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Bangkok, Thailand
Start your journey in Thailand's buzzing capital. Explore the Grand Palace, wander Chinatown's street food scene, and use the BTS Skytrain and river ferries to get around cheaply and efficiently.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
A perfect base for a long stay in northern Thailand. The Old City is packed with temples, night markets, and cooking classes. Use local songthaews (shared red trucks) to explore nearby hill tribe villages and Doi Inthanon national park.
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Pai, Thailand
A laid-back mountain town reached by a scenic public minivan from Chiang Mai. Great for hiking, hot springs, and waterfalls. Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the surrounding valley at your own pace.
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Chiang Rai, Thailand
Don't miss the surreal White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple. Take a public bus from Chiang Mai and use it as your gateway north. Local buses and songthaews connect surrounding villages and the Golden Triangle.
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Cross into Laos by slow boat from Huay Xai — a legendary two-day journey down the Mekong River. This UNESCO-listed town is magical, with saffron-robed monks, French colonial architecture, and Kuang Si waterfalls nearby. A wonderful place to slow down for two weeks.
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Vang Vieng, Laos
Take a public bus south through dramatic karst limestone scenery. Vang Vieng sits along the Nam Song River and is great for kayaking, caving, and hot air balloon rides. The town has mellowed in recent years and is a great stopover.
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Vientiane, Laos
Laos' sleepy but charming capital is easily reached by public bus from Vang Vieng. Visit the Patuxai monument and Pha That Luang temple. The riverside night market and French bakeries make for a relaxed few days before crossing into Cambodia.
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Take a bus across the southern Laos border into Cambodia's capital. The Royal Palace and National Museum are must-sees, but make time for the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields for essential historical context. Local tuk-tuks and buses are the best way to get around.
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Take a public bus from Phnom Penh to this gateway city to the magnificent Angkor temple complex. Spend multiple days exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm at sunrise. Rent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day to reach the outer temples.
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Kampot, Cambodia
Head south by public bus to this sleepy riverside town famous for its pepper plantations and colonial charm. It's a perfect place to unwind, explore nearby Bokor National Park, and take a day trip to the beach at Kep. Very affordable and easy to navigate by bicycle.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cross into Vietnam by public bus from Kampot or Phnom Penh via the Moc Bai border crossing. Vietnam's largest city is a sensory overload of motorbikes, street food, and history. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
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Hoi An, Vietnam
Travel north by overnight bus or open-tour bus along the Vietnamese coast. Hoi An's lantern-lit Ancient Town is one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful, and it's a brilliant base for a long stay. Get clothes tailor-made, take a cooking class, and cycle out to An Bang beach.
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Da Nang, Vietnam
A short public bus ride from Hoi An, Da Nang is a modern beach city with great seafood and the stunning Marble Mountains nearby. The Hai Van Pass, best crossed by motorbike or local bus, offers legendary views of the coastline heading north.
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Hue, Vietnam
Vietnam's former imperial capital is reachable by train or bus across the Hai Van Pass. The Imperial Citadel, royal tombs along the Perfume River, and Hue's unique royal cuisine make it a deeply rewarding stop. Rent a bicycle or motorbike to reach the tombs independently.
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Phong Nha, Vietnam
Head north by public bus to this small village inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to some of the world's largest and most spectacular caves. Take a boat tour into Paradise Cave or the Dark Cave. The countryside here is breathtakingly beautiful.
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Catch a public bus or train north to Vietnam's charming capital. Spend time getting lost in the ancient Old Quarter, sipping egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, and visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Hanoi is a great base for side trips to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh by public bus.
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Sapa, Vietnam
Take the overnight train or public bus from Hanoi to this mountain town near the Chinese border. Sapa is surrounded by spectacular terraced rice fields and is home to ethnic minority communities like the Hmong and Red Dao. Trek between villages independently or with a local guide.
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Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Return to Hanoi then take a public bus to the port city of Ha Long for a multi-day cruise among thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Opt for a budget junk boat cruise and kayak into hidden lagoons and caves. One of Southeast Asia's most iconic landscapes.