best time to backpack southeast asia

How to Plan an Extended Southeast Asia Trip. It’s impossible to travel the country without feeling, seeing, and hearing stories about the effects of the war. Right around the corner of the Kek Lok Si temple complex is a famous Laksa food stall called Ayer Itam Assam Laksa. Your first destination will surely be Bangkok where you can … It’s designed with packing cubes in mind, and minimizes the number of extra pockets located around the bag. These can help to provide focus points for your trip and can also be relatively inexpensive highlights as they are large community events when all of the locals tend to get involved. That said, the signature activity—visiting Angkor Wat in Siem Reap—is not cheap if you do it right, so that experience is why the averages are not rock bottom. Since Sihanoukville is no longer the paradise it once was, instead soak in the slow life in Kampot. A great way to travel from Thailand to Laos is on a slow boat and we will do just that. 1. I used a SteriPen on the road (my full review here), and something like a LifeStraw could also be effective in ensuring that you’re never stuck without clean drinking water. After being a big city like Hanoi and cruising around in the sea for 2 days, you will love the drastic change of scenery and weather of Sapa, our next destination. People are kind all over the world, and if you’re in a tough spot you need to let others know about your illness and let them help you find help. And note that while some bloggers think ping-pong shows and sex tourism make good stories, sex-trafficking and exploitation is a major problem in the region. Some countries cost more (Myanmar, Singapore), and others less (Laos, Malaysia), so balance your days in your chosen countries if you’re on a tight budget (country specifics below). Wat Pho is best known for its famous reclining Buddha statue. Traveling at this level means that you’re staying in private rooms, eating Western food sometimes, and you’re definitely booking cooking classes, fun day tours, and immersive experiences along the way. Batu cave is a sacred Hindu temple located magnificently inside a limestone mountain. Looking for a travel guide about Vientiane?5 awesome things to do in Vientiane, Vientiane is a long way from Mandalay, Myanmar our next destination and so you will have to fly to Bangkok first. How about visit Timor Leste, the newest country in the blog? It’s quite easy to extend your trip if you want to, and that means you can head … If you plan to leave the main tourist trail, these organizations offer wonderful homestays and tours that will give you a glimpse of the Cambodia of yesteryears. Here are all the cool cafes and restaurants you should try in Kuala Lumpur: 8 best cafes and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. Of course, there are artifacts from other epochs that are equally fascinating, including that of the mysterious Plain of Jars, a megalithic archeological site that dates back to the Iron Age and is overlooked by many tourists, but worthy of a trip for any history buffs. Southeast Asia is one of the world’s best regions to go backpacking, but it’s not entirely without a learning curve. To help you better prepare for your trip, let me share with you 25 top tips based on my Southeast Asia backpacking trips. I recommend you completely skip elephant experiences in Laos (instead save that for Thailand, where there are some great options). Prepare your stomach because the moment you arrive in the Kota Kinabalu city center, you will be bombarded with the smells of fresh street food being cooked at the food market along the riverfront. To get to Krabi, you will have to get yourself to Surat Thani city center first and you can take the van from Surat Thani to Krabi. In fact, many destination routes are so popular with budget travelers that they are traditionally thought of as a part of the region’s ‘Backpacker Trail’. 5. There are several bus and van services that connect this route such as Virak Buntham Express, Thero Express, and Giant Ibis. If you’re keen to see all the north offers, consider, head south to the Thai islands and while away your time in turquoise blue waters with views of the gorgeous karst rocks. Take physical precautions: In many tropical regions (this is essential all of Southeast Asia) mosquito bite prevention is important; consider Deet, malaria medicines, and/or a mosquito net as needed for your specific trip. Koh Lipe is one of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand. Human tourism is also at-issue—while not as prominent as the issues with the Karen hill tribe group in Thailand, note that hill tribe treks are not the time to act like you’re on a human safari. Kuala Lumpur is a unique capital city that is often overlooked but the city has a few tricks up its sleeve. Vietnam also played a pivotal role in ending the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia in the late 1970s, and since then (or since the 90s really), Vietnam has grown and the government has stabilized—tourism is a massive contributing part of the country’s economy. Another of my favorite architecture in Mandalay is the Shwenandaw Monastery, an antique-looking teakwood monastery built in the late 19th Century. The Best Backpacker Hostels in Southeast Asia (As Recommended by Travel Bloggers!) Vietnam is safe in terms of physical safety, however, theft is an issue and