Frequently Asked Questions About Travel in Southeast Asia

Contents

What’s Your Question?

Got a burning question about travelling in Southeast Asia? It’s very likely that lots of travellers have wondered the same thing before. So, to help curious backpackers like you, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions. If you can’t find your question here, please post it in our Facebook Group or comment below!

Top 5 FAQs – Quick Answers:

Which travel insurance do group members choose? Group members most commonly recommend World Nomads, True Traveller and SafetyWing.
Do I need a return flight when booking a trip to SE Asia? Airlines may ask you to show an onward flight ticket when checking in for your flight to SE Asia. We recommend having one to show just in case.
What are the current visa requirements? See visa and entry requirements for all Southeast Asian countries here.
What’s the best size backpack for my trip? A 40-litre backpack is the perfect size, alongside a 25-litre daypack. Read more here.
What’s the best backpack for travelling Southeast Asia? Osprey Farpoint (men) and Osprey Fairview (women) were voted the best backpacks by our readers.

All Your Questions about Travel in Southeast Asia – Answered Below

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.

ENTERING & EXITING:

🛂 What visas do I need for Southeast Asia?

🇧🇳 Brunei: 90-day visa waiver for EU, UK and US citizens; visas required for travellers of most other nationalities (applications to be made at a Brunei consulate).
🇰🇭 Cambodia: 30-day single-entry eVisa or Visa on Arrival required for most nationalities.
🇮🇩 Indonesia: 30-day single-entry eVisa or Visa on Arrival required for most nationalities.
🇱🇦 Laos: 30-day single-entry eVisa or Visa on Arrival, required for most nationalities.
🇲🇾 Malaysia: 90-day visa waiver for most travellers, including Australian, NZ, EU, UK and US citizens.
🇲🇲 Myanmar: 28-day single-entry eVisa, required for most nationalities (there is no visa on arrival scheme).
🇵🇭 Philippines: 30-day visa waiver for most travellers, including Australian, NZ, EU, UK and US citizens.
🇸🇬 Singapore: Visa waiver (up to 30 days) for most travellers, including Australian, NZ, EU, UK and US citizens.
🇹🇭 Thailand: 60-day visa waiver for most travellers, including Australian, NZ, EU, UK and US citizens.
🇹🇱 Timor-Leste: Visa required by majority of travellers; 90-day e-Visa if arriving by land or 30-day Visa on Arrival if arriving by air or sea.
🇻🇳 Vietnam: 45-day visa waiver for UK passport holders and citizens of a few other European countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden); eVisa or Tourist Visa (max 90 days) required for most other travellers.

👉 See our Southeast Asia visa guide for more information about entry requirements and obtaining visas for each country in Southeast Asia.

🛬 Do I need a return or onward flight ticket when flying into Asia?

In theory, yes. Many countries in Asia will only allow you to enter if you have proof of onward travel. This means being able to show you have booked a return flight or onward travel to another country before the expiry date on your visa (or visa waiver).

While the rule isn’t always enforced, you are much more likely to be asked to show proof of onward travel when entering a country by air than at a land or sea border, and it is advisable to be prepared to show a ticket.

This can be a real pain for backpackers who want to be flexible and go with the flow! However, there are ways around this pesky rule. The easiest option is to ‘rent’ a ticket through an onward ticket rental website, such as Onward Ticket. For a small fee, these sites will book a flight in your name, which is valid for a short period (usually 48 hours), allowing you to show a real flight ticket out of the country you’re visiting. After 48 hours the ticket will be cancelled.

👉 For more information and other ways to get around this rule, see our guide to proof of onward travel.

🏃🏽 What is a border run?

A border run (or visa run) is a way of obtaining a new visa for the country you are in by crossing over the border into another country and then crossing back into the original country. Border runs are used by travellers who want to stay in one country longer than their original visa (plus visa extensions) allow. They are often undertaken using land border crossings, but they may also involve flying out of and back into a country (especially from island nations such as Indonesia or the Philippines).

Typically, a border run is an independent process where you plan to depart the country you’re in, on or before your visa expiration date. Companies can arrange border runs for you, though this is more expensive than arranging the process yourself.

✅ What does a border run involve?

