeting other like-minded travellers. There’s a reason that Southeast Asia is one of the best places to travel solo. There’s so many great hostels and Facebook groups, where you can meet up with other people.

48. Everyone has bad days when travelling

You will have THE BEST time travelling, but there will also be some days that don’t quite go to plan and other days where you are tired or may feel homesick. The best advice I can give you is not to dwell on those days, it is completely normal and usually after a good night’s sleep and a comfy bed, you will feel much better.

49. Don’t compare your journey to others

Everyone’s travel experience is different and your trip will be unique to you. Don’t get caught up in comparing your journey to everyone else’s, just enjoy and embrace your own travel experience.

50. Have fun!

Travel is one of the best things you can do (in my totally biased opinion!). Whether you’re travelling in Southeast Asia for a few weeks or a few months, relax, go with the flow and HAVE FUN!

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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

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?

• 2 Weeks for Couple
• 2 Weeks for Family
• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

How to Travel to Southeast Asia Well: 30 Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia is a fascinating region but it's very different. Before you depart, be sure to read these 30 essential Southeast Asia travel tips that will help you travel around the region like a pro!

1. Pack Light

Pack light, especially if you'll be traveling around Southeast Asia and taking public transportation. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to haul heavy luggage around.

Pack light cotton clothing as it is hot and humid in Southeast Asia. In most Southeast Asian countries, you can get your clothes washed and dried in hotels or laundries for just a couple of dollars. Also, it is easy to buy clothes at the street markets for very reasonable prices.

2. Pack Clothes for Temple Visits

If you are planning to visit temples in Southeast Asia, you need to know the dress code. The basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees .

Therefore, make sure to pack an outfit that will cover your shoulders and knees — a scarf or shawl is very useful when you stumble across a temple that was not included in your plan.

3. Get Travel Insurance

It's always a good idea to have travel insurance when you travel to Southeast Asia. You might have prepared well but your body may not be prepared for the Asian spices, high temperature, or way of life.

Southeast Asia trips also often include some adventurous activities, such as trekking and scuba diving, so it's a good idea to have a policy in place.

4. Get Vaccinated

It is vital to get vaccinated against diseases and take necessary precautions for your Southeast Asia trip. Mosquito bites, upset stomachs, and malaria are common maladies affecting people residing in the tropics.

Many countries in Southeast Asia require specific vaccinations before you can enter them. Make sure to check their vaccine requirements and get the recommended vaccinations in advance.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

5. Be Smart about Currency Exchange

It is recommended to change your money in airports or banks where you can get a decent exchange rate even though you might need to pay excessive fees. You can also use local ATMs to withdraw the local currency as they will use the banks' exchange rates.

Be aware that many hotels offer a currency exchange service but they generally offer terrible exchange rates.

Every country in Southeast Asia has a different currency. Calculate how much local money you need so as to avoid having too much money left over that is not accepted in your next destination.

6. Take Some Cash with You

Visa and Mastercard branded credit cards, debit cards, and travel cards are widely accepted in major tourist destinations in Southeast Asia but you will still need some local money. You will need to have cash for street market vendors, taxi drivers, and smaller restaurants.

In rural areas, cards will not be accepted and ATM availability is not guaranteed so make sure you have enough cash to cover your planned expenses.

It is also necessary to carry some US dollars in cash too, as this might be required at the port of entry to pay the fee for your Visa on Arrival.

7. Don't Be Afraid to Bargain

It is normal to bargain in Southeast Asia. It is a way to engage with the local people and try to get a fair price. You can try to bargain with local street vendors or at the markets. Just remember to barter reasonably and always with a smile on your face.

8. Don't Drink the Tap Water

Tap water in Southeast Asia is undrinkable so you should buy bottled water, which is cheap. You can always find cold bottles of water available.

9. Expect Squat Toilets in Most Places

Squat toilets are common in Southeast Asian countries. Expect to find these toilets in most places, such as restaurants, tourist attractions, and other public places.

These toilets require a bit of getting used to but don't worry as most hotels have normal Western-style toilets. 

10. Take Your Own Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is rarely found in public restrooms in Southeast Asia. Carry toilet paper or tissues with you wherever you go.

11. Buy a Local SIM Card

If your current cell phone carrier doesn't offer an affordable service overseas, you can buy a local SIM card that will keep you covered. This could be very helpful for your long trip in Southeast Asia. SIM cards are cheap and the coverage is incredible, even in some remote places.

12. Respect the Local Culture

Southeast Asia is the perfect place for leisure and vacations but be aware that there is a very different culture. It is advisable to learn about the culture before you travel. Here are several common things you should know:

• Cover your arms and legs when you visit temples.
• Don't stare at people praying.
• Avoid taking pictures of monks unless you have permission.
• Don't touch anybody on the head. The head is considered to be sacred in some religions.
• Avoid displaying your soles and take your shoes off at temples.

13. Be Wary of Scams

Travel scams exist all over the world and Southeast Asia is no exception. Here are some common scams in Southeast Asia:

• Beggars, monks, or kids walk around and ask you for money. 
• Fares are overpriced when taking taxis or renting motorbikes. Agree on a taxi price before you get in.
• Scams occur when exchanging money with individuals on the street. Always exchange your currency in legal establishments. 
• Scams occur when you're offered cheap and VIP bus tickets.
• You might be told that an attraction or temple is closed when it actually isn't. Check it in person.

14. Try Street Food

If you want to taste authentic local food, find places where the locals eat. It is easy to find food streets and food stalls in each country in Southeast Asia.

Most of the restaurants won't look very safe but try to choose restaurants where the local people eat — the more people at a restaurant or food stall the better.

15. Don't Overplan

It is necessary to have a planned itinerary before your trip but an unexpected challenge is often thrown in midway through the plan, such as a flight delay, a visit to an unplanned attraction, or overstaying at a beach you have particularly enjoyed.

Be sure to leave some unscheduled time in your itinerary for downtime and also for wandering around.

16. Try Local Transportation at Least Once

Trying the local transportation is a great way to experience the local culture. Tuk tuks, motorbike taxis, or tricycles are a great way to get around. They are cheap and they always make for an adventure while traveling in Southeast Asia.

17. Watch Out on the Sidewalk

You might think of it as an adventure as you weave your way across the lanes of motorbikes in some Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam.

Sometimes, motorbikes drive on the sidewalks and rarely stop for traffic lights. One trick is to be careful and follow the crowds to get across the roads.

18. Learn Some Phrases in the Local Language

There are different languages in different Southeast Asian countries. Most locals don't speak English.

Learning a few phrases of the local language would further enhance your experience in Southeast Asia. Learning how to say 'hello' and 'thank you' are a good start and the local people will really appreciate it. Everyone loves a foreigner who speaks the local language.

19. Don't Worry Too Much about the Weather

The best time to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April (the dry and cool season) if you care about the weather. Even if you are traveling in the wet season, you don't need to worry too much about the weather as the rain often only lasts for several hours in the afternoon or at night.

You can still enjoy a good time as long as you plan well and make the most of your time when it doesn't rain.

See our detailed information about the Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia and Tips for Traveling in the Monsoon Season .

20. Check Southeast Asia's Travel Visa Requirements

Most Southeast Asian countries allow visa-free entry or a Visa on Arrival for stays ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months for certain nationalities.

See all things about  Visas for Southeast Asian Countries . 

21. Don't Worry — Southeast Asia Is Safe

Generally speaking, Southeast Asia is a very safe place for travelers. It's rare to get robbed or mugged.

People are nice, respectful, and friendly. In fact, it's one of the safest regions in the world for female travelers, solo travelers, and families.

22. Always Carry Your Passport

If anything should happen to you, it would be essential for you to have your passport, especially if you are unable to get back to your hotel. You never know what could happen and it's always better to be prepared for anything.

23. Get Off the Beaten Path

The top cities and attractions will definitely be on your must-see list but don't be afraid to get off the beaten path a bit and explore some alternative destinations and sites around Southeast Asia.

The famous attractions are usually crowded, especially during the peak season. Don't be afraid to leave the usual tourist routes and try something new and different.

24. Learn about Tipping in Southeast Asia

In most Southeast Asian countries, there is no tipping culture . It is not customary to tip in most situations.

Tips are rarely expected in restaurants and bars but porters or housekeepers in hotels and tourism providers, such as tour guides, are likely to be used to receiving tips.

25. Be a Responsible Traveler

With so many tourists visiting each year, cities are getting more and more crowded but much of Southeast Asia is inherently mired in poverty. You can help the local people when you make the right choices on your trip.

Don't give money to beggar children near tourist attractions as the money they make is often turned over to a boss or family member. If the children get money continuously, they will never be given a chance at a normal life.

It's best to avoid orphanage tourism, hill tribe visits, or any activity that exploits children, ethnic groups, or animals. When participating in elephant tourism, make sure to carefully vet the organization and make sure they're protecting the animals rather than harming them.

26. Book Your Flights Early

You can usually get the best deals for international flights to Southeast Asia and flights between countries in Southeast Asia by booking early. Start keeping an eye out for cheap flights as early as possible.

27. Don't Underestimate the Jet Lag

Sleeping in a new bed is hard enough but when you add over 10 hours' time difference once you're in Southeast Asia, it's all over! Leave yourself some time to rest and relax on your first or second day when you arrive in Southeast Asia.

28. Don't Try to See It All

Traveling to Southeast Asia for the first time is very exciting and you're going to want to see as much as you can. You need to know that Southeast Asia is a huge region filled with many bucket list destinations screaming to be visited.

Unless you're staying in the region for a year, don't try to see it all in one trip. See our detailed recommendations about How to spend your time in Southeast Asia: from 2 weeks to 3 months .

29. Get Used to Selfies with the Locals

In some places in Southeast Asia, the locals are not used to seeing foreigners on a daily basis. Do not be taken aback if they stare or ask to take photos with you.

30. Don't Expect Anything to Be On Time

People in Southeast Asia are a lot more relaxed and don't care about time as Westerners do.

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101 backpacking asia travel tips | based on 2 years’ experience.

Table of Contents

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Southeast Asia is the place that first captured my heart and turned me into a traveller. While I know many of the countries well, there’s always more to do, see and experience in this captivating region. It’s fantastic for all types of travellers, but today I’m going to be sharing my Asia backpacking tips . Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most popular places for backpacking. It’s cheap, safe and beautiful with friendly people and delicious food. From pho to laksa, banh mi, pad Thai, massaman curry and chilli crab, you’ll never have your fill… Of Asia, or the food!

Related read: the ultimate Southeast Asia bucket list

SOUTHEAST ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Hostelworld / Booking.com Lonely Planet Southeast Asia Activities: GetYourGuide / Klook

What to know before backpacking Southeast Asia

Despite being safe and friendly, there’s still plenty to know before you embark on a Southeast Asia backpacking trip. Not only do you want to make the most of your trip and not miss anything, but most of the countries are different to the West in terms of attitudes, values, religion and customs. These Southeast Asia tips will help you make the best of your trip and ensure you don’t get in trouble or cause cultural offence. Then, there’s living out of a backpack for an extended period: a challenge in itself! I’ll share my packing tips for backpacking Southeast Asia including what to bring and what to bin.

I spent 11 months backpacking Asia between 2015-16, parts solo and parts with friends. It was a fun and carefree trip. The photos suck but the memories triumph. I drank too much, learnt a lot, took terrible photos, and generally dipped my toes into Southeast Asia. Then, when I started working remotely , I spent 14 months in Southeast Asia from 2018-19. I based between Vietnam, Bali, Thailand and Malaysia, getting to know cities like Hanoi , Hoi An , Ubud , Penang and Chiang Mai . Although I had more laptop days than late nights, I slowed down and got to know the locals. Both trips were wonderful in their own ways. After 25 months in Southeast Asia, I feel I’m still scratching the surface. A lifetime would be too short! (Then I buggered off to Mexico and fell in love all over again. So fickle!)

Here are my top travel tips for Asia…

Asia tips for planning and organisation

1. Plan your route right – you don’t want to end up going back on yourself and spending extra money on transport. I did this all wrong, learnt from my errors and put together this backpacking Asia route & itinerar y .  2. Spend enough time per country – this is another lesson I learnt the hard way. I didn’t spend nearly enough time in Cambodia or Laos. Research what you want to do and see in each country before deciding how long to spend.  3. But don’t over plan – this may sound contradictory but I’d advise keeping things loose enough that you can travel with new friends if / when you meet them. I’d suggest not booking your transport too far in advance. 

4. Vaccinations  – check which are required for the countries you wish to visit. 5. Visas  – suss out visa requirements before your trip. You can get in trouble for overstaying even if by accident. Some countries like Vietnam only allow entry for 2 weeks without a visa (for most nationalities). You can apply for a longer one in advance or ensure your travel itinerary fits into their requirements.

6. Get travel insurance! It’s not worth travelling without it. I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . 7. Ensure you have 6 months left on your passport – this is a rule for travel in general not just Southeast Asia.

