Southeast Asia Travel Guide
Over the course of multiple trips, I spent nearly two years exploring the region by visiting all its countries.
Whether you’re planning a two-week getaway or a multi-month adventure, you’ll find plenty of useful information and tips in this article to help you plan your trip to Southeast Asia.
Quick Menu:
- When to go to Southeast Asia
- Documents and vaccinations for Southeast Asia
- Backpacking Southeast Asia: where to go, what to see, and costs
- Travel itineraries in Southeast Asia
- What to bring to Southeast Asia
- Southeast Asia travel safety
Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam.
When to Go to Southeast Asia
The region can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the dry season, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable. This period typically runs from November to April for much of mainland Southeast Asia and the Philippines. In general, this is an ideal time to visit Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines. Indonesia and the island of Borneo—divided between Malaysia and Indonesia, with the small Sultanate of Brunei also located there—are drier from April to October. The best time to visit Peninsular Malaysia is from April to October for the east coast and from December to March for the west coast.
This means there’s no single “best time” to visit Southeast Asia. The best timing depends not only on the country you’re visiting but also on the specific region within that country. That said, during the rainy season, rainfall, which is often daily, tends to be concentrated in just a few hours, especially during the first few months. As the season progresses, the rain becomes more frequent, and the later months are generally best avoided. However, the earlier months can still offer a good balance, as you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices.
For example, if you’re taking your vacation in August, I recommend looking into countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Another option during this time could be northern Vietnam or the Thai Gulf Islands (Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui), where the monsoons usually arrive later than in the rest of the country. If you’re planning a touring trip across the region, it’s smart to schedule your travels according to the weather to avoid being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. For more detailed information, I encourage you to consult the guides for each country:
Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
Documents and Vaccinations for Traveling to Southeast Asia
With the exception of Myanmar, if you hold a strong passport, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance for any country in the region. In fact, you can obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport or when you cross the border by land. That said, the terms for the so-called “visa on arrival” are not standardized across the region. These range from a completely free 90-day visa for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, to a 30-day visa for Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia, which may require a fee.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam.
Important note: Officially, some countries require proof of onward travel within the validity of your visa. This isn’t an issue for travelers with a return flight or onward ticket to another country (even a bus ticket is acceptable). However, it may pose a problem for those holding a one-way ticket and planning to leave by land or sea without a clear exit date or booked tickets.
Border checks are at the discretion of immigration officers and airlines at the time of boarding. During my travels across Southeast Asia, I was only asked for proof of onward travel twice: once at the AirAsia check-in desk for a direct flight to the Philippines and again by the immigration officer at Bali airport. To avoid any potential issues or having to sort things out at the airport, I recommend renting a ticket (a real, paid service) through a site like Onward Ticket. You can read more about this topic in this article.
Vaccinations
In addition to the standard vaccinations, those for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid are always recommended. Other vaccines you might consider include those for Japanese encephalitis and rabies. While there is a risk of malaria in some areas, the region is generally not considered high-risk. As such, malaria prophylaxis is extremely rare among travelers. Personally, I think it’s unnecessary, but of course, the decision is yours. I suggest you consult your doctor about this, as with any health-related decision.
Chocolate Hills, Philippines.
Backpacking Southeast Asia: Where to Go, What to See, and Costs
Below, you’ll find mini travel guides for each Southeast Asian country, highlighting the best destinations, the most beautiful places to visit, and a general overview of what to expect. For more detailed information, I encourage you to check out the individual country guides.
At the start of each country section, you’ll find the recommended daily budget. Of course, this budget depends on your travel style and the activities or tours you plan to do, but it’s fairly accurate for low-cost travel. The budget is based on staying in hostels, eating street food or local restaurants, using public transportation, occasionally doing tours, enjoying moderate nightlife, and—most importantly—embracing slow travel.
If you plan on visiting every single Southeast Asian country on a whirlwind three-month trip, spending no more than two nights in each place and no more than two weeks in each country, this budget will be unrealistic.
On the other hand, if you’re volunteering, cooking all your own meals, hitchhiking, and so on, it’s easy to reduce your budget to less than half. It’s not uncommon to meet bikepackers or other travelers who take full advantage of the sharing economy, traveling around the region on a budget of around 10€ per day. Similarly, it’s also not unusual to meet travelers who comfortably spend more than 50€ per day. As is often the case, I believe the truth lies somewhere in between.
Mulu National Park, Malaysia.
Thailand
Daily Budget: 30-35€
Thailand was likely the first country in Southeast Asia to welcome travelers and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
While some regions of the country have become overly touristy over the years, it remains the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for an exotic, affordable, and safe destination. Due to the millions of tourists who visit Thailand each year, traveling within the country is easy—even for less experienced travelers.
