This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank You and Happy Gallivanting!
Backpacking Southeast Asia 2-Month Itinerary
Southeast Asia is unlike any region I have ever visited. The warm welcoming people, unique food, different ways of life, and beautiful landscape makes this one of my favorite places. Southeast Asia does have a ton to offer and can be enjoyed by all because of the reasonable cost of living. There are many backpacking routes found on the internet like the ‘Banana Pancake’ but if you are looking for a more simple and different approach then this is the guide for you! This guide will give you tips on backpacking, what cities to visit, what to pack, transportation, and more.
Personalized Trip Planner
If you are interested in a more tailored and detailed Travel Itinerary, I am happy to help. With my Custom Travel Itineraries you will receive a full travel consultation with me and a full Itinerary that is fit to your travel style and needs!
Southeast Asia Trip Highlights
- Dining at Signature Bangkok and Meeting 2 Michelin Star French Chef, Thierry Drapeau
- Being Culturally Immersed in Bangkok’s Chinatown
- Seven Island Boat Tour in Ao Nang, Thailand
- Getting Scuba Certified in Koh Phi Phi
- Exploring the Wonderous Malls in KL, Malaysia
- All of Singapore
- Hiking Mt. Batur Volcano before Sunrise in Bali
- Meeting some Amazing People in Canggu
Backpack Southeast Asia 2-Month Route
Backpacking Southeast Asia Tips:
- Time of Year: I recommend visiting Southeast Asia anytime through November to May to avoid monsoon season.
- Main Forms of Transportation: Southeast Asia offers great transportation services that allows you to travel on a budget. We took advantage of the metro and public transportation services in each city. Planes, buses, and trains are a great way to travel long distances.
- Be Flexible: If you are a Type A Planner like me you will most likely have your entire trip planned out, before leaving. Not everything always goes to plan! If you are visiting Asia for an extended time, I recommend having a rough layout of where you want to visit and for how long. Some places you may love and want to extend your stay!
- Always have Extra Water and Snacks: You never know when hunger might strike, so pack some extra snacks and water. Protein bars are my go to.
- Accommodation: We stayed in a variety of accommodations. Hostels are very budget friendly and a great place to meet people. With most nice hotels only costing $20 – $50 per night we stayed in hotels a lot as a couple. If you have the extra money, don’t be afraid to splurge on one luxury stay even if it is for just one night!
- International Drivers License: Get your international driver’s license before heading to Asia. Rental shops may ask for it and if you are renting a scooter you may want to look into getting your motorcycle license as well.
- Currency: Make sure you have a reliable travel credit card! Most areas accept credit card but if you are wanting to experience local street food or book a ferry you will need the local currency. Bring your cash and exchange it at the various exchange booths in the airport or near tourist areas.
Backpacking Southeast Asia Packing List
Subscribe for my Full Packing List Free Download
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. Looking for rich history and culture to add to your backpacking Southeast Asia trip? Head to The Grand Palace. If you are all about the food, head to Chinatown for some of the best bites. Big on night life? Head towards Sukhumvit Road where you will find tons of bars. This large city has a little something for everyone, while yet expressing and immersing travelers into their Thai culture.
How Long to Spend in Bangkok: 1 Week
Must-Try Foods: Pad Thai, Fresh Pomegranate Juice, Satay, Pa Tong Go Savoey
Ao Nang Krabi, Thailand
Ao Nang is located in the region of Krabi, Thailand. This small beach town offers a slower pace, it is budget friendly, and there is a bounty of activities to do making it a great place for backpacking Southeast Asia. Ao Nang Krabi may be one of my favorite towns Thailand has to offer. It is known to be one of the greatest rock climbing areas in the world along with gorgeous beaches and the unique long tail boats. Ao Nang Krabi should definitely be on your Thailand Bucket List!
