Bangkok Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia route guide for beginner backpackers (Thailand-Laos-Vietnam)

📅 2 weeks ⭐ Easy 💰 Budget 📝 2026-02-09
Southeast Asia route guide for beginner backpackers (Thailand-Laos-Vietnam)

Southeast Asia backpacking is the route that travelers from all over the world start with. This is because the prices are cheap, transportation is convenient, and English is well-spoken.

This guide follows the classic route Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Luang Prabang → Hanoi. During the two-week itinerary, we stay in each city for 3-4 days and visit key attractions.

💡 Key things to prepare for beginner backpackers

To avoid panic upon arrival at the airport, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation in advance for your SIM card and first-day accommodation pickup.

  • Integrated SIM card/eSIM: If you are lazy to change SIM cards every time you move to another country, the Southeast Asian integrated SIM card is the best
  • Airport pickup: The safest way to get to your accommodation without getting ripped off when you arrive late at night
  • Travel insurance: Essential in Southeast Asia, where there are many activities

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Bangkok & Khaosan Road Suvarnabhumi Airport → Khaosan Road Guesthouse → Wat Pho & Wat Arun If you arrive late at night, airport pick-up service is highly recommended. Get to your accommodation safely without worrying about being ripped off by taxi.

Suvarnabhumi Airport → Khaosan Road Guesthouse → Wat Pho & Wat Arun

1

Wat Pho is the oldest temple in Bangkok with a 46m long golden reclining Buddha. As the birthplace of Thai massage, you can get an authentic Thai massage on the grounds (฿420 per hour). If you go early in the morning, you can enjoy the view quietly without tourists. Admission fee is ฿200. Take off your shoes and enter. No shorts/sleeveless. Visited as a set with Wat Arun.

10:00 1시간 30분

Bangkok's oldest temple with a 46m long golden reclining Buddha statue. As the birthplace of Thai massage, you can get an authentic Thai massage on the grounds (฿420 per hour). If you go early in the morning, you can enjoy the view quietly without tourists.

💡 Entrance fee ฿200. Take off your shoes and enter. No shorts/sleeveless. Visited as a set with Wat Arun.
2

Wat Arun, a symbol of Bangkok called the Temple of Dawn. The 79-meter-tall spire rising on the banks of the Chao Phraya River is a highlight. It takes 3 minutes by boat (฿5) from Wat Pho. If you visit during sunset, you can see the spire lit up in golden light. Entrance fee ฿100. You can climb up to the middle of the spire. Be careful as the stairs are steep.

14:00 1시간

A symbol of Bangkok called the Temple of Dawn. The 79-meter-tall spire rising on the banks of the Chao Phraya River is a highlight. It takes 3 minutes by boat (฿5) from Wat Pho. If you visit during sunset, you can see the spire lit up in golden light.

💡 Entrance fee ฿100. You can climb up to the middle of the spire. Be careful as the stairs are steep.
3

Khaosan Road Night MarketKhaosan Road, a mecca for backpackers. You can taste representative Thai foods such as Pad Thai (฿50), Tom Yum Goong (฿80), and Mango Sticky Rice (฿60) at a low price. At night, bars and clubs come alive. Drinks containing water and ice can only be purchased at reputable stores. This is the time to try the fried bug challenge! Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Mango Sticky Rice Famous stores have long lines, but turnover is fast.

18:00 thai street food

Khaosan Road, a mecca for backpackers. You can taste representative Thai foods such as Pad Thai (฿50), Tom Yum Goong (฿80), and Mango Sticky Rice (฿60) at a low price. At night, bars and clubs come alive.

Recommended: Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Mango Sticky Rice 1끼 ฿100-200 (약 3,500-7,000원) ⏰ Famous stores have long lines, but turnover is quick.
💡 Drinks containing water and ice can only be purchased at trusted stores. This is the time to take on the fried bug challenge!
4

Suvarnabhumi Airport PickupPrivate or shared pick-up service from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to your accommodation. Especially recommended if you arrive late at night. You can travel safely without being ripped off. You can check the real-time driver location on the Klook app. Shared van to Khaosan Road is about $6, private sedan is about $20. Private is recommended if you arrive late at night.

도착 45분~1시간

Private or shared pick-up service from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to your accommodation. Especially recommended if you arrive late at night. You can travel safely without being ripped off. Real-time driver location available on Klook app.

💡 Shared van to Khaosan Road is about $6, private sedan is about $20. Private is recommended if you arrive late at night.
Learn More →
Today's Key Tips

If you arrive late at night, airport pick-up service is highly recommended. Get to your accommodation safely without worrying about being ripped off by taxi.

