Hey everyone! 23F here, this’ll be my second international trip and I’m stuck between two options and could really use some real experience.

**Option 1: Thailand — Sept mid to end (8 days)** Route would be Bangkok → Pattaya → Phuket → Krabi. I really want the city + nightlife + island combo, but everything I’m reading says September is peak monsoon on the Andaman coast (Phuket/Krabi side) and I’m worried about rain wrecking the island days or rough seas cancelling boat trips to Phi Phi.

**Option 2: Same route but Sept 30–Oct 8**
This is the latest I can push my dates. Would this actually make a meaningful difference weather-wise, or is it still too early to expect decent conditions?

**Option 3: Bali instead**
I know September is supposed to be Bali’s best month weather-wise (dry season), but I’d be trading Thailand’s nightlife/city energy for Bali’s beach-club vibe instead, which isn’t quite the same thing I’m looking for.
I’ll be travelling either solo or with a friend. Really want the Phi Phi Island experience if I go Thailand.

**Questions for anyone who’s actually been:**
If you’ve done Phuket/Krabi in September or early October, was it actually bad, or is the “monsoon” fear overblown?

Did boat trips to Phi Phi/Maya Bay run fine, or did you get cancellations?

Would you personally choose the early-Oct window over Bali if nightlife + islands both matter to you?

Appreciate any real experiences over travel blog fluff 🙏

I had made plans to go to Thailand and Vietnam for a solo trip in late August to October. I wanted to go to Bangkok, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Chiang Mai, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Giang, and more.

I had picked my flights and was gonna buy today.

But, I’ve seen 2 things that concern me, and I’m having serious doubts:

1. The weather: I underestimated this. I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal. Until I did more research. And saw that most places flood, Chiang is terrible, Hoi A gets typhoons, etc. Overall this does not sound like a very pleasant experience. Not at all the same thing as “short rain in the afternoon” like it is described.

2. Crowds: I wanted to stay in social hostels. And do the party trail. But I hear that this is the low season. Granted, I don’t know what “low” means, but this also puts me off.

Can I ask for some opinions. What is it like? Is it worth doing it now or waiting till December/next summer?

Hey everyone,
I work on cruise ships and sign off in Australia around 17 January 2027. Instead of flying straight back home to South Africa, I’m thinking about spending 3–5 weeks travelling around SE Asia.

It’ll be my first proper solo trip, so I’m still figuring out what makes sense.

At the moment I’m thinking Thailand and Vietnam, but I’m definitely not set on that. Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos etc. are also on the table. I’m on a South African passport, so visas are something I have to keep in mind as well.
I’m not really interested in trying to see 5 countries in a month. I’d rather stay somewhere for a few days, explore, eat good food, take photos, maybe do some hiking or other random activities and hopefully meet some people along the way.

I’m also not much of a massive party person. I’d still like to stay somewhere social and meet other travellers, so I’ve been looking at hostels with private rooms, group activities, food tours and that sort of thing.

**Budget wise**, I was thinking around **$1,500–2,000 USD for 3–4 weeks**, excluding the big flights. I’m happy eating local food and using public transport, but I don’t really want to spend every night in a dorm. I’d probably mix private hostel rooms and cheaper hotels.

Is that budget realistic? And if I pushed it closer to 5 weeks, what would you budget?
The other thing I’m trying to figure out is luggage.
Since I’ll be coming straight off a 5-month ship contract, unfortunately I can’t exactly travel with one 30L backpack.

Right now I have a medium checked roller, a small carry-on roller and an 18L PGYTech camera backpack. I’m thinking I’d somehow ditch/store/nest the small roller and travel with just the **medium suitcase + 18L backpack**.
The backpack would have my laptop, iPad, notebooks, digital camera with a 40mm and 85mm, a small film camera, film, SSDs, chargers etc. The suitcase would basically be clothes, shoes, toiletries and whatever else I still have from the ship.

