South East Asia

Being Canadian, it had taken me awhile to venture to this part of the world. When I finally did in 2015, it set my heart on fire! Each part of the world has it’s own charms but South East Asia stole my heart. The travel routes are we trod and easy to navigate for even the most inexperienced DIY traveler. I would always recommend starting in Thailand. Why Thailand? Flights are usually cheapest into Bangkok and the country is warm, welcoming and an easy entry into another way of life.

The backpack trail usually follows the following route in order not to backtrack. Starting with the Queen of Asia; Thailand, the trail makes its way North to mysterious Laos, through wonderous Vietnam, across the bottom of Cambodia for Angkor Wat. Heading back along the coast in Thailand It then heads back into Thailand and down the coast to the fairytale islands on both sides of the country. Take a boat into Malaysia from the final Thai island!

Sri Lanka is easily reached with inexpensive flights from Kuala Lampur, Indonesia and the Philippines are large with long travel distances and should be done on their own.

Country Guides

THAILAND

MALAYSIA

INDONESIA

SRI LANKA

sri lanka

PHILLIPINES

Top 5 Islands for Beach lovers in Asia

Ignoring the beautiful mainland beaches and focusing on the best islands where you are spoiled for choices. Beach hopping heavens!

Koh Lanta Yai - Thailand
This large island lives in my favourite area in the world. Nestled not too far from the coast in the Andaman Sea – Trang province. Big enough to have a large range of accommodation choices, activities and most of all; many spectacular beaches to visit. From picturesque Kantiang Bay in the South, to budget friendly and great vibe Klong Khong and the more popular Long Beach which stretches for miles. They all feature powdery white sand against the clear, warm waters of the Andaman Sea. You could easily spend an entire 2 week vacation here.
Bantayan Island - Phillipines
This was the last island island I discovered on my Philippines adventure and one of my favorites. The tourist trail is still developing in this magnificent archipelago of xxxxx and this one is never mentioned anywhere. Maybe we should keep it that way? Easy to get to from Cebu island ; major transport hub & beautiful island on it’s own. Bantayan Island is full of warm friendly locals & littered with white sand beaches. Great food and better cocktails at eveey turn. Truly a beach lovers paradise.
Surin Islands - Thailand
Located close to Phucket in the Andaman Sea, this island group is off the tourist trail and a must for those than love pristine places…and don’t mind roughing it. Part of a National park, there are no structures or amenities on the islands. You may rent a National park tent or bring your own gear. Your efforts will be rewarded with a simple and heart wrenchingly view, tons of snorkeling and wildlife opportunities. Bring an air mattress to make your sleeps better 🙂
Unawatuna - Sri Lanka
This wild & wonderful beach lies in the Southern tip of Sri Lanka. With plush golden sand fringed by palm trees and the saltiest ocean I have ever tasted. A perfect spot to spend a few days basking, eating local fruits and watching millions of giants bats flying foxes come overhead at dusk.
Palawan - Phillipines
Palawan is a place of fairytale sunsets and perfect beaches. Head to Port Barton for the best backpacker vibes. Water so blue is can make your heart melt. After you’re done there carry on to El Nido for karst formations and activities galore.

Top 5 Adventures for Nature lovers in Asia

My top choices for animals, divine views and off the beaten path adventure . So far!
Check out the specific country guides (as they get posted) for more ideas.

1. Snorkeling off the beach in Moalboal. Cebu, Philippines

This magical area of Cebu island in the Philippines is heaven for those that love the underwater world. My favourite experience was snorkelling with the swirling, whirling huge school of sardines at Panagsama beach, If this isn’t enough, there is a pristine reef nearby and endless opportunies to see creatures big and small. If you’re very lucky, whale sharks are known to frequent the area. Don’t forget to hit Kawasan Falls, another must do!

2. Observing Elephants in their Natural Habitat – Udawalawe National Park Sri Lanka

This gorgeous park is a sanctuary for abundant elephants, water buffalo , leopards and so much more. I saw so much and the animals just santered by as we sat in a jeep and took it all in . Highly recommended experience!

3. Hiking up Erawan Waterfalls – Kanachaburi Thailand

An easy day trip from Bangkok, this spectacular jungle park trail weaves you through a 7 tiered waterfall. Erawan Waterfall offers varied tones of blues and friendly fish dwell in the calm pools. You can go for a swim or dangle your feet in the pools for a free fish pedicure! MUST DO in Thailand

4. Stand up Paddling in Koa Tao , Thailand

I love Koh Tao for so many reasons! If you love the ocean and active adventures, this island is full of them. One of my favourites was paddleboarding over calm, blue green seas being able to see so many amazing creatures right under your board. Keep an eye out for turtles and tons of squids.