Day 2

Bangkok → Chiang Mai Go to Chiang Mai by night train or low-cost airline → Old City Exploration The night train (12 hours, ฿800) is romantic but consumes stamina. Low-cost airlines (1 hour, ฿1,200~) are time efficient.

Go to Chiang Mai by night train or low-cost airline → Explore the Old City

1

Arrival in Chiang Mai Old City Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom with 700 years of history. There are more than 300 temples within the walled Old City. It is perfect for backpackers as it is walkable. Guesthouse in Old City costs ฿300-500 per night. The Sunday Market is only open on Sunday evenings.

14:00 3일 체류 권장

Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom with 700 years of history. There are more than 300 temples within the walled Old City. It is perfect for backpackers as it is walkable.

💡 Guesthouse in Old City ฿300-500 per night. The Sunday Market is only open on Sunday evenings.
2

Wat Phra Singh & Wat Chedi Luang The two most important temples in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra Singh shows the essence of the Lanna style, and Wat Chedi Luang is impressive with its huge chedi (studacle) that was once 86 meters high. Both can be reached on foot within the Old City. Entrance fee is ฿40 each. If you visit at dusk, the lights come on and it is even more beautiful.

16:00 2시간

The two most important temples in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra Singh shows the essence of the Lanna style, and Wat Chedi Luang is impressive with its huge chedi (studacle) that was once 86 meters high. Both are accessible on foot within the Old City.

💡 Entrance fee ฿40 each. If you visit at dusk, the lights come on and it is even more beautiful.
3

📶 Purchase of integrated SIM card/eSIM in Southeast Asia. If you are traveling between three countries: Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, an integrated SIM card is essential. Unlimited data use for 8 days without the hassle of changing your SIM card every time you cross the border. Purchase online before arrival and pick up at the airport or activate directly with eSIM. iPhone XS and later, and the latest Galaxy support eSIM. OK even without a physical SIM slot.

종일 8일 유효

If you are traveling between three countries: Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, an integrated SIM card is essential. Unlimited data use for 8 days without the hassle of changing your SIM card every time you cross the border. Purchase online before arrival and pick up at the airport or activate directly with eSIM.

💡 iPhone XS and later, and the latest Galaxy support eSIM. OK even without a physical SIM slot.
Learn More →
Today's Key Tips

The night train (12 hours, ฿800) is romantic but physically draining. Low-cost airlines (1 hour, ฿1,200~) are time efficient.

Day 3

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary Experience Ethical Elephant Experience → Nimman Haemin Cafe Street Riding on the back of an elephant is cruel to animals. Choose an ethical sanctuary where you can walk with elephants, feed them, and take a mud bath.

Ethical Elephant Experience → Nimmanhaemin Cafe Street

1

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary A good tour that does not abuse elephants. Experience interacting with elephants without riding on their backs, such as feeding them, taking a mud bath, or bathing them in the river. The most famous sanctuary among Korean travelers. Half-day tour about $80 (including hotel pickup, lunch, and traditional clothing). A change of clothes is required when taking a mud bath!

08:00 반나절 (5-6시간)

A good tour that does not abuse elephants. Experience interacting with elephants without riding on their backs, such as feeding them, taking a mud bath, or bathing them in the river. The most famous sanctuary among Korean travelers.

💡 Half-day tour approximately $80 (includes hotel pickup, lunch, and traditional clothing). A change of clothes is required when taking a mud bath!
Learn More →
2

Nimmanhaemin Cafe Street Chiang Mai's hip cafe and boutique street. There are many Instagrammable cafes, independent bookstores, and vintage shops. A great place to experience Thai coffee culture. Ristr8to (Latte Art World Champion) is famous. Americano ฿60-100. It's a great place to escape the heat and organize your schedule in an air-conditioned cafe.

16:00 2시간

Chiang Mai's hip cafe and boutique street. There are many Instagrammable cafes, independent bookstores, and vintage shops. A great place to experience Thai coffee culture. Ristr8to (Latte Art World Champion) is famous.

💡 Americano ฿60-100. It's a great place to escape the heat and organize your schedule in an air-conditioned cafe.
Today's Key Tips

Tours on elephants are cruel to animals. Choose an ethical sanctuary where you can walk with elephants, feed them, and take a mud bath.