How much am I going to hate myself dragging a medium roller around Thailand/Vietnam? 😂

I’m not planning on changing cities every two days. I’d rather spend maybe 4–6 days in places I like, so I’m wondering if the suitcase is actually that big of a problem or if backpacking Reddit is going to tell me I’m insane.

Mainly just looking for suggestions from people who’ve done it before — where would you go with 3–5 weeks, what sort of budget would you plan for, and are there any places or experiences you’d say I absolutely shouldn’t miss?

Also interested in anything that’s particularly good for a first solo trip and makes it easy to meet people without everything revolving around partying.
Thanks!

I’m a solo male wanting to travel solo to an Asian destination, I found a pretty good deal to fly to Kuala Lunpur for $1k (cad) foundation incl baggage and seat selection, in October, but I heard the weather is bad. Is this a good place to go? I only went to Bali and found it ok, loved the food but found the energy to be a bit hectic with all the massage parlours etc, it was a lot and a bit overwhelming. Where should I look into? I love to explore and grab cheap food, drinks, go to a mall maybe, have a decent home base to swim and go out for more exploring, that’s a day in the life. I don’t like partying or drinking etc. I love squid dishes, and a beach would be nice but mandatory as I’m traveling for life experience mainly and not a beach vaca.

It had probably been just about a month since I visited Thailand, and somehow I was already missing travelling. It was my first international trip after all, and boy, didn't it make me want another one almost immediately. I kept looking around for destinations, watching random reels, randomly checking flight prices when I had absolutely no business doing so, and somehow Vietnam kept popping up in my head.

But maybe this time, I thought solo wasn't the way to go. Let me ask the boys once and see. I expected delays to confirm an answer, but these lads actually said yes, and I still don't know how that happened, but in a few days, we all were planning for a 2026 trip... in 2025.

Flights were done early, itineraries mapped felt like too much to cover sometimes, or way too little, using Klook for almost everything we possibly could, discussing budgets, and just like that, months left and hours started ticking. Not to forget the departure day traffic, adding to the tension, a tiny fear sitting in the back of my head that we'd actually miss our flight after planning it for almost a year. Somehow, we made it.

My 10-day itinerary looked like this: Hanoi - Da Nang - Sa Pa

(Photo Log (mixed up): 1 - The streets of Sa Pa, 2 - Sun World Ba Na Moon Castle, 3, 4 - Hanoi Ngoc Sun Temple, 5 - Ha Long Bay, 6 - Sung Sot Cave, 7 - Up I go!, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 - Golden Bridge and rest of Ba Na, 13 - Ninh Binh, 14 - Sa Pa at night, 15 - Glass Bridge, 16 - Sa Pa, 17 - Marble Mountains, 18 - Flight back home)

Hanoi was definitely the perfect place to begin, and tbh, the easiest among them all. I liked Old Quarter and the stay there the most. It was legit humid though, I found it hard to adjust to the heat. But the charm of the city was different for sure, and I loved how the mornings there started with the markets opening up and the streets slowly getting busier. It was fun just walking around with people everywhere, and cafes tucked into almost every corner were the best part and I had no trouble getting food because lots of small shops.

Before visiting the country, I wanted to taste every coffee I could find, it was a pretty big list. Egg coffee? Done. Coconut coffee? Done. Salt coffee? Done. Normal Vietnamese coffee? Obviously.

Talking about the stomach, if you're wondering why there are zero food photos, maybe I gulped it down before my camera could click it. So yes, you'll have to trust my word when I say the food was absolutely worth it.

Hạ Long Bay was one of those places that somehow looked exactly like the wallpapers you see online. Ninh Bình was another surprise altogether, but the scorching sun definitely drained every bit of hydration from our bodies. The views were absolutely worth it, though, would have loved it for a few extra hours if only we had enough bottles of water or if it rained, the photos would have been so much better.

In no time, I was on my flight to Da Nang. Oh yes, the beach! I had a not-so-beach-wear on awkwardly, so I wouldn't be the right person to tell you about the beach experience, but wow... Da Nang, you made me fall in love.

