Southeast Asia has long been a major stopping point for backpackers around the world. Exotic destinations, beautiful beaches and mountains, bustling cities, fantastic food, friendly people, a well trodden tourist trail, and super cheap prices all contribute to one of the top regions in the world for traveling.
From the smiling faces and pristine beaches in Thailand, to the incredible, fresh food in Vietnam, to one of the most impressive sites in the world in Cambodia, to the sleepy, still undiscovered lands of Laos, Southeast Asia is ripe for the picking if you love to travel.
What to expect
Expect stunning scenery, historical site after historical site, fantastic food that is as cheap, fresh, and as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world, and ease of travel.
Sure, you may not always be comfortable (hello, minibuses in Laos), but what you give up in comfort you get back in the wallet. One of the most surprising things about travel in SE Asia was just how easy it truly is. Unless you really get off the beaten path, the language barrier is pretty much nonexistent as most everyone, especially those involved in tourism, speaks English. Because the region has been a popular travel destination for the better part of 50 years, they have it down and know how it’s done, so enjoy the ride!
Planning your trip to Southeast Asia
A lot goes into planning your trip to Southeast Asia – how to get there, how to get around once you are there, best time of the year to go, which vaccinations you need, and what the visa situations are.
Check out our Southeast Asia Travel Guide
Getting around
Getting around SE Asia is pretty easy (though it may not be the epitome of comfort all the time), with many options depending on your budget.
- Air- Air Asia is the main budget airline in the region, and if you are flexible and on top of things, you can get dirt cheap flights between major cities (Bangkok, Saigon, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, etc.).
- Bus- Bus quality varies from country to country and even city to city. Thailand and Vietnam have some decent buses, some of them the sleeper variety, but some flat out suck, too. Be sure to check the information below to see specifics on overland travel in each country.
- Minibuses- While not the most comfortable transport in the world, minibuses are in all Southeast Asian countries in some form or another (costing practically nothing). The unifying factor amongst bus transport is that it’s dirt cheap.
- Train- Trains are available in all countries as well, with some really nice ones in Thailand, in particular. There are different types and different classes of seats, with sleeper compartments as well (that are really nice), so do your homework.
- Boat- One of the coolest modes of transport around Southeast Asia is by riverboat. Some slow boat trips (Thailand into Laos) are said to be pretty brutal, but others are amazing (Vietnam into Cambodia). Boat travel is becoming less and less common, though.
Search for airfare to Asia and be sure to read the article about overland travel in Southeast Asia for more information.
Costs
In order to travel on a super, super cheap budget (think under $20-25US/day), you’re going to have to rough it a bit in Southeast Asia. While you can find beds for under $5/night, you get what you pay for (think dorm beds, no a/c, and questionable cleanliness).
As long as you’re willing to eat street and market food (which you should as it’s the best), you can eat like a king for a few dollars a day. A huge plate of pad thai costs about $1US on the streets of Bangkok, a steaming bowl of Pho in the alleyways of Hanoi about the same, and as long as you eat locally, even in restaurants, it’s still not going to run more than a few dollars for a meal.
But if you have the money to splurge just a little bit (think $35-40/day), you’re going to have nice, private rooms with air conditioning, you’ll be able to splurge on a western meal you may crave every once in a while, and you’ll be able to take a sleeper train and nice bus in certain situations (sometimes a crappy minibus is your only option).
Thailand and Vietnam are a little more expensive than Laos and Cambodia, but if you plan on $35US/day for these four countries, you’ll be traveling well most of the time.
Read Cheap Southeast Asia: How to Pretend You’re Rich in Bangkok
Vaccinations
When it comes to vaccinations, everyone has their own opinions, so how careful or reckless you want to be is completely up to you. The best advice we can offer is to go see your primary care doctor and/or a travel physician and take his or her advice. According to the CDC, your routine vaccinations of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), and polio should be up to date, but they aren’t required. Hepatitis A and B are also highly recommended. Typhoid and Japanese encephalitis are also recommended, as is rabies.
When it comes to malaria, everyone has an opinion. Some take some form of malaria meds, some take none. Again, speak with your doctor about vaccinations and do whatever you’re comfortable with. And if you do decide to get any/all vaccinations, shop around as prices vary wildly, particularly in the United States. Most malaria medication is extremely expensive, and you can purchase them for a much cheaper price once you’re in Southeast Asia. The problem is that most malaria meds advise travelers to start taking them a few weeks before arrival. But you can get some at home and then re-up once you’re there. We bought malaria meds over the counter in a pharmacy in Vietnam when we were close to running out.
