travelling south east asia in february

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Best & Worst Times to Visit Southeast Asia 2024/2025, Rainy Season...

Southeast Asia lies within the tropics, with southern areas close to the equator, and so it's warm all year round. Average temperatures are around 27°C (80°F).

The climate varies significantly across the region of Southeast Asia. This makes it a year-round travel destination. The best time to visit will really come down to which country you would like to visit and what you want to do.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit most places in Southeast Asia is from November to February when the weather is dry (driest) and warm (on average) . Wet-season monsoon rains fall from June to October in most SE Asian countries.

• Weather Guide
• Best Times for Beaches
• Worst Times to Visit
• Travel Guide by Country
• Travel Guide by Month

Southeast Asia Weather Guide

Not all countries in Southeast Asia share the same seasons at the same time. There are some regional differences. They are roughly divided into two weather patterns.

There are three main seasons in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines :

• Dry season: November to February
• Hot season: March to May
• Rainy season: June to October

There are two main seasons in Malaysia, Indonesia (Bali), and Singapore :

• Dry season: April to September
• Rainy season: October to March

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Most travelers choose to visit mainland Southeast Asia during its dry season as it's not so hot with little rain. During this time, go to the busy places as early or late in the peak season as you cann to avoid the crowds, such as the Grand Palace in Thailand and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

The weather in the hot season, consistently getting to around 38°C (100°F). But it is a good time for the water fun at the beach. 

The rainy season is not so good, but you will find fewer crowds and lower prices for flights and accommodation. Travel to Southeast Asia in Summer: Places to Go, Costs, Weather

Check out how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia >>>

Best Times for Beaches in Southeast Asia

• Thailand and Vietnam : November to early April
• Indonesia and Malaysia : April to October

If you hope to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the sea , generally speaking, the best time to visit Southeast Asia's beaches is from November through early April when the weather is usually sunny and dry, and it's not too hot or too cool. The beaches in many countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are at their best during this period.

But if you would like to enjoy your beach vacation in Indonesia (like in Bali) or Malaysia's east coast (like on the Perhentian Islands or Tioman Island), the best time to go is between April and October .

If you're traveling to the beaches during the wet season, you should expect some rainy days, but there will also be days where it only rains for a short while and then the sun comes out. You'll find that hotel and resort prices are considerably cheaper during the rainy season .

Suggested read: Itinerary ideas for 10 days , 2 weeks , 3 weeks , 4 weeks , 5 weeks & 6 weeks in Southeast Asia>>>

Worst Times to Visit Southeast Asia

June to October is the rainy season and is generally considered to be the worst time to visit Southeast Asia. There will be some discomfort or inconvenience if you travel during these months. 

However, these worst times for the travel trade have benefits. You can enjoy very reasonable price and less-crowded beaches and temples. In addition, as  the rain in Southeast Asia is so predictable (it usually rains in the afternoon and at night) , it's easy to plan around the weather. This means there's not so much of a problem in traveling to Southeast Asia during the off-season, as long as you know what to expect and plan well.

If you are visiting northern Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Philippines) and particularly concerned about the weather, we would like to suggest you avoid April (the hottest month) and September (the wettest month). For dry experiences, you could visit Singapore and Bali  instead, which enjoy the best time from April to October.

Further reading:  How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore >>>

Best Times to Visit Different Countries in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a large region. It is warm all year round. No matter when you visit, you will find a place that matches your interests and preferences.

Click the country name below to check the best travel time.

Best Times to Visit Thailand

Generally, the most popular time to visit Thailand is between November and early April when it is the cool and dry season. Northern and Southern Thailand experience different climates.

Southern Thailand :Southern Thailand is a perfect destination if you are looking for an excellent vacation on beautiful beaches, such as Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi on the west coast, or Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui on the east coast. The best time to visit Southern Thailand is from February to April when the weather is nice and sunny.

Northern Thailand :If you are going to visit Northern Thailand – including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, and Pattaya – you can consider visiting from October to January .

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Best Times to Visit Vietnam

The weather varies in northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Although the best time for travel depends on the region you visit, November to April are the best months to travel in most places of the country. See more about the Vietnam weather .

North Vietnam : North Vietnam includes Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and other great destinations. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is warm and dry. In the mountainous regions, it can be covered in ice from December until January.

Central Vietnam : If you are planning to visit Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hue in Central Vietnam, you can travel in the period from January to April . You can expect perfect beach weather — blue skies, warm sun, and gentle sea breezes.

South Vietnam : If you are traveling to South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne), the ideal time is from November to March . It can be hot from March to May, with an average temperature of up to 32°C/90°F.

Best Times to Visit Singapore

Singapore is a wonderful year-round destination with good weather. Unlike many destinations in Southeast Asia, there isn't that much of a difference between the wet season (October to March) and the slightly drier summer season (April to September).

You might find it strange that the peak season is from November to early January even though there is some rain and it is a little wet. Singapore is crowded with travelers, particularly during Chinese New Year.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit between February and May when the country is not overloaded with too many tourists and the weather is slightly hot. June to August is the driest time although it is unavoidable to encounter flash thunderstorms and stifling humidity.

Best Times to Visit Cambodia

Weather-wise, the best time to go to Cambodia is between November and April when it is sunny and dry. It is perfect if you are going to spend some time on a beach or hike through the jungles of Cambodia.

If you want to experience the country's fresh and lush greenery and quiet temples , the wet season (May to October) can be a good time. Heavy rains can occur but they only last for 1 or 2 hours in the afternoon.

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Best Times to Visit Myanmar (Burma)

The best time to visit most of Myanmar is from November to February when there are warm and dry days.

If you intend to visit areas in and around Mandalay and Bagan , which are the hottest and driest regions of Myanmar, you'd better avoid March to May as temperatures can rise to over 40°C/104°F. The wet season from June to October is considered a good season even though there is a bit of rain and it is good to avoid the winter crowds.

• 14-Day Myanmar and Thailand Essence Tour

Best Time to Visit Laos

Laos, a small and landlocked country in Southeast Asia, has a dry season (October to late April) and a wet season (May to late September).

If you are looking for warm and dry weather and want to enjoy outdoor activities, the ideal months to travel in Laos are from November to January , with temperatures ranging from 14–26°C (57°–79°F). This is also an excellent time for exploring the Mekong River.

• 17-Day tour to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos

Best Times to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia has a classic equatorial climate with plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, and wet months throughout the year.

The best month to visit Malaysia depends on which side of the country you are going to visit. The seasons on each side of the peninsula are different.

The best time to visit the western islands is from December to February, while the perfect time to visit the east coast is from June to August.

• 32-Day Grand Southeast Asia Expedition: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia Tour

Best Times to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia is a year-round destination with warm tropical temperatures averaging 28°C/82°F throughout the year. The dry season in Indonesia spans from May to September and the wet season is between October and April.

If you plan to dive off the coast of Bali, Lombok, and Komodo National Park or want to plan to climb one of Indonesia's many volcanoes, the dry months from April to September are a great time.

If you are looking for good weather as well as fewer crowds, you can visit Indonesia in May, June, and September.

>>>Read about how to plan a trip to Thailand, Singapore and Bali

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide by Month

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.

January Travel in Southeast Asia

January is one of the most popular travel periods for Southeast Asia. It's warm and dry in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Philippines, with temperatures hovering between 20°C (68°F) and the low 30s °C (86+°F) in most places.

Many visitors choose to spend their Christmas and New Year holidays on the sunny beaches. Diving and snorkeling are at their best during this period. Avoid the east coast of Malaysia and Bali, though, as it's the rainy season peak there.

You might like to join in Lunar New Year celebrations in (the Chinatowns of) these countries. In 2024, Lunar New Year is observed on February 9nd.

Reveal the top January destinations in Southeast Asia >>>

February Travel in Southeast Asia

Explore lively Bangkok in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam in February before the heat of March. The temperature ranges between 20°C (68°F) and the low 30s °C (86+°F) in most places.

You are likely to experience rainfall only every four or five days, so you can spend the rest of your time trekking in the national parks, tasting yummy foods in the night markets, or listening to the holy chanting in the temples.

Book your hotels and flights 2–3 months in advance to ensure their availability and for better prices. Contact us for hotel recommendations.

Discover the must-visit spots in Southeast Asia this Febuary >>>

March Travel in Southeast Asia

The hot season arrives in March. Good deals for hotels and flights and fewer crowds make March a good month to travel for some.

With temperatures hitting the mid-30s °C (the 90s °F) on most days , March is a good time to swim in the sea, bath the elephants in a sanctuary or cruise on Halong Bay.

Start your touring/activities in the early morning to find some coolness.

Check more weather details, best places to go and costs in Southeast Asia in March >>>

April Travel in Southeast Asia

April is the hottest month in Southeast Asia. In some places, afternoon temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F).

A welcome chance to cool down comes with the water fights of Songkran Festival in Thailand from April 13th to 15th.

Laotians also celebrate their New Year from April 14th to 16th. It is a good opportunity to soak in Laos traditions, including washing Buddha statues, painting temples, candlelight processions around the temples, and splashing water on each other.

If you can handle the hot weather, April travel in Southeast Asia is full of traditional festivities. Find more weather details, best places to go and costs in Southeast Asia in April >>>

May Travel in Southeast Asia

May is the last month before the rainy season in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Temperatures in many areas are 35–40°C (95–104°F) . But, compared to April, May sees a welcome drop in temperature in some regions.

Rainfall starts to increase towards the end of the month, with more than half of the month seeing short thunder showers that last for about an hour. For most of the day touring is not affected.

For sunny beaches, Indonesia and the east coast of Malaysia are great options.

Find more travel-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia in May >>>

June Travel in Southeast Asia

June is the shoulder season in mainland Southeast Asia as it's in the monsoon season. The average daily maximum reaches around 33°C (91°F) and the average daily minimum is around 26°C (79°F) .

Thailand can expect an average of 15 to 22 days of rain in June. However, the rain is usually short-lived, occurring in short bursts in the afternoon or evening.

Indonesia and Malaysia provide visitors more dry days and ripe fruits in June.

Compared with the summer holiday crowds in July and August, June is still a good time to go.

July Travel in Southeast Asia

Though still in the rainy season, in mainland Southeast Asia, you will encounter more visitors in July than in June , as July is school holiday time for many countries.

The short-lived rains usually occur in the afternoon or evening. The average temperature is around 29°C (84°F) , and there is not a big temperature difference between day and night.

July is the peak season for Malaysia's east coast and Indonesia because of their dry (drier) weather and the summer holidays.

Typhoons happen frequently in Halong Bay in Vietnam . Your cruise might be canceled for safety. Always get insurance if you wish to cruise at this time.

Get some ideas about the best destinations to go in Southeast Asia in July >>>

August Travel in Southeast Asia

Like July, August is still in the rainy season in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The rains can be sporadic and unpredictable. The average temperature in August is 29°C (84°F) . Indoor activities are more advisable.

You're suggested to buy insurance if you plan to take a Halong Bay cruise in Vietnam as typhoons are likely to stop some cruises.

Indonesia and Malaysia's East Coast could be a better choice if you are seeking boat trips on the sea and sunny beaches.

Make tour reservation at least 3 months in advance for better deals.

See the best destinations to go in Southeast Asia in August >>>

September Travel in Southeast Asia

September is the wettest month in most areas of Southeast Asia. Heavy downpours are expected in the afternoon and evening with daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and nighttime temperatures about 25°C (77°F) .

You will see much lower traveler numbers in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand in September as the rainy season peaks and the summer crowds have gone. The harvesting of the terraced rice fields in Sapa in north Vietnam begins. The golden yellow views and farmers working in the fields make a Sapa trek even more rewarding.

It is still hot and dry in Indonesia. With better hotel deals than in July and August, September is good time to relax on the sunny beaches of Bali.

October Travel in Southeast Asia

From October, the rain starts to increase in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, while northern Southeast Asian countries are ready to welcome their dry season. The average daily maximum and minimum temperatures in October for most areas are around 31°C (88°F) and 24°C (75°F) respectively .

The cooler temperatures, clearer views, and fewer travelers make October one of the best times to visit Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

November Travel in Southeast Asia

From November, the rainy season sets in for Indonesia, while the dry season really begins in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. November sees the start of Thailand's cool (warm) season. Days are usually hot (but not too hot) with balmy evenings. The average daily maximum is 31°C (88°F) and the average daily minimum is 24°C (75°F) .

Because of the pleasant weather and the Loy Krathong Festival (November 27th to 28th, 2023) , Thailand's peak travel season starts in November.

Avoid Koh Samui if you prefer sunny beaches. Unlike in Krabi or Phuket, November is the peak rainy month in Koh Samui and its side of the peninsula.

Unlock the best places to explore in Southeast Asia during November >>>

December Travel in Southeast Asia

December is good time for a trip to reward yourself for a year's hard work (before your accrued holiday is left untaken).

The temperature range is 24–32°C (75–89°F) on average . Pleasant weather and the Christmas and New Year holidays make travel businesses in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia reach their busiest point in December. You're suggested to make reservations 3 months in advance for better prices and to ensure availability.

Near to the end of the year, hotel/flight rates will increase a lot (1.5 times or even double) based on the large demand. Christmas or New Year dinners are usually fully booked in popular hotels/restaurants. Book that early too!

Singapore and Thailand are two best places to experience the atomaspheric festivals. Check how to plan a trip to Singapore and Thailand

For more weather details, check Southeast Asia Weather in December

Travel in Southeast Asia Your Way

Southeast Asia is a beautiful year-round destination and you're bound to have a good time no matter when you visit. We take everything, including the weather, into consideration when designing the best possible itinerary for you.

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Jessie was amazing ! Everything from her level of English to her understanding of what we valued .

We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

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17 Best Asia destinations in February of 2024

February can be an excellent month to visit Asia, with relatively mild weather in most of the popular southeast Asia cities and beach areas. And by February, some of the winter crowds from Europe and North America are thinning out, so hotels are usually cheap and crowds are shrinking at the beaches and attractions. If you are open to other places in the world you should see our list of the best cheap destinations with great weather in February , which has more options in the Americas.

We check hotel rates every year in all of the cities listed below and in most of the cities the room rates are actually down from the last year or two. There are some amazing bargains on the list below for those with at least two weeks or so to tour multiple Asian cities. Almost all of the places below have their nicest weather of the year in February so this is a perfect time if you can pull it off.

Note: This article was updated in November, 2023.

Important Asia holidays in 2024

• February 10 to 17 – Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year (major public holiday in many Asian countries)
• February 14 – Valentine’s Day (Global, but no closures)
• February 23 – Emperor’s Birthday holiday (Japan)

17 Best destinations in Asia for February

Bangkok, thailand.

• February avg high: 91°F/33°C
• February avg low: 74°F/23°C
• February avg precip: 1.2″/3.0cm

A modern city like Bangkok has its share of 4-star and 5-star hotels that are as expensive as anywhere, but it’s also got a huge group of hostels and more affordable hotels that are always great bargains. Stay in the Khosan Road area if you are a backpacker or stay in the Siam Square area if you are coming more to shop. Bangkok hotel rates in 2024 are down from the last couple of years so this looks like a good time to visit.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$27 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$40 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$11 per person

>> Check hotel deals for Bangkok >>> Bangkok prices and travel tips

Phuket, Thailand

• February avg low: 75°F/24°C
• February avg precip: 0.8″/2.0cm

There are amazing and posh beach hotels and resorts in the hills overlooking the beaches, but there are also more modest hotels a few blocks away from the beach. This can seem like an expensive area at first, though it doesn’t have to be. Flights into Phuket are also usually good value. There are hotels available starting at the rates mentioned below, but if you want an international hotel right on the beach, you’ll be spending US$150 or more this time of year. If you can afford it then it can be a good move because there will be no surprises, but sometimes part of the fun of visiting a foreign country is to try something more local.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$22 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$45 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$13 per person

>> Check hotel and resort deals for Phuket >>> Phuket prices and travel tips

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• February avg high: 90°F/32°C
• February avg low: 59°F/15°C
• February avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm

Chiang Mai is also possibly the best-value tourist location in the world, as hotels and hostels are typically half what they cost in Bangkok, and Bangkok is already fairly reasonable. The food here is different from the south, and also fantastic, at least for those who love spicy and adventurous fare. Chiang Mai is also a favorite stop among those who can work from anywhere, with very affordable apartments and decent internet. If you are considering this you should start looking in the area northwest of the city walls, as this is where most of the expat community is centered. For less than US$50 per night you can get a really nice hotel in February with a pool and included breakfast.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$16 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$38 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$7 per person

>> Check hotel deals for Chiang Mai >>> Chiang Mai prices and travel tips

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• February avg low: 73°F/23°C
• February avg precip: 6.5″/16.3cm

Starting in March, KL, as they call it, gets even more rain, so February is one of the best months. Compared to Bangkok this city is just a bit more expensive, but it’s FAR cheaper than Singapore, which it also has a lot in common with. They also have a new and modern airport with cheap flights to and from everywhere, so this is a good hub or base. If you are interested in shopping and nightlife it can be wise to stay in the Bukit Bintang district and you’ll be walking distance from everything.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$25 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$55 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$10 per person

>> Check hotel deals for Kuala Lumpur >>> Kuala Lumpur prices and travel tips

• February avg high: 88°F/31°C
• February avg low: 76°F/24°C
• February avg precip: 6.8″/17.0cm

February is a cooler month in most of southeast Asia, but Singapore sits nearly on the equator, so it’s hot every day of the year and you just want to avoid the rainiest months. February is one of the drier months, so it’s an ideal time to visit.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$118 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$160 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$29 per person

>> Check hotel deals for Singapore >>> Singapore prices and travel tips

Siem Reap, Cambodia

• February avg high: 92°F/33°C
• February avg low: 72°F/22°C

Plan on at least one full day at the temples and also a day ticket gets you in for the sunset on the day before, which is very worthwhile. There are many other things to do in town and in the area, and everything except for the temple entrance is refreshingly cheap. Siem Reap hotels are looking very cheap once again in 2024 so this is definitely a place where you can splurge a bit and still spend almost nothing.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$20 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$32 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$6 per person

>> Check hotel deals for Siem Reap >>> Siem Reap prices and travel tips

Luang Prabang, Laos

• February avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm

Luang Prabang is Laos’s main tourist town and it’s far more interesting than the capital, Vientiane. Many people come or go on the famous slow boat cruise that goes between here and the Thai border. The 2-day version is pleasant while the 1-day version is expensive and sometimes dangerous. Thanks to the Chinese you can now take a high-speed train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in just a few hours, which is definitely the way to go.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$34 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$88 for two people

>> Check hotel deals for Luang Prabang >>> Luang Prabang prices and travel tips

Hanoi, Vietnam

• February avg high: 67°F/19°C
• February avg low: 60°F/16°C

Another wonderful thing about Hanoi is that it’s one of Asia’s cheapest tourist cities. Rooms in clean and nice family-run hotels start around US$16 per night, and for US$30 or US$40 per night you can get something surprisingly nice in a great location. The food here is excellent, and incredibly cheap if you eat on the sidewalks in the tiny plastic chairs alongside the locals.

• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$41 for two people

>> Check hotel deals for Hanoi >>> Hanoi prices and travel tips

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The hotels here are a bit more expensive than in Hanoi, but still great bargains by most standards. It’s worth paying a bit more for a centrally located hotel, to avoid having to deal with public transportation or dodgy taxi drivers. The food here is also some of the most acclaimed in all of Asia, so study a bit and you’ll probably love it too.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$24 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$48 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$9 per person

>> Check hotel deals for Ho Chi Minh City >>> Ho Chi Minh City prices and travel tips

• February avg high: 66°F/19°C
• February avg low: 58°F/14°C
• February avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm

Hotels in Hong Kong can be extremely expensive, but unlike Singapore, there are some good bargains mixed in as well. The newer hotels in the prime business districts on Hong Kong Island and even in Kowloon are expensive. Still, if you aren’t visiting for business you can find something very nice for half that price not far away. The food here is also cheap if you follow the locals into the corner noodle shops instead of the expat restaurants with English signs out front.

As 2024 approaches, it’s worth checking the news from Hong Kong to see if it’s worth visiting. Since 2019, the mainland Chinese government started cracking down on locals and many fled, but it seems to have calmed down a lot since then. At this point, visiting Hong Kong is a bit like visiting Beijing so you have to be at least a bit careful and it’s probably still worth it.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$95 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$113 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$27 per person

>> Check current hotel promotions for Hong Kong >>> Hong Kong prices and travel tips

Boracay Island, Philippines

• February average high: 82°F/28°C
• February average low: 74°F/23°C
• February avg precip: 1.8″/4.5cm

Boracay Island isn’t the cheapest beach resort in Asia, but the value is still fantastic. As mentioned, every hotel is either on the beach or a short walk away, so each of them has a great location. Drinks here are famously cheap, and you can get a surprisingly good dinner buffet on the beach for a modest amount. Boracay Island was closed for 6 months in 2018 to improve the infrastructure, so it’s now nicer than it was not long ago.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$42 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$82 for two people

>> Check Boracay resort deals >>> Boracay Island prices and travel tips

Malé, Maldives

• February avg high: 84°F/29°C
• February avg low: 79°F/26°C
• February avg precip: 1.5″/3.8cm

Water villas in the Maldives  start at around US$300 per night, but the best value places are the all-inclusive resorts starting around US$600 per night.  Meeru Island Resort  is the largest of these and almost always offers the best deals. It’s not exactly cheap, but read the reviews and you’ll see why it’s worth it.

• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$187 for two people

>> Malé prices and travel tips

Pokhara, Nepal

• February avg high: 64°F/18°C
• February avg low: 43°F/6°C

The February weather is cool, but at least it’s usually totally dry. This town only has 4 or 5 good months of weather each year, and February is one of them. The treks with professional guides aren’t cheap, but everything else feels very inexpensive. This is actually the world’s cheapest tourist city most years based on our annual  Global Backpacker Index .

• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$70 for two people

>> Check current hotel promotions for Pokhara >>> Pokhara prices and travel tips

Colombo, Sri Lanka

• February avg precip: 2.9″/7.3cm

The hill country just to the east of Colombo is rich with scenery and interesting towns and activities. You’ll have to do some research, of course, but visiting Sri Lanka is fairly easy if you are prepared, and it’s refreshingly cheap as well. There aren’t many hostels for backpackers, but the 3-star hotels are very good value.

This country went through about a year or protests and shortages and some pretty bad inflation, but as of late 2023 we hear that things are pretty normal again and they can use the visitors. There are plenty of other countries where you include a warning and they never seem to recover, but it appears that Sri Lanka is now fine and safe again.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$40 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$74 for two people

>> Check hotel deals for Colombo >>> Colombo prices and travel tips

Delhi/New Delhi, India

• February avg high: 75°F/24°C
• February avg low: 47°F/8°C

Many people come to Delhi as a launching ground for trips to see the Taj Mahal. You have to book it in advance, but that is far better for most people than having to stay in the town of Agra and getting there yourself. The new Delhi Airport is also very modern and has great fares in from all over. For the hotel rates mentioned below you’ll see there is a big difference between 3 and 4-star hotels and you kind of get what you pay for. You can save a lot of money by staying in a family-run hotel, but the standards in those are often lower than elsewhere in the world.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$36 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$156 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$12 per person

>> Check hotel deals for New Delhi >>> Delhi/New Delhi prices and travel tips

• February avg high: 89°F/32°C
• February avg low: 69°F/21°C
• February avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm

Many people will fly directly into the main airport in Goa, but more adventurous people will fly into Mumbai (see below) for a few days and then head to Goa on the train. This is also a nice stop for those on longer trips around India because it’s one of the few places where you don’t deal with overwhelming crowds at each turn. Choosing a hotel anywhere in India can be a challenge because most places have very few reviews and standards here run the gamut from horrendous to amazing.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$51 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$58 for two people

>> Check current hotel promotions for Goa >>> Goa prices and travel tips

Mumbai, India

• February avg low: 63°F/17°C
• February avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

Hotels in Mumbai tend to be the most expensive in the country, partly because the tourist zones on the southern peninsula have no available real estate. If this is your first trip to India it’s probably wise to stay in Mumbai for no more than 3 days or so. Like all other large Indian cities, it can be overwhelming even for experienced travelers.

• Good 3-star hotels in February from US$59 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in February from US$129 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in February from US$14 per person

>>> Check current hotel promotions for Mumbai >>> Mumbai prices and travel tips

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3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary & Travel Planning Guide

Julie Last updated: February 2, 2024 Cambodia , Itinerary , Laos , Myanmar , Thailand , Vietnam 59 Comments

Southeast Asia is the land of ancient temples, tropical beaches, metropolitan cities, mountain villages, and an endless supply of cultural experiences. This 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary allows you not only to see the highlights of this part of the world, but to also to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.

On this Southeast Asia itinerary, explore the temples of Siem Reap, go island hopping in Krabi, drift down the Mekong River in Laos, visit the big cities of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, cruise Ha Long Bay, cycle among the temples of Bagan, tour the floating markets in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, and spend several days in Luang Prabang, a wonderful French town in Laos. This trip will leave you with memories and stories to tell for the rest of your life.

