If you’re thinking of going on a backpacking adventure, Southeast Asia is a great choice. In fact, this fascinating region is a very popular choice for first-time backpackers, as well as avid adventurers. Coupled with the low cost of travel, incredible activities, and sights to offer everyone, you can’t go wrong. This sub-region boasts out of this world scenery, unique cultures, mouth-watering food, buzzin’ metropolitan cities, and heavenly tropical beaches. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. We cover a whopping 8 countries, recommend the best route to take, how long to spend in each place, the must-see attractions, and give recommendations of where to stay.
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Northern Thailand (13 days)
Bangkok (3 days)
This Southeast Asia travel route starts in the heart of Thailand; Bangkok.
How to get to Bangkok: This itinerary kicks off in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Bangkok boasts a large international airport, making it super easy and convenient for tourists to find cheap flights from places such as Europe or the USA. We recommend checking Skyscanner for the best deals and prices.
Top attractions:
The Grand Palace
Wat Arun
Shopping at Chatuchak Market
Party on Khao San Road
Taling Chan Floating Market
Wat Samphan Temple (Pink Dragon)
Where to stay in Bangkok: Comfy Bed Hostel for a dorm, or Amarin Inn for a budget private room.
Ayutthaya (2 days)
How to get to Ayutthaya: 2-hour minivan from Moh Chit BTS Station in Bangkok. The cost is 50 Baht ($1.65). Or take a tour from Bangkok.
Top attractions:
Ancient town
Cycle ride around the temple complex
Where to stay in Ayutthaya: A cute boathouse with cheap double rooms, Ayutthaya Riverside House.
Chiang Mai (3 days)
How to get to Chiang Mai: A comfy 9-hour VIP bus for $24.
Top attractions:
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple
Take a Thai cooking class
Doi Inthanon National Park
Eat at the night markets or take a food course and tour
Go water crazy at the Songkran festival (April)
Where to stay in Chiang Mai: Red Brick Guesthouse for a dorm room
Pai ( 3 days)
How to get to Pai: Take a 3 hours mini-van ride for $6
Top attractions:
Explore on a scooter
Pai Canyon
Pam Bok Waterfall
Love Strawberry Farm
Land Split
Bamboo Bridge
Where to stay in Pai: Pai Loess Resort for a private double room
Chiang Rai ( 2 days)
How to get to Chiang Rai: 7.5 hours mini-van journey, costing $18
Top attractions:
White Temple
Black House
Tea plantations
Golden Triangle
House of opium
Where to stay in Chiang Rai: Busket Hostel for a cheap modern dorm
For a more detailed Thailand backpacking guide, don’t miss this post!
Laos (8 days)
Luang Prabang (3 days)
How to get to Luang Prabang: 2-day slow boat from Chiang Rai
Top attractions:
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Watch the morning Tak Bat
Phousi Hill & Temple
Night market
Late-night bowling alley
Where to stay in Luang Prabang: Sok Dee Guesthouse for a cheap cosy double room
Vang Vieng (3 days)
How to get to Vang Vieng: 5-hour mini-van ride for $16
Top attractions:
Tubing on the Nam Song River
Blue Lagoon
Phu Kham Cave
Where to stay in Vang Vieng: Faraway Suites for either a dorm room or a private room
Vientiane (2 days)
How to get to Vientiane: 4-hour bus that costs $9
Top attractions:
Explore the city by bicycle
Buddha Park
COPE Museum
Where to stay in Vientiane: My Box Hostel & Cafe, great value for money dorm rooms
Don’t forget to check out our ultimate 2-week Laos itinerary here!
Vietnam (20 days)
Hanoi (3 days)
How to get to Hanoi: 22-hour sleeper bus that costs $32. This is a super long journey so you may prefer to fly instead.
Top attractions:
Hoan Kiem Lake
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Hoa Lo Prison
Train Street
Take a food tour
Bia Hoi Street
Hanoi Night Market
Drink egg coffee at the Note Coffee shop
Where to stay in Hanoi: Nexy Hostel for a super clean, modern dorm
For more things to do in Hanoi at night, don’t miss this post!
Ha Long Bay (2 days)
How to get to Ha Long Bay: Scheduled tour from Hanoi
Top attractions:
Limestone islands
Kayaking
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: On the boat.
Sapa (3 days)
How to get to Sapa: 6-hour bus for $12
Top attractions:
Ride the Fansipan cable car
Go on a trek through the rice terraces
Meet H’Mong tribes
Drink at the H’Mong Sisters
Where to stay in Sapa: Sapa Village Hotel for a modern stay overlooking the mountains
Ninh Binh (2 days)
How to get to Ninh Binh: 9-hour bus for $17
Top attractions:
Cycle through rice paddies
Eat at Chookies
Hang Mua Caves
Tang An boat ride
Bich Dong Pagoda
Where to stay in Ninh Binh: Amira Homestay for a cosy stay & free bicycle rental
Hue (2 days)
How to get to Hue:11-hour bus for $14
Top attractions:
Old Citadel
Abandoned water park
Thien Mu Pagoda
Where to stay in Hue: Bon Ami Hostel for cheap private rooms in a central location
Hoi An (4 days)
How to get to Hoi An: Ride the Hai Van Pass
Top attractions:
Cycle around the old town
Take a boat ride
Shop for lanterns
Stroll around the rice paddies
Go shopping for lanterns
Take a day trip to Ba Na Hills
Eat Cao Lao noodles
Where to stay in Hoi An: The Serendipity Hostel for a dorm bed, or Aroma Homestay & Spa for a budget private room.