To find more in depth information about vaccinations, check out these articles:
- An overview of immunizations
- Drug Trouble: The Travel Vaccine Debate
- Travel Vaccine Guide
- All you need to know about malaria
Visas
For Americans, Vietnam is the only country out of these four where you need to take care of your visa before arriving. Travelers can get visas on arrival in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Visa rules are different, though, depending on how you arrive. For example, if arriving in Thailand by land, it is standard to only receive a 15-day tourist visa, but if you arrive by air, you receive a 30-day visa. Laos and Cambodia both offer 30-day visas upon arrival. It is recommended to have US dollars for visas, and make sure they are crisp bills with no tears and little wear (I argued for 15-minutes with a visa officer entering Laos because a few of my bills weren’t in good enough condition).
Check out our visa service and visa application page
Where to go
Southeast Asia encompasses more than just these four countries, and we’ll get to Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Phillipines, and Burma in a future article. As far as where to go, we highlight many of the top destinations within each country and offer some off-the-beaten-path locations as well. Some travelers can blast through all four countries in a month, seeing the highlights and moving fast. Others can take months or even years to explore the region. It all depends on how much time and money you have.
Thailand
Thailand is a land the evokes many images for travelers. White sand beaches in the south, one of the biggest, bustling metropolises in the world in Bangkok, and peaceful hill stations in the north. There is a reason Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations not only in Southeast Asia but in the entire world. The beauty all over the country is unmatched, the food absolutely mouth-watering, and the people as friendly as can be. It’s not called the Land of Smiles for nothing. While some may complain that it’s over-touristy, and there are plenty of tourists, it still has an unmatched beauty that will have any travel lover falling in love and wanting to return again and again.
Highlights
- Bangkok Bangkok sometimes gets a bad rap amongst travelers, many of whom think it’s too big, too dirty, too crazy, and just too intense. And while it is all of those things, Bangkok also has an energy like no other, scenery that is second to none, and food that is up there with the best the world has to offer. And don’t even get me started on the markets. If markets are your thing (they’re mine), then start planning your trip there now.
- Chiang Mai- A popular destination in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is the northern capital that is a great place to soak up the Thai culture. Cooking classes, massage classes (or alternatively, really cheap massages), yoga, and hiking in the nearby hill stations are what brings tourists to this beautiful city. The food here is also amazing and distinctly different than other parts of Thailand, and the Sunday Market is top notch.
- Pai- 762 hair-raising turns north of Chiang Mai, Pai is a hippie haven that is becoming more and more popular on the backpacking circuit (some complain that it’s way too popular, and thus, too touristy). While the town itself is less than spectacular, the surrounding area is more than spectacular, and riding motorbikes through the northern Thai countryside provided us with some memories that will last a lifetime.
- Koh Chang- When picturing the quintessential Thai island, you are probably picturing Koh Chang. While Koh Chang is definitely getting more and more popular, and thus more and more commercial, its beauty is unmatched, and beaches like Lonely Beach are still a great place to get away from it all and soak up some rays while chilling on the white sand beaches and swimming in beautiful azure waters.
- Koh Samui- Some headier than thou backpackers may scoff at the mention of Koh Samui, and while you can get a Big Mac at several of the McDonald’s on the island, you can also stay at really nice, dirt cheap bungalows on the beach, eat super fresh seafood on makeshift beach side restaurants every night, and go snorkeling and scuba diving in the surrounding waters. Is Koh Samui touristy? Yes. Is it also drop dead gorgeous? Yes as well.
- Koh Pha-Ngan- You’ve no doubt heard of Koh Pha-Ngan’s infamous full moon parties, and if you’re young (or young at heart), then this experience is something you should not miss.
>>Find a hotel in Bangkok or book a hostel in Thailand.
>>Read about market shopping in Chiang Mai and find out more about Thailand’s Full Moon Party.
Off the beaten path
Thailand and off the beaten track don’t necessarily go together much anymore. We’re a few decades late on that one. But just because Thailand is full of tourists doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good indie experience there and get away from the crowds.
- If you’ve ridden one before and feel comfortable doing so, consider renting a motorbike and exploring the countryside on your own, particularly in the north. Head to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, rent a motorbike and go from there. The Mae Hong Son loop is a popular 375 mile (600 kilometer) long loop from Chiang Mai that will get you temporarily away from many tourists.
Read Thailand’s “Banana Pancake Trail” and 5 Insider Tips for Escaping it and check out these adventure trips in Thailand.