Planning your travel itinerary (transport schedule)
Booking a ticket
Travelling out of the country you’re in
Ensuring you have the appropriate visa to enter your chosen country
Entering your new destination
Booking accommodation in your new destination
Planning your return travel itinerary (transport schedule)
Applying for a new visa for the country you want to re-enter and waiting for approval
Returning to the country on the new visa

Costs vary depending on the countries you travel to.

HEALTH & SAFETY:

📝 What travel insurance should I go with for my trip?

From our own experience and the advice of our Facebook Community, these are the top three most popular insurance companies for backpackers and long-term travellers…

SafetyWing – Designed for long-term travellers and digital nomads who tend to prefer their flexible monthly subscription plans.
World Nomads – A common go-to for adventurous travellers thanks to their variety of activity add-ons.
True Traveller – An option that’s very popular with its fans, who say it’s good value-for-money and easy to customise according to your travel style.

👉 For more information, read our guide to travel insurance for backpackers.

🤕 Can I get travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, you can get travel insurance that covers a pre-existing medical condition. Some ‘normal’ backpacker insurance companies will be able to cover you but you’ll need to talk to them about your condition – assume this will raise the price significantly and don’t expect the cover to be as comprehensive. The other option is to use an insurance company that specialises in pre-existing medical conditions.

💉 What vaccinations do I need for Southeast Asia?

Vaccination recommendations for travel to Southeast Asia are listed below. For a detailed breakdown of health recommendations by country, the website Travel Health Pro (aka NaTHNaC) is an excellent resource.

Essential Vaccinations:

Hepatitis A
Tetanus, Polio, Diphtheria (combined vaccine)
Typhoid

Recommended Vaccinations:

Cholera
Dengue
Hepatitis B
Japanese Encephalitis
Rabies
Tuberculosis (TB)
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)

👉 Our full vaccination guide to Southeast Asia goes into more detail, including information on how far in advance of your trip you should receive your jabs.

🦟 Should I take malaria tablets in Southeast Asia?

The advice for taking malaria tablets will vary depending on where you are planning to travel and for how long. As a general rule, most of the frequently visited places in Southeast Asia do not require antimalarials. However, some off-the-beaten-track destinations and border zones may do, so make sure to discuss your plans and itinerary with a medical professional before travelling.

👉 For more in-depth and country-specific information, check out this guide to malaria tablets in Southeast Asia.

⛔️ Is Southeast Asia safe to travel?

We honestly believe that Southeast Asia is one of the safest regions to travel in the world! Aside from the occasional bout of political instability, the most popular backpacking countries in the region are full of friendly, helpful people, and crime rates are very low, especially when it comes to violent crime. Of course, you should always keep your wits about you, as petty theft or minor crime can happen anywhere!

If you’re particularly concerned about safety in Southeast Asia, why not choose a destination featured on this six safest countries in Asia list. If you’re looking to hone in on places even more, this safest cities in Asia shortlist can also help.

🙎‍♀️ Is Southeast Asia safe for female travellers?

Southeast Asia is a very safe region for female travellers with thousands of solo backpacking chicks hitting the road each year (this writer included!). Be sure to read our fabulous tips for female backpackers here! For more first-hand advice, ask our Facebook Community, many of whom are solo female travellers.

🏍️ Do I need a special driving license to hire a car or motorbike in Southeast Asia?

Anyone who is planning to hire a motorcycle or a car in Southeast Asia will need to hold an international driving permit valid for the vehicle in question. (Important: don’t forget to check whether your travel insurance covers car/motorcycle use too!)

💊 Can I take prescription medication to Southeast Asia?

Travelling with prescription medication in Southeast Asia is very similar to anywhere else in the world. Make sure you’re allowed to take your specific medication into each country and keep it in its original packaging. You shouldn’t have any problems, but always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Also bear in mind that a lot of drugs are available over the counter without a prescription in many Southeast Asian pharmacies.

👓 Can I travel with contact lenses in Southeast Asia?

Travelling with contact lenses can be a bit of a chore, especially if you’re on an extended backpacking trip. Glasses are often more practical but if you’re set on contacts, it’s not impossible.

Choose between daily or monthly lenses. Dailies take up a lot of backpack space but it can be hard to keep monthlies clean. Cleaning solution is available in most major Southeast Asian pharmacies, especially those in large cities, but keeping your hands clean enough to handle your contacts can be a challenge. Continuous wear contacts can come in super handy while travelling but if you’ve not used them before, a backpacking trip isn’t the time to start!