8. Carry copies of your vital documents – this is an important tip for Asia travel (and travel generally). I keep a scan of my passport and insurance details close in case of emergency.

9. Avoid burning seasons – Northern Thailand turns into a land of polluted fog between February and April. I would time your trip outside this period. 10. Be aware of local holidays – for example, Vietnam shuts down for Tet on 1 February. You won’t be able to catch a bus or visit any attractions. Likewise, Nyepi in Bali (usually in March) is when bad spirits are thought to fly over. Shops are shut and everyone has to stay indoors. 11. Proof of onward travel – occasionally when entering a country, you’ll be asked to provide proof that you’ll exit before the end of your visa. One way to get around this is by booking a refundable journey on Expedia.COM (very important it’s the US site) and cancelling within the set period. 12. Don’t be scared to go solo – I can personally vouch for solo travel in Vietnam , Thailand , Malaysia , Indonesia , Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines . With hostels and public transport, solo travel won’t cost much more, either. Keep reading for my budget tips for backpacking Southeast Asia…

Read next: my solo travel guides

13. Get off the beaten track – as Asia backpacking tips go, this could be the best one yet. Since Southeast Asia is so safe, you don’t have to worry about staying on-grid (like you would in India for example). Make sure you escape the tourist hotspots in search of more peaceful places. 14. Download the right apps – some of the best apps for travelling Asia include XE (currency converter), Uber and Grab, Skyscanner , Google Translate, SplitWise (great for splitting bills with travel buddies) and Maps.me.

Travel tips for Asia

15. Use 12Go – this website and app is ridiculously useful. It shows transport options between any two destinations including bus, train, ferry and boat. Compare durations and price, and pay by card or PayPal. 

16. Get used to long bus journeys – you’ll be a pro by the end. Always bring a book / Kindle or download something to watch on your phone or tablet (but don’t flash around expensive devices). Keep your valuables close on night buses. 17. Know which border crossings are easy (and when to fly) – it’s usually easy to cross Asian borders but there are a few mammoth journeys where you’ll wish you flew. Here’s a quick summary:

• Thailand to Cambodia – easy. Take a 13-hour bus or 16-hour train from Bangkok to Siem Reap .
• Thailand to Laos – easy (although time-consuming) on the slow boat or bus . For the boat, travel from Huay Xai (easily reachable from Chiang Rai ) to Luang Prabang with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
• Laos to Vietnam – this is a long bus journey between Luang Prabang and Hanoi lasting up to 28 hours. You may want to fly instead.
• Vietnam to Cambodia – easy. Take a 6-hour bus between Saigon and Phnom Penh (or a river adventure over the course of a few days ).
• Thailand to Malaysia – catch a ferry from Koh Lipe to Langkawi .

18. Agree taxi prices beforehand – or insist on using the meter. Keep an eye out for rigged meters that start shooting up by huge amounts. If this happens, get out. 19. Download the local taxi apps – countries often have their own version of Uber. I used GoJek in Indonesia and Grab in Vietnam and Thailand. As well as cars, you can call scooter taxis – these are a game-changer for travelling on a budget ! Your driver will provide you with a helmet.

20. Take public transport – don’t be shy. Journeys are often listed on Google Maps so use your phone to check you’re not headed in the wrong direction. Public transport is the cheapest way to get around.

21. Research how to get around in new cities – major cities in Southeast Asia often have efficient transport networks. For example: 

• Bangkok – Metro and Sky Train (pay with cash or card)
• Chiang Mai – songthaews (big red share taxis – just hail them and pay in cash)
• Hanoi – bus (pay the fares of 5-10k VND in cash)
• Kuala Lumpur – there are several trains: the Metro, LRT, monorail and KLIA airport express (pay with cash or card).

22. Learn to ride a scooter – providing you wear a helmet and your insurance covers it, riding a scooter is a great way to explore Asia on a budget, especially in Bali where there’s no public transport. Hire yours in advance . 23. Photograph them before leaving the rental store – snap any existing scratches or damage when you hire your scooter in case you get charged for it. 24. Download Maps.me – this is your best app for navigation. Download offline maps for whole countries.

Southeast Asia tips for staying connected

25. There’s usually Wi-Fi – I spent a whole year in Asia relying on Wi-Fi rather than buying a SIM card. Most hostels have Wi-Fi as well as many cafes and public places. 26. SIM cards – it’s easy to find affordable SIM cards should you want them. Ask staff at your hostel staff where to get one. Monthly data packages often cost $5-10. Check Klook for pre-ordered SIM cards delivered to your accommodation. Update – there’s a new eSim data package that works around most countries in SE Asia. Just scan the QR code to activate it!

27. Skype credit – I use FaceTime and WhatsApp to call friends and family but Skype is a godsend when I need to make a phone call home (for example to my bank or insurance company). Skype credit is a fraction of the price of making an international call via a SIM card. Use the web version or mobile app. 28. Get a Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot – these let you insert a SIM card and share the data between your devices. This can be handy for watching things in the evenings as often Wi-Fi is available in hostel communal areas but doesn’t stretch to the rooms. 29. Travel with a VPN – to browse the internet securely and ensure your personal details don’t get shared via public Wi-Fi networks, use a VPN. They also bypass countries’ restrictions so you’ll be able to watch shows from your home country.

Tips for Asia backpacking & hostels

The following backpacking Southeast Asia tips will help set your expectations for hostels & meeting people on the road.

Related read: how to meet people when travelling solo

30. Pick the right hostel for you – I’d describe myself as an extrovert who likes nightlife and even at 21, some of the Asia hostels were too much for me. You’ll meet people in party hostels who don’t seem to even like travel – they just want to drink and hook up! Which is fine, but just be aware what you’re letting yourself in for. 31. There are cosy hostels too – it’s easy to find family-run hostels that attract a friendly backpack crowd. Look at the photos and reviews on Hostelworld to make an educated guess.

Want to save money on accommodation? I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects travellers with homeowners who need their homes & pets sat. It means staying longer in a place but can be great if you’re not in a rush! Plus, you get to hang out with cute pets.

32. Be approachable  – don’t bring your book to communal areas. 33. Pack earplugs – especially in party hostels! Aside from people coming in drunk, hooking up or snoring, there’s always some noise in dorms whether it’s someone going to the bathroom or leaving for a flight. 34. Don’t be THAT dorm mate – pack the night before . This should really go in the ethical Asia tips below 😉 There’s nothing worse than being woken up at 6am by the sound of a dorm mate packing for their flight. 35. Join Facebook groups – search for backpacking Asia groups on Facebook. You may cross paths with the members or glean useful Southeast Asia travel tips. Those that identify as women can join Girls Love Travel . 36. Make friends with locals – don’t stick to socialising with other backpackers! Befriend tour guides and hostel staff. Get chatting to locals when you’re out and about. You’ll have a blast and learn a lot from them.

Related read: How to pick a great travel buddy

Cultural immersion tips

37. Get used to the bum gun – two words not usually used in the same sentence. This handy device is used in place of toilet paper in many Asian bathrooms. 38. Prepare for squat toilets – these aren’t everywhere but you’ll encounter them at some point. 39. Prepare for different health and safety standards – things are quite relaxed in comparison to Western countries but do always insist on helmets / life jackets etc. Your insurance may be void otherwise. Suggesting you’ll take your business elsewhere usually results in someone ‘finding’ a spare helmet…

Wellbeing backpacking tips for Asia

40. Know you might get homesick – it’s normal and not a sign of failure. Luckily, technology is good when you want to call people back home. You can usually find Western comforts when you need them, especially in major cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Nothing wrong with a mall day!  41. Plan rest days – I massively burnt myself out during my first Asia backpacking trip. I didn’t factor any rest days and almost stopped enjoying myself altogether. It’s worth booking a private room and having a few lazy days to do life admin, laundry etc. 

Tips for eating in Southeast Asia

42. Eat street food  – the food is about 60% of the reason I always return to Asia. It’s delicious! Check out some of my Asian food guides:

• Hanoi street food
• Hoi An street food
• Saigon street food
• Finding the best bahn mi in Vietanm
• Chiang Mai food guide
• Bangkok Chinatown food guide
• Kuala Lumpur Chinatown food guide
• Penang street food
• Where to eat in Melaka, Malaysia
• Singapore street food
• Best Ubud warungs
• Restaurants in Canggu, Bali

43. Bring reusable items  – sadly a lot of plastic in used in Asia. There are a few items I travel with and would recommend taking with you. These are:

• Metal straw kit with straw cleaner and cloth bag (pro tip – learn how to say ‘no straw please’ in local languages)
• Reusable coffee cup (collapsable) for hot takeaway drinks
• Reusable Tupperware box for takeaway and leftover food
• Reusable bamboo cutlery set for eating at markets.

44. Don’t drink tap water in Asia – it’s safe to drink bottled water (just make sure the lid is sealed) although not very sustainable. It’s best to bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up from large filtered units at your accommodation. Alternatively, pack a filtering water bottle that sterilises water for safe drinking.

45. Eat where it’s busy  – in terms of street food safety, this is one of the best Asia tips for staying healthy. Eat where it’s busy because there will be a quick turnaround of food meaning nothing has been sat around long. If locals are eating there, it’s a bonus.

46. Drink local beer – keep it cheap by keeping it local. Drink Chang in Thailand, Bintang in Bali and beer hoi (locally produced fresh beer) in Vietnam.

47. Take cooking classes – these are so much fun. I’ve taken them in most Southeast Asian countries now. Some of my favourites are Aroy Aroy Cooking School in Chiang Mai and Thuan Tinh Island Cooking Tour in Hoi An.

Safety tips for Southeast Asia

The following Southeast Asia backpacking tips will keep you safe. But remember you still need insurance however careful you are! 48. Watch out for pickpockets – Southeast Asia has little violent crime. Having your valuables stolen is as bad as it gets. While not life-threatening, you still want to avoid it. The following Asia tips will help you avoid sticky situations…  49. Split up your bank cards – for the love of god! If you ignore the other 100 Southeast Asia tips in this blog and just remember this, my work is done. Don’t lose them all once like I did.  50. Scooter snatchers – the most common way to get robbed is when you’re on foot and a couple of guys whiz by on a scooter, the one at the back grabbing your phone/bag. It happened to me in Vietnam. To stay safe… 51. Wear a crossbody bag – I usually wear the one below but you can go even safer with one that goes around your chest or waist . I have one I sleep wearing on night buses.

Packing tips for Asia

The following travel tips for Southeast Asia relate to luggage, clothes and useful travel gadgets and accessories … 52. Get a good backpack – you’ll be carrying it every few days so it’s worth getting a decent one. I recommend the Osprey Farpoint ( men’s ) ( women’s ). You won’t need more than 65L. In terms of day bags, I use a:

• Small rucksack for hiking (which I carry on my front during transit days)
• Crossbody bag for days/nights out
• Secure bum bag for night buses.

53. Packing cubes – these are a lifeline for organising your luggage. 54. Pack light – I’d suggest tops and bottoms that you can mix n match, underwear and swimwear, an extra layer for evenings/cooler places, and a raincoat. Laundry facilities are cheap so you don’t need many outfits. Bring 1 pair of comfy walking shoes (hiking boots not necessary unless you’re doing something extreme), 1 pair or sandals and 1 pair of flip flops.  55. Keep it casual for evenings out – you rarely need fancy going out clothes in SE Asia. I pack 1-2 ‘nice’ dresses for days and nights out. 56. Sarong – although you’ll look like a tourist, this is a handy Southeast Asia tip. I have a trusty sarong I use on the beach, to cover my legs at temples, and as a cover on bus journeys. Don’t worry if you leave home without one – you can buy them cheaply at markets in Asia. 

57. Don’t wear white – it’ll never stay clean. I don’t know if dust and mud is particularly stubborn in Southeast Asia or if it’s something about the laundry… Either way, just don’t do it. 58. Wear cool clothes – it’s better to have cool cotton clothes than synthetic materials which make you sweat in the heat. I often prefer to wear long (but thin) sleeves and pants that save you getting burnt. These are also better for visiting religious sites where revealing clothing may cause cultural offence. 59. Bring enough sunscreen – I’ve been burnt (literally) before. When you buy local Asian brands of sunscreen, it rarely works. Make sure to bring enough for your trip or buy it from a reputable store or mall in Asia. It’ll be pricey but worth it. 

60. Mosquito spray – the same goes for mosquito spray. Aim to bring enough for your trip as local brands may vary in quality. 61. Don’t bring designer items – no one else will have them and you’ll put yourself at risk of theft. 62. No need to worry about sunglasses – you will find $1 ‘Raybans’ on every street corner in Southeast Asia. 

63. Neck pillow – the holy grail of backpacker items! You won’t regret the space a neck pillow takes up.

64. Sanitary products – this is a useful Asia tip for people with periods. You can usually only buy pads not tampons. Either take a bunch with you or – the more sustainable option – pack a moon cup (or similar brand) . 65. Watch out for whitening products – it’s worth noting that body products in Asia commonly contain skin whitener. Scrutinise the packaging; I was usually able to find products without… Aside from deodorant. I spent a year with very pale underarms.

