Southeast Asia Backpacker Planner
Everything you need to plan the ultimate budget adventure through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & more
Complete Planning Tools Suite
Everything you need to plan your Southeast Asia backpacking adventure in one place
Budget Calculator
Calculate daily costs for backpacker style
Island Hopping Planner
Plan routes between islands
Visa Guide
Visa requirements for Americans
Vaccination Checker
Required and recommended vaccines
Distance Calculator
Calculate distances between cities
Flight Time Calculator
Check flight durations
Cost Estimator
Estimate total trip costs
Packing List
Backpacker packing checklist
Backpacker Budget Calculator
Calculate your total trip cost based on travel style and countries visited
Island Hopping Route Planner
Pre-planned routes for the best island hopping adventures in Southeast Asia
Thailand Islands Circuit
Island Route:
Visa Guide for Americans
Complete visa requirements and costs for US passport holders in Southeast Asia
| Country | Visa-Free Stay | Extension | Visa on Arrival | Cost | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇹🇭Thailand | 30 days | Can extend 30 days | Yes (60 days) | Free (visa exempt) | Must show proof of onward travel |
🇻🇳Vietnam | 45 days | Must leave and re-enter | E-visa available | $25 (e-visa) | E-visa valid 90 days, single/multiple entry |
🇰🇭Cambodia | No | Can extend multiple times | Yes | $30 (visa on arrival) | E-visa also available online for $36 |
🇱🇦Laos | No | Can extend 30 days | Yes | $30-42 (varies by nationality) | E-visa available, bring passport photos |
🇲🇲Myanmar | No | Limited extensions | E-visa required | $50 (e-visa) | Check current travel advisories |
🇵🇭Philippines | 30 days | Can extend up to 3 years | Yes (visa-free) | Free | Must show proof of onward travel |
🇮🇩Indonesia | 30 days | Can extend once (30 days) | Yes (60 days) | $35 (visa on arrival) | Visa-free for 30 days, VOA for 60 days |
🇲🇾Malaysia | 90 days | Must leave and re-enter | Yes (visa-free) | Free | One of the longest visa-free stays |
🇸🇬Singapore | 90 days | Must leave and re-enter | Yes (visa-free) | Free | Expensive but great transit hub |
Vaccination Requirements Checker
Required and recommended vaccinations for Southeast Asia travel
Hepatitis A
RequiredFood and water contamination risk
Typhoid
RequiredContaminated food and water
Hepatitis B
RecommendedBlood/bodily fluid exposure
Japanese Encephalitis
RecommendedRural areas, rice fields
Rabies
RecommendedAnimal bites (dogs, monkeys)
Yellow Fever
Not RequiredOnly if coming from endemic country
Malaria Prevention
RecommendedRural/jungle areas
Routine Vaccines
RequiredMMR, Tdap, Flu, COVID-19
Start Early
Begin vaccinations 4-6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several months.
Travel Clinic
Visit a travel medicine clinic for personalized advice based on your itinerary and health history.
Travel Insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Vaccination Record
Keep a copy of your vaccination records. Some countries may ask for proof at borders.
Accommodation Recommendations
Best platforms and tips for finding budget accommodation in Southeast Asia
Hostelworld
Hostels & Budget
Booking.com
Hotels & Guesthouses
Agoda
Hotels & Apartments
Airbnb
Apartments & Homes
Backpacker Booking Tips
Book First Night Only
Book your first night in advance, then find better deals on the ground
Walk-In Discounts
Many guesthouses offer 20-30% off for walk-in bookings
Long-Stay Deals
Negotiate weekly/monthly rates for stays over 7 days
Off-Season Savings
Travel during shoulder season for 40-60% cheaper accommodation
Accommodation Types Comparison
Hostel Dorm
$5-15- • Cheapest option
- • Meet travelers
- • Social events
- • Less privacy
- • Can be noisy
- • Shared bathrooms
Private Room (Hostel)
$15-30- • Privacy
- • Still social
- • Affordable
- • More expensive than dorms
- • Smaller rooms
Guesthouse
$10-25- • Local experience
- • Quiet
- • Often includes breakfast
- • Basic amenities
- • Less social
Budget Hotel
$20-40- • Private bathroom
- • AC
- • Daily cleaning
- • Less character
- • More expensive
Airbnb Apartment
$25-60- • Kitchen
- • Space
- • Long-stay discounts
- • Less social
- • Minimum stays
Homestay
$8-20- • Cultural immersion
- • Home-cooked meals
- • Authentic
- • Language barriers
- • Basic facilities
Pro Tip: Mix It Up
Don't stick to one type of accommodation. Mix hostels (for socializing), guesthouses (for rest), and Airbnbs (for cooking) to balance budget, comfort, and experience throughout your trip.
Downloadable Planning Resources
Complete collection of guides, checklists, and templates for your Southeast Asia adventure
Complete Backpacker Budget Spreadsheet
Track daily expenses across multiple countries
Southeast Asia Packing List
Backpack-optimized checklist for tropical travel
Island Hopping Itineraries
4 pre-planned routes with transport details
Visa Requirements Cheat Sheet
Quick reference for all SE Asia countries
Vaccination Tracker
Track required vaccines and appointment dates
Essential Phrases Guide
Thai, Vietnamese, Khmer, Bahasa phrases
Hostel Booking Strategy Guide
When and how to book for best prices
Street Food Safety Guide
How to eat safely and avoid getting sick
Transport Options Comparison
Buses, trains, flights - costs and booking tips
Scam Awareness Guide
Common scams and how to avoid them
Digital Nomad Wifi Map
Best cafes and coworking spaces
Emergency Contacts List
Embassies, hospitals, police by country
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