Take your prescription with you. If you run out of contacts, you might be able to buy them on the road. Don’t rely on this if you have an uncommon prescription or require a specific brand though.

Finally, wear sunglasses as much as you can. They not only protect you from UV rays but also prevent dirt and dust getting in your eyes.

🩲 What are the best period products to use when travelling?

Ladies, before you set off, it’s worth considering the best way to manage your periods while you’re on the road. Be aware that tampons are very hard to come by in Southeast Asia, so if this is your preferred period product, you may wish to stock up before leaving home! Sanitary towels on the other hand can be found in pharmacies across the region so you can buy these on the go.

You might also want to consider investing in a Mooncup or period pants, which are a great way to save money and help the environment. Plus, you’ll never find yourself caught short without a tampon or towel! However, bear in mind that you may find yourself using bathrooms that aren’t as clean as you’re used to, so it’s worth considering hygiene when it comes to changing your Mooncup. (Carrying a bottle of water and a small soap can be a lifesaver in Southeast Asia!)

BUDGET & MONEY:

💸 How do I save money for a trip to Southeast Asia?

Get a job. Sell your car. Sell your granny. Do everything you can in order to raise the funds needed for your backpacking adventure to Southeast Asia. Trust us, you won’t regret it! Some suggested ways to save cash are:

Cancel unnecessary subscriptions
Cut down on drinking and eating out
Sell your unwanted/unneeded stuff
Pick up a second job
Open a savings account (interest is free money!)

💰 How much does a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia cost?

How much money you’ll spend in Southeast Asia depends on what kind of traveller you are and which countries you spend most time in. Do you prefer a splash of luxury? Or will you make do with a grotty 30-bed dorm in order to save a few cents? Do you plan to spend months in the Laotian countryside, or do you want to live it up in Singapore?

There’s no easy answer to the budget question because travel style and destinations will greatly influence how much your trip costs. But, to help you plan, we would suggest allowing the following budgets for different travel styles (note, these are based on a trip covering multiple countries in the region):

Budget backpacker (sleeping in the cheapest dorms, eating street food, cheapest transport options, spending little on tours)

Suggested monthly budget: $1,000 USD ($12,000 per year; $33 per day)

Mid-range traveller (mostly staying in nicer hostels, mix of street food and restaurants, mostly using public transport, taking the occasional tour/expensive experience)

Suggested monthly budget: $1,600 USD ($19,200 per year; $53 per day)

Flashpacker (staying in private rooms, eating in restaurants, taking some taxis and private transport, splashing out on tours and experiences)

Suggested monthly budget: $2,400 USD ($28,800 per year; $80 per day)

👉 To give you a rough idea of what to expect, see our in-depth Southeast Asia budget guide. (If you are heading to just one country, in particular, we also have links to individual budget guides within that guide.)

🤑 How do I access money in Southeast Asia?

ATMs are common across most of the region and usually accept Visa and Mastercard – you should try to get one of each type of card as occasionally you’ll find an ATM that only accepts one or the other.

In more off-the-beaten-track locations, there may not be any ATMs. Ask at your accommodation about the status of ATMs at your next destination.

Traveller’s cheques are becoming a thing of the past, but if you insist on taking some, make sure they’re in US Dollars.

💳 Which travel cards will save me money whilst travelling?

These are the top five travel cards that are most popular with our readers:

Starling Bank (UK Citizens only)
Revolut (EU Citizens – You must be 18 and over to open a Revolut account. Read the full T&Cs)
Monzo (UK Citizens only)
N26 (EU Residents)
Wise (formerly TransferWise) (Worldwide)

👉 Our guide to the best travel cards will also show you how to save on bank charges and exchange rates while travelling in Southeast Asia.

🏧 Can you avoid ATM fees while travelling?

Travellers often get stung by high fees for using ATMs whilst abroad. While the travel cards listed above don’t impose fees for withdrawing cash abroad, the ATM owner usually imposes a charge for using it.

Unfortunately, these fees are unavoidable, but there are several ways you can reduce them. We explain how in our article on using ATMs whilst travelling.

