Southeast Asia has become the destination of choice for young global adventurers and backpackers in recent times due to its cultural diversity, breath-taking scenery, and affordability in Asia. This guide will assist those wishing to backpack through Southeast Asia with dos and don’ts and ins and out’s from a fellow traveller.
Choosing Your Destinations
Southeast Asia has an embarrassment of backpacker riches: nowhere else in the world do you find so many fabulous places to visit that are close together and reasonably cheap to access. For a tourist, Thailand offers beaches that can be picture-perfect, action-filled markets, and euphoric nights out, and packs them all under the heading Best Time Ever. Vietnam is beautiful, fascinating, and eclectic, from the taut excitement of Hanoi’s teeming traffic and seamy streets to the majesty of Ha Long Bay where thousands of jungle-covered rock formations rise from the sea.
From the Angkor Wat temple complex and the golden-sanded beaches to the quaint town of Siem Reap, Cambodia has all that a traveller could ask for. Known for its laid-back culture, tranquil riverside towns, and natural splendor, Laos can be a great alternative. Myanmar is less explored than the other places, but it has some of the most striking cultural experiences to offer with her ancient temples and beautiful landscapes.
Malaysia and its former colony Singapore are urban, multi-cultural, and gregarious, with loads of great street food. Indonesia has countless islands to explore, from volcanic Bali to some of the best waterfalls in Lombok Island. The Philippines has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and best diving – making it an awesome beach holiday for everyone.
Packing Essentials
When packing for a backpacking trip in Southeast Asia, pack light and pack smart. Pack lightweight, cotton, loose-fitting clothing that works well in hot humid climates. Bring versatile pieces that can be layered for cool evenings or for when you visit religious sites that require modest dress. Include comfortable walking or hiking shoes and a swimsuit for beach destinations.
Toiletries may include sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and any medications. You need electronics such as a camera, smartphone, and portable charger. A travel adapter to charge your gadgets is a must. Things like a quick-dry towel and a reusable water bottle are good ideas too. Also, a travel first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain killers.
Budgeting And Money
Your backpacking budget is crucial if you want to have enough money to experience all the adventures in Southeast Asia. It is best to do some research on how much you want to spend on your travels and what living costs are in each spot. Hotels vary from the ultra-budget hostels to mid-range hotels so there are plenty of options. If you’re planning on eating food out, it’s worth noting that it’s fairly cheap in South East Asia, especially if you are eating out at local markets and street stalls. The transport ways are various, while costs can vary on distance and means of transportation. Usually buses and trains are your go-to cheap ways of traveling.
But don’t miss out on activities and sightseeing; there are many amazing ones in Southeast Asia, ranging from temples to jungle treks. Prepare a few hundred dollars of cash and cards to carry with you, as the card machines are sometimes not available in some places. ATMs are also commonly seen in most cities and towns in Southeast Asia, but it is important to have emergency cash with you, in case of outages.
Transportation
Getting around Southeast Asia is easy and cheap – it’s one of the benefits of the region’s excellent transport infrastructure – and you have quite a few options. You can take a bus everywhere in Southeast Asia – an excellent long-distance option where sleeper buses (with lying-down seats) are available to travel at night – or trains, with pleasant scenery to look at and comfortable seating.
In addition, domestic flights can be a fast and convenient option when getting around, particularly between destinations where there are no roads to connect them. Within cities, taxis and tuk-tuks are the go-to modes of transport; be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in. Another option is to rent a motorbike or bicycle to get around yourself. Just remember that there are some countries that mandate an international driving permit when renting a vehicle, so look up the specific requirements before you arrive.
Accommodation
Southeast Asia provides a dazzling array of accommodation options; regardless of what your budget is, you can be sure that a place rests within your overall spend somewhere. Hostels are synonymous with backpackers, and usually offer dormitory beds for a pittance, with shared facilities and other travelers. However, both guesthouses and budget hotels are widespread across the region and usually offer private rooms at a very low price, too. For the ultimate cultural immersion experience, you can choose to stay with a local family in a homestay and get a taste of how they live.
Camping is also an option in some areas, as there are campsites adjacent to national parks and many of the other outdoor attractions. Make sure you book your accommodation before you regret to the commodities of civilization, especially during peak tourist season, and when it is impossible to drop in at the last minute. Many hostels and guesthouses can now be booked online or through travel agencies, making it easier to plan ahead.
Food And Dining
One of the best things about backpacking in Southeast Asia is the amazing food. All of the countries in the region have their own form of cuisine, with flavors and dishes ranging from one country to the next. One of the favorite things for backpackers to do in an area is try the street food. It is inexpensive, generally very tasty, and is cooked fresh each time you want a meal. Another good option is to try the food from local markets, as they will have a huge array of locally sourced food and are a great place to experience the culture. If you are deciding to go for street food, make sure you are happy the area you are in is clean enough for street food as hygiene standards may not be as you would expect.
