Should I book all my internal flights before I leave?

No. Book only your long-haul entry/exit and perhaps your first internal leg. Leave the rest flexible so you can change plans if you decide to stay longer in a specific town.

Are budget airlines in SE Asia safe?

Yes, major regional budget airlines like AirAsia and VietJet maintain high safety standards. The primary 'risk' is flight delays or strict enforcement of baggage weight limits.

Booking a Multi-City Flight Loop in Southeast Asia

Book a multi-city ticket into Bangkok and out of Ho Chi Minh City or Singapore to avoid backtracking. Use budget carriers like AirAsia for internal legs, but book these at least 3 weeks in advance to keep costs under $60 per flight.

Select your 'Open-Jaw' route. Don't book a round trip to the same city. Book a 'multi-city' flight that lands in Bangkok (BKK) and departs from a different hub like Singapore (SIN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). This creates a logical loop through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Book long-haul flights first. Use Google Flights to track your main entry and exit flights. Aim to book these 3 to 4 months before departure. Once your entry and exit dates are locked, you can fill in the regional gaps.
Use low-cost carriers for mid-trip hops. For distances over 8 hours by bus (e.g., Bangkok to Hanoi), book a flight. Use AirAsia, VietJet, or Scoot. Always check the airline's official site first to avoid third-party agency fees.
Factor in baggage fees. Budget airlines in SE Asia have strict weight limits (often 7kg for carry-on). If you have a large backpack, pay for a 15kg or 20kg checked bag during the initial booking process; doing it at the airport counter can cost double.

Should I book all my internal flights before I leave?: No. Book only your long-haul entry/exit and perhaps your first internal leg. Leave the rest flexible so you can change plans if you decide to stay longer in a specific town.
Are budget airlines in SE Asia safe?: Yes, major regional budget airlines like AirAsia and VietJet maintain high safety standards. The primary 'risk' is flight delays or strict enforcement of baggage weight limits.