Complete Backpacker Guide to Southeast Asia: Everything You Need to Know

Southeast Asia is the world's most popular backpacking region for good reason — affordable, diverse, geographically compact enough to cover multiple countries in a single trip, and broadly safe. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

Classic routes and how long you need

Thailand only: 2–4 weeks covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and southern islands
Thailand to Vietnam: 4–6 weeks, usually via Laos or Cambodia
The classic loop: Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Luang Prabang → Hanoi → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap → Bangkok
Add Bali as a final leg or standalone extension from any point

Realistic daily budget

In Thailand and Vietnam you can travel comfortably for £25–40 per day including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Cambodia and Laos are slightly cheaper. Bali is comparable to Thailand. Budget accommodation (hostel dorms or budget private rooms) runs £5–15 per night depending on the country and season.

Visas: what you actually need

Visa requirements differ by passport and country. British and most Western European passport holders get 30–90 days visa-free in Thailand, Vietnam (e-visa available, 90 days), Cambodia (e-visa at border or online), Laos (visa on arrival), and Bali/Indonesia (30 days on arrival). Always check current requirements before travel as policies change.

Accommodation options

Party hostels with social atmosphere — great for meeting people (Khao San Road, Canggu, Hanoi old quarter)
Boutique guesthouses — more comfortable, often just £10–20/night for a private room
Booking.com and Hostelworld both work well throughout the region
Book at least a few nights ahead in popular areas during high season (Nov–Feb)

Getting between countries

Sleeper buses and trains connect most major routes. Budget airlines (AirAsia, Scoot) are worth checking for longer hops — Bangkok to Hanoi direct is often cheaper than the overland bus. Border crossings vary in complexity; the Moc Bai crossing (Vietnam-Cambodia) and the Nong Khai crossing (Thailand-Laos) are generally smooth. Carry some USD — it's accepted everywhere for border fees.

Connectivity across the region

Mobile data is fast and cheap throughout Southeast Asia. Rather than buying a new SIM at every border crossing, a regional Asia eSIM lets you stay connected across all countries on a single plan. Install it before you leave and avoid the arrival queue at the airport phone shop.