Table of Contents

What is Southeast Asia?

Technically speaking, the term Southeast Asia refers to a subregion of Asia, bound by the Indian Ocean to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. And even though it’s a subregion, this area is still massive.

There are two distinct regions of Southeast Asia. The mainland, also called Indochina, includes Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The maritime region includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, East Timor, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary only includes the mainland countries of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

What is Your Traveling Style?

When planning a big trip like this one, there are two schools of thought. Do you like to plan things out in advance or do you want to book your first flight and let the rest of the trip fall into place?

Do you prefer to go with the flow?

As you do your research, you will read the advice of fellow travelers to not plan out your full itinerary. By having a loose schedule, you have the freedom to change your itinerary, stay longer in places that you fall in love with, or leave a place right away if you don’t like it. This also gives you the flexibility to explore new places that you learn about while you are traveling.

There are downfalls of not planning ahead. It may be difficult to find hotels with availability at the last minute (if you are traveling during peak season). Also, trains and planes can get booked and you won’t get a seat on the day you want (this happened to us in Thailand). But for some people, this is worth it to have the freedom of traveling without a set itinerary.

Are you a planner?

Are you the type of traveler who likes to have things planned in advance? We fall into this category. Tim and I are Type A planners, it’s just who we are. We like the idea of having hotels and transportation booked ahead of time…it’s one less thing to worry about while traveling. We just show up and check into our hotel. Trains, planes, and automobiles are booked so we don’t have to figure out how to get from point A to point B. Without these “hassles,” we feel like we enjoy our time spent in each spot just a little bit more.

Of course, there have been times we wished we could have stayed longer in spot (Hoi An, Vietnam falls into this category) but our pre-booked flights or trains locked us into a set itinerary.

Best of Both Worlds

You can combine both of these travel styles by laying out a basic itinerary, booking your main flights or trains in advance, and having your first one or two hotels in each country reserved in advance.

Use this itinerary as the basic building block for planning your travels through Southeast Asia or follow it exactly as it is if you like to have things planned out.

Southeast Asia Itinerary

Before our trip to Asia, I spent a lot of time researching routes through Southeast Asia and I think this plan works very well. Using a variety of transportation methods, you will weave your way through Southeast Asia, hitting the highlights and a few off-the-beaten-path destinations along the way.

This is almost our exact itinerary through Southeast Asia. I did change a few things, just to make it easier to get visas or to add time in spots that we really enjoyed.

Time Frame: 12 Days

Yangon: 5 Days

Arrive in Yangon, Myanmar. It may take a day or two to adjust to the time change, depending on where you are coming from.

Top Experiences

• Shwedagon Pagoda
• Chaukhtatgyi Buddha
• The Sitting Buddha at Ngahtatgyi Paya
• Bogyoke Aung San Market
• Day Trip to Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock)

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

Bus to Bagan: 1 day

We booked our bus tickets while in Yangon. To get from Yangon to Bagan, you can take an overnight bus or you can take a daytime bus directly to Bagan. Either way, the journey takes 9 to 12 hours (in our experience, it took 10 hours). Make sure you book a VIP bus. On a VIP bus you get air-conditioning, reclining seats, and we even had our own TV screen with movies.

We used Elite Express and had a great experience (it was our best bus ride during our 9 months in Asia) but JJ Express also gets great reviews.

Bagan: 3 Days

For most travelers, Bagan is the highlight of a trip to Myanmar. This is the land of thousands of temples, and what better way to explore them than by bicycle or hot air balloon?

• Watch the sunset from the top of a temple
• Sunrise hot air balloon ride
• Explore Bagan by bicycle

READ MORE:   A Hot Air Balloon Ride over Bagan

Bus to Mandalay: 1 Day

We booked our bus through our hotel. Again, make sure you book a VIP bus. It takes about 5 hours to travel from Bagan to Mandalay.

Mandalay: 1 Day

One day in Mandalay is enough time to see the main sites. Mandalay does not have the charm of Bagan or the same cool vibe of Yangon, but there are a few very worthwhile places to visit.

• U-Bein Bridge
• Mahamuni Buddha Temple
• See the monks at Mahagandayon Monastery

U Min Thonze Pagoda

Fly to Bangkok, Thailand: 1 Day

Time frame: 26 days

Bangkok: 4 days

Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city. This is where modern malls and skyscrapers collide with old floating markets and golden temples. In Bangkok, explore the temples, go shopping at Chatuchak Market, get your fill of street food, and explore the city by tuk-tuk.

• The Grand Palace
• Go shopping in Chatuchak Market
• Khao San Road
• Get a Thai Massage
• Have dinner in Chinatown
• Jim Thompson House
• See Wat Arun at sunset

Krabi: 10 Days

Looking for a slice of tropical paradise? In Thailand, there are lots of gorgeous beaches and islands to choose from.

Ao Nang, in Krabi, is a great place to stay, with easy access to Railay Beach and Phra Nang Cave Beach, and lots of options to day trip out to the Phi Phi Islands and a handful of tiny Thai islands. If you want to learn how to rock climb, this is one of the best places in the world to learn.

• Learn how to rock climb
• Go sea kayaking
• Swim with bioluminescent plankton
• Day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, Bamboo Island, and more
• Go snorkeling

Overlooking Phra Nang Beach

Ten days is a lot of time to spend in Krabi, although we spent nine wonderful days here and were glad to have so much time. If the idea of sitting still in one spot for so long doesn’t appeal to you, you can spend several nights on Ko Lanta.

Getting to Krabi: The easiest way to get to Krabi from Bangkok is to take a direct flight. Flights last 1 hour 10 minutes and you can get round trip tickets as cheap as $40.

READ MORE:   Island Hopping Off of the Coast of Thailand

Bangkok: 1 Day

Fly back to Bangkok. From here, you will start a road trip up through Thailand towards Chiang Mai, stopping at several ancient cities along the way.

Ayutthaya: 1 Day

Here’s an interesting fact: Ayutthaya was the largest city in the world in 1700. Merchants sailed here from Europe, India, Japan, China, and the Middle East. In 1767 it was attacked by the Burmese and almost completely destroyed. Now, just a handful of buildings and temples remain.

To get here from Bangkok, you can drive, hire a driver, take the bus, take the train or visit Ayutthaya on a tour.

We spent the night in Ayutthaya and the next day we traveled to Sukhothai.

READ MORE:   Visiting Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, Ancient Cities of Siam

Travel to Sukhothai: 1 Day

To travel between Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, take the train, bus, or hire a driver.

Sukhothai: 1 Day

Sukhothai may not have been as large or as grand as Ayutthaya, but the temples and ruins are a lot more interesting to visit. Giant Buddha statues stare down at you with half-lidded eyes. The historical park is flat with wide, paved roads, perfect for exploring by bicycle.

Wat Si Chum

Travel to Chiang Mai: 1 Day

Travel from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by bus, train, or private driver.

Chiang Mai: 5 Days

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is a vastly different experience than Bangkok or Krabi. Chiang Mai offers a mix of outdoor adventure with cultural experiences, food tours, and a chance to get up close with elephants.

• Visit an elephant sanctuary
• Go zip-lining
• Go shopping in the Sunday night market
• Take a Thai cooking class
• Visit the temples

READ MORE:   Ten Fun Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Rai: 2 Days

Chiang Rai is a smaller, less exciting version of Chiang Mai. The main reason for coming here is to visit the White Temple. Take a bus from Chiang Mai (about 3 hours), get settled, and on your second day in Chiang Rai, visit the White Temple. Cycling through the countryside in this part of Thailand adds a little adventure to the experience and makes it even more memorable.

The White Temple

Time frame: 7 days

Mekong River: 2 Days

For us, the two-day journey down the Mekong River in Laos was an experience that was unexpectedly awesome. The journey starts on the Thai-Laos border. For two days, you drift down the Mekong River on a “slow boat” while the gorgeous, mountainous landscapes of northern Laos pass by. The journey is punctuated with a one night stay in Pakbeng. On the afternoon of day 2 you arrive in lovely little Luang Prabang, a French town in the middle of the Laos jungle.

Luang Prabang: 5 Days

The entire town of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. French cafes, small shops, hotels and hostels, and a nightly market makes this one of the coolest small towns in Southeast Asia.

• Go Shopping at the Night Market
• Kuang Si Waterfall
• Climb Mount Phousi
• The Royal Palace Museum

Time Frame: 14 days

Siem Reap: 7 Days

Siem Reap, Cambodia is one of the most amazing spots to visit in Southeast Asia. Not only can you visit ancient Angkor Wat, but there many more temples and ancient palaces to visit. Seven days may sound like a long time, but this gives you plenty of time to explore the temples and get some much needed downtime.

To get here from Laos we took a flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap. Our other option was a series of two to three buses over the course of two days to get between these two cities. Hmmm…a quick flight or a 36 hour bus journey…for us the decision was a no-brainer.

• Watch an Apsara Dance
• Eat scorpions, tarantulas, and other creepy crawlies
• Take a day trip to Tonle Sap
• Take a cooking class

Phnom Penh: 3 Days

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia. Go to Phnom Penh to visit its gilded temples, stroll the waterfront promenade, but to also get a glimpse of Cambodia’s dark history.

• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek Genocidal Center)
• The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Kampot: 4 Days

Kampot is a small town on the coast of Cambodia. It’s a great spot to unwind and relax. While you are here, consider renting motorbikes to explore nearby spots.

• Ride motorbikes up Kotor Mountain
• Stand Up Paddleboarding
• Take a day trip to Kep

Time Frame: 29 days

Phu Quoc Island: 4 Days

From Kampot, you will cross overland into Vietnam and then take a ferry to Phu Quoc Island.

Phu Quoc Island is a tropical island that sits off of the coast of Cambodia, even though it is part of Vietnam. This is a place where it’s worth spending extra money to stay at a nice resort. We stayed at a budget hotel and had a budget experience. If you stay at a mid-range or nicer resort, you will have a prettier, cleaner beach and a better experience.

Mekong Delta: 3 Days

From Phu Quoc, take the ferry back to the mainland and then travel by bus to the Mekong Delta. There are several towns to stay in but Can Tho gets our vote. From here, you can arrange tours into the Mekong Delta and Can Tho is well connected by bus to Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City.

• Day 1: Phu Quoc to Can Tho
• Day 2: Cai Rang floating market tour
• Day 3: Explore more of the Delta and travel to HCMC in the afternoon

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC or Saigon): 3 Days

HCMC is Vietnam’s largest city. This is a city where modern skyscrapers touch the sky, luxurious shopping malls cater to the rich, and where the streets are a sea of motorbikes. It’s a hot, steamy city with several important places to visit, especially if you want to learn more about the Vietnam War.

• Day Trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
• War Remnants Museum
• Take a motorbike tour of the city
• Take a food tour

READ MORE:   Two Days in Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An: 5 Days

It’s easy to fall in love with Hoi An. With its charming shopping streets, ancient architecture, great restaurants, and nearby beaches and rice fields, this may become one of your favorite spots in Vietnam.

• Get around by bicycle or motorbike
• Try as many restaurants as possible
• Walk across the Japanese Bridge
• Spend the day at An Bang Beach
• Take a day trip to Da Nang
• Cycle through the rice fields

Travel to Hue: 1 Day

When traveling from Hoi An to Hue, you can visit My Son Holyland, Marble Mountain, Hai Van Pass, and Lang Co Beach, turning a day of travel into a really cool road trip.

Hue: 2 Days

Hue was the capital city of Vietnam until 1945. The Imperial City and palaces and tombs along the Perfume River attract thousands of visitors here every year.

• Hue Imperial City
• Khai Dinh Tomb
• Thien Mu Pagoda

Hanoi: 4 Days

In Hanoi, the list of sites to visit is low but this is a city that is just fun to wander, especially the Old Quarter.

• Stroll through the Old Quarter
• Visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
• Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Watch a water puppet performance

READ MORE:   A Photojourney through the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Ha Long Bay: 3 Days

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most magical sites. Towering limestone mountains are scattered through the emerald waters of the bay. Picking the three day cruise over the two day cruise allows you to journey deeper into the bay for a more memorable, authentic experience.

Sapa: 3 Days

Spend three days trekking through the misty mountains of Sapa. You can arrange your tour while in Hanoi or book your excursion in advance of your trip.

Fly Home (or continue your travels)

From Hanoi, fly home or continue your travels.

With Additional Time in Vietnam

There are three more places that make it onto a lot of Vietnamese travel itineraries. You can add these if they sound interesting and if you have extra time to spend. Just note that if you follow our itinerary, you will spend 29 days in Vietnam. If you add in more time, you will have to get a different visa.

Nha Trang: This is a popular seaside resort area. I did not include it since you get the beach experience on Phu Quoc and at Hoi An.

Son Doong Cave: Located in central Vietnam, this is the largest cave in the world.

Dalat: This is a French hill town that offers relief from the sweltering heat of summer. Explore the waterfalls and relax in town.

What Visas Will You Need?

Visa requirements are always changing. We do our best to keep these posts updated with the most recent changes, but it’s always a good idea to double check the requirements for each country before you travel. I have included the links for each country in this post.

Tourist visas are valid for 28 days. Citizens of 100 countries can apply online for an e-visa. You will be emailed an approval letter, which you will show to passport officials when you arrive at Yangon Airport. You must travel to Myanmar within 90 days of when the e-visa approval letter is issued.

For full details and to apply for your visa: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/

Citizens of 57 countries (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, countries in the EU, Japan, Israel, etc) who plan to stay in Thailand for 30 days or less do not need a visa.

What we did: We stayed in Thailand for 32 days so we got our visas in advance (at the embassy in Yangon, Myanmar).

This is an easy one. When you cross the border between Thailand and Laos you will get a visa on arrival. The visa costs $30 – $42 depending on your country of citizenship and you can stay in Laos for 30 days.

Read more here.

A one month tourist visas costs $30 and is obtained on arrival at the airport in Siem Reap. You will need one passport-sized photo.

The Vietnam visa process is complicated. You will need a 30-day tourist visa, but the trick is how to obtain it. If you arrive in Vietnam by air, you can get a visa on arrival (VOA). However, if you follow this itinerary, you will arrive by land, so you cannot get a VOA. You will need to obtain your visa in advance. You can do this by applying directly at an embassy or by applying for an e-visa.

To apply for your e-visa (if you are a US citizen), click here.

What We Did: The e-visa was rolled out in 2017, after our visit to Vietnam. We obtained our visas in advance at the embassy in Bangkok.

Best Time to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time to visit southeast Asia is November through March. Temperatures are relatively cool and for the most part, it’s the dry season during this period of time. Peak season is the end of December into early January, when people take their winter vacations.

At the end of March it really starts to heat up. April is typically the hottest month of the year. In May, the rain moves in. This cools things off a little bit, but expect rain showers from May through September.

We started in Myanmar at the very beginning of December. We were in Krabi, Thailand over Christmas. Even though it was crowded and more expensive, it was magical being in Krabi for the holidays, especially for Tyler and Kara. We spent New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai, another magical experience, lighting paper lanterns and watching them soar into the sky at midnight. During the entire month we spent in Vietnam, we got to experience the holiday season of Tet . From Hanoi, we traveled overland into China at the end of February.

Are you planning your Southeast Asia itinerary? If you need help deciding where to go, how to change this itinerary to fit your needs, or travel advice, comment below!

And if you have already toured Southeast Asia and want to add your tips and advice, we’d love to hear from you, too!

Are your travels through Southeast Asia part of a bigger trip? You may find these articles helpful:

How to Travel Around the World

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Around the World?

Our Around the World Itinerary

How to Design an Around the World Itinerary

Or, visit our Start Here page , for travel advice, to research travel destinations, and to find your next adventure.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

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Comments 59

I Love your web site! Can you recommend a travel company similar to Backroads but less expensive to a moderate level active trip to Japan. We are family of 4 – 2 adults and kids ages 18 and 15. Thanks!

Hello Karen. Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with tour companies since we travel independently. But if you have any questions about Japan, I’d be happy to try to answer them! Cheers, Julie

This was so useful to read! Thank you! I’m planning my trip for the beginning of Jan. A solo trip. Sorry if it’s been asked already but as I’m trying to budget, can you give a rough estimate on what it cost?

For our family of four, we were able to do this on $250 a day, but that was almost 10 years. As a solo traveler, you could do it on as little as $100 a day (budget travel) or $200 per day for mid-range travel. Have a great trip! Cheers, Julie

I’m 32 in Feb and looking to travel SE Asia next year, quit my teaching job and go…unfortunately I don’t have the support of close family. They tell me I need to grow up and settle down…which really bursts my bubble of living abroad permanently.

I’d like to teach abroad and maybe even head to Aus to do this.

Can you offer any advice please? I feel like I’m looking for support seeing as I can’t get it from family xx

Love the guide! I am 24 and a girl and planning a SE Asia solo trip. Would you say it’s too dangerous a place to go on my own, or no more so than travelling solo in Europe?

Hello Jenna. That’s a good question. I’ve thought about this a lot, because in a few years, our daughter Kara will be your age and wanting to do trips like this on her own. From our experience, Southeast Asia felt very safe, although we mainly stayed in the touristy areas. As a solo female, I think you have to watch your back a little bit more than a guy would have to. I don’t see Southeast Asia as dangerous, but I think you are going to have to be on your guard a little more than you would in Europe, for scammers, things like that. I have followed several female solo bloggers and they had an overall phenomenal experience without any issues. So, when Kara goes to Southeast Asia on her own, I’ll be a little more nervous than if she was going to France or Germany, but wouldn’t have a problem letting her travel there on her own. Cheers, Julie

Hello Julie Thank you for this amazing website and the many nice experiences you shared! It is a very helpful website when planning first time trip to Asia! I will be going to Japan bevore I head to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and then Malaisia. Thanks to your thorough website, I have already a good idea where I want to go. You mention on several blogs, that you had a guide. Could you advise me how to proceed to find local guides? How did you do it? Did you organise it ahead or once on site? If you maybe still have some names (private guide or agency) that would be very helpful! Thank you in advance for your help and wish you and your beautiful family, amazing upcoming adventure trips! Sophie

Most of our travels in Southeast Asia was without a guide. But when we hired a guide, we usually did it through our hotel or a visitor center in town. I don’t have that information to share any longer, since it has been some time since we traveled through Southeast Asia. But another company you can check is GetYourGuide. We have used them a lot recently, mostly in Europe and New Zealand, and have had very good experiences. Cheers, Julie

Thank you so much Julie for your reply. I will check once i am on site to find a guide. As for the travelling in country, did you manage to hire a car without driver? I would love to do this in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam but I cant find anything online. Since you have been there, would you know if this is possible, hire a care on site without driver? Thank you again for your reply!

We hired a driver for our transportation from Hoi An to Hue. We did it through our hotel. In other places around the world, we have hired drivers through our hotels and it has worked well. So, once you get a hotel booked, you could ask the staff for a recommended driver. This should be possible in most places in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Cheers, Julie

Thank you again Julie!!!!

Hi Julie, I’m beginning to plan a family trip (with my husband and two sons ages 17 and 19) to SE Asia for January 2024. Unfortunately we can only stay there about 18 days. I had originally thought of going to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, but am considering changing Laos for Thailand. Because of the boys, we”d like to plan a trip with as many “adventures” as possible… so we’d like to include things like kayaking, zip-lining, caving, canyoning, swimming in waterfalls, etc. Could you give me some ideas of things like these that are worth doing? Any thoughts on a itinerary that might be possible with the time we have? Thank you so much for your time! I really love following your tips! Have used them in other trips before… Cheers, Letícia

Hello Leticia. That’s exciting that you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia. In Thailand, I definitely recommend spending time at the beach. We really liked Krabi. It was easy to go rock climbing from here, go kayaking, and take boat tours of the islands. Chiang Mai is another great place to base yourself in Thailand for adventure activities. There are multiple places to go ziplining, hiking, and trekking. There might be places in this area that offer ziplining plus canyoning. In Laos, our experiences was limited to the slow boat and time in Luang Prabang, so you’ll have to do some more research there. Another idea is to spend 10 days in Thailand (splitting your time between Chiang Mai and Krabi) and one week in Siem Reap to see the temples. Siem Reap wouldn’t be packed with adventures but seeing the temples are amazing and one of my favorite memories from Southeast Asia. There is a lot to choose from in that part of the world! Cheers, Julie

Hi- We are a family of 4 traveling the for a year. We reference your site and trips often. Currently, we are planning 3 months in SE Asia. What type of accommodation did you find? Any recommendations on where to look for longer stay options? Open to doing something different like a homestay or unique lodging if you have a recommendation. Just booked a week at the Elephant Nature Park- thanks for that tip. We are very excited!

Hello Megan. When we did this (2015) we researched our accommodations on Trip Advisor. Along the way, we stayed mostly in hotels but also a few homestays. The homestay that comes to mind is Chiang Rai Homestay. We were traveling on a budget and trying to keep our lodging price around $50 USD for the day, and in most places was easy to do and still stay in a nice place, but big cities we spent more money. Air BnB might be a website to check for longer stays or unique lodging. We either booked our accommodation directly with the hotel or through Booking.com. Staying at the Elephant Nature Park sounds wonderful! I hope you have a great trip! Cheers, Julie

Would you say Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are must dos? We will most likely land in Bangkok and be quite jet lagged. Wondering whether to make the time to visit those 2 spots or just take the train straight to Chiang Mai?

I don’t think they are must-do’s. I’m glad we saw them, but we had a month, and they were probably our least favorite place we visited in Thailand. Cheers, Julie

Wow!! I’m beginning to plan a trip solo to SEA, around Middle February 2023 to end of April 2023. My retirement trip, I’m now 63 active and healthy. Love your itinerary I also would like to add Bali and fly back to the States from Singapore. Also I would like to fly into Singapore. Can you assist the best way to begin.. I want to do Vietnam/ Laos/Thailand/ want to spend a least 5 days in Keanu, want to do the river cruises on the Mekong Delta, Ha Ling Bay and any hotels you can recommend. Singapore is expensive so 2 days there before I head back to the states. You’re such a seasoned traveler I value your input. Thanks so much for your time I’m thankful that I came across your itinerary by accident. But then again there are no accidents.😉

Hello Wendy. Congratulations on your retirement! If you want to fly into Singapore, you could spend 2 days here, then fly to Ho Chi Minh City and work your way from south to north through Vietnam. Then travel onto Laos and then do Thailand from north to south. From Bangkok, you could fly back to Singapore. You will have to figure out where you want to go and then how much time you want to spend in each spot. Then work out transportation and make your hotel reservations. I don’t have specific hotels to recommend other than what we already list in our articles, but currently we use Booking.com to find and reserve our hotels in advance. It’s a lot to figure out, but it’s also kind of fun, especially knowing that you will be there soon. If you have any other questions, let us know. Cheers, Julie

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When is the best time to visit Southeast Asia?

• Month-by-month

The best time to visit Southeast Asia depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. There are some significant climate variations across the region, but rather than limiting possibilities, this makes Southeast Asia a year-round destination with good conditions for exploring throughout the year.

In general, the cool, dry season lasts from November to April across mainland Southeast Asia and the Philippines making this a good time to visit Thailand, Vietnam or Indochina, while Indonesia and Borneo are drier from April to October, and Malaysia offers year-round sun on one coast or the other.

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Month-by-month guide for travelling in Southeast Asia

Visiting Southeast Asia in January

January is a great time to visit Southeast Asia and is one of the driest months across the northern part of the region, with comfortable temperatures for beach going or more intrepid exploration. Thailand and Malaysia’s west coast beaches are bathed in sunshine, river travel in Vietnam is at its peak, and there are a host of festivals in Myanmar and the Philippines.

Events & Festivals

• Ati-Atihan is the Philippines’ largest festival. It takes place in Kalibo, with street dancing and wild costumes to celebrate an ancient land pact between settlers and indigenous Atis.
• Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year and Naga New Year are celebrated across the region with traditional festivals, drumming and dancing.
• Sinulog is Philippine city Cebu City's biggest annual event, featuring a huge street parade, live music and plenty of food and drink.

Visiting Southeast Asia in February

Pleasant weather across Myanmar makes February a good time to explore the plains, foothills and beaches. High water levels in Tonle Sap and the Mekong make it a good time for river travel in Cambodia, while it’s not too hot for exploring the temples of Angkor. For good-value beach breaks, the west coast of Thailand and Malaysia are good bets.

• Chin National Day (20th February) is a day of celebrating the culture, traditions, history and language of the Chin people in Myanmar. Festivities include traditional bamboo pole dances.
• Tet is the biggest festival of the year in Vietnam, celebrations for the lunar new year can last a week or more and travel may be busier.
• Wat Phou Festival sees Laos’ Buddhists attend a three-day festival in Champasak, taking part in processions, recitals, boat races and dances.

Visiting Southeast Asia in March

It’s shoulder season in Borneo with mostly dry weather, low visitor numbers and promotional rates making it a great time to visit. Thailand and Malaysia are hot and sunny offering the pick of beaches on both coasts, and it’s a great time to visit Halong Bay in Vietnam or Cambodia, but you’ll need to book well in advance.

