{"id":275785,"date":"2018-10-03T16:20:20","date_gmt":"2018-10-03T16:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=275785"},"modified":"2023-12-13T11:34:28","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T11:34:28","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-backpacking-southeast-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/pt-pt\/the-ultimate-guide-to-backpacking-southeast-asia\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to backpacking Southeast Asia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Southeast Asia has quickly become a hot spot for backpackers from around the world. Travellers come from every corner of the earth to meet the friendly people, experience unique cultures, and indulge in mouthwatering food. The clear blue water, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and uncommon landscapes are some of the most enticing sights you’ll ever come across; and the elaborate temples and historic structures will leave you in awe.\u00a0 With so much to do and see, it can be difficult to make sure you get the most of out your time backpacking Southeast Asia, so we put together a guide including everything you need to know while travelling through Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n

[<\/em>\ud83d\udcf7 All photos provided by\u00a0@backpackerswanderlust<\/a> ]<\/em><\/p>\n

Contents<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Best time to visit Southeast Asia<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Southeast Asia travel visa<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Best way to travel Southeast Asia<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Accommodation in Southeast Asia <\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Travel Costs in Southeast Asia<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Places to visit in Southeast Asia<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Southeast Asia food<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Southeast Asia culture and customs<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Is Southeast Asia safe?<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Southeast Asia Travel advice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Best time to visit Southeast Asia<\/h2>\n

    Recommended by Sari Gregory<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Best time to visit Southeast Asia<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/th>\n

    		\n

    Places<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

    November – May<\/td>\nNorthern Thailand<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    November – April<\/td>\nThailand West Coast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    January – August<\/td>\nThailand East Coast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    October – March<\/td>\nNorthern Vietnam<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    January – August<\/td>\nCentral Vietnam<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    November – April<\/td>\nSouthern Vietnam<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    May – September<\/td>\nIndonesia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    June – August<\/td>\nMalaysia – Kuala Lumpur<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    December – April<\/td>\nMalaysia – west coast islands<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    April – October<\/td>\nMalaysia – east coast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    March – October<\/td>\nBorneo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Just as Southeast Asia is made up of a rich variety of food, languages and cultures, you’ll also discover a variety of climates when backpacking through this region. No matter what time of year you choose to backpack Southeast Asia, you’ll be able to find somewhere with good weather. Here are some of the key countries in the region that showcase this variety.<\/p>\n

    Wet season vs dry season<\/h3>\n

    Monsoons happen throughout Southeast Asia from June through to September, though it’ll vary slightly depending on where you are. Unless an area is impacted by major rains, a typical day during monsoon season will be a day of sunshine followed by a few hours of rain. You’ll still be able to do some great sightseeing during monsoon season – just make sure you always keep a poncho or rain jacket ready and handy for any unsuspecting showers. You should also purchase a rain cover for your backpack if it doesn’t come with one, to keep it (and everything inside) nice and dry.<\/p>\n

    The high season for travellers is during the dry season (which can vary across the region, as detailed below), so you should expect to pay higher prices along with the many other tourists hoping for some sunshine. Travelling during the monsoon season does have its advantages with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. As the Southeast Asian region is near the equator, you generally won’t experience extremely cold weather.<\/p>\n

    Best time to visit Thailand<\/h3>\n

    Thailand\u00b4s high season is from November to February, where you\u00b4ll experience dry sunny weather throughout most of the country.<\/p>\n

    In the north (such as Chiang Mai), the weather is dry from November till May, with the first few months – November to February – experiencing cooler temperatures. March, April, and May are when things really get hot. If you\u00b4re in northern Thailand in April, don’t miss the New Year festival of Songkran; it’s the biggest water fight in the world and is the best break from the heat. From June to October, you’ll find the weather much wetter in the north.<\/p>\n

    In the south, the west coast and east coasts have different weather patterns. The good news is that you can choose your islands according to when you visit. The west coast (including Phuket and Khao Lak) has the biggest downpour from May till October, while the wet season for the east coast (including Koh Samui and Ko Phangan) is from September to December. If you want to island hop and hang out on sunny beaches all day, just pick the coast that is dry during your trip.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Best time to visit Vietnam<\/h3>\n

    Vietnam is best divided into three regions: north, south and central.<\/p>\n

    The north (such as Ha Giang and Sapa) has cool, dry temperatures from October to March. The hot, monsoon season stretches from late April to September. Overall, temperatures in the north are cooler than in the south, especially in the northern mountainous regions, where the weather is cool and comfortable year-round. So, bring a jacket on if you’re planning to trek Sapa from October to March.<\/p>\n

    Central Vietnam (such as Hue and Hoi An) is hot and dry from January to August and experiences the most rain from September to November.<\/p>\n