💵 Can I use US dollars in Southeast Asia?

It’s best to stick to local currencies while travelling in Southeast Asia. US Dollars are widely accepted for large transactions or at hotels in very touristy areas, but you’re unlikely to get the right change or a decent exchange rate.

Cambodia is the exception. While the official currency in Cambodia is the riel, US dollars are also widely accepted. For transactions under $10USD, it’s advisable to use riel. For transactions over $10USD, US Dollars have become the preferred currency.

💶 How do I keep my costs low whilst travelling?

There are a few simple ways to save money whilst travelling:

Stay in hostels
Eat local street food (it’s cheap and delicious!)
Use local transport
Be mindful of which tours and activities you do
Don’t drink too much alcohol

Oh, and learn how to haggle!

👉 For more tips on how to keep costs down whilst backpacking, see our budget tips here.

👷‍♀️ Can I get a job whilst in Southeast Asia?

In most countries in Southeast Asia, you will need a work permit in order to work legally. If you are planning to teach English, work in a business or become an adventure tour leader, you will need to speak to the company that is employing you to make sure that your job position is legal.

With the rise in remote working, more and more long-term travellers are turning to working online to help fund their adventures.

👉 This list of travel job ideas might help inspire you to make money whilst on the road.

TECHNOLOGY:

💻 What’s the WiFi like in Southeast Asia?

In most areas, the WiFi is great. Southeast Asia has become a digital nomad hot spot after all. Big towns and cities generally have strong connections available all over the place. Even the islands and beach destinations have upped their game in recent years. However, in more rural locations, the WiFi can be spotty.

While these days it’s uncommon to find places without WiFi, this can still be the case in the most remote areas. If you’re concerned about a particular place, why not ask in our Facebook group as we have members who are located all across the region!

🤳 Can I use my phone data in Southeast Asia?

Unless you have a phone plan that includes a data allowance for international roaming, using your home SIM card in Southeast Asia is going to be very expensive! Getting a local SIM card is the best way to make sure you have affordable internet connection while travelling. Another option is to get an eSIM for travel. These are more convenient but cost significantly more!

👉 Check out our guide to SIM cards in Southeast Asia for more details and the best SIM card in each country.

📲 What apps do you recommend for backpackers?

Apps for budget planning, route planning, travel buddies and travel hookups… there is an app for everything these days! These are our top recommendations to help you on your travels:

Best flight app: Skyscanner
Best budgeting app: Trail Wallet
Best entertainment app: Netflix
Best trip planning app: TripIt
Best navigation app: Maps.me
Best communication app: Skype
Best eco app: Refill My Bottle

👉 For more suggestions, read our article on backpacking apps for travellers here.

🔌 What plug sockets are used in Southeast Asia?

A number of different power outlets are used across Southeast Asia – just to make it confusing for you! (In fact, some countries, like Thailand, have up to five different outlets in use across the country.)

That said, there are three that are more used than others. If you have an adaptor for these three types of socket you will be sorted across the region:

Type A – A two-prong flat socket (as used in the US)
Type C – A two-prong round socket (as used in mainland Europe)
Type G – A three-prong flat socket (as used in the UK)

The most commonly used in each country are as follows:

Brunei: Type G
Cambodia: Type A and Type C
Indonesia: Type C
Laos: Type C
Malaysia: Type G
Myanmar: Type A, Type C and Type G
Philippines: Type A and Type C
Singapore: Type G
Timor-Leste: Type C
Thailand: Type A and Type C
Vietnam: Type A, Type C and Type G

Our recommendation is to get yourself kitted out with a universal travel adaptor before you travel so that you are never without power.

👉 Also read: Guide to plug sockets and universal travel adaptors for Southeast Asia.

🎮 Can I fly a drone in Southeast Asia?

Yes, it’s possible to travel with a drone and fly one in Southeast Asia. However, each country has their own laws and flying drones in some areas is restricted, or even prohibited.

ROUTE PLANNING:

🗺️ What is the best backpacking route in Southeast Asia?

The most popular backpacking route through Southeast Asia is known as the Banana Pancake Trail. The trail is essentially a loop through four of the mainland Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia). This efficient route is recommended for first-time backpackers as it’s a logical, budget-friendly way to travel the region overland, plus you’re likely to bump into many other travellers along the way, making it super sociable!