• Easter brings holy week celebrations in the Philippines, include large-scale religious processions with floats, costumes, masks, food and music.

Visiting Southeast Asia in April

It’s reaching the end of the dry season in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, temperatures are rising and visitor number are high. Book well in advance. It’s a good time to go trekking in Borneo and see orangutans, and Indonesia is beginning to dry out with promotional deals making it a good-value destination at this time of year.

• Songkran in Thailand, Thingyan in Myanmar and Lao New Year are celebrated with scented water thrown in the streets and onto passers-by as a cleansing ritual and a sign of goodwill.

Visiting Southeast Asia in May

May is a great time to visit Borneo, Bali, Lombok or the east coast beaches of Thailand and Malaysia. With long hours of sunshine, clear seas for snorkelling and diving, good orangutan viewing and shoulder-season prices, it’s one of our preferred times of year to travel here. Heat and humidity are building in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in advance of the rains.

• Boun Bang Fai, normally held in May or June, is a festival that marks the sixth month of the lunar calendar in Laos with homemade fireworks and rocket competitions.
• Flores de Mayo is a month-long, countrywide religious festival in the Philippines celebrating the coming of the rains. Processions are sometimes held after dark and lit by candles, creating a wonderful ambience.
• Gawai Dayak is an annual harvest festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak, where it's a public holiday. It's marked by the sharing of food, decorated longhouses and traditional dress.

Visiting Southeast Asia in June

Diving season is at its peak in Tioman, Redang and the Perhentians off Malaysia’s east coast, while Indonesia and Borneo are hot and dry with ripe fruit drawing orangutans to lower branches making forest treks particularly rewarding. June is shoulder season in Thailand and Central Vietnam and a good time to find a hotel deal before the European school holidays begin.

• Chinlone Festival lasts for almost a month. This Mandalay festival sees hundreds of chinlone (cane ball) teams compete in the traditional sport of Myanmar to live music.

Visiting Southeast Asia in July

It’s peak season on Malaysia’s east coast and in Indonesia with great visibility for diving but higher prices and busier resorts. Good orangutan sightings and turtles on the beaches makes Borneo a popular destination. Central Vietnam is hot and sunny and cruising along the Chindwin River in Myanmar is at its peak but the rains make road travel difficult.

• Borneo Cultural Festival is a ten-day annual festival held in Sibu with music performances, contests and plenty of good food.
• Rainforest Music Festival brings renowned world musicians and indigenous musicians of Borneo gather in Kuching to perform, with lectures and workshops for visitors.

Visiting Southeast Asia in August

A great time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Borneo, the weather is hot and dry in August with turtle hatchlings on the beaches and great trekking but busy hotels. It’s peak season in Indonesia with great weather for temple visits, jungle hikes or relaxing on the beach, and the Malaysian east coast beaches are hot and sunny. Book well in advance.

• Taungbyone Nat Festival is a major gathering place for spiritual mediums in Mandalay. This festival attracts pilgrims and visitors in their thousands to make offerings and enjoy dances and other celebrations in honour of two famous nats (spirits).
• Yadana Gu Nat Festival is an eight-day festival in Amarapura in Myanmar, led by spirit mediums said to be possessed by nats (spirits) during the ceremony. Ritual dances and songs are performed and visitors make offerings of food, flowers and money to the nats.

Visiting Southeast Asia in September

Borneo is fine and dry throughout, so it's still a very appealing time to visit for relaxing on the beach, snorkelling and wildlife watching on Kinabatangan River. The weather in Indonesia also continues to be hot and dry but the summer crowds have eased and prices have dropped making it a great time to visit.

• Borneo International Kite Festival sees hundreds gather at Old Bintulu Airport to fly brightly decorated and complex kites.
• Pchum Ben is an important Buddhist festival marked throughout Cambodia over 15 days, with the main celebrations taking place on the final day as locals pay their respects to deceased relatives.

Visiting Southeast Asia in October

Dry weather begins to return to Laos and Cambodia with the landscape looking particularly lush after the rains. There are few visitors and early season offers make it a good value time to visit. Northern Vietnam is dry and sunny making it a good time to trek in Sapa, and it’s prime season for diving in Sipadan off Borneo.

• Boun Ok Phansa is a boat racing festival celebrated at the end of the rainy season in Laos. Elaborate boats are raced along the Mekong River and various festivities take place on the riverbank in honour of the Naga king.
• Deepavali/Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated throughout Borneo as families gather to pray and give gifts.

Visiting Southeast Asia in November

Temperatures rise and the weather is dry across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar marking the start of the high season with rising prices and greater numbers of visitors. It’s a particularly good time to get out on Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia or go river cruising in Laos, but book well in advance.

• Bon Om Touk, the Cambodian water festival and one of the nation's most popular events, is celebrated over three days with concerts and boat races in Phnom Penh.
• That Luang Festival is a three-day religious festival in Vientiane where tens of thousands of monks and pilgrims gather at the That Luang or Grand Stupa bearing wax candles.

Visiting Southeast Asia in December

Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar are hot and dry and at the start of their peak season, book early to avoid disappointment and visit earlier in the month to avoid the most popular times around Christmas when prices rise considerably. It’s also the start of the peak season in the Philippines, though there is still a small risk of cyclones.

Our recommendations for when to visit Southeast Asia

• Not recommended
• Winter season

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Crossing the border: multi-country trips through Southeast Asia

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

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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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia (Experience Cultural Wonder!)

Plan your trip with our guide on the best time to visit Southeast Asia for cultural wonders, optimal weather, and vibrant festivals. Ideal for eager travelers.

Southeast Asia consists of eleven countries, each with its own unique culture. Whether you want to discover their history, religion, or beautiful scenery, there will be something to see and explore.

Between November and February is the best time to visit Southeast Asia. The weather is warm at 86 ° F (30 ° C) during this time. June to October is the wet season and typically has 252 millimeters of rainfall per month. September is the best time to get a flight to Southeast Asia, with an average 5% price drop.

Since there is so much to do in Southeast Asia, it may become confusing what to do. Moreover, special events may occur in a specific month, depending on the country.

In order to enjoy the magical rainforests and beaches, you will want to know the best time to visit Southeast Asia. This article will go through each month to determine the best months.

Worst Time to Visit Southeast Asia

Between April to September is typically the worst time to visit Southeast Asia. April is the hottest month in the northern parts. In contrast, September is usually their wettest month.

Credit:  Lucas Dias / Flickr

Even though April to September is the worst time to visit, they still have benefits if you go during these months. These months can offer you lower prices and allow you to explore with fewer crowds.

Cheapest Time to Visit Southeast Asia

September and October are the cheapest months to visit Southeast Asia. The months previous to September contain many tourists and crowds. Therefore, flight and accommodation prices tend to rise because of the abundance of tourists.

September is the wettest month in most of Southeast Asia. Bangkok usually has an average of 12.3 inches of rain alone! If you want to miss out on the rain, you can visit Indonesia as it is one of its driest months.

Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia (Monthly Breakdown)

January: thaipusam festival in malaysia.

January in Malaysia has a high temperature, around 89 ° F (31 ° C). In addition, January has a daily low temperature of around 73 ° F (22 ° C).

Credit:  YoTUT / Flickr

January offers some great festivals along with the International New Year. Therefore, it is a great time to visit if you are interested in festivals.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Thaipusam Festival is held annually at the Batu Caves. It is one of the largest festivals in Asia and will be a great time to visit Malaysia.

• Thaipusam Festival in Malaysia
• Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan
• Aguman Sanduk in Pampanga, Philippines
• Bun Pha Vet in Laos

Related Read:   10 Do’s & Don'ts while in Malaysia

February: Tet in Vietnam

In coastal cities of South Vietnam, the average daily high temperature is 80 F (27 C). The average temperature in central cities is 77 F (25 C).

Credit:  Victoria Pickering / Flickr

February is one of the best times to visit Vietnam. The temperatures in February are milder with fewer rain showers. Moreover, there will be plenty of exciting events happening during February!

• Vieng Market Festival
• Lim Festival
• Perfume Pagoda Festival

March: Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, Philipines

The average high temperature in Baguio, Philippines, during March is 76 ° F (24 ° C). The average low temperature is 57 ° F (13 ° C).

Credit:  Roald Caburian / Flickr

In most of Southeast Asia, March is when the hot season begins. Most countries typically have temperatures of 90 ° F (30 ° C). Therefore, March makes an excellent time for swimming and watersports.

• Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, Philipines
• Nyepi in Bali, Indonesia
• Male’an Sampi in Lombok, Indonesia
• Tattoo Festival in Wat Bang Phra, Thailand

Related Read:   Sri Lanka 10 Day Itinerary

April: Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia

April is the hottest month in Cambodia. The daily high temperature in Cambodia is around 95 ° F (35 ° C). Cambodia's daily low temperature is around 80 ° F (26 ° C).

Credit:  Thea Prum / Flickr

April is a great month to explore many places in Southeast Asia. During this month, plenty of festivals celebrate the Buddhist New Year.

• Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia
• Songkran in Thailand
• The Bali Spirit Festival in Indonesia
• Thingyan in Myanmar

May: Boun Bang Fai Rocket Festival in Laos

May in Laos can get very hot, with day temperatures averaging 93 ° F (34 ° C). Its night temperatures are much more relaxed, around 73 ° F (23 ° C).

Credit:  Tiger Trail Travel Laos / Flickr

May is one of the best times to visit many Southeast Asian countries. It is the last month before the rainy season starts, and in some regions, temperatures will drop.

• Boun Bang Fai Rocket Festival in Laos
• Bali's Fighting Festival in Indonesia
• Chanthaburi and Rayong Fruit Festival in Thailand
• Pulilan Carabao Festival in Phillipines

June: Singapore Arts Festival

High temperatures in Singapore during June are 89 ° F (31 ° C). Singapore's low-temperature averages are at 78 ° F (25 ° C).

Credit:  Fred @ SG / Flickr

June is a great month to visit Indonesia and Malaysia. There are not as many tourists during June, and you will have plenty of ripe fruits!

• Singapore Arts Festival
• Gawai Dayak Festival in Malaysia
• Bali Arts Festival in Indonesia
• Phi Ta Khon Festival in Thailand

Related Read:   12 Incredible Golf Courses In Singapore

July: The Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia

Malaysia's daily high temperature in July is around 90 ° F (32 ° C). The low daily average is 74 ° F (23 ° C).

Credit:  Fly Global Music Culture / Flickr

July brings plenty of fun festivals all over Southeast Asia! Some festivals celebrate music, food, and kites! Therefore, it is a fun time for everyone.

• The Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia
• Bali Kite Festival in Indonesia
• Singapore Food Festival
• Candle Festival in Thailand
• Banana Festival in Philipines

August: George Town Festival in Malaysia

August in Malaysia brings high temperatures of about 89 ° F (31 ° C). In contrast, its daily low temperatures are around 74 ° F (23 ° C).

Credit:  Oxlaey / Flickr

August is an excellent time for those that want to visit Malaysia or Indonesia. It is considered the rainy season in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

• George Town Festival in Malaysia
• Merdeka Day in Malaysia
• Harvest Festival in Vietnam
• Indonesian Independence Day

September: Best Time to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia's average daily high in September is 86 ° F (30 ° C). Its average daily low is 75 ° F (24 ° C).

Credit:  Jo Pi / Flickr

Visiting Indonesia in September will give you the dry season but with less humid temperatures. There are also fewer tourists during September. Therefore, September is perfect if you want to go hiking or swimming!

• Hike one of Indonesia's Volcanos
• Pchum Ben Festival in Cambodia
• Nine Emperor Gods Festival in Thailand
• Malaysia Day

Related Read:   Best Time To Visit Indonesia

October: Deepavali in Malaysia

Temperatures in Malaysia in October are typically the same as in August. The daily high temperature is 89 ° F (31 ° C), while its daily low is 74 ° F (23 ° C).

Credit:  Foto Penerangan / Flickr

October consists of many fun events in nearly every Southeast Asian country. Therefore, there will be a festival for you to immerse yourself in that country's culture.

• Deepavali in Malaysia
• Naga Fireball in Thailand
• Bali Fegan Festival
• Thimithi in Malaysia

November: Festival of Lights in Thailand

The daily high temperature in Thailand is 89 ° F (31 ° C), rarely exceeding 93 ° F (33 ° C). Its daily low temperature ranges from 77 ° F (25 ° C) to 74 ° F (23 ° C).

Credit:  Leif Alnes / Flickr

November will be one of the best times for those who want to visit Thailand. It is also perfect for photographers, with many festivals that feel magical occurring.

• Festival of Lights in Thailand
• Angkor Photo Festival in Cambodia
• Mao Jo Lantern Release in Thailand
• Water Festival in Cambodia

December: Celebrate Christmas in the Philippines

In the Philippines, December is typically hot, with the average high temperature ranging from 77 ° F (25 ° C) to 86 ° F (30 ° C). December's low temperature rarely falls below 71 ° F (21 ° C).

Credit:  Mike Gifford / Flickr

While many Southeast Asian countries do not officially celebrate Christmas, some regions still do. Some examples of these regions include the Philippines and Indonesia.

• Christmas in the Philippines
• Hmong New Year
• River Kwai Bridge Week in Thailand

Best Time to Visit Beaches in Southeast Asia

For those that want to visit beaches in Indonesia or Malaysia, we recommend visiting from April to October. These months are when the weather is sunny but not too hot or cold.

Credit:  FabSom / Flickr

If you are planning on visiting Vietnam or Thailand and want to see their beaches, it is best to go from November to April. South Vietnam may be hot in March and May, with average temperatures of 90 ° F (32 ° C).

Best Time to Backpack Southeast Asia

While every country has its own weather, the best time to backpack in Southeast Asia is from November through March. The weather will be more relaxed during these months, and the rainy season is over.

Malaysia is best to visit from December to April. Rain and humidity may occur during these months, but they will be much better than in summer. Moreover, there will not be so much rain to ruin your trip.

Credit:  Mike / Flickr

Thailand is best when visiting from November through April as it is the start of its dry season and will have better weather. You should not visit the Lower Gulf from October through December when it is rainiest.

The Philippines is best explored between November and April. November will give you a more secluded adventure with fewer tourists and great weather. May through June is the Philippines' rainiest season, with average rainfall in June of 11.2 inches.

Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia to Avoid the Rain

November through May is typically the best time to visit if you want to avoid the rain. The monsoonal rains occur from June through October. September usually gets the most rainfall.

In Phuket and Koh Lanta, Thailand, rain can occur in April, while in Koh Tao and Koh Samui, rainfall occurs in September. Therefore, the rainy season can differ based on the country you want to visit.

Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia to Avoid the Crowds

March through October are the best times to visit Southeast Asia if you want to avoid crowds. During these months, there will be a lot of rainfall, and the weather may be hotter than in other months.

Though, if you still want to beat the crowds and visit from March through October, the rain tends to occur in the afternoon and nighttime. Therefore, it is beneficial to plan your vacation during these months.

Credit:  Richard Ha / Flickr

But, it is worth noting that it could be rainy if you plan to go during these months. The rain tends to occur in the afternoon and nighttime usually.

Therefore, plan your vacation around the rain. We also recommend you bring clothes that are suitable for the rain.

Fisherman’s Wharf, SF Travel Guide (Activities, Restaurants, Parking)

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Two Months in Southeast Asia Itinerary | Backpacking on a Shoestring Budget

Does the idea of travelling around Southeast Asia for two months sound a bit daunting? I felt the same when I came to plan my own itinerary, especially as I knew I would be backpacking on a shoestring budget . Two months in Southeast Asia sounds like a long time, but with so much to see and do, you need to make sure you’re not spreading yourself (or your budget!) too thinly.

Therefore, I have compiled this detailed post as a comprehensive travel guide to all the places I managed to squeeze into my two months in Southeast Asia, travelling solo and backpacking on a cheap shoestring budget, including:

• – Things to know before you go
• – How to plan a detailed itinerary on a budget
• – My personal budget travel hacks
• – Individual country guides that will help you choose where to go in Southeast Asia and inform how much things cost in each destination.

This is a long post because I wanted to provide as much information as possible (you can never do too much research!), so I advise you take it in in bite-size chunks, print it out or save it to return to when you need it. Also, if you’re more interested in general budget travelling advice, I have a separate post – The Ultimate Trip Planner: How to Make the Most of Your Backpacking Budget .

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Before You Go

Before you set off on your Southeast Asia tour, there are a few things you need to know and get sorted before you go. Naturally, I left my planning to a few weeks before I went off backpacking Asia and then had to run around like a headless chicken sorting all of it out. So basically, don’t be an idiot like me.

Disclaimers: This post was written based on a trip taken in late 2016, therefore pricing has changed, but most of the information is still relevant, helpful, and up to date.

This post contains affiliate links, which means this blog receives a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you. Affiliate income helps keep this blog alive and I never link to a service unless I personally use and recommend it.

1. Travel Visas for Backpacking around Southeast Asia

Make sure you know the visa requirements for your passport for every country you plan to visit while backpacking through Southeast Asia. Some countries require a visa in advance, for others you can get a visa on the border – but be warned that the rules can change, so double-check before you go.

I hold a British passport and the information on this blog is from my personal experience travelling around Asia, so be mindful that visas may vary for you. The best information for those who hold passports for the UK, the US and Canada (the main readership of this blog) are as follows:

• – United Kingdom – Foreign Travel Advice
• – United States – Travel.State.Gov
• – Canada – Travel.gc

2. Vaccinations for Southeast Asia Backpacking

This is one that I’m particularly bad at because I can never remember which vaccinations I’ve had (moving countries and doctors all the time will do that to you), and I always leave it until the last minute. You should ideally get your vaccinations four weeks before you leave for your Southeast Asia tour.

For Brits, the NHS website has recommendations, so you should call up your GP more than a month before your backpacking trip starts. The website also has malaria maps for each country, so you can see if you will be visiting zones where malaria is prevalent (or you can just skirt around them, like I did).

3. Travel Insurance for Backpacking Southeast Asia

This is a big one and always make sure you read the small print. If you have an Asia travel itinerary with dates decided (and don’t plan on coming home during that time), then you can shop around. However, things can be more complicated if you’re leaving your trip open-ended.

I personally use World Nomads Travel Insurance, the Explorer Plan and have done for years (and you’ll see many other travellers and travel bloggers do the same), mainly because they are the only company that will cover me once I’m already abroad, which as a serial expat, I mostly am. It’s also easy to extend a policy with them if you change your plans and decide to stay longer.

Once you’ve bought your policy, make a note of the policy number and the insurer’s emergency claims helpline on your phone, write them down in your diary (in case you lose your phone) and also give that information to a parent or reliable friend/family member back home, just in case.

4. What to Pack for a Trip to Southeast Asia

This is going to warrant another blog post in itself, so here are just my top 10 tips for packing for two months in Southeast Asia:

– Clothes you don’t mind ruining and sweating in. – More swimwear than underwear. – Lots of high-factor sun cream and aftersun. – A good mosquito spray and tiger balm (toothpaste also helps soothe bites). – A scarf and warm jumper (for air con more than anything else). – A first aid kit (including something that can disinfect). – Two multi-way travel adapters (no, one is not enough). – Long trousers and something to cover your shoulders for more conservative countries. – A backpack you can lift and doesn’t just open from the top (see below). – If you menstruate, a menstrual cup (saves space, money and the planet). – Padlocks (at least two). – Packing cubes .

Recommended Read: I’ve committed to making my bathroom and travel toiletry bag zero waste and plastic free . This is also a great solution for budget backpackers because the majority of zero waste toiletries are non-liquid (so they’re perfect for hand luggage as well as better for you and the planet).

Two Months in Southeast Asia on a Shoestring Budget

Now comes the most important part: how to travel Asia on a shoestring budget. And I wish I could give you a straightforward answer as to how much backpacking Asia costs, but I’m afraid it’s not that simple. However, there are some ways to ‘guesstimate’ what you will spend during your two month Southeast Asia itinerary.

Recommended Read: for general budget backpacking advice, I advise that you read The Ultimate Trip Planner: How to Get the Most Out of Your Backpacking Budget for all the budget travel secrets and hacks that I use to make sure I get the best deals on flights, accommodation and more.

1. Work out the cost of your flights to and from Asia, your vaccinations and your insurance first.

I know this sounds obvious, but leaving my vaccinations last minute and having to have them in Hong Kong, rather than via the NHS back in the UK, was a major cost for me. These three things will probably be the biggest expenses of your whole Southeast Asia trip, and may cost more than the rest of your backpacking budget (they did for me).

For finding the best deals on flights, I recommend  Skyscanner , as I find it’s more flexible to use (filter by destination, by month or simply choose ‘everywhere’ to find the cheapest options) and it gets me the cheapest flight for the cheapest price every time.

2. Research Your Budget By Country and By Average Spend Per Day

OK, what do I mean by this? Well, when I was planning my Asia travel itinerary, I heavily researched exactly what kind of budget was realistic for each individual country I was visiting because I was being super-cheap and trying to do as tight a shoestring budget as I could.

So, I worked out that I needed slightly more budget allocated for Myanmar and slightly less for Cambodia and Vietnam. However, Myanmar was the start of my trip and I was amazed at how under budget I was, so I spent more! Then I got to Cambodia and Vietnam and realised I had underestimated how much I needed and was out of pocket.

Lesson learnt: do your research to work out how much backpacking Asia costs in each country, but also have an ‘average spend per day’ for the whole Southeast Asia tour, to keep the budget in perspective and don’t be afraid to adjust the budget when and where necessary. Plus, always have a ‘rainy day stash’ just in case.

This Backpacking Budget for Southeast Asia by MyFunkyTravel does a great job of suggesting an overall budget as well as a breakdown of daily budgets per country, and I’ve also detailed my own spending and budgets in the country guides below.

Remember to take mine and others’ advice with a pinch of salt, as currency conversions change, inflation happens and the more popular a destination becomes, the quicker the prices rise.

3. How to get the cheapest accommodation deals in Southeast Asia

Accommodation is super-cheap in Southeast Asia by most western standards, with some hostel dorm rooms coming to just a few US dollars per night. I worked out that almost everywhere I stayed on my Southeast Asia travel route was cheaper than any rent I have ever paid in my life.

Here are 4 tips on how to get the best accommodation deals on hostels in Southeast Asia, for those looking to travel Asia on budget that is a serious shoestring budget:

a) Use price comparison websites to find the cheapest places

Don’t use your guidebook because by the time your guidebook has been researched, gone to print, been published, been bought and then been read by you, the information is likely out of date. Also, most guidebooks have rules about how long a place must be open before it’s accepted into the guidebook (often two years) and only recommend a handful of options.

I use and thoroughly recommend Booking.com because I always find the best places on there (see the country guides below for specific recommendations), the reviews are up-to-date, plentiful and reliable, and the deals are super cheap (we’ll come back to this on point d).

b) Don’t book online, just turn up

This is particularly true of hostels in Southeast Asia vs the rest of the world – many hostels charge a higher price for an online booking than for a walk-in , so you will most likely get the best price by researching beforehand, using a site like Booking.com , then turning up on their doorstep.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. Those exceptions are holidays, festivals and peak season. This has caught me out so many times, so always research, double-check and triple-check whether your destination is likely to be booked out or busy, as this can inflate the price or leave you homeless.

c) Haggle or ask for a discount

Yes, this is cheeky and I personally don’t do it because accommodation is already so cheap by western standards. Be aware that you need to be sensitive if you do choose to do this and that haggling is the art of finding a price both parties are happy with , not getting the cheapest deal.

A traveller I met from China swore by the system of asking for a discount at the point of check-in. He would research places using Booking.com , then if he was staying longer than a few nights or if he was part of a group, he would politely ask for a discount. The hostels almost always said yes.

d) Save and earn money through referral links and affiliate schemes

So, the second reason I use Booking.com is because they have two great ways to financially reward their customers:

Affiliate Scheme: If you have a blog or relevant business, you may be eligible to join the Booking.com affiliate scheme , where you can earn commission on bookings made through your personalised affiliate links.

The best thing about the Booking.com affiliate scheme is that you can use your own links to make bookings for yourself! Commission starts at 25% and though it takes a while to process, that still adds up to accommodation costs that you can save.

4. Plot a Southeast Asia Travel Route Over Land

Long bus journeys are not always the most comfortable, but they are often the most cost-effective way to travel from city to city, and country to country. To save money on air fares, choose a Southeast Asia travel route that goes overland. If you’re apprehensive, read How to Survive Long Bus Journeys in Southeast Asia .

My Two Month Southeast Asia Travel Itinerary

The following is a comprehensive Southeast Asia travel guide for my entire two month Southeast Asia travel itinerary, organised chronologically and by country, with details of how I travelled Asia on a budget, where I stayed and what I would recommend seeing.

Note that I did not have a particularly logical Southeast Asia backpacking route, as this was a ‘Farewell Asia’ trip for me, having spent five years living in Hong Kong. Therefore, I did not visit Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, as I had recently been on separate trips to those countries (see these summarised at the end for more details.)