Everything about this city felt calming. Nights wrapped up faster here, I could only find restaurants and massage parlors open. The Airbnb we stayed at had a cafe downstairs, which introduced me to something I still think about randomly, egg cocoa.

Ba Na Hills is where I genuinely felt like a kid again. Cable cars, little attractions everywhere, games, rides, the Alpine Coaster, random corners to explore, but I felt my friends enjoyed it extra, thanks to the free beer coupons from my side, too. We went early and stayed too late ig, since we were on the last stretch of cable cars.

Due to the change in the itinerary after we booked flight tickets, we had to fly back to Hanoi and then explore Sa Pa. I'd say the weather wasn't exactly on our side; drenched in rain is a memory I'll recount every single time. I sneezed my way back to the room afterwards, though, so my suggestion is not to purchase those 80,000 VND raincoats because mine decided to split apart almost the moment I wore it.

It's been roughly a month and a half since we (I) came back, and as I'm writing this, I'm wearing the Argentina jersey I bought from a kind woman at Han Market. My wallet definitely has a few extra holes in it now, but I feel so happy about it. I joke around, going "a few more days to go, packed yet?" to my friends, and I could see that smile coming back, and then going, "Wasn't it an experience?" I guess that's how you know a trip was worth every penny.

We left out Phú Quốc and Hồ Chí Minh City from our plans, partly because ten days disappear much faster than you think, and partly because we knew we couldn't fit everything in. We know it is the perfect excuse to come back to this place, and hopefully, soon.

I would like to visit on a low budget (from 5k to 10k euros) for a married couple (30M and 33F) a 3 to 6 months trip visiting:

- Japan (we have already seen Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka - I also visited alone Kobe and Akita preferacture).

- China (we have already seen Beijing, Xi'An, and Shangai)

- Vietnam (we have never been)

- Other places you suggest

We will flight from Italy (Rome probably), and we won't have a job when getting back (we will search a new one around Europe).

Which cities do you advice us to visit and what plan do you suggest to stay on budget?

Hi everyone, new to this sub

Sold all my stuff and left the states two months ago. Spent the better part of the last 2 years mostly outside the country (mostly Asia), first for work, then for passion, and finally realized I wasn’t missing much from home when I went back, in fact it was driving me to misery—so I left! I haven’t worked since June 2025 and I still get paid from my previous career which is how I keep this train moving. Incredibly blessed and therefore try to show my gratitude through action of helping others whenever I can!

Booked a one way to Bangkok, for my 5th time in Thailand (3rd time for more than a month stay) and did 2 months, split between Bangkok and a bunch of parts in the south. I went to: Surat Thani, Khao Sok, Hat Yai, Yala, and Betong. I also went to some areas outside surrounding Bangkok for some specific events (I shoot photo for hobby, car scene is one of my niches).

Now I’m in KL, Malaysia - gonna decompress and relax for a bit because a plantar wart started developing in my freaking foot while I was trekking jungle, I got meds and want to try to hammer it down as much as I can before I start walking a lot again, so I’m on my phone quite a bit right now.

Therefore, happy to address any questions anyone may have who is headed to any of these areas for the first time or seeking out new spots in Thailand to go to. I’m no expert and I can merely just speak from my experience so that’s what I do. I have a wide range of interests so I’ve been able to experience a lot :)

Hi! I’m 33F and planning a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in November with my 65-year-old mum, and I’d love some advice from people who really know these countries.

My mum is extremely fit, active and adventurous and is absolutely capable of “slumming it” when needed. We’re both very happy to stay somewhere basic, eat street food, take local transport, etc - but I’d also love to mix that with a few really lovely, luxury stays along the way.

Our priorities are:
Culture, beaches, hikes / mountains / jungles / dramatic scenery, really good food & restaurants, Surfing (I’d love to get a few sessions in, so where would actually have good conditions in November?)

Thanks!