The Banana Pancake Trail (aka the Golden Circle) begins in Bangkok before heading into North Thailand and then east into Northern Laos. Continuing east into Vietnam, the route then heads south along the long Vietnamese coast. Turning west, the trail travels through Cambodia and eventually back into Thailand and the south of the country (and the famous Thai islands!).

There is also a longer route that takes in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia too. To read about the route in depth and start planning your adventure, see the classic Southeast Asia itinerary here.

👉 You can also find itineraries for every country in Southeast Asia here.

☀️ When is the best time to visit Southeast Asia?

Luckily for backpackers, there is no bad time to visit Southeast Asia! The climate varies across the region, so no matter what time of year you go, you can find the perfect weather somewhere. As a general rule, if you want to experience the best weather, then the dry season is the ideal time to visit.

Roughly speaking, the dry season in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and the Philippines is November to February. Whereas in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei it’s October to March.

👉 See a full breakdown of the weather picture in our Southeast Asia climate guide.

☔️ Is it okay to travel Southeast Asia during the rainy season?

Yes! Many travellers worry about visiting Southeast Asia during the rainy season (aka monsoon season), but in our humble opinion(s) it can be one of the best times to travel!

With cheaper prices, fewer people and fresher air, we actually love travelling during this time. As long as you plan appropriately and make the most of the time when there isn’t a downpour, the rainy season really does have its advantages.

However, it’s important to note that there are a few places where the rainy season can be severe and are best avoided, which we detail in our climate guide here.

🔥 What’s the burning season and should I avoid it?

The burning season occurs across Southeast Asia at different times of the year. It affects Northern Thailand and Northern Laos during March and April, whereas Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore are affected in September and October.

The burning season is caused by agricultural workers burning their fields to prepare for the planting of new crops. In short, it causes dreadful pollution that hangs in the air for weeks. If you can avoid it, we definitely recommend that you do, particularly if you have asthma or allergies.

👉 Read more about when the burning season happens in Asia and how to avoid it here.

🚌 What’s the best way to travel around Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia is generally very well connected, and getting from A to B isn’t difficult. The cheapest way to travel is by local bus. Some journeys span just a few hours while others can last more than a day! (Such as the infamous Hanoi to Luang Prabang route.)

Big cities in the region are well serviced by regular flights, and there are many low-cost airlines. Trains are also an option in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. (Riding the rails is the SEA Backpacker team’s favourite way to travel!)

In countries with lots of islands, like Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, taking a boat is often the best (and sometimes only) way to get around.

👉 Our guide to local transport in Southeast Asia will help you suss out all your options.

🚴‍♀️ Can I travel Southeast Asia by bicycle?

It is certainly possible, and some adventurous folks do. Travelling under your own steam can be very rewarding, but also incredibly challenging! Exploring by bike may mean that you see places that few other travellers reach. Not to mention, it’s probably the most budget-friendly way of getting around!

👉 Read our guide to bikepacking here.

FOOD & DRINK:

🥗 I’m a vegetarian/vegan, will I be okay in Southeast Asia?

We may be biased, but we think that Southeast Asian cuisine is the best in the world, and if you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, you will be pleased to know that there are many options for you! Of course, you’ll have to be careful with a few Southeast Asian staples such as fish sauce and shrimp paste!

You’ll find some countries easier to find meat- and fish-free options than others. Tofu is a common ingredient used across Southeast Asia, and Thailand in particular makes great use of it (especially tofu curries 😋). Malaysia, with its Indian influence, has lots of veggie offerings, and Indonesia has some of the most vegan-friendly local food in the region!

The Philippines is one of the trickier countries. You’ll still find options, but there may not be much variety. Vietnam can be surprisingly difficult too, however you’ll be spoilt for choice in the big cities (Hoi An is a veggie’s dream!).

Cambodian and Laotian meals often go heavy on the fish paste, so be sure to check if the dish is made with it before ordering.

👉 Our vegan guide to Southeast Asia will help you to communicate your dietary requirements effectively.

🥜 I have a peanut allergy, is it safe for me to travel Southeast Asia?

