-
Phuket, Thailand
-
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
-
Krabi, Thailand
Base yourself in Ao Nang or Railay Beach, only accessible by longtail boat and surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Rock climbing on the limestone karsts is world-class and courses for beginners are very affordable. Don't miss the Tiger Cave Temple viewpoint for stunning panoramic sunsets.
-
Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand's second largest island balances jungle waterfalls, temples and beach parties perfectly. Visit the Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai and explore the Fisherman's Village in Bophut for night markets. Use Samui as a hub to day-trip to the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park by speedboat.
-
Koh Tao, Thailand
One of the cheapest places in the world to get PADI dive certified — budget around £250-300 all in. The tiny island has great snorkelling at Shark Bay where you can spot blacktip reef sharks for free. Sairee Beach is the social hub with lively but affordable bars and restaurants.
-
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand's chaotic, electrifying capital deserves a proper stay — Khao San Road is backpacker central but explore Banglamphu neighbourhood for a more local feel. Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Chatuchak Weekend Market are essential. Excellent transport links and a great base to sort onward visas.
-
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Northern Thailand's cultural capital is packed with over 300 temples, night bazaars and incredible food. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, take a Thai cooking class and explore the moat-ringed Old City on foot. The Sunday Walking Street on Wualai Road is a fantastic evening street food and craft market.
-
Pai, Thailand
-
Chiang Rai, Thailand
-
Houayxay, Laos
-
Luang Prabang, Laos
A UNESCO World Heritage city where saffron-robed monks collect alms at dawn in a mesmerising daily ritual. The Kuang Si waterfall turquoise pools are one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful natural sights. The night market along the main street sells the best Laos handicrafts at bargain prices.
-
Vang Vieng, Laos
Dramatic karst mountain scenery surrounds this backpacker party town on the Nam Song River. Kayaking, zip-lining and exploring the Tham Chang cave system are the top adventure activities. The famous tubing down the river is a rite of passage — go early for the best experience.
-
Vientiane, Laos
Laos' sleepy capital has a charming French colonial atmosphere along the Mekong riverside. The Patuxai Victory Monument and Pha That Luang golden stupa are the key sights easily covered in a day. Great spot to sort your Vietnamese visa and enjoy cheap beer at the Mekong sunset bars.
-
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam's ancient capital is a sensory overload of scooters, street food and French colonial architecture. The Old Quarter's 36 guild streets are best explored on foot — don't miss the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple at dusk. Bun cha and egg coffee are the two essential Hanoi food experiences.
-
Hà Giang, Vietnam
-
Sapa, Vietnam
-
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
A UNESCO World Heritage site of over 1,600 limestone islands rising from emerald waters — an absolute bucket list experience. Budget 2-night cruises from around £60-80 include kayaking, cave exploration and seafood meals on board. Book through reputable Hanoi agencies to avoid the cheapest boats which can be poor quality.
-
Ninh Binh, Vietnam
-
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
-
Hoi An, Vietnam
Vietnam's most photogenic town glows with hundreds of silk lanterns after dark in the Ancient Town. Get custom clothes tailored incredibly cheaply — budget an extra few days if you plan to order outfits. The morning market and White Rose dumpling restaurants are unmissable foodie highlights.
-
Da Lat, Vietnam
-
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam's buzzing southern megacity is a fascinating mix of war history, rooftop bars and incredible street food. The War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels are sobering but essential historical experiences. Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1 is backpacker central with cheap bia hoi street beer.
-
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia's capital sits at the confluence of four rivers and carries deep historical weight from the Khmer Rouge era. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields memorial at Choeung Ek are deeply moving and important visits. The riverside promenade, Royal Palace and night food stalls offer a lighter side of city life.
-
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The gateway to Angkor Wat, one of the greatest archaeological wonders on earth — buy a 3-day temple pass for maximum exploration. Watch sunrise over Angkor Wat's reflecting pool for a truly life-changing moment. Pub Street and the Old Market area keep budget travellers fed and entertained each evening.
-
Battambang, Cambodia
-
Koh Rong, Cambodia
A forested and mountainous island close to the Thai-Cambodian border, far less touristy than the southern islands. White Sand Beach has the main backpacker accommodation and bar scene at very reasonable prices. Jungle trekking to waterfalls like Klong Plu is a refreshing contrast after city sightseeing.
-
Penang, Malaysia
George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for the most incredible food scene in all of Southeast Asia. Char kway teow, assam laksa and Penang nasi kandar are dishes you'll dream about long after leaving. The street art trail, Clan Jetties and Fort Cornwallis are all walkable from budget guesthouses in the old town.
-
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia's gleaming capital is surprisingly affordable and the Petronas Twin Towers are unmissable at night when lit up. The Batu Caves Hindu temple complex just outside the city is dramatic and free to enter. Jalan Alor food street in Bukit Bintang is the best evening street food experience in the city.
-
Singapore, Singapore
A pricier stop but unmissable — stick to hawker centres like Maxwell Food Centre for incredible cheap meals under £3. Gardens by the Bay's Supertree light show is free and the Chinatown and Little India neighbourhoods are endlessly fascinating. Use Singapore as a transport hub for cheap flights into Indonesian islands.
-
Jakarta, Indonesia
-
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Java's cultural heartbeat is home to the magnificent Borobudur Buddhist temple and Hindu Prambanan complex, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Watch sunrise from Borobudur with just a £15 ticket — one of the greatest experiences in all of Southeast Asia. The Kraton Sultan's Palace, batik workshops and Jalan Malioboro market make the city itself endlessly rewarding.
-
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
An active volcano rising from a vast sea of ash in East Java — one of Indonesia's most surreal and otherworldly landscapes. Pre-dawn 4WD jeep tours to the viewpoint for sunrise over the smoking caldera are essential and easily arranged from Probolinggo. Hike down to the crater rim for close-up views of the steaming vent.
-
Ubud, Indonesia
Bali's cultural and spiritual soul set among lush rice terraces and jungle ravines in the island's highlands. The Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terraces and daily Kecak fire dances are unmissable highlights. Yoga classes, cooking schools and affordable spa treatments make it easy to stay longer than planned.
-
Bali, Indonesia
-
Gili Islands, Indonesia
Three tiny car-free islands off Lombok's northwest coast — Gili Trawangan for parties, Gili Meno for romance and Gili Air for the best backpacker balance. Snorkelling with sea turtles directly off the beach is free and virtually guaranteed. The full moon parties on Gili T are a classic end-of-trip Southeast Asia celebration.
-
Lombok, Indonesia
Bali's quieter neighbour has stunning beaches on the south coast at Kuta Lombok and the dramatic Mount Rinjani volcano for trekkers. A 3-day Rinjani summit trek is one of Southeast Asia's greatest hikes with a crater lake at 2,639 metres — budget around £100-150 for a guided climb. Senggigi on the west coast has affordable guesthouses and good snorkelling.
-
Cairns, Australia