Backpacking through Southeast Asia is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have, it’s chaotic, colorful, sometimes uncomfortable, but always worth it. Whether you’re island hopping in Thailand, motorbiking through Vietnam, or temple-hopping in Cambodia, this part of the world offers freedom and a lot of surprises.
But before you pack your bags and dive in, there are a few things you should know, things you won’t always find in a guidebook, but every backpacker will nod knowingly at.
This article isn’t here to scare you off. It’s here to help you prepare, let go of perfection, and embrace the wild, wonderful mess that is Southeast Asia. So here’s everything I wish someone had told me before I went:
You can’t rely on the Weather Forecast
When backpacking through Southeast Asia, especially during the rainy season, you can’t rely on the weather forecast. No matter what your weather app says, it’s often wrong. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re caught in a tropical downpour. The best thing you can do? Pack for all scenarios and hope for the best. Flexibility is key, the weather has a mind of its own in Southeast Asia.
Better Rely on Maps.me Than on Google Maps
In remote areas, Google Maps often falls short, places may be missing, or the app might send you down routes that are completely wrong or even inaccessible.
When you’re exploring less touristy spots or going off the beaten path, Maps.me is the better option. It tends to include hidden trails and lesser-known roads that Google simply doesn’t. Plus, you can download offline maps, so you won’t get lost if you’re stuck without reception.
When using ATMs don‘t forget to collect your card
ATMs in Southeast Asia often dispense your cash before returning your card and unlike in many Western countries, they usually don’t give you a reminder to take your card before you walk away.
It’s an easy mistake to make, especially if you’re in a rush or distracted. So when withdrawing money, stay focused: double-check that you’ve taken both your cash and your card before leaving the machine.
Cash is king
In many parts of Southeast Asia, card payments aren’t accepted, especially in small shops, local restaurants, markets, or rural areas. That’s why it’s important to always carry enough cash with you.
Before heading to islands or remote areas, make sure to check if there are any ATMs, because often, there aren’t. Running out of cash in the middle of paradise can quickly turn your trip into a hassle.
Use Grab Instead of a Taxi
When you need to get around, use the Grab-App instead of hailing a regular taxi or tuk-tuk. It’s not only cheaper, but also safer and more reliable. Grab works just like Uber: You enter your destination, choose a vehicle type, see your driver’s details and pay directly through the app.
The best part? The fare is fixed upfront, so there’s no need to worry about haggling or getting scammed. It’s especially useful in busy cities where taxi drivers might overcharge tourists.
Busses are often overbooked
When traveling by bus in Southeast Asia, don’t expect a smooth, comfortable ride. Bus journeys here are always a bit of an adventure. A van with 10 seats? That just means 15 people will somehow fit inside. Fold-out plastic stools in the aisle? Totally normal. Sharing your seat with a chicken or someone else’s child? Also very possible.
It’s all part of the charm or chaos of overland travel in Southeast Asia. Just bring your patience and embrace the unpredictability. You are here for the adventure and the storys not for a comfortable bus ride.
Don’t overplan
You can’t always predict the weather at a place, you don’t know how good or bad a place really is until you’ve seen it yourself, and you’ll meet people you’ll want to spend much more time with. Your plans will change so many times, and you’ll learn to be spontaneous which is why it doesn’t make sense to book accommodations, flights, activities, or anything like that more than two days in advance.
In Southeast Asia, buses are rarely on time. Delays due to traffic, weather, or random stops along the way are completely normal. So if you have a flight, ferry, or other important connection, make sure to leave plenty of buffer time. Don’t rely too much on the official schedule.
Don’t overpack
…in the end, you’ll end up wearing the same three t-shirts over and over anyway. Everyone will certainly have experienced it before, that you have once again packed much more than you actually need for your holiday. But especially when traveling, all the luggage you don’t actually need will be a huge burden. You will need to change your hostel every few days or regularly run long distances to the next bus stop. The heavier your luggage is and the more you carry with you, the more nerve-racking and exhausting your journey becomes. So try to limit yourself to the bare minimum of luggage.
You need clothes to cover knees and shoulders
Depending on where you are in Southeast Asia, showing too much skin can be seen as disrespectful, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. It’s generally expected that you cover your shoulders and knees.
This is particularly important when visiting temples, where modest dress is often strictly enforced. Always carry a light scarf or sarong with you, it takes up almost no space and can be a lifesaver if you decide to visit a temple spontaneously.
Learn a few local words
Whenever you travel to a new country, it’s worth learning a few basic local words, like hello, thank you, and goodbye. It might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference: locals appreciate the effort, and it shows respect for the culture.
You need mosquito repellent
If you don’t apply mosquito repellent multiple times a day, you’ll end up itching all over by the evening. Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying, they can also carry serious diseases. The fewer bites you get, the lower your risk of catching illnesses like Dengue fever, malaria, or other mosquito-borne infections.
