Indochina, also known as mainland Southeast Asia, is a geographical term that comprises five countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Vietnam. The name, Indochina, was actually historically based within the cultural influence of Indian and Chinese civilizations. Indochina itself offers and boasts diverse cultures that each country brings to the world. Thus, it has inspired me to explore Indochina and immerse myself in each culture.
I’ve solo traveled and explored around Indochina for forty-three (43) days, and this has been a long dream that finally came true after so many years of waiting. I was able to visit four countries in total such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Thus, if you’re also planning to go backpacking around Indochina soon, this travel guide highlights my Indochina itinerary, including some of the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and everything in between.
Essential Travel Guide & Tips
- To save so much time, you can just directly book flights from one country to another. On the other hand, if you’re traveling on a budget, you can cross borders by taking buses, but that might take you longer trips.
- Make sure to dress modestly, especially in temples and rural areas, covering shoulders and knees is considered respectful.
- Women should avoid physical contact with monks and are encouraged to dress conservatively when around religious figures.
- Bring medication for stomach issues and keep hand sanitizer on hand.
- Cash is King. While some hotels and high-end restaurants accept credit cards, cash is still the primary payment method in many places.
- Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), Cambodia the Cambodian Riel (KHR) (although the U.S. dollar is widely accepted), and Laos the Lao Kip (LAK). ATMs are generally available in cities but may charge fees for international cards.
- For a less-hassle trip, you can use Gohub eSIM all throughout your travels!
Indochina Backpacking Guide
Vietnam
- Hanoi (14 days)
- Ninh Binh (3 days)
- Sapa (3 days)
Vietnam is a captivating Southeast Asian country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. The bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City showcase a unique blend of ancient and modern, with French colonial architecture standing side-by-side with sleek skyscrapers, while quaint streets host traditional markets and vibrant street food stalls.
I stayed in Vietnam for 21 days and I mainly explored northern Vietnam, highlighting the cities of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Sapa. However, I was only able to explore Ninh Binh for 3 days and Sapa for 3 days and mainly stayed in Hanoi for my volunteer work! Obviously, backpacking around Indochina would definitely cost me a lot, so what I did was find volunteer work in exchange for a free stay and free food for a short period of time. Fortunately, before flying to Hanoi, I was able to find volunteer work from Workaway, which was also aligned with my profession, which is teaching.
Best Time to Visit
Vietnam’s weather varies by region, but the best times to visit are generally spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October), when temperatures are mild and rains are less frequent.
Where to stay in Vietnam?
- Hanoi: Wecozy Hanoi
- Ninh Binh: Tam Coc Mountain Bungalow
- Sapa: Valley View Homestay, Mao Sapa Trekking & Homestay
You can also book your accommodation via Klook.
What to eat?
- pho
- banh mi
- fresh spring rolls
Thailand
- Bangkok (9 days)
- Pattaya (3 days)
Known as the “Land of Smiles,” is a captivating destination in Southeast Asia, famous for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. I must say that Thailand is one of my favorite Southeast Asian countries, as it offers the best Asian cuisine ever! Although I’ve only been to Thailand twice, this country has truly captivated my heart! Not to mention the fact that the locals are very warmhearted! It felt like home when I was in Thailand. Everybody thought I was a local. (Hahaha!)
Take note that I practiced slow travel during my Indochina backpacking, so I didn’t really bother visiting all the must-see places in each country. Also, another reason would be that I had to do my remote work at night, so there were days that I needed some rest or just wanted to chill and stay longer in some places.
Best Time to Visit
November to February is generally the best time to visit Thailand, as the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring cities and beaches alike.
Where to stay in Thailand?
- Bangkok: 3 Howw Hostel at Sukhumvit 21, Matchbox Bangkok Hostel, Episode 11 Hostel Sukhumvit
- Pattaya: Hard Rock Hotel
What to eat?
- pad thai
- green curry
- tom yum soup
- mango sticky rice
- grilled seafood
- satay
Cambodia
- Siem Reap (5 days)
Cambodia is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and resilient spirit. Known as the “Kingdom of Wonder,” Cambodia is home to the magnificent Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest religious monuments in the world.
Traveling to Siem Reap for 5 days was truly an achievement for me. Being in one of the most historical places in Southeast Asia is such a privilege. I was able to explore the wonders and beauty of Siem Reap for 5 days with my hired tour guide. To me, Siem Reap was pretty much similar to some small towns in the Philippines. Not only that, Khmer people are some of the friendliest people I’ve met! Some could even speak a little bit of Tagalog.
Best Time to Visit
November to April is the dry season, which is ideal for exploring temples and outdoor activities. The wet season (May to October) brings lush scenery and fewer tourists, though some roads can become challenging.
Where to stay in Siem Reap?
- The Twizt – Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel
What to eat?