5. Mangrove & Beach Tour – Langkawi, Malaysia

Mangroves are treasure troves for Nature lovers and the beautiful submerged forests of Langkawi and extra special. These small tours are run by caring locals who seem to love what they do. Get up close and personal with sea eagles, various monkeys and the very cool bat caves.

When Should I go to South East Asia?

Indonesia
the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry and sunshiney . December to February is the rainy season.
Malaysia-
January-March and June-September offer the most sunshine. Rainy season is from October to December.
Thailand
be still my heart. It’s always warm, Summer loves Thailand like no other. You can expect the most sunshine between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). April and May are the hottest months and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December. Avoid rainy season (July to October).
Philippines
this glorious collection of islands is best visited during the dry season November- April
Sri Lanka
this tiny island nation just under India has 2 regions of weather. The best time to visit the west / south coasts and hill country is from December to March. If youre looking to check out the east coast, April/May to September should be your target.

Some of my favourite experiences in South East Asia

I have fallen head over flip flops for this magical corner of the world. As exciting or chill as you desire, super affordable and bursting at the seams with adventure. Check out my blog posts and articles for more !

1. Hot Spring Waterfall & Pools – Krabi, Thailand

krabi waterfall pool Who knew who could combine 2 of my most favourite things? Magnificent waterfalls cascading into mineral rich, milky blue HOT natural pools! Take a hike through the rain forest, see tons of animals and then enjoy a steamy hot bath. Pure & utter bliss in the jungle. I would go back in a second.

2. Half Moon Party – Koh Phangan Thailand

half moon party thailand

Forget the Full Moon Party; Half Moon is definitely where it’s at! This epic all night rager takes place in the jungles of Koh Phagan and I saw a slightly older crowd in attendance. Music, lights and cheap drinks ALL NIGHT LONG! It was amazing, even though I fell through the floor about 2 seconds in (see story coming lol)

3. Dancing on the Beach with live music under a Full Moon – Port Barton, Phillipines

full moon port barton

There may be a theme to my favourite things. Arriving on a Full Moon evening in Port Barton. Being taken to the moon lite beach where a bamboo stage had been constructed over the water. A great band played covers on the stage and we danced in the waves all night long.

4. Street Food . A dizzying assortment of scents and flavours everyone can afford. Thailand

thai food

Food! Food! Food!

Thailand is Queen when it comes to street food in my books. No matter where you are there will be stalls of enticing..or weird..or crazy things. It might be a couple or you could have rows and rows packed in little neighborhoods. Be brave, ask questions and prepare to taste flavours and goodness you never imaged in you’re from America. Huge Bonus…everything is so inexpensive you can try anything you like!

5. Sailing Adventure – Coron to Palawan, Phillipines

sailing advemtire coron phillipines

Hopping abourd a Phiilippino Sailboat with 8 other people for a 5 day island hopping adventure from Coron to El Nido Palawan. We have 5 full days of sailing fairy tale shallow seas with amazing rock formations. At night we would be kayaked to shore and spend the night in tents or hammocks. So many pristine, tiny islands and never ending views. You could stay forever.

Best way to travel around South East Asia

The backpacker trail is well worn in this part of the world which makes getting around a dream! Part of the adventure is finding your way but South East Asia makes it easy.

Travel around Asia is cheap and fun ..unless you get taken for a ride at the airport when you arrive. My biggest advice is to leave the airport area if at all possible. Most scams seem to run from the airport terminals and after a couple of lessons I always leave and find a bus or uber. Easier, safer and cheaper by far.

The first vehicles you will likely encounter are the Tuk Tuks. Basically motorcycles with big sidecars built on. These can be a fun and entertaining way to get around but they can be expensive. ALWAYS make sure to haggle your far (and haggle hard) or that there is a meter running.

The easiest and cheapest methods of travel after you get settled from the airport are usually bus or train. On occasion local carriers can have flights that are just as cheap as an overnight train ticket. Always check your options.

The travel trail in Asia is so well worn, you don’t even need to do much research as most hostels or accomodations have combo tickets to almost anywhere you want to go. Bus costs vary between $7-10 CAD for a half day of transport. Overnight buses cost $12-18 depending on distance. Local public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars. Some of the best values are combo tickets to the islands that include your train ride and ferry to choice of island paradise.

Try to use local transportation as much as possible wherever you go. Uber and Grab are also options in some of the bigger cities.

Packing Tips & Hacks for South East Asia

What to bring and some tips to make life easier while you’re there!