Costs
Thailand has been firmly on the backpacker trail now for the better part of 50 years when the hippies first came through this area in the 60′s. While prices have risen over the years, it’s still possible to travel around the Land of Smiles for next to nothing. The most dedicated of budget travelers claim to be able to get by on $10US/day while staying in a dirty hostel, eating nothing but street food, and not doing much other than drinking Sangsom and partying on Khao San Road.
But for travelers looking for private rooms, the occasional meal out in a restaurant, and sight-seeing, it’s probably more realistic to plan on closer to $35US/day per person. We got around Thailand rather comfortably on $70/day budget for two of us, and that included staying in private rooms, many times with air conditioning, eating out at restaurants some of the time, and doing pretty much what we wanted activity-wise.
Weather
Weather in Southeast Asia is quite fickle, and figuring when to go and when not to go is a huge headache for anyone who has never traveled in this region. Different parts of the country are better visited at different times of the year, but one thing we did find out is that there’s really no bad time to visit Thailand, just better.
Thailand is warm year-round, except for the hill stations in the north, which can see colder weather, sometimes even approaching the freezing mark. There are three main seasons in Thailand:
- Hot- March to May it is extremely hot and typically dry. This is the time to head down south to the islands, but beware that everyone else will be heading there, too, driving up prices and creating crowded beaches, bungalows, and hotels.
- Wet- June to October is what’s known as the wet season in Thailand and throughout much of Southeast Asia. NOTE: We ended up here during the rainy season, for most of May and the beginning of June, again for a bit in July, and then again in mid-August. Rain and weather was rarely a factor for us. Though it did rain many of the days we were there, it was usually for an hour or two each day. The rain did not prevent us from doing anything, temperatures were a bit cooler, prices were cheaper, and attractions less crowded.
- Cool- Cool is a relative term in Thailand, but November to February is known as the cool season in Thailand, as the monsoons have moved on and the temperatures aren’t as sweltering as the rest of the year. This also means high season in Thailand, with bunches of tourists and higher prices. The best festivals are also this time of year, so consider that when planning your trip to Thailand.
Transportation
I was planning for the worst as far as transportation goes in Thailand, but I was pleasantly surprised at both the comfort and efficiency of the public transportation in Thailand.
- Airplane- Be sure to check out Air Asia, the budget airline throughout Southeast Asia that sometimes has dirt cheap flights within Thailand and to other cities. Sometimes it can be nearly as cheap as taking a train or bus, so make sure you at least check.
- Bus- There are varying degrees of buses to get around Thailand, some really nice and some not so much. If you don’t want to get ripped off, try going to the actual bus station to get your tickets instead of to a travel agent or company. You will pay more if you use an agent. It will be easier, but sometimes at double or triple the price. If going on an overnight journey anywhere, I suggest looking into the trains as they are very efficient, very comfortable, and not terribly expensive.
- Train- The trains in Thailand impressed the hell out of me. The Bangkok train station is huge yet easy to navigate and figure out. Check out the government operated train website for schedules, fares, and available seats. The sleeper trains are top notch if you can splurge (well worth it), with each seat folding down into a fully horizontal bed with pillows, sheets, and blankets. You’ll sleep like a baby.
Vietnam
Mountains, jungles, beaches. History, culture, cuisine. It’s no secret why Vietnam is becoming a top travel destination around the world. It really does have it all, and with a well trodden tourist trail, travel around this country is rather easy. The people may not be as friendly as nearby Thailand or as laid back as neighboring Laos, and not everyone has an affinity for travel here, but once you get used to the chaos, Vietnam offers all travelers an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- Hanoi- A city that just celebrated its 1000th anniversary, Hanoi is absolutely bonkers at times. Navigating its tiny, narrow streets without getting run over, and withstanding the touts and aggressiveness of the people can be challenging, but the city has a unique charm to it, and the food is downright spectacular.
- Ha Long Bay- A top site not only in Southeast Asia but the entire world, Ha Long Bay is spectacular. The choices for exploring Ha Long Bay are many and can be extremely confusing, so do your homework before booking a tour. And while it may be tempting, don’t go with the cheapest option. You will get what you paid for.
- Hoi An- If you’ve come to Southeast Asia and you like shopping, then Hoi An is your place. With over 400 tailors in this small little town, getting custom made clothing is the main reason tourists visit. But there is more to Hoi An than the tailors. The food is amazing, with dishes that are uniquely Hoi An, and beaches, temples, and mountains are a day trip away.