    The south (such as Ho Chi Minh City) has two seasons: wet and dry. The dry, hot season is from November to April, while most of the rain comes down in the summer months of June, July, and August. Be prepared to get your sweat on in Ho Chi Minh City pretty much all year long.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Best time to visit Indonesia<\/h3>\n

    Indonesia doesn’t have four seasons, just two: a wet and a dry season. You’ll find Indonesia’s weather to be the opposite of rest of Southeast Asia. While rains are pouring in Thailand, you can be sipping Bintang on a sunny beach in Bali. Generally, the temperature remains similar throughout the year, with some regional exceptions. The high tourist season in Indonesia is from May to September, which is when you’ll experience dry, warm weather. From October to April, the wet season will see rain for a few hours at a time.<\/p>\n

    The best time to visit Bali is during the high seasons: the springtime Easter holidays (March\/April), winter holidays (December\/January) plus July and August. However, Bali sees a heavy flow of tourist traffic around these times so if you don’t like crowds, try the shoulder months: April, May, June and September. The island doesn’t see as much contrast between the wet and dry seasons, so it’s a great year-round destination.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Best time to visit Malaysia<\/h3>\n

    The Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, experiences warm weather all year round but is generally drier from June to August. Elsewhere, the country has a clear difference in east-west weather, just like the Gulf Coast of Thailand.<\/p>\n

    The west coast islands (like Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor) experience the best weather from December to April, while the rainy season occurs from April to October.<\/p>\n

    The east coast (including Kota Bharu and Mersing) enjoys drier days from April to October, while stormy monsoon weather occurs in November and December.<\/p>\n

    There are many micro-climates within the island of Borneo – so I recommend you don’t plan your trip around the weather here because it can be quite unpredictable. On the same day, Borneo’s weather will see warm, clear skies in one part of the island and a downpour in another part of the island. The least rain is from March to October, which also happens to be the best months to see orangutans.<\/p>\n

    Southeast Asia travel visa<\/h2>\n

    Recommended by Natasha Nguyen<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

    Thinking of visiting Southeast Asia? Before you get too ahead of yourself and arrive unprepared, it’s important to do your research. You don\u2019t want to be turned back at the border because you don\u2019t have something as simple as an entry visa. Here\u2019s a general guide for Southeast Asian visas for Australian, UK or US citizens. (Please note, visa requirements may differ if you are a citizen of another country).<\/p>\n

    Can I get a Cambodia visa on arrival?<\/h3>\n

    You\u2019ll need a visa to visit Cambodia. Most visitors will be able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for USD $30. I would suggest that you bring exact money because they rarely give change. Also, have a passport photo ready, they will ask for one of these.<\/p>\n

    If you like being organised, you can arrange your visa in advance by applying for a tourist e-visa from www.evisa.gov.kh<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    If 30 days isn\u2019t enough, you can extend your visa for an additional 30 days (but only once) at many travel agencies in Phnom Penh. Again, the extra 30 days will cost you another USD $30. For longer stays, you’ll need to arrange a visa in advance through the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Cambodia.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Can I get a Laos visa on arrival?<\/h3>\n

    You\u2019ll need a visa to visit Laos. Australian, British and US travellers can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, so long as they have 6 months validity on their passports, two blank pages in their passport and two passport photos. Visa prices vary depending on your nationality. For US and UK citizens, it costs USD $35. If you\u2019re Australian (like me), it’s only USD $30. I would recommend paying in USD to avoid a bad exchange rate.<\/p>\n

    If 30 days isn\u2019t enough, you can apply for a visa in advance or extend a tourist visa twice (up to a total of 90 days) at the immigration office in Vientiane. Visas on arrival are not available at all entry ports so if you plan to enter through somewhere more obscure, it’s best to apply for a visa in advance from the Embassy of Laos.<\/p>\n

    Do I need a visa for Singapore?<\/h3>\n

    Citizens of most countries won\u2019t need a visa to visit Singapore for tourism for the first 30 days. In fact, UK, US and Australian citizens can stay for up to 90 days visa-free. All you will need is at least 6 months of validity on your passport and proof of onward ticket.<\/p>\n

    Do I need a visa for Thailand?<\/h3>\n

    Most nationalities travelling to Thailand for tourism are eligible for visa exemption up to a certain number of days. For Australians, Brits and Americans, this is available for up to 30 days.<\/p>\n

    If you’re planning to stay longer, you can extend your visa once for up to 30 days for a fee of 1900 Thai Baht at an immigration office. Alternatively, you can do what is commonly called a \u201cborder run\u201d. This involves exiting the country by land to a neighbouring country before crossing back in to get a new visa. However, keep in mind that you can only enter Thailand by land twice a year. The most practical option for longer stays is to get a visa in advance from a Thai Embassy or Consulate.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Do I need a visa for Vietnam?<\/h3>\n

    Many nationalities visiting Vietnam are granted visa exemptions for up to 90 days. UK citizens are eligible for a 15-day visa exemption but US and Australian citizens do not get an exemption so must apply for a visa. UK citizens planning to stay longer than 15 days will also need a visa.<\/p>\n

    E-visas are available for up to 30 days for USD $25 from www.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn\/en<\/a>. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa directly from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam.<\/p>\n

    Fun fact – if you\u2019re of Vietnamese descent like me and have parents who are technically nationals, or if your spouse is a Vietnamese national, you can apply for a 5-year visa exemption certificate which allows multiple entries into Vietnam for up to 6 months.<\/p>\n

    Southeast Asia visa tips<\/h3>\n

    Being able to get a visa on arrival makes travelling more flexible and allows you to be more spontaneous with where you go. However, it’s important to be prepared to a certain extent.<\/p>\n

    My top tip for travelling without preparing visas in advance is to always carry multiple copies of your passport photo and spare USD. Often, these are required when applying for visas on arrival. Additionally, you should always have at least two copies of your important documents, just in case.<\/p>\n

    You should also make sure you have at least 6 months validity on your passport on the day you plan to arrive home. Being stranded overseas with an almost-expired passport is a nightmare.<\/p>\n

    Best way to travel Southeast Asia<\/h2>\n

    Recommended by Sari Gregory<\/em><\/p>\n

    In terms of travel, backpacking southeast Asia is easier than many people expect. There are many transport options: flights, trains and buses can take you between cities and countries, plus tuk-tuks and motor taxis are great options for shorter trips. If you have time, keep your plans flexible – you never know where you’ll want to spend more time or who you will want to travel with.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Busses in Southeast Asia<\/h3>\n

    By and large, the best form of transportation is the good ol’ classic bus. Buses in Southeast Asia are cheap and will take you where you want to go. You often can buy your bus tickets online (on a website such as 12go Asia<\/a>), in person at the bus station, or through a travel agency. Talk to your hostel about whether your tickets need to be booked in advance. Usually, buses can be booked the day you want to leave, but popular routes and high seasons\/holiday times may mean some routes are all booked up. You’ll meet plenty of other backpackers on these buses since it is the most economical and popular way of travelling around Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n

    Stray and Bamba bus in Southeast Asia<\/h3>\n

    The Bamba Experience<\/a> is a hop-on-hop-off bus that follows a set route throughout Southeast Asia. Stray Asia<\/a> is another hop-on-hop-off bus and pre-booked itinerary option for backpackers. This could be a good alternative to traditional backpacking if you are concerned with booking activities and bus passes yourself and you are not on a tight budget. However, it’s so easy to book travel in Asia that buying this type of pass is generally unnecessary. You may find that you will want spontaneity and will want to book travel with friends you meet, and this pass may limit your ability to do so.<\/p>\n

    Flights in Southeast Asia<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    If you’re pressed on time, flying will be your best option. If you keep your dates flexible, you can get some pretty good prices for flights. Usually, domestic flights within a country can be found for USD $80 or less.<\/p>\n

    Budget airlines like AirAsia, TigerAir and Jetstar can be the cheapest option. Make sure to check the costs with a local computer as well, in case airline costs are inflated on your foreign phone.<\/p>\n

    All the main tourist cities have airports. Bangkok, for example, has two airports; Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bankok’s international airport) is connected to the city by metro train and Don Mueang Airport (the local airport) is connected by bus. Don’t forget to check other airports in your destination country – there are airports around most big tourist attractions, not just in the sprawling metropolitan cities.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Trains in Southeast Asia<\/h3>\n

    Train services in Southeast Asia are more limited than bus travel and are often more expensive. Many train rides need to be booked a few days in advance, as they are more likely to fill up than buses. The quality of the trains varies greatly by country, region and seat class, but some train journeys are worth the price for the experience itself. The journey from Jakarta to Jogjakarta in Indonesia is stunning and is comparatively inexpensive. Bangkok to Chiang Mai is another popular route, as the train network in Thailand is fairly extensive.<\/p>\n

    You’ll find city metro trains in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta. If you visit these cities, make sure to use the metro as it’s the best way to beat traffic, inexpensive, and a good way to live life alongside the locals.<\/p>\n

    Taxis, tuk-tuks, and moto-taxis<\/h3>\n

    For short distances, you’ll have plenty of options to get around Southeast Asia. Make sure you ask and negotiate the price before you get into the tuk-tuk or taxi – especially tuk-tuks, as drivers will double the prices for tourists. Simply, haggle down that price and hop in as you should have the tuk-tuk experience at least once in your trip.<\/p>\n

    Moto taxis are a particularly inexpensive way to get around. You can use Uber, Grab, or GoJek (in Indonesia) to hail a moto taxi in many cities in Southeast Asia. Hail one with your phone, pop on the helmet that is offered to you, hop on the back and enjoy the thrill.<\/p>\n

