Planning Your First Trip to Southeast Asia

Focus on a single region or two neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam to avoid spending your whole trip in transit. Book your first two nights of accommodation in advance, but keep the rest of your itinerary flexible to account for local advice and changing weather.

1. Choose your route. For a first timer, the 'Banana Pancake Trail' (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) is the gold standard. Limit yourself to 3 countries if you have less than 4 weeks to ensure you actually see things rather than just sitting on buses.
2. Secure your health requirements. Visit a travel clinic 8 weeks before departure. You will likely need shots for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Check if your specific route requires malaria pills.
3. Sort your arrival logistics. Book your flight into a major hub like Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN). These airports have the cheapest long-haul flights and the best infrastructure for getting to your hostel or hotel upon arrival.
4. Set up your money. Carry two debit cards from different banks. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (e.g., Charles Schwab or Revolut). Always choose to be charged in the local currency at ATMs to get the best exchange rate.

Do I need to book all my buses and trains in advance?

No. Book them 24-48 hours in advance through your hotel reception or the 12Go Asia website once you know your next move.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Drink bottled or filtered water everywhere in Southeast Asia. Most hotels provide free filtered water stations.