10 Days in Myanmar (Burma) 

I started my two months Southeast Asia itinerary with Myanmar, also known by its old colonial name, Burma (this confused some of the Brits back home, so FYI). I was intrigued by its history and the tragic stories of the governing military regime and the colonial wars.

Update: At present, FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Myanmar (Burma) .

At the time of my backpacking trip in Asia, I did not realise the extent of the discrimination against Rohingha Muslims in Myanmar, which has been described as a genocide . Due to what I know now, I no longer recommend visiting Myanmar for the foreseeable future and I strongly advise that you do extensive research before you decide whether to spend your tourist dollars here.

Where to go:

• – Yangon , the largest city in Myanmar.
• – Mandalay , the second-largest city and last royal capital of Myanmar.
• – Bagan , one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.
• – Inle Lake , famous for floating villages and gardens.

I personally found Burmese cities to be overwhelming, even for someone like me who had been living and travelling around Asia for half a decade. The traffic, the crowds, the business, the noise! It was chaotic, but beautiful. I really felt like I’d thrown myself into the deep end.

What to see:

• – The Shwedagon Paya in Yangon
• – Bagan temples at sunrise and sunset
• – The Moustache Brothers Show in Mandalay
• – U Bein Bridge in Amapura (a day trip from Mandalay)
• – The leg-rowing fishermen at Inle Lake

Where to stay:

These are the hostels I stayed at (and would recommend) along my Southeast Asia backpacking route:

• – Yangon: Traveller’s House or Backpacker Bed & Breakfast
• – Mandalay: Four Rivers B & B
• – Bagan: Royal Bagan Hotel

What to eat and drink:

• – Teashop meal and snacks
• – Street food
• – Indian food
• – Sugar cane juice
• – Myanmar beer

How much things cost:

• – Visas: many passports need visas in advance for visiting Myanmar, including British. I got mine at the Myanmar Consulate General in Hong Kong for around US$23.
• – Accommodation: US$10-15 per night
• – Transport: buses between destinations cost around US$10-15, taxis around town cost US$1-2 and bike rental for the day is also around US$1-2.
• – Food: most hostels provide breakfast, street food and teashop meals cost US$1-2, meals in restaurants around $5.
• – Other expenses: entry to the Bagan Archaeological Zone costs around US$20 and you pay it on the bus to Bagan.

Things to know:

• – As mentioned above, the treatment of Rohingha Muslims in Myanmar is a huge issue at the moment. Educate yourself on the subject before you make a decision to visit.
• – Due to Myanmar’s complicated history, the military still control a lot of the country. There are designated tourist zones and places where tourists can’t visit, so don’t expect to be able to just hire a scooter and drive around the country looking for places off the beaten track.
• – You can’t get Burmese kyat outside of Burma! Don’t exchange money at the airport, as the exchange rates are highly inflated (taxi drivers will accept US dollars to take you into the city). Instead, use the ‘black market’ and exchange at a hotel or booth. Yangon has the best rates. Notes in higher denominations have better exchange rates. ATMs do not accept foreign cards.
• – The easiest and cheapest way to get around the country is by bus. I booked buses (some overnight) between cities.

My personal highlight

The magic of Bagan really comes to life at sunrise and sunset. The shadows of the temples grow long, the landscape turns to gold and hot air balloons rise out of the haze. It’s spectacular. Give yourself more time here than you think you need – bad weather could limit your sunrise and sunset viewings.

For a detailed itinerary of my time in Myanmar, you can read Burma Budget and My Myanmar Travel Tips . To peruse my personal diary, lifted from the travel journal I wrote during my two months in Southeast Asia, read 10 Days in Myanmar | Travel Diary .

One Week in Laos

From Myanmar, I moved onto Laos, spending a week in this little landlocked country. Competition is fierce, but Laos is definitely one of my favourite places that I visited on my two month Southeast Asia backpacking route, and one week was definitely not enough time to fully explore it!

• – Luang Prabang , an ancient town in the north of Laos.
• – Vang Vieng , a small town surrounded by amazing natural wonders, but also has a reputation due to the ‘tubing’ crowd.
• – Vientiane , the capital city of Laos.
• – Huay Xai , a town near the Thai border, known for The Gibbon Experience .

Luang Prabang is Laos’ most prominent city in the north, but it has the atmosphere of a quiet town. Give yourself more time here. If you do venture to Vang Vieng (and the scenery is beautiful), try and stay outside of the city, away from the tubing and ‘happy shake’ crowd.

• – Kuang Si waterfalls, Luang Prabang
• – The Night Market, Luang Prabang
• – Sunset from Phu Si hill, Luang Prabang
• – Patuxai, Vientiane
• – Buddha Park, Vientiane
• – Caving, lagoons and mountains, Vang Vieng
• – Jungle, Huay Xai

• – Luang Prabang: Downtown Backpackers Hostel
• – Vientiane: Avalon B&B

I stayed at Nok et Mika Guesthouse in Vang Vieng and it was a bit of a nightmare, for reasons I go into in the posts linked below. To reiterate, if you do stay in Vang Vieng, spend a little more to get out of town.

• – French food
• – Buffet at the night market
• – Coconut pancakes
• – Laos coffee
• – Beerlao
• – Visas: you can get this on arrival and the price depends on your passport. My British passport meant I paid US$35. Also, if you don’t have a passport-sized photo to hand, this costs an additional US$1.
• – Accommodation: US$5.5-7 per night.
• – Transport: long bus journeys are around US$6-13, tuk-tuk journeys cost only a few dollars.
• – Food: street food is a bargain at US$1-2 for a meal and this only rises to around US$5 for restaurants.
• – Other expenses: activities and day excursions from Vang Vieng cost US$13-19 depending on the activity. Sometimes there’s a discount for a bigger party.
• – You can’t get Laos kip outside of Laos, but my card worked fine at ATMs in the country.
• – As you can probably tell from what I’ve said above, be aware that Vang Vieng is a bit seedy. No judgement if you want to try out tubing, but also be mindful that it can be dangerous.
• – A tourist died at The Gibbon Experience in 2017. Obviously, it was an accident, but it’s something to be aware of.
• – It’s worth noting that Laos is a more conservative country than others you may encounter on your Asia travel itinerary, so be sure to dress appropriately, especially when sightseeing.

Luang Prabang may be a city, but it has the atmosphere of a town or village. The gorgeous temples with their low-sloping roofs, the colonial Indochinese-style villas and the buzzing scene of the night market has cemented this place in my mind. I will be back one day for sure.

For a full itinerary of my trip to Laos, read Backpacking Around Laos | Budget and Travel Tips . For some context on how I absolutely fell in love with LP, read 24 Hours in Luang Prabang . Finally, for my narrative travel diary entries, read  One Week in Laos | Travel Diary .

Two Weeks in Cambodia

I have wanted to visit Cambodia ever since I arrived in Asia back in 2011 and the country didn’t disappoint. The ancient history is astounding and incredibly well-preserved. The modern history is heartbreaking and a little uncomfortable to learn about, though still important to visit.

Side note : although I had two full weeks in Cambodia on my two month Southeast Asia itinerary, I managed to mess up my timings pretty bad, so that I was always going back and forth from Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, back to Phnom Penh, then Kampot and Sihanoukville and then back to Phnom Penh! Not exactly my best travel planning.

• – Siem Reap , known for nightlife and the gateway to the ancient city of Angkor.
• – Phnom Penh , the capital city of Cambodia.
• – Battambang , a colonial riverside city.
• – Kampot , a sleepy riverside town.
• – Mondulkiri , home to elephant sanctuaries.
• – Sihanoukville or Kep , beach destinations.

• – The ancient city of Angkor
• – Nightlife in Siem Reap
• – The bamboo train in Battambang
• – Elephant sanctuaries in Mondulkiri
• – The heartbreaking Killing Fields and S-21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, in Phnom Penh
• – Sunset over the river in Kampot
• – Relaxing on the beach in Kep

• – Phnom Penh: Billabong Hostel
• – Siem Reap: Oasis Capsules
• – Kampot: The Magic Sponge
• – Sihanoukville: One Stop Hostel (may have closed, as I can no longer find a link to it on Booking.com)

I stayed in Sihanoukville, but I did not enjoy it at all. I would advise going on to Kep, which was highly recommended by most travellers I met.

• – Fish amok
• – Khmer curry
• – Kampot pepper
• – Angkor beer
• – Visas: you can get this on arrival and the price depends on your passport. My British passport meant I paid US$35.
• – Accommodation: US$6-8 per night.
• – Transport: long bus journeys are around US$5-19 and can be bought in advance online with Giant Ibis , tuk-tuk journeys cost only a few dollars, but bike rental is often cheaper.
• – Food: street food is a bargain at US$1-2 for a meal, but start around US$6 for a meal in a restaurant.
• – Other expenses: your biggest expense will be your ticket to Angkor, which starts at US$37 for one day. Ask at your hostel for more information.
• – Cambodia has a really tragic modern history that’s worth reading up on before you visit, to give you some idea of context. The Killings Fields and S-21 Prison Museum are difficult places to visit, but I highly recommend that you do see them.
• – Confusingly, Cambodia accepts US dollars as well as Cambodian riel. Make sure you have low denominations because it can be difficult to break larger US notes.
• – Entry to Angkor requires you to go to the ticket office (the other side of town) and get a ticket pass with your photo printed on. I highly advise that you do this the evening before your visit, so that you can go straight to the site for sunrise.
• – Don’t go to Angkor Wat for sunrise. There are thousands upon thousands of people there every morning. Instead, choose a different temple for a view that is just as stunning, but not such a tourist trap.

Exploring Angkor was an other-worldly experience that I will always cherish. The history of the ancient civilisation and its city is mind-boggling, while the timelessness of the ancient temples really puts modern life into perspective.

For more information about my two weeks in Cambodia, read Cambodia Travel Advice: My Backpacker Budget and Travel Tips and for my travel journal entries read Two Weeks in Cambodia | Travel Diary .

I also wrote about exploring Angkor in Real Life Temple Run | How I Saw 10 Temples In Angkor In Just One Day (quite a feat when you see how huge the ancient city is) and I talked about how affecting Cambodia’s modern history is in So That History Does Not Repeat Itself | Phnom Penh, Cambodia .

A Few Days in Vietnam

I first visited Vietnam back in 2013, spending a week in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. However, I had promised myself I wouldn’t leave Southeast Asia until I had seen Ho Chi Minh City, also known by its previous name, Saigon. That’s right – I wasn’t going to ‘Miss Saigon’ (sorry).

So, although I only spent a few days in the country on my trip backpacking around Southeast Asia, I recommend that you have more time there.

• – Hanoi , the capital city of Vietnam.
• – Ha Long Bay , the limestone islands.
• – Da Nang , a coastal city with great beaches.
• – Nha Trang , a coastal resort and known for nightlife.
• – Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), a colonial city in the south.
• – Phu Quoc , an island known for amazing beaches.

• – A boat trip around Ha Long Bay
• – Water puppetry in Hanoi
• – Beaches and nightlife in Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc
• – The War Remnants Museum in Saigon
• – Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon
• – A trip to the boat markets in the Mekong Delta

• – Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon Friends Hostel
• – Fresh spring rolls
• – Pho
• – Cold vermicelli
• – Vietnamese iced coffee
• – Salads
• – Banh mi
• – Saigon beer

• – Visas: for a British passport, there is a 30-day exemption visa on arrival (free). However, be aware that if you leave Vietnam, you can’t re-enter on that visa.
• – Accommodation: US$4 per night.
• – Food: street food is a bargain at US$1-2 for a meal and the most expensive meal I had at a restaurant was US$6.
• – The traffic in Vietnam is insane, even by Southeast Asian standards. The pavements are also used by scooters in Saigon, and crossing the road in Hanoi is notoriously stressful. Be super-careful as accidents are known to happen.
• – I took a tour to the Mekong Delta and it was awful. If you would like to do a tour, make sure that it leaves early in the morning and that you are guaranteed to see the floating markets.

All the food! Vietnamese food is highly underrated by the rest of the world, in my stomach’s opinion. Cold vermicelli and spring rolls are fantastic, and Vietnamese iced coffee (made with condensed milk) is delicious!

A full itinerary for my time in Saigon can be found at Ho Chi Minh City Travel Advice & Budget Planning . My travel diary is, of course, entitled Don’t Miss Saigon! | A Few Days in Ho Chi Minh City | Travel Diary . (Told you that pun was a winner).

Two Weeks in Bali, Indonesia

Before I started plotting out my Southeast Asia travel itinerary, I toyed with the idea of spending the full two months in Indonesia instead. Obviously, I ultimately decided on a multi-country trip so that I could see and experience the corners of Asia I had yet to see.

But, judging by how much I enjoyed my time in Bali, Indonesia would not have been a bad call either; there is so much to see and do just on this one island. Although there are certain areas of Bali that are certainly more touristy than others, it seemed to me that it had not yet been spoiled.

Note that this Southeast Asia travel guide focuses on Bali and the nearby Gili Islands, rather than Indonesia as a whole. Of course, there is more to see further afield, but as I didn’t visit anywhere else in the country, I haven’t included additional Indonesian destinations here.

• – Seminyak , upmarket beach resort.
• – Canggu , a surfer’s paradise.
• – Amed , known for snorkeling.
• – Lovina , known for dolphins.
• – Gili Islands (not on Bali), known for coral reefs and sandy beaches.
• – Ubud , inland and known for rice terraces, yoga and clean living.

What to see and do:

• – Surfing in Canggu
• – Snorkelling in Amed
• – Yoga, rice terraces and village living in Ubud
• – Dolphin watching in Lovina
• – Chilling on the beach in Seminyak
• – Uluwatu temple
• – Relaxing on the Gili Islands
• – Legian*: The Eco-Living Hostel
• – Lovina: Santhika Bed & Breakfast
• – Amed: Kelapa Cottage
• – Ubud: Kayuni Hostel
• – Canggu: Surfers House

*I stayed in Legian for the first few days of my time in Bali. Although the hostel was great, the location wasn’t and the whole Legian/Kuta/Denpasar area is a bit dirty and very touristy. Instead, you want to get out of the city and go as far north as you can.

• – Nasi Goreng
• – Health foods, smoothies and salads (especially in Ubud)
• – Bintang beer

I also highly recommend taking cooking classes. I took one in Ubud, where we bought fresh ingredients in the markets and cooked with them out on a farm in the countryside, which also brought in more income for the farmers there.

• – I found the cheapest way to get around the island was using Uber (they had just started up on the island and had discounts for users), but there is a lot of contention between Uber drivers and local taxi drivers, so be aware of that.
• – Nearly everyone hires a scooter to get around, but I met countless people who had the typical scooter burn on their leg from swinging their leg over the side, including myself. Be careful just being around those bloody things and if you’ve never used one before, then ask how to safely get on to save yourself losing a chunk of skin off your leg.
• – I heard of bag snatching and theft happening on the beaches around Kuta, so be careful not to fall asleep in the sun!

• – Visas: with my British passport, I entered Indonesia for up to 30 days ‘visa free’.
• – Accommodation: US$5-12 per night, depending on the area and quality.
• – Food: similar to above, street food is a bargain at US$1-2 for a meal, but start around US$6 for a meal in a restaurant. Again, this depends on the area you’re staying in, as prices vary all over the island.
• – Other expenses: a yoga class in Ubud costs around $10 for one class, but there are packages for more classes if you’re staying longer.

My whole time in Ubud was a highlight. Cooking classes, museums, rice terraces, white water rafting trips, incredible food and some of the best yoga classes I have ever experienced.

For more information about the different areas of Bali I visited, read  Guide to Bali: Planning and Travel Tips . My woeful travel diary entries lamenting my string of bad luck on the island can be found at  Two Weeks in Bali, A Series of Unfortunate Events | Travel Diary .

Other Countries in Southeast Asia

As mentioned above, I couldn’t fit every single country into my two month Southeast Asia trip itinerary, and I don’t recommend that you do either. But still, here are a few other suggestions of places you may want to swap in/out of your backpacking trip, depending on your travel route and schedule:

I visited a friend in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago, but have always meant to return to Malaysia to see more of this special country, especially a trip to beautiful Borneo.

• Where to go: capital city Kuala Lumpur, the island of Penang and lush Borneo.
• What to see and do: plenty of water sports and opportunities to see marine life, meeting orangutans in Borneo, climbing or admiring Mount Kinabalu, eating street food in Kuala Lumpur and gazing up at the iconic Petronas Towers.

I travelled to Thailand a few years ago, spending a (terrible) day in Bangkok, before heading down south, island hopping and drinking at the Full Moon Party on Ko Phangan (to be fair, I was 22). I have to admit, Thailand wasn’t quite the paradise I imagined, but I was impressed by the New Year festival of Songkran.

• Where to go: capital city Bangkok, city of culture Chiang Mai, Phuket and the islands off the east and west coasts.
• What to see and do: eating all the Thai food, partying in Bangkok or on Ko Phangan, relaxing on beautiful beach islands such as Ko Phi-Phi, learning to dive off Ko Tao, or soaking up Thai culture in Chiang Mai.

For more ideas, read this 10 day / two week itinerary for Thailand by Mona Corona.

Philippines

I’ve been to the Philippines three times and I have still only scratched the surface! Definitely the most underrated Southeast Asian country in my opinion, it has everything from hikes along rice terraces to swimming with whale sharks.

• Where to go: Northern Luzon (especially the village of Sagada), then choose your islands; Palawan, Cebu and Boracay are just some of the favourites.
• What to see and do: hike rice terraces, explore caves, relax on pristine beaches, swim with whale sharks, island-hop, and anything else you can think of!

Read A Two-Week Itinerary for The Philippines by Where in the World is Nina for more ideas.

I have not been quiet about my love for Singapore and how I hope to live there one day. Even just a layover in Changi Airport on this trip (FYI, the best airport in the world ) made me extremely happy.

• What to see and do: the Singapore Zoo or Night Safari, Little India, street food, treetop rainforest walks, the Merlion, the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Gardens by the Bay.

Brunei Darussalam

I’ve been intrigued by the tiny sultanate of Brunei since a colleague of mine told me it was the most amazing place she’s ever lived. However, I’ve yet to make it there. Here’s what I know:

• What to see and do: explore beautiful rainforests and mangroves, water villages, mosques, wild monkeys, museums and markets.

Timor-Leste

Similarly, I was tempted to hop over from Bali to nearby Timor-Leste on this trip, but didn’t quite make it in the end. Timor-Leste is Southeast Asia’s newest country and this is the little that I know about it:

• What to see and do: reef diving, snorkeling, coffee plantations and really good trivia nights!

Two Months in Southeast Asia: Final Thoughts

I packed so much into my two months in Southeast Asia that it was difficult to keep up with the pace! For anyone else travelling around Asia in a similar time frame, I would definitely advise that less is more; pick a few countries and explore them well.

With five years in Asia behind me as well as backpacking through Asia for two months solo, I’ve managed to see a lot… but it’s never enough! I would love to do it all again and fill in all the gaps I missed on my Asia trip itinerary.

However, next time I’ll plan for a bit more time and try to save for more than a cheap shoestring budget!

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14 thoughts on “ Two Months in Southeast Asia Itinerary | Backpacking on a Shoestring Budget ”

Omg this trip just sounds amazing! Im looking to go there too with my brother or sister!

Oh wow, thank you! It was pretty cool, I have to admit. Let me know if and when you go and I’d love to give you some tips!

I admire you so much! I wish I could travel to these beautiful places! The pics are gorgeous!

Wow, thank you! And you can and totally should!

Wow! You really got to see a lot in 2 months! I’m incredibly jealous of your adventure.

Haha! I know, right? I really packed it in! South Africa is definitely on my radar for my next adventure, though!

Would love to go on a trip like this! Going to my bucket list! Great read

xoxo http://www.sarahicardenas.com/the-coffee-haunt/the-process-secrets-and-art-of-making-pour-over-coffee

You should! It was amazing. Thank you for reading. Glad you enjoyed it!

Hi your holiday sounds amazing I am going in October planning on Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar don’t knw if I would be able to do Cambodia as well seeing that it will be 28 days and doing it solo any tips will be appreciated….

Oh man, it was and so does yours! That’s a lot to fit into 28 days too! I have stuff about Bali (only place I went to in Indonesia), Cambodia and Myanmar, as per the links above if you need info. I’ve been to Thailand, Malaysia (well, Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore (hope to live there at some point) before, though nothing on this blog on them as of yet.

The best advice I can give is to say that sometimes less is more (see a place in detail rather than hop from one place to the next). Remember, you can always come back. For solo stuff, I advise that you go with an open mind to be flexible; things change last-minute and don’t go to plan, but in those challenging moments remind yourself that the most difficult of times make for the best travel stories! Oh, and as a solo female traveller, I always padlock my bag with a big padlock to deter thieves, then stash the key in my bra! Happy travels! Let me know if you want any more advise, info or recommendations – I would love to help!

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The Ultimate Southeast Asia Packing List | What To Bring & Wear

Planning your Southeast Asia adventure but feeling a bit lost in the packing process? Overwhelmed with fitting everything into your travel bag? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! Packing for Southeast Asia, especially if it’s your first backpacking trip, can be a bit of a puzzle. The dynamic climates, diverse terrains, and cultural variations across Southeast Asia demand a thoughtful approach to packing. Lucky for you, this article is your go-to packing list guide for Southeast Asia , based on our own experiences exploring the region for years. This packing guide is for anyone up for a variety of outdoor activities , from hiking and swimming to navigating city life in Southeast Asia’s different weather vibes throughout the year.

The motto here is less is more , but traveling efficiently and lightly doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. We’ve put together this super practical Southeast Asia packing list to ensure you don’t forget a thing on your trip. We’ll break it down into different sections – from picking the right travel bag, and organizing and protecting your stuff, to detailed lists for clothing, toiletries, electronics, and other handy travel gadgets. Let’s make sure you’re well-equipped for the adventure of a lifetime!

*  Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you book through our links. This is at no extra cost to you. This way you’re helping us write awesome travel guides and keep providing you with free content. We only recommend products we like and trust ourselves.

Some golden packing list rules for Southeast Asia

Packing for Southeast Asia is actually surprisingly uncomplicated. Given the consistently warm and humid climate, your wardrobe will likely consist of lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics. This not only ensures comfort but also makes packing a breeze as these clothes won’t take up much space. Laundry facilities are readily available in most places, and in case you forget anything, local shops and supermarkets have you covered. However, there are a few items that might be trickier to find once you touch down in Southeast Asia. Depending on your planned activities and regions you’ll be exploring, it’s wise to consider some extra items.

Traversing Southeast Asia is much smoother when your backpack or suitcase is on the lighter side. This proves invaluable when hopping on and off various modes of transportation like buses, boats, trains, tuk-tuks, and ferries to navigate this stunning region.

Southeast Asia stands out as one of the most traveler-friendly continents. Many adventurers effortlessly roam these countries armed with just a handful of essentials and a reliable pair of comfortable shoes.

For your Southeast Asia packing list, keep these key points in mind:

• Opt for lightweight, quick-drying materials as it’s hot and humid all year around.
• Less is more. You will have to pack, unpack, and carry your luggage around in a very hot climate!
• Laundry facilities are readily available in most places.
• Bring a few sarongs, as you have to cover up your shoulders and knees when exploring temples.
• Pack ample reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• Utilize packing cubes for organized and stress-free packing.
• Roll your clothes and arrange them side by side in your packing cubes to maximize space.  
• If you’re moving around Southeast Asia, favor a backpack.
• Avoid bringing luxury or valuable items.
• Keep some space for the treasures and souvenirs you might pick up along the way.

1. Choosing the right travel bag

When it comes to choosing between a backpack and a suitcase for your Southeast Asia adventure, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. But let me tell you, from my own experience, I highly recommend going with a backpack . Southeast Asia is known for its uneven surfaces, rugged terrain, and plenty of stairs. Plus, you’ll likely find yourself hopping on boats to reach some of the beautiful islands, not to mention navigating through various modes of transport.

Trust me, having a backpack makes all of this a breeze. I started my travels with a trusty suitcase at 20, adamantly claiming I’d never go the backpack route. But after a few trips, I quickly converted to the backpacking lifestyle. It just makes everything so much smoother, especially when you’re racing after a bus or making a mad dash through the airport to catch your connecting flight.

Now, if you’re torn between the two worlds, fear not! There are convertible backpacks that can transform into either a backpack or a wheeled suitcase, giving you the best of both worlds.

Having explored most Southeast Asian countries over the past decade, and discovering all sorts of destinations, we’ve narrowed down a list of backpacks that we’ve personally tried and tested. These gems are perfect for carrying your ultimate packing list for Southeast Asia. Let’s dive in!

Our Recommended Travel Backpacks

Selecting the right backpack is a game-changer for your trip. So, when it comes to brand, size, and quality, choose wisely, you want your backpack to accompany you on many journeys to come! The gear you pack can make your journey a whole lot smoother. Remember, in Southeast Asia, you’ll be doing a lot of walking with all your gear in tow, so the size and volume of your backpack definitely matter . It’s essential to know how much space you’re working with before you even start assembling your ultimate packing list for Southeast Asia.

