5 Best Backpacking Spots in Southeast Asia
In the middle of its lush, tropical landscape, Southeast Asia boasts its diversity in religion, culture, and history. This is why a lot of tourists have been lured to explore this region.
Ever since lockdown restrictions have been lifted, many have pledged to live in the moment and travel around the world as much as they can. The cheapest and best way to do it?
Backpacking.
If you’re new to backpacking, Southeast Asia is a great place to start your adventure — it’s affordable, safe, diverse, friendly, and beautiful. While it may still take a lifetime to fully explore this little part of heaven in the Asian continent, I have narrowed down the list for you to prioritize on your next backpacking trip.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
This country is a natural hub for a lot of Western travelers. It is also a beginner’s friendly spot for many backpackers, which is why I highly recommend making this culture-rich country a priority in your itinerary. The fare and expenses are reasonably cheap and it’s also one of the easiest places to navigate. You may also find a lot of friendly travelers and fellow explorers who are more than willing to let you join them in their next adventure to what Thailand has to offer.
2. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Learn about the somber history of Cambodia, all while visiting some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning beaches and temples. The Siem Reap city in Cambodia is near the entrance to the ruins of Angkor, the capital of the Khmer monarchy from the ninth to the fifteenth century. Its largest temple, Angkor Wat, which appears on Cambodia’s flag, is one of the many elaborate stone structures that make up the immense city of Angkor. Not only is Siem Reap visually enthralling and historically significant, but it is also an affordable city. I can assure you that visiting this place won’t put a dent in your savings.
3. Siargao Island, Philippines
The Philippines is an expensive country to travel to in general. With the thousand-island archipelago, fare expenses might not be cheap. However, I would suggest focusing on exploring Siargao Island on its own to lighten your load. Here, you may spend hours relaxing in the warm sun, surfing some of the greatest waves in the world, or discovering secret lagoons and dark caverns. It really is more fun in the Philippines when you come to visit Siargao.
4. Luang Prabang, Laos
Laos receives a fair amount of backpackers. Along the trip, you’ll definitely meet new travel companions and take in some breathtaking views. Laos is a remarkable Southeast Asian country that has maintained its laid-back character despite the rise of mass tourism. Laos is the backpacker haven that it is because of its wild forests, river deltas, friendly natives, and incredible hike trails.
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is unlike any place you have ever been to. Hanoi can be an ideal getaway with its motorbikes buzzing by you at all times of the day, street food sizzling on the sidewalk, sipping traditional Vietnamese drip coffee, and even residents doing their own things on the streets. They also have one of the best local cuisines! Vietnam surely has so much to offer.
Southeast Asia is a playground for adventures. It is a backpacker’s dream, and there is almost never a day when you will run out of things to do.