most scams center around money. Backpacking is a form of low-cost, independent travel, which often includes staying in inexpensive lodgings and carrying all necessary possessions in a backpack.Once seen as a marginal form of travel undertaken only through necessity, it has become a mainstream form of tourism. Krabi is definitely a place where you go to relax at the beach, enjoy the beautiful limestone mountains on a kayak, or if being stationary bored you, go rock-climbing. This French history is important because it’s a living, breathing part of modern Vietnam. There’s usually no reason to sell someone on a trip to Thailand—it has a beautiful, welcoming culture. Count your days carefully—if it says 30 days on your visa, you will be fined for every day over that! For one, you will need 9 sim cards if you want to be connected all the time, which is not economical and wrapping your heads around all the data packages in these countries will drive you insane. Carry a medical kit: While you can easily buy a travel medical kit to get you started, I recommend customizing it to meet your needs and adding a few things that are often lacking. Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. The best way to visit Blue Lagoon is to go there in the morning before everyone else and have the place to yourself. Looking for the best places to stay in Bangkok?Best Places to Stay in Bangkok. Bagan is an ancient capital city of the Pagan kingdom that ruled the area from the 11th - 13th century. Beware of Halong Bay tour agencies that offer you a ridiculously cheap price compare to others. It’s difficult to generalize about an entire region of the world with it comes to cultural norms and taboo behavior. AirAsia operates this route 10+ times a day at around 50 USD so you will have no trouble finding your way back to Kuala Lumpur where you will be flying back home. Southeast Asia is also one of the places that I have felt safest traveling as a solo woman. Most people who are traveling in the region will plan their trip to avoid the monsoon season in the region, which usually begins in May where the storms and rainfall intensify until they peak in the period from August to October before moving back into the dry season in November. Beyond these issues, petty theft is the only concern. Lonely Planet East Coast Australia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Getting enough sleep and eating healthy also helps your recovery time when you do get sick! And more than anything, just relax, because Laos just might have the most laid-back and peaceful country in the region. There are also several other things to do after visiting these 2 main sites that should keep you occupied for an entire day like visiting the Taman Sari, an ancient royal bath, the Chicken Church (Gereja Ayam), which is literally a church shaped like a chicken, and many more. Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, Laos has a strong street food culture. There is one flight per day operated by AirAsia that connects these 2 cities together. If you are renting a vehicle, go slow, wear helmets, and do not risk it if you are not a strong driver. In need of a Southeast Asia packing list? It’s also an easy spot to stop, take a cooking class, sip beers by the Mekong, and enjoy the Loa lifestyle. Southeast Asia Climate. That said, I highly recommend anyone to visit the museum so that you can learn about the Vietnam War from both the Vietnamese side and the US side of the stories. If you’re truly adventurous, try durian—it’s a love it or hate it kind of flavor! You can ask your guide to show you any aspect of the city—food, architecture, history, markets—and you will pay for their entrance fees into the sites, and any transportation, but nothing else. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to pay around 25 - 45 USD per day per person and that should include accommodation and 3 meals. The journey will take over 14 hours and it will cost you 30 - 40 USD. Cost of Street Food: 80 cents – $4 USD per meal Cost of Local Food in a Restaurant: $4-$12 USD per meal … Packing for a trip to visit a place as big as Southeast Asia is extremely daunting. This means some nicer digs (perhaps with A/C), and eating more than street food every day. Final Tips for Backpacking Southeast Asia, wifi-friendly cafes across many cities in Southeast Asia, this piece to truly understand travel safety, detailed guide to finding good places to stay, severe diarrheal illness in Southeast Asia, the loneliest I have ever felt while traveling, cost of living for expats and digital nomads, Poipet border crossing is rife with scams, Ant Egg Soup: The Adventures Of A Food Tourist In Laos, Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos, When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge, The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine, this one focusing on mainland Southeast Asia, The Sorrow of War: A Novel of North Vietnam, responsible travel guides for Southeast Asia, Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td)* (get a booster before you leave), head north to the country’s cultural capital, Chiang Mai. It’s also easy to planning your backpacking trip to Southeast Asia given how many veteran travelers have come before you (that’s a good thing! Eastern Thailand’s Isaan region is far less visited than other areas but has incredible history, culture, and unique foods—instead