The best route through South East Asia: Itinerary for travellers
This guide is for travellers who aim to travel long-term through South East Asia. To really experience this route, you’ll need at least three to four months. The longer you plan to travel, the better. Because this is all about really getting to know a country, to settle in a place for a week or two and to enjoy every minute. If you are short on time, you can always adapt the route or choose your very own favorites. Leave out a few countries or stay shorter and only visit one or two places in a country. In the end, South East Asia is for everyone. Wether you travel long-term or you just have a few weeks: This best route through South East Asia is meant as an inspiration.
Also, the route through South East Asia is made to be very budget friendly. If you are on a higher budget, you can switch from bus to plane to save some hassle and get some more comfort. The starting point of your journey through South East Asia can also vary and you can set up this recommended route individually to fit your own plans.
But now, let’s start the journey!
First stop is Vietnam: Get lost in the rice fields and mountain roads
An obligatory stop on any trip through South East Asia is Vietnam. Even if you are short on time, you should definitely not miss out on this beautiful and inspiring country. Vietnam is a true backpacker’s paradise. It is budget friendly and with the many hostels, cheap street foods and free walking tours it is ideal if you want to save some money on the beginning of your trip.
On this route through South East Asia, you start in the North of Vietnam. You will arrive at the International Airport of Hanoi, the biggest city in the northern part. From there, you will make your way down South all along the coast line. The final stop is the city of Saigon (or otherwise known has Ho Chi Minh City). Book your plane ticket to Hanoi and from then, you can travel down South. The best way to do so is either by motorbike or by bus. There are night buses between the major cities and most common places, which make getting around fairly easy.
The best stops in Vietnam: Hanoi, the North of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue,Hoi An and Saigon
Recommended time: two to three weeks
Continue to Cambodia and dive deeper into fascinating history
From Saigon/ Ho Chi Minh you can take the bus over the border to Cambodia. This trip is fairly easy and no complicated at all as this is a popular route to take. Crossing the border, you will get your visa. Make sure to get some USD before travelling to Cambodia. This allows you to pay for the visa and the transportation once you arrive.
It is best to stop in Phnom Penh at first. This is the capital of Cambodia and a great place to start exploring the country. As this is all about “diving deep into history” you should plan your route to Siem Reap to explore the ancient temple town of Angkor Wat. The whole country is all about learning more about its history – both meant positively and negatively, as you will learn in Phnom Penh.
When in Cambodia, do not miss out on the beautiful islands in the South. This is a hidden paradise and your first chance to get some beach time in South East Asia. Make sure to spend at least one week before heading on
The best stops in Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Saloem and Siem Reap with Angkor Wat
Recommended time: two to three weeks
Next is Thailand: Vibrant cities & beautiful beaches
Any traveller has been dreaming of visiting Thailand one day. The country is actually too big and too exciting to be explored in just one visit. Therefore, it is recommended to first explore the North of Thailand.
From Cambodia you can either take the bus to Bangkok or book a plane. Planes leave from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville. The trip with the bus is very long and exhausting, so it might be best to take the plane.
Arriving in Bangkok, you can start your next chapter on the route through South East Asia. Bangkok is the ideal start for your journey through Thailand. Get to know the delicious food, visit some temples and plan your next stops. You can either travel North to Chiang Mai or make your way to the paradise islands along the coast. Depending on your time, you can create your very own Thailand adventure.
If you love the wild nature and travel off the beaten path, take the overnight train north. And if you are looking for your Thailand dream on an island, Koh Phangan, Ko Tao or Koh Samui are waiting for you!
Luckily, from basically any location in Thailand you can easily reach an airport. As the distances can be quite long, you can choose between the overnight trains or busses or the plane. For reaching the next stop on the route through South East Asia, you should take the plane.
The best stops in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, Ko Tao and Koh Pha-ngan
Recommended time: at least 2 weeks
Continue your travel route to Malaysia
Next on the list: Malaysia. The country is, compared to the previous stops, highly developed and it might feel like entering a new world. Book a plane to Kuala Lumpur to start your journey in the capital of Malaysia. Another option is to take the bus, which can be quite a long journey though, but it is possible. Kuala Lumpur is exciting and you will love the big skyscrapers and the shopping malls.
In Malaysia, you can spend your time hiking through tea plantations, eating delicious food, relaxing on some of the most beautiful beaches in South East Asia and visiting mosques. I personally was quite surprised by Malaysia and it exceeded my expectations. Not only are the people incredibly friendly, but you will also taste the best food and enjoy beautiful islands.
The best stops in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Tanah Ratah, Pulau Kapas and Penang, Langkawi
Recommended time: two to three weeks
Next stop: Backpacker’s paradise Indonesia
From Malaysia, you can take the plane to Denpasar, Bali. And welcome to Indonesia. A route through the best places of South East Asia could never be complete without Bali. The island is one of the most famous destinations worldwide, but it still can be explored in a unique way. As well, Bali will be the starting point for various adventures all around Indonesia and you will learn that the country is much more than just Bali.
You can climb active volcanos, visit stunning temples and learn more about the religion and the culture in Indonesia. And of course, the country is the best place to find beautiful beaches and get yourself some snorkeling gear or a surf board and jump into the ocean!
In between the island, you will book speed boat tickets and if you want to travel to Lombok or the Komodo National Park, you can as well travel by plane. Indonesia is probably the most extensive country on this route and you could spend various months exploring new places. Make sure to take your time and do not rush through the country!
The best stops in Indonesia: Bali, East Java, Nusa Islands, Gili Islands, Komodo National Park and Lombok
Recommended time: at least 3 weeks
Last but not least: explore the Phillipines
From Indonesia (most likely you are leaving from Denpasar, Bali) you will travel to your last stop on the ultimate and best route through South East Asia – the Philippines. Again, you could actually spend months travelling from one island to the other, always exploring a new hidden beach. The Philippines are made for both short and long stays.
But how do you end your trip best? Or does it even end on the Philippines? The different islands invite you to an adventure in nature. You can walk through the jungle or explore the colorful world under water. Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and just live in the moment – because that’s what the Philippines are made for!
The best stops on the Philippines: Manila, Borocay, Bohol, El Nido, Coron
Recommended time: at least one week
Final stop is Singapore: A layover on the way home
No matter, if you are travelling home after your route through South East Asia or if you’re off to a new part of this world – Singapore is a great stopover. If you leave from the Philippines, you will not find a direct flight to Europe, the States or Australia. Therefore, flying to Singapore sounds like a great idea. Plus, you get the chance to explore one of the most impressive cities in the world.
Singapore is a new world. It is highly developed, modern and progressive. Experience the city life and enjoy the warm and humid climate of South East Asia for one last time!
Recommended time: one to three days
And if you have not gotten enough of South East Asia, I can highly recommend checking out Myanmar and Sri Lanka. There is so much more to see!