Day 4

Chiang Mai → Luang Prabang (Laos) Enter Laos by slow boat or plane → Arrive in Luang Prabang Mekong River slow boat (2 days, $40) is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. If you don't have time, you can also take a flight (1 hour, $80).

Enter Laos by slow boat or plane → Arrive in Luang Prabang

1

Luang Prabang Night MarketA night market held every evening. Handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Laotian items can be purchased at low prices. Haggling is essential! The buffet-style vegetarian dinner ($1.5) near the market entrance is also popular with backpackers. Start bargaining at 50-70% of the price. It's OK if you negotiate with a smile.

저녁 1-2시간

A night market held every evening. Handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Laotian items can be purchased at low prices. Haggling is essential! A buffet-style vegetarian dinner ($1.5) near the market entrance is also popular with backpackers.

💡 Start bargaining down to 50-70% of the price. It's OK if you negotiate with a smile.
2

Mekong River Slow BoatChiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Chiang Khong Border → Huai Xai → Luang Prabang. A two-day journey down the Mekong River. A backpacking romantic course where you can see the riverside scenery and the lives of local people up close. One night in Pak Beng in the middle. Beer and snacks sold on board. It is convenient to bring a cushion/cushion.

종일 2일

Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Chiang Khong border → Huai Xai → Luang Prabang. A two-day journey down the Mekong River. A romantic backpacking course where you can see the riverside scenery and the lives of local people up close.

💡 One night in Pakbeng in between. Beer and snacks sold on board. It is convenient to bring a cushion/cushion.
Today's Key Tips

Mekong River slow boat (2 days, $40) is an experience you will never forget. If you don't have time, you can also take a flight (1 hour, $80).

Day 5

Luang Prabang: Men's alms & Kuang Si Falls Early morning men's alms → Kuang Si Falls swimming → Mekong River sunset cruise. Bargaining for individual tuk-tuks to Kuang Si Falls is tiring. Shared minivans are cheap and convenient.

Dawn alms → Kuang Si Falls swimming → Mekong River sunset cruise

1

Alms Giving is a Laotian tradition where monks walk the streets every morning and receive alms. Tourists can also participate, but quietly and respectfully. Take pictures without flash and keep an appropriate distance. You can buy and offer glutinous rice yourself (LAK 20,000). However, there are criticisms of tourism commercialization, so it is important to be respectful.

05:30 30분

A Laos tradition where monks walk the streets every morning and make donations. Tourists can also participate, but quietly and respectfully. Photos are taken without flash and at an appropriate distance.

💡 You can buy and donate glutinous rice yourself (LAK 20,000). However, there are criticisms of tourism commercialization, so it is important to be respectful.
2

Kuang Si Falls is the best attraction in Luang Prabang. Swimming is possible in the emerald colored waterfall that leads to three tiers. There is also a bear protection center at the entrance. Convenient round trip by shared minivan. Admission fee LAK 20,000 (approximately 1,500 won). Swimsuit and towel required. The lowest price for a round trip minivan is $5.

09:00 4-5시간

The best attraction in Luang Prabang. Swimming is possible in the emerald colored waterfall that leads to three tiers. There is also a bear protection center at the entrance. Convenient round trip by shared minivan.

💡 Admission fee: LAK 20,000 (about 1,500 won). Swimsuit and towel required. The lowest price for a round trip minivan is $5.
Learn More →
3

Utopia A legendary bar/restaurant perched on a cliff along the Mekong River. Lie down on a cushion and enjoy a glass of Lao Beer while looking at the Mekong River sunset. A place that every backpacker stops by at least once. Book cafe atmosphere during the day, bar atmosphere at night. Be careful of mosquitoes. Lao beer, fruit shake, Lao cuisine. Arrive early as there may be no seats available during sunset time.

18:00

A legendary bar/restaurant perched on a cliff along the Mekong River. Lie down on a cushion and enjoy a glass of Lao Beer while looking at the Mekong River sunset. A place every backpacker stops by at least once.

Recommended: Lao beer, fruit shake, Laotian cuisine 라오 비어 LAK 15,000 (약 1,100원) ⏰ Arrive early as there may be no seats available during sunset time.
💡 Book cafe atmosphere during the day, bar atmosphere at night. Beware of mosquitoes.
Today's Key Tips

Negotiating a private tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Falls was tiring. Shared minivans are cheap and convenient.

Day 6

Luang Prabang → Hanoi (Vietnam) Transfer to Hanoi by plane → Visit the Old Quarter → Bun cha restaurant Direct flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi about 1 hour. Or by road, 24 hours a day by bus (high road).