For a more detailed Hoi An guide, click here!
Dalat (3 days)
How to get to Dalat: 14-hour sleeper bus for $17
Top attractions:
Drive around the mountains on a scooter
Sip coffee by the romantic lake
Go canyoning
Crazy House
The Clay Tunnel
Eat Dalat Pizza
Where to stay in Dalat: Dalat Backpackers Hostel for a social dorm or private room, or Original Kens Backpacker Hostel for a more relaxed vibe
Don’t miss this amazing detailed Dalat itinerary!
Ho Chi Minh City (3 days)
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City: 7-hour bus for $22
Top attractions:
Bui Vien drinking street
Ben Thanh Market
Saigon Notre Dame & Post Office
War Remnants Museum
Bitexco Tower
Half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
Day trip to the Mekong Delta
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Galaxy Capsule Hotel for a modern stay in the heart of the city
For a more detailed Vietnam itinerary, make sure to check out this awesome 3-week in Vietnam itinerary. Or, click here for a super detailed Vietnam travel guide.
Cambodia (9 days)
Phnom Penh (2 days)
How to get to Phnom Penh: 6-hour bus for $12
Top attractions:
The Killing Fields
S21 Prison
Royal Palace
Silk tour at Angkor Artisans
Where to stay in Phnom Penh: Golden Boat 72 Guesthouse for a cheap, quiet retreat
Kampot (3 days)
How to get to Kampot: 3.5-hour mini-van for $9
Top attractions:
Ride a scooter up Bokor Mountain
Abandoned casino
Kep fishing town
Pepper farm
Fireflies boat tour
Where to stay in Kampot: Marany Guesthouse for a private double room
Siem Reap (4 days)
How to get to Siem Reap: Take a bus back to Phnom Penh, which takes 3.5 hours and costs $9. You can either stay one night in Phnom Penh or if you leave early enough, take another direct minivan from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. It takes 6 hours and costs $10.
Top attractions:
Take a tuk-tuk tour of Angkor Wat and the other ancient temples
Siem Reap Silk Farm
Pub Street
Where to stay in Siem Reap: Pub Hostel for a social vibe with choices of dorms or private rooms
If you need a more in-depth itinerary for Cambodia, don’t forget to check out our backpacking Cambodia guide! Also, don’t forget to check if a Cambodia visa on arrival is available for your nationality or not.
Southern Thailand (10 days)
Bangkok (1 day)
How to get to Bangkok: 9-hour bus for $24
Koh Phangan (4 days)
How to get to Koh Phangan: From Bangkok, you will need to take an overnight bus and ferry. You can read in more detail about the trip here.
Top attractions:
Thong Sala Night Market
Phaeng Waterfall
Paradise Waterfall
Lazy beach days
Explore by scooter
Where to stay in Koh Phangan: Backpackers Hacienda for a cheap stay with a pool overlooking the beach
Krabi (3 days)
How to get to Krabi: 6-hour high-speed ferry and bus that costs $18
Top attractions:
Railay Beach
Tonsai Beach
Tiger Temple
Emerald Pool
Where to stay in Krabi: J Hotel for a cheap double room with balconies overlooking the sea
Phuket (2 days)
How to get to Phuket: 3-hour mini-van costing $15
Top attractions:
Beach days
Bangala Road
Where to stay in Phuket: Bed Hostel for a social atmosphere and a choice of a dorm bed or private twin room
Malaysia (14 days)
Penang (5 days)
How to get to Penang: Take a direct flight from Phuket
Top attractions:
Ride a bicycle around the street art
Drink beer at the Elbow Corner
Eat Wan Tan Mee
Chew Jetty
Kek Lo Si Temple
Kapitan Keling Mosque
Where to stay in Penang: Rainbow House for a quiet stay, or Drippin’ Dragon Hostel for a social vibe & pool.
For a more detailed post on things to do in Penang at night, make sure to check out this awesome post!
Cameron Highlands (3 days)
How to get to Cameron Highlands: 4.5-hour bus for $10
Top attractions:
Tea plantations
Strawberry farm
Parks
Where to stay in Cameron Highlands: Traveller Bunker Hostel for a range of dorms & a lively atmosphere
Kuala Lumpur (4 days)
How to get to Kuala Lumpur: 4.5-hour bus for $11
Top attractions:
Petronas Towers
KLCC Park
China Town
Little India
Merdeka Square
National Mosque
Bukit Bintang
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur: Big M Hotel for affordable, modern private rooms, or Dorms KL 2 for cheap but super clean dorm beds.
If you only have 2 days spare for Kuala Lumpur, make sure to check out this ultimate Kuala Lumpur itinerary!