From Buddhist temples and bustling markets to stunning beaches and delicious cuisine, Thailand offers something for every traveler. When it comes to costs, there’s a significant difference between the islands and the mainland: food—and other expenses—can cost twice as much, particularly on the smaller islands and those further from the mainland.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to check out my Thailand travel guide.
Koh Tao, Thailand.
Myanmar
Daily Budget: 20-25€
Unfortunately, after a brief period of peace and openness to tourism, which I was fortunate enough to experience, the country is once again in an unstable political situation following the 2021 coup, with a full-blown civil war ongoing. Technically, the borders are open and the main tourist destinations are considered safe. A few travelers still visit the country from time to time, but the situation is far from ideal. I encourage you to do your own research and draw your own conclusions, but unfortunately, it is not a destination I would recommend at the moment, hoping that the situation will improve in the future.
That said, Myanmar’s temples, stunning landscapes, and incredibly friendly population, who will overwhelm you with smiles, make it one of the countries that has stayed most in my heart.
Add to all this a site like Bagan, which boasts the largest and most densely concentrated collection of Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas, many of which date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. It is estimated that during the city’s golden age, there were more than 13,000 structures, including temples and stupas; today, around 2,200 remain, but I assure you that the city is still absolutely fascinating. In 2019, Bagan was finally added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to check out my Myanmar travel guide.
Bagan, Myanmar.
Laos
Daily Budget: 25-30€
Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is one of the least explored and often overlooked countries in Southeast Asia.
It may be that it’s the only landlocked country in the region, or that it doesn’t have iconic attractions like Bagan in Myanmar or Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Whatever the reason, Laos attracts a fraction of the tourists that other countries in Southeast Asia do. But I assure you, it hides many gems that are absolutely worth seeing.
The charm of Laos may lie in its simplicity, which many travelers seem to appreciate—so much so that more than a few consider it their favorite destination in the region.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to check out my Laos travel guide.
Kuang Si Falls, Laos.
Cambodia
Daily Budget: 25-30€
Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is also often overlooked in favor of other destinations in Southeast Asia. However, the country boasts more than a few fascinating destinations.
Angkor Wat, the world’s largest temple complex and the most visited archaeological site in Southeast Asia; paradisiacal islands in the south; pristine forests; and a rich, though tragic, recent history, including one of the worst genocides in modern history.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to consult my Cambodia travel guide.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
Vietnam
Daily Budget: 20-25€
Vietnam boasts surreal landscapes that change dramatically from north to south, a rich cultural heritage, and a cuisine that is nothing short of delicious—all at rock-bottom prices, which, in my opinion, make it the cheapest country in the region and possibly my favorite.
If you’re looking for breathtaking beaches and paradise islands, you might want to look elsewhere, but for everything else, I think Vietnam is a truly fascinating destination.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to check out my Vietnam travel guide.
Since I no longer run ads, if you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site. Doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU and UK residents, I recommend True Traveller. For everyone else, I recommend HeyMondo, which offers a 5% discount. Thank you for your support!
Mù Cang Chải, Vietnam.
Philippines
Daily Budget: 30-35€
The Philippines is a tropical paradise made up of more than 7,000 islands. Known for its breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, some of the best diving sites in the world, and the warmth and hospitality of its people, it’s easy to communicate as English is one of the official languages. The country also has a rich history and culture shaped by its Spanish and American colonial past.
The cost of living in the Philippines is relatively low, making it one of the cheaper countries in the region. However, its geography makes travel significantly more expensive than in other countries, which raises the daily budget considerably.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to check out my Philippines travel guide.
Twin Lagoon, Philippines.
Brunei
Daily Budget: 35-40€
The small sultanate of Brunei is certainly not a must-see destination, but I recommend that anyone planning to visit the island of Borneo spend at least a few days there. If you decide to travel overland from one part of Malaysian Borneo to another, Brunei becomes an almost unavoidable stop.
The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, boasts some truly impressive mosques, to say the least, along with a few other noteworthy sites where you can discover the history of this small country, of which many people don’t even know exists. The cost of living is high, especially when it comes to accommodation, but a couple of days in the city shouldn’t impact your budget too much.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to consult my Brunei travel guide.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Brunei.
Indonesia
Daily Budget: 25-30€
Indonesia is an archipelago with more islands than one could realistically visit. It’s home to Bali, the famous Island of the Gods; Komodo National Park, known for its legendary dragons; and some of the best dive sites in the world. With its varied landscapes—from mountainous areas to rice terraces, and culminating in beautiful beaches—plus a rich culture, numerous temples, and excellent surfing, Indonesia is undoubtedly a spectacular destination.