- Dalat- This quirky little town located in the central highlands offers a respite from the balmy, humid weather of the rest of the Vietnam. A popular honeymoon destination for locals, Dalat is a city that sees a lot fewer western tourists.
- Mekong River- Exploring the Mekong River south of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a wonderful way to see a different way of life that has you feeling like you’ve hopped in the Delorean to visit the past. Floating river markets and homestays offer travelers a unique and interesting experience not offered in many other places in the world.
Off the beaten path
Like Thailand, the tourist trail is pretty well trodden in Vietnam, but there are still some places to get away from the crowds.
- If you are adept at riding a motorbike, rent one and explore the country yourself. Make sure you have some experience, though, as Vietnamese drivers tend to be pretty crazy.
- Western tourists head to the hill station of Sapa in the north, while Vietnamese tourists go to Mai Chau.
- If you’re heading to Cambodia from Vietnam, then consider taking a river boat up the Mekong from Chau Doc. An incredible experience.
Costs
Keeping with the theme of Southeast Asia, Vietnam can be cheap, cheap, cheap, if you want it to be. You can also live like a king for a fraction of the price it would cost in western countries. Custom made suits for about $100US, $1 steaming bowls of pho from a food stand in an alley, and 25 cent glasses of bia hoi (homemade beer) all make this a wonderful backpacking destination.
We spent about $65US/day for two of us, and we stayed in pretty nice, private rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning the entire time. Most of our rooms even had cable televisions in them, which was unexpected and unnecessary, but also nice at times. Our accommodation averaged about $20-25US/night. While inSoutheast Asia, it would be downright silly not to eat the street food, as it’s among the best in the world. Super fresh and extremely flavorful, it’s quite easy to get by on under $10/day for food. Transportation costs are also low, with buses and trains available for cheap.
Weather
Vietnam is mostly tropical, which means hot and steamy in most places. But the weather in some areas would surprise many travelers. It’s not uncommon to need a jacket at night in Hanoi and other cities in the north along with several of the hill stations in the central highlands, particularly in January.
May to September is the hottest and wettest time of the year, and even though this is the monsoon season, it rarely rains for days on end. Like most of the rest of SE Asia, the monsoon season is characterized by heavy rain once or twice a day for a short period of time, followed by steamy, hot temperatures. The mountains generally aren’t affected by the monsoon season.
Transportation
Getting around Vietnam is actually quite easy, while not always the most comfortable if you plan on traveling overland. Most visitors to Vietnam arrive in either Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south or Hanoi in the north then travel north to south or vice versa.
- Bus- Many travelers choose the open bus ticket option when traveling the length of Vietnam. You can choose the cities you want to go to and purchase a ticket in either Hanoi or Saigon for a low price. Your ticket will then be covered for the entire time in Vietnam. You can choose to buy as you go if you don’t want to have your entire itinerary set in stone. It will probably be a bit more expensive, but not much. You can choose sleeper tickets and literally have a bed for those overnight journeys. Don’t expect to sleep too soundly though as the bus drivers are rather crazy, honking their horns incessantly and driving like maniacs. Try to sit somewhere in the middle of the bus, far enough away from the obscenely loud car horn but not in the back where it can get really bumpy.
- Train- Train travel is more expensive than bus travel and not as popular on the backpacker circuit, but comfort is typically better than buses. There are several classes when it comes to train travel, each one going up in both price and comfort.
- Air- Vietnam Airlines is the main airline in Vietnam, though you may want to check Air Asia for cheap, budget flights in the country. If you’re short on time, check out airfares as it will save you tons of time.
- Motorbike- Motorbikes and scooters dominate the Vietnam roads and highways, and if you’re really comfortable riding one, renting one and seeing the country on your terms is certainly possible. It’s not for the feint of heart though, as driving in Vietnam is quite the challenge for most westerners. This is not the country to learn.
- Boat- It is also possible to travel by riverboat in certain areas of the country, particularly in the south near the Mekong. We took a riverboat from Vietnam into Cambodia, and it was a fantastic experience and new way of traveling.
>>Check out the following articles for more information on traveling in Vietnam
Cambodia
When people think of Cambodia, they automatically connect it with one of the world’s greatest wonders, Angkor Wat. Rightfully so, as it is one of the most visited and spectacular sites in the world. While Angkor steals the spotlight, there are plenty of other fantastic places to visit in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.
Highlights
- Angkor Wat- This ancient temple complex is a sight that all travel lovers and historians must see at least once in their lives. Make sure you set aside enough time, as many mistakenly assume that Angkor is just one temple. You can easily spend 3 days visiting the plethora of temples, if not more.