Melaka(2 days)
How to get to Melaka: 2-hour bus for $5
Top attractions:
UNESCO town
Dutch Square
Ride a funky tri-shaw
Hang out at the mall
Where to stay in Melaka: The Pillohouzzze for dorms and private rooms
For a more detailed itinerary, make sure to check out our backpacking Malaysia post!
Singapore (2 days)
How to get to Singapore: 4-hour bus for $8
Top attractions:
Marina Bay Sands
Gardens by the Bay
Little India
China Town
Sentosa Island
Universal Studios
Where to stay in Singapore: OSS Backpackers Hostel for a dorm bed, or Hotel Classic by Venue for a cheap double room
Click here for a more detailed Singapore itinerary!
Indonesia (9 days)
Yogyakarta (4 days)
How to get to Yogyakarta: Fly from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. If you choose to fly from Kuala Lumpur, you can take a direct 5-hour bus for $17 from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.
Top attractions:
Borobudur Temple
Prambanan Temple
Malioboro Market
Taman Sari
Rent a motorbike & ride in the mountains
Eat gudeg
Where to stay in Yogyakarta: The Journey Hotel for budget stylish private rooms
You can read our full Yogyakarta itinerary here!
Bali (5 days)
How to get to Bali: Take a flight from Yogyakarta
Top attractions:
Visit the rice terraces
Relax on the beaches
Explore waterfall after waterfall
Go temple hopping
Snorkelling on Gili T
Party in Kuta
Where to stay in Bali: Grandmas Hotel for a cheap relaxing stay
Read a more detailed Indonesia itinerary here!
Myanmar (11 days)
Yangon( 2 days)
How to get to Yangon: Take a flight from Bali
Top attractions:
Shwedagon Pagoda
Ride the circular train
Eat on 19th Street
Watch a movie with the locals
Where to stay in Yangon: Agga Youth Hostel is one of the few properties that offer dorm beds. They also have private rooms too.
Bagan (3 days)
How to get to Bagan: Take a 10-hour night bus for $10
Top attractions:
Watch sunrise and sunset over the thousands of ancient temples
Get around by electric motorbike
Jasmine Lacquer Ware Factory
Where to stay in Bagan: Shwe Na Di Guesthouse for a cheap homely guest house
Mandalay (2 days)
How to get to Mandalay: Take a 5.5-hour bus for $6
Top attractions:
Mandalay Hill
U Bein Bridge
Hsinbyume Pagoda
Old British Fort
Watch the local football team, Yadanarbon
Where to stay in Mandalay: Hotel 82 for a cheap but heavenly stay
Inle Lake (4 days)
How to get to Inle Lake: 9-hour bus for $12
Top attractions:
Take a tour of Inle Lake
Marvel at the floating villages
Visit a silverware factory
Visit a boat-making factory
Explore the village by bicycle
Where to stay in Inle Lake: Silver Lake Hotel for a private double room
Don’t miss our ultimate Myanmar backpacking guide!
Your 3 month Southeast Asia travel route has come to an end
Phew! What an epic 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. From Inle Lake, you can take a bus back to Yangon. From Yangon, you can either try to find cheap flights back home. However, we recommend heading back to Bangkok to fly from there, as international flights tend to be much cheaper.
How much does it cost to travel to Southeast Asia for 3 months?
This is a hotly debated topic among backpackers. One would proudly announce you can get by on as little as $15 a day, and one would argue that you would easily need $50. The truth is, is everyone is different, and so is their travel style. However, we won’t leave you hangin’. We will give you our recommendation on how much to budget for this 3-month Southeast Asia itinerary. Just remember, your travel style could be totally different from ours, so take this with a pinch of salt and judge your budget according to your preferences.
Our 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary budget
From our previous travels in Southeast Asia and living in Vietnam for 4 years, we would personally budget $50 per day for the two of us. Clean modern dorm rooms average $7 per night, whilst private double rooms average $12. Furthermore, local food in this region is super cheap and convenient, with almost every city and town serving up the most delicious meals from a cart on the market or the side of the road. You can easily eat three square meals a day for less than $10. In terms of activities, if you plan, you can do lots of exciting things for free. Most of the time, there is no need to pre-book tours! Getting around is made easy too, with plenty of scooter rentals, and motorbike taxi apps such as Grab.
Additional costs to consider
Further to your daily budget for your Southeast Asia trip, you will need to factor in the cost of flights and any visas you may need. Again, this is just our personal opinion of how much a reasonable budget for this itinerary is. If you want to go out partying every night, tuck into Western food, or sit back and relax in the comfort of air-conditioned taxis, you will, of course, need to increase your budget.
Looking for what to pack? Check out this essential Southeast Asia packing list!
Essential resources for this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary
Travel Insurance – No matter whether you’re travelling around Asia for 3 months or just a week, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing. You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.
Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.
Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.
Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway. Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.
Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide. Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.
Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.
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That s a great summary of your trip! How long did it take by boat to get to Luang Prabang? and similarly how long did it take to get to Hoi An? I d love to know the time it took with public transportation ??
Hi, Thanks for the comment. The slow boat to Luang Prabang takes 2 days. We have an entire post on it 🙂 check it out.