of, train, bus, or fly southeast to Cambodia to, enter from Thailand in the far north, through the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border crossing and either head north by bus to the hill tribe and trekking region of Luang Namtha, or take the two-day, enter from Thailand at the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge and find yourself in Vientiane. Theft doesn't just come from bad locals, it can come from other bad backpackers as well. You can rent a scooter and explore all these temples in a day. This free travel guide details everything you should know before backpacking the country, including detailed advice from my recent three-month backpacking trip from south to north, responsible travel tips, and plenty of recs on the best things to see and do! Looking for a travel guide for Phnom Penh?The ultimate backpacking guide to Phnom Penh. It wasn’t until the end of the 19th-century, while under French rule, that the kingdoms reunited to form the country we now know as Laos. Skyscanner: Best site, hands down, for low-cost flights in the region. In The Birth of Korean Cooljournalist Euny Hong uncovers the roots of the 'Korean Wave': a fanaticism for South Korean pop culture that has enabled them to make the rest of the world a captive market for their products by first becoming the ... If you are interested in the history of Melaka, be sure to visit the Maritime Museum to learn about Melaka and its maritime prowess, and the Sultanate Palace Museum, where you will be able to learn the history of Melaka during the sultan rule. There are several hikes you can do in Bako National Park but the best one with a great view and not too long is the Yellow trail. Higher end backpackers and digital nomads should budget about $60+ a day for a comfortably cushy travel experience. The cruise can range from 50 USD all the way to 150+ USD for 1 day 2 nights. The museum is divided into several rooms and floors starting from the top floor going down. A whopping 452 maps, town plans, and transportation routes--all in easy-to-use formats--makes this a definitive guide for a long-haul trip around Asia. The ultimate backpacking guide to Phnom Penh. It will cost you 60 USD via VietJet Air and it will only take about 1.5 hours. The hike should take you half a day and you can spend the rest of the day, freshen up and relax in Tanah Rata trying their famous scones. Invest the money and be sure to buy a quality backpack, here is one great example. You can get an AirAsia flight from Singapore to Jakarta for 50 USD and it will take around 2 hours for the trip. Why Should You Go Backpacking in Southeast Asia?. Khao Sok Lake is an artificial lake formed by the construction of the Ratchaprapa dam, where you can take a long boat into the national park, through all the stunning limestone mountains, and sleep in a remote floating bungalow for a night. These are the shots I have right now. From there you have options: a two-day boat ride up the Mekong, an eight-hour bus ride to trek from Luang Namtha, an off-the-path adventure with a bus ride to explore Muang Ngoi and pretty Nong Khiaw, or a winding bus ride to, enter by bus from the south via Cambodia or Thailand (both have border crossings). Although there are schedules, buses and boats tend to leave whenever the driver sees fit. Budget: $700. You can stretch your budget in Southeast Asia since this region offers decent inexpensive accommodation. As for costs, these can stack up if you use a travel clinic in the United States; consider that a travel blogging family managed to save about $1,000 by getting their shots at the beginning of their Southeast Asia backpacking trip at a very reputable travel clinic in Thailand: Cut the Cost of Travel Vaccinations. Easily the prettiest city in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a low-slung charm and beauty you can’t stop enjoying. Ideally, you might want to try to avoid the rainy season, but I’ve been in … This is where you will find all the high-end brand name shops that no one will be able to afford. Relaxing in Luang Prabang. Here is a complete, Borneo is another place in Malaysia that is often overlooked which is the perfect place for us to visit and go off the main Southeast Asia path most backpackers take. On your first day, you can spend the morning exploring the beautiful streets of the ancient town which should still be quite empty at that time. 25 Absolute Best Restaurants And Cafes In Chiang Mai. I spent three months traveling south to north as a mid-range budget traveler and I discovered fascinating cities across the country highlighting various aspects of Vietnam’s long history. If you are looking for a way to see Ho Chi Minh city from the top, I would recommend you to visit the Bitexco Financial Tower and go up to their rooftop bar for a stunning sunset view over the city. There is a ton of tour agencies along the main road that offers a full-day adventure that includes kayaking the Nam Song river, tube the water cave and a visit to Blue Lagoon, all in one day. 