Guide to backpacking in Southeast Asia

When to go backpacking in Southeast Asia

There’s no bad time to go backpacking in Southeast Asia. Dense rainforests, vivid colours, sandy beaches and fog-shrouded mountains are just some of the wonders to discover in this part of the world.

It’s still worth planning ahead though, as the weather varies dramatically based the country and region you travel to. For example, south Vietnam has a much warmer tropical climate compared to the north, which is home to misty mountains. If you’re after cooler temperatures and clear skies for exploring eclectic cities, November to April is best. But the rainy season, from May to October, brings lush colours and lesser crowds.

November to April is also best for Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, offering sunny days as the perfect backdrop for a myriad of experiences from sandy beaches to cultural explorations. On the other hand, May’s also a great time to visit Cambodia, as low rainfall and warm temperatures makes for perfect sunrises over Angkor Wat.

Dry season is a busier time for travelling in Southeast Asia, with many tourists planning their trips around the promise of warm days. If you’re not fussed about the weather, you may be able to secure more affordable accommodation options and smaller crowds outside of peak times.

Where to go backpacking in Southeast Asia

Backpacking in Southeast Asia unlocks a unique treasure trove of sights, sounds and smells. It’s a feast for the senses, with a melting pot of varied cuisines, vivid colours and a fusion of spectacular scenery, fun activities and rich cultural experiences.

There’s so much to do, it’s unlikely you’ll squeeze everything into one trip. But that just means you’ll get to come back and experience the wonder all over again. 

Here are some of the main hotspots you’ll want to tick off when travelling around Asia:

Thailand

Most Southeast Asia trips start in the wonderfully chaotic Bangkok, the technicolour centre of the Land of Smiles. Prepare for a multi-sensory mixture of mouthwatering street food, raucous night life, gleaming temples and breathtaking scenery. 

From the jewel-coloured waters of Ko Phi Phi to the monkey dotted limestone cliffs of Krabi, or the elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai to the mountainous town of Pai – Thailand’s allure is as unique as it is expansive.

Whether slurping a bowl of Pad Thai on the roadside, hiking to exquisite temples or swapping your backpack for scuba gear to dive in the exotic waters, Thailand is a must on your Southeast Asia backpacking route.

Vietnam 

Vietnam doesn’t just offer one of the warmest welcomes in the world – it’s a land of immense natural beauty. From pearlescent beaches to beguiling riverside cities, sprawling rock coves to rice paddies shrouded in mist.

Most backpacking trips start in either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Both bustling cities transport you into a world of modern skyscrapers and sensational street food. While in either city, visit one of the historic museums for an insight into the country’s war-torn past.

Hoi An is a favourite amongst backpackers. The city on the water’s edge offers postcard-pretty streets lined with lamps and colourful houses. If you’re after sand, sun and sea, Phu Quoc Island is a flight away from the buzz of mainland Vietnam. Or for trekking, Sapa is an explorer’s dream. 

Cambodia

From the breathtaking temples of Angkor Wat to the beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia offers a plethora experiences for anyone backpacking Southeast Asia.

Many adventures start in Siem Reap – and not just for the buzzing nightlife, bustling market streets and affordable accommodation. From here you can visit the mesmerising Angkor Wat – the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. Oh, and don’t forget to hop in a Tuk Tuk to explore rice paddies and floating villages for an insight into rural Cambodia.

Take the Bamboo Train in Battambang through rice paddies and little villages, visit the capital of Phnom Penh and experience the pepper plantations of Kampot. Finish this leg of your backpacking in Southeast Asia trip with some rest and relaxation on the white sandy beaches of Koh Rong.

Laos 

Laos is an enigmatic combination of lush beauty, unique culture and off-the-beaten-track experiences. It’s perhaps the least travelled of the typical Southeast Asia backpacking route and this mystery adds to its charm.

Luang Namtha entices backpackers with adventures from trekking and biking to kayaking and rafting, and the Nam Ha National Protected Area offers 543,000 acres of forests, rivers and mountains. Van Vieng attracts travellers with limestone karst peaks and countless freshwater swimming holes, hidden caves and spectacular viewpoints. 

Plan your backpacking Asia route to include a journey along the Mekong River, where you can meander through mist-covered hills, hamlets of locals and fisherman in dugout boats.

Where to stay?

Southeast Asia is a very popular backpacking route, so you’re bound to find countless affordable accommodation options. Whether you’re after a sociable hostel to make new travel friends, or fancy a more secluded experience, the choice is yours!

Homestays are another popular accommodation option for a more authentic feel when travelling in Southeast Asia. This is when you stay with a local family for a glimpse into their style of living. Not only does this give you a place to stay for the night, but it allows you to learn more about their culture first hand – and make unforgettable memories.

How to get around?

It’s pretty easy to get around Southeast Asia – especially along the most well-trodden paths. There are buses through the mainland, boats to get to the islands or you can even fly country to country.

The fastest, but most expensive, way to approach travelling around Southeast Asia is flying. The most cost-effective method is by bus – often run by an abundance of small operators. Your accommodation may also be able to book you onto a ‘tourist bus’ which can pick you up and drop you off at your next destination. Travelling by train is less established, except for the Thailand and Vietnam coastlines. 

Some people decide to rent mopeds to feel the freedom of the open road and completely rely on their own itinerary. If you’re thinking about renting a moped, ensure you consider safety precautions and make sure it’s covered in your travel insurance.

Must-see cities and adventures

Backpacking Southeast Asia lets you unearth a treasure trove of adventures. While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cover everything, here are a few attractions you don’t want to let slip through your fingers while travelling Southeast Asia.

Bangkok 

As one of the most-visited capital cities in Southeast Asia, no Southeast Asia backpacking trip would be complete without a stop in Bangkok. From delicious street food to beautiful temples, there’s so much to discover. Millions of visitors each year are met with the wonderfully chaotic, exciting and exuberant city – and all the sights, sounds and smells that come with it. 

Ha Long Bay

Limestone pillars, emerald waters and karst islands – discover why this UNESCO Heritage Site is Northern Vietnam’s most prominent tourist hub, and the heart of several fishing communities. Ha Long Bay is best experienced through a boat tour. Get up close to the limestone pinnacles and feel the otherworldly awe that surrounds this scattering of islands.

Angkor Wat 

One of the most famous landmarks in Southeast Asia, Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia. The archaeological park is the world’s largest religious monument and is home to over 1000 temples. Want to snap a lasting memory? Angkor Wat is best captured against the backdrop of a technicolour sky at sunrise.

Travel Insurance for your trip

Before you jet off on your travelling Southeast Asia adventure, it’s important to make sure you have travel insurance cover in place against any accidents or mishaps you may run into along the way.

At Sainsbury’s Bank we offer single trip, annual multi-trip and extended trip cover, so you can choose the best Southeast Asia travel insurance for you. We also offer 24/7 help and assistance, so you know you can count on us if you need it, plus cover for a range of pre-existing medical conditions.

Travel money for your adventure 

Before you embark on your trip, you’ll need to make sure you have your travel money sorted. The currency you need will depend on where exactly you want to go, but for the places mentioned above you’ll likely need:

• Thai bhat 
• Vietnamese dong
• Cambodian riel 
• Laotian kip

You’ll need to rely on local currency in many areas of Southeast Asia – especially rural parts. Cards will not always be accepted outside major cities so ensure to get your travel money before you go further afield. Please note, we don’t sell Cambodian riel or Laotian kip.