Less is more! No matter how long are you are travelling for, you will be packing for 7-9 days of mix and match outfits. Laundry services are easy to find and cheap in South East Asia. You can also hand wash some items and air dry to extend a few days 😉

Check out my MUST HAVE items for any traveller here

women-s-flip-flops-to-50-black-turquoise

Clothes

yoga pants – lightweight and comfy. You will wear this on any plane rides, overnight bus rides.
1 hoodie with extra long sleeve and hood – lightweight (plane & cold train rides)
1 long sleeve shirt..very light but comfy. Use as above & cool nights.
2-3 shorts – lightweight only. Skorts counts. Casual to Dressy
1 T shirt – nice quality and flattering. Easy dry.
1-3 dresses! Weight is everything. Short, light & colorful.
7 underwear – I split with 2 brief style/ 5 thongs
1 Bra – good quality can go with anything fall back. I usually use my bikini tops for everyday beach life.
2-3 Bikini Tops Bring a basic black, light colour & something fun. Doubles as bras 😉
2 bikini Bottoms – to complement or match the above.
1 pair socks ( I hate socks)
1 pair runners or adventure shoes ( flip flops with straps count if you stay on the beach)
1 pair flip flps
1 pair dressier flip flops lol

Other Key Gear

Sarong! Can be used as a beach towel, wrap, dress or emergency towel /blanket
Travel Towel – worth the investment for a SMALL quick dry towel that doesn’t take up space.
Combination or keyed lock
Ziplock bags – 2 XL, 2 Large and 3 small
Waterproof Bag – bring a small one, buy a big one there
Carabineers – at least 2 good ones.
Phone charging cable – extra long
Power Banks (2) light weight and charged
Day Bag – I like a drawer string type.
Unlock Phone
Mini Tri Pod
Camera of Choice
Ipad ( for longer trips, worth the effort to haul it)

Toiletries & Medical Kit

Tweezers – a girls best friend
Mirror – plastic small
Razors – I pack one for every 3 days
Nail file
Q-tips
Tampons! Your brand may not be available- but something will be.
Liners – just a couple
Body Cream – under 50 ml and quality
Foundation – use travel size or transfer to dollar store craft paint jars
Eyeshadow – Basic trio only
Eyeliner- waterproof
Mascara – travel size waterproof
Perfume – sample vials only
Tooth brush
Tooth Paste – travel size
Floss
Deodorant – travel size
Hair bands / clips
SPF30 or above – Bring your own – most products sold in Asia contain BLEACH!

Bug Spray – always bring good quality spray with a proven record. You don’t want issues, trust me.
Band- Aids waterproof.
Hydro cortisone cream
Polysporine – I usually use a tiny container.
Hand Sanitizer – keep this looped to your day bag
Paracetamol or Non Aspirin pain killers
Muscle cream (travel size or mostly empty)
Ear plugs ( Dorm life)
Lifestraw – clean drinking water always!
Vaseline – tiny travel pot (great for waterproofing ouchies)
Hair Brush

What will you spend in South East Asia?

Easy on the budget and large in value.. It won’t be hard to live the good life here.

Accomodations
There is a great place to be had for every budget in South East Asia. Shared dorm living with ammenities such as pools go from 400 THB ($10 CAD) and you can snag a private room with A/C, and shared hot water bathroom for $15CAD. Looking for Luxury? These are resorts, villas and hotels everywhere!
Transportation
Travelling around South East Asia is fairly inexpensive! It’s usually best to check both flights and train/bus options and seeing which one holds the best value. Thailand has many packaged transport deals ( train/bus/ ferry) that make life easy. You can get a COMBO ticket from Bangkok to Koa Tao for $30 CAD. Local transport is usually by Tuk Tuk. Please be warned there are alot of scams near the airports- haggle hard before you get in. Buses vary between $7-15 CAD. When check for flights, always check the smaller local carriers. Air Asia sometimes offers $1 fares!
Food
Some people come to Asia just for the street food. Simply everywhere in some countries but typically available most everywhere you would travel. Street food is vivid, varied and cheap in Asia. I spent many an evening happily going from one stall to the next trying anything that caught my eye. You will typically spend $1-2 CAD. Craxy right?! If you want to eat at a restaurant by the water or “American” type food, you will pay triple the price of a food stand.
Activities
Some people come to Asia just for the street food. Simply everywhere in some countries but typically available most everywhere you would travel. Street food is vivid, varied and cheap in Asia. I spent many an evening happily going from one stall to the next trying anything that caught my eye. You will typically spend $1-2 CAD. Craxy right?! If you want to eat at a restaurant by the water or “American” type food, you will pay triple the price of a food stand.
Drinks
Local beer is cheaper than water in Asia! Fancy something bigger? In Thailand the drinks are sold by the bucket! A mickey, some mix and a plastic beach pail and you are ready to party. Drinks by the bucket can be had for 2 for $5 if you time it right 😀

South East Asia Articles

So many stories, so little time. Stay tuned as articles are added.

Fruit,Glorious Fruit in Thailand & Costa Rica!

Asia, Costa Rica, Front Page