Southeast Asia Backpacking Route: The Best 3-6 Month Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You can read my full privacy policy here.

Backpacking Southeast Asia is easily the best thing I’ve ever done. After three years of saving, I quit my job and embarked on a 6-month solo journey through this incredible region of the world. From meeting new friends and connecting with locals to going on once-in-a-lifetime adventures and trying incredible foods, it was truly the adventure of a lifetime.

If you’re lucky enough to be going on your own backpacking trip, I’m thrilled for you. However, I know how intimidating it can be to go on such a big, long-term trip. How can you decide your itinerary for such a big region and length of time? I’ve put together this Southeast Asia backpacking route to alleviate the stress of not knowing what to do. Fully based on my own personal experience and taking factors such as safety, logistics, and cost into account, I hope I can help make backpacking Southeast Asia more accessible and less intimidating.

Southeast Asia Backpacking Route: FAQs

How did you put together this Southeast Asia backpacking route?

100% based on personal experience! I did a 6.5-month solo backpacking trip through Southeast Asia (plus some of Oceania and South Asia) from 2024 to 2025. I also lived in South Korea for 3 years before that, taking at least 3 trips a year to surrounding countries, including Southeast Asia. I’ve personally been to every single country on this route, some more than once. You can trust that this Southeast Asia backpacking route was crafted by a fellow backpacker who has spent lots of time in the region.

How long should I spend backpacking Southeast Asia?

If you have the time and money, I don’t suggest spending any less than 3 months in Southeast Asia. Even with 3 months, you’ll just be scratching the surface! Depending on how much time you have, your budget, and what countries you most want to see, you could easily spend up to 6 months or more in Southeast Asia. This Southeast Asia backpacking route gives you the best options depending on how many months you have.

How much does it cost to backpack Southeast Asia?

Cost can vary greatly depending on your budget. Some backpackers in Southeast Asia never stay anywhere but hostels, while some only stay in hotels. Some take as few flights as possible, while some take flights to cut down on overnight buses and long journeys. How much it costs really depends on the budget you set for yourself.

For each country on this Southeast Asia backpacking route, I’ve given a short summary of the cost relative to the other countries. No country in Southeast Asia (except Singapore) will break the bank. They’re all very budget-friendly countries. However, I recommend budgeting no less than $1,500 USD a month. You won’t need that in some countries, but you don’t want the stress of running out of money and not being able to do what you want to do.

How to find the best hotels and hostels in Southeast Asia?

The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Southeast Asia is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Southeast Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Southeast Asia is no exception. Book your Southeast Asia hotels on Agoda today:

And book your Southeast Asia hostels on Hostelworld today:

I mostly stayed in hostels during my time in Southeast Asia, opting for the more social and affordable option (unless I needed some me time, then I spoiled myself with the occasional hotel). You’ll find links to my favorite hostels throughout the article that I 100% recommend.

How to book the best activities and excursions in Southeast Asia?

The best activity and excursion booking platforms for Southeast Asia are Klook and GetYourGuide. Both websites have thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Klook and GetYourGuide to book almost all my excursions in Asia, and you’ll find links throughout the article to great experiences I’ve personally vetted or experienced myself.

Is Southeast Asia good for solo travelers?

Yes! I backpacked Southeast Asia as a solo female traveler and had a great time. Most long-term backpackers in this region are solo travelers, and the many solo travelers who have come before you have paved the way for an easy and safe trip. The locals are generally friendly, and it’s easy to meet other travelers. The hostels and hotels were fantastic and affordable. I very rarely felt uncomfortable or unsafe.

With that being said, you must always take standard safety precautions. Nowhere is 100% safe or secure. Never tell strangers that you’re traveling alone, keep your belongings secure, don’t walk around alone at night, and know which areas to avoid completely. Research is crucial to staying safe abroad because not all of Southeast Asia is the same. You can rest assured that everywhere on this Southeast Asia backpacking route is tried and true by the solo travel community.

Southeast Asia Backpacking Route: 3 Months

Vietnam: 4 Weeks

Vietnam Backpacking Summary

Safety: 4.5/5 – petty theft happens, but no other major concerns
Hostels: 5/5 – so many nice, affordable ones to choose from
Cost: as cheap as it gets
How To Get Around: day and night buses, Grab (taxi app), domestic flights
Best Time of Year To Go: January to May (weather greatly varies across the country, but this is the time with the highest chance of good weather in all regions)

I can’t think of a better place to start your Southeast Asia backpacking route than Vietnam. With unforgettable experiences, great food, a strong backpacking community, and very affordable prices, it’s guaranteed to start your trip on the right foot.

Fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi to start your trip in northern Vietnam. Over the next 3 months, you’ll explore Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos in a clockwise order. Depending on your budget, you never have to take flights and can rely fully on buses and trains to get around this part of Southeast Asia. There are some times that I’ll recommend flying for the ease, but many backpackers never step foot on a plane here!

I recommend spending 4 weeks in Vietnam, traveling from north to south to:

Hanoi (3 days): the chaotic capital of Vietnam, known for its Train Street, Old Quarter, and coffee scene
Ha Giang Loop (5 days): a motorbike loop through the mountains of northern Vietnam over the course of 3-4 days
Cat Ba & Lan Ha Bay (3 days): the less-crowded, less-polluted alternative to Ha Long Bay, where limestone karsts jut out of the ocean and cruises are popular
Ninh Binh (2 days): a small town with limestone mountains, lush rice fields, historic sights, and scenic boat rides
Phong Nha (2 days): known for its impressive caves and the “Duck Stop” experience
Hue (2 days): the ancient capital of Vietnam with many important historical sights
Hoi An (3 days): famous for the distinctive yellow buildings in the ancient town, colorful lanterns, and custom tailoring
Da Lat (2 days): known for its cool climate, beautiful countryside scenery, and European architecture
Mui Ne (2 days): a small beachside town with some of the only sand dunes in Southeast Asia
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (4 days): a bustling city with countless historic sights meets the rural countryside with beautiful waterways and authentic experiences

Check out my Vietnam itinerary for details on exactly how I recommend spending these 4 weeks.

The highlights of my time in Vietnam were:

Riding on the back of a motorbike for 4 days while doing the Ha Giang Loop
Seeing the sunset from the Mua Caves Viewpoint in Ninh Binh
Doing the Hai Van Pass motorbike tour from Hue to Hoi An
Learning about the many diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam at the Precious Heritage Museum in Hoi An
Interacting closely with locals on Mr. Rot’s Secret Tour in Da Lat (can’t book online – WhatsApp is +84 91 395 33 00)
Spending the night at a farm homestay in the Mekong Delta

My favorite hostels in Vietnam are:

The Banana Tree, Ninh Binh: beautiful hostel in a great location with good tours and social events
LoveLy, Hoi An: has a no bunk bed option, very social with wholesome events every night like Vietnamese lessons, game nights, and free beer
Mooka’s Home, Da Lat: very friendly owners, quiet and comfortable rooms, and a BBQ to socialize
Saigon Chill Hostel, Ho Chi Minh City: clean rooms, good location, frequent social events without being too crazy, and nice staff

Cambodia: 2 Weeks

Cambodia Backpacking Summary

Safety: 4/5 – generally safe; watch for scams and don’t go out alone at night in cities
Hostels: 4/5 – good options in main backpacker areas
Cost: mid-range of cheap (still cheap but not as cheap as Vietnam)
How To Get Around: day and night buses, shared vans, Grab (taxi app)
Best Time of Year To Go: November to February

From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, you can take a 7-8 hour bus across the border to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Make sure you have your visa sorted out before you get on the bus. Some countries can apply for a visa on arrival at the border, while some have to apply in advance. For peace of mind, I applied online and secured my visa before taking the bus. If you’re getting a visa on arrival, it’s important to know that they only take USD!

When people ask me which country on my Southeast Asia backpacking route was my favorite, I say Cambodia. While I loved every country I went to for different reasons, Cambodia is my all-around winner. In just 2 weeks, you’ll go to pristine beaches, connect with locals in the countryside, and explore ancient temples. The diversity and depth of the sights in this country are unrivaled, especially in such a short amount of time. The best part of Cambodia is how underrated it is, so it’s guaranteed to exceed your expectations.

I recommend spending 2 weeks in Cambodia, traveling to:

Phnom Penh (2 days): the capital of Cambodia, not the nicest or most exciting but very important to visit for one full day to learn about the Cambodian genocide
Kampot (3 days): a peaceful, sleepy town known for its pepper plantations and natural beauty
Koh Rong (5 days): an island with undeveloped beaches, turquoise waters, beach parties, and a lively backpacking scene
Siem Reap (4 days): known for over 70 ancient temples at Angkor Wat

Check out my Cambodia itinerary for exactly how I recommend spending these 2 weeks.