Don’t drink water from the tab
If you don’t want to get sick, don’t drink tap water in Southeast Asia. That includes being cautious with ice cubes in drinks, especially in restaurants or bars. You never know whether the ice is store-bought or made from tap water, so it’s safer to ask for your drink without ice. Brushing your teeth with tap water is usually fine, just be careful not to swallow any. If you want to feel save, use your waterbottle when brushing your teeth.
Use sunscreen even when it‘s cloudy
The UV index in Southeast Asia is consistently high, even on cloudy or rainy days. That means your skin is still exposed to harmful rays, whether the sun is out or not. To protect yourself, apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) multiple times a day. Don’t underestimate the tropical sun.
Bring a Sleeping Mask and Earplugs
Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. A sleeping mask and a good pair of earplugs (like Ohropax) are absolute essentials when backpacking Southeast Asia. Whether you’re trying to sleep on a noisy night bus, avoid being woken up by roommates returning from a party, or block out roosters crowing at 4 a.m., these two small items can make a huge difference.
Always carry small bills
Many places like restaurants, museums, hostels, and street vendors often can’t (or won’t) break large bills. They much prefer exact change. Since ATMs in Southeast Asia often give you high-denomination notes, try to break them as soon as possible. Save your small bills for moments when they’re absolutely necessary, like paying for a tuk-tuk or buying water at a local stall. Yes, it’s annoying to carry a thick stack of cash, but it’s better than not getting change and paying more.
Use more than one credit card
You could lose your credit card or have it stolen at any time. Especially in Southeast Asia ATMs like to swallow your card while you whitdraw cash. In that case, the last thing you want is to be on the other side of the world with no access to your money. That’s why you should always carry at least one backup credit card — just in case.
Comfort is overrated
Don’t expect high qualitiy rooms, be okay with dirty clothes or places, accept that things break and nothing will work out as you like and so on… just really lower your standards and accept that everything is just how it is. It’s all part of the journey. If you embrace it and see it as an experience and a great story to tell your future kids, you’ll enjoy it. If not, you’ll just be frustrated and want to leave as soon as possible.
Everything is super cheap
From food and activities to hostels and shopping, backpacking in Southeast Asia is incredibly affordable.
That’s why it’s such a popular destination for young backpackers and budget travelers. You can eat out every day, go on adventures, and still spend far less than you would in most other parts of the world. Your money goes a long way here, which means more experiences, more freedom, and less stress about your budget.
You will sweat. A lot.
Depending on where you are, the humidity in Southeast Asia can be intense, so intense that you’ll start sweating again the moment you step out of the shower. And if you’re planning on doing a hike or carrying your backpack through a city? Don’t even think about staying dry. You won’t.
The best thing you can do? Accept it. Sweating is just part of the experience when backpacking Southeast Asia, everyone’s in the same boat.
Street food looks risky, but your stomach will usually survive
Some street food in Southeast Asia might look a bit risky at first glance, but it’s often the most delicious and authentic food you’ll find. Trust your gut. Before digging in, ask fellow backpackers for recommendations or look for stalls with lots of tourist customers. Busy places usually mean fresh, tasty, and safe food.
Geckos are your roommates
Don’t worry, geckos won’t hurt you. In fact, they’re pretty cute, and they actually help by eating insects like mosquitoes. While backpacking Southeast Asia, it’s totally normal to find them on your walls, ceiling, or even in your bathroom. Just accept them as part of the experience. No need to be scared, they’re harmless (and way quieter than most hostel roommates).
You will drink a lot of fruit shakes and smoothies
Fruit shakes and smoothies in Southeast Asia are super cheap and absolutely delicious. Chances are, you’ll end up drinking them all the time, they’re refreshing, tasty, and kind of addictive.
Asians Know How to Fit Everyone (and Their Dogs) on a Scooter
One of the funniest sights in Southeast Asia is watching how many people and sometimes even dogs they manage to squeeze onto a single scooter. If you’re lucky, you might even see entire families or bundles of groceries all riding together.
You haven’t really been to Southeast Asia if you haven’t been bitten by a dog, had food poisoning, or fallen off a scooter
Okay, hopefully none of these things happen to you, but let’s be honest: traveling through Southeast Asia sometimes feels like playing a game of “Backpacking Bingo.” Sooner or later, something unexpected tends to happen ans everyone hast o experience it.
To avoid ticking off one of these classic mishaps:
- Be mindful of what and where you eat
- Drive carefully if you rent a scooter (and always wear a helmet!)
- Stay away from stray dogs and wild animals
- And make sure you’re vaccinated against rabies
You’ll Have the Best Time
Don’t stress too much about the little things, you’re going to have the time of your life. You’ll meet incredible people, make lifelong friends, and collect stories you’ll be telling for years. There will be crazy nights out, but also peaceful early mornings with unforgettable sunrises. Southeast Asia has a way of giving you experiences you didn’t even know you were looking for. Just go with the flow and enjoy every second of it.
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