Money tips for backpacking Asia

The following travel tips for Asia will help you budget and – hopefully – travel for longer.. . 66. Know what to budget – generally, $1,000 a month is a good starting point for Southeast Asia backpacking although it’s worth noting that countries vary in price. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are the cheapest in my opinion. I’ll put together a big guide to do this topic justice but a few general costs (in USD) are:

• Bed in a hostel dorm – $3-10
• Private hostel room or budget guesthouse – $15-20
• Street food meal – $1-3
• Western-style restaurant meal – $5
• Bottled water – $1
• Intercountry bus journey – $10-20
• Day tours – $10-50
• Diving – $300 for a 3-day course inc accommodation in Koh Tao.

67. Learn to haggle – locals expect it so don’t pay the first price quoted, especially at crafts markets. 

68. Volunteer – in the past, I’ve volunteered in exchange for food and board using Workaway and Worldpackers . They have plenty of positions from hostel work to farming, language exchanges and helping with promotion. There are even a few paid positions.  Read next: which is better, Workaway or Worldpackers ? 69. Travel through the night – not only do you save the cost of a night’s accommodation, but you free up the next day (although this is hit-and-miss – I often end up napping if I’ve not slept well on the bus). 70. Have USD – since there’s no universal currency in Asia, it’s worth bringing some USD ($100 or so). You’ll thank me for this Asia travel tip when you need to buy a visa on the border but haven’t been able to withdraw local currency yet.

71. Always carry cash – you can rarely pay with card in Southeast Asia. Withdraw cash every few days so you’re not carrying too much. 72. Prepare for various currencies – if you have money leftover when entering a new country, exchange it at a reputable money changer (do a bit of research for example this article on the best places to exchange money in Hanoi ). Airports charge the worst rates and there are often scams at land borders. Use XE currency app to check you’re getting a decent rate. Main currencies in Southeast Asia :

• Vietnam – Dong (VND)
• Indonesia – Rupiah (RP)
• Cambodia – Riel (KHR) and USD
• Laos – Kip (LAK)
• Malaysia – Ringgit (RM)
• Singapore – Singapore dollar (SGD)
• Thailand – Baht (THB)
• Myanmar – Kyat (MMK)
• Philippines – Pesos (PHP).

73. Sign up for mobile banks with reduced fees – my three favourites for UK travellers are Monzo, Revolut and Starling. Wise (for all nationalities) is great for low-cost international money transfers. If you get one of their cash cards, there are no foreign transaction fees and you can withdraw $250 a month without fees.

Ethical tips for Asia

The following tips for travelling Southeast Asia will ensure everyone benefits from your travels! 74. Avoid unethical animal activities – the tiger temple is a truly despicable place in Thailand where tigers are drugged for tourist photos. Never go. Also, don’t listen to anyone who tells you it’s okay to ride elephants. Here’s why not . 75. Avoid human tourism – for example the Karen ‘long neck’ groups in Northern Thailand. Many are actually Burmese and have had their passports confiscated to keep them trapped for tourism purposes. Be wary and read reviews whenever people are involved in tourist activities. 76. Give tips  – if you’ve had good service, tip your tour guide/waiter at least 10%. 77. Learn a bit of local lingo  – even if it’s just hello, thank you and goodbye, people will appreciate it.

Tours in Asia

78. Know you rarely NEED them – although I often enjoy taking tours to learn from local guides and support their livelihoods, it’s easy to do Southeast Asia independently. The ones I would recommend however are an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay and a trekking tour in Sapa (both in Vietnam). 

79. Multi day / week tours – again, you don’t need to take these but if you’re lonely or burnt out from organising everything, they can be a worthwhile investment. G Adventures are great for getting off-the-beaten-track while Contiki are more of a young, social company. Consider taking one in the middle of your trip if you need a break.

80. Day tours – if I can’t be bothered with organisation or I’m visiting somewhere tricky to access by public transport, I browse Viator , GetYourGuide and Klook to see who has the best offer on day tours.

81. Asian food tours are great! Yes, you can go it alone and eat like a king/queen BUT I love taking food tours because you get to try so many things by splitting them with the group, plus the guides always know best. My favourite food tour operator in Asia is A Chef’s Tour . So far I’ve taken their Chiang Mai Northern Food Tour by Truck and their Bangkok Chinatown tour .

What to know before backpacking Asia: country-specific tips

Now I’ve shared my general travel tips for Asia, here are a few country-specific tidbits…

Tips for Vietnam

• 82. Get the sleeper bus all down the coast – since Vietnam is so long and thin, it’s easy to travel without going back on yourself. The journeys are often long but the buses are comfortable with individual beds. Buy a book of tickets in any Hanoi or Saigon travel agents or individually on 12Go .
• 83. Spend enough time in Northern Vietnam – I’d suggest 3 days in Sapa and a 2-night Ha Long Bay trip. Since you’ll need to connect through Hanoi (where I’d also recommend spending 3 days), you’ll want to dedicate at least a week to Northern Vietnam. 

Essential reading: 2 week – 1 month Vietnam itinerary | 3 x North Vietnam itineraries | 3 day Hanoi itinerary | Hoi An itinerary | Saigon itinerary

Tips for Thailand 

• 84. Time your trip around festivals – Songkran water festival in April is a blast wherever you spend it. Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are lantern festivals held in November in Chiang Mai.
• 85. You can only spend 30 days in Thailand without a visa – consider exploring Bangkok and the north then heading through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam before returning to Thailand for another 30 days to do the islands justice.

Related reads: Solo travel in Thailand | 2 day Bangkok itinerary | 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary | things to do in Chiang Rai

Tips for Cambodia

• 86. Prepare for heartbreak at Phnom Penh’s Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. Although it’s difficult to see and learn about, it’s important to understand Cambodia’s recent history.
• 87. You only use Cambodian Riel for small purchases like local buses. For everything else, use USD. You can withdraw this from Cambodian ATMs.

Tips for Laos

• 88. Don’t stick to the north – Four Thousand Islands in Southern Laos are beautiful and a convenient place to cross into Cambodia.
• 89. The capital isn’t great – there’s not much to do in Vientiane from a tourist perspective although there is good food.
• 90. Visit Vang Vieng for ecotourism – now the dangerous tubing bars have closed, the region is ripe for exploring spectacular nature.

Tips for Myanmar

• 91. Be aware of the political situation – in 2023, it’s not safe to visit Myanmar. I’ll update this section as things develop.

Tips for Indonesia

• 92. Don’t stick to Bali – there are 17,000 islands in Indonesia so it would be a shame to only see one. I spent time on Java Island and want to visit Komodo and Flores. 
• 93. Taxi apps are banned in Bali – there’s also no public transport so unless you hire a scooter , you’ll spend a lot of money on (overpriced) government taxis.  Full-day private taxi tours with companies like GetYourGuide are often more affordable.
• 94. Get your vegan fix! The cuisine in most Asian countries is heavily meaty; this is your place to indulge in plant-based Balinese food .

Related reads: 2 week Bali itinerary | 3 day Ubud itinerary | Hidden gems in Bali | top places in North Bali

Tips for Malaysia

• 95. Unlike most Asian countries, Malaysia has an efficient train network – or you can take the bus between destinations. When travelling within cities, there are no taxi scooters (only Uber cars) so budget a little extra.
• 96. Penang is food heaven ! Save all your stomach room for a trip to George Town.
• 97. In Kuala Lumpur, stay in Chinatown – there’s great food in KL Chinatown and most of the attractions are nearby.

Related reads: 2 week Malaysia itinerary | How to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur | Things to do in Ipoh | Things to do in Melaka | Things to do in Penang

Tips for Singapore

• 98. Singapore CAN be done on a budget – I ate at hawker markets (hardly a problem as the food is delicious!), stayed in hostels and took the Metro. You might want to splash out on the Cloud Forest and a Singapore Sling cocktail, though.
• 99. Check prices before ordering – I got tricked into paying $50 for chilli crab at a street stall because I hadn’t checked the price first. I later learnt this is a common scam: everything else on the menu will be $5 apart from the crab which is ‘priced by weight’. You then get charged a ridiculous figure and can’t argue because you already ate it!

Related reads: 2 day Singapore itinerary | Best Singapore street food guide | Koon Seng Road | Singapore street art

Tips for the Philippines 

• 100. Budget time and money for getting between islands – it’s not easy to island-hop by boat. Islands like Palawan and Cebu are a flight apart usually with a stop in Manila.
• 101. Get outta Manila ! This is one of my least favourite cities in Southeast Asia. It’s polluted, not especially safe and the traffic is ridiculous.

Related read: Complete guide to backpacking the Philippines | the best islands to visit in the Philippines

Phew, 101 travel tips for Asia all wrapped up! Did you learn anything new?

Use my Southeast Asia bucket list and my Southeast Asia itinerary & route planner to help plan your adventure.

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

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

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How to plan a perfect trip to Asia – tips for your first Asia vacation & how to choose the best travel itinerary

One of the cheapest and the most colourful destinations for travellers – Southeast Asia is a dream come true. Make sure that you plan a trip to Asia properly, choose the backpacking route well and craft the best travel itinerary, avoiding any problems. How? Check below!

If you follow my social media platforms ( and if you don’t, better start now 😉 Facebook , Instagram , Twitter ), you probably know, that I just came back from an epic trip to Asia. It wasn’t my first trip to that region – I’ve previously been to the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Russia, but this time I’ve visited two new countries – Indonesia and Singapore . My trip began with a traditional wedding in India near Bangalore, followed by visiting stunning Singapore skyscrapers, travelling through the Bali jungle, swimming with turtles in Gili islands and climbing volcanoes of East Java .

Independent travel is what I love the most and what gives me the biggest satisfaction from my trips. But how to make it right? How to plan a dream trip to Asia and make sure that everything works out well?

If you’re travelling soon, check my travel resources page , where I share my favourite travel websites and companies to book trips on a budget.

How to plan a perfect trip to Asia?

#1 pick the best time.

If you work full time, as I do, you probably need to book time off in advance. Check when you can take it and based on that choose your destination. Not having enough vacation days? Have a look here for some tips on how to travel more, even with a full-time job!

For me, the time was already decided, as I was going for my friend’s wedding in India. Based on that, I chose my further destinations.

#2 Choose the travel itinerary

Some parts of the world are simply impossible or very inconvenient to be visited at particular times of the year. Might it be a monsoon season, hurricanes, freezing cold or dreadful heat. You want to avoid that, so choose wisely and do the research!

For travelling on a budget, you need to make sure that you can get to the specific location at a reasonable price. This might get more complicated if you’re combining several countries and flying between the destinations. However, research pays off. For my trip to Asia, I searched through several flight booking sites, to find the cheapest prices for the best destinations. Kiwi.com is a very helpful one, as it allows you to search based on the radius around the location and the departure airport. Make sure to check at least a few flight search engines. Some other helpful ones are Expedia  and Kayak.  For the full list  click here .

Based on that, I looked at different vacation destinations in Asia. Alex and I wanted to find the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, but not overly crowded and with a (cheap!) flight connection from India. We checked places like Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Malaysia or less known the Andaman Islands. Taking everything into consideration, we finally decided on Indonesia – a country, that I’ve always wanted to visit. Since the flights from India to Indonesia usually go through Singapore, I added it to my itinerary and made my layover longer, by fitting a day to walk around the city.

#3 Do the research or just wing it

I’m a “planner” and always want to know what is worth visiting in a particular location. I don’t want to miss out and I also prefer to avoid crowded or overly touristy places. This, together with some reading about the history of the country gives me a good background for deciding on which places I want to visit and which to skip. I base my research on the destination travel blogs, where the bloggers are always helpful to answer questions or I use the good travel guidebooks .

However, I often leave the plan open for changes to be able to adjust it if needed. I normally don’t even book accommodation, as I know that it’s very easy to find cheap and good hostels in Southeast Asia on the go. This gives me the flexibility in case my plans change. The more you travel, the easier it will be for you to act spontaneously on your trip.

For your first Asia vacation: 

• make a plan with the travel itinerary based on your research
• book the first hotel night after arrival
• add some more places to the list, in case you change your mind or can’t get to the ones from the original plan and then make final decisions while you are there
• talk to locals and talk to other travellers – they are a great source of information and have it all updated, which is much more helpful than scrolling through the old posts on the Internet

#4 Plan the travel route

• Less is more – cut out

Many of us, I included, have a FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) syndrome. We want to be everywhere, see and do everything. Unfortunately, with a limited time it’s not possible, so you need to rule some things out. Focus on what you really want to see when planning your Asia travel route and keep other places as a possibility in case of change of plans.

• Add an extra day

Travelling in Asia can be unpredictable. There are massive delays on the local airlines, buses leave only when full, which involves several hours of waiting. There can be floods, earthquakes or volcano eruptions (almost happened to us!), that can slow you down. Therefore, add one or two days, just in case. This will also allow you to take things a bit slower and enjoy it more, not stressing out if you’re going to make it for the flight.

