{"id":4748,"date":"2025-05-25T18:44:38","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T18:44:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/?p=4748"},"modified":"2025-07-18T09:13:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T09:13:14","slug":"south-east-asia-where-to-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indietraveller.co\/south-east-asia-where-to-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Countries To Travel In Southeast Asia (All Pros & Cons)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I have to confess: I’m addicted to Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I arrived for the first time in Thailand way back in 2012. I was fresh off the plane, wide-eyed, with no idea what incredible things would await me. My plan was to go backpacking for a few weeks, but I loved it so much that I continued to wander the region for 9 months. Ever since I’ve been coming back to Southeast Asia for more, going on trips ranging from 3 weeks to 2 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having experienced the full breadth of what the region has to offer, I’d say the best countries to visit in Southeast Asia depend hugely on what you’re looking for<\/strong>. They’re all great in their own ways, but there are many possible reasons to prefer one over another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, scroll along for my insights from a combined 15 months of travelling here…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Needless to say, all of the following is all quite subjective. <\/strong>It’s mainly from a backpacker’s perspective and considering only the foremost things a country has to offer. However, I will try to paint a clear picture so you can make up your own mind about where to go!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Thailand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Perfect starter country!<\/span><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/path>\n<\/svg><\/span>Top-notch tourism infrastructure, incredible food, fun, huge diversity of attractions, and yes, plenty of authentic places if you look for them. Incredible for solo travel. A backpacker favorite but also renowned for its resorts, wellness tourism, shopping, etc.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n <\/path>\n<\/svg><\/span>Hypertouristy in certain places<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ahhh yes, I still remember what it was like to arrive in Bangkok for the first time. The temples, the neon lights, the smells of cooking oil from street food vendors, the tuk-tuk taxis whizzing past… it was like stepping into a whole new world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though my heart may now beat faster for more niche or original destinations, I have to recognize just what an amazing country Thailand is. Especially<\/em> for a first-time Southeast Asia trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southeast Asia can be bewildering at first, but Thailand lets you ease into things; it’s exotic enough to feel adventurous, but the travel logistics are easy, and the famed Thai hospitality will make you feel at home even when almost nothing feels familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Phuket,
Phuket. The beaches & islands are Thailand’s main claim to fame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s true that Thailand has long been known as a mass tourism destination. In all honesty, in some places that really shows. If you are seeking some pure undiscovered frontier, you probably don’t want to head for the beaches of Phuket. Luckily, mass tourism is concentrated mainly in several areas, so it’s easily avoided if it’s not your vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Related Post<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\n\"Damnoen<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Pros & Cons Of Visiting Thailand: Tips + What To Expect<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Read More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

One fun aspect of Thailand is that you’ll never struggle to meet other travelers if you’re looking to socialize. It’s an especially great destination for solo travelers. Because there are so many guesthouses, hotels, and hostels around, it’s easy to improvise on a trip to Thailand and just take things one day at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re simply looking for some sand and sun, then Thailand has got you covered. There is also a renowned party scene, particularly in Bangkok (Khaosan Road) and on the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi, attracting many younger holidayers and gap year travellers. The resorts along the coast meanwhile are popular with those looking for some luxury at friendly prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
Relaxed riverside Kanchanaburi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Interested in a more authentic (or simply quieter) Thailand? It’s 100% there if you know where to look. For example, I’ve much enjoyed exploring the quieter southeastern parts near Cambodia, especially the town of Trat and the Koh Chang archipelago<\/a>. Adventurers in northern Thailand consistently rave about the Mae Hong Son Loop and Chiang Dao<\/a> is a great laidback town to check out, just to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Since Bangkok has so many international flight connections, Thailand makes for a great gateway to the rest of Southeast Asia. And to so many globetrotters addicted to travel (like me), Thailand was their first rite of passage. It may be a popular place these days, but who cares? It’s easy, fun, a little wild (in places), and truly has something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more tips, see my travel guide to Thailand<\/a> and sample itinerary<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thinking of a big trip through Southeast Asia? <\/strong>
Then don’t miss my in-depth travel tips video:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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