Backpacking route
Backpacking Southeast Asia Route: The Complete Guide
The classic Southeast Asia backpacker route, Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Laos → Vietnam → Cambodia → back to Bangkok → south to Phuket islands. 4-8 weeks. Here’s the optimal sequence.
Week 1-2: Thailand intro
Bangkok (4 nights) + Chiang Mai (4 nights) + Pai (2 nights). Cool-season Nov-Feb ideal.
Week 3: Laos (Luang Prabang + Vang Vieng)
Slow boat down Mekong from northern Thailand to Luang Prabang. UNESCO town. Then Vang Vieng for tubing.
Week 4: Northern Vietnam
Hanoi (3 nights) + Halong Bay cruise (2 nights) + Sapa or Ha Giang loop (3 nights).
Week 5: Central Vietnam
Hoi An (4 nights — slow + perfect) + Hue (2 nights).
Week 6: Southern Vietnam + Cambodia
Saigon (2 nights) + Phnom Penh (2 nights) + Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (3 nights).
Week 7-8: Beach + Thailand south
Back to Bangkok. Fly south to islands: Koh Tao (diving) + Koh Phangan (Full Moon) + Phi Phi/Krabi (beaches).