Now, when it comes to your main backpack, we highly recommend trying them on with some weight in person . We’re all unique, and what works like a charm for one person might not be the best fit for your body. Personally, we are big fans of the German brand, Deuter . We’ve been using their gear for years, and it’s never let us down. Good to know, Deuter offers both female and male versions of their various backpack models, catering to everyone’s preferences. We’ve personally experienced these bags as comfortable, practical, and built to last, so be sure to include them on your Southeast Asia packing list.

Woman Travel Backpacks

Deuter AVIANT VOYAGER 60+10 SL  –  Standing at 175 cm (or 5’7″), I find the 60L capacity of this backpack to be just right and in perfect proportion. Designed with the female anatomy in mind, it boasts a VariQuick back adjustment system, allowing you to customize the fit to your body. Plus, both the back system and the straps are generously padded, ensuring ultimate comfort even during long hauls. The integrated 10L daypack is a handy addition. What I particularly love is the dual access points – both from the front and the top – and the separate bottom and lid compartments. There is also a transport cover included at the bottom which doubles as a rain cover.

Osprey Fairview 55  – If you’re a fan of the popular American brand Osprey, you’re in luck. The Osprey Fairview 55 is tailored for women and offers an adjustable torso fit. It cleverly separates into a main backpack and a smaller, detachable daypack that can be either attached to the larger pack or worn on the front for easy access. The large front panel makes easy access to the main compartment. Need even more space? Consider the Osprey Fairview 70 for added packing room. And for those times when you’re looking to streamline, the back panel harness can be conveniently stowed away. 

Men Travel Backpacks

Deuter Aviant Access Pro 60 + 10L  – Moritz his backpack from Deuter shares similarities with the Osprey counterpart. It features a single, generously sized main compartment accessible from the front, offering a more suitcase-like feel rather than the traditional top-loading style. This design choice makes organizing and packing your belongings a breeze. Inside, you’ll discover handy side pockets and a dedicated shoe compartment for added convenience.

The exterior boasts a spacious pocket that houses the included 10L daypack with a comfortable, padded back. It can also be securely attached to the shoulder straps if necessary. The entire back panel harness can be neatly stowed away for easy transport, giving the backpack a sleek and streamlined look.

Osprey Farpoint 40  – A fantastic alternative to the Deuter for men. Like the Deuter, it offers a spacious main compartment accessible from the front, providing easy access to your belongings. However, it lacks the additional side pockets which can often be quite handy. We also observed that it doesn’t feature an adjustable strap system in the back for a customized fit. Just like the Deuter, it does come with a practical cover to neatly stow away the straps during transport.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 boasts a convenient size, allowing for a very compact travel experience. If you find yourself in need of more space, there’s also the option of the Osprey Farpoint 70L , which comes complete with an extra attached daypack for added versatility.

Smaller daypack for daily adventures

In addition to our primary travel backpacks, which typically hold our clothes and are checked in during flights, we each carry a compact daypack that accompanies us on board. This smaller pack is reserved for our valuables and personal items like laptops and camera gear. We also bring along one of the extra 10L daypacks that come with our main Deuter backpack. This often serves as a secondary daypack for hiking when we need a bit of extra space. When we’re on the move, our daypacks are carried at the front for easy access, while the larger travel backpacks rest comfortably on our backs.

Deuter Giga 28L  – Depending on your needs, we’ve come to appreciate the 28L Deuter Giga for its ample capacity and well-designed compartmentalization, making it ideal for daily use. Once we reach a destination, it often becomes our go-to for carrying travel essentials like water and snacks while on the move. For a smaller option, take a look at this light daypack from Deuter .

WANDRD PRVKE 21L   – The second daypack in our arsenal is the WANDRD PRVKE 21L , which we got together with their removable camera cube , tailored specifically for safeguarding our camera equipment. It has many discreet compartments to neatly store smaller items, including a hidden passport pocket at the back. There is also side access for easy retrieval of your camera while on the go, and the camera compartment opens from the back, providing a convenient overview of your belongings. Additionally, there’s an expandable section at the top, keeping personal items separate from your camera gear.

2. Organizing and protecting Items

Packing cubes.

When it comes to keeping your clothing neatly organized in your backpack, investing in packing cubes is a game-changer. This way you don’t have to dig through your stuff and create a chaotic mess just to find that one item. We allocate each cube for a specific category – whether it’s t-shirts, bottoms, socks, you name it.

TIP | Roll your clothes and arrange them side by side in your packing cubes. This little hack works wonders, helping you maximize the space within your cubes even further. 

Luggage locks

Luggage locks are an absolute essential on your Southeast Asia packing list to ensure the safety of your belongings while you’re on the move. They come particularly in handy in situations where you can’t secure your backpack in a locker, and they’re a must-have for air travel as well.

If you’re planning on engaging in water-related activities in Southeast Asia, like snorkeling or kayaking, consider adding a dry bag to your packing list. It’s a smart move to keep your belongings safe and moisture-free. This particular dry bag even comes with a waterproof phone case, which proves incredibly useful for capturing moments by the beach. All in all, a dry bag is a valuable addition to your packing list, especially considering the climate and occasional sudden downpours in Southeast Asia.

Backpack Covers

The same principle applies to your larger backpack – you will be happy having a rain cover to shield it from getting completely soaked. If you’re considering renting a motorbike to embark on the Mai Son Loop in Thailand or the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam , this addition will be a true lifesaver on your Southeast Asia packing list.

Anti Theft Bags

For an added layer of security, especially if you’re a frequent hostel-goer, consider investing in a Pacsafe bag. These anti-theft bags are purpose-built to safeguard your valuables and are often referred to as “portable safes” . The stainless steel wire mesh integrated into the fabric is highly resistant to cutting. Whenever we found ourselves in accommodations without door locks or safes, we’d stow our passports and laptops in it before heading out. Fortunately, we didn’t have to use it too often. While it’s a bit of an investment, it provides peace of mind, and we always bring it along. It’s incredibly compact, lightweight, and can be easily stashed flat at the bottom of our backpack.

Cross-Body Bag

We each also have a cross-body bag that we carry next to our big backpack and a small daypack. This is to carry our phone, wallet, and other small things on the go and for easy access. Also handy to have for in the evening or if for once you don’t want to wear a backpack.

Carabiners are yet another handy addition to our arsenal. We make sure to pack a few every time. They typically find a home on our bags, ready to swiftly link them together, or secure items like a water bottle or a camera to our backpacks when we require hands-free convenience.

Travel Document Organizer

Personally, we’re a bit fanatical about the organization, so while this item may not be an absolute necessity, we find it incredibly valuable. A travel organizer allows us to keep all our crucial documents, including passports, boarding passes, and various currencies, neatly together. It streamlines the check-in process and ensures that all our paper documents are conveniently in one place .

Electronic Cable Organizer

If you’re anything like us, traveling with a multitude of chargers for your phone, laptop, and camera gear, this electronic cable organizer is a game-changer. It effortlessly fits into our smaller daypacks, providing a tidy home for all our cables, chargers, SD cards, and portable chargers. Say goodbye to the hassle of tangled cables; everything is neatly organized and easily accessible.

3. Clothes Packing List for Southeast Asia

Opt for light and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen when selecting clothing for your Southeast Asia packing list. Choose versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched and dry quickly. Steer clear of overly tight or synthetic materials that can feel sticky in the heat. Comfort should be your priority – leave delicate fashion dresses at home , as they’re likely to suffer wear and tear. The combination of sunscreen, constant packing and unpacking, and rigorous laundry sessions can lead to fading and damage to delicate fabrics. In most cases, you won’t need an extensive wardrobe for your Southeast Asia trip. Laundry shops are plentiful and will wash your clothes for just a dollar or less. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t rock fashionable outfits! Just keep in mind that Southeast Asia generally experiences warm and humid weather year-round . The exception might be if you plan on hiking in places like Sapa ( Vietnam ), Pai (North Thailand ), or the Cameron Highlands (Malaysia), where you’ll need some extra outdoor gear.

With the exception of the beach area, it’s crucial to remember that many parts of Southeast Asia are more conservative , and locals tend to dress modestly. When visiting religious sites, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, so keep this in mind when choosing your outfits.

Below, you’ll find a suggested packing list for Southeast Asia, tailored for both men and women . Keep in mind that these items are just recommendations and may vary based on your individual travel style.

Southeast Asia Packing List Women

• 3 pairs of shorts – Active shorts ,  Denim Shorts  &  Linen shorts
• 1  pair of leggings  – Perfect for the colder areas when you go hiking, but I also use these as loungewear
• Hippie pants (buy those in Asia!) 
• 1  long skirt
• 3 dresses – two long dresses  and  one short dress   
• 4 tank tops  or  light shirts
• 2 lightweight shirts with sleeves
• Long-sleeve base layer   – I usually wear this when flying from home, where it’s often significantly colder, and use it as loungewear for overnight train rides and hiking in colder areas.
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1   Sports Bra
• 2 Bralettes
• 2-3 Bikinis
• Hat for sun protection, definitely if you go hiking to prevent heat stroke
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 2 or 3 lightweight cotton scarves  (in some fun colors) for covering up when visiting temples, often I also use them to protect myself from the sun when I am wearing a sleeveless top. We always carry one in our backpack as it comes in handy on numerous occasions, as well as a sarong or beach blanket!
• 5 pairs of socks  +  1 pair of trekking socks  (we really like the ones from Falke!)
• L ightweight sneakers   (we personally enjoy the ones from Adidas)
• Birkenstocks  are always a comfy option to explore a town and go temple hopping all-day
• 1 pair of comfy flip-flops  
• Fleece  or  hoodie  – to be comfortable on train rides and definitely if you plan on visiting Northern Thailand (can be rather cool in the morning), North Vietnam like Sapa or plan on trekking Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo Malaysia.

All of the above fit into my Deuter AVIANT VOYAGER 60+10 SL  backpack divided over packing cubes. I highly recommend the roll-and-stuff method!

Optional items for women:

• Lightweight Rain Jacket  – We, personally, don’t pack rain jackets as we’ve never found the need for them. Whether or not you should bring one depends on whether you’re traveling during the peak of the rainy season. In our case, we usually opt for compact foldable ponchos or simply purchase disposable ones on the spot if necessary.
• Hiking Shoes  (lightweight and low cut) – The need for these depends on your planned activities. Everyday sneakers work perfectly for standard hikes. However, if you’re venturing into more intermediate terrain, it’s highly recommended to bring an additional pair of hiking shoes. I was immensely grateful for mine in L a os , where the landscape was rougher. Personally, I really like the brand Salomon , as they provide extra support, excellent grip, and stability on challenging surfaces like pebbles and gravel. Plus, these shoes are equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane, making them waterproof. You’ll certainly appreciate this feature if you encounter a sudden rain shower or find yourself in a muddy area.

Southeast Asia Packing List Men

• 3 pairs of shorts – cotton shorts ,  linen shorts  &  athletic shorts
• 1 pair of hiking pants – Moritz really likes these convertible cargo pants from North Face , as they can be worn both long and short, also perfect for hiking in the colder areas.
• 1 pair of long trousers   (for temple hopping and cities, lightweight pants over jeans!)
• 6 T-shirts, a combination of cotton T-shirts   and  dri-fit sports T-shirts
• 1 Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt
• 1 Casual sleeved shirt
• 1 Warm Fleece  or  hoodie
• Lightweight sneakers  (we personally enjoy the ones from Adidas)
• Flip Flops  
• Birkenstock Sandals , a comfy option to explore a town and go temple hopping all-day
• Cap  for sun protection, definitely if you go hiking to prevent heat stroke
• 1 pair of  Sunglasses
• 2 pairs of  swimming shorts
• 10 pairs of underwear (this depends on how long you are on the road, we packed 10 pairs on our 3-month backpacking trip through South East Asia).
• 10 pairs of socks  (can really recommend bamboo ones) + 1 pair of trekking socks from Falke

Optional items for men:

• Light waterproof rain jacket   – As mentioned, we don’t pack rain jackets as we’ve never found the need for them. In our case, we usually opt for compact foldable ponchos or simply purchase disposable ones on the spot if necessary.
• Hiking Shoes  – Moritz got these lowcut ones from Adidas for South East Asia, they are also with Gore-tex.

4. Electronics Packing List for South East Asia

On a personal note, we tend to travel with an abundance of electronics since we work while on the road. Our WANDRD PRVKE 21L backpack is fully geared with everything necessary, from laptops to external microphones. We understand that not everyone shares our passion for photography and shooting, and for those looking to keep their backpacks more streamlined, we’ve listed only the items we believe might make your travel easier and could be fun & easy for capturing your incredible adventure.

General electronics packing list for Southeast Asia

Besides the obvious as not forgetting your phone and phone charger, below are some other electronics that we personally always pack and make our travels more easier and pleasant:

Portable Charger / Power Bank

A reliable power bank for your phone is an essential item on your Southeast Asia packing list for on-the-go charging. Particularly during long bus rides or full days of exploration when you may not have access to power outlets. This specific portable charger from Anker provides almost 5 full charges for your phone.

Travel Adaptor

Don’t forget to pack a universal adaptor to ensure you can charge all your electronic devices during your trip. Different countries in Southeast Asia will require different plug sockets.

Kindle or E-Reader

While we have a deep appreciation for physical books, it’s not the most practical to lug around weighty volumes while backpacking. Opting for a Kindle  or  e-reader allows you to carry an entire library of books for on-the-road entertainment. Given the likelihood of spending considerable time on long bus or train rides, it becomes the perfect companion for passing the hours. The latest e-readers feature a glare-free HD touchscreen, making it possible to read in direct sunlight while also offering adjustable brightness and color temperature. Plus, many of them are waterproof, ensuring they’re always ready for unexpected spills or the occasional dip in the swimming pool.

Another entertainment item for those overnight trains is headphones . We love having a good travel playlist or listening to podcasts while on the road. I’m personally more a fan of classic headphones while Moritz these days prefers earbuds from Anker .

USB Flash Drive

While Southeast Asia is frequently modern and technologically advanced, there may still be instances where you need to print bus tickets or visas. We consistently carry an old-school USB drive from Sandisk with us because it proves to be quite handy in these situations.

Lightweight Laptop or tablet (optional)

While we strongly encourage you to immerse yourself in the outdoors and limit screen time during your Southeast Asia backpacking adventure, having a small t ablet can be incredibly useful. Even before we began working on the road, we found handling emails, making bookings, and checking things on a tablet more comfortable than on a phone. Additionally, for some Netflix indulgence during our journeys :p, a tablet provides a screen size that’s just right. If your tasks involve travel writing or photo editing, a travel-sized laptop might be more convenient in this scenario.

Photography Packing list for South East Asia

While your phone may be sufficient to capture all those unforgettable moments these days, the following gadgets can add a fun touch to your photography packing list for Southeast Asia:

If there’s one item that will truly enhance your travels, it’s an action cam! We personally have been enjoying the Go Pro Hero 10 on our latest travels. Depending on the range of activities you have in mind—whether it’s snorkeling, kayaking, or hiking—a GoPro is an ideal tool to capture your underwater adventures or any extreme environment where using your main camera or phone might be challenging. Its versatility shines as it captures both photos and videos, offering super wide-angle shots and even the option to shoot in raw format. While the GoPro can handle some water exposure, consider an underwater case for deeper dives. The compact size of an action cam is perfect for travel, but for hands-free filming, we recommend using a backpack mount to secure it to your backpack or another attachment .

Tripod or selfie stick

For solo travelers seeking to capture some self-portraits, investing in a versatile selfie stick that doubles as a tripod can add a fun dimension to your journey! Consider the Joby Gorillapods ; they’re compact, sturdy, and flexible, allowing you to attach them to branches or fences for creative shots. With various mounts available, they offer versatility for use with both phones and cameras.

As mentioned earlier, nowadays, you can effortlessly capture all your travel memories with your phone. However, if you’re keen on exploring photography further, consider starting with a budget entry-level model. We’ve always had a soft spot for Canon as a brand, you might want to check their entry-level DSLR model Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D . For a lighter option, a mirrorless camera could be the perfect fit. If you’re just diving into photography, the Sony Alpha A6100   or  Sony α6400 are excellent choices.

Always good to take a few spare SD cards for your camera, we personally don’t like deleting on the go and want to make sure we have enough memory space with us. We can personally advise the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD cards , and we usually buy ones with a minimum of 128 GB to be sure that we have enough space (also depends on whether you shoot in RAW). Lately, we also have been testing the Samsung Pro Plus Micro SD cards   for our Go Pro & drone.

Drone (optional)

Undoubtedly, this falls under the category of a splurge item and isn’t essential. It will occupy a notable amount of space in your daypack. Nevertheless, it’s an incredibly enjoyable addition that provides a unique perspective of your surroundings. We have the DJI Mini 3 , a small and compact model. Before taking flight, make sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations, as flying these devices isn’t permitted everywhere. In 2023, it stands out as the smallest, lightest, and best-value mini-camera drone in DJI’s lineup. Not only is it the quietest, but it’s also the simplest and most fun to use. Moreover, it falls below the maximum weight threshold, eliminating the need for additional registrations, and making it a hassle-free choice.

5. Practical Travel Gadgets & Accessories

Listed below are a few more essential accessories that we recommend you take:

• Bring a Reusable water bottle and fill up at refill stations with clean water whenever possible. Alternatively, consider investing in a Life Straw or high-quality filtered water bottle from GRAYL that can turn any water source into safe, drinkable water, ensuring you’re never without a clean water supply!
• Ziplock bags – these always come in handy to store away snacks or leaking bottles.
• Elastic Bands or closable clips
• Duct tape – we have used this multiple times during our travels!
• Microfiber Towel – for at the beach or in case your stay doesn’t have towels.
• Flashlight  or  head torch – useful on poorly lit alleys, or if you stay in hostels and need to find something in your bag without putting on the light.
• Swiss army knife / Multi-tool – Make sure to store this in your checked-in luggage when flying, not your carry-on luggage!
• Sleeping mask – Although we only started bringing this recently, it has been a game-changer for our sleep, especially during overnight rides or in hotel rooms that often lack darkening curtains.
• Noise-cancelling earplugs – Same as the sleeping mask, but definitely recommend if you will be staying in hostels. The walls in Southeast Asia are thin!
• Travel journal – Carrying a compact journal while traveling is an excellent way to reflect on your experiences and chronicle your adventures.
• Waterproof watch – Moritz likes to bring a watch and this waterproof Casio watch in army green is just the perfect men’s accessory.

6. Toiletries Packing List for Southeast Asia

For added peace of mind, in case you’ve forgotten a toiletry item at home or need a replacement, most things are readily available in major cities throughout Southeast Asia . However, if you have specific preferences, such as skincare for acne-prone skin, it’s advisable to bring those along. Some items may not be as easily found everywhere and can be expensive, especially sunscreen. Additionally, be cautious about creams or skincare products that may contain whitening agents . Here’s what we typically bring, categorized for both men and women + items we both share.

TIP | We use travel-size containers for shampoo, body wash & lotion, etc. so we don’t have to bring the full-size bottle.

Products we share together:

• Toiletry Bag – This is the toiletry bag we share together. In case I’m traveling alone, I use the following smaller toiletry bag .
• Sunscreen – As a face sunscreen I can recommend Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion , and for the body Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion , both are oil-free, water-resistant, and reef-friendly. 
• Mosquito repellant
• Wet wipes – keep these in your hand luggage, will often come in handy!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues – Always have some paper with you because a lot of restrooms in Southeast Asia do not have toilet paper. 
• Travel Medical Kit – Carrying a first aid kit is vital for Southeast Asia! The high humidity in the region can easily lead to infections in cuts and burns, making it essential to address such issues promptly. Our travel medical kit includes bandages, plasters, sterile gauze pads, disinfectant, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, and a range of medications, including ibuprofen, paracetamol, diarrhea pills (loperamide), buscopan for abdominal cramps, and motion sickness tablets.

Toiletries Packing List Southeast Asia: Women

• Refill Deodorant
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Body lotion – if you have very dry skin like me you will want to bring a travel body lotion as this is also not easy to find in Asia and often holds whitening ingredients. You can also use this after the sun to moisturize.
• Face wash & cream – I am a big fan of products by The Ordinary   &  Origins . Make sure to bring your favorite products, because again most facial products have whitening in them!
• Hair Brush – Tangle Teezer Hairbrush for the win!
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clippers & file
• Feminine hygiene products & tampons (not easy to find in Asia).
• Basic make-up: I don’t wear that much makeup anymore in general, and trust me in Southeast Asia it melts right off. So keep it basic, some mascara, eyebrow pencil, and maybe some concealer. One product I highly recommend is this tinted moisturizer with SPF from Origins , I wear it on top of my sunscreen, no need for foundation. Check out the following small make-up pouch .
• Chapstick with sunscreen – don’t forget to protect your lips!

Toiletries Packing List Southeast Asia: Men

• Body wash or soap bar – Moritz is a huge fan of this all-around soap bar from Foamie
• Nail clippers 
• Shaver/Razor
• Toothpaste & toothbrush

7. Documents & Finances Checklist

• Passport – stating the obvious here
• International Driver’s License – this is a must if you intend to ride a scooter or motorbike while in Southeast Asia, your driver’s license from back home isn’t sufficient. Fines are really high if you don’t have one.
• Photocopies of your passport – important in case of loss or theft
• Cards – Debit, credit
• Vaccination certificate
• Cash Money – We always carry some euros and dollars with us; often, in major cities, there are exchange offices with favorable rates. Also, just in case you need to exchange a bit at the airport to pay for a taxi or bus fare.
• A printed copy of your booking or stay – in case you don’t have an internet connection yet upon arrival and need to know where to go.
• A printed copy of your travel insurance – Prioritize travel insurance for peace of mind, especially if engaging in motorbiking or adventurous activities.   Heymondo   is a recommended provider; carry a printed copy of your insurance details in case of emergencies.
• Copy of your emergency numbers
• Extra passport photos – always handy for visas.

TIP | We also recommend scanning these documents and storing them online . This is very easy, e.g., with Google Drive or Dropbox. If you lose something or it’s stolen, it will be a bit easier if you can present a color copy of the original document for recovery.

Last Piece of Packing Advice for Southeast Asia

When you embark on the packing process, lay everything out on your bed . Personally, I like to envision potential outfit combinations, try them on, and consider the occasions for which I can wear them—whether it’s hiking, beach outings, city explorations, or temple visits. During my initial trips to Southeast Asia, I packed a suitcase filled with the 20kg limit, only to realize I didn’t wear half of it. With some strategic planning and packing finesse , it’s entirely feasible to limit yourself to the essentials listed above. Keep in mind that you’ll be packing, re-packing, and carrying your luggage around frequently in a very hot climate!

To give you an idea, here are the approximate total weights of our backpacks:

• Large backpack: approx. 13-15 kg
• Small daypack: approx. 5-7 kg

Consider getting some items in Southeast Asia:

• Some clothing: Leave space for beautiful pieces you’ll find at night markets for just a few euros! Elephant pants, in particular, will become your favorites.
• Tiger Balm: This magical cream is a must-have for soothing muscle aches (a holy grail among Thai boxers) and easing mosquito bites. Stock up!

Leave the following items at home:

• Jeans: It’s too hot; you’ll never unpack these.
• Laundry line: Laundry services are so affordable that there’s no need to bring your own.
• Mosquito net: Most places provide them in the room, and mid-range hotels often have well-secured windows, eliminating the need for one.

Practical Travel Basics & Links

TRANSPORTATION | For checking and booking bus, boat, and train rides in advance, we recommend using the website 12go . This platform has been our go-to across Asia, saving us from the hassle of queuing at travel agencies or bus stations. If you’re traveling during peak season, consider booking tickets ahead, keeping in mind that peak season coincides not only with the best weather but also with festivals and local holidays.

ACCOMMODATION | Finding affordable places to stay in Southeast Asia is a breeze with Booking.com . It’s the ideal platform to discover budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

FLIGHTS | Discover the best flight deals to Southeast Asia on Skyscanner . We love that they highlight the days with the cheapest prices for a destination, and the ability to search by month or region for flexibility. Skyscanner’s filter system simplifies finding the most suitable flight, and you can stay updated on the best prices with price alerts.

TRAVEL INSURANCE | When it comes to travel insurance, especially for backpacking in Southeast Asia, consider Heymondo . It’s our top recommendation for comprehensive and trustworthy coverage. Get 5% OFF through our link .

CREDIT CARD | When it comes to managing your money while traveling, it can be a headache! We recommend getting a Credit Card that doesn’t charge you extra for foreign transactions.

INTERNET | Secure reliable internet access for your Southeast Asia trip with Airalo . Simply install it on your eSIM-compatible smartphone before your journey.

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | For the best and most affordable city tours, day trip excursions, food tours, and cooking classes in Southeast Asia, check out GetYourGuide or Viator .

