Southeast Asia

Explore

landscapes

is a must

Total

Population

Tropical

Streetfood

11 Countries

655 Million

Quick Facts

The

You haven't lived until you've backpacked Southeast Asia...preferably for three months. Throw on a backpack and wander through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Make your way down into Malaysia and carry on into Indonesia. Southeast Asia is ideal for budget travelers. You can spend less than $20 a day on hostels, street food and trains. Your money goes far here. 

Did you know that there are 11 countries in southeast asia? The 11 countries that make up Southeast Asia are Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Each country is different in terms of weather.
For example;

Indonesia - May-October is more dry, less rain
Thailand - November - Feb is more dry, less rain

In general, I like to visit right between rainy season and dry season. This is called "shoulder season". The benefits:
  • More green landscapes
  • Less people = cheaper prices
  • Not too hot or too rainy
  • I love the occasional tropical thunderstorm.

Best time to Visit

Start in Vietnam - Travel north to south for 1 month (or south to north)

Cambodia - Angkor Wat in Siem Reap for 4 days. Afterwards, travel to the souther islands for 6-10 days

Thailand - A good 1-month: Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Pai - Chiang Mai - Krabi / Railay Beach - Koh Samui - Koh Phangan - Koh Tao  

Malaysia - Go on a food expedition in Penang or Kuala Lumpur for 5 days

Indonesia - Spend the rest of your time, about 3 weeks, traveling around Bali, the Gili Islands or Raja Ampat

Alternative: Swap Indonesia for the Philippines

3-Month Itinerary

My Top Advice

Southeast Asia is generally very safe for solo female travelers. But here are some travel tips:
  • Road accidents are the biggest danger, espcially for motorbikes. Don't ride a motorbike unless you're skilled. Start on flat roads and wear a helmet. Don't drink and drive ever. 
  • Petty theft and pickpockets are the other danger. Wear a cross-body purse with zippers.  
  • Always come with travel insurance. 


Southeast Asia Bucket List

Walk with elephants in Thailand.
Climb waterfalls in Bali.
Ride the Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam.
Go on a street beer tour in Hanoi, Vietnam. 
Visit the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Sleep on overwater bungalows in Khao Sok, Thailand.
Take a cooking class in Thailand.
Be cleansed in a water ceremony in Bali. 
Spoil yourself with food and massages everywhere! 

Best Hotel Experiences

1. Samanvaya Resort, Sidemen, Bali
2. Bali Silent Retreat, Ubud, Bali
3. Seavana, Koh Mak Island
4. Canale Boutique Stay, Koh Kood, Thailand
5. Pimalai Resort, Koh Lanta, Thailand
6. Capella, Ubud, Bali
7. Arya Wellness Retreat, Ubud, Bali
8. Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
9. Floating House, Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam

Safety Tips for SEA

Tips for Backpacking

Do eat street food & haggle in markets.
Do smile even through difficult interactions.
Do carry a shawl and wrap skirt for spontaneous temple visits.

Don't ride elephants or take photos with tigers.
Don't dress too sexy in public. 
Don't worry about money too much - being a broke backpacker is actually a beautiful experience. 

Do's and Don'ts

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