The highlights of my time in Cambodia were:

Taking an audio tour to learn about the Cambodian genocide in Phnom Penh (very upsetting but crucial to learn about as a tourist)
Doing Jason’s countryside cycling tour and connecting with locals in Kampot
Driving across the island to find the remote, secluded Lonely Beach in Koh Rong (roads NOT for beginners)
Going to the infamous Nestival beach party in Koh Rong
Doing both the small and grand circuit of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap
Learning about rat demining at the APOPO center in Siem Reap
Watching Phare, the Cambodian circus, in Siem Reap

My favorite hostels in Cambodia are:

Mad Monkey, Phnom Penh: party hostel but not too wild, offers great tours
Karma Traders, Kampot: nice pool, comfortable and private dorm rooms
Lost Boys, Koh Rong: very social but not crazy, in a great location on the beach and near the pier
Onederz, Siem Reap: three pools, very nice dorm rooms, great AC (much needed!)

Thailand: 4 Weeks

Thailand Backpacking Summary

Safety: 4.5/5 – tried and true backpacker path; mostly safe with good tourist support
Hostels: 5/5 – so many great options depending on your vibe & budget
Cost: cheap, but islands can be pricy for Southeast Asia
How To Get Around: day and night buses, ferries, speedboats, domestic flights, Grab (taxi app)
Best Time of Year To Go: November to February

From Siem Reap, Cambodia, it’s a 10-hour bus ride across the border to Bangkok, Thailand. Again, please make sure your visa is sorted before getting on the bus. Most nationalities can get visas at the border, but I’ll always suggest applying in advance for peace of mind. If you’re getting it at the border, triple-check that you have the required documents and Thai baht to pay the fee.

Thailand is a magical country that deserves all of the hype it gets. With this Southeast Asia backpacking route, you have enough time to experience the diversity of the north and the south. From the mountains and temples of the north to the beaches and islands of the south, it almost feels like two different countries. Not only does Thailand have some of the best beaches, temples, and food in Southeast Asia, but it’s affordable and has a strong backpacking community.

I recommend spending 4 weeks in Thailand, traveling to:

Bangkok (3 days): the lively capital of Thailand with temples, palaces, shopping, street food markets, and more
Koh Tao (4 days): a small island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its scuba diving and backpacking scene
Koh Samui or Koh Phangan (2 days): Koh Tao’s neighboring islands – Koh Phangan is known for the full moon party, and Koh Samui is more chill with more options
Khao Sok National Park (2 days): a beautiful lake surrounded by limestone karsts, known for its overwater floating bungalows
Ao Nang (3 days): a beach town with easy access to the Instagram-famous islands, beautiful but very crowded
Koh Lanta (4 days): a chill, less-touristy island with wide, long beaches (my personal favorite island in Thailand)
Chiang Mai (5 days): the cultural capital of northern Thailand, with over 300 temples, authentic Thai food, and beautiful surrounding mountains
Pai (3 days): a backpacker town in the countryside with a very chill vibe
Chiang Rai (2 days): known for the White Temple and the Blue Temple, but also has stunning natural landscapes

The highlights of my time in Thailand were:

Taking a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai
Going temple and restaurant hopping in Chiang Mai
Motorbiking to lesser-discovered beaches in Koh Lanta
Going scuba diving in Koh Lipe
Getting my advanced scuba diving certification in Koh Tao
Going on a day trip to Pig Island from Koh Samui
Staying overnight in floating bungalows over a lake in Khao Sok National Park

My favorite hostels in Thailand are:

Click Hostel, Bangkok: great location, clean and comfortable
Hostel Lullaby, Chiang Mai: chill vibe, many free inclusions (yoga, boxing, cooking class, bike rentals), located in the Old Town
Chill Inn Chaweng Hostel, Koh Samui: friendly staff who can help you organize tours, clean rooms, centrally located and close to the beach
Nahm Khao Sok, Khao Sok: great place to stay before your overnight floating bungalow trip, which they can help you organize
Paifah Hostel, Pai: free family dinners bring everyone together, great location

Laos: 2 Weeks

Laos Backpacking Summary

Safety: 4.5/5 – very laid back and safe, just be extra aware of your surroundings in Vientiane
Hostels: 4/5 – not too many options but decent ones to choose from
Cost: one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia
How To Get Around: public vans and buses, high-speed trains, Loca (taxi app)
Best Time of Year To Go: November to February

If you’re fully embracing the backpacker lifestyle, then you’ll be taking the slow boat from Chiang Rai, Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos. This 2-day boat journey along the river takes you through local villages and pretty scenery as you crawl towards Laos. You spend the night at a homestay in a local village to break up the journey. I’m going to be honest – I chose to fly this leg because 2 days on an uncomfortable boat didn’t feel worth saving about $50 and my sanity. But many backpackers claim it’s an unforgettable experience, so part of me wonders what it would’ve been like.