VISA ORGANIZATION | Before your trip, ensure you check the visa requirements for your passport nationality in the countries you plan to visit. Explore details on travel documents at iVisa.com .

Southeast Asia Packing List Guide

We hope this Southeast Asia Packing List guide helps you when planning for your exciting upcoming trip. You can show some ❤ and support for the blog and help us share more adventures! Our travels are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows us to keep writing helpful travel guides and gather information to make it easier for people to discover the world.

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Hana's Travel Journal

HANA'S TRAVEL JOURNAL

2 month itinerary for south east asia.

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Paths and trails throughout South-East Asia are well beaten. Backpackers, adventurers, food enthusiasts and high-end travelers are coming back year by year, season by season, because this region has something for everyone. It’s welcoming, warm and sunny, full of bright colors, unusual flavors and exotic smells. 2 months in south east asia

I was dying to go to Asia and experience it all on my own skin, see it with my own eyes and taste all the delicious authentic food with my own taste buds! I am also still confident enough to bring you some new information and points of view to help you plan your trip to this part of the world. 2 months in south east asia

Although I had been to SE Asia before, I haven’t explored ‘the land part’. Bali , Philippines and Singapore gave me a little taste of Asian delights and ever since then I’ve known I will be coming back for more. In this article I will present you some general information about this region plus our itinerary. We were travelling for almost two months through five countries and we tried to fill our days with different activities, spend some time with locals and get a little bit off-the-beaten-path experiences.

This is our rough itinerary for 2 months in south east Asia following all the places we visited. I wanted to see as much as possible and visit as many places as possible, but I also made sure that we stayed in each place long enough to really get to know it. You can see articles from each destination on the ASIA on my blog . 

KUALA LUMPUR | MALAYSIA

Duration: 2 Days

CHIANG MAI | THAILAND

Duration: 3 - 5 Days

MANDALAY | MYANMAR

Duration: 1 - 2 Days

BAGAN | MYANMAR

Duration: 3 Days

INLE LAKE | MYANMAR

Yangon | myanmar, hanoi | vietnam.

Duration: 1 - 3 Days

HALONG BAY | VIETNAM

Duration: 2 Night Cruise

NINH BINH | VIETNAM

Hue | vietnam, hoi an | vietnam.

Duration: 2 - 4 Days

HO CHI MINH CITY | VIETNAM

Phnom penh | cambodia.

Duration: 2 - 3 Days

SIEM REAP | CAMBODIA

Bangkok | thailand.

Duration: 4 Days

For me, a good planning is essential before every longer trip and this one wasn’t an exception. I started months before just to decide where to go and what to see there, plus some extra activities, places where to eat and what to eat etc. If you are going to Asia for a limited time, I would recommend doing your research properly beforehand. I was helping myself mostly with other travel blogs and these two I considered the most useful: Nomadic Matt , who backpacked around Asia many times and his blog is very detailed full of useful information, and The Blonde Abroad with some stylish places to visit and how to stay safe. 2 months in south east asia

Situated within the Tropics close to the Equator, South-East Asian region characterizes hot and humid weather with an average temperature of approximately 25 degrees Celsius all year round (depending on particular country). There are two main seasons during the year – the wet season, a.k.a. the monsoon season and the dry season. The “land part” of SE Asia (North Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar) suffers from the monsoon season from May/June till October. Even though during these months the monsoon rains are rather a temporary annoyance, you can also experience some tropical storms that can last for days which will have significant impact on your plans. During the dry season you can expect lower temperatures and humidity, but also bigger amounts of tourists everywhere.

Rainy season

We travelled to SE Asia at the beginning of the rain season – from the end of May until mid-July and we experienced all sorts of weather but it was mostly sunny and very hot. The storms were intense but only about 15-20 minutes short and after that the sky cleared again. We got the most rain in Kuala Lumpur, where it rained every night and occasionally during the day. In my opinion, this was a good time for travelling. Yes, it was very hot, but at many places we could significantly feel the smaller amount of people and in Myanmar in most of the places were the only foreigners.

If you decide to travel in wet season, I recommend you to carry your raincoat at all times, bring a good bug spray and save some buffer days in your itinerary for museums, galleries or nice cafes in case it rains. For more detailed info about weather in Asia head to this link.

South-East Asia is a big region but getting from one place to another is really not that difficult (even though it can be adventurous sometimes!). As I mentioned at the beginning, more and more tourists travel to this part of the world every year and so the transportation network is becoming more and more customer friendly. 2 months in south east asia

If I want to know estimated price and route options from A to B, I usually use Rome2Rio website which literally connects every part of the world. From there I plan my route and check available websites for transportation in each region.

When you see the map above, you can notice that we were flying a lot. I don’t have any special secrets to find the best flights – Skyscanner does the job for me! When I started to plan our trip, I always kept the dates open to see which day the airfare was the cheapest. Then I booked through the link directly on Skyscanner.

We had (almost) no problems with low cost Asian airlines. We were able to get the flights for under 100 AUD per person (approx. 62 EUR) with 20 kg luggage included even when we booked last minute, and there were also snacks and drinks on board! I said we had almost no problems because once it happened to us that Vietnam airlines changed our flight 4 hours earlier without letting us know, and so we obviously missed it, but on the other hand we got hotel for the night and access to the business lounge at the airport for the whole day so it wasn’t an absolute disaster.

Buses and Trains

Over-night long distance buses are very popular in SE Asia and from our experience I can say they are quite comfy. You can recline your seat very low and make it into a bed. The roads are bumpy though and our drivers liked to honk a lot but we were still able to get some sleep and saved one night on accommodation.

Over-night train was my favorite mean of transport when we were travelling through Vietnam . We were on the train for 12 hours, but each of us got a proper bed (bunk bed for a couple) with clean linen, coffee, tea, soda or beer and we were even served breakfast! To make your train ride a good experience, you have to purchase the first class ticket! In the 2 nd class you will get a wooden bench to sleep on (no pillow nor blanket) and in the 3 rd class, you will have to share the bench with other people. There’s quite a big difference in price but just imagine spending 12 hours like this.

I booked most of our bus and train connections through 12go.asia where you can see reviews from other travelers and price comparisons. Sometimes the transport was cheaper when booked through a hostel, but usually it was also worse. With shorter 3 – 5 hours long drives, it’s okay, but anything longer than that, I am choosing comfort over price.

City Transport

The easiest way to get around any bigger city in SE Asia is taking a Grab . Grab, similar to Uber, is cheap, fast, reliable, the price is set in advance so you’ll avoid scammers and you don’t have to pay with cash. We haven’t used any public transport during our travels, because there wasn’t a big difference in price for two people anyway. If there was no Grab available, we booked our first transport from the station with the hostel we were staying in and then we just hired a motorbike for a day or two.

If you are interested in more details about transportation in SE Asia, for example the price comparison, drivers license requirements etc., you can check out these two articles – here and here .

Get your visa in advance! Do not wait until you leave your country because you don’t know what unexpected requirement will occur. As EU citizens we didn’t need visa for Malaysia and Thailand if our stay wouldn’t extend 30 days. The rules, however, differ from country to country. Also some South-East Asian countries require your passport to be valid for 6 more months before its expiration date after the day you leave the country (and they can be very strict about this rule).

We were able to apply for all our visas online and they got approved within few days. I write more about the visa process for each country in separate articles. For more general info head to the Lonely Planet website here .

Currency Exchange

Exchanging a big amount of money in an exchange office in SE Asia can be a little bit tricky and the rates are usually not in favor of international travelers. Before our trip, we exchanged couple of hundreds AUD in Sydney for every currency we’d need just to have something at the beginning and then the rest we withdrew from an ATM. ATMs are rare but not impossible to find. From our experience, those at the airports or bus/train stations charge less for a withdrawal with foreign credit card.

You cannot rely on paying only by your card because most of the establishments and shops don’t have EFTPOS terminals. We even had problems in few hotels and hostels to pay with our card. I would also recommend having some US Dollars on side. US dollars are widely used in Cambodia but we were able to occasionally pay with them in Malaysia and Myanmar too.

You most probably know this already, but there is no drinking water on tap anywhere in SE Asia. You have to buy all your water in plastic bottles and I can tell you, you’ll drink a lot as it can get very hot. Excessive use of single-use plastic, poor garbage disposal and lack of recycling are a big problem in these countries. Personally, I don’t like buying bottled water. Although I knew I won’t be able to avoid it while travelling, I still managed to reduce our plastic waste by purchasing water cleaning tables.

These water purifying tablets will get rid of any germs and microorganisms in water and make it clean for drinking and brushing your teeth. I got mine from a friend from an outdoor store in Sydney, but you can also buy them on Amazon, for example here . They are easy to use – usually one tablet cleans one liter of tap water. We stored the water in the fridge and we always took 2l bottle to start our day. It will not save you much money, but if you care about the environment, it’s really the least you can do!

The tablets are 100% save, we didn’t have any health issues during our trip (I just got heat stroke once but about that later). 2 months in south east asia

Travel Scams

South East Asia is generally a safe place to travel around, but it’s also a poor region and people, even though they are nice, will sometimes want to take advantage of you and they will try to scam you. 

I’ll give you an example: we were walking on the street in Ho Chi Minh City when suddenly a man, sitting on the ground with a box full of glues and sewing accessories next to him, started to point at Tomas’ shoes yelling it’s broken. This is a pretty common “innocent” scam in Vietnam. If we stopped, he would have put a piece of tape or a bit of glue on his shoe and would demand money for fixing it. If we refused, some more men would have appeared from nowhere and they would make us pay. As scary as it sounds, we were aware of this scam and we didn’t stop to check the “broken” shoes.

A family that was walking behind us fell for it, but the scammer was, in this case, alone and the father of the family was a big guy so they just walked away. I heard from some travelers who we met along the way, that if you wear sandals or flip flops, they take your shoes and refuse to give it back until you buy them back. 2 months in south east asia

Of course, travel scams can happen anywhere in the world and unfortunately they are more and more common. For more information about how to avoid them and what to expect check out these websites here , here and here .

I hope you’ll find my travel tips useful and if have any additional questions, feel free to shoot me a message here

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Museum of Wander

24 Perfectly Chilled Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Everybody needs a relaxing holiday, now more than ever. Here are the best places to visit in Southeast Asia to relax and rejuvenate. From idyllic islands to laid-back towns and tropical rain forests.

Breathe in. Slow and deep. Breathe out. Slowly. Visualize happiness. Feels good right? Sometimes all we need is a relaxing vacation where we can disconnect from everyday life, unwind and BREATHE. Since nowhere says RELAX quite like Southeast Asia, we are making a list of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia to relax (and forget that 2020/2021/2022 ever happened.)

While we are quite proficient in the art of chilling, we decided to ask our favourite travel writers Zen masters to help in our search of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia for a relaxing vacation.

Reluctantly, they fell out of their hammocks, took the last sip of iced coffee through a bamboo straw, put a final shell on a sandcastle, got up from a downward-facing dog pose, breathed out slowly, and this is what we eventually came up with.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

Why Visit Southeast Asia to Relax?

Relaxation comes in many forms. From surrounding yourself with nature to floating weightlessly in the sea to enjoying delicious food or challenging yourself to do something new or creative. No matter how you choose to reach Nirvana, Southeast Asia has something for every personality to help you reach tranquillity.

After many relaxing holidays all over this beautiful region, we always come back feeling refreshed, happy and thankful. We finally figured out why.

Yes, the forests, beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers are incredible. The massages are cheap and heavenly. The food not only tastes damn good, but it also looks beautiful. It offers exceptional value for money , and deciding whose kidney will be sold on the dark web to pay for the holiday is never an issue. We love Southeast Asia for all these things, but that’s not why we keep on going back.

We go back for the people and their genuine warm hospitality , their unforced smiles, their sense of humour and their deep connection with their land and culture. Surround yourself with happy people and you’ll be happy too, I guess. You can’t help but get caught up in all that laid-back happiness and go with the flow.

Did we mention the food is dynamite and the massages cheap and heavenly?

Before we get carried away, let’s look at the most relaxing destinations to visit in Southeast Asia for a peaceful getaway, from tropical islands and lakes to laid-back towns and virgin forests.

Amed, Indonesia

The east coast of Bali is a world away from the glitz and glam, the beach clubs and the trendy hotspots on the opposite side of the island. Amed must be the most underrated destination in Bali, and people looking for a relaxing stay will love this town which is still a fishing village at heart.

Amed is a collection of 7 fishing villages, and along the road connecting these villages you can find boutique hotels, guesthouses, infinity pools, warungs and restaurants, yoga lessons, dive schools, free-range chickens and if you look very carefully- the true meaning of life.

The snorkelling in Amed is among the best there is in Bali, and it’s right off the beach. Any beach in Amed will have very good snorkeling, but the underwater temple at Jemeluk beach or the Japanese shipwreck is not to be missed.

With a delicious food scene, deciding where to eat in Amed could be the toughest choice you’ll have to make each day. Just like Amed itself, the food is fresh, beautiful, unpretentious and very affordable.

Where to stay in Amed Aquaterrace

You’ll never want to leave the amazing infinity pool overlooking the beach below. Luxury accommodation with warm hospitality, great breakfast choices and in-house massage service. Afternoon coffee/tea and snacks are enjoyed poolside. We’ve been to Aquaterrace twice and look forward to returning ASAP.

Ubud, Indonesia

Merely mentioning Ubud conjures up images of relaxation, rejuvenation and well-being. If there is one place in Southeast Asia that has perfected the art of happiness and comfort, it must be Ubud.

Whether you spend hours in the pool, drink only organic juice, go vegan or practice yoga, Ubud will not disappoint those in search of inner peace and tranquillity. While there are many things to do in Ubud , it’s also a great place to simply do nothing.

You can spend your lazy days visiting some of the best spas in the world, practising yoga, visiting temples, exploring sacred forests or trying and identify just how many shades of green the rice paddies have. Ubud is perhaps the best place to visit in Southeast Asia if you’re feeling creative and want to learn a new skill.

Being the cultural heart of Bali , artists and craftsmen in Ubud still practice their traditional trades, and welcome visitors to learn by doing. A silversmith could teach you how to make your own jewellery, or you could learn how to cook a killer Balinese meal.

Foodies, vegans, carnivores and normal people like you and me will love Ubud for its beautiful and delicious food. Eating well is as important a part of a relaxing holiday as spending time in the pool or at the spa. Look at our favourite places to fight hunger if you can’t decide where to eat in Ubud .

Ubud offers fantastic value for money, which means that getting a private pool is within reach for most of us. The beauty of getting a private pool villa in Ubud is that there is something out there for every taste and budget.

Where to stay in Ubud The Satya Villa

A private pool villa on a budget, the Satya Villa is perfect for couples looking for an intimate and romantic stay in Ubud. Located in the middle of the rice paddies, a short scooter ride away from Monkey Forest Road and its restaurants. Highly recommended!

Lake Toba, Indonesia

When the world’s largest supervolcano blew its top thousands of years ago, it left behind something incredibly beautiful on the Indonesian island of Sumatra . Lake Toba is an enormous volcanic lake surrounded by steep, green mountains with an island in the middle of the lake. If an island on an island is not taking relaxation to the next level, then I don’t know what will.

The sleepy town of Tuktuk on Samosir island has been synonymous with serious relaxation for decades, and still lives up to its name today. The friendly and fun-loving Batak people from Lake Toba are the perfect hosts, and they take immense pride in sharing their slice of heaven with visitors (who soon become friends).

By day you can swing in your hammock, take refreshing dips in the lake, get a massage in the garden or drink cup after cup of Sumatra coffee. You might have seen Lake Toba Coffee at Starbucks Reserve, but nothing beats having it in its natural habitat.

Exploring Samosir island by scooter is just wonderful. The island is big, and a drive all around the island takes a whole day. Along the way, you can explore traditional Batak villages, chase waterfalls, meet coffee farmers or wave to grazing water buffaloes.

Before sunset, you’ll hear the Batak men strumming their guitars all around Samosir. At night you can always find a spot where old and new friends gather to celebrate a beautiful life like only the Batak people of Lake Toba can. With all that singing and dancing, no wonder the people of Lake Toba are such a happy bunch. The Bataks love having a good time, and they want you to have one too.

If Lake Toba is not heaven, it surely can’t be far away.

Where to stay in Lake Toba Romlan Guesthouse

Long time favourite with those who know how to relax, Romlan Guesthouse is deservedly popular. Beautiful location right on the lake. Small, quiet and cosy, guests soon become friends and often return year after year for more of that Toba magic.

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Recommended by Jessie of Pocket Wanderings For the ultimate get-away-from-it-all escape in Southeast Asia, visit the beautiful Khao Sok National Park in Thailand. The park offers over 739 square metres of stunning natural beauty – from the recognisable limestone cliffs and the brightly coloured lake to luscious rainforest and diverse wildlife.

Khao Sok is located in the province of Surat Thani, away from all the popular tourist traps. It may be a little trickier to get to, but that’s exactly what makes it so wonderfully relaxing. Spend one night in a jungle treehouse and then head into the depths of the park to stay in a floating raft house on the lake. Here you’ll find limited electricity and no phone signal, making it the perfect place to truly switch off from the outside world.

Spend your days exploring the park on foot or by kayak. Discover cascading waterfalls, hidden caves, and stunning viewpoints, as well as an abundance of wildlife and plants. Or simply sit back and relax at your accommodation, going for the occasional swim in the lake to cool off from the humidity.

Given how remote the area is, the accommodation is generally quite basic, but this is part of its humble appeal. It’s a chance to really immerse yourself in nature and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas of Thailand.

Where to stay in Khao Sok National Park 500 Rai

True to their slogan – Disconnect to Reconnect, 500 Rai is THE place to relax! Stunning overwater bungalows on the Cheow Lan Lake, set in a midst of natural surroundings. Guests can indulge in an outdoor pool and enjoy amazing views of lush green hills. 

Kampot, Cambodia

Recommended by Emily of Wander-Lush Nothing says ‘relaxation’ quite like lounging in a thatched bungalow beneath a ceiling of palm fronds on the edge of a languid river. Kampot  has long been regarded as a favourite escape from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh, and it offers visitors to Cambodia a welcome contrast to the Kingdom’s busier and more touristy destinations.

Kampot is located roughly 3 hours from Phnom Penh by road on the way to the southern coast. It’s easy to reach by minivan, bus or taxi. The company Giant Ibis runs daily vans and has a good track record for road safety.

A river city that’s known for holding onto its heritage character (a world apart from nearby Sihanoukville), Kampot is centred around the Praek Tuek Chhu river. The streets are filled with beautiful French-colonial architecture and crumbling shophouses. Some of Cambodia’s finest cafes and restaurants are located here, many of which use local Kampot salt and pepper to flavour their meals.

Hire a bike and cycle around the salt pans, ride out to a pepper farm for a tour or cooking class, or take a kayak out on the water to paddle through ‘the green cathedral’, a beautiful river loop shaded by palms. Take a day trip to Kep to swim in the ocean, riding to and from Kampot on the Crab Shuttle fishing boat. Evening drinks on the waterfront are a must; the old Fish Market is a great spot to watch the sunset.

Where to stay in Kampot Hotel Old Cinema

Hotel Old Cinema offers boutique rooms set inside a restored movie house, with an onsite bar and an open-air pool where the main stage used to be. Excellent location near the Kampot night market.

Danum Valley, Malaysia

Recommended by Margarita of The Wildlife Diaries One of the most tranquil places to relax and unwind in SE Asia is Borneo’s Danum Valley Conservation Area. This lush tropical valley is home to some of the oldest pristine rainforests on earth. There is no record of human habitation in  Danum Valley  before its protection, which means that its forest has never been logged and its animals have not been hunted.

There are only two accommodation options in the valley: the Danum Valley Field Centre and the upmarket Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The field centre is perched on the bank of Segama River, surrounded by the ancient rainforest shrouded in mist. There is something so primaeval about this forest that you half expect a dinosaur to appear out of the mist.

The main attraction of Danum Valley, apart from its unique rainforest, is the incredible abundance of wildlife. Borneo orangutans, pygmy elephants, gibbons, colugos, marbled cats, and clouded leopards inhabit the valley, not to mention the 270 bird species and a variety of reptiles. The two suspension bridges over Segama River and the Field Centre restaurant are great spots for watching birds first thing in the morning.

Most wildlife watching activities, however, happen at night. The park rangers offer night drives for those staying at the Field Centre and Borneo Rainforest Lodge runs its own spotlighting drives. Expect to see a few species of civets, flying squirrels, mouse deer, slow lorises and leopard cats on any given night. If you are lucky, you might spot some of the rarer creatures.

Experience the Danum Valley

The best and easiest way to visit the Danum Valley is on an organized tour from Lahad Datu. This 3-day package to the Danum Valley includes a stay at the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Kanchanaburi is only two hours by bus outside Bangkok, yet it could be on another planet. Sitting on the Kwai River banks, Kanchanaburi is just the place to go if you need a break from the hectic traffic and noise of the capital.

Once you leave Bangkok, it gets greener and greener the closer you get to Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi, also the name of the province, is considered the lushest in all of Thailand.

In Kanchanaburi, get on with the relaxation and book yourself into one of the fantastic floating hotels. Soon your state of mind will sync with the flow of the river, and all your worries will be forgotten.

History fanatics will want to go and see the infamous Bridge Over the River Kwai and pay their respects at the sombre WWII Commonwealth cemeteries. A little farther out, towards the Myanmar border, you can also visit the Hellfire Pass and walking trail.

A beautiful scooter ride through the verdant landscape will take you to the Erawan Falls National Park. Along the way, you can stop at roadside stalls selling ice coffee and delicious snacks. These waterfalls and cascades are not only highly photogenic, but you can also swim in the pools, so bring your trunks with you.

At sunset, get something cold to drink at one of the many riverside bars and cafes.

Where to stay in Kanchanaburi The Float House River Kwai

All rooms and villas at the Float House River Kwai come with your own wooden deck right on the river. Surrounded by jungle and floating on the river, you’ll love this place if you want to get away from it all.

Hpa’an, Myanmar

Recommended by Maartje & Sebastiaan of The Orange Backpack One of the best places in Asia to escape the big crowds and unwind for a few days might be  Hpa-An in Myanmar . This small town in the southeast of Myanmar is not the most charming or spectacular one, but it’s the stunning countryside surroundings that make Hpa-An a great stop on any Myanmar itinerary.

The town itself doesn’t have much to offer. The big attraction of Hpa-An is its surroundings. The village is located in the countryside filled with mountains, pagodas, rivers and caves. The best way to explore the area is by renting a motorbike and driving yourself to all the attractions in the area.

Mount Zwekabin is one of the highlights closest to Hpa-An. At the foot of the mountain is Lumani Park with its 1000 buddha statues, an impressive sight. You can climb all the way up to the top for an impressive overview of the Hpa-An countryside.

The other highlights are the temple caves in the area. The Mahar Sadan is the most-visited and biggest one. You can walk all the way through the cave, finishing at the waterside where boats are waiting for you. You could walk the same way back or pay one of the boatmen to bring you back to the entrance.

Another nearby attraction is the Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda. The temple itself isn’t that impressive, but you’ll visit this stunning sight for its small pagoda, balancing on the top of a rock. You can go all the way up.

Where to stay in Hpa’an Soe Brothers

Cheap and cheerful, Soe Brothers has a great location close to the night market and Shwe Yin Mhyaw Pagoda. Bike rental is available to explore the surrounding countryside. Helpful staff who go out of their way to make guests feel at home.

>>> Take a visual journey through Myanmar

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Recommended by Jenny of TraveLynn Family When your day starts with a floating breakfast in a private infinity pool, and your only appointment that day is with the spa, you know you’re on to a good thing.

Surrounded by azure waters with lush hills and rustic villages, Phu Quoc is the perfect place to visit towards the end of a  South Vietnam itinerary , to totally unwind and lose track of the days. Distance-wise, it’s actually closer to Cambodia, but this relatively little island in the Gulf of Thailand is actually part of Vietnam.

If you can tear yourself away from the hammock, you can ride the cable cars at Bai Truong, browse the souvenirs and food market of Duong Dong Market, hire a kayak, or visit the traditional Ham Ninh Fishing Village. But really, your biggest decision each day will be whether you should lounge by the pool or head to the beach. This is not the place to come to party the night away, so stock up on some books, and settle into island time.

To get to Phu Quoc, there are direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Alternatively, there are regular ferries throughout the day from Hà Tiên and Rạch Giá on the mainland. Many accommodations on the island offer complimentary pick up from the ferry terminal or airport. 

Where to stay in Phu Quoc Green Bay Resort

Pristine and secluded accommodation incorporating natural and sustainably sourced materials. Green Bay Resort features all of the modern amenities that guests would expect from a superlative boutique holiday experience. Relax at the serene spa or the infinity pool bar overlooking the beach.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Recommended by Caroline of CK Travel The Cameron Highlands is a gorgeous part of Malaysia with breathtaking scenery, lush greenery, rolling hills and Tudor-styled buildings. It is a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday as the region is situated at a higher altitude than the rest of mainland Malaysia so it has a cooler climate with crisp fresh air.