Go to Hanoi by plane → Explore the Old Quarter → Bun Cha restaurant

1

Hanoi Old Quarter Hanoi's old quarter with 1,000 years of history. Each of the 36 streets is famous for selling specific items (Silk Street, Silver Street, etc.). The experience of walking through waves of motorcycles is overwhelming. At night, it becomes a walking-only area. Car-free streets on Friday and Sunday evenings. Jiang Cafe, famous for its egg coffee, is a must.

14:00 반나절

Hanoi's Old Quarter with 1,000 years of history. Each of the 36 streets is famous for selling specific items (Silk Street, Silver Street, etc.). The experience of walking through waves of motorcycles is overwhelming. At night, it becomes a walking-only area.

💡 Friday-Sunday evenings are car-free. Jiang Cafe, famous for its egg coffee, is a must.
2

Bun Cha Huong Lien (Bun Cha Huong Lien)Bun Cha restaurant became famous after Obama visited. A combination of charcoal-grilled pork, rice noodles, and sweet and sour Nuoc Mam sauce. It's always crowded with locals, but turnover is fast. There's an Obama set, but it's the same as a regular buncha. Take a photo at the “Obama seat” on the 2nd floor. Buncha set (Buncha + Jjajo + drink) Wait 10-15 minutes during lunch time. Dinner is leisurely.

18:30

Buncha restaurant became famous after Obama visited. A combination of charcoal-grilled pork, rice noodles, and sweet and sour Nuoc Mam sauce. It's always crowded with locals, but turnover is quick.

Recommended: Buncha Set (Buncha + Jjajo + Drink) VND 60,000 (약 3,200원) ⏰ Wait 10-15 minutes during lunch time. Dinner is leisurely.
💡 There is an Obama set, but it is the same as the regular bundle. Take a photo at the “Obama Seat” on the 2nd floor.
Today's Key Tips

Direct flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi takes about 1 hour. Or by road, 24 hours a day by bus (high road).

Day 7

Hanoi: Halong Bay Day TripHalong Bay Cruise Day Tour Departing from HanoiHalong Bay is 3.5 hours away from Hanoi. A one-night cruise is good, but if you don't have time, a day trip is also worth it.

Halong Bay Cruise Day Tour from Hanoi

1

Halong Bay Cruise Day Tour Conquer Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one day. A spectacular sight created by over 1,600 limestone islands and strangely shaped rocks. Includes lunch on board the cruise, kayaking experience, and cave exploration. Hanoi hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Take motion sickness medication in advance. It may rain from May to September, so prepare a waterproof bag. There is a no-drone zone.

08:00 12시간 (이동 포함)

Conquer Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one day. A spectacular sight created by over 1,600 limestone islands and strangely shaped rocks. Includes lunch on board the cruise, kayaking experience, and cave exploration. Hanoi hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

💡 Take motion sickness medication beforehand. It may rain from May to September, so prepare a waterproof bag. There is a no-drone zone.
Learn More →
Today's Key Tips

Halong Bay is 3.5 hours away from Hanoi. A one-night cruise is good, but if you don't have time, a day trip is also worth it.

Day 8

Hanoi: Ninh Binh Day Trip Halong Bay on Land Ninh Binh to Trang An/Tam Coc Boat Tour Halong Bay for two days in a row is difficult. Take a day off and go to Ninh Binh, or choose one of the two.

Halong Bay on Land Ninh Binh to Trang An/Tam Coc Boat Tour

1

Ninh Binh Tam Coc/Trang An Tour Ninh Binh is called Halong Bay on land. An experience of riding a small boat along a river flowing between rice fields and passing through a limestone cave. Trang An is the filming location of the movie “King Kong: Skull Island.” A photo sanctuary of a lifetime. If you give a tip (VND 50,000) to the lady rowing, she will be happy. If you climb the 500 steps of Hang Mua, you will get a panoramic view of Ninh Binh.

08:00 10시간 (이동 포함)

Ninh Binh is called Ha Long Bay on land. An experience of riding a small boat along a river flowing between rice fields and passing through a limestone cave. Trang An is the filming location of the movie “King Kong: Skull Island.” Life's photo sanctuary.

💡 If you give a tip (VND 50,000) to the rowing lady, she will be happy. If you climb the 500 steps of Hang Mua, you will get a panoramic view of Ninh Binh.
Learn More →
Today's Key Tips

Staying with Halong Bay for two days in a row is difficult. Take a day off and go to Ninh Binh, or choose one of the two.

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