• Don’t double back

Plan your Asia travel route in a way, that you don’t come back to the same location. Take different paths, which allows you to see more. In some cases, this might be difficult, but try to avoid it as much as you can.

#5 Be flexible

It’s good to plan a trip to Asia properly, with a scheduled plan and treat it as a base and a direction to follow. However, at the same time, leave yourself space for changes. Maybe you’ll fall in love with one particular place and would want to stay there longer? Or you meet great people and follow their travel plans, instead of yours? Or get invited to the traditional ceremony by the locals, that you just can’t miss? The world is full of opportunities and missing one stop on your itinerary doesn’t mean that you’re missing out – just often the opposite!

#6 Get ready for the unexpected

As often as we like to think that “those things only happen to others, not me”, life is unpredictable and everything can happen.

When we were planning our trip to Indonesia, days before the departure the media boomed with the news of  the high risk of the volcano eruption . The volcano happened to be in Bali , which was our first stop. The whole area around the mountain, that we planned to go to, was closed and we needed to change our plans last minute. We also had to be prepared in case of an eruption and know what to do for the emergency. Luckily, nothing happened (and hopefully won’t happen), but better be safe than sorry!

Last, but not least – it’s your holidays, that you worked hard for, so don’t worry too much about ticking places off the list, just go with a flow and enjoy yourself. The more you travel, the easier it will be to let it go, learn about the places from the locals and other travellers. Remember – enjoy every minute of it!

Where is your next trip to Asia to? What are your tips to plan a perfect trip to Asia? Let me know in the comments!

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Related posts:

• Central Asia Travel Guide and Backpacking Itinerary
• [Asia 2016] How did I end up in Asia? Philippines, Malaysia & India
• How I afford to travel and how you can too – 19 tips to travel more for less
• Norway Winter Travel Itinerary – Magical (and Unique!) Winter Road Trip

22 thoughts on “ How to plan a perfect trip to Asia – tips for your first Asia vacation & how to choose the best travel itinerary ”

I’m Vietnamese, but have not been back to visit. Will have to refer to this when we plan our trip.

I hope you’ll manage to visit soon 🙂

Great post, I’m currently living in Thailand and love it! I remember how crazy and scary my first solo visit was, your tips are really good and I wish I had them back then! Lovely pictures!

Thanks! Wow, this must be amazing to live there 🙂 You’re definitely an Asia expert now then! 🙂

Can not wait for another trip to Asia <3 It was such a wonderful thing to explore it!

I just came back and can’t wait to go again!

I completely agree that traveling in Asia, and anywhere for that matter, can be completely unpredictable. I’m currently on my third long term backpacking trip in Asia and despite planning there are always bumps in the road – although it does add to the adventure of course. I was actually in Bali myself when the volcano was set to erupt, however luckily it didn’t affect my plans. Thanks for sharing!

That’s very true! We’ll see what happens with the volcano, hopefully, it’s all fine. Thanks for your comment 🙂

These are very useful travel tips for travelling anywhere in the world! We are backpacking now through central America and I am really learning to just go with the flow and finding joy in all the crazy, unpredictable things that happen. Thanks for your share!

You are very right 🙂 It’s important to remember about those things during travels in any place in the world. Enjoy your trip!

I’ve only been to big cities in Asia so far; Shanghai and Tokyo. Yet to venture into the South-East. I’ve travelled a fair bit over the world but I’m still a bit of a control freak and like an itinerary lol.

A good itinerary is a great help, but it’s also nice sometimes to go with a flow:) Good luck in your future travels!

From your post, i learn that,with good planning, you achieve better result and always make the plan flexible. Nice post.

Thanks! I hope it was helpful!

I agree with all you wrote here, and even though I sometimes still have a little FOMO, I`ve been trying to embrace slow travel and my last trips were really good! I think what you wrote is useful not only when planning a trip to Asia, your recommendations can be applied to other trips as well. Didn`t know kiwi, definitely going to try it!

Thanks for your comment, Vick! Slow travel would be amazing, but I’m still in need of more time 😉 Hopefully, one day! Good luck in your travels!

I broadly agree with the points that you raise. In fact, I think that they could be applied to vacation planning in general. In particular, I thinks it’s a good idea to do a lot of research, but then to leave the itinerary open to change. Local advice often beats the guidebook. Hands down!

Thank you, Gearoid! I couldn’t agree more, that the local advise often beats the guidebooks, however, sometimes you also need to take it with a pinch of salt and filter through 😀

I’m planning a three week trip to Asia in 2022 to celebrate my 70th birthday. Not planning to backpack but would like to a week in three locations via intra flights from one to the next. Would love suggestions on three great places to visit. Considering China, Thailand, Vietnam.

Hi! That sounds great, but only a week split in 3 countries is a bit short, unless you mean a week in each of them, then it makes more sense 🙂 There is a lot to see in all of them – so it depends on how much sight-seeing you want to do and what exactly you’re interested in – nature, cities, culture, food. I’d say Thailand is more touristy than Vietnam and China is obviously huge, so you would need to decide on a small part of it. You would also need to check the visas needed for each of the countries. Good luck!

Asia has a wide range of tour spot when it comes to Asia, India is one of the best countries one can visit and explore some many histories with a lots of amazing facts India is a budgeted country you can spend money and satisfy your needs you can visit India just to see how colorful it is and it is the country of joy!thanks for the tips the article is helpful.

Glad you like it! I also have some more articles about India: Bangalore Belur and Halebid temples

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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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Our 9 Best Asia Itineraries for First-Timers

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Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

Epic wildlife, classic culture, and dramatic wilderness that features the highest mountain range in the world or the pristine white-sand beaches of a tropical paradise are only a few of the ways you can experience Asia’s marvels with these nine Asia itineraries for first-timers.

Whether interested in visiting architectural marvels that span centuries, eager to view the season’s changing leaves, panoramic views over rice paddy terraces, or hidden temples and floating karsts, Asia brims with ancient culture, fascinating heritage, and ineffable beauty.

The best Asia itinerary offers timeless experiences in this compelling region of the world and depends on your interests and goals when exploring our sample itineraries for first-timers.

1. 9-Day Culinary and Cultural Heritage Tour of India

2. beauty of fall foliage: 16 day luxury tour of japan, 3. amazing vietnam vacation: karst islands to imperial citadels, 4. tantalizing thailand: bangkok, chiang mai, krabi tour, 5. thailand and cambodia essential experiences tour, 6. romance in tropical sri lanka and the maldives, 7. best of india and nepal vacation, 8. active 3-week adventure of cambodia, vietnam, laos, and thailand's cultural highlights, 9. rejuvenating tropical getaway vacation to bali, plan your asia itinerary for first-timers with a travel specialist.

Traditional chicken tikka masala curry dish

Length: 9 days

Places Visited: New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

India is a whirlwind of color and history, where culture builds on millennia of history experienced in the hidden temples, magnificent monuments, and aromatic spices you can find during your   9-Day Culinary and Cultural Heritage Tour of India .

From the vibrant streets of Delhi to the iconic bulbous domes of the Taj Mahal, the pink tint of the architecture in Jaipur to the symbolic shapes and hues of henna explored during a private class, India embraces its uniqueness by celebrating authentic tastes and magnificent traditions that welcome you as a familiar friend.

Learn more: India Tours & Vacations • India Travel Guide

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Heian Shrine garden in Kyoto, Japan

Length: 16 days

Places Visited: Osaka, Kanazawa, Naoshima, Kyoto, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Tokyo

This Beauty of Fall Foliage: 16 Day Luxury Tour of Japan highlights the scenery in the fall as it sings with color. The leaves change, turning the landscape into a painter’s palette surrounding traditional temples and decorating serene parks.

Unique architectural designs sprout from the foliage, bringing the past to life in the form of castles and monasteries, while modern architecture embraces artistic form celebrated on a remote island. Whether interested in viewing geishas walking across idyllic bridges or interested in the flavors of a traditional market, Japan’s beauty becomes accessible and immersive.

Learn more: Japan Tours & Vacations • Japan Travel Guide

Red junk boat sailing in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

Length: 8 days

Places Visited: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Mekong Delta

Vietnam can feel like a completely different world, where the landscape takes on majestic charms featured in the eight-day Amazing Vietnam Vacation: Karst Islands to Imperial Citadels . Cruise through the idyllic waters of Ha Long Bay, weaving between soaring granite towers, or wander beneath the crumbling grandeur of the powerful Nguyen Dynasty.

Connect with celebrated local chefs and taste their magnetic flavors or zigzag along Hai Van Pass for illustrious views as you soak in the spectacle of Vietnam's scenery, while experiencing welcoming traditions.

Learn more: Vietnam Tours & Vacations • Vietnam Travel Guide

Pagoda at Wat Arun in Bangkok Thailand

Length: 11 days

Places Visited: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi Town, Koh Phi Phi

This 11-day Tantalizing Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi Tour offers a combination of rich culture and captivating scenery, turning Thailand into an unimaginable adventure.

Grand palaces, surprising canals, marvelous mountain panoramas, and distinctive local tribes provide a window into the memorable connections you can make as you explore forested trails or learn the art of traditional dishes.

With white-sand beaches, fabulous temple complexes, and crystal-clear water, Thailand is a treasure chest of endless opportunities.

Learn more: Thailand Tours & Vacations • Thailand Travel Guide

Head of Buddha statue in the tree roots at Wat Mahathat Temple, Ayutthaya, Thailand

Length: 15 days

Places Visited: Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Siem Reap

Family-friendly and endlessly exciting, the 15-day Thailand and Cambodia Essential Experiences Tour can feel like an immersion into luxurious exploration. Sail along the Andaman Sea for fabulous views of tropical islands.

Embrace the spiritual ambiance of the Royal Palace complex in Bangkok, witness the masterful motifs and images of Buddha decorating the Angkor Temples, and visit a traditional floating village rising above the quiet waters of Tonle Sap Lake.

The combination of delicious cuisine, fascinating history, local customs, and graceful demonstrations of culture reveal excitement the entire family can enjoy.

Learn more: Thailand & Cambodia Tours • Cambodia Travel Guide

Couple in the Maldives

Length: 14 days

Places Visited: Thirappane, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Hatton, Galle, Bentota, Colombo, Laamu Atoll

Romance in Tropical Sri Lanka and The Maldives is an incredible immersion into distinct tropical paradises. Gorgeous beachside resorts, the marvels of mountainous vistas, and the allure of clear waters offer the perfect getaway to island bliss.

Visit cherished ancient temples, explore grand ancient ruins, indulge in aromatic spices, and embrace the elegance of a stunning seascape. Soak in the tranquil ambiance as you find passion and romance across the tropical islands of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Learn more: Maldives Vacations & Tour Packages • Maldives Travel Guide

Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal

Length: 17 days

Places Visited: Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Sawarda, Kathmandu, Kurintar, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara

Heritage and history intertwine during this 17-day Best of India and Nepal Vacation . The wonder of the region spreads from the Taj Mahal to the rugged peaks of the Himalayas, the stunning remains of a Mughal empire to the staggering collection of Buddhist temples.

Find new ways to search for thrilling wildlife and its connection to local culture, indulge in the expansive views of the world’s tallest mountain range, and witness the combined beauty of golden desert and pink architectural walls as you uncover the collective charisma of India and Nepal.

Learn more: Nepal & India Tours • Nepal Tours & Vacations

Kuang Si waterfall in Luang Prabang, Laos

Length: 21 days

Places Visited: Siem Reap, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay, Luang Prabang, Pakbeng, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai

Active 3-Week Adventure of Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand's Cultural Highlights provides visitors with ample opportunities to discover the limitless treasures of Southeast Asia. Capture the fascinating artwork and robust culinary traditions, the sensational scenery and inspiring history that will take you beyond Hanoi and Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Vientiane.

Weave between impressive karsts, glide down the Bon River, cycle to ancient temple complexes, sample the customary flavors of local cuisine, and enjoy the forested wilderness for a joyful perspective of the past, present, and future.

Learn more: Southeast Asia Tours & Vacations • Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Luxury tropical resort in Bali, Indonesia

Places Visited: Nusa Dua, Ubud, Gili Islands, Bali Island

Bali is a serene gateway, perfect for recharging your mind and spirit during this eight-day Rejuvenating Tropical Getaway Vacation to Bali . The island is often referred to as a paradise, with ample opportunities to slow down and enjoy the aromas of wild frangipani and listen to the sounds of crashing waves, or embrace the connection to the island’s vibrant Hindu traditions.

Explore fascinating temples, witness the famous scenery, and find revitalization in a mixture of calming spiritual waters and traditional island flavors. Snorkel, learn customary farming techniques, or bask in the tranquility of the mountains for the perfect tropical escape.

Learn more: Bali Vacations & Tours • Bali Travel Guide

The Munduk waterfall in Bali, Indonesia

Natural wonder, precious historical architecture, and participating in age-old traditions add to the allure of an Asia travel itinerary.

From trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal to viewing the Taj Mahal in India, wandering the bridges of Kyoto in Japan to viewing the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, each country displays its own treasured past and contemporary charm.

Find more ideas on how you can explore the scenery, embrace new customs, and experience the culture of a new country with more sample Asia tour packages & vacations . You can also discover new ideas on where to go, what to do, and more with our Asia travel guide .

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Ultimate SOUTHEAST ASIA Travel Guide

Southeast Asia  is a fascinating part of the world that offers beautiful islands, beaches, lush jungles, unique wildlife, tasty food and intriguing culture. This Southeast Asia travel guide is designed to uncover some of our favorite places and things about this region and help you plan your own trip to this unique part of the world.

Defining Southeast Asia can be referred to as the region that resides between  Asia  and  Oceania . It is made up of eleven countries including Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

These countries are bordered by China to the North,  Australia  to the South, the Andaman Sea to the West and the Pacific Ocean to the East.

We’ve spent more time in Southeast Asia than we care to admit, thinking hard on it we’ve spent no less than 9 months traveling the region over multiple trips at the time of publishing this guide.

We’ve visited across all seasons and while we haven’t been everywhere or to every country (yet!), we’ve done enough leg work to offer you some useful insight on travel to Southeast Asia.

Destinations

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

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

SOUTHEAST ASIA BUCKET LIST

Philippines island hopping.

Hopping  islands in Coron  is one of the best  things to do in the Philippines  or even Southeast Asia for that matter. You’ll experience white-sand beaches and turquoise waters set against green island interiors. It’s idyllic and one of our favorite places in the world.

DISCOVER THE ANGKOR TEMPLES

One of the most impressive ruin sites we have ever seen is the  Angkor Temple Complex  in Cambodia. We’ve even been twice! Angkor Wat is the most impressive but we enjoy checking out the temples that have been reclaimed by the jungle too.

SEE WILD ORANGUTANS

Southeast Asia is the only place in the world where Orangutans still exist in the wild. It is possible to track  orangutans in Sumatra , Indonesia and  Sepilok Borneo . Both are off the beaten track but worth the effort. We’ve seen orangutans in both places!

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

There is no shortage of great  things to do in Southeast 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.

SPEND SOME TIME IN BANGKOK: (Thailand)    Bangkok  is the first city in Southeast Asia that we ever set foot in and that was back in 2010 when we went on our honeymoon! We’ve been back to the city 7 times since then and always recommend it to people who want to visit the region. It’s a huge, sprawling megacity with as much modern convenience as you’d find in any major western city. Combine that with the amazing food, Thai culture and abundance of temples and you pretty much have the perfect city.

TOUR TEMPLES IN CHIANG MAI: (Thailand) Heading north is a popular part of most people’s Thailand itinerary and Chiang Mai is worth the effort. The heart of the city lies within a wall with a surrounding moat and touts a series of beautiful temples to explore.

GET A BAMBOO TATTOO: (Thailand)  This isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve thought about getting a  bamboo tattoo in Thailand , just do it! Both of us did and have nothing but positive things to say about the whole experience.

VISIT THE PHI PHI ISLANDS: (Thailand)  One of the most beautiful chain of islands in the Andaman Sea, the  Phi Phi Islands  are worth a visit despite the harsh backpacker vibe they portray. Yes, backpackers flock here, but there are also plenty of nice resorts to stay at and other islands to tour during the day that are nearby.

TEMPLE HOP IN BAGAN: (Myanmar)  (England) Alongside the Angkor Temples in Cambodia, Bagan is the most impressive temple complex in Southeast Asia. Covering 40 square miles, this complex offers up impressive temple structures from three distinct time periods. Our biggest piece of advice? Give yourself at least 3 days to see the best it has to offer.

UNWIND IN PENANG: (Malaysia)  The island of Penang, which sits off the western coast of Malaysia, may just be our favorite island in Southeast Asia. It’s a place that blends tropical jungles with white sand beaches and old-world history with Asian culture. It has a little bit of everything and we that is why we love it. From the street art and amazing good in Georgetown to the  Monkey beach trek in Penang National Park , we’d visit a hundred times over and never be bored.

TOUR KUALA LUMPUR: (Malaysia)  We won’t lie, we have a love, hate relationship with  Kuala Lumpur  but that doesn’t stop us from going back. The city has a lot of offer travelers, including a delicious food scene, great architecture and the famed  Batu Caves  just outside the city.

LEVEL WITH HISTORY IN PHNOM PENH: (Cambodia)  Travel is so much more than lying on beaches and touring sites, it’s a valuable window into the past too. If you find yourself in Phnom Penh it is worth your time to learn more about the Khmer Rouge genocide that happened in parallel with the Vietnam War. The  museums and killing field sites  are sobering but a necessary part of learning world history when you travel.

DO THE BUFFALO RUN IN VIETNAM:  Starting in Hanoi, the  Buffalo Run tour  takes you off the beaten track and deeply explores the very best of Vietnam, north of the demarcation line. This is not a well-traveled path, so you’ll feel like you’re the only one there. You’ll stop off in places like Cuc Phong National Park, Trang An, Phong Nha, the DMZ, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hue and Hoi An.

CRUISE AROUND HALONG BAY: (Vietnam)  One of the best  things to do in Vietnam  is to  cruise Halong Bay  and for good reason, it’s gorgeous! Massive limestone karsts grow out of bright green seas paired with island accommodation and white sand beaches. It’s a great way to unwind, especially if you have jetlag from the flight to Southeast Asia.

WATCH WILDLIFE IN THE AMAZON OF THE EAST: (Borneo)  We are total suckers for a thick rainforest and Borneo delivers. The island is literally known as the Amazon of the East and features some of the most incredible primary rainforests you can find on the planet. With that comes some incredible wildlife viewing, it’s a  birders paradise  with more than 688 resident and migratory species. You can also see the endemic Proboscis Monkey, orangutans and if you’re really lucky some pygmy elephants.

GO SCUBA DIVING AT SIPADAN ISLAND: (Borneo)  If you’re a scuba diver then you likely already know about  Sipadan Island . It is arguably the best place in the world for diving and we do not disagree. Pair it with the incredible muck diving and manta cleaning stations around nearby islands like Siamil and Mabul to make the ultimate dive trip in Southeast Asia.

TRACK KOMODO DRAGONS: (Indonesia)  There is only one place in the entire world where the world’s largest reptile,  the Komodo Dragon , still lives in the wild. This is the Komodo Islands in eastern Indonesia. Not only are these islands absolutely stunning, seeing the dragons is a once in a lifetime experience too. It’s not possible to stay on the islands, so be sure to book yourself a  Sailing Komodo Island tour  when you arrive in-country.

GET OFF THE GRID IN RAJA AMPAT: (Indonesia)  Located off the coast of the remote island of Papua,  Raja Ampat  is part of Indonesia’s West Papua province. This place is a straight-up paradise. It offers insane jungle hiking through untouched forests, island views, rich culture and some of the most pristine coral reefs we have ever seen. It’s hard to get to and expensive but oh so worth the effort.

EXPLORE BALI: (Indonesia)  If you’ve never been to Indonesia before, we’d happily recommend Bali be added to your itinerary. It is one of those Southeast Asia classics that shouldn’t be overlooked. From the beaches in Kuta, the islands of Nusa and the rice terraces that surround  Ubud , there are plenty of  things to do in Bali  during a visit.

CATCH A SUNRISE AT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE: (Indonesia)  Another temple, I know, but this one is spectacular and worth the visit. Catching a  Borobudur sunrise  is almost otherworldly and worth the 3am wakeup call to see buddha silhouettes against volcanos erupting against the sunrise. The temple is located on Java island, not far from Yogyakarta.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

Southeast Asia is a foodie’s paradise, and the region is an incredible palace to eat your way around. In fact, a big part of Southeast Asia travel is the food, so don’t be afraid to try the local stuff!

Thai cuisine  needs no introduction, and  Malaysian food  is possibly the most underrated in the world. There are lots of curries and noodle dishes, with a great mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine to try.

Burmese food  involves more curry and noodles, while  Vietnam  is famous for  Bahn Mi and Pho . Indonesia has its fried rice and rendang. Singapore is home to some of the world’s only  Michelin-starred street food stalls !

SOUTHEAST ASIA FESTIVALS

Southeast Asia is packed with events and festivals throughout the year, and every country has unique celebrations to offer visitors.

In Vietnam, the biggest celebration is  Tet , the New Year in February. Chinatowns everywhere celebrate Chinese New Year around the same time.

In Thailand, you can visit the famed  Songkran , a water festival that brings in the Thai New Year in April.

In Bali, you can find processions and parades throughout the year, while in March, the  Day of Silence  is a unique local occasion to be part of.

The Philippines has more local festivals than anywhere else, a throwback to their Spanish ancestry. The major ones are  Sinulog  in January and  Holy Week  before Easter.

Pack like a pro on your trip to SOUTHEAST ASIA!

Popular regions in southeast asia, mainland west.

Thailand  is a Southeast Asia travel destination that needs little introduction. The Land of Smiles is home to beautiful islands in the south, rugged mountains in the north, and of course, the thrilling capital, Bangkok. There’s sun, there’s sand, there’s culture, and there’s great food.  Myanmar  is little visited compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, but the county recently began to open up to tourism and saw a boom when it did. Myanmar is unlike anywhere else in the region. Explore ancient Buddhist pagodas, visit the cultural climes of Mandalay and see the fading colonial ruins in  Yangon .

Malaysia  and  Singapore  are home to the best food you could eat when you travel to Southeast Asia. Visit the foodie stalls and white sand beaches of  Penang , and the modern sights of  Kuala Lumpur  before heading south to  Singapore  – one of the most modern and exciting cities in the world.

MAINLAND EAST

The eastern mainland is made up of  Laos ,  Cambodia , and  Vietnam . Aside from their shared French-colonial history, these countries couldn’t be more different.  Vietnam  is the rising star of the region, offering an epic adventure if you travel between  Hanoi  and Ho Chi Minh City. See the scars of the  Vietnam War  and explore the magnificent nature, scenery, history, and delectable food that this modern nation offers. In  Cambodia , a trip is inseparable from the  harrowing past ; you’ll learn about the Khmer Rouge as soon as you land in the capital. You can visit the ruins of  Angkor Wat  or head to the beaches of Sihanoukville.  Laos  is untouched, but who knows how long it will stay that way. One of the poorest and most rural countries you could visit when you travel to Southeast Asia, Laos is also the most unexpected.

Borneo is one of the world’s largest islands and this unique destination is home to some of the best rainforests on the planet. Borneo offers hiking, mountain climbing, beaches, and  diving . The island is divided between three countries: there’s Malaysian Borneo in the north and tiny Brunei. The south is Kalimantan, an Indonesian province.

THE ISLANDS

If you’re looking for island hopping opportunities, snorkeling, diving, and diverse culture, then  Indonesia  or the  Philippines  are the best countries to include in your Southeast Asia travel itinerary.  Indonesia  has  Bali , one of the region’s most popular islands, but there’s also the culture and history of Java, relaxation, and slowness on  Lombok , the wild nature of Sumatra or  Komodo , or the beautiful marine life of  Raja Ampat . The  Philippines  is beautifully diverse, home to the highlands and rice terraces of the Cordilleras, but also the rugged islands of  Palawan , including the stunning and popular  Coron  and  El Nido . We will not lie, Indonesia and the Philippines are our two most beloved countries in Southeast Asia. We’ve been back to visit them both, multiple times, and it’s the first place we head each time we return to the area. 

SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to Southeast Asia is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere across the continent 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 Southeast Asia travel. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

If you’re looking to travel on a budget, be sure to check out the  12 Tips on How to Travel Cheap  before you start planning.

ACCOMMODATION:  Accommodation is good value when you travel to Southeast Asia.  Guesthouses, hostels, and homestays  will cost between USD 10 and USD 20 per night (less if you don’t care about the cleanliness).  Private rooms  can be between USD 20 and USD 50. Above this price range, you can find more  luxurious accommodation . Popular resort destinations in Thailand or Bali will charge USD 100 or more per night for fancier hotels.

FOOD:  Food is incredibly inexpensive in Southeast Asia; you can find  local eats  for as little as USD 1 per plate in most countries. Prices go up in touristy destinations (we’re looking at Thailand and Bali again) and western-style restaurants. You still  won’t often pay more than USD 10 per meal , however.

TRANSPORT:  Local transport is affordable across Southeast Asia, and international transport is equally cost-effective.  Buses and trains  vary in standards and prices.  Local transport  will be just a few dollars for day-long journeys, but you pay more for comfort.  Mopeds  can be hired for between USD 5 and USD 10 per day. Budget international  flights  can be as low as USD 30 if booked in advance for a two-hour flight.