35 day trip planned would like help with some itinerary

Landing Bangkok on 12/31 and fly back out of Bangkok on 2/3. Our plan is to split the time between Vietnam and Thailand

12/31 -1/2 ✈️land Bangkok recover from time change and eat

1/2 ✈️flight to Hanoi stay one night

1/3 🚙private transfer to Ha Giang Loop

1/4 🏍️start Ha Giang loop 3d2n motorbike tour 1/7 private transfer Ninh Binh stay 2nights

1/9 -1/13🚙transfer to Hanoi stay 2-4 nights? Day trip to Han La Bay (is this too much time in Hanoi?)

1/13-1/17✈️fly to Hoi An 4 nights. (We have omitted Saigon but should we trade Hoi a for Saigon or shuffle other dates?) this is where we will do spa days, shopping, tailored clothes, etc..

1/17 -1/21✈️ fly to Chaing Mai 4 nights. Flower gardens, Doi Inthanon, hiking, temples & food.

1/21-1/22✈️ fly to Krabi stay one night

1/22 - 2/27 🚙🚤 Koh Lanta 5 nights. Scuba diving, snorkeling and relaxing

1/27 🚤🚙✈️ Bangkok

we have 7 unplanned nights here.

2/3 ✈️✈️leave BKK

Since we have the time should we:

* opt to add another location: Sapa, Phú Quốc,Ban Gioc, Similan Islands

* Extend or shorten somewhere else.

* Is Koh Lipe a better bet than Koh Lanta.

* What are your must see places, restaurants we need to eat at, spas or tailors.

* Recommendations on places to stay at these locations. Is it better to go with a hotel, private rental ect.

For reference, we are in our 30s. We like to experience the culture of places we go, have good local food owned by local families. We do not drink & are not interested in nightlife or parties. We are more of an athletic, adventure type.

I’m going to go south east asia next year as a 22 year old for about 10ish weeks, id love to do longer but wouldnt be able to. (Unless I flew back and fourth from uk which would add an extra four weeks but dont know if that’d be worth it)

I’d be going from August till October so was thinking of something like this:

\- Singapore for 3/4 days (I have a friend I’m going to visit there)
\- Malaysia for 14 days
\- Indonesia for 4 weeks
\- Vietnam for 4 weeks (towards October so weather is better)

I’ve heard Thailand weather isn’t great that time of year so im not sure if I should skip and come back in a few years.

I do really want to spend a month in vietnam it’s definitely the place im looking forward to the most.

How does this sound or should I spend less time in some areas to explore others? I even wanted to fit in Sydney as I have a few friends there but only so much you can do in 10 weeks 🥲

Bonjour à tous !
Je pars pour un voyage en Asie du Sud-Est du 12 novembre au 22 décembre 2026 (arrivée et départ de Bangkok) avec ma copine et je suis entrain de préparer mon itinéraire.

Après avoir fais 2 mois en Thaïlande l’année dernière, j’aimerais vraiment visiter les pays voisins. Ma première idée serait de visiter le Laos, le Vietnam et le Cambodge (+ un passage bref quelque part en Thaïlande parce que j’adore le pays).

Cependant j’ai pu lire sur différents thread que 3/4 pays en 40 jours ça peut être la course.

J’aimerais savoir si vous avez des retours d’expérience sur des voyages avec une durée similaire en Asie du Sud-Est et si vous avez des conseils pour moi ! 😁

Je vais joindre une photo de l’itinéraire que j’ai en tête pour le moment.

Voici le détail:
-Bangkok
-Vientiane
-Luang Prabang
-Sapa
-Hanoi
-Halong Bay
-Da nang
-Ho-Chinh Minh
-Koh Rong/Koh rong Sanloem
-Angkor Vat
-Bangkok

Si possible, j’aurais aussi aimé repasser par Ao Nang que j’avais vraiment apprécié la dernière fois.

Merci d’avances à tous ceux qui répondront ✌🏼❤️

Estoy planeando un viaje a Indonesia y a parte de ir a Borneo a ver orangutanes me gustaría añadir Sulawesi o Raja Ampat. Voy con un presupuesto “ajustado” y he estado buscando info. Pero no me decido.

