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    South East Asia Trips & Tours

    Woman looking over Ninh Binh lake in Vietnam
    Download South East Asia Key Facts

    Bursting with cultural experiences and tropical landscapes, it’s easy to see why Southeast Asia is a favourite destination among travellers. Find yourself in paradise while exploring the heavenly beaches of Thailand, the serene waters of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam or the ancient ruins of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. From gazing at the sunrise over Mount Batur in Bali to island-hopping around the Philippines, our Southeast Asia tours are one bucket-list moment to the next. Get ready for the gap year of a lifetime on our trips to Southeast Asia!

    Read more in our South East Asia Travel Guide.

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    South East Asia Highlights

    Golden Buddha statues in Wat Pho temple in Thailand

    Wat Pho - Thailand

    Discover Bangkokā€™s largest reclining Buddha, a true sight to behold. Wander the temple complex as you marvel at the beautiful architecture, and see how important Buddhism is in Bangkok and wider Thailand.

    Sunset over Phi Phi islands in Thailand

    Phi Phi Viewpoint - Thailand

    This iconic island is a hub for backpackers, and the best views across the whole island can be found at Phi Phi Viewpoint. The steps up to the several different stops will feel worth it as you gaze across the picturesque twin bays.

    Stone-carved entrance to Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia

    Angkor Wat - Cambodia

    This Hindu-Buddhist temple is considered the largest religious structure in the world, located in Siem Reap. The best time to go is sunrise to witness the orange sky beautifully reflected in the surrounding waters.

    Misty peaks of Mount Batur in Bali

    Mount Batur - Bali

    Trekking up the active volcano, Mount Batur, at sunrise is one of the top experiences you will never forget. The 2 hours hike to the summit will reward you with vast views above the clouds and the opportunity to cook yourself breakfast using the heat from the volcano.

    People in board on a river in Hoi An, Vietnam

    Hoi An - Vietnam

    With diverse cultural influences, Hoi An is a lively city that offers unique experiences. Stroll along the river, and watch as it illuminates with paper lanterns after dark. Learn how to make your own lantern and jump in a boat to let it float in the water. Feast on the endless delicious food, from pho to banh tom.

    Aerial view of the bay of El Nido and surrounding islands in the Philippines

    Palawan - The Philippines

    Ideal for travellers looking for an authentic experience in the Philippines, mixed with dreamy blue waters, magical marine life and pristine beaches. Uncover popular spots such as Coron and El Nido, as well as hidden bays to snorkel in.

    Komodo National Park in Indonesia

    Komodo National Park - Indonesia

    Consisting of three large islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as 26 smaller islands, Komodo National Park will leave you in awe of its natural beauty. Many embark on an overnight Komodo Island boat trip to experience these unique sights, get a glimpse of Komodo dragons, and experience a new side of Indonesia.

    Boats sitting in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam with surrounding islands

    Ha Long Bay - Vietnam

    Tick this UNESCO World Heritage site off your bucket list as you soak up incredible views of the limestone islands. Stay on an overnight boat to cruise Ha Long Bay, and hop out to paddle the calming waters in a kayak. Some Ha Long Bay cruises will also take you to tranquil Cat Ba Island, considered more of a hidden gem.

    Orangutan in a tree in Sepilok, Borneo

    Sepilok - Borneo

    Adventure through the enchanting rainforest, the dream destination for wildlife lovers. Famous for the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, you are sure to fall in love with this cheeky wildlife, whilst learning about how the centre cares for injured and orphaned orangutans. You can also see the important work done at Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

    People walking on a walkway suspended between tree-like structures in Supertree Grove in Singapore

    Gardens of the Bay - Singapore

    On the Marina Bay Waterfront, Gardens of the Bay boasts the Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, Cloud Forest, and Supertree Grove. Marvel at the colourful conservatories and feel like youā€™re walking through a real-life fairy tale. At night, witness the magic of the spectacular light shows.

    South East Asia Travel Advice

    Pristine beach in Thailand with islands in the distance

    Climate & Weather

    The climate varies across South East Asia and will depend on which country you are visiting. Generally, the dry season falls from December to April, whilst the rainy season is from May to October. Many love visiting in the rainy season due to lower costs and rainfall is often heavy but short. Due to the vastness of the climate, there will always be somewhere with great weather no matter when you plan your visit.

    Colourful lanterns displayed for Vietnam new years festival

    Best Time to Visit

    Travellers should think about what they are looking to experience during their trip to South East Asia. For a sunny Christmas on the beach, visit the Philippines. Celebrate the Vietnamese and Chinese New Year in February to experience the amazing culture. Songkran, which is the Thai New Year celebration, brings special water fights to the streets in April.