ACTIVITIES:  Activities vary in cost from country to country but expect to pay between USD 30 and USD 70 for a day of  diving . You can enjoy a  boat tour  for around USD 30 a day, or hire  trekking  guides for a similar price. For the most part, activities are very cost-effective in comparison to western prices.

20 USD PER DAY

Living in hostels, lounging on beaches, and eating local food. If you’re looking to include many destinations in your Southeast Asia travel plans, or want to enjoy lots of day trips and activities, raise that budget to USD 50.

50-100 USD PER DAY

Midrange travelers will be able to enjoy the comforts of private rooms and guesthouses, taxi rides, and tourist buses. You can enjoy street food, restaurants, and plenty of activities. Your money will go far on this budget and you won’t miss much.

200 USD + PER DAY

Luxury travelers can get a lot for their money when they travel to Southeast Asia. Stay in premium resorts in Bali, Borneo, or the Thai Islands. Enjoy restaurant-quality food, private day tours and drivers, and plenty of spa treatments!

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in Southeast Asia. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more in-depth information, be sure to check out the following articles:

• Where to Stay in Bangkok: Best Districts & Hotels
• INAYA Putri Bali Nusa Dua: Resort Review

PLANNING TO BACKPACK SOUTHEAST ASIA?

Southeast Asia is an extremely popular destination for backpacking because you can do a lot throughout the region on a very small budget. We’ve experienced this region on both the high end and budget side, including spending 6 months backpacking during our  2 year RTW trip .

If you’re looking for some breakdowns on how we did this, check out the overviews below.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

If you’re traveling around mainland Southeast Asia, you can cross most borders overland. You could travel all the way from Hanoi to Singapore overland using buses and trains. The transport varies from cheap, slow local buses to faster, luxury sleeper buses and trains.

The same applies to the Philippines and Indonesia, although you’ll need to combine buses with boats. In the Philippines and Indonesia, you’re often better off flying, as destinations are spread over large areas. If you have time, you can take inter-island ferries.

If you’re visiting Borneo, you’ll need to fly in. You can travel by bus between major cities and destinations in Malaysian Borneo and Brunei, but Kalimanatan is much less developed and more challenging to travel around.

Most land borders into Myanmar are off-limits, so you need to fly into Yangon. From there, you have bus and train connections across the country.

BUS:  If time is on your side, there are many instances where taking the bus will be the best option for getting between places. There are usually two classes operating the popular routes, this includes tourist buses and local buses. Tourist buses are usually comfortable coaches with AC and WIFI. Local buses will be rough and not have AC. Both will get you where you need to go.

FLIGHTS:  Thanks to budget airlines like Air Asia, Southeast Asia is incredibly well served by low-cost carriers offering regular flights and cheap fares. Major cities, and increasingly, many more regional airports, have connections between one another. In most cases – particularly over longer distances – flying is cheaper than taking the train or bus.

TOP SOUTHEAST ASIA TOURS

Iconic thailand.

15 Days from Bangkok, Thailand Visits: Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Khao Sok, Ko Samui, Krabi & Bangkok

EXPLORE VIETNAM

13 Days Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Visits: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Mai Chau, Hue, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City

DISCOVER SOUTHEAST ASIA

18 Days Bangkok to Siem Reap Visits: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh & Siem Reap

WHEN TO VISIT SOUTHEAST ASIA

Southeast Asia is a vast area that sprawls over both sides of the equator. For the most part, you can expect countries to be  hot, humid, and tropical  when you travel to Southeast Asia – but this isn’t always the case.

The north of Vietnam is much more temperate and has cold winters, while the same can be said of Myanmar’s northern mountains. However, most areas you will visit during your Southeast Asia travel itinerary will have distinct  wet and dry seasons .

North of the equator, the dry season is usually November to April. Most of Indonesia, however, has its dry season from May through to October. The dry season is the best time to explore Southeast Asia; there’s little chance of rain and thunderstorms, and the visibility if you’re snorkeling or diving is perfect.

Even in Indonesia, peak season is from November through to January, and tourist numbers and prices increase dramatically over the Christmas holidays. Try to travel in the shoulder seasons instead;, you might get a little rain, but you’ll escape the worst of the crowds.

For more in-depth information, check out:

Best Time to Visit Bali: Month by Month Breakdown

Best time to visit the philippines: month by month breakdown, inspiration for your next southeast asia trip, safety in southeast asia.

Southeast Asia travel is generally safe, even for first-time travelers (which is why it’s a popular backpacking destination). In touristy destinations, however, you do need to be super-careful of scams and low-level thievery.

This is especially so in places like Bali and Bangkok. On buses, try to keep your belongings close and safe, and on the party islands in Thailand, be careful! Take our advice and be sure you’re prepared. Check out  25 Essential Safety Tips for Travel

Each county has its own laws and customs, so read up before you cross the border. What goes in Thailand might not be so welcome in Malaysia. Some countries are Muslim, others Buddhist, and some Christian – it’s a diverse region!

For personal experiences, check out:

• 5 Reasons Why Bali Is Not the Paradise You Think It Is
• Culture Shock: Our First 24 Hours in Bali

SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Southeast asia travel guide: related articles.

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

What To Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand (18 Amazing Attractions, Festivals & Food)

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• Destinations

12 tips for your first trip to Southeast Asia

Editor's note: The team at The Points Guy loves to travel, but now is not the time for unnecessary trips. Health officials note that the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others. That includes ceasing travel. We are publishing travel deals and destination content because we should all use this time to think about and plan our next adventures. TPG doesn't advise booking trips for travel until summer or fall — and even then be mindful of cancellation policies. This story has been updated with new information.

Southeast Asia is one of the most magical regions on earth. Filled with stunning beaches , historic temples, verdant jungles and bustling cities, there's something for every traveler there. But staying healthy and safe is something to consider when visiting a region so different from your own, especially for the first time. Things like visa requirements , best times to visit, currency exchange and what to bring may be at the top of your mind, as well as the most obvious question -- which country should you visit?

After a number of long-term visits over the years to varying countries in Southeast Asia, I've learned a thing or two. Beginner travelers should check out these travel tips and follow this Southeast Asia travel advice when considering a visit to the region for the first time.

1. Pick your countries wisely

While it's tempting to visit many countries and cities on a single trip to Southeast Asia, it's worth taking it slow and digging into the culture of a single country and/or just a handful of places, rather than exhausting yourself with a travel itinerary that has you hopping all over what amounts to an enormous territory.

For example, Bali , Indonesia and Hanoi, Vietnam , are both set within Southeast Asia, but beware -- they're a seven-hour flight away from each other. Before you commit to flights and accommodation , pull out the map and choose countries/cities that are relatively close together or are easily accessible by nonstop flights or direct trains.

When deciding on the best country to visit in Southeast Asia, you should also take into account whether you want to explore cities, relax on beaches, see the outdoors or embrace culture, cuisine and history.

The best country to visit for beginner travelers could be Thailand. First-time visitors to the region may also enjoy Bali, Indonesia. Both of these spots are used to an influx of tourists and have plenty of amenities. They're both relatively easy to navigate and have friendly locals that speak English.

More experienced travelers or those wanting an adventure may prefer spots like Myanmar, Malaysia or Laos. While almost all Southeast Asia destinations welcome backpackers with open arms, Cambodia is very backpacker-friendly -- and is extremely affordable, especially outside of tourist destination Angkor Wat. Those wanting to lap a country from top to bottom should head to Vietnam. For unexplored beaches, visit more off-the-beaten-path islands in Indonesia (that aren't Bali) or the Philippines .

Related: 9 of the best sustainable backpacks for travelers

2. Check visa requirements

Several Southeast Asian countries require your passport to have at least six months' worth of validity left or a specific number of empty pages -- and visa requirements seem to be constantly changing. For example, a few years ago, e-visas weren't available online for several entrance points in Myanmar, but now they are. Meanwhile, Vietnam has changed its visa requirements in past years and now citizens from several European countries no longer need a visa to enter.

Check visa requirements ahead of time and apply online if possible. For example, U.K. nationals will find that applying for a visa to enter Laos online is relatively straightforward and can ease hassle upon arrival, especially when you're jet-lagged in a new and unfamiliar country.

If you do end up needing a visa upon arrival at your chosen destination(s), be prepared with the proper currency and passport-size photos of yourself. Many airport visa offices have ATMs/exchange services (albeit with terrible rates) and photo booths, but if you arrive with these items in hand, as well as any forms you might need printed and filled out ahead of time, the visa experience will be quicker and easier.

Also, be sure to grab a couple of extra entrance and exit forms each time you enter a country -- if you end up leaving and reentering that country by bus, boat or train, having the correct forms handy will enable you to save time you'd otherwise spend in a line.

3. Pack light and right

Deciding what to bring to Southeast Asia is a common conundrum. Try to pack as light as possible and do laundry wherever you go rather than trekking around with an overweight backpack or heavy trolley bag. In most Southeast Asian countries, you can get your clothes washed, dried and ironed in under 24 hours for the equivalent of a couple of dollars, and at street markets, you can shop inexpensively for any extra clothes and toiletries you may need.

These are the things you should make sure to pack:

• raincoat/umbrella (especially during rainy season)
• modest clothing covering knees/shoulders for temple visits
• first aid kit (including all kinds of stomach medicines)
• small flashlight
• earplugs/ sleepmask
• hand sanitizer
• travel packs of tissues (note that squat toilets usually aren't equipped with toilet paper)
• adaptor/multi-port plug that allows you to charge a few of your electronics at once

Related reading: 14 packing hacks for traveling with just a carry-on

4. Best times to visit Southeast Asia: rainy or dry season?

You can organize your trip in one of two ways: picking a destination(s) first and then selecting the best time to go, or picking your destination(s) based on what will have the best weather during the time you're able to visit. Most countries in Southeast Asia have two main seasons: wet and dry.

Even certain regions within countries can have separate rainy seasons . For example, if you want to have a beach holiday in Thailand over Christmas, it's better to choose islands in the Andaman Sea, which are sunny, like Koh Lanta or Koh Yao Yai and skip the Gulf of Thailand islands, such as Koh Samui or Koh Tao, where it's rainy season.

If you're visiting larger cities, rainy season may not be so bad. You'll experience a downpour or two for sure, but you may get cheaper hotel deals or better value on airfare. But, it may be best to avoid smaller towns or villages during the wet season where lack of infrastructure during floods may complicate your stay.

It's also important to consider additional seasonal situations -- like burning season, where many Southeast Asian regions burn brush and old crops to prepare for planting. Air quality is bad during this time and may affect tourists, especially those with respiratory problems.

5. Safeguard your health

Before you travel to individual countries, check their vaccine requirements and recommendations -- and then actually get those vaccinations. If you're worried about the expense, be aware that you can opt to get your vaccinations upon arrival in Bangkok , where they're often affordable at local health centers. When traveling to any Southeast Asian country, getting tetanus shots and typhoid vaccines are generally a good idea. In addition to any necessary vaccines, seek out strong mosquito repellent, as this can help protect you from dengue fever and malaria.

6. Get travel insurance

Plan to get travel insurance when visiting the region, because health risks in Southeast Asia don't entirely diminish even if you've had your vaccines. As Southeast Asia trips often include adventures like indulging in street food, zip-lining, scuba diving , jungle treks and motorcycle rentals, it's wise to have a policy in place.

During a previous trip to Thailand, I developed an ear infection from snorkeling . Thanks to my travel insurance, I was in and out of a doctor's office within an hour, complete with medicine and a special souvenir bag (see above) -- all covered by my policy. Years ago in Malaysia, my husband cut his foot on coral while diving and required antibiotics. Having travel insurance made the situation an easy (and free) fix. Insurance policies can also cover non-health-related problems such as lost luggage or issues with flights and hotels, so look into getting the best travel insurance policy for you.

7. Consider alternate travel methods

While we love a good points and miles deal, using trains, low-cost airlines and ferries is a great way to save money while moving from place to place. Buses are generally the cheapest method of transport in Southeast Asian countries, but be aware of travel scams and know that you might be in for dirt, dust, unpleasant (or simply strange) smells, crowds, bumpy roads and more.

Ferries can sometimes be crowded, but are a quick, cheap and a direct form of travel between islands, and though often slow, trains are a fun way to explore and see the lay of the land(s). Low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, Bangkok Airways , Nok Air, Tiger Air and more offer cheap flights to a variety of destinations -- and some even have frequent flyer programs . Though often a splurge in comparison to bare-bones taxi-boat journeys, river cruises are luxurious, scenic adventures and a great mode of transportation.

8. Rent a scooter at your own risk

If I had a dollar for every 20-something I saw with a bandaged knee, chin or foot in Thailand, I would easily be rich. Renting scooters can be a great way to get around, but in some Southeast Asian countries you'll need to drive on a different side of the road you're accustomed to and you may have to battle intense traffic, hills, curves, stray dogs, dirt or sand roads, crazy taxi drivers -- and worst of all, other foreigners driving scooters who are unfamiliar with these conditions. Even though many locals and tourists don't wear helmets, you still should.