The Cameron Highlands is the tea-producing capital of the country and you can visit tea plantations in the area to enjoy a cuppa with stunning panoramic views of the tea fields or take a tour around the factory. The Cameron Highlands is also the centre of strawberry production in Malaysia. There are several strawberry farms around town where you can pick your own fruit and sample produce such as strawberry jam, strawberry ice cream and strawberry juice. 

Other fun  things to do in the Cameron Highlands  include visiting the Jim Thompson Tea Room inside the Cameron Highlands Resort for their English Afternoon Tea, which is served with fresh local strawberries. You can also visit the award-winning Spa Village located inside the hotel where they use honey, strawberries, tea and roses for their relaxing treatments and therapies.

If you feel like doing something a bit more active then you can enjoy a scenic walk in the region. There are 14 different colour-coded hiking trails of varying difficulty that take you past waterfalls and offer incredible panoramic views of the tea plantations and the Titiwangsa Mountains.

Where to stay in the Cameron Highlands Smokehouse Hotel

The Smokehouse features English cottage-style accommodations with views of its award-winning gardens or the golf course. It has a restaurant and bar. Traditional English breakfast is served in the conservatory, while afternoon tea and scones are served on the garden terrace

Mui Ne, Vietnam

Beautiful Mui Ne in southern Vietnam is not only one of the most relaxing destinations in Southeast Asia, but also one of the most beautiful. Mui Ne charms visitors with its laid-back fishing village vibes, unreal scenery, fantastic seafood and exciting activities.

In recent years, Mui Ne has emerged as one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Southeast Asia. The best time to ride the wind and waves is from the end of October until late March (perfect for those looking to escape winter in the northern hemisphere).

But Mui Ne is more than just a kitesurfing destination. Chillaholics can choose from massages right on the beach, watching the sunset from the red or white dunes or simply bobbing around in the pool.

Photographers and their cameras alike will love the fish market. Come here first thing in the morning when the boats are coming in and the light is nice and soft. Another beautiful place to see is the Fairy Stream. This shallow stream flows through a small red canyon, and a walk in this stream is straight out of a fairy tale. The bright red and unreal formations on one side of the stream, and the lush greenery on the opposite side is quite surreal.

Taking a Vietnamese cooking class while you’re in Mui Ne might just be the best (and most meaningful) souvenir that you can take back home with you.

Where to stay in Mui Ne Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne

Hands down the best place for a relaxing stay in Mui Ne, the Sailing Club Resort is set on a private beach, you can enjoy the sea view from the pool, bar and restaurant. All rooms are en-suite with individually controlled air conditioning, cable television and a balcony. Full-service day spa and kite surfing school.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Recommended by Neha of Travel Melodies Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia. Located in Northeast Vietnam, it is a four-hour drive from  Hanoi . Many tour operators have all-inclusive packages with transfers from Hanoi as well. 

With over 1600 limestone islands standing tall in emerald green waters, it is a perfect place to relax and just be with nature. The islands are covered with thick forests adding to the charm. 

Halong Bay is mainly explored onboard Junk boat cruises. You can choose between one day or multi-day cruises depending on the time and level of relaxation required. The cruise takes you along the bay through the islands while offering many activities to enjoy.

You get a chance to kayak through the limestone karsts admiring the natural wonders. There are many caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites in the Halong Bay area, and you get to tour one of them.

While cruising, you could also try your hand at preparing Vietnamese dishes at the cooking classes on offer. Besides cooking, this is the best opportunity to indulge in a wide variety of seafood. If you are a vegetarian, do let the cruise know when booking. 

HALONG BAY CRUISES

Experience Halong Bay aboard a cruise ship and admire the spectacular scenery. Choose between a 1-day cruise or a relaxing 3-day cruise . Includes pickup from your hotel in Hanoi.

Thakhek Loop, Laos

Recommended by Ben of The Sabbatical Guide The Thakhek Loop  is a 480km loop in Laos, where travellers traditionally hire a motorbike and complete this incredible journey in three to five days. Starting from the small town of Thakhek, this adventure takes in huge caves, dusty red roads, massive limestone karsts and an endless selection of rivers, waterfalls and springs.

So with all this driving why is it on a list of ‘Best Places to Relax in Southeast Asia’?

Firstly, it is the cold and hot springs that are available to visit on the route. Unwinding in the natural turquoise waters, surrounded by lush green forest will wash away any aches and pains you’ve built up on your trip. 

Secondly, it’s one of the best places to stay in Southeast Asia – SpringRiver Resort . Built at the junction of a spring and river (makes sense right!) this is one of the closest places to heaven you’ll find in Laos. There are 16 wooden bungalows, connected by bamboo boardwalks and a small restaurant overlooking the river.

Whether you decide to borrow a canoe and paddle to the source of the spring, wander off into the mountains to see the local area or simply lie back and enjoy the breeze blowing through your private chalet, there is simply nowhere more relaxing in the country.

Where to stay on the Thakhek Loop SpringRiver Resort

Check out the incredible SpringRiver Resort !

Railay Beach, Thailand

Recommended by Mariza from Hop On World If you’re looking for one of the most relaxing places to visit in South East Asia, you couldn’t find a better place than Railay Beach even if you tried!

Railay Beach  is a gorgeous bay located in Thailand’s Krabi Province. It is renowned for its epic sunsets, towering limestone cliffs, and postcard-perfect beaches, making it the perfect place to unwind. 

While Railay Beach isn’t an island, it’s easy to be fooled by its paradise-like setting. Part of Railay’s charm lies in the fact that it is entirely cut off from land travel. And the only way to get there is by long-tail boat.

The bay consists of two parts, Railay West and Railay East. While both are equally beautiful and unique in their own right, the western region, especially the areas near Phra Nang Beach, can get pretty crowded with day-trippers coming to soak up the chilled vibes, catch the sunset or try out rock climbing. 

Railay East, on the other hand, is much more laidback. Here you’ll find a secluded stretch of sand where you’re likely to have the entire beach all to yourself, or at the very least share it with one or two Asian Water Monitors. Of course, there are loads of fantastic eateries where you can sip on a freshly cracked coconut or gobble up some pad thai too. However, you’ll be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t spend some time at Tew Lay Bar – a funky beachfront bar where you can kick back with a boozy cocktail. 

If you can tear yourself away from the beach bum lifestyle, there are loads to do in Railay Beach too. Kayak around the bay, explore the stunning islands nearby, scramble up to the Railay Viewpoint, and even swim in a secret lagoon!

Where to stay in Railay Beach Railay Great View Resort

Giving you a true sense of traditional Thai living with its Thai architecture and wooden-style cottages, Railay Great View Resort is nestled in a tropical green landscape and is a short walk from the private beach.

Ngapali, Myanmar

Recommended by Samantha of The Wandering Wanderluster Known for its complex history, culture and plethora of golden pagodas, Myanmar may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of somewhere relaxing. Most visitors who come to Myanmar often cram in as much sightseeing into their fast-paced itinerary as possible, leaving very little room for pure relaxation.

But away from the main cities along its long stretch of coastline are some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in South East Asia. One of them is  Ngapali , one of the country’s most well-known beach resorts.

While there are bus services that run to Ngapali from Yangon, you can also take short regional flights to Thandwe Airport and from there, most of the resorts are just a short drive away. Almost all the top places to stay are located directly on the long stretch of white sandy beach. There is a diverse range of accommodation options from luxury 5-star hotels to budget eco-lodges.

There is little to do in Ngapali, other than enjoy its beautiful picture-perfect beach, enjoy some local cuisine, and take strolls into the small nearby fishing towns for a glimpse into local life. Rise early in the morning and you can watch the local fishermen bringing in their catch which they sell to local restaurants.

You can also find locals who offer boat trips to some reasonable snorkelling spots or hire an e-bike and explore some nearby pagodas. Or head to the Tilawkasayambhu Buddha Statue above the town where you can enjoy a wonderful vista over the beach and town below, especially beautiful at sunset.

Where to stay in Ngapali Sandoway Resort

Nestled among coconut palms and facing Ngapali Beach, the luxurious  Sandoway Resort  provides spacious villas and cottages scattered throughout six acres of long beach.

Ranong, Thailand

Recommended by Iris of Mind of a Hitchhiker One underrated Thai city that still has all the joys and comforts of big city life is Ranong. Next to Myanmar’s southernmost point Kawthaung, Ranong has recently grown in popularity due to its ease of visa runs. Otherwise, it has yet to see the crowds of Phuket 300 kilometres south or Bangkok 580 kilometres northeast. 

The hot springs near Ranong are a popular and relaxing place to unwind. Renting a scooter to drive from Ranong to the hot springs is not a daunting task, but taking a taxi also won’t break the bank. Make sure to visit the PornRang hot spring to the south and the Raksa Warin hot spring east of Ranong for a long soak. The rules are similar to a Japanese onsen, so it’s great to unwind in a clean environment. They even prepare onsen eggs in the hot waters.

A little further out is the Namtok Ngao National Park with its waterfalls and the Mu Ko Ranong National Park with its mangroves. Inland is also the Ranong Canyon where there’s a small lake with lots of fish.

In Ranong itself, there’s the weekly Walking Street each Saturday with live performances. At this night market, local small businesses serve ice cream-filled coconuts, fresh juice, and interesting snacks for as little as 10 Baht. If this is still too much activity for you, take a ferry to Ko Chang or Ko Phayam from Ranong to escape it all.

Where to stay in Ranong The Hidden Resort

Eight modern bungalows set in a tropical garden with a swimming pool, The Hidden Resort is the perfect place to relax while in Ranong. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.

Bukit Lawang, Indonesia

A few days in the pristine rainforest of Sumatra is just what you need if you really want to get away from it all and connect with nature. The small town of Bukit Lawang, sitting on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park is straight out of the Jungle Book.

The small town sits on the banks of the Bohorok river, and directly across the river is the dense forest of the national park.

Bukit Lawang is one of our favourite destinations in Indonesia for the way that low-impact tourism benefits the environment and local community. The highlight of any visit to Sumatra is getting a local guide to take you into the forest in search of orangutans.

Not only will you see the orange man of the forest , but also other species of monkeys, insects and other jungle critters. An orangutan trek is usually followed by an exciting inner-tube float back to town on the rapids of the Bohorok river.

The sounds of the forest at night, the intense thunderstorms, the constant rumble of the river, the fresh fruit and the cool water of the river beaches must hold ancient magic. After a few days in Bukit Lawang, you’ll be as mellow as the orangutans in the jungle across.

Where to stay in Bukit Lawang Garden Inn

The top choice to stay in Bukit Lawang, Garden Inn sits right on the river with unobstructed views of the forest and Gunung Leuser National Park.

Feels like you’re sleeping IN the forest, but in comfort. Monkeys are guaranteed to come to say hello while you’re relaxing in your hammock on the balcony. Excellent restaurant too (must try the coconut shake and fried bananas)

Krabi, Thailand

Recommended by Bec from Wyld Family Travel Thailand is a place many people go to for a relaxing holiday and Krabi can be one of the top places to do this. If you are  travelling in Krabi with kids  it has so many things to do. From amazing markets to easy access to beaches you will find something wonderful to do in Krabi.

You can find a hotel with a pool and spend the day relaxing by it or you can find a masseuse that will come to the hotel and make sure you are very relaxed. You can spend nights wandering food markets getting some of the most delicious dishes for only a small amount or you can pick up some cheap clothes to make sure you are nice and cool in the warm Thai weather.

Walking along the esplanade as the sun goes down is a wonderful time of the day. So many people are out enjoying the cooler weather and you will always find someone who wants to talk. It is this time you can find out how beautiful and loving the Thai people are.

If you want to spend an afternoon out you can take a day trip out to some of the islands that are definitely Insta-worthy. You can take time to relax on the sand and have a swim in the beautiful waters that Thailand is known for. Many people like to spend a day out at Ao Nang on the beach and many people will try to venture out to Railay Beach for a relaxing time.

Whatever you chose to do you can find yourself relaxed and replenished after your holiday in Krabi.

Where to stay in Krabi Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas

Free speedboat transfer from Nopparatthara Pier, and 40 minutes away from Krabi airport. Whether you’re looking for a hotel room or a private pool villa, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas is where you want to be in Krabi.

Bolaven Plateau, Laos

Recommended by Sarah from ASocialNomad There’s something to the slower pace of life on the Bolaven Plateau in Laos. It’s here that you’ll find the cooler temperatures of a slightly higher altitude and a whole lot of waterfalls. This area is Lao’s primary coffee-growing region and positively teems with villages filled with locals, fresh food and a relaxed pace of life.

The Bolaven Plateau is about 85 kilometres south of Pakse and is at an altitude of between 1,000 and 1350 metres above sea level. The roads here are good but quiet, so it’s a great place to visit independently and on a motorbike without the stress of much traffic.  There are organic farms here, small villages and some glorious waterfalls. Mostly, though there’s time to relax and take everything slowly. Be sure to check out local coffee, stop at several waterfalls and enjoy the quiet up here. For those who have a specific interest in coffee, there are coffee farms to visit, and even a Coffee Farm Resort at Sinouk.

Tad Lo is one of the small villages near the waterfall of the same name. It’s a delightful spot to chill out and relax for a  few days on the Bolaven Plateau .  You’ll find chilled out places to stay, have a cold Beer Laos and a refreshing swim in the rivers here.

Where to stay in the Bolaven Plateau Fandee Guest house

Great location near the waterfalls. Fandee Guesthouse has clean and comfortable rooms, offering a relaxing stay while touring the Pakse Loop. Friendly staff and good food.

El Nido, Philippines

Recommended by Dea from How She Wanders Palawan won’t be recognized as the world’s best island multiple times for no reason. With its stunning landscapes and pristine beaches and islands, it’s not hard to figure out why. At the northern tip of Palawan is the carefree town of El Nido, which is the gateway to Palawan’s star attraction — the beautiful Bacuit Archipelago.

El Nido is a place where you can experience pure relaxation and leisure. Just the sight of the vast ocean dotted with islands and limestone rock formations in the Bacuit Archipelago is already a respite in itself. For the easy-going who like sunbathing, watching sunsets, or just lazing on the beach, there’s the charming  Nacpan Beach  and Duli Beach further up north.

And if you’re up for both adventure and relaxation, you must go island hopping in El Nido. There are four major island hopping tours on offer in the area. Expect amazing tranquil beaches, lagoons, sandbars, towering limestone formations, and crystalline water in 50 shades of blue.

Active visitors can go kayaking in Small and Big Lagoon, go snorkelling at Shimizu Island, climb Matinloc Shrine and Taraw Cliff, and traverse the Snake Island’s long sandbar while island hopping.

You will never run out of relaxing sights and activities in El Nido. To really appreciate the unique tranquillity and beauty of the area, put aside at least five days.

Where to stay in El Nido Cadlao Resort

Standalone bungalows with air-conditioning and balconies set in a tropical garden right on the beachfront. Cadlao Resort has stunning views from the pool over the sea. With a restaurant on-site, you never have to leave.

Koh Chang, Thailand

Recommended by Matt from No Hassle Travel For a relaxing, chilled-out spot with fewer crowds, the island of Koh Chang , Thailand, is worth a visit. Compared to other popular Thai islands, Koh Chang is low on the tourist radar and so offers a quiet getaway to escape the travelling hordes.

This attractive tropical island is sparsely populated, with only a handful of small towns scattered along the coastline. The island’s main town White Sands is relatively small, but this is as big as it gets by Koh Chang standards.

Koh Chang is unquestionably the place for beach addicts. Not only is there plenty of them, but they are also clean and quiet, with soft fine sand and clear blue water that’s perfect for swimming. Ideal for lying on the sand all day and simply doing nothing.

What’s more, is that Koh Chang also offers some spectacular sunset spots. Bars on the beach will set up tables and chairs on the sand during the evenings, offering guests front-row seats for a quiet night watching the sunset while enjoying a beer.

For a place to stay, the Nature Beach Resort offers a chilled-out vibe all day and night. The resort leads directly onto the beach, and the sunset can be watched from the pool. The resort has tasty food, friendly staff, and great music all day long. This place ticks all the boxes for a relaxing holiday by the sea.

For those who enjoy a quiet spot to unwind with lots of beach time, you simply can’t go wrong on this beautiful Thai island.

Where to stay in Koh Chang Nature Beach Resort

Excellent location, comfy bungalows and a swimming pool right on the beach. Nature Beach Resort has a relaxed atmosphere with tasty food and amazing sunset views.

Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

Recommended by Jess from Tourists to Travellers If you picture pristine white sand beaches, cliffs with panoramic views, and beach huts surrounded by lush greenery around, then you have arrived at Nusa Lembongan.

This island paradise is a short 30-minute boat ride from Sanur on mainland Bali and forms a part of the stunning Nusa Islands. While mainland Bali is getting busier, Nusa Lembongan remains one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia for a relaxing holiday.

Though the island is small, there are ample things to do. You could go and laze on Dream Beach with its white sand beach and deep blue water. This dreamy beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island.

Mushroom beach is also worth a visit. Sit back and enjoy a drink or grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants overlooking the beach.

Photographers will love the Devil’s Tear: It’s a breathtaking site where a rugged cliff overlooks the blue water below. At high tide, it’s a spectacular sight to see the waves smashing into the cliff.

If you’re looking for something more active, you could go kayaking or snorkelling with manta rays. The best snorkelling spots on Nusa Lembongan are Mangrove point, Crystal Bay and The wall.

Where to stay in Nusa Lembongan Bay Shore Huts

Bay Shore Huts has modern wooden huts located on Tamarind Beach and offers amazing sea views, tropical gardens and a swimming pool. Accommodations come with open-air showers. Perfect place for couples.

Donsol, Philippines

Recommended by Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads The small coastal village of Donsol in the south of Luzon island in the Philippines is the perfect place to relax in this beautiful island country.

The rural village with thatch roof huts and colourful local fishing boats still lining the beach became a popular tourist destination due to hundreds of massive whale sharks congregating here in season. The amazing experience of swimming with whale sharks in Donsol and Oslob draws many tourists to the Philippines.

Swimming with the giant whale sharks in Donsol is an eco-friendly activity, and precautions are in place to have minimal impact on these amazing animals. Searching for the whale sharks by boat and then swimming with them is an unreal experience.

At night you could go look for fireflies from a rowboat on the Ogod River and is a very romantic trip outside Donsol. Getting to the river by tricycle from town is already an adventure. During the hour rowing down the river with a guide, you will see hundreds of fireflies glowing in the trees next to the river. You can rent a kayak and row down the river during the day on your own.

Mayon Volcano a couple of kilometres from Donsol is known as “the world’s most perfect volcanic cone” and can be explored while hiking and camping in the Mayon Volcano National Park. 

Where to stay in Donsol Elysia Beach Resort

Popular with those coming to snorkel with whale sharks and diving with manta rays, beachfront Elysia Beach Resort offers air-conditioned rooms and a lovely pool.

Inle Lake, Myanmar

Recommended by Catalin from Travel Trained Myanmar is a spectacular country that only opened its borders for mainstream tourism not long ago. There are many breathtaking places to visit in Myanmar, but you will be amazed after a visit to Inle Lake.

Most tourists arrive at Inle Lake by taking an overnight bus from Yangon, trekking from Kalaw or taking a bus from Mandalay or Bagan. Much more relaxing and comfortable is getting a flight to Heho airport, about 45 minutes away.

Inle Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia, and it’s a perfect getaway for those who want to take a break from busy cities like Yangon or Mandalay. Like elsewhere in Myanmar, Inle Lake offers exceptional value for money.

The town of Nyaungshwe is the best base for visiting the lake, and there are a few cultural and relaxing activities to experience during your stay.

Among the best things to do in Nyaungshwe is to visit the cultural attractions of the lake. A daylong trip by long-tail tail boat will take you to the wooden monasteries, pagodas floating villages and markets, small factories where you can see silk weaving or the making of Burmese cigars and eateries where you can try local food.

If feeling adventurous, go explore the Htat Eian Caves, or sign up for a Shan cooking class.

For something unique, head out to Red Mountain Winery and discover Lake Inle’s surprisingly quaffable wines.

Where to stay in Lake Inle Myanmar Treasure Resort Inle

Luxurious and peaceful accommodation right on the lake. You can relax at your overwater bungalow, or take boat or bike trips further afield. The restaurant serves excellent local and international food. Warm and friendly staff. All of this at Myanmar Treasure Resort Inle .

Relaxing Places to Visit in Southeast Asia Map

And that’s where you go when you’re looking for the most relaxing places to visit in Southeast Asia!

Enjoy your relaxing vacation! Let us know if you find somewhere that’s worthy to make it to our list of most chilled places to visit in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia.

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Destinations

Experiences.

• Photography

Plan Your Trip

Southeast asia starts here.

Coming up with a 2 month Southeast Asia itinerary is hard, no matter how well you know the region. For starters, it’s as much about choosing where you don’t want to go as it is deciding the places you will visit. Then, there’s sequencing and timing, and all the rest of the practical matters that planning any trip entails.

Although I have nearly 15 years of experience traveling in Southeast Asia, I’ve decided not to construct a post that dictates or preaches to you. Rather than telling you where to go, for example, or how long (necessarily) you should spend there, I want to inform and inspire you to create the trip that’s right for you.

Even if you’re feeling anxious now—trust me, I’ve been there—you’ll soon have a plan your can easily execute. Can’t you almost smell the Pad Thai noodles sizzling through the streets?

Practical Matters

When to visit southeast asia.

In most of Southeast Asia, the dry season takes place between about December and March. As a general rule, this is when you should plan this trip, although there are a couple exceptions. First, if you plan to travel heavily or primarily in Indonesia (where the dry and rainy seasons are “flipped” compared to the rest of Southeast Asia), you’ll actually want to visit between about June and September. Secondly, you should be aware that northern parts of Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam can be relatively cold at this time of year, in spite of also being dry.

Where to stay in Southeast Asia

As you plan your Southeast Asia itinerary (2 months or longer), you’ll be delighted to learn that accommodation in most of the region is extremely affordable. There are some notable exceptions to this—Singapore is outrageously expensively; Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are not nearly as cheap as they used to be—but as a general rule, your money goes farther here than it will anywhere else in the world.

• Traveling in Thailand ? While no longer as cheap as it used to be, this is still an affordable place to get a fancy hotel, particularly in Bangkok with high-end properties like Sofitel SO/Bangkok and the Eastin Grande Sathorn . In the islands, accommodations run the gamut from luxurious Rayavadee in Krabi ‘s gorgeous Railay , to simpler digs such as Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel in Phuket Town . Headed up north? I absolutely love the Riverside Guest House in Lampang .
• In my opinion, Vietnam (at least when it comes to hotels) is how Thailand was 10-15 years ago. From Hotel des Arts in Saigon to Hanoi ‘s chic Meritel , and from resort-style properties like Sin Chai Ecolodge in Sapa and Ancient House Resort & Spa in Hoi An , your money goes farther in Vietnam than it does in almost any other Southeast Asian country, in spite of Vietnam’s rapidly increasing popularity.
• As you explore underrated Malaysia , make sure to avail this country’s impressive selection of impressive hotels. From the five-star Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur , to boutique properties like Cheong Fatt Tze in Penang and Ranee Boutique Suites in Kuching , Malaysia tends to be somewhere between Vietnam and Thailand in terms of price, although (if I’m honest) the subtler elegance of its hotels is often preferable, at least for me.
• I’ll be frank: Singapore is simply not a budget travel destination. You can make it into one— Atelier Chinatown is great if you don’t mind sharing your sleeping and bathing space; the Hotel 1888 Collection is bare-bones, but has private facilities—but you really need some cash to enjoy Singapore to the fullest. Not necessarily the sheer opulence of the Fullerton Hotel , mind you, but if you can splurge on (for example) the The Scarlet , your experience will be much more pleasant.

How to get around in Southeast Asia

Infrastructure in Southeast Asia has vastly improved over the time I’ve been traveling there, especially within cities. Still, the easiest (and often cheapest) way to navigate this region is by plane, usually (but not exclusively) using low-cost carriers such as AirAsia. If you’re unsure of how to get from place to place, I personally find that 12Go is a great tool for both research and booking.

Money, costs and communication

Another thing that’s vasty improved in Southeast Asia over the years? Money and payments. Specifically, being able to use credit cards (even though, as time passes, QR payments are definitely the most common ways to pay here). At the same time, you’ll likely need a bit of cash on you in most places—and unfortunately, every country uses different currency, which can complicate things. The good news is that airport exchange counters tend to offer competitive conversion rates, and low commissions, so you can change money either before you depart one place, or after you arrive in another.

Cost-wise, Southeast Asia is cheap, albeit not as cheap as it used to be. You can expect to pay around 50-100 USD per person, per day in most countries for modest private rooms, 2-3 meals per day and all your local transportation. While there’s technically no limit to how much you can spend, I find it difficult to go much beyond 200 USD per person, per day in most places, unless you’re simply trying to be extravagant.