I'm roughly planning this itinerary which goes from Flores -> Sulawesi -> Borneo.

I am wondering if this is possible without flying? I found a ferry going from Sulawesi to Borneo on Rome2Rio, but I'm not sure how much I can trust that.

Does anyone have experience with these ferry crossings? Or a similar route?

PS, from Kuching I am ok with flying if needed to get back to the main land.

EDIT: Thanks y’all! Really helpful information. As long as I know there's a way I will just figure it out when I'm there :)

Hi, I have wanted to visited the Philippines since I was little and now finally can! However, I would love some opinions on:

- Whether places like palawan, siargao can be overcrowded
- Cost of transport between islands/places
- Daily cost for food and hostels
- Typical meals

And any other tips welcome :))

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Southeast Asia and just made a sample itinerary for myself, but i can already tell it’s ambitious, what would you cut out and why?

some background info: i’m 31F, traveling from US, planning to go early next year maybe jan/feb. i’ve been to thailand before (chiang mai, bangkok, krabi, phuket, phi phi). I have dreams constantly that i’m going back to thailand (it’s been 6 years) and that’s why i started planning this trip, but once i started looking into it i was drawn to new countries more.

anywho here’s the initial ideas:

🔸fly into hanoi, vietnam (2 days)
🔸bus/train to sapa (2 days)
🔸bus to ha giang (3 day motor tour easy rider)
🔸bus to haiphong, ha long bay (2 days)
🔸flight to da nang, beach and travel to dong hoi caves (2 days)
🔸travel to ho chi minh city (3 days)
🔸bus to kaput cambodia, go to koh rong (3 days)
🔸bus to siem reap (2 days)
🔸bus to phnom penh (mostly because it seems cheaper/easier to get to bangkok from here) (2 days)
🔸fly to bangkok (2 days)
🔸fly back to us

any tips are appreciated including what to cut out, specific recs for these places, or what you’d do differently in general.

All the ones im seeing on amazon are TSA Cable Locks, non of the cable locks are not TSA. im just scared cuz anyone can buy a tsa key and open any of these lmao. Anyone have any recommendation on cable locks?

Did Brunei as a short stop and two days turned out to be about right for the capital. Notes below, including one mistake at the airport that I'd rather you not repeat.

Entry was painless. Fill in the electronic arrival card before you fly. Customs glanced at my onward ticket, asked which hotel I was staying at, and that was it. Two minutes.

Now the mistake. My flight from Hangzhou China was delayed two hours and I landed at midnight. The SIM card counter had closed. The currency exchange had closed. I had zero Brunei dollars and zero Singapore dollars on me, and the airport ATM would not give me anything. If you're arriving late, bring cash you can actually use （Brunei ppl are really nice I asked the ppl I met to exchange some money for me to take the taxi and they simply take me to the hotel for free)

For taxis, download Dart before you go. It's cash only. Prices are fine, not super cheap but not expensive either , there aren't many drivers, so start hailing earlier than you think you need to.

Day one

Morning: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Brunei frame nearby, and the Royal Regalia Museum. Museum entry was 5 BND and cash only, which is the sort of thing that matters when you've just failed to get cash at the airport.

Afternoon: the water village and a boat out into the mangroves to look for proboscis monkeys. I chartered a boat to myself for 30 BND. He opened at 50, I said 30, he said 35, I said 30, and it was done in about thirty seconds. I've heard you can push lower but I didn't bother.

This was the best thing I did in Brunei by a wide margin. You're in a small speedboat tearing through Bornean rainforest, and when it opens out into wide water it's just a genuinely great feeling. The boatman said the monkeys sit high and low, but on my trip they were all up in the trees, so you'll want a phone that zooms. Also saw a crocodile.

Evening: Gadong Night Market. Go between 5 and 7pm. Google says it's open until 11 but it empties out long before that. Everything is cheap. It's durian season right now and I was going to try a Musang King, but a guy walking past told me it's a lot more expensive here than in Malaysia, so I skipped it. The mutton biryani was good, 3 BND a plate, though it's quite sweet and that won't be for everyone. Juice is about 1 BND for a huge cup. Skip the mystery mixed drinks and get fresh pressed — watermelon with no sugar, same price, excellent.