If you stick to the main islands and avoid the particularly touristy areas in and around Bali, Indonesia is extremely affordable. It’s perhaps the cheapest country in Southeast Asia alongside Vietnam. However, the moment you start visiting less popular and remote islands, costs can increase considerably.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to check out my Indonesia travel guide.
Kelingking Beach, Indonesia.
Singapore
Daily Budget: 35-45€
Clean, organized, and futuristic, the prosperous city-state of Singapore truly feels like another world compared to other Southeast Asian countries. It’s a fascinating and easy destination to explore, perfect for anyone who wants to avoid the chaos that often characterizes other countries in the region—though this comes at the cost of a fairly high cost of living. In fact, Singapore is by no means a cheap destination, especially when compared to its neighboring countries.
That said, it’s a city that can easily be explored in just a few days, and especially on a long-term trip, it shouldn’t significantly affect your budget.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to check out my Singapore travel guide.
Marina Bay, Singapore.
Malaysia
Daily Budget: 25-30€
Often overlooked in favor of more popular Southeast Asian destinations, Malaysia has much more to offer than people might imagine—especially when you include the island of Borneo in your itinerary. From the modern city of Kuala Lumpur to the numerous national parks that are home to species unique to the planet, as well as some of the world’s best beaches and diving spots, Malaysia certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is especially true if you venture beyond the well-trodden path of peninsular Malaysia.
For itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I invite you to consult my Malaysia travel guide.
Orangutan, Malaysia.
To conclude, if you’re wondering about the cost of a touring trip to Southeast Asia, if you stick to the travel style described above, a comfortable budget would be around €1,000 per month. Of course, there are countries where you’ll exceed this, and others where you’ll spend less, but from personal experience and the feedback of other travelers, this is a realistic estimate. In many of the guides, you’ll find exact figures on how much I personally spent.
Travel Itineraries in Southeast Asia
With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, abundant biodiversity typical of countries straddling the equator, picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and incredible food—all topped off with budget-friendly prices and a higher level of safety than many other developing countries—Southeast Asia is a dream destination. Its legendary Banana Pancake Trail is a hotspot for backpackers from around the world. The itineraries covering the region’s most popular destinations are now well-established, offering both advantages (easy travel, excellent hostels due to strong competition, and a lively atmosphere for meeting and making friends) and disadvantages (crowded spots, tourist traps, etc.).
For those planning to visit multiple countries—or perhaps the entire region—the itinerary many travelers follow is roughly illustrated on the map below. Detailed information on where and how to cross borders can be found in each country’s travel guide.
As for timing, if you plan to visit all the countries during the same trip, I suggest at least six months as a good starting point. This would give you the chance to explore all the major attractions in each country without rushing every other day. That said, if you prefer a slower pace and want to visit less touristy spots, you can easily spend nine or more months traveling around the region without feeling like you’ve seen “everything.”
Backpacking Southeast Asia: What to Bring
Southeast Asia is a fantastic region for minimalist travelers. Except for a few mountainous areas, the weather is consistently hot, so there’s no need to carry a heavy, bulky wardrobe. It’s common to see travelers with 30-liter backpacks, and I myself spent an entire year in the region with just a 40-liter bag, even with my camera gear and computer. Essentially, traveling light is far from impossible. I recommend checking out my packing list for tips on how to organize your backpack efficiently.
Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia.
As for staying connected, many people ask me which SIM card to choose. The fact is, there are no roaming agreements between countries like there are within the European Union. If you want to stay connected all the time, I suggest buying a local SIM card when you enter each new country. That said, I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to do so. You can easily travel through the region without being constantly online. It may sound strange, but during my entire time traveling in South and Central America, I never used a local SIM. I only relied on Wi-Fi when available, and in general, I find being disconnected isn’t as bad as it may seem. To navigate cities, you can simply download offline maps and the necessary guides. For more details on the best operators in each country, you’ll find specific information in the individual guides.
Kelimutu National Park, Indonesia.
Backpacking Southeast Asia: Safety
Is it safe to travel to Southeast Asia? In general, yes. Like anywhere else in the world, common sense should always be used. However, Southeast Asia is considered one of the safest regions globally. According to the Global Peace Index, which is often used to measure a country’s safety, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos have safety ratings comparable to many European countries, and in some cases, even better.
If we exclude Myanmar, which is unfortunately embroiled in a civil war, and certain areas in the southern Philippines, I truly believe that safety should not be a major concern in the region. Check out my tips on how to travel safely, and you’ll see that you’ll be just fine.
Are you planning a trip to Southeast Asia? Check out these posts:
Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram!
Since I no longer run ads, if you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site. Doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU and UK residents, I recommend True Traveller. For everyone else, I recommend HeyMondo, which offers a 5% discount. Thank you for your support!
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