- Siem Reap- This once sleepy little town is now bustling with life as the epicenter for exploring the temples of Angkor Wat. Fancy hotels and restaurants are now available, but for those on a budget, there are still plenty of cheap accommodations and eats to be had.
- Phnom Penh- This city of extremes will have travelers experiencing many different emotions. You will see great wealth and riches in some areas, while experiencing poverty and despair in others, sometimes just a block away from each other. The brutal history of Cambodia can be seen all over this city at Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields just outside the city.
- Sihanoukville- After exploring the temples of Angkor and putting your heart and soul through the wringer at the sites in Phnom Penh, it might be a good idea to get away and relax. Sihanoukville is that place, with nice beaches, sparkling water, and cheap food and guesthouses.
Off the beaten path
Compared to Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is much easier to get off the beaten track, but that won’t last for long. Even a few years ago, much of the country was largely inaccessible as roads were in poor condition. But that is all changing, making it easier to see the rest of the country, but do it now before the rest of the tourists find out.
- Explore the Koh Kong Province near Thailand, which is becoming an ecotourism center of the region. Undeveloped (for now) coastline, mountains, and waterfalls dot the region.
- Head to the Cardamom Mountains, one of the largest unexplored regions in Southeast Asia. There is plenty of trekking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing offered.
Costs
Cambodia is a land of extremes as it is still trying to climb out of the horrific acts of violence that saw the Khmer Rouge wipe out nearly a generation of its people. These extremes make it possible to travel on the cheap in Cambodia or live like a king. Visiting a site like Angkor can cost as little or as much as you like. You can rent a bike and explore the temples on the cheap or you can hire a private car and guide for quite a bit more. The same goes for food and guesthouses. There are plenty of top notch hotels and restaurants, but if you’re traveling on a budget, you can get by on very little as well.
We averaged about $70US/day for the two of us while we were in Cambodia. That included staying in private rooms with a/c and bathroom, cable tv in most as well. The accommodations we stayed at for most of our time in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap were quite nice. We ate out at decent restaurants most of the time, and we hired a tuk-tuk driver for 3 days while visiting Angkor.
Note: One thing to keep in mind in Cambodia is that the US dollar is the unofficial currency. Get money out of an ATM, and you will receive dollars in return. Pay in US dollars, and much of the time you will receive Riel, the Cambodian currency, in return. Sometimes you may use or receive Thai Bhat as well. It’s important to remember all your currency exchanges while traveling in Cambodia. It’s a good way to get ripped off if you’re not paying attention.
Weather
Like much of the rest of Southeast Asia, weather in Cambodia is characterized by two distinct seasons. The wet season is from May to October and the dry season from November to April. June to October sees the hot, humid weather and the most rain. Typical of the rest of the region, rainy season usually only sees an hour or two of rain in the afternoons each day while being hot and steamy the rest of the time.
Transportation
- Air- If you’re short on time, then check out Air Asia, as they are the best, most reliable, and cheapest airline in Southeast Asia. You can find super cheap flights from most major hubs throughout the region to both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
- Bus- Bus travel has been drastically improving throughout Cambodia over the last decade. While there are still some horrible roads, many of the worst ones have been improved dramatically, particularly if you’re coming from Bangkok. There is much competition, so air conditioned buses can be found for a cheap price, so there’s no need to deal with uncomfortable overland transport most of the time.
- Boat- River travel is still used in Cambodia, but it’s typically cheaper, faster, and more comfortable to go by bus. We took a slow boat from the Mekong area of Vietnam across the Cambodian border at to Phnom Penh, and it was a major highlight. Highly recommended if coming from that area of Vietnam.
Laos
After being off the tourist radar for so long, Laos is quickly becoming that next great destination for budget travelers in Southeast Asia. A country that has been pounded by war and still seeing the effects, this sleepy country is drop dead gorgeous. Laos has lots to offer for those looking to get off the beaten path a bit. Don’t wait too long, though, as the rest of the world is catching on, and it won’t be long before Laos is just as popular as neighboring Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Highlights
- Luang Prabang- An absolutely breathtaking city set on the Mekong, travelers can easily spend a week or more in Luang Prabang. This Unesco World Heritage Site has wats, a bustling night market, great food, and plenty of activities just a day trip away. Be sure to check out Big Brother Mouse, a fantastic organization helping bring books to young Laotian children.