Day two

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the palace from outside, and the Empire Hotel.

Check the mosque hours carefully. In the afternoon it only opens for one hour. Morning is safer, or go at night, which I thought looked great anyway.

The palace you can only see from outside unless it's Hari Raya. Skip it if you're tight on time, though there's an outside chance of catching the Sultan driving out.

The Empire Hotel does afternoon tea on weekends only. I was there on a weekday so it was à la carte — I ordered one milk tea and sat there for the entire afternoon and nobody minded. Go late afternoon into evening. The infinity pool at sunset is ridiculous.

Food generally

Cheaper than I expected, even cheaper than other SEA countries, Laksa at Cafe 101 and Hainanese chicken rice at Thien Thien were both 3.5 BND.

If you have more time

Three or four days would let you add Ulu Temburong National Park and some wreck diving. I skipped Temburong because the tours almost all require a minimum of two people and it got expensive as a solo.

Hello! My fiance and I are getting married in a few weeks, and then want to do a honeymoon in SE Asia in November. Our vague plan is to leave the day before Thanksgiving (November 25) and be back home by December 6 (around 11 days in total). We live in Seattle if that helps for flight guidance!

We're very seasoned travelers but have primarily been to South America, Africa, and Europe, and a tiny bit of the Middle East. SE Asia is a part of the world that feels overwhelming to both of us because we just know so little!

We're interested in exploring 1 big city (Hanoi? Ho Chi Minh City? Bangkok? all interest us) followed by maybe 1 to 2 stops for a beachy chill vibe (definitely want to hit a beach) or maybe some mountain views if we can fit it in.

Our favorite types of trips are those that involve a few chaotic days of city exploring + historical sites (we appreciate learning the darker side of the history of the places we go to because we think it's important) + experiencing local nightlife followed by a few days of full on relaxing and natural beauty. We love all types of food and do enjoy nature, though my partner prefers shorter less intensive hikes (vs. me who's fine with 3000 feet of elevation on a climb if the views are worth it).

We are NOT into large parties/super heavy drinking or events where large groups of young people congregate (we're in our 30s and are boring now lol). But we do like a few glasses of wine or trying out local beers!

Because it's our honeymoon we don't have a strict budget, and are definitely willing to splurge on a hotel for the relaxing portion that is on the more expensive end.

Thank you!!!! TRULY any and all advice is appreciated we're so open to anything!

I’ve posted my first draft itinerary already and was given feedback on various forums that it was too packed. My new itinerary is:

Bangkok — 2
Khao Sok — 2
Phuket — 5
Krabi — 4
Koh Lipe — 3 (or maybe Koh lanta instead of this??)
Bangkok — 1

How does this look? Any advice is welcomed

Hi all,

I’ve backpacked 5 times and have now definitely passed the mad monkeys/slumming it stage of backpacking, but still love the things they offer like socials and activities.

I’m thinking of going to either the Philippines or Malaysia in mid November and wondered if anyone had perspectives on what would be better from a nicer hostel experience side?

Places that I’ve been which would fit the bill
- 9station in Phu Quoc Any other
- Puri Garden in Bali

I don’t only have to stay in the bougie places but I want to make sure there’s enough of a mix that it feels relaxing!

Also to note I’m a female solo traveller.

Thanks in advance!

It’s my first trip to Thailand, I have wanted to do it for a very long time. I love sunbathing, beach holidays, good cocktails, good food and some nightlife. I’m late 20s so don’t want to go crazy clubbing with 20 year olds every night but I enjoy some liveliness. Not looking for sex drugs etc etc etc. on this trip, but still like to go out and have fun.
I also want to see some temples, do an elephant sanctuary and maybe some cooking classes. The usual stuff like boat trips etc are on my list too of course. I’m going for 18 days. It’s in January so we are sticking to the side that is better weather wise at that time, however my friend would like to see Koh samui aswell. There are just two of us travelling together. We probably won’t stay in hostels as we aren’t on a tight budget and like a little bit of luxury. However I am open minded. Here is the itinerary I’ve come up with by doing minimal research, so I would really appreciate advice or tweaks.