One of the most undiscovered countries in Southeast Asia, Laos is a land of stunning natural landscapes, rich history and culture, and laid-back vibes. Imagine stunning temples, laid-back towns, and breathtaking natural scenery – this is Laos. Often overlooked for the rest of Southeast Asia, this relatively undiscovered country will surprise you in the best way. After traveling around the rest of Southeast Asia, I found my time in Laos to be much more chill and less touristy. There are lots of backpackers embracing this country while it’s less-discovered and affordable, so you’ll have no problems finding great hostels and meeting other travelers.

I recommend spending 2 weeks in Laos, traveling to:

Luang Prabang (4 days): a peaceful town with golden temples, French cafés, and Mekong river sunsets
Nong Khiaw (3 days): a quiet riverside village off the typical tourist path, surrounded by jaw-dropping limestone mountains
Vang Vieng (5 days): a stunning adventure base where you can kayak, hike, swim, and go on the world’s cheapest hot air balloon ride
Vientiane (1 day): the laid-back capital, which doesn’t nearly compare to the other places, so I only recommend spending time there for transit

The highlights of my time in Laos were:

Eating lunch at Carpe Diem, a restaurant set on a private section of Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang
Going on a sunset river cruise in Luang Prabang
Going on the world’s cheapest hot air balloon ride ($100) in Vang Vieng
Swimming in Blue Lagoons 3 and 4 in Vang Vieng

My favorite hostels in Laos are:

Funny Riverside Backpackers, Luang Prabang: beautiful location on the river with a pool and mountain views
Vang Vieng Chill House, Vang Vieng: great location, social without being crazy, and able to help you organize any tours you want

Southeast Asia Backpacking Route: 4 Months

The same as the 3-month route, plus Indonesia!

Indonesia: 4 Weeks

Indonesia Backpacking Summary

Safety: 4.5/5 – all the areas I suggest are safe; pay attention to your belongings and don’t go too far off the beaten path
Hostels: 5/5 – almost too many options but so many great ones to choose from
Cost: cheap outside of Bali, can be expensive for Southeast Asia in Bali
How To Get Around: domestic flights, Grab (taxi app), ferries and boat trips
Best Time of Year To Go: May to September

From Vientiane, Laos, you have no choice but to fly to Bali, Indonesia. You’re moving away from mainland Southeast Asia to visit some of its island countries. This means that more flying will be involved in the coming route, but the good news is that flights within Southeast Asia tend to be affordable and fast.

Indonesia is the perfect place for beach-lovers, surfers, yogis, hikers, snorkelers, divers, and culture enthusiasts. Please don’t only visit Bali, as it only gets better as you venture to less-discovered islands. It’s a country full of adventure, nature, and cultural discovery as you explore jungles, oceans, beaches, volcanoes, temples, and more. It’s also affordable, especially in the areas outside of Bali. There are so many islands to choose from as Indonesia is a huge country, but the places I mention below are especially great for backpackers.

I recommend spending 4 weeks in Indonesia, traveling to:

Canggu (2 days): Bali’s party beach town with aesthetic brunch spots, gorgeous beach clubs, and parties every night
Munduk (3 days): a lush mountain escape in Bali away from the crowds with incredible waterfalls and jungle hikes
Ubud (4 days): the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali, with jungle vibes, art markets, and yoga studios
Nusa Lembongan (3 days): a chill island just off Bali with turquoise water, great snorkeling, and a more laid-back feel
Gili Trawangan (4 days): a small island you can circle on a bike that’s famous for its turtles, sunsets, and parties
Kuta Lombok (4 days): a chill paradise with great surf breaks, relaxed beaches, and a vibey town that still feels off the beaten path
Labuan Bajo/Komodo National Park (4 days): the place for a multi-day boat expediting to see wild Komodo dragons, go island hopping, and do some of the best diving and snorkeling
Uluwatu (4 days): dramatic cliffside views, hidden beaches, and surf culture are strong in this chill yet lively area of Bali