Communication-wise, in a literal sense, English is all you need in most places, and certainly in countries like Singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar and Malaysia, where it’s an official language. In terms of communicating figuratively, WiFi is plentiful in Southeast Asia, though I do recommend staying connected via your mobile—either buy buying local SIM cards, or using a global travel plan like Google Fi —to make your life easier.

Visas for Southeast Asia

If you’re reading this page in English, you probably come from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or somewhere in Europe. If this is the case, congratulations: You can access most of Southeast Asia visa-free! I say “most” because there are notable exceptions: Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia require e-visas or visas on arrival, while Vietnam still requires you to apply for a visa in advance. If you’re unsure as to whether you require a visa to enter any country, contact the embassy or consulate of that nation in your place of citizenship.

Where to Go With 2 Months in Southeast Asia

No matter how extensive your Southeast Asia travel route—2 months, or something much shorter—you absolutely have to visit Thailand . Bangkok , in addition to being the de-facto hub of Southeast Asia, is one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Beyond this, you can divide your time between the Kingdom’s lush north (focus on the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai , plus Lampang ) and the various islands and archipelagoes that define its south, from Samui , Tao and Pha Ngan islands in the Gulf of Thailand , to Phuket , Krabi and Trang in the Andaman Sea .

Another giant you can’t avoid during your 2 month Southeast Asia itinerary is Vietnam . I sort of consider Vietnam a wilder and more unruly Thailand, somewhat resembling an older version—maybe 10, 15 years—of the Kingdom. I usually like to go south-to-north, but you can reverse this order if you prefer. Begin in Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City ) and the Mekong Delta , heading northward to Da Nang (via coastal Mui Ne or Nha Trang , or hilly Da Lat ). Explore ancient Hoi An and imperial Hue , before heading north to the capital of Hanoi , scenic Ha Long Bay and finally to Sa Pa , which is rich with waterfalls and rice terraces.

Malaysia might just be the most underrated country you visit during your 2 months in Southeast Asia. While I go back and forth on the capital city of Kuala Lumpur , it’s impossible to deny the charm of Penang and its historical shophouses, or of Kuching , which sits on the edge of the rainforest. Visit tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands , scale Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo ‘s Sabah state or visit crystal mosques and some of Asia’s best islands in Terengganu on the east coast.

I’ll admit: It’s been controversial even to discuss visiting Myanmar for a hot minute. At the same time, if you can look past the politics, this country is one of the most unique in Southeast Asia. While not as ramshackle as it was when I first visited in 2010, today’s Myanmar remains captivating. Start in the cities of Yangon and Mandalay , before expanding outward. Do you prefer getting lost amid the temples of Bagan , relaxing on Inle Lake or having your mind blown amid the perfect beauty of the Mergui Archipelago ?

The bad news? In my opinion, the island of Bali is one of the worst places you can visit during your Southeast Asia 2 month itinerary. The good news? Indonesia is home to literally thousands of other islands. From hectic Java (home to manic Jakarta , charming Yogyakarta and the otherworldly Kawah Ijen volcano), to lush Borneo and its wild orangutans, to the paradisiacal Kawah Ijen archipelago, Indonesia is so much more than Bali.

In the past, I mostly saw Singapore as serving a functional role within a 2 month Asia itinerary: A respite from the craziness of the rest of the region. However, as time has passed and “the rest” of Southeast Asia has become less manic, I’ve started to appreciate Singapore for what it is: A city that’s also a country that’s also a microcosm of a continent. Organize your time in Singapore (it will likely be just a few days) around its ethnic neighborhoods— Little India , Chinatown and Malay-Muslim Kampong Glam —as well as around both the natural Singapore Botanic Garden and the delightfully artificial Gardens by the Bay.

Another small country whose borders you may cross during 2 months Southeast Asia is Cambodia . For most travelers, Cambodia requires a week or even less. Many will split their time between the oft-overlooked capital of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (home of Angkor Wat ); others will also choose to overlook PP. If you have longer or are more curious, you might also opt to hit the beaches of Koh Rong in the Gulf of Thailand , or travel overland to Laos—more on that in a minute.

As I explained earlier during this post, Laos is not a must-see if you have a 2 month itinerary Southeast Asia—I usually recommend it or Cambodia, but not both. If you do spend time in Laos, however, context matters. If you can, for example, you might take the “slow boat” from Chiang Rai, Thailand to Laos’ charming Luang Prabang , via off-the-beaten path Pak Beng . Another exciting way is up from Cambodia, via Don Det and the 4,000 Islands . Alternatively, you can fly to Vientiane or Luang Prabang if you’re pressed for time or simply can’t be bothered to travel overland.

The Philippines, Brunei and East Timor

I’m not including The Philippines last on my Southeast Asia 2 month itinerary because I don’t like it—that’s far from the truth. Rather, I haven’t been back there in a while, and so I don’t feel as comfortable recommending destinations and experience as I do for other countries on this list. However, if you have a couple of weeks to spare, make sure to follow up a long weekend in underrated Manila with some time on the country’s award-winning beaches, whether in mainstream Boracay , lush Palawan or off-the-beaten-path Siargao .

As far as Brunei is concerned? Well, it’s unique, I’ll say that. It’s a place I’m glad I went , but don’t necessarily care to visit again. I haven’t yet been to East Timor , and as of this moment have no plans to visit.

Is 2 Months Enough for Southeast Asia?

As you browse Southeast Asia backpacking routes, 2 months is typically the minimum recommended amount of time—this is not a coincidence. The region is huge, and although the infrastructure has improved massively in the 15 years I’ve been exploring it, can still be a place where the going is pretty slow. If you’re a backpacker who plans to rely primarily on land transport, in fact, I might actually suggest you devote 3-4 months (or even longer!) to Southeast Asia!

Indeed, this 2 month Southeast Asia itinerary is really optimized toward travelers seeking a slightly elevated travel experience. Some overland travel—the slow boat between Thailand and Laos; a couple of trains in Vietnam—but is primarily getting around using places. Select rural areas—Indonesia’s Blue Fire Volcano; the Chocolate Hills of the Philippines—but mostly staying in cities and enjoying day trips from there.

Other FAQ About Spending 2 Months in Southeast Asia

How much do you need to travel southeast asia for 2 months.

I usually count on spending an average of about 100 USD per person, per day when traveling in Southeast Asia. That translates to about 700 USD per person, per week and about 2,800 USD per person per month. This means that you can plan to spend between 5,000-6,000 USD per person to travel in Southeast Asia for 2 months, not including international flights (but including all your internal transport).

How long do you need in Thailand and Vietnam?

Thailand and Vietnam are two of the largest and most interesting countries in Southeast Asia—I usually recommend spending a minimum of three weeks in each. With this being said, you could divide a month between Vietnam and Thailand, if you’re very judicious about where you visit in each country. Hiring me as your Travel Coach would be very advisable in this situation.

How long to spend in Laos and Cambodia?

Laos and Cambodia are beautiful countries, but it’s not a coincidence that they sit geographically between the titans of Thailand and Vietnam: They’re simply neither are large nor as interesting as their more famous neighbors. Often times, I recommend that people with a shorter amount of time choose one of these two; in any case, even if you’ve got two months to explore Southeast Asia, don’t split more than two weeks between Cambodia and Laos.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve made it this far, then congratulations: You’ve got all the information you need to assemble the perfect 2 month Southeast Asia itinerary! Some of you will take a straightforward path—a couple weeks in Thailand; one split between Laos and Cambodia; three weeks in Vietnam or Indonesia, and then two in either Malaysia, Myanmar or the Philippines. For others, things might be a bit less structured, if they’re even set in stone at all. You might even end up staying in the region for a lot longer than two months! Still feeling stressed out at the thought of planning your trip? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach!

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Passing Thru Travel

Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

Southeast Asia, a region celebrated for its bustling cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Bangkok’s grand palaces and Bali’s sun-kissed beaches lie lesser-known spots that offer an authentic and enriching experience. This guide uncovers ten hidden gems across Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond, promising unique adventures and memories that last a lifetime.

Koh Mak, Thailand

In Koh Mak, you’ll discover a tranquil haven distinct from the typical tourist destinations. As you explore this serene island in the Gulf of Thailand, the calmness of the environment becomes palpable. It’s a place where the beaches remain unspoiled, showcasing their natural beauty with crystal-clear waters inviting you for a swim or a snorkel.

The laid-back vibe of the island resonates through every corner, from the gentle sway of palm trees to the unhurried pace of life of the locals. You can unwind in true solitude, with the quiet hum of nature as your backdrop, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the island’s rubber plantations and coconut groves on a rented bicycle.

When To Travel: November to February, when the weather is dry and pleasant.

How To Get There: Take a boat from Trat, which is accessible by bus from Bangkok.

Mai Chau, Vietnam

Mai Chau is in the midst of a peaceful valley, a world away from the bustling city life. This area is famed for its stilt houses, an architectural style that speaks volumes about the local culture. As you wander through the village, you’ll notice the vibrant customs and traditions that are still very much a part of daily life here.

The rural charm of Vietnam comes alive in Mai Chau, offering you a chance to experience a different, more tranquil way of life. The simplicity and hospitality of the local people add to the authenticity of your experience, making your stay both enriching and memorable.

Insider’s Tip: Visit local villages to see traditional weaving and embroidery.

When To Travel: March to April or September to November for the best climate.

How To Get There: A scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi.

Koh Bulon, Thailand

On Koh Bulon, a small island nestled in the Andaman Sea, you’ll find an ideal escape for a digital detox. Here, the absence of cars and the tranquility of its streets instantly sets a tone of peace and quiet. As you step onto the island, you’re greeted by a sense of calm permeating the air.

The simplicity of life without the usual bustle of traffic or the constant buzz of technology allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself. It’s a place where your days can be spent enjoying the serene environment, listening to the gentle waves, and embracing the slow pace of island life, making Koh Bulon the perfect setting for anyone looking to step away from the digital world and indulge in the tranquility of nature.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy snorkeling in the coral reefs surrounding the island.

When To Travel: November to April, avoiding the monsoon season.

How To Get There: Speedboat from Pak Bara Pier, reached by bus from Hat Yai.

Pu Luong, Vietnam

In Pu Luong, a nature reserve known for its spectacular landscapes, you’re treated to a feast of mountain vistas and terraced rice fields. This reserve stands out for its rich biodiversity, immersing you in an environment where nature’s beauty is on full display. As you trek through the reserve, the changing scenery — from lush greenery to traditional agricultural landscapes — provides a refreshing backdrop to your adventure.

The terraced fields, in particular, showcase an age-old farming practice that shapes the land into a stunning patchwork. This area is not just a treat for the eyes; it’s an opportunity to experience the tranquility of Vietnam’s rural heartland and to witness firsthand the harmony between humans and nature. Pu Luong’s natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a serene getaway.

Insider’s Tip: Trekking and homestays offer immersive experiences in local hill tribe cultures.

When To Travel: May to September for lush landscapes post-rainy season.

How To Get There: 4 hours by road from Hanoi.

Koh Kood, Thailand

You’ll encounter an unspoiled natural environment on Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth-largest island. This island is renowned for its raw beauty, encompassing everything from majestic waterfalls to ancient rainforests and tranquil beaches. As you explore, the diverse landscape offers a variety of experiences.

You can trek through dense rainforests, feeling the ancient trees’ presence and the untouched nature’s richness, or relax on serene beaches, where the gentle lapping of waves against the shore provides a calming soundtrack to your relaxation. The island’s waterfalls, hidden among the foliage, offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Koh Kood is a destination where the simplicity and beauty of nature are at the forefront, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more developed tourist areas.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Ao Salad fishing village for a glimpse into local life.

When To Travel: November to February for ideal beach weather.

How To Get There: Ferry from Trat, which is connected by bus to Bangkok.

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

In Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” you’ll find yourself amidst a landscape of striking limestone karsts reminiscent of its famous maritime counterpart. As you travel through this region, the impressive formations rise dramatically from the earth, creating a unique and captivating scenery.

The area is not just about natural beauty; it’s also steeped in history, with ancient temples dotting the landscape, offering you a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural past. The serenity of the rivers flowing through Ninh Binh adds to the peaceful atmosphere, allowing for tranquil boat rides that weave through the karsts, giving you a close-up view of this geological wonder.

This combination of natural splendor and historical significance makes Ninh Binh a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.

Insider’s Tip: Explore Trang An by boat to see its magnificent caves and temples.

When To Travel: March to May, when nature is at its most vibrant.

How To Get There: 2-hour train ride from Hanoi.

Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Situated between the well-known destinations of Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi stands out as a peaceful haven with a distinctly rural charm. As you arrive on the island, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil atmosphere, starkly contrasting to the bustling tourist hotspots nearby. This island is ideal if you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

The local community maintains a traditional way of living, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture. The scenic beauty of Koh Yao Noi, with its unspoiled beaches and lush greenery, adds to the island’s appeal, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection. Whether you’re lounging by the sea, exploring the rural landscapes, or interacting with friendly locals, Koh Yao Noi offers a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local seafood, freshly caught and deliciously prepared.

When To Travel: December to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Ferry from Phuket or Krabi.

Ha Giang, Vietnam

In Ha Giang, a region known for its dramatic mountain passes and rich ethnic diversity, you’ll find an adventurer’s paradise and a cultural enthusiast’s dream. As you navigate the winding roads, each turn presents a new breathtaking view of steep hillsides and deep valleys, offering a thrilling experience for those who relish challenging drives or bike rides. This area is also a mosaic of diverse cultures, home to various ethnic groups with unique traditions and lifestyles.

Exploring Ha Giang, you can immerse yourself in these distinct cultures, gaining insights into the ways of life preserved for generations. Whether you’re trekking through remote villages, sampling local cuisines, or simply taking in stunning landscapes, Ha Giang offers a rich and authentic experience that connects you with nature and Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Insider’s Tip: Take the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass for stunning panoramic views.

When To Travel: October to April for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

How To Get There: A 6-hour bus journey from Hanoi.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta, a destination that strikes a perfect balance with its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and a laid-back atmosphere, is an ideal getaway for families and couples. As you explore the island, you’ll find picturesque and peaceful beaches, providing ample opportunities for relaxation or playful beach activities. The island’s interior, covered in dense forests, invites you to explore its natural beauty through hikes or guided tours, where the sounds of wildlife and the rustle of leaves create an immersive experience.

The laid-back vibe of Koh Lanta is one of its most appealing aspects, allowing you to enjoy a holiday at your own pace, whether that means lounging on the beach, enjoying local cuisine, or engaging in water sports. The welcoming and family-friendly environment of the island ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors of all ages, making it a delightful choice for a memorable vacation.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Lanta Animal Welfare center to learn about local wildlife conservation.

When To Travel: November to April, avoiding the rainy season.

How To Get There: Ferries from Krabi, Phuket, or Phi Phi Islands.

Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

In this archipelago, you’ll be introduced to a world of pristine beaches, a rich historical background, and abundant marine life, creating an ideal setting for eco-tourism. As you explore the islands, the untouched beaches offer a serene and natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape or a chance to connect with nature.

The area’s history is palpable, with remnants of the past waiting to be discovered, offering you a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage. The marine life here is particularly vibrant. It provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling or diving, where you can witness a diverse range of sea creatures in their natural habitat.

This focus on preserving the natural and historical aspects makes this archipelago a prime destination for eco-tourists keen on experiencing the environment responsibly while enjoying the unique offerings of this remarkable destination.

Insider’s Tip: Dive or snorkel to explore the stunning coral reefs.

When To Travel: February to July for the best underwater visibility.

How To Get There: Take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City or a ferry from Vung Tau.

The Bottom Line

Each Southeast Asian destination has its unique charm, offering more than just beautiful scenery. They are gateways to understanding diverse cultures, histories, and the warmth of local hospitality. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a leisure traveler, these hidden gems promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southeast Asia.

The post Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Preto Perola.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Moscow in Winter: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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Travelers who enjoy bundling up for a snowy climate will appreciate all that Moscow has to offer, come winter. This ornamental Russian city shows its vibrant cultural heritage when temperatures plummet and the snow starts falling on Red Square. Unlike other cities, whose residents scurry away to hibernate in December, the people of Moscow embrace their sub-zero climate in style. They don their furs and ushanka hats (traditional hats with earflaps) to peruse Christmas markets, dine out at restaurants, and attend the opera.

In winter, Moscow's scenery looks awe-inspiring under a dusting of snow. There's something undeniably charming about seeing historic sites like the colorful, tented rooftops of Saint Basil's Cathedral capped with a layer of icy frost. The food here is warm and comforting, and the cultural winter events are not to be missed. Plus, it's cheaper to visit Moscow during the winter and it's far less crowded with tourists.

Moscow is not where you go to get a suntan over the holidays. In fact, the Moscow winter is enough to chill any hearty tourist to the bone—but that's all part of the fun. The average high for December, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is 27 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 2.7 degrees Celsius); for January, it's 23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5 degrees Celsius); and for February, it's 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 3.3 degrees Celsius). Take these average temperatures with a grain of salt, however, as it certainly isn't abnormal for the air to dip into the teens.

The Moscow cold is often accompanied by generous amounts of ice and snow deposited by frequent winter storms. The city goes unfazed by these storms—cars still drive around and people in boots trod through the snowpack. You'll see thick icicles growing on roof overhangs, so be sure not to linger underneath them while you're out touring the area's magnificent cathedrals.

Lastly, don't be surprised if your flights in or out get canceled or delayed. This can be one of the drawbacks to traveling in the winter, in general.

What to Pack

Stuffing your suitcase with bulky (and heavy) winter clothing can be frustrating and expensive, which tends to deter Moscow winter travel altogether. A trip to the city between early December and late February requires enough accessories to cover the extremities: wooly hats, cold-weather socks, knit scarves, and a good pair of gloves. Also pack a coat that falls below the hips, weatherproof boots, and ski pants, if you have them. Remember, fashion is second only to avoiding hypothermia in this polar city.

The Moscow winter calendar is brimming with cultural events for travelers to attend each winter. Many events take place during the Christmas holiday; then, the city caps off the winter with a farewell festival, come February.

• The annual Russian Winter Festival , which spans an entire month starting mid-December, takes place in several locations throughout the city. Head to Izmailovo Park or Revolution Square to see everything from over-the-top ice sculptures to traditional dance performances. Watch the professional ice skaters and visit food trucks that serve traditional fare.
• Moscow's New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the city's biggest events of the year. Tens of thousands of people spend it in Kremlin—Moscow's central complex—watching the Kremlin tower strike midnight, while fireworks crack in the background. Others attend the Christmas tree light show at Red Square.
• Christmas in Russia falls on January 7, and the week between New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day is a time for Russians to relax. Families focus on spending time together at home, preparing traditional foods like ukha (fish soup) and sauerkraut. Tourists can use this uncrowded time wisely by seeking out the city's culinary gems. Make sure to check the hours of operations on restaurants, shops, and other businesses before visiting them during this week. While much of the city's businesses might be closed, you might get special treatment at the places that stay open.
• Maslenitsa , Russia’s farewell-to-winter festival, occurs in late February or early March. This pagan celebration is marked by games, contests, and cultural traditions. It’s held in the Red Square area every year and draws crowds of Muscovites and visitors alike.

Winter Travel Tips

• In order to obtain a Russian travel visa, you'll need to be invited by a relative or friend who is a citizen or a hosting tour company.
• Traveling to Moscow in the winter helps you avoid the summer crowds; however, flight delays due to weather are common. Plan an extra day on either end of your trip in case you get held up.
• If you plan to visit a Russian banya, a Slavic steam bathhouse, take note that most people bathe in the buff. However, most bathhouses are separated by sex.
• Plan alternating indoor and outdoor activities so that you don't get too cold. A visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Armory Museum, or the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts provides a nice respite from the frigid temperatures.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Moscow

Visiting Moscow? Get yourself a metro card and explore Moscow’s beautiful metro stations. Moscow’s world-famous metro system is efficient and a great way to get from A to B. But there is more to it; Soviet mosaic decorations, exuberant halls with chandeliers, colourful paintings and immense statues. Moscow’s metro is an attraction itself, so take half a day and dive into Moscow’s underground!

The best thing to do is to get on the brown circle (number 5) line since the most beautiful metro stations are situated on this line. The only exception is the metro stop Mayakovskaya one the green line (number 2). My suggestion is to get a map, mark these metro stops on there and hop on the metro. It helps to get an English > Russian map to better understand the names of the stops. At some of the metro stops, the microphone voice speaks Russian and English so it’s not difficult at all.

Another thing we found out, is that it’s worth taking the escalator and explore the other corridors to discover how beautiful the full station is.

Quick hotel suggestion for Moscow is the amazing Brick Design Hotel .

These are my favourite metro stations in Moscow, in order of my personal preference:

1. Mayakovskaya Station

The metro station of Mayakovskaya looks like a ballroom! Wide arches, huge domes with lamps and mosaic works make your exit of the metro overwhelming. Look up and you will see the many colourful mosaics with typical Soviet pictures. Mayakovskaya is my personal favourite and is the only stop not on the brown line but on the green line.

2. Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya metro station is famous for its yellow ceiling. An average museum is nothing compared to this stop. Splendour all over the place, black and gold, mosaic – again – and enormous chandeliers that made my lamp at home look like a toy.

3. Novoslobodskaya Station

The pillars in the main hall of Novoslobodskaya metro station have the most colourful stained glass decorations. The golden arches and the golden mosaic with a naked lady holding a baby in front of the Soviet hammer and sickle, make the drama complete.

4. Prospect Mira Station

The beautiful chandeliers and the lines in the ceiling, make Prospekt Mira an architectural masterpiece.

5. Belorusskaya Station

Prestigious arches, octagonal shapes of Socialistic Soviet Republic mosaics. The eyecatcher of Belorusskaya metro station, however, is the enormous statue of three men with long coats, holding guns and a flag.

6. Kiyevskaya Station

The metro station of Kiyevskaya is a bit more romantic than Belorusskaya and Prospect Mira. Beautiful paintings with classical decorations.

7. Taganskaya Station

At the main hall Taganskaya metro station you will find triangle light blue and white decorations that are an ode to various Russians that – I assume – are important for Russian history and victory. There is no need to explore others halls of Taganskaya, this is it.

8. Paveletskaya Station

Another and most definitely the less beautiful outrageous huge golden mosaic covers one of the walls of Paveletskaya. I would recommend taking the escalator to the exit upstairs to admire the turquoise dome and a painting of the St Basil’s Cathedral in a wooden frame.

Travelling with Moscow’s metro is inexpensive. You can have a lot of joy for just a few Rubbles.

• 1 single journey: RMB 50 – € 0,70
• 1 day ticket: RMB 210 – € 2,95

Like to know about Moscow, travelling in Russia or the Transsiberian Train journey ? Read my other articles about Russia .

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Wow! It is beautiful. I am still dreaming of Moscow one day.

It’s absolutely beautiful! Moscow is a great city trip destination and really surprised me in many ways.

My partner and I did a self guided Moscow Metro tour when we were there 2 years ago. So many breathtaking platforms…I highly recommend it! Most of my favorites were along the Brown 5 line, as well. I also loved Mayakovskaya, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovski Sad and Ploshchad Revolyutsii. We’re heading back in a few weeks and plan to do Metro Tour-Part 2. We hope to see the #5 stations we missed before, as well as explore some of the Dark Blue #3 (Park Pobedy and Slavyansky Bul’var, for sure), Yellow #8 and Olive #10 platforms.

That’s exciting Julia! Curious to see your Metro Tour-Part 2 experience and the stations you discovered.

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19th Southeast Asia Network Forum held in Vietnam

The 19th Southeast Asia Network Forum, subtitled "International Collaboration towards Sustainability and Environmental Studies", was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 28 February 2024. Launched in 2015, the forum is held periodically at different locations throughout the ASEAN region by Kyoto University and local alumni with the aim of sharing the University's latest academic achievements relating to topics of regional interest.

The 19th edition of the forum was hosted by Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the Kyoto University ASEAN Center, and Kyoto University's Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies. Over 70 people attended, including local academics, students, and others.

The forum opened with remarks from President Huynh Quyet Thang of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Professor Ta Thanh Van, chairman of Kyoto University's Vietnam Alumni Association, and Professor Kyoko Inagaki, Kyoto University's executive vice-president for gender equality, international affairs, and external affairs.

After the opening speeches, lectures about research and education collaboration between Japan and Vietnam were delivered by Professor Izuru Saizen of Kyoto University's Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies and Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Anh Tuyet of Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

A panel discussion was then held with Professor Emeritus Shigeo Fujii of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Dr Hor Sanara of the Royal University of Agriculture (Cambodia), Dr Thatheva Saphangthong of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Laos), Professor Shinya Echigo of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Chancellor Jose V Camacho Jr of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, President Suwanchai Lohawatanakul of the Thailand Productivity Institute, and Dr Nguyen Pham Hong Lien of Hanoi University of Science and Technology. The forum was then closed with an address by Dr Dinh Quang Hung of Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

In addition, the day before the forum, a closed meeting was held to discuss collaboration and exchange between Kyoto University and its alumni in ASEAN countries, and the further development of overseas alumni association activities.

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