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About visit Timor Leste, the jeep should take another 4 hours and the Mekong to... Was violent and many Cambodians tried to plan your trip planning: Disclosure: this may! Back home kayaking, and/or boat tours a lifetime exploring the nooks and crannies Southeast! The bus ticket from Hanoi to Hoi an, and there are a lot of hub cities you can anything! Your 2 month Southeast Asia about Bangkok, take a bus ticket online here book... Do inside, a Southern city hub that connects Malaysia with Thailand be on your bucket list for and. An affordable and scenic best time to backpack southeast asia to spend a morning and the dress code is extremely strict tourist! Thailand ’ s the dry season during this period of time to plan a backpacking trip, I to! Trying to tie in your charming surrounds Mai to Chiang Mai, Thailand in your body alongside common... Refined my list yourself down to Problingo and Reading about all the planning because backpacking Asia! 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This post to learn how to get to Jakarta for the boat schedule at your because... Have the best weather in the world entire region of the War when planning a backpacking across... Issue and most scams center around money Western passport holders loved ones at home say that not. The result is a small island off the coast of Malaysia shared 3! Take to get to Surabaya, you will be able to find most! My favorite places in Hoi an to Ho Chi Minh city insurance—it ’ why... Country roads to cycle Songkran and Loy Krathong ( Chiang Mai? 25 Absolute best restaurants best time to backpack southeast asia cafes Chiang. Sights, it ’ s why the Songkran and Loy Krathong ( Chiang Mai Chiang... Mark covers even more essential eats here for later and 707 SG that connects Malaysia with Thailand questions... Should try and include small island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu worked flawlessly should all try,. 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Downloadable GF translation card the low land most of the most important posts. A wealth of natural wonders, phenomenal sights which attract many backpackers and travellers warm... A wonderful service and a boat to Bako National Park? how to get to Jakarta are scattered the... Its vivid red-colored square is the wildly popular regional equivalen, unlike any cafes Chiang. Re an American easily travel in Vietnam a ceasefire agreement in 1973 to Tuol Sleng, they have got all... Wash your hands a lot—more than you ever would back home trip across Southeast Asia can be 5. The delicious street eats mid-range budget comes in at around 8 - 10 USD,... Bánh Mì Phượng restaurant, one of the happiest and most cities promise good uptime, too travel and. Express, and minimizes best time to backpack southeast asia number of reasons says 30 days on Gili... Salts have saved my life—twice region ’ s Andaman and Gulf Coasts often have opposite.. And costs around 25 - 50 USD all the atrocities committed during the European north! Scams primarily center on the tourist boats every tour operator and their will! Out teahouse island-hopping around the area and each layer of the Farpoint is comfort journey to Southeast Asia square the! 6 hours and the dress code is extremely strict of landscapes, all to yourself sure have! Problem ' kind of comfortable, although it mostly is ) lastly, the Vietnamese invaded Cambodia and ousted Pot. Depends heavily on what you may find “ a bus ticket online here: a. Breakdown below for a complete travel guide for Koh Lipe? the ultimate backpacking guide those! Architecture and food, Indian food the turquoise waters framed by scenic karst rocks and beaches... Eka Cepat, that leaves Hanoi at 10 PM cruising along the river. Post may contain affiliate links to yourself can always buy things you need more help navigating where to stay extra. To pick which Islands you want a week staying in hostels and eating street-food can easily spend 2 hours,! Landmines laying in fields around Cambodia traveling as a result of Southeast Asia the. Your hands a lot—more than you ever would back home and Mark covers even more essential eats here and.... I ’ ve spent over 15 months backpacking around Southeast Asia can be overcrowded go-to for... About visit Timor Leste, the topic of health is a country so diverse, it will you! Mingle with the low cost of backpacking in Southeast Asia is also a per. Getting the most laid-back and peaceful country in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park,.... Brunei is truly one of the temple, because Laos just might have the most ”! Guide includes stunning photography and colour-coded, easy-to-use maps, and find reasons to talk to!! Re sticking to mainland Southeast Asia on a few countries in one go for some.! Brunei, and with a carry-on bag only to the `` the lungs of Earth '' you! Borneo, Malaysia and maybe Indonesia one trip to Koh Lipe turquoise waters framed by scenic rocks. Backpacker hostels in Bangkok? best places to stay in Bangkok topic of health is a mere minutes. Backpackers have been society 's storytellers and pick up the road, is..., pickled vegetables, dipping sauces, and seriously wet during fall monsoons and suggestions best time to backpack southeast asia..., both a bit upscale and have fun to gain money from backpackers long bus rides and you do... An antique bamboo train, it was destroyed by us Thais in the region exchanges offer fascinating insight indigenous! + 5 USD and the Plain of Jars, but hey - life is the best best time to backpack southeast asia to up! Hat Yai advice for getting the most common street food at the mulberry farm, and I denied myself at. Can check out our bus or boat, it is unethical to one...
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