The highlights of my time in Indonesia were:

Swimming in the most beautiful waterfalls in Munduk
Taking a flying yoga class in Ubud
Snorkeling with manta rays in Nusa Lembongan
Going on a day trip to the famous Nusa Penida Instagram spots
Snorkeling and diving with turtles and sharks in Gili Trawangan
Cafe and beach hopping in Kuta Lombok
Seeing wild komodo dragons, pink beaches, vibrant snorkeling spots, and incredible viewpoints on my multi-day Komodo National Park boat expedition
Relaxing on Suluban Beach in Uluwatu

My favorite hostels in Indonesia are:

Puri Garden, Ubud: beautiful aesthetic, pricy but includes daily free massages, breakfast, and manicures and pedicures
Tipsea Turtle, Gili Trawangan: no bunk beds so you’ll always be on the bottom, great tours and social events, free yoga
Seaesta Komodo Hotel & Hostel, Labuan Bajo: beautiful, modern hostel that’s great for before or after your Komodo boat expedition (although you’ll want to stay longer)
Karma Backpacker, Uluwatu: great social events, free dinner, and free one-way shuttles to all surrounding beaches

Southeast Asia Backpacking Route: 5 Months

The same as the 4-month route, plus the Philippines!

The Philippines: 4 Weeks

The Philippines Backpacking Summary

Safety: 4/5 – all the areas I suggest are safe, but there are areas that are not so do your research; don’t spend more time than necessary in Manila
Hostels: 5/5 – great options that feel fancy without breaking the bank
Cost: mid-range of cheap (still cheap but not as cheap as some other Southeast Asian countries)
How To Get Around: domestic flights, ferries and boat trips, public buses, shared vans, Grab (taxi app)
Best Time of Year To Go: December to February

From Uluwatu, Bali, fly to El Nido, Philippines. The airport in El Nido is small and therefore flights are usually expensive, so you also have the option to fly into Puerto Princesa. From there, it’s a 5-hour drive to El Nido. I only suggest this option if you’re on a tight budget because the drive is pretty terrible. I took the shared van option because it was cheap, and it was 5 hours of winding roads in a jam-packed, hot van.

The Philippines is a dream for beach and ocean lovers, with the best beaches on this entire Southeast Asia backpacking route. The water doesn’t get clearer and the sand doesn’t get whiter than in the Philippines. Whether you want to go on remote boat expeditions, explore the underwater world, take in the karst scenery, or tan on beautiful beaches, the Philippines will blow you away with its natural beauty.

With over 7,600 islands making up the country, you’ll have to fly between islands. Transportation in the Philippines can take longer than you’d expect due to flights and inefficient roads. The Philippines is a great place on this itinerary to slow down, recharge, and take your time getting from place to place. Since most of this Southeast Asia backpacking route is fast-paced, it’s the perfect country to get some much-needed R&R.

I recommend spending 4 weeks in the Philippines, traveling to:

El Nido (5 days): known for its island hopping tours and stunning karst landscapes
El Nido to Coron boat expedition (3-4 days): spend 3 or 4 days stopping at pristine, remote islands and stunning snorkeling spots
Coron (4 days): has amazing wreck diving and island hopping tours
Moalboal (3 days): known for the sardine run, where you can snorkel or dive in a cloud of thousands of sardines, and canyoneering, a fun adventure full of hiking, swimming, and cliff jumping
Siquijor (5 days): beautiful beaches and waterfalls with rich spiritual roots
Siargao (7 days): the best surfing in the Philippines with great beaches, island hopping, inland excursions, and overall chill vibes

The highlights of my time in the Philippines were:

Spending the day relaxing on Las Cabanas Beach in El Nido (my favorite beach on this entire Southeast Asia backpacking route)
The 3-day boat expedition between El Nido and Coron, stopping at remote islands and thriving snorkeling spots (read all about my experience here)
Scuba diving the sardine run in Moalboal
Swimming, jumping, and hiking on a canyoneering trip in Moalboal
Scootering around Siargao to viewpoints, beaches, and surf spots

My favorite hostels in the Philippines are:

Frendz Hostel, El Nido: super social, nice dorm rooms, great tours
Hop Hostel, Coron: social, beautiful rooftop, free dinners, the most comfortable beds ever
Moana Beach House, Moalboal: best location right on the beach, you can snorkel directly out to the sardine run and see turtles

Southeast Asia Backpacking Route: 6 Months

The same as the 5-month route, plus Malaysia and Singapore!