With peanuts and other nuts being common ingredients in many local dishes in Southeast Asia, it is understandable that those with nut allergies may be concerned about travel in the region. However, travelling with a serious allergy is possible (we’ve met a few such backpackers on our travels) as long as you take precautions. It’s a good idea to have your allergy written down in the local language and keep it to hand at all times.

👉 Read our article about travelling Southeast Asia with a peanut allergy here.

🚰 Can I drink the tap water in Southeast Asia?

It is not advisable to drink tap water anywhere in Southeast Asia. Our advice is to invest in a refillable water bottle so that you can save money on buying plastic water bottles and help the environment at the same time! Refill stations are available all across the region, so you don’t need to worry about finding clean water that’s safe to drink.

Or, if you want to take it one step further, or you’re heading to a remote region, why not get yourself a filtered water bottle, such as the awesome Grayl GeoPress (voted the best-filtered water bottle for travel by our group members). With these amazing pieces of gear, you can literally drink from the toilet, though you probably shouldn’t.

ACCOMMODATION:

🏨 Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Unless you are travelling during peak season or around certain festivals (including Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year), you don’t really need to book your accommodation in advance. However, if you have a particular hostel or hotel in mind, it can be better to book rather than show up without a reservation, to avoid disappointment.

We often recommend that you book ahead for the first few nights after your arrival. Having your accommodation sorted will give you a chance to find your feet and get over your jet lag before embarking upon more adventures. We use Booking.com, Hostelworld or Agoda when booking accommodation in advance. You can see a comparison of the three sites here!

🌇 Where should I stay when I arrive?

Many travellers choose to start their backpacking journey in Bangkok, Thailand. It tends to be cheapest to fly to and has good transport links both domestically and internationally. Different neighbourhoods will suit different types of travellers, but this guide to where to stay in Bangkok will provide a good overview of your options. Whilst many backpackers make a beeline for the infamous Khao San Road, a few alternatives are Greater Banglamphu, Thonglor and Ari.

Other major regional hubs are Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (where most travellers tend to stay in KLCC, Bukit Bintang or Chinatown) and Bali, Indonesia. First-timers to Bali often stay in Kuta, but there are much nicer places to begin your trip! Discover your perfect Bali neighbourhood here.

🏩 How do I find the best hostels in Southeast Asia?

Funny you should ask! We have shortlists of the best hostels in some of the most popular backpacker destinations in Southeast Asia on our best hostels page here.

Hostels in Southeast Asia have come a long way in recent years. Travellers are spoilt for choice and many are more like boutique hotels than the typical image of a grotty dorm room (although those places still exist). Think swimming pools, rooftop bars, comfy common areas and sometimes even free yoga classes! And it’ll probably only cost you what you’d pay for a couple of beers/coffees in Europe!

🌃 What’s the best hostel to stay at in Bangkok?

There are loads of great hostels in Bangkok where you can meet other people to continue your onward travels with. This list of the best hostels in Bangkok was put together with help from our epic Facebook community! Whether you’re looking for a party hostel, a flashpacker pad or a boutique guesthouse, there is somewhere for you on this list.

BACKPACKS & PACKING:

🛄 What size backpack should I get for travelling?

Most of our community members like to take two bags with them. The first is a daypack (25-litre), in which you will keep all of your valuables that should never leave your side! The second is a 40-litre pack that you can leave at the hostel while you go sightseeing during the day.

A 40-litre pack is the perfect size as it can often be taken as carry-on (depending on flight rules) and is easier to transport. Plus, from our experience, it’s always better to pack less and travel light!

🎒 What backpack should I travel with?

The backpacks that get mentioned again and again in our Facebook group are the Osprey Farpoint 40 (for men) and the Osprey Fairview 40 (for women). However, there are many great backpack brands out there and it’s important to discover the perfect bag for you!

👉 Check out our ultimate backpack guide here for the best options. If you’re female, you might prefer this specific guide on the best backpacks for women.

👕 What should I pack for Southeast Asia?

We recommend that you pack light! A week’s worth of lightweight clothing, a couple of pairs of shoes and your passport would see you through. Plus, there are a few items that are difficult to find in the region so it’s best that you bring them from home, i.e. mosquito repellent with DEET, a decent pair of sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and underwear(!).

Honestly, almost everything else that you’ll need can be bought cheaply and easily whilst you are in Southeast Asia. The clothing style is super casual, even for nights out, so don’t go packing your best dress/shirt as you will not need it!

