Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are located in the heart of Southeast Asia. These three countries are within close proximity to each other and lie just above the equator. They are known for their stunning temples, street food, and tropical beaches. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are among the safest and most culturally diverse countries in this region. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip to this exotic side of the world!
General Information
Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam fit snugly together forming a peninsula with Malaysia beneath them. Thailand is a few hours away from China and has a mountainous landscape while Cambodia has flood plains and Vietnam is a tropical forest with the Red River Delta. Beliefs in this area are based around spiritual values and respectfulness towards humans and nature. The locals are warm and friendly, life there is affordable and fast-paced and the food is a combination of meats, spices, and rice.
What to Pack
Make sure to pack light when traveling to Southeast Asia, here is a list of the essentials:
Sunscreen or rain jacket
It depends on the season that you’re visiting as these countries are known to have extreme heat and torrential downpours.
Travel insurance
This is a necessity in case of a medical emergency, it may cost a few hundred extra but worth it to stay protected.
Toilet paper
Toilet paper is not used as squat toilets are the norm so if you would like some, make sure to have some handy!
Bug spray
Southeast Asia is near the equator so it’s the perfect climate for various species of bugs. Cover up with bug spray anytime you are outside!
Adaptor
You’ll want to make sure that you have a world-traveling adaptor compatible with different plugins.
Backpack
Backpacking is common in this region and backpacks are a secure place to keep your belongings as you are sightseeing.
Imodium
It is common for foreigners to get sick after eating exotic foods, just trust that it won’t last forever!
Weather
The weather in Southeast Asia is generally warm and humid. There is a wet and dry season. During the wet season (which is generally from May-October) monsoons and torrential downpours are to be expected. The dry season (about November-April) is usually the coolest time of the year to visit with temperatures of around 80°. Whether you visit during the rainy season or the dry season, it’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience with tons of fun things to do!
Things to Do
Southeast Asia is known for its backpacking trails with many exciting places to explore. There are river tours available to spend a quiet moment in nature, massive rice fields to observe, and martial arts professionals. Spice markets dot the streets and chefs are on standby to teach cooking lessons about authentic asian cuisine. There is wildlife to enjoy (namely elephants!) and mind-blowing sunsets to see. Between Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, there are over 45,000 temples in the area with the Angor wat temple being the largest one. Regardless of if you are planning on enjoying the outdoors, learning about the national history, or getting to know the locals, this region has something to do for people of all ages.
Transportation
There are several different transportation options for getting around Asia. Airfare between countries can be cheap but there are also trains, ferries, and buses if you would like to meet new people! The buses usually leave when they are completely full so try and get to know the person next to you as you are riding together. It’s okay if you can’t catch a spot- they pass through frequently. The traffic in downtown areas can get pretty bad, so don’t be afraid to ride in a classic tuk-tuk as the drivers are more familiar with the traffic laws and the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for travel scams and make sure that the taxi drivers are using their meters because if they don’t, you might get overcharged!
Food
Southeastern Asian cuisine tend to have vegetables, meat, and rice. Authentic Asian food is flavorful due to the wide variety of spices available in the markets. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, it’s best to go to places that are crowded because the locals know the best quality restaurants! Don’t be afraid to try their delicious street food with an array of dishes of noodles, soups, sandwiches, meats and salads. Desserts are available too though they are not the desserts we typically think of in the United States. The sweets in Asia are creamier and fruity. The mango sticky rice is a staple of Thailand!
Culture
Be sure that you are up-to-date about proper greetings and behavior in each specific country. For example, shaking hands is not the proper way greet a local, instead it is custom to press palms together while taking a small bow. When entering in the spiritual temples, no shoes are allowed and all clothing must cover shoulders, legs, and stomach as to not cause offense. The soles of the feet are considered the most unclean part of the body so it is best to avoid showing the soles of your feet or pointing your feet at people. Thailand is known as the “land of the smiles” because everyone looks so happy! Their happy-go-lucky attitude is contagious.
Are you ready to go on an adventure across the world? Southeastern Asia is the place for you. Acanela offers fun, affordable trips for anyone that likes to try new things! Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are packed full of exciting cultural experiences and you won’t want to miss out on this action-packed journey. Southeastern Asia is waiting for you! Book now here.
Post written by Annelin Stephens