    Accommodation in Southeast Asia<\/h2>\n

    Southeast Asia is renowned by backpackers from all around the globe; as much, there’s a MASSIVE selection of hostels for every price range, style of traveller, and destination. Hostels in Southeast Asia come in all shapes and sizes too; there’s everything form large, modern hostels that take luxury to the next level, to quaint, rustic hostels offering complete cultural immersion. The best part is that no matter where you stay you’ll be met with friendly people that are excited to share their home with you and give you the best experience you possible. With so many amazing hostels to choose from it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you, but have no fear, we’ve compiled the best hostels in Asia<\/a> to make your booking a breeze!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Vietnam<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Thailand<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Indonesia<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Cambodia<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Singapore<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Philippines<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Myanmar<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Malaysia<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Laos<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in Brunei<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2b50\u00a0Best hostels in East Timor<\/a><\/p>\n

    Compare all hostels in Asia<\/a><\/p>\n

    Travel costs in Southeast Asia<\/h2>\n

    Recommended by Tasha Amy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

    Southeast Asia is a very budget-friendly region to travel. However, there are certain countries that are friendlier on the wallet than others – and this is of great importance when planning your adventure and deciding which countries to visit.<\/p>\n

    Your budget certainly won\u2019t last long exploring the bustling pricey city of Singapore, though Cambodia – home of USD $3 dorm beds and cheap street side meals – is thankfully a quick flight away. This price contrast can also occur within one country itself. Take Thailand for example: for the price of one week in Phuket you can travel for two weeks around Chiang Mai, ultimately causing confusion in how much money to take to Thailand.<\/p>\n

    As you can see, it can be quite difficult to figure out an exact Southeast Asia travel budget, so let\u2019s look at things a bit more closely.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Cost of backpacking Southeast Asia<\/h3>\n

    Southeast Asia is known as one of the most affordable regions to backpack in the world, thanks to cheap accommodation and food. Get ready for street side barbeque stalls, bunkbeds and overcrowded vans. Whilst these things may not seem so great in an everyday world, they are what make the experience in Southeast Asia and certainly help keep the costs down. Buses and trains between destinations generally cost around USD $10, much cheaper than a domestic flight. Hostels are abundant throughout Southeast Asia, providing a cheap place to rest your head and meet fellow travellers. Food options are plentiful – but if you want to stick to your budget, street food is your best friend (you really can\u2019t go wrong with pad thai).<\/p>\n

    Even though food, transport and accommodation are extremely affordable, there are some more expensive experiences that shouldn’t be missed. While in Thailand, visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, doing a PADI diving course on Koh Tao and ziplining through the jungles are just some of the pricey experiences you might want to do and will need to consider when figuring out how much money to take to Thailand.<\/p>\n

    As a rule, your ‘travelling Southeast Asia budget’ will need to be at least USD $1000 per month. You can certainly backpack cheaper by skimping on experiences, though the region is full of amazing moments you will not want to miss out on.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Cost of living in\u00a0Southeast Asia<\/h3>\n

    The cost of living in Southeast Asia when compared to many Western countries is extremely affordable, which has led to an influx of expat communities abroad. This is especially true these days with better internet connections resulting in numerous digital nomads.<\/p>\n

    One of the cheapest countries to live in Southeast Asia is Cambodia. There are some excellent expat communities throughout the country from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. The low cost of living in Cambodia allows people to live a comfortable lifestyle at a minimal cost. Private rooms can be found from USD $100 per month and full apartments from USD $300, whilst meals cost just a couple dollars each. These cheap prices and great sense of community make living in Cambodia on a shoestring budget so appealing.<\/p>\n

    \"backpacking<\/p>\n

    Average prices in Southeast Asia<\/h3>\n

    Overall, Southeast Asia is a very budget friendly destination, leaving you and your wallet smiling at the end of each day, though this will depend on your travel style.<\/p>\n

    If you are an adventurous eater who will happily consume street food with the locals, you can find delicious meals from just USD $1-3. But, if you’d rather have table service at a basic eatery, you should expect to spend upwards of USD $3.5 with a soft drink. For foodies who like to make each meal an experience (eating at only the best and typically found at 5* restaurants), the cost to dinning at such places will be comparable to that of Western prices, running upwards of USD $20 for a main and a drink.<\/p>\n

    Here’s a quick guide to average prices in Southeast Asia:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Things to buy in Southeast Asia<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/th>\n

    		\n

    Average Price<\/h4>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

    1L water<\/td>\nUSD $0.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Bed in dorm room<\/td>\nUSD $3-9 per night<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Basic double room<\/td>\nUSD $10-30 per night<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Large beer<\/td>\nUSD $0.50-$2.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    1-hour massage<\/td>\nfrom USD $6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Motor bike rental<\/td>\nUSD $6 -10 per day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Money saving tips<\/h3>\n