- amok (a creamy coconut fish curry)
- beef lok lak
Laos
- Vientiane (2 days)
- Vang Vieng (3 days)
Laos is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, known for its serene landscapes, rich Buddhist heritage, and warm, laid-back culture. This is definitely one of the highlights of my Indochina backpacking trip! I only explored Laos for 5 days, but it became so memorable that even now that I am writing this travel guide, it still warms my heart every time I remember my trip to Laos. It’s not that I’ve just seen some of the most beautiful landscapes and breathtaking scenery but also some of the kindest people!
Best Time to Visit
November to February is the best time to visit Laos, as the weather is cooler and dry, ideal for outdoor activities. March to May is hot, while June to October is monsoon season.
Where to stay in Laos?
- Vientiane: Sailomyen Cafe & Hostel
- Vang Vieng: Vang Vieng Central Hotel
What to eat?
- larb (minced meat salad)
- sticky rice (often eaten by hand)
- tam mak hoong (spicy green papaya salad)
Indochina Itinerary for 25 days
Exploring Indochina for forty-three (43) days might be a little longer for those who are planning to do this backpacking trip as well. With that, I created a comprehensive Indochina itinerary for you, not including the days I did as a volunteer teacher and some days that I did nothing! Thus, here’s a sample itinerary for you:
Day 1: Manila to Hanoi
- Depart from Manila to Hanoi
- Free time
Day 2: Hanoi
- Old Quarter
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Day 3: Hanoi (Cafe Hopping)
- The Note Coffee
- Cong Caphe
- Letefe Cafe
- Laika Cafe
- Cafe Giang
Day 4: Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
- Freetime
Day 5: Ninh Bihn
- Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
- Check-in at accommodation
- Tam Coc Boat Tour
Day 6: Ninh Bihn
- Mua Cave
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- Bai Dinh Pagoda
Day 7: Ninh Binh
- Depart from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
Day 8: Sapa
- Depart from Hanoi to Sapa
- Check-in at Mao Sapa Trekking and Homestay
- Sapa Town
Day 9: Sapa
- Trekking through the rice fields, waterfalls, and tribes
- Moana Cafe
- Check-in at Valley View Homestay
Day 10: Sapa
- Cafe Hopping around Sapa Town
- Depart from Hanoi to Sapa
Day 11: Hanoi to Bangkok
- Depart from Hanoi to Bangkok
- Free time
Day 12: Pattaya
- Depart from Bangkok to Pattaya
- Check in at Hard Rock Hotel
- Chill at the hotel
- Hard Rock Cafe
Day 13: Pattaya
- The Sanctuary of Truth
- Pattaya Beach Road
- Pattaya Walking Street
- Terminal 21 Pattaya
Day 14: Pattaya
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya
- Check out at the hotel
- Depart from Pattaya to Bangkok
Day 15: Bangkok
- Wat Arun Temple
- The Grand Temple
- Cafe Hopping
- Central World
- Siam Square
Day 16: Siem Reap
- Depart from Bangkok to Siem Reap
- Check in at hostel
- Free time
Day 17: Angkor Wat
- Explore Angkor Wat Temples
- Chill at the rooftop bar (from the hostel)
Day 18: Angkor Wat
- Explore Angkor Wat Temples (Day 2)
- Chill at the cafe
- Rest
Day 19: Siem Reap
- Cafe hopping
- Chill at the rooftop bar (The Twizt-Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel)
Day 20: Angkor Wat
- Explore Angkor Wat Temples (Day 3)
- Depart from Siem Reap to Bangkok (layover)
Day 21: Bangkok to Laos
- Arrival in Vientiane, Wattay International Airport
- Check-in at Sailomyen Cafe & Hostel
- Free time, explore Vientiane
- Visit Patuxai (Victory Monument) at night
- Rest
Day 22: Laos
- Travel from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (travel time is approximately 2 hours)
- Check in at Vang Vieng Central Hotel (3 days and 2 nights)
- Rent a motorbike, explore the city
- Blue Lagoon
- Pull Mind Cafe
- Happy Mango Thai Restaurant
- Sakura Bar
- Night Market
- Rest
Day 23: Laos
- Hike at Namxay Viewpoint
- Free time
- Eat at a local restaurant
Day 24: Laos
- Viengtara Vang Vieng Resort (visited a cafe for a million dollar view)
- Back to Vientiane
- Dinner at Kualao Restaurant
- Rest
Day 25: Fly to Manila
- Shopping at Talat Sao
- Patuxai (Victory Monument)
- Pha That Luang
- Wat Si Saket
- Back to Manila
I couldn’t be more grateful for being able to experience this solo backpacking trip to mainland Southeast Asia. Not only was I able to immerse myself in each country’s culture, but I was also given the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing people from different corners of the world. I felt very grateful and fortunate, and this kind of experience is something that I would never trade for anything. Apparently, this has been the longest trip I’ve done so far, ever in my lifetime!
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Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