    Gold buddhist statues in a Thai temple

    Customs & Culture

    Customs and culture will vary depending on where you visit in South East Asia. Generally, travellers should dress modestly when visiting sacred sites, temples and mosques. Countries in Southeast Asia hold great respect for their elders and travellers should do the same.

    In destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and you should not touch another person's head. You may stay in a homestay or guest house, and it will be expected that you leave your shoes at the door. You will also be expected to remove your shoes at some temples.

    Red and blue british passports

    Passports & Visas

    British passport holders can enter a few different destinations in South East Asia without needing a visa. If a visa is required, this usually only takes a few steps and can typically be done either online or upon arrival. General passport requirements typically include that your passport has an expiry date of at least 6 months after the date that you enter a country, with enough space for stamps and visas (i.e. 2 blank pages).

    Visa rules and regulations are subject to change, so we recommend staying up to date on FCDO advice before travelling to any destination. This includes any areas that you may have a layover in.

    Traveller sitting on a rock overlooking islands in the water in Thailand

    Health & Safety

    At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.

    We strongly recommend checking FCDO advice for destination-specific details, as it’s regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The quick answer is, yes definitely! South East Asia is brimming with like-minded, solo travellers who want to explore just like you. Whether you want to experience new cultures, explore scenic landscapes or party in beach bars, youā€™ll never truly be alone when solo travelling in South East Asia. The best way to meet people is by staying in hostels and joining a group tour so you have instant friends to travel with.

    This depends on the destinations you visit, and activities you would like to do. If you plan to be a true budget backpacker, you can find accommodation in most countries from Ā£5-Ā£20. If you eat local food, you can get meals for less than Ā£5! You will need to budget more for traveller favourites, like Thailandā€™s islands, compared to destinations like Laos. Many backpacker's biggest cost is alcohol, so take into account how much you want to go out in the evenings. You will also need to budget more if you plan to do some of the big, bucket-list experiences, like scuba diving.

    South East Asia is filled with so many diverse activities and experiences. The important thing to remember is that you will have lots of opportunities to do laundry, so donā€™t overpack! Pack light, breathable clothing for hot and humid temperatures. Pack something that covers your shoulders and long trousers/skirts that cover your knees for visiting religious sites. Bring a light rain jacket for showers. Bring a comfortable day bag and reliable shoes for light trekking and exploring cities. If you plan to do more intense hiking, consider packing good walking boots.

    Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UKā€™s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.

    Whilst it is possible to bring a suitcase to South East Asia, many travellers find that bringing a backpack provides an easier travel experience. Backpacks are less hassle when jumping in and out of boats and other transport, and are straightforward to store. You may find it more convenient to get a backpack that zips open like a suitcase, so you can access your belongings more easily. If you do want to bring a suitcase, consider a soft suitcase.

    When staying in hostels, you will most likely have access to free WiFi. Free WiFi is also readily available in many cafes and restaurants, especially in the more popular travel destinations such as Thailandā€™s islands or Canggu in Bali. It is also easy to get a local SIM or an e-SIM when travelling South East Asia, so you will be connected at all times. You may have some nights where you stay in remote destinations, or in homestays/guesthouses, where you will most likely not have signal or access to the internet.

    South East Asia Trip Reviews

    4.7
    Rating
    611
    Reviews

    Elizabeth Lannie

    An amazing 12 days that I wish had lasted longer!

    Juliet Jackson

    It was a fantastic, eye opening experience. I truly felt that I had made the right decision to travel this way, met some amazing people and had the best time

    Chantelle Lawer

    Unforgettable experience with wonderful people in paradise

    Emily Lintern

    I felt that the team were friendly and helpful when I was booking my trip. I was worried about travelling to Southeast Asia for the first time, so felt this was a great way to explore new countries in a safe way. I felt the trip…

    Alice Wilson

    Trip of a lifetime!

    Lydia Wang

    Best month of my life!

    Ryanne Storey

    Great Tour, so many activities packed into such a short time. Everything organised perfectly. Tour leader Rachel was great. So friendly and accommodating.

    Gigi Takhar

    I had an amazing time on the 13-day Philippines tour and made so many great memories. It was so well organised and the activities were all great. My leader Marek was brilliant! He made our experience so memorable. He's so…

    Kristyna Clarke

    Awesome and friendly staff, who were alway happy to answer my emails and calls. No matter how many bizzar questions I asked! Thanks guys!

    Davita Patel

    I've had the time of my life. Simply Amazing!

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