Before you head off with a rental scooter, be sure that your rental agent sees you taking detailed photos and/or videos of the bike, and actively point out any scratches or concerns to them. Though scooter rentals are often just a few dollars per day upfront, scooter scams are common, where a rental agent will insist that you've scratched or otherwise damaged their motorbike, charging you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in damages before they'll return your passport to you.

9. Be smart about currency exchange

Airports and banks often charge excessive fees to exchange money, but you'll usually get a decent exchange rate if you wait to change money once you're in Southeast Asia. However, know that Southeast Asian hotels generally offer terrible exchange rates, so stick to banks or other spots that advertise "Money Exchange." Make sure to change plenty of cash, as street market vendors, taxi drivers and smaller restaurants may not take credit/debit cards.

Many hotels and larger restaurants will take credit/debit cards though, so make sure to use ones that hold no foreign transaction fees.

10. Avoid "temple burnout"

"Temple burnout" happens when you see so many ornate and beautiful temples that they all begin to look the same -- and you lose interest in seeing any more, ever. To avoid this malady, arrange some non-temple-oriented activities on your Southeast Asia travel itinerary, or simply take a day (or two) off to relax and rest your eyes. After a bit of visual reboot, you'll have a whole new appreciation for a region of the globe that has more amazing temples than you could possibly imagine.

11. Don't be afraid to bargain

You should absolutely bargain with local street vendors or at markets -- it's a cultural norm to do so. I've had some great times bargaining and laughing with street vendors and even made friends with a few locals along the way, coming home with memorable souvenirs for my efforts. Just make sure to barter reasonably and always with a smile on your face. The point of bargaining is to engage with locals and agree on a fair price, not to cheat them or get scammed yourself.

12. Be a responsible tourist

It's best to avoid orphanage tourism, hill tribe visits or any activity that exploits children, ethnic groups or animals. When participating in elephant tourism, make sure to carefully vet your organization and make sure they're protecting the animals in lieu of harming them.

While begging children may tug at your heartstrings, the more money they earn from tourists, the more their parents see them as a source of monetary gain and the less inclined they are to send them to school -- where they'd have a shot at a better future.

When diving/snorkeling or out in nature, make sure to adhere to the no trace policy , not littering or taking anything from delicate natural environments.

If you want to lend real support to locals in Southeast Asia, dine at Tree Alliance restaurants . Located in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, these eateries train disadvantaged young adults as chefs and waiters and also donate money to programs that assist low-income locals to get jobs. Offering traditional cuisine, these restaurants provide a delicious way to help.

Related: 5 tourism-supported charities that need your help now more than ever

Or, visit an organization like Big Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang, where tourists can read books, play games or chat with kids and teens eager to practice their English.

Related: How to be a better traveler

Bottom line

Armed with these useful travel tips for Southeast Asia, you'll have a safe, smooth and successful first trip to this beautiful region. Happy travels!

• 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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How To Solo Travel Southeast Asia

When it comes to solo travel, most people start in Southeast Asia.

Solo travel to Southeast Asia is one of the best ways to break into a solo travel lifestyle because it’s safe, easy to get around, and the people are so friendly.

That being said, it’s true that being a solo female traveler is more challenging than travelling with a group or as a man.

You may face unwanted male attention and are sometimes seen as an easy target for touts in the street.

Some countries in Asia may have different attitudes towards women that you need to be aware of too.

However, the hard experiences will make you stronger as a person and reward you with many unique travel experiences and insights (and lots of funny travel stories too).

If you’re thinking of traveling in Asia as a solo female traveler, below you will find some practical tips on how to travel Southeast Asia solo.

Walk with confidence

Relax when you arrive in a new place, learn the language, let people know where you are at all times, don’t be alone, wear a smile on your face, arrive in new places in the daytime, carry a personal safety alarm, stay in safe accommodation, trust your gut instinct, have an itinerary.

• Join group tours if you're nervous
• Don't drink the tap water

Get a local sim card

Try the street food, check the visa requirements, other safety tips, best places to solo travel in southeast asia, final thoughts on solo travel in southeast asia, pin to save on pinterest:, solo female travel tips for southeast asia.

Despite how safe travel is in South East Asia , it’s always wise to take simple precautions to avoid getting into trouble.

Here are my tips for staying safe on the road as a female solo traveller, picked up from over six-months of full-time solo travel around Asia.

When you are travelling long term, you’ll arrive in new places all of the time.

For the first day or two in a new destination, you are particularly vulnerable to being seen as an easy target.

To avoid this, walk with an air of confidence in new places, even when you just arrive with your backpack on your back.

Stand up straight and if people hassle you pretend that you have somewhere to go. If you are seriously in trouble, walk up to another foreigner and pretend to be friends. 99% of the time they will understand and help you.

When you arrive in a new place, you are vulnerable and most likely stressed due to the swarms of tuk tuk drivers and people trying to escort you to their hotels.

Take a minute to adjust to the new place. Look around and acclimatise, maybe even buy a coffee and have time to adjust.

After a rest, you’ll be more alert and relaxed and be less vulnerable.

Many people have respect for you, when you make an effort to speak their language.

They may also think that you have a local husband so might go out of their way to be friendly and helpful.

Try to learn by downloading podcasts to listen to on long bus rides or by making friends with locals who speak English.

It doesn’t matter how much of the language you know; many people will be so proud and happy to hear you utter ‘Thank you ‘ in their mother tongue.

The more people who recognise you and know where you are going in your hostel, the more likely they are to worry about you if they don’t see you for a while.

I always make friends in the dorm and tell them what I will be doing on that day, hopefully they would spread the alarm if something happens to you and you’re not back at night.

I always try to update my Facebook as much as possible and let people at home know where I am and if I will be in an area with no internet for a while.

This seems like a hard task for a solo traveller, but most incidences of assault happen when the victim is alone. Try to be around other tourists on transport and when sight-seeing in the day.

Try not to walk in a secluded area at night. Women in foreign countries will usually be helpful in times of need if local men are harassing you.

Read : Why you’ll never be lonely when you travel alone

Many people in Asia react very strongly to people who become aggressive.

It’s hard to stay calm, when you have people surrounding you to sell you things.

Have a smile on your face, so people react more kindly to you and just say ‘no’ with a smile on your face and a shake of your head.

Read more : Are you smiling on your travels ?

I always try and avoid arriving in new places at night alone. It makes you more of a target and public transportation options may be limited.

If it’s impossible to arrive in the day, get a reputable taxi to your accommodation or try to travel with other travellers you meet on the way.

You’ll hopefully never need to use it, but carrying a safety alarm, such as a safety whistle, gives you an extra air of confidence and can make you feel safer when travelling solo.

Stay in places that have high ratings on sites, such as Hostelbookers, and those that have a reputation for being safe. If the room does not seem secure, don’t stay there.

Accommodation is plentiful and cheap in South East Asia so you are bound to find somewhere secure easily.

This is the best tip that I could ever give you. Trust your intuition and gut feelings at all times.

If you meet a friendly person on the bus who wants to share a room, but something just doesn’t feel right, don’t share a room.

If you need to get out of a situation just lie and make up an excuse.

The good thing about being a traveller is that you are anonymous, no one knows who you are and you should use that to your full advantage to lie if you need to get out of a bad situation.

When visiting Asian countries, you will find there is so much to see and do, from historic temples to diving trips to beaches and waterfalls.

It’s easy to get caught up and want to do everything.

My top tip for beginners to solo travel is to have a list of the best places to see and prioritize which ones are important to you.

If it’s your first solo trip, then stick to the tourist trail and don’t go off the beaten path.

Join group tours if you’re nervous

Group tours are a great way to ease into solo female travel life.

They allow you to meet people, and who knows, you may even meet some travel friends to travel with after.

They are a great way to get introduced to a country and a way of life.

Don’t drink the tap water

In some places, tap water is safe in SE Asia, but in others it’s really bad.

Wherever you go, play it safe and drink bottled water.

The best way to get connected is to get a local sim card.

You can get many different plans, but sim cards are really cheap and the coverage is good in SE Asia.

You can get a sim card from most 7-Eleven stores, or look for telecom providers in that city and go to a shop.

Don’t get a sim card from the airport, if possible, it’s ridiculously overpriced.

The best option if you have an unlocked phone, is to purchase an eSim . It’s easy, and automatic, and you don’t need to run around the destination trying to find a sim and then understand how it works. Airalo is our preferred esim provider.

Street food in Asia is a way of life. You might think that it’s unclean and you’re going to get sick, but you honestly won’t if you know what to look for.

When trying street food, make sure you follow these tips:

• Make sure the food is piping hot
• Pick a place that has lots of people
• Pick a place where you sit outside on little stools
• Make sure they are cooking on an open fire
• If the chef is an old woman, you know it’s going to be good.
• Look out for flies. If there are a lot of flies over the meat, it’s probably not good.

Check out these places to eat street food in Bangkok

Most countries need a visa for Vietnam and Laos, so make sure you have the documentation and everything you need prepared weeks in advance!

I had to extend my trip in Laos because I had to wait for my Vietnam visa to be approved.

Make sure you have all the documents exactly how they wanted it.

The first time I applied for a Vietnam visa, the photo wasn’t clear enough so they declined it.

The immigration officers are incredibly picky, so save yourself some time and make sure all your application steps are perfect.

Here are some tips that you may have heard many times before. It’s always good to have a recap once in a while though:

• Don’t flash your valuables about
• Try not to walk alone late at night
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers in bars
• Lock your valuables in lockers when you can
• Wear your bag over your body to avoid bag snatchers
• Wear clothes that are appropriate to the country you are visiting
• If you rent a scooter, test the breaks thoroughly. Most bikes in SE Asia are not well maintained.

If you’re not sure where to start your solo travel adventures in Southeast Asia, here are some places I recommend:

• Singapore – it’s expensive, and there’s not much to see and do, but the culture is not too far off what you might find in Europe or the United States, so it’s a great first destination to get used to the climate and fast-paced Asia life without being too culture shocked.
• Siem Reap, Cambodia – this is the gateway to the famous Angkor Wat and is a relaxing, chilled city with friendly locals and a backpacker vibe. Phnom Penh is great for museums and learning about the country’s history, but Siem Reap has a special vibe. Here are things to know before visiting Cambodia .
• Luang Prabang, Laos – this is a small city with a river running through it. Like Siam Reap, it has a small backpacker vibe with a relaxed atmosphere.
• El Nido, Palawan, The Philippine s – you won’t find nature anywhere in the world more stunning. Plus, there are lots of travelers here to meet.
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – it’s a bit like Singapore in the way that it’s quite modernized, so it makes a great first stop for first time solo travelers who might be nervous.
• Bali, Indonesia – you will either love or hate Bali. It’s overrun with tourists nowadays, but it’s still undeniably beautiful. If you want to meet other travelers, you will have to try very hard not to meet people in Bali.
• Taiwan – this is a very safe, very small country that’s really easy to get around. It’s not the cheapest country in SE Asia, but it has a very unique culture and is very easy to feel at home in.
• Chiang Mai, Thailand – this is another popular place in SE Asia to meet people. Northern Thailand has some of the most beautiful nature, and unlike Bangkok, it’s a lot more chill. In fact, Pai is a backpacker’s haven.
• Hoi An, Vietnam – Vietnam can be chaotic, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi where scooters drive on any path they find. Hoi An is a lot more chilled and relaxing, but still cheap and pretty. Hue is also a great city for solo female travelers as it has lots to see and do and places to meet people.
• Flores, Indonesia – if you like island life, Flores is for you. It’s laid-back and peaceful, and not quite as overcrowded as Bali. Lombok is also a cool island with volcanoes, hikes and a breathtaking landscape.

There is always a lot of scare mongering whenever people talk about solo traveling, especially as a woman, but don’t let them put you off travelling solo.

It’s one of the greatest things that I have ever done in my life and has changed my personality for the better.

After you have travelled solo you can do anything.

Keep alert and stay safe to ensure that your trip is memorable for the right reasons!

Bio: Pearlsandpassports is a solo female travel blog that will tell you the realities of travelling solo through Asia and Oceania. At 26 Stephanie embarked on the trip of a lifetime after securing a sabbatical from her high stress job. She has one goal: to discover her passion in life. Six months and Eight countries later Stephanie has a wealth of travel stories and advice that will help and inspire new or experienced backpackers. Follow Stephanie on her adventures as she learns about herself and the world around her.

What’s your best tip for solo female travel in South East Asia? Let us know in the comments.

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An 8-Day Cycling Adventure From Tokyo to Kyoto

By Tom Vanderbilt

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I pulled into the tiny hamlet of Hirase, in Japan ’s Gifu prefecture, at the peak of the day’s heat. I’d just climbed several thousand feet through Hakusan National Park, on a twisting, waterfall-lined road, before eventually descending into the shimmering fantasy landscape of Shirakawa-go, an almost Tolkien-esque small village—and UNESCO heritage site —comprised of centuries-old thatched, peaked-roof farmhouses in the gassho-zukuri style. Replenishing myself with a black-sesame ice cream cone, I made the last push towards my destination. My cycling computer eventually told me “destination reached,” but all I could see was a succession of closed businesses lining a small street. Seeking shade, I flopped against a security gate.