How Long to Spend in Ao Nang: 4 Full Days
Must-Try Foods: Papaya Salad, Brightside Bistro, Ao Nang Night Market
Koh Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Koh Phi Phi is a tiny island located in the middle of the Andaman Sea in between Krabi and Phuket, Thailand. This island is known for their pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, mountainous bays, and colorful dive sites. Koh Phi Phi Island does attract a younger crowd, especially those backpacking Southeast Asia, with its active nightlife scene. If this sounds like the place for you then you are in the right spot! My all in one Koh Phi Phi Island Travel Guide will help tourists around the world plan their trip to this one of a kind island.
How Long to Spend in Koh Phi Phi: 4 Full Days
Must-Try Foods: Thai Pancake, Rolled Ice Cream, Fresh Egg Breakfasts
Patong Phuket, Thailand
Patong has become one of the top tourist destinations and popular amongst those backpacking Southeast Asia. Its variety of activities allows for everyone to find something they love. It is mostly known for its wild night life along Bangla Road, but if you explore it a bit more you will be opened up to culture, outdoors, and delicious bites. In this Patong, Phuket travel guide you will get to know the area a bit more and have some insider tips on where to stay, what to eat, and things to do!
How Long to Spend in Patong: 3 Full Days
Must-Try Foods: Yellow Noodles, Rolled Ice Cream, Sandwich Shoppe
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the capitol of Malaysia located in the middle of Southeast Asia. Being a large city centrally located it is a popular destination to visit. KL, short for Kuala Lumpur, has it all – tall sky scrappers, endless food options, one of a kind tourist landmarks, with lush greenery mixed in. I quickly fell in love with KL because of the diversity it offers and ease of living at a very affordable price. With my Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide I hope you will fall in love with this amazing Malaysia city.
How Long to Spend in Kuala Lumpur: 4 Full Days
Must-Try Foods: The Fish Bowl, The Chow Kit Kitchen, Monroe Restaurant, Drinks at the Helipad
Singapore
Singapore offers a mix of things to do with its large melting pot of food, culture, and style. This magical city was the highlight during our Southeast Asia Trip. For how long to spend in Singapore, I suggest at least a five day Singapore Travel Itinerary to really grasp this amazing city. My top 10 things to do in Singapore is the perfect addition to your Singapore DIY Tour whether you are looking for things to do as a couple or a family. If you are a single person backpacking Southeast Asia, I highly recommend booking your hostel at least a month in advance because accommodation books up quickly and can become quite expensive.
How Long to Spend in Singapore: 1 Week
Must-Try Foods: Satay, Kaya Toast, Kopi, Steamed Buns, Mala Hot Pot, Soup Dumplings
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud is one adventure filled town in the heart of Bali. If you are looking for more of an outdoorsy, authentic, and slower pace town then Ubud is your place. A lot of people ask, Is Ubud worth visiting? and I say most definitely, yes! I would not be writing an Ubud Travel Guide if it wasn’t. The amount of food, culture, and adventure makes this place one of my favorites!
How Long to Spend in Ubud: 5 Full Days
Must-Try Foods: Sushi, Bintangs, Corn Fritters, Mie goreng
Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu is home to the white sand beaches, towering cliffs, and some of the best surf in the world. This amazing place is fun to see because of the amazing landscape. It is an up and coming area, but right now it remains a smaller town with a few fun cafes and shops. Definitely worth a day trip or weekend getaway to enjoy a change in scenery and gorgeous sunsets!
How Long to Spend in Uluwatu: 2 Full Days
Must-Try Foods: Smoothie Bowls, Young Coconuts
Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Canggu is one of the largest digital nomad cities in the world, yet still remains a small town. There are still the hints of local touches with rice fields and warungs. This one of a kind place has developed into one of my favorite cities with unique restaurants, active beaches, and fun nightlife. In this Canggu Travel Guide you will read the top 6 things to do in one of my favorite Southeast Asian towns!
How Long to Spend in Canggu: 1 Week
Must-Try Foods:
