Explