I feel like that chunk the size of cambodia sticking right out of the tropics is pushing it for "Southeast" Asia

(This is a joke btw Myanmar people please don't be angry 😅🙏)

Has anyone been to Timor-Leste recently? I am heading there in June, so looking for any useful tips or recommendations (for a solo female traveller). Thank you :)

Hi folks, my partner and I are going to visit SEA around early March and planning to spend at least two months if not longer. As of right now we are just in the planning stage for it all, first time either of us have been to Asia so very excited! Right now the only thing we have sorted is a rough idea of the route which is: Fly to Ho Chi Minh and spend a week there. After this we will then head to Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Pattaya - Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Vat Phou - Lao Bao - Hue - Danang - Sapa - Halong Bay, and then Hanoi.

Any advice on the route - best ways to get around, estimates of how long to spend in each place, anywhere else to see (or avoid) etc, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

First visit to Thailand. We're a couple in our 30s, looking to explore the culture, food, nature (hikes and beaches). Any recommendations? which parts to visit/avoid?

Was planning on visiting in May or June for 2 weeks. Research suggests to avoid those months because of the monsoon and bad weather, but many people on Reddit say the weather is not that terrible at this time. So Im really confused. Any advice from locals or based on experience?

Hi all - I'm going to do the banana pancake trail this year and have 7 weeks to do it. I'm skipping the Thai islands as I'm already going to Indonesia and Philippines after this loop.

I wanted to get your thoughts on the itinerary I have - looking to get tips on where to spend more or less time at. Or if you have any tips on substituting any of the stops for something else - I'm open to hear it! I only booked the first week and my itinerary isn't set in stone, I just need to be in Pnohm Penh (really want to see Ankor Wat) by the end of 7 weeks.

3 days - Bangkok

4 days - Chiang Mai

4 days - Pai

2 days - Chiang Rai/Chiang Khong (Really just in transit to get to the slow boat)

2 days - Slow boat

3 4 days - Luang Prabang

4 3 days - Vang Vieng

3 days - Hanoi (flying from Vang Vieng to save time)

4 days - Ha Giang

4 days - Cao Bang

4 days - Cat Ba Island

2/3 days - Ninh Binh

2 days - Phong Nha

3 days - Hoi An (flying to Siem Reap to save time)

4 days - Pnohm Penh Siem Reap

Thank you in advance!

First time poster on this topic so I'm not altogether familiar with the rules.

Are we allowed to discuss and name specific travel agents?

Buddy and I headed to Thailand, Vietnam and a couple other nations later in February. Wondering if anyone knows of places that might show nhl games or know the best ways to watch games!

TYIA

what would be the cheaper place for a good quality tailored suit…Phuket or Ho Chi Minh City?

Hi all,

I’ve been working in logistics for 8 years, but now I want to switch to a remote job while traveling. For those of you who work remotely while traveling, how did you find your job? What industries or roles are best suited for this lifestyle?

Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks! Br

This is my third time traveling around SE Asia. The last time I was here was in 2018 and prior to that, 2013. I have visited Laos twice and Cambodia four times. I am currently in Da Nang and I was planning to go from here to Laos at the end of February. However, now I am a bit concerned with news of the burning season. Then I was thinking maybe just to return to Cambodia, but it sounds even worse there. I honestly do not recall any major air quality issues in 2018 or 2013. Can anyone please advise how bad the burning season is in Laos and Cambodia these days? I have spent a decent amount of time in each country without problems, but I was in Cambodia in November and the air was pretty bad. Now I am reading that it is super bad with fires. Alternatively, can anyone recommend anywhere good to go for March and April? I am open to all ideas. Thank you!

Hi! I'm planning on backpacking through parts of Southeast Asia for 2 months (October-November). I'm thinking Angkor Wat (and other parts of Cambodia), Laos, and the Northern parts of Vietnam (maybe also the South but I've read more about the North).

I want to prioritize nature experiences, hikes, history, and good food. What would be a good itinerary? I'm going to Japan afterward. I'd be thankful for all your experiences, what to do, and what not to do :)

I‘m planning on going from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching by Bus in February. Unfortunately I don’t have much time, hence the question: What are some must-sees along the way? I’ll definitely want to visit Brunei for like two days and then keep on going. Also I’m thinking about visiting either Miri or Bintulu. Which one is more worth seeing? Are there any public Buses going from Bandar Seri Begawan to Miri/Bintulu and are there some from Miri/Bintulu to Kuching? A lot of questions that still need answers, I hope you can help me:)

Hello! Visiting Thailand in April and looking for some ethical elephants sanctuaries. Have heard that Chai La Orchard is a good one but haven't properly researched yet so searching for other suggestions 🐘💕

hi everyone! I am planning a SEA + Japan trip for 2026. Hoping around 3 - 3.5 months.

I do not have an itinerary right now but I do have a list of the places I want to go in general in each country.

I am struggling with what duration to spend in each country, as well as how I should plan my route out; how does this look?

Idea 

North Thailand (1.5 weeks) (Bangkok, Chiang mai, Pai, Chiang Rai)

Vietnam (2 weeks) (Hanoi, Ha Giang Loop, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hot An)

South Thailand (3 weeks) (Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, Khao Sok)

Singapore - 3 days

Indonesia (2 weeks) (Bali, Gili T, Java)

Philippians (2 weeks) (Coron, El Nido, Port Barton, Puerto Princessa)

Japan (3 weeks) (Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Kyoto, Miyajima Island)

Hi,My friend, girlfriend and I (all in early 20s) have decided to take a somewhat budget friendly backpacking trip around Asia planning to see and experience as much as possible. We were hoping for some advice on our current itinerary which I will attach below as well as what places are best for accommodation (such as hostels, resorts or Airbnbs etc.) We are interested in experiencing the key attractions, nightlife and adventurous type activities unique to the places. Some key activities we would like to experience are:- the half moon party on the 31st in koh pangan - the cu chi tunnels- the killing fields in phnom penh - elephant sanctuary/ somewhere to see monkeys- halong bay - potentially on a junkboat cruiseThis is our current itinerary as we arrive in Phuket and end in Ho Chi Minh City:August 26th- Flight to Phuket Arrive 8:40 pm ,27th - Phuket, 28th - Phuket, 29th - Phuket, 30th - Travel to Koh pangan - via bus and ferry31st -Koh panganSeptember 1st - Travel to Bangkok - via flight2nd - Bangkok3rd - Travel to Chiang mai - via train or bus4th - Chiang mai, 5th - Chiang Mai, 6th - travel to Hanoi - via flight7th - Hanoi, 8th - Hanoi, (Halong bay one of the days/night?)9th - Hanoi, 10th - travel to Hoi An - via bus11th - Hoi An, 12th - Hoi An, 13th - Travel to Phnom Penh, - via Ho Chi Minh City - flight + bus14th - Phnom Penh, 15th - Phnom Penh, 16th - Travel to Ho Chi Minh City - via flight or bus17th - Ho Chi Minh City, 18th - Ho Chi Minh City, 19th - Late flight home from Ho Chi Minh City Please let us know any advice you may have on these places, attractions and transport etc. We are happy to travel overnight (e.g. sleeper buses) to give ourselves extra time!Thank you, your help is much appreciated

27 year old solo traveller staying in Hoi An, Vietnam, for 4 nights in March. Would be great to have hostel recommendations, including views on SnapStay which seems most popular? Looking for good social vibe in good location for exploration but not a party hostel.

Hi everyone. I’m British and in the last 2 years I’ve visited Vietnam, and Thailand twice. I absolutely adored both, and fell in love with South East Asia. I’m desperate to return to the region this year, but I’m feeling quite indecisive on which country to visit. I don’t think there’s any point me returning to Thailand for the time being (though I definitely will in the future!). I would consider Vietnam again as I didn’t actually see much of it. But where else would be a logical country to visit next? Cambodia? Indonesia? Laos? Philippines? I really can’t pick, and would be really open to hearing some arguments for any SE Asian countries?

Hi there - give me your best tips for an amazing trip.

I am working three weekends in a town from late Feb to mid March. Each weekend is a different city: Hong Kong then Singapore then Bangkok. Between the weekends I can stay in one of the cities or really go anywhere as long as I’m ready to work by Friday.

Should I stay longer/shorter in one city vs the others? Are there places you recommend “between” these cities?

Imagine your dream trip to the region and let me know … I love art, beaches, coffee, hiking etc.

Thanks!

Hi,

I know this question has been asked a million times, but I’m only free during April, and I’d like to get people’s perspectives. How is the idea of visiting the southern part of Thailand during this month for someone who wants to enjoy beautiful nature, go scuba diving and snorkeling, and relax on a beach?

Could you recommend a route? If not Thailand, where else would you recommend for solo backpacking during this time?

I'm spending 6ish weeks in SE Asia this April - May.

I have to finish my spring semester the first 2 weeks of the trip so I need somewhere cool to be settled for 2 weeks, hopefully somewhere with a low-key Songkran festival. My husband and I are in our 30s and don't need the crazy party scene. Any recs would be awesome!

Hi all, I'm currently solo traveling throughout Asia and am looking to plan the next leg of my journey in SEA. I'm in China right now, and will make my way down to Hong Kong in the beginning of February so I need to decide on a rough itinerary to begin booking flights and accommodations. Unfortunately I do not have a lot of time as I need to fly back to the United States on February 28th. I am hoping to fly back to the United States from Singapore, so likely I will end my travels with a few days there. In the time between Hong Kong and Singapore (approximately 3 weeks), I have no plans yet and am looking to get some advice or suggestions.

I am quite interested in visiting countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, but I know I likely won't be able to visit all of these countries in such a short period of time. Would it be better to pick one or two of these countries and try to explore more, or should I pick three or four countries while spending less time in each? Any suggestions on which countries I should prioritize visiting? Specific cities/places in each country that are a must see for me during this time? I'd appreciate any input!

Hiya! We, family of 5 from NZ are planning to travel to South East Asia in March of 2026. We have three kids (6,11 and 13) and my partner and I are experienced(ish) traveller's.

We will be coming off three weeks in the Philippines and then I'm thinking maybe fly to Cambodia (?) and have 4 and a bit weeks to make our way over to Singapore (which we depart from).

Does anyone have any advice on great uplaces to visit or a good rough itinerary. Obviously with only 4 weeks we won't get to see everything, and with kids we dont wan't to be moving everyday. We love beaches, eating good food, fun parks and general bucket list places. We are aiming for low to medium budget options.

TIA 😊

I am starting to plan my trip to South East Asia starting in early October 2025.

The two route options I am thinking of

First Fly into Bangkok, Northern Thailand , Laos north, vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and Japan.

Second Fly into Hanoi, go down vietnam, round Cambodia, up Laos south to north, Northern Thailand to South Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and Japan.

Is it best to start in Bangkok as that is what lots backpackers do and skip southern Laos or is it all right to start in Hanoi Vietnam, as then I spend longer exploring the whole country of Laos, and will still meet people doing it this way round.

Thank you

Hi everyone!

I’m traveling to Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam in March, for 40 days.

I’m looking for some type of waterproof document holder or waterproof money belt and am looking for recommendations.

I’m also looking for any general recommendations regarding bags, pouches, etc. I want to keep my passport, cash, and cards safe from potential damage and theft while I travel.

I will be doing kayaking, swimming, cave exploration, biking, walking/hiking, you name it.

I really appreciate any recommendations you can provide. 😊

We’re visiting several SEA countries and have evisa for Vietnam and will do on arrival for Indonesia and Malaysia… but we’ve heard mixed opinions on Cambodia visa. We’re from Canada.

It sounds like on arrival is possible but we have to bring printed photos, so we could do evisa but there doesn’t seem to be an official government site just 3rd party sites which I’m always skeptical about.

Anyone been through either process and have recommendations?

Hey All! Visiting SE Asia for 2 weeks (plus Japan for a week). Im a backpacker at heart and wanna go to as many places as possible but traveling w another family. We have 5 kids ages between 6-11. All easy going kids to be honest and we’ve all traveled together very well in the past (Greek Islands). Everyone believes in my travel pick destinations but I need to pick 2 of 3 destinations (1 week/dest) and asking for opinions for the month of July. They all have a flaw but are all still exciting.

-Krabi, TH: Monsoon season but love the limestone rocks, beaches and top rated elephant sanctuary the kids would find so memorable. It’s a risk but we love Thai people n food. Not into Koh Samui where its drier that time of year and seems more generic n touristy.

-Bali: Prime weather; lots of activities; great prices; always a best destination in the world on TripAdvisor but I hear it’s become very touristy and over-crowded. Also a bit far from Japan but we’re all willing.

Da Nang/Hoi: Would go during the monthly lantern festival, cheap, great food, beaches look great, but maybe the least amount to do there?

I think we’re looking for relaxation, beaches, pool bars but also dont want those western resort vibes but rather a bit more authentic hotel atmospheres and destinations.

Any advice and criticism is welcome, haha.

Hello, I’ve been looking into planning a backpacking trip, advice is needed. I want to do Bangkok - North Thailand - North Vietnam & Ha giang Loop - East/South Vietnam - Cambodia - South Thailand. I got 2,5 months to travel max. I’m just not sure when the best period is to go. I can go as early as november to like march/april (not too far into april). My initial plan was to do early feb-march- half april, but I saw it is burning season then? But if I go earlier it might be to rainy and cold to do the ha giang loop, so I’m not sure. Also, how many places do y’all advice me to visit in this trip. I have already saved 30 places for 2/3/4 nights each but it might be too packed. Anyone done a similar route? Let me know :)