Backpacking Through Southeast Asia
Three months with a 40L pack across Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
We arrived with open eyes and small plans. Chiang Mai, Hà Nội, Hoi An, and Siem Reap looked big on the map, but it welcomed us in small, kind steps.
We walked, we paused, and we let the place set the pace. Little choices—where to stand, when to wait, who to thank—made the day bright.
I learned the weight of my pack by the sound it made on hostel floors. The map was wide, but people made it feel close.
On trains and boats I traded snacks for stories. Good trade.
The night train was a moving neighborhood. People traded snacks, stories, and seat space. Kindness made the miles short.
Getting There
Start early and keep plans simple. Ask locals for the best turn or bus. Signs help, but kind people help more. In Chiang Mai, Hà Nội, Hoi An, and Siem Reap, the journey is part of the joy.
Weather changes fast in Chiang Mai, Hà Nội, Hoi An, and Siem Reap. We packed a light layer, a warm layer, and a dry layer. We used all three. When the wind picked up, we moved slower and smiled anyway.
When to Go
Mornings are calm and gentle. Late afternoon light makes photos warm. If it rains, that is part of the story. Carry a small umbrella or a hood and keep walking.
We kept our bags light: water, snacks, a phone in airplane mode to save battery, and a tiny power pack. Light feet made the day feel friendly.
We tried to learn one local word for hello and one for thanks. People liked the effort. A smile worked when words ran out.
Slow Down
The best moments came when we stopped to listen: to water, wind, birds, or a street musician. We tried to notice five sounds and five colors before moving on.
Food was simple and good. We shared plates, traded bites, and wrote down new names in a small notebook so we could order them again.
We took only photos and left only footprints. We stayed on marked paths, used bins, and kept a small bag for any trash that had no bin nearby.
Photo Tips
Clean your lens with a soft cloth. Hold still against a wall or a tree. Turn around—the best view is sometimes behind you.
We ended each day the same way: a warm drink, a look at tomorrow’s map, and a grateful note in our journal. Trips feel longer when you write even two lines.
Border Crossings
Bring small bills, two extra photos, patience, and snacks you can share. Kindness moves faster than we do.
We ended the trip tired in our legs and light in our heads. The best souvenir was a calmer pace we promised to carry home.