👉 Our ultimate packing checklist for Southeast Asia covers all areas, from clothes to electronics (plus what you can leave behind!).

🥾 What shoes should I take with me?

We recommend that you take no more than three pairs of shoes: a sturdy pair of walking sandals or sneakers, a pair of flip flops and a pair of trekking shoes. (Ladies, you will not need heels!)

👉 Read more about the best travel shoes or travel sandals in these guides!

😴 Do I need to take a sleeping bag to Southeast Asia?

No. Hostels, hotels and guesthouses will provide bedding. A sleeping bag will take up unnecessary room in your backpack and only weigh you down. However, some travellers do like to take a sleeping bag liner with them, which means that you’re prepared in case you come across a particularly grubby hostel with questionable bed sheets!

👗 How do I do laundry while I’m away?

Doing laundry is super easy (and cheap!) in Southeast Asia. You will find laundry services everywhere you go. Simply drop off your dirty clothes and collect them smelling lovely and fresh the next day. Some hostels will even arrange the service for you so you can simply leave your smellies (in a bag we hope!) at reception.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAVELLERS:

☝Is Southeast Asia good for solo travellers?

Yes! We particularly recommend Southeast Asia to first-time backpackers and solo travellers on account of the region being so damn friendly! Honestly, it’s difficult NOT to make friends and you’ll end up craving a few days of ‘me time’ in no time at all!

👉 Check out our top 10 tips for solo travellers here!

👵🏼 Am I too old to travel Southeast Asia?

No way! You are never too old to be a backpacker and Southeast Asia attracts travellers of all ages! While some hostels definitely cater to an 18-25 party crowd, the great thing about backpacking Southeast Asia is that you really will find all sorts of people at different stages of their lives.

You’ll meet young first-time backpackers, married couples, backpackers in their 30s, families, empty nesters in their 50s, even backpacking grannies! Please don’t be put off living the backpacker dream, no matter what age you are.

👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Can I backpack with my family?

Southeast Asia is a fantastic place to backpack with your family. The region is super safe and full of friendly people who will probably want to babysit your kiddos if you’ll let them! There are tons of adventure opportunities and kid-friendly activities that present an awesome learning curve for your little adventurers…

👉 Read about this family who have been backpacking with their two kids for over 10 years!

💁 Is it easy for a solo traveller to meet people in Southeast Asia?

Absolutely. Travellers are everywhere in Southeast Asia, and many are solo travellers, just like you! Perhaps the easiest way to meet fellow backpackers is by staying in hostels (if you want to be social but still like your privacy, try booking a private room in a hostel).

You’ll also meet people on tours, activities, bus/train/boat journeys and even in bars and restaurants. While it might feel odd in your home country, starting a conversation with a total stranger is completely normal when travelling! All you need to do is say hello – remember, most people are in the same position you are and probably also keen to make friends.

👉 Join the South East Asia Backpacker Community and you might even make friends before you head off!

AND FINALLY…

🌎 Southeast Asia vs South America, which is better for backpackers?

Both regions offer an amazing backpacking experience, which is why we have another website dedicated to backpacking South America! As a general rule, Southeast Asia is safer and easier to travel around and more suited to first-time travellers. Backpackers have been exploring the region for decades, and the main routes are very well-trodden.

South America, on the other hand, can be a bit more challenging because the backpacking infrastructure isn’t as well developed, and there are a few more safety concerns that you should know about. Plus, you’re more likely to encounter a language barrier in South America.

However, the continent offers incredible experiences and opportunities, especially if you like trekking and jaw-dropping landscapes! Plenty of travellers fall in love with backpacking in Southeast Asia and then head off to South America on their next trip…

Can’t see your question listed?

If you can’t find the answer to your question about travel in Southeast Asia, you should ask in our Facebook community. This group has over 35,000 members and is THE best place to go for travel advice or to find out what is happening on the ground.

About South East Asia Backpacker

Nikki Scott, founder of South East Asia Backpacker Magazine

South East Asia Backpacker is the brainchild of one backpacker who set off on a journey of self-discovery. If you want to find out more about this website and how it got started, check out our about page or grab a copy of South East Asia Backpacker creator Nikki Scott’s book about how the whole adventure started!