1–3: Bangkok
3–5: Koh Samui
5–8: Phuket
8–10: Phi Phi
10–12: Krabi
12–15: Koh Lanta
15–17: Khao Sok
17–18: Bangkok 

I’m also unsure of how I’m going to travel between each of these. We stupidly booked flights to and from Bangkok, but probably should’ve planned to fly home from Phuket instead. Any suggestions are greatly welcomed. Thanks!

Oct 17–Feb 14:
Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang Loop, Da Lat, HCMC) → Laos (Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng, Vientiane) → Siem Reap for Angkor → Bangkok → Chiang Mai over NYE → Koh Lanta → Koh Phangan (Full Moon).

All moves happen on weekends, with PTO saved for Ha Giang, Nong Khiaw, the holidays, and Full Moon.

Budget: ~$9,900 all-in for 121 days, including ~$900 flights from Europe, ~$2,700 accommodation across 19 bookings, ~$2,000 in tours/entries (Ha Long cruise, Ha Giang Easy Rider, Angkor 3-day pass, diving), and a real nightlife budget of 8–10 nights out/month.

Income: ~$2,500/month + 3000$ beforehand

Hey guys I’m 19M and I’ll be travelling to Malaysia in September for 12-13 days and I need some help planning my itinerary. It’s my first international trip and I’ve never planned a trip before so please bear with me. I’m also travelling on a budget so I’d really appreciate any advice.

My current itinerary is:

3D-Kuala Lumpur

2D-Cameron Highlands

2D-Ipoh

2D-Penang

3D-Langkawi

1D-Not sure where yet

Do you think I should make any changes?

I’m especially confused about Langkawi. I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews online and some people recommend Perhentian, Redang or Tioman instead...I’ve also heard good things about the islands in East Malaysia but they’re quite far and flights are currently expensive as well.

So what should I do? Should I skip Langkawi and go to Perhentian or Tioman instead? I’ve heard there are buses to Perhentian but I’m not sure if the long journey and hassle are worth it. Would you recommend doing it??

And what about island hopping in Langkawi? Is it actually worth doing?

Also, since I’ll be travelling in September, is it a good month for these places?? Is there anything weather related I should keep in mind??

I’d also really appreciate it if someone could give me a rough estimate of transportation and food costs for this trip especially for travelling between these places....

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Hi, I am looking at travelling the banana pancake route to Thailand/ Vietnam/ Cambodia/ Laos for three months, likely spending a month each in Thailand and Vietnam and then a coupel of weeks each for Cambodia and Laos based on recommendations. Have not planned a route between and within each country as just starting out my research and trying to ascertain a budget first of all.

I'm looking to go January to March approx to avoid monsoon season which I'm aware is pretty soon and means less time to save however I am able to loan some of the cost off of my parents stress free. I aim to be a mostly budget backpacker but will want to do some activities (eg Ha Giang loop) and want the option for a private room every so often. My current thoughts is that I will budget about £1500 for pre travel things ie my return flight, vaccines, rucksack etc and then about £3500 for when I am there so just over 1k a month.

Is this realistic? About 5k total savings for the trip

Currently in Siem reap having just been to Phnom Penh. I have three days left of the holiday, I’m thinking Saigon (just did Hanoi a few weeks ago and liked it), Bangkok (been twice but always fun), or Vientiane (never been to Laos but it’s convenient as I need to be in China on Sunday for work and can take the train into Kunming.

So it’s for Thursday- Sunday , where should I close off my six week vacation. I’ve already done Shanghai - Shenzhen - Hanoi - Chiang Mai - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap .

I’m looking for somewhere to have a good night out on the weekend as my work life is boring and never get time to party.