Malaysia: 3.5 Weeks

Malaysia Backpacking Summary

Safety: 4/5 – safe and welcoming, but be extra aware of your surroundings in Kuala Lumpur
Hostels: 3.5/5 – not many options but most are decent quality
Cost: not as expensive as Singapore, but more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia
How To Get Around: pubic buses and trains, ferries, Grab (taxi app), domestic flights (to Borneo)
Best Time of Year To Go: April to October

From Siargao, Philippines, it might take a few flights to get to Langkawi, Malaysia. I recommend flying to Manila first, then to Kuala Lumpur. From there, you can either fly directly to Langkawi or you can take a bus or train to Alor Setar. From the bus and train station in Alor Setar, take a taxi to the ferry terminal and catch the ferry to Langkawi. It will be a journey, since you’re going from a small island in the Philippines to a small island in Malaysia, but it will be worth it!

Starting at the top of Malaysia in the tropical island paradise of Langkawi and making your way south all the way to Singapore, you’ll discover the charm of this underrated Southeast Asian country. Many backpackers exclude it from their Southeast Asia backpacking route, but if you have six months, you have time to explore the beaches, tea plantations, world heritage towns, and jungles of Malaysia.

I recommend spending 3.5 weeks in Malaysia, traveling to:

Langkawi (4 days): a tropical island with turquoise beaches, lush jungle, and adventurous excursions
Penang (3 days): a food lover’s dream and culture-packed gem with colorful street art, colonial history, and delicious hawker stalls
Cameron Highlands (2 days): escape the heat with misty tea plantations, cool mountain air, and strawberry farms
Kuala Lumpur (3 days): a buzzing mix of modern skyscrapers, chaotic markets, and cultural sites
Sabah, Borneo (10 days – requires a round-trip flight from Kuala Lumpur): from wild orangutans and ancient rainforest to coral reefs and soaring peaks, Sabah mixes thrilling adventures with beautiful nature
Melacca (2 days): a charming little city with colorful streets, historic sites, and riverside cafes

The highlights of my time in Malaysia were:

Walking through the historic, artsy streets of George Town, Penang
Exploring the colorful Kek Lok Si temple in George Town, Penang
Visiting a tea plantation and trying fresh tea products in the Cameron Highlands
Reaching the top of the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
Touring the National Mosque of Malaysia and visiting the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur

My favorite hostels in Malaysia are:

Bed Attitude Hostel Cenang, Langkawi: great location close to the beach, clean and new, social
Some Place Else, George Town, Penang: new and modern, great location, with private bunk beds
Sunshine Bedz KL, Kuala Lumpur: convenient location, frequent social events, and affordable prices
Faloe Hostel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: modern and clean, friendly staff who will help you organize tours

Singapore: 3 Days

Singapore Backpacking Summary

Safety: 5/5 – extremely safe, clean, and modern, with great tourist infrastructure
Hostels: 3/5 – a few decent options but they’re pricy
Cost: the most expensive on this route
How To Get Around: public buses and MRT, Grab (taxi app)
Best Time of Year To Go: February to April

Can you believe this 6-month Southeast Asia backpacking route is almost over? I swear time goes at least twice as fast when you’re backpacking because mine absolutely flew by. Luckily, Singapore will end your trip on a high note. It’s an ultra-modern, tiny country on the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. From Malacca, Malaysia, you can take a cheap 4-hour bus ride across the border to Singapore. Familiarize yourself with Singaporean laws before you cross the border, as they don’t allow items such as chewing gum and vapes into the country. They have stricter laws and harsher punishments than most Southeast Asian countries.

Singapore is a great place to end your backpacking trip because it has a great airport with lots of international flights. Spend a few days exploring Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods, islands, and impressive architectural feats before catching a flight to your next destination or back home. Singapore is more expensive than anywhere else on this Southeast Asia backpacking route, so I recommend only spending two or three days here if your budget has run out by now.

The highlights of my time in Singapore were:

Wandering through the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay
Eating lunch at a hawker centre
Exploring the Chinatown and Haji Lane neighborhoods
Visiting a rooftop bar for sunset and nighttime views

My favorite hostel in Singapore is:

The Pod – Boutique Capsule Hostel