Southeast Asia Travel Guide For Digital Nomads And Backpackers
Almost half of my backpacking has been done in Asia, and for many good reasons! Asia is full of culture, food and beautiful sights. Not to forget, fairly cheap to traverse, a backpackers paradise.
Don’t be worried about language barriers, most places you will visit know English, as tourism is a large industry in this region. Be ready to hike mountains, traverse jungles, swim with the fishes, visit temples and shop till you drop in local markets.
I have been to Asia twice, and will be going a third time. I have met many people from around the world traversing through Asia and so can you.
Below you will find some tips and information I have gathered throughout my travels. I hope you find some of it to be helpful.
Southeast Asia at a Glance
Language
Many
Currency
Many
Best Money Exchange
Differs By Country
Local Dishes
Differs By Country
Drones Allowed
Differs By Country
Is water safe to drink
No
Vaccinations
Check CDC
Power Plug Type
Differs By Country
Car Sharing Options
Grab Car
Peak Season
Summer
Backpacker Friendly
Yes
Hitch hiker Friendly
Yes
Credit Cards Accepted
Yes
Preffered Payment Method
Cash
Low Season
Winter
Southeast Travel Guides
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Southeast Asia
People visit Asia, for its beautiful beaches, unique temples, bursting markets, untouched nature and delicious food.
Temples
Get lost in a spiritual journey in Indonesia's many temples
Beaches
You'll find tranquil beaches and some to party on.
Nature
Asia is full of natural beauty, waterfalls, caves, and jungles.
Food
Be sure to try each countries unique dishes.
Unique Things to See and Do in Asia
Singapore
1. Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore
From indoor multi story waterfalls, with lush exotic plans, to shopping malls, and evening light shows by the waterfront. Enjoy what Singapore has to offer. Check out the top floor of Marina Bay with an infinity pool and upscale bar.
2. Malay Heritage Center
Explore the vibrant history and culture of the Malay community at the Malay Heritage Centre in Kampong Glam. Discover beautiful exhibits, take part in fun workshops, and immerse yourself in traditional Malay art and music. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves history and culture!
3. Geocaching
Discover hidden treasures all around Singapore with geocaching! Use your GPS to find secret spots and solve clues. It’s a fun outdoor activity for friends and families, perfect for exploring the city in a new and exciting way.
4. Haw Par Villa
Visit Haw Par Villa to see incredible statues and dioramas that bring Chinese mythology to life. Wander through colorful displays and learn about fascinating tales. It’s a fun and educational spot for all ages!
Thailand
1. Full Moon Party in Thailand
Every full moon a massive beach party is thrown in Thailand’s own Ko Pha-ngan Island. Jump through hula hoops of fire, jump a fiery rope, and go from stage to stage, featuring different styles of music.
2. Visit Khao Sok
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Khao Sok with its lush rainforests, stunning lakes, and amazing wildlife. Enjoy outdoor adventures like jungle treks, boat rides, and spotting rare animals. It’s an unforgettable escape into nature!
3. Eat Mango Sticky Rice
Enjoy mango sticky rice, a yummy Thai dessert with sweet mango and creamy coconut rice. It’s a perfect sweet treat you won’t want to miss!
4. Go on an adventure in the Phi Phi Islands.
Dive into clear blue waters, find hidden beaches, and see amazing sea life in the Phi Phi Islands. Whether you’re hiking for great views or chilling on sandy shores, there’s something special for every traveler.
Myanmar
1. Witness the Sunset Over Bagan’s Ancient Temples
Catch a stunning sunset over Bagan’s ancient temples, where golden light transforms historic pagodas into a magical silhouette. Perfect for unforgettable memories and photos.
2. Slow Down and Enjoy a Burmese Train Ride
Ride a Burmese train and savor the slow-paced journey through beautiful landscapes and local life. Enjoy the relaxed charm of the ride and the views along the way.
3. Discovering Inle Lake
Explore Inle Lake’s calm waters, floating gardens, and stilt houses. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and local culture.
4. Experience the Shwedagon Pagoda
Discover the Shwedagon Pagoda, where golden spires and intricate designs create a stunning sight. Feel the serenity and cultural richness as you explore this iconic Myanmar landmark.
Laos
1. Experience Luang Prabang Night Market
Experience vibrant local culture by browsing through the colorful market stalls offering traditional crafts, clothing, and delicious street food.
2. Enjoy Vang Vieng
Explore stunning limestone karst landscapes, go tubing or kayaking on the Nam Song River, and visit nearby caves and lagoons.
3. Swim in Kuang Si Waterfalls
Swim in clear blue pools and enjoy beautiful waterfalls in the green jungle near Luang Prabang.
4. Discover the Plain of Jars
Discover the mysterious and ancient stone jars scattered across the Xieng Khouang plateau, with intriguing historical and cultural significance.
Cambodia
1. Visit Angkor Wat
Explore the magnificent temple complex, the largest religious monument in the world, known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
2. Discover the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Immerse yourself in Cambodia’s history and pay respects to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
3. Take a boat tour on Tonle Sap Lake
Discover hidden treasures all around Singapore with geocaching! Use your GPS to find secret spots and solve clues. It’s a fun outdoor activity for friends and families, perfect for exploring the city in a new and exciting way.
4. Wander through the Siem Reap Night Market
Visit Haw Par Villa to see incredible statues and dioramas that bring Chinese mythology to life. Wander through colorful displays and learn about fascinating tales. It’s a fun and educational spot for all ages!
Indonesia
1. Visit Uluwatu Temple in Bali
Visit See the beautiful views from this cliffside temple and watch the Kecak dance at sunset.
2. Explore Komodo Island
Check out the famous Komodo dragons and enjoy the stunning scenery on this island.
3. Take a boat ride in Raja Ampat
Discover the clear waters and colorful coral reefs in this beautiful island group.
4. Walk around Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta
Admire the large Buddhist temple and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area.
Malaysia
1. Explore the Batu Caves
Discover the impressive limestone caves and colorful Hindu temples nestled in the hills just outside Kuala Lumpur.
2. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers
Marvel at the iconic skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur and enjoy the stunning city views from the observation deck.
3. Wander through George Town in Penang
Stroll through the charming streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its colorful murals, historical buildings, and delicious street food.
4. Take a trip to Langkawi Island
Explore the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history. See powerful exhibits and photos that tell the story of the war. It’s an important and educational stop for understanding the past.
Cost Of Travelling Southeast Asia & Suggested Travel Budget
Travelling in Asia is by far one of the cheapest with a suggested budget of $50 – $100 a day, depending on your travel style.
Saving Money While Travelling In Southeast Asia
1. Tours: Book through your hostel, or from a local
I find that hostels typically have good deals for their occupants, though I can usually find cheaper prices by just wandering about the tourist areas, you always take a gamble with this, but you’ll find that people pay different price points for the exact same tour.
2. Use Couchsurfing
Use Couchsurfing One of the best ways to get immersed in the local culture and free accommodation. You don’t know what you are missing out not I strongly suggest joining this community of travelers.
3. Eat local
Eat street food or local restaurants, you’ll notice that you would otherwise pay up to 3 times the price for the same food if you were to eat from the tourist street restaurants. Have cash ready for some treats!
4. Bargain, Bargain, Bargain
All over asia when shopping at markets you will get good prices. While the price may be good compared from your home country, you are still being quoted up to 5 times more than what they would sell the item for. I try and haggle for at least 4 to ‘A of the price they give me. It doesn’t hurt to do some research on google for prices!
5. Alcohol
We all love having a good time, but soon your wallet will start getting lighter. Some places like Hong Kong and Singapore charge outrageous prices for alcohol. Go to your local corner store and grab some beer, or pregame (Drink before you go out) to minimize the amount you spend on alcohol on your night out.
Visas In Southeast Asia
- Visa on arrival: Visa-free travel, 30 days for most countries.
- Evisa: No.
- Extension: Yes, one-time, usually for 30 additional days, $60.
- Notes: Those arriving by land usually receive a 15-day visa-free waiver.
- Visa on Arrival: Requires pre-approval for a 15-30 day visa.
- E-Visa: Available for 30 days.
- Extension: Possible; fees vary.
- Useful Info: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are bustling with digital nomads and offer numerous coworking spaces. Multiple entry visas are available, making it easier for frequent travelers.
- Visa on Arrival: 30 days for most nationalities.
- E-Visa: Available for 30 days.
- Extension: Up to 30 days, around $60.
- Useful Info: Vientiane and Luang Prabang are expat-friendly cities with growing amenities for remote workers. Visas can be extended multiple times, ideal for long-term stays.
- Visa on Arrival: 30 days for most nationalities.
- E-Visa: Available for 30 days.
- Extension: One-month extension available.
- Useful Info: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have vibrant expat communities and coworking spaces. Business visas can be extended indefinitely, offering great flexibility.
- Visa on Arrival: Not available for tourists.
- E-Visa: Available for 28 days.
- Extension: Not easily extendable; usually requires a visa run.
- Useful Info: Limited overland entry points. Yangon is gradually becoming more digital nomad-friendly, with new cafes and coworking spaces.
- Visa on Arrival: 90 days for many nationalities.
- E-Visa: Available for 30 days.
- Extension: Rarely granted; visa runs are common.
- Useful Info: Kuala Lumpur is a key hub for digital nomads, known for its modern infrastructure and affordable living. Long-term business visas are available for those wanting to stay longer.
- Visa on Arrival: 30 days for most nationalities.
- E-Visa: Not available.
- Extension: Possible for 30 more days, around $35.
- Useful Info: Bali is one of the top destinations for digital nomads, offering beautiful scenery and a strong community. Long-term visas are available for specific purposes like business or retirement.
Where To Stay In Southeast Asia
Here is a list of places I have stayed, I was happy with my stay here!
Philippines
Vietnam
Indonesia
Laos
Thailand
Cambodia
Myanmar
Malaysia
How To Get Around Southeast Asia
Car Rentals
With such a comfortable public transport system, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car. Road signs are in Japanese, difficult to understand and expensive highway tolls make driving a bad option.
Taxi
Taxis are crazy expensive here in my opinion, I would say not to use them unless necessary.
Trains
Japan has a well-formed and maintained a network of fast non-stop bullet trains as well as traditional express trains. Bullet trains travel faster but the regular express trains are also convenient to travel around the region. Fares may vary depending upon the destinations. You can get a JR pass to travel more cheaply. You can learn more here.
Bus
The bus transport system is also good and cheaper than the trains but is comparatively slower. Buses are good to travel to destinations inaccessible through trains.
Ferries
Though the four main islands are connected through tunnels and bridges but smaller islands are preferably accessed through ferries. Get a ferries’ pass if you have no problem traveling in second-class, and travel in comparatively less amount.
Airlines
The fastest way to travel around is also the most expensive one. If you are very short on time only then you should go for a flight. Otherwise, there are cheaper ways to travel around the country
Best Time To Visit Southeast Asia
The best time to visit asia if you are a solo traveller is during summer, when tourist season is in full swing. If you plan to travel as a group going during off season may be better to save money.
1. You can go during the more temperate season around November and april. BUT be advised that due to the weather you will find higher costs and more tourists.
2. Summer is also a peak time, but for the backpacker you will make many friends and have fun adventures.
3. I personally choose to go during the off season of each country. Cheaper costs, but sometimes not so favorable weather.
How To Stay Safe: Common Scams In Southeast Asia
Asia is fairly safe for travellers. Use common sense when exploring, don’t go down dark alleys alone at night etc. Always be aware of your personal belongings and make sure to do some research of the scams conducted in your local area.
1. Motorbikes
Always take pictures of your motorcycle and inspect it well, a common scam is an owner saying you broke something or scratched the bike and requesting payment before releasing your passport. Some places give you the option of leaving a passport of a large cash deposit.
2. Taxis
Some taxis will not use their meters and ask you for a large “flat rate” be aware of this scam.
3. Tuk Tuks
In many places Tuk Tuks will overcharge you for a short distance or will suggest you some places to go and offer to take you for a small charge. If you take them up on their offer they will take you to over prices tourist traps where the owners will try and sell you suits or trinkets.
The best thing you can do if you are worried about your belongings is to get travel insurance. I have had my entire backpack stolen and luckily was able to recover some of the cost.
Southeast Asia Travel Packing List
When packing for a trip to asia, you should include clothing for warm and humid climates, like shorts, shirts and light dresses. For compfort, bring a pair of sandals, a pair of walking shoes, hat and a fan.
Depending on the length of your stay your list may be a little different but here is a small outline of what items you may want to pack for 1 week.
2 Pairs of Shorts
1 long sleeve
8 pairs of underwear
Medicine
1 Pair of jeans
Flip flops
Toiletries
Locks
Swim Trunks
Comfortable Sneakers
Quick dry towel
Laundry Bag
5 shirts
8 pairs of socks
Dedorant
Hand Sanitizer
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