Backpacking in Southeast Asia: Travel Guide

Hello dear readers! You may or may not know this, but I will be leaving to Singapore in just 2 weeks as I will be studying there for about 6 months. Within those 6 months I plan to go backpacking in Southeast Asia and discover all the wonders that lie in that area of our planet. Personally, I can enjoy all sorts of activities when traveling. One day I'll be in the mood to hike up a whole mountain or volcano, and the next I'll be wanting to rest on the beach and work on my tan. Simply everything goes when you're abroad! That's the reason why this small travel guide will highlight places and activities that range from highly active to napping in a nice environment. It's all about balance in the end, right?!?

Now, I will be in Singapore for 5 months and will have 1 month of holidays there at the end of my stay. This means that I have more than enough time there to get to hear from people which exact places and attractions I should visit. However, if there is one thing I've learned about traveling it's that planning never hurts and will only become useful later on! This is why I already have 7 cities in mind that I definitely want to go visit. Some research here and there has also brought me insights into some of the things you can do in those cities, and Youtube videos from travelers have also helped me in becoming more knowledgeable about the prices, laws, and habits that come with each city.

1. Singapore

Okay so, the amazing thing with Southeast Asia is that it can be equally urban, as it can be nature. In some cities you will walk around skyscrapers and busy boulevards and then when you go 40 minutes futher out it'll be like you're in the jungle or something with wild monkeys all around you! Best of both worlds, am I right?!

What to do/visit:

• Marina Bay Sands
• The Merlion
• Garden's by the Bay
• Universal Studios
• Botanic Gardens
• Little India
• Sentosa Island

2. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is the number 2 on my list as it isn't too far away (just a 5 hour bus drive from Singapore) and will thus make for an exciting weekend escape from my studies.

What to do/visit:

• Petronas Twin Towers
• Batu Caves
• the bird park and/or butterfly park
• Thean Hou Temple
• Jamek Mosque
• Kuala Lumpur tower (Menara)
• Bukit Bintang

3. Hong Kong

Surrounded by ocean and forest, Hong Kong is a must when traveling in Southeast Asia! From camping on the beach, to shopping in giant malls, Hong Kong has lots to offer for everyone and will keep you busy all day (and night!).

What to do/visit:

• Victoria Peak
• Hong Kong museum of art
• Tsim Sha Tsui
• Lantau Island (Po Lin Monastery)
• Disneyland
• Sky100
• cheung chau

4. Bali

If you're a fan of relaxing on the beach, then Bali is the perfect place for you! With a cocktail in hand, appreciating the nature and purity of your environment, life doesn't always need to be difficult, ay?! But no worries! There's lots to do, if you're more of an adventurer...

What to do/visit:

• Ujung water palace
• Pura Tirta Empul
• Tegalalang Rice Fields
• Ubud Monkey Forest
• Surfing in Kuta
• Ulun Danu Temple
• Treetop Adventure Park

5. Bangkok

I went to Bangkok about 5 years ago and I absolutely loved it! The shopping malls were bigger than I could ever have imagined! ...I think we spent 2 whole days just walking around in the shopping malls... lol 15 year old me being uncultured and all. ? That's exactly the reason why I'm happy to be going again this fall as I want to experience the city as a young adult and thus both enjoy the culture that lies in the city, as well as the student attractions (aka cocktails).

What to do/visit:

• Wat pho temple
• Chatuchak market
• Street food
• Bang Krachao (Bangkok's green lung)
• Boat Ride on the Chao Phraya River
• Grand Palace
• Siam

6. Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam is a place that has been coming into the spotlight lately. Never before have I had so many friends going to Vietnam. And, guess what?! They all loved it! The food, the culture, the people, it is a must see! I'm trusting my friends and going to enjoy the cities in Vietnam this year.

What to do/visit:

• Ben Thanh Market
• Notre Dame Basilica
• Museum of Vietnamese History and/or War Remnants Museum
• The BBQ Garden
• Tao Dan Park
• Bitexco Financial Tower
• Mekong Delta

7. Siem Reap

No one could possibly withstand the beauty of the temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I think Cambodia is the underdog of countries in Southeast Asia?! People often underestimate the greatness and culture that Cambodia can light you in on. That's why we are now going to convinve you of why you should go.

What to do/visit:

• Angkor Wat
• Tonle Sap Lake (floating villages)
• Ta Prohm
• Pub Street
• Angkor night market
• Flight of the Gibbon (ziplining through the Cambodian jungle)
• Landmine Museum

That's a wrap on Southeast Asia, even though there are SOOOOOO many more cities and places to see. Ay, it's a good start! These alone will already keep you busy for quite some time, I think.?

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