- Vientiane- The capital of Laos really shows the French influence left over from their time ruling this nation, from the architecture to the food. The Morning Market and Buddha Park are two of the highlights of visiting Vientiane, as is simply sitting in a bar or restaurant near the Mekong, chilling, and drinking some Beer Lao.
- Vang Vieng- This backpacking mecca is a highlight, especially for the younger crowd. Each day a massive group of drunken travelers takes to the river armed with nothing but a tube and a foggy head. The town itself is rather wretched and shows all the negatives of what western tourism can bring, but the surrounding beauty is undeniable. If you’re a climber, there aren’t many places in the world more beautiful to climb.
- Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands)- Set in the Mekong River, Si Phan Don is a series of islands and sandbars. Travelers come here to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. Depending on whether or not this is your thing, relaxation may be enhanced by the aid of some illegal narcotics.
Off the beaten path
Laos itself if still pretty much off the beaten path, and if you head to regions not mentioned above, you most likely won’t be met by herds of tourists.
- Luang Nam Tha- If you’re looking for hiking and trekking, Luang Nam Tha is your home base. Nearby Nam Ha National Park is the setting for these outdoor adventures. While Laos is trying to bring responsible ecotourism to the area, make sure to do your homework before taking off with a tour group. It would be a shame for this pristine area to get ruined by irresponsible tourism.
- Gibbon Experience- If it’s one thing I really wish we would have bucked up for on our trip, it’s the Gibbon Experience. Headquartered in the Laos-Thai border town of Huay Xai, the Gibbon Experience sends travelers out to the Bokeo Nature Reserve and a city of tree-houses connected by zip lines. Not for the faint of heart.
Costs
Laos is definitely one of the cheapest places to visit in a region chock full of cheap travel destinations. We got by on about $50US/day total for the two of us. Everything is cheap in Laos, from meals at markets and street carts for less than a dollar to private rooms with a/c for about $10-$15, Laos is a budget travelers dream.
Weather
Like much of the rest of Southeast Asia, weather in Laos is characterized by two distinct seasons. The wet season is from May to October and the dry season from November to April. November to January sees the coolest temperatures of the year while March to May the hottest, particularly in the south. The mountains in the north can see freezing temperatures in parts of the year. Typical of the rest of the region, rainy season usually only sees an hour or two of rain a day while being hot and steamy the rest of the time.
Transportation
Even though Laos is quickly catching up to other countries in the area when it comes to tourism, the transportation still has a ways to go as it leaves much to be desired.
- Bus- Buses are the cheapest way to get around Laos, but they are not comfortable. Usually of the minibus variety, when you hop on one in Laos, expect to drive around whatever city you’re leaving from until the bus is completely full. They pack ‘em in here in Laos, and they can and will put more people than seats in a bus. Expect chickens, durian, and maybe even a few dead squirrels to accompany you along the way. If you plan on traveling overland from Laos to Vietnam, particularly northern Vietnam, be ready for a long, uncomfortable, and possibly frustrating journey.
- Train- You can catch a train from Vientiane back into Thailand and vice versa, but rail travel is not prevalent throughout most of the rest of the country.
- Boat- River travel is still used throughout Laos, though not nearly as often since their highway system has been getting upgraded with each passing year. The famed 2 day slow boat trip from the Thai-Laos border down to Luang Prabang is still popular, and we were at first bummed about not taking it. Then we talked to some people who did take it, and it didn’t sound like a very fun or comfortable journey.
- Air- Lao Airlines is the domestic carrier for Laos, but they are said to have a suspect safety record and aren’t the most reliable. Not exactly what I would want out of an airline.
- Unique Tips for Traveling Through Laos
- Check out our Laos Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Southeast Asia, whether for a few weeks, months, or years, is a traveler’s dream. There aren’t many regions in the world that offer what Southeast Asia offers, particularly with these low prices.
Are you planning a trip to Southeast Asia? What’s on your must-see list? Have you traveled to the region before? What can you recommend? Comment below to share your thoughts and expertise on this well-traveled region of the world.
Adam Seper and his wife, Megan, decided that 50+ hour workweeks with 2 weeks of vacation a year simply wasn’t going to cut it. So they decided to take a leap of faith and put The American Dream on hold. In October 2008, they took off on an epic, year-long adventure, traversing the globe and traveling to 89 cities and 11 countries across 4 continents, never to be the same again.
Now Adam is going to tell you how you can plan your own epic adventure. Every week, on “Round the World Wednesday” he’ll share tips for planning, budgeting and selecting a route, plus advice on where to go and what to see and do all around the world.