Gearing up to text the ride leader that I was lost, I suddenly saw, in the distance, two cyclists from my group. One, a Dane living in London and a veteran of the trip, escorted me precisely 100 feet to the entrance of a traditional house, half hidden from the street by trees. This was Tosuke-no-yu Fujiya , a traditional ryokan with hot springs; a lacquered-wood and shoji -screen retreat that resists the march of time (and the all-seeing eye of Google Maps.) We were too early for check-in, so we made our way, clad in cycling kit, towards the nearby Shō River. Scrambling barefoot across rocks, we plunged into the clear, bracing mountain water.

I have often found, on a trip, that it is not the perfectly scripted moment that endures in the memory, but that juncture where something has gone awry. Something that might require a touch of fortitude, of inventiveness—of halting conversation with locals—to resolve. Something that momentarily takes us out of our comfort zone. “Only through shadows can we see the beauty of a lighted room,” writes Junichiro Tanizaki in his classic In Praise of Shadows . Something of that spirit exists in RAID Cycling , the outfitter with which I have booked an eight-day expedition, by bike, from Tokyo to Kyoto . “I like it a little more rough around the edges,” as Brad Sauber, RAID’s founder and a longtime participant in the world of luxury bike trips, describes the ride. “I like to bring people to really remote areas—maybe there aren’t five-star hotels. Or maybe some might be, but I don’t want five nights of five-star hotels.”

Biking across the Wagatani Suspension Bridge in the Ishikawa Prefecture

Two decades ago, Sauber was in Japan, on his honeymoon , when inspiration struck, through the window of the Shinkansen. “I remember seeing these amazing little roads, with hardly any traffic,” he says. “I thought, there’s gotta be a way to ride a bike here.” Working at the time for Rapha Travel, the adventure division of the noted clothing brand, he spent 15 days driving the country’s backroads, stitching together a pioneering long-distance cycling route, stumbling upon little-known hotels like the ryokan in Hirase. Even keen cyclists in Japan thought the idea of a multi-day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto “was crazy,” he says. Undaunted, he pushed forward, launching the trip in 2015. Just finding willing hotels was a challenge. “The concept of showing up with 15 foreigners on bikes, with four or five vehicles, just completely blew their minds,” he says.

Sauber launched RAID after Rapha closed its travel division in 2018. His new Japan trips were just up and running when the pandemic struck, forcing a three-year suspension. I am on only the second outing after the country’s reopening, joined by some 16 other cyclists, as well as RAID’s four-person Japanese crew, and Sauber himself. After a night in Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood, we take a train to Sumiecho, a suburban area in Tokyo where, in one of the country’s pristine public restrooms—and before its bemused attendant—we change into our cycling kit.

From here, we head into the mountains of Higashi-Ōme. A few things become apparent immediately. One, Japanese roads are top notch. Cyclists typically warn those behind them of the presence of potholes, or random debris in the road; our group had little to do. The one piece of trash I saw in the road stood out for its shocking indelicacy. Second, Japanese drivers are polite—not as polite as Japanese shopkeepers, but generally solicitous of cyclists (still, I recommend using a taillight like Garmin’s Varia , which warns of cars approaching from behind—useful in the country’s many dim tunnels). Third, on 90-degree-plus days, Japanese vending machines—which one finds in the most unexpected places—are your friend.

Alex Erdekian

Jessica Puckett

Shana Clarke

Jesse Ashlock

The days went by in a flurry of impressions, gleaned over the handlebars. There was the babble of snow monkeys in the trees near Kofu (a town that grows those extravagantly expensive fruits that are given as gifts). There were elegantly spired, tightly-packed Buddhist cemeteries in the midst of almost iridescent green rice paddies. There were mountain peaks densely packed with cypress and marked by absolute stillness, save for the piercing cries of Japanese Golden Eagles. There were restorative bowls of soba noodles at family-run roadside restaurants, elaborate kaiseki meals eaten wearing summer yukata robes, and Japanese snacks at the RAID rest stops. There were “shortcuts” down eerily abandoned country roads. There were memorable stays in new-to-me cities like Takayama (dubbed “mini-Kyoto,” without the crowds), where, in the sleek Hotel Wood , you find yourself immersed in the onsen with the same people you’ve been riding with, except you’re all now naked.

But there’s little room for shame on this trip: On another night, in the town of Kaga, we find ourselves in a small karaoke bar called Swing Club, singing Bon Jovi full-throat. Sauber discovered the place years ago and has been returning ever since. When we walk in, swelling the bar’s population, the septuagenarian proprietress—a former classical dancer in the Bon Odori tradition, wearing a leopard-print blouse—beams at him warmly. He doesn’t recall her name. “I have these experiences all over the world,” he tells me. “It’s not about names. It’s about interactions.”

The 5th-century Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in Takayama

So beguiling is this whole trip that several guests, joined by their partners, would be sticking around to do RAID’s other Japan itinerary, a less strenuous trip through the Southern Islands. Sauber says that in general, while some cycling experience is suggested, it’s also a chance for participants—typically already thrust out of their comfort zone by being in Japan—to expand their sense of self. Among the clients on that trip, he notes, is a 70-year-old woman, bringing her e-bike. “She’s super adventurous, she’s traveled all over,” he says. “RAID is about pushing people’s limits, stretching that elastic—creating an experience that actually challenges people.”

RAID Cycling leads trips in countries across the globe, including Japan. Rates for the 8-day Tokyo to Kyoto trip start at $6800, which includes lodging, transport and support during the trip, and all meals.

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The best countries to travel to in Southeast Asia

From indonesia to malaysia, the must-visit destinations on this corner of the continent, article bookmarked.

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Southeast Asia is a blend of fascinating traditions and cultures, with some of the most incredible temples, palaces and natural sites on the planet.

This region is home to famed attractions, from Angkor Wat to Ha Long Bay, as well as a selection of sprawling cities – including Bangkok , Kuala Lumpur and Singapore – and miles of pristine coastlines around Indonesia and the Philippines.

And though places such as Bangkok and Singapore have seen high numbers of British tourists for decades, other destinations are starting to attract more people, from lesser-known Laos to the neighbouring backpacker favourite of Cambodia .

Whether you’re looking to throw yourself into exploring a city or hop around a handful of serene tropical islands, your options are pentiful in this corner of the world.

Below are Independent Travel’s  picks for the region’s best countries to visit on holiday; read on to start planning your next long-haul getaway.

Thailand has long been a tourist favourite for Brits, whether for travelling youngsters or business people. Its capital, Bangkok (known locally as Krung Thep) was the most visited city in the world for several years in a row before Covid and is just a short journey away from the ancient city of Ayutthaya .

With dozens of famous white-sand beaches around the country (such as Railay and Ko Phi Phi ), as well as several areas of natural beauty (one of the most unique being Khao Sok National Park) and dozens of temples and palaces, Thailand offers anyone visiting the country a diverse mix of sightseeing, city experiences and relaxation – not to mention the nation’s delicious cuisine.

Best time to visit Thailand

With a rainy season falling between July and October, the best time to visit is between November and April, when temperatures are higher (with average highs in the early 30s). May is usually a quieter time to visit, but the sunshine may be interrupted by short rain periods.

Vietnam’s various areas of natural beauty are among the most notable in the region. Ha Long Bay is the country’s most famous natural area, while the beaches of Phu Quoc and the Cham Islands offer equal beauty in different settings. Other natural attractions include the caves of Phong Nha and Hang Son Doong, the Marble Mountains and the sand dunes at Mui Ne.

As for cities, Ho Chi Minh City , Hanoi and Da Nang are the best destinations for those who want to experience Vietnamese ‘hustle and bustle’ (Da Nang also has beach areas), while Hoi An is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of Vietnam’ due to its canals and the well-preserved Ancient Town comprised of wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings.

Best time to visit Vietnam

April and September fall just before and after the high season in Vietnam and also offer less humidity and lower temperatures than at the peak of summer. With weather that can vary quite drastically across the country in different months, these should give the best weather across the board too.

Read more on Asia travel :

• Why you should visit Koh Samui now
• Can Cambodia become Southeast Asia’s sustainable travel capital?
• Celebrating Thailand’s Songkran festival in Chiang Mai

Singapore is a popular destination for British expats, with an estimated 50,000 living there. It’s a country that is almost unlike any other; its urban planning strategy has created a metropolis and enabled almost six million people to live in an area roughly half the size of London.

Despite its diminutive size, the country offers numerous attractions , from its Botanic Gardens (a Unesco world heritage site) and historical and art museums to the Gardens by the Bay , a nature park spanning 101 hectares, and a Universal Studios theme park. It also hosts a Formula 1 race, which takes place in September on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Best time to visit Singapore

Singapore has significant rainfall all year, although the country’s dry season falls between February and April, when humidity levels are also at their lowest. Specifically, February and September offer the lowest rainfall and humidity, with average highs of around 31C. September also falls in low season.

By far the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia lies at the southern end of the region and consists of roughly 17,500 islands, including Sumatra and Bali. With so many islands, it’s no surprise that the archipelago contains some of the region’s most attractive areas. Bali in particular is a tourism hotspot, while many of the islands offer tropical rainforests, rugged terrain and even volcanoes (the country sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to both eruptions and earthquakes).

Jakarta is the capital and largest city in the country and is located – along with the popular tourist town of Yogyakarta– on the island of Java. Idyllic locations include Lombok and the Raja Ampat islands; Bromo Tengger Semeru and Komodo National Parks offer unreal nature and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Best time to visit Indonesia

The dry season usually runs from April to October, which is also when the country welcomes the most tourists. If you want to avoid crowds, May and June offer average highs of roughly 31C and over eight hours of sunshine per day.

Malaysia’s culture is an eclectic mix of European, Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, while the country itself is famous for its rainforest, beaches and the capital city of Kuala Lumpur , with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers being one of the country’s most iconic symbols.

Away from the capital, many tourists decide to visit the Malaysian part of Borneo – in the north of the island – where rainforest treks, wildlife viewing and relaxing on the beach are all possible. The Perhentian Islands and Sipadan are two other popular destinations, while nature-lovers flock to the Batu Caves, Mount Kinabalu and the Cameron Highlands.

Best time to visit Malaysia

You can expect fewer crowds from March to June; these months have average temperatures of around 28C, while June is the driest month of the year (though bear in mind you can still expect showers every month).

Philippines

Another archipelago, the Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands. Under Spanish rule for over 300 years, it is one of the only predominantly Roman Catholic countries in the whole continent and has been widely influenced by Western culture and traditions. For those keen to see its cities, Manila is the capital while Quezon is the largest.

Tropical white-sand beaches are plentiful on the nation’s thousands of isles, while the volcanoes of Mayon and Tail offer dramatic scenery overlooking the water. Other sites include Sigma Lagoon, Pagsanjan Falls and the Batad rice terraces.

Best time to visit the Philippines

The Philippines dry season falls right in the middle of the low season for tourism. The driest months are between January and March, where there is little rainfall and humidity falls to much more tolerable levels. Expect temperatures of up to 24C – and lows of 15C – every day.

Cambodia welcomes visitors eager to learn about its complicated history and experience its mix of Asian and French culture. A largely rural country, only three of its cities are home to over 100,000 people despite the country’s 16 million-strong population. Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city, while Siem Reap is another metropolitan centre that also acts as the gate to Angkor Wat, an ancient temple which today is the largest religious structure in the world.

The country’s islands, such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, contain pristine white beaches, sandy coves and coral reefs , and are popular spots for partying too. The Cardamom mountain range stretches over 4.4 million hectares of rainforest through the Southeast and into eastern Thailand, and is home to a vast range of wildlife, including sun bears, elephants and Siamese crocodiles. Tonle Sap lake is the largest in Southeast Asia, with its waters and floodplain home to over three million people and hundreds of different animal species.

Best time to visit Cambodia

Temperatures are at their lowest in the dry season between November and February, but you’ll still see average highs of 30C.

Laos is one of the continent’s smaller countries, and its shared borders – with Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the west and Cambodia to the south – give you an indication of the geography that you’ll find here. Whether you want to go through dense jungle on a cruise along the winding Mekong River, trek through the jagged karst around Vang Vieng or simply relax in the laid-back capital of Vientiane, there’s something to appeal.

Laos’ most important landmark is the Pha That Luang, a golden Buddhist stupa in Vientiane, while the capital’s other highlights include temples like Wat Si Saket and the old quarter. If you have time, visit the peaceful Song River and the town of Vang Vieng, before exploring the Unesco city of Luang Prabang and surrounding nature, including waterfalls, plunge pools and the banks of the Mekong.

Best time to visit Laos

The weather is Laos is best between October and April, when conditions are dry and not too warm. For river cruises, November through to January is best for high water levels, while August is both the wettest and most humid month.

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