Southeast Asia Backpacking Overview

Southeast Asia has long been a backpacker paradise. The cost of travel is extremely low across the region (with only Malaysia and Singapore being somewhat more expensive), travel logistics are easy, and the region is usually blessed with wonderful tropical weather.
The backpacker trail through Southeast Asia is rather well worn, having essentially been pioneered by hippies back in the 1970s. Today it’s far from an undiscovered region, and it attracts possibly the greatest numbers of backpackers anywhere in the world. While you will definitely not be the only person backpacking here, you’ll also be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t like traveling there.

Many start in Thailand: in fact, this seems to be many a backpacker’s first (non Western) country to travel. The backpacker trail then leads into Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, circling back to Thailand, though some go even further by traveling to Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines or Indonesia.
I traveled the region for 9 months and visited every country that is part of Southeast Asia (well, except East Timor, but I hope to come back for it). Check out the following introduction posts, or scroll down for my quick take on each country.

Country Summaries

Where should you go? Perhaps uniquely, Southeast Asia is a region where pretty much any country is worth going to — there are no real ‘bad apples’ here, nor countries that would trigger any major budget concerns for the budget traveller. A first-time backpacker should probably go to Thailand first, as this makes for an easy and convenient starting point, and then go from there. The countries that I personally fell in love with were the Philippines and Myanmar, followed closely by Indonesia, although everyone who has traveled the region is bound to have their own favorites.

#1-Thailand

Many get their first Southeast Asia backpacking experience here, and with good reason. Thailand can still be very cheap (northern Thailand especially), the food is phenomenal, travel logistics are easy and there are heaps of interesting attractions. That said, be sure to avoid the overly commercialized and overcrowded places in the south if you are looking for a more authentic experience. For some pointers, see my full Thailand guide.

#2-Vietnam

One of the best things about Vietnam is simply witnessing the fascinating city life in Hanoi and Saigon. Ha Long Bay, while overly busy, is still one of the great sights in South-East Asia. However, know that the country has mostly very average beaches, and there is a bit of a cookie-cutter tour and rip-off culture that could leave a sour taste. Watch out for scams and dishonest taxi drivers that can ruin your mood—this is much more a problem in Vietnam than anywhere else.

#3-Laos

Somewhat more adventurous and off-the-grid as Laos remains one of the poorest countries in the world. It’s not necessarily a country you go to for seeing a ton of attractions: much of the appeal is simply being in a remote and thinly populated part of the world. The highlight for me was the old city of Luang Prabang with its Buddhist calm and stunning azure-colored waterfalls nearby. The capital of Vientiane relatively characterless and not so worthwhile, so focus on other places. Keep in mind that Laos has very poor infrastructure, so you may have to take your time.

#4-Cambodia

The temples of Angkor Wat – one of the largest ancient temple complexes in the world – is definitely the prime attraction here. Take your time at Angkor Wat and keep in mind there are lots of outer-lying temples that many people don’t go to but which have an awesome overgrown ‘Indiana Jones’ kind of feel. Cambodia can be a beach destination as well, with the island of Koh Rong being particularly worthy of the words “island paradise”. Cambodia has a dark history with genocide: the museums on this are harrowing but essential to understanding this country.

#5-Philippines

A relatively undiscovered gem! I absolutely adore the Philippines and keep recommending it to everyone. While I don’t feel in a hurry to go back to, say, Thailand with its throngs of tourists everywhere, I dream of going back to the Philippines. It has a wealth of incredible beaches and has some of the best places to go island hopping in all of Southeast Asia. The rice terraces in Luzon are great icing on the cake. Lovely people and interesting mix of Asian and Spanish colonial influences. Local food is sadly bad-to-average and not to most traveler’s tastes, which is worth noting as food anywhere else in Southeast Asia is pretty much amazing.

#6-Myanmar (Burma)

Go there now before it changes, as it’s only recently opened its borders to the world. You’ll still find authentic culture and a complete lack of cynicism towards tourists. Go to the temples of Bagan at sunset (a cluster of thousands of temples) for a pinch-me experience. Burmese cuisine is hugely underrated and a foodie is going to have a blast here. Take a train at least once: the creaking old carriages are something to experience.

#7-Malaysia

Malaysia is relatively expensive by Southeast Asia standards, and you might find that prices are at least double what they are elsewhere. Can’t say much about the mainland as I only stayed in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Borneo (Sabah) can disappoint as it’s very developed and the land often ruined by palm oil plantations. It’s still worthwhile for such things as hiking Kota Kinabalu for example, jungle tours (with a chance to see many types of simians including Urangutangs) and diving Palau Sipadan, one of the world’s most raved about dive sites.

#8-Indonesia

Most tourists simply go to Bali and Lombok, but there is much, much more to Indonesia— its archipelago is wider than the United States. The country is an excellent for those who like to dive and snorkel. If you like to relax and party, you might never leave the Gili Islands. The temples of Borobodur a potential alternative to Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

#9-Singapore

Relatively expensive (for S-E-A). Good for a layover. Hit the Hawker Centers and get a taste of every Asian cuisine imaginable.