A Traveler’s Handbook for Traveling Around Southeast Asia

Have Southeast Asia on your mind? Don't we all! This region has been a top choice for backpackers for decades, with people flocking in droves to experience the lush beaches of Thailand, the crazy cities of Vietnam, and the rice paddies of Indonesia.

Traveling to Southeast Asia will be an adventure of a lifetime, as there's so much to explore across this vast region. Need some help with planning? Our traveler’s handbook will make it easy!

What Countries Are in Southeast Asia?

There are eleven countries in total in Southeast Asia. These include Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Timor Leste. The chances of you squeezing visits into all of them are quite slim unless you've got a lot of time on your hands, which is all the more reason to plan ahead to maximize your time.

Transport in Southeast Asia

Traveling around Southeast Asia is typically more straightforward than in some other popular backpacking regions, such as Central America, thanks to the amount of transportation options available.

Flying is the fastest and most convenient mode of transport in Southeast Asia, but it's also the priciest. Airlines like AirAsia, VietJet Air, and LionAir are some of the biggest carriers. Generally, you should expect to spend between $50 and $100 for a flight between countries, but it can be cheaper if you're just flying domestic routes.

Buses are a great alternative to flights as they're much cheaper, but they can be extremely long, especially on long journeys like Hue (Vietnam) to Vientiane (Laos). A typical overnight bus ride in Southeast Asia will cost you around $15, but it depends on the provider.

Some Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam have an operating train line, which you should try to use if you can, as they're a happy medium between flights and buses. Fares vary, but an example of a popular route would be Chiang Mai to Bangkok, which costs around $25.

In certain places like the Philippines and Indonesia, ferries are a popular form of transport, but you better brace yourself for long and bumpy rides, sometimes taking multiple days. You'll likely spend around $20 on an overnight ferry, but again, every location is different, and availability will dictate the final price.

Visas for Visiting Countries Southeast Asia

It's important to do your research on what countries you'll need a visa for when visiting Southeast Asia. Each country has different rules for individual nationalities, so you might be visa-free for Thailand but could require a visa for Malaysia.

Here's a rough breakdown of the visa situation in each country, but bear in mind these rules are constantly changing, so be sure to check your embassy's website for up-to-date information:

Thailand: 93 countries are visa-free for a 60-day period, and the rest require a visa.

Vietnam: 25 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa.

Laos: 36 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa.

Cambodia: 41 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa.

Myanmar: 7 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa

Singapore: 159 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa

Malaysia: 153 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa.

Brunei: 54 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa.

The Philippines: 157 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa.

Timor Leste: 32 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa.

Indonesia: 10 countries are visa-free for different periods; the rest require a visa.

Highlights of Each Country in Southeast Asia

Oh, where to visit in all of these fabulous countries? Get your pen and paper ready because we're about to give you some inspiration:

Thailand

• The streets of Bangkok to experience the street food scene.

• See the Phi Phi Islands with your own eyes.

• Spend a night in the floating bungalows of Khao Sok National Park.

• Hike up to Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.

Vietnam

• Spend a night on Beer Street in Hanoi.

• Feel the thrill of a multi-day bike ride on the Hà Giang Loop.

• Soak up the colonial architecture of Hội An.

• Take a boat ride in Ninh Bình.

Laos

• Enjoy a day at Kuang Si Waterfalls.

• Watch an almsgiving ceremony in Luang Prabang.

• Hike up to Nam Xay Viewpoint.

Cambodia

• Check out Angkor Wat.

• Spend a day in Siem Reap.

• Unearth Cambodia's horrifying history at the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields.

Myanmar

• Walk around the temples of Bagan.

• Admire the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

• Hop on a boat around Inle Lake.

Singapore

• Make your way up to the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

• Watch a light show at Gardens by the Bay.

• Indulge in some Singaporean bites in the hawker centers.

Malaysia

• Climb up the steps to see the Batu Caves.

• Get your photo taken at the Petronas Towers.

• Spend some time in the Malaysian countryside in the Cameron Highlands.

Brunei

• Let the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque take your breath away.

• See a different side to Brunei at Kampong Ayer.

• Take a break at Ulu Temburong National Park.

The Philippines

• Take a surfing lesson on Siargao Island.

• Get your heart pumping with some canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.

• Go on an island tour from El Nido.

Timor Leste

• Catch a sunset at the Cristo Rei Statue.

• Find out about the country's past at the Resistance Museum.

• Go snorkeling at Atauro.

Indonesia

• Wake up early for the Mount Bromo sunrise hike.

• Spend some time with the Komodo dragons at Komodo National Park.

• Soak up the beauty of the rice paddies in Ubud.

Plan Your Southeast Asia Trip With This Handbook

Pumped for your trip around Southeast Asia? We bet you are! Use this comprehensive handbook to help you with your preparations so you have an absolute blast, whether it's on the stunning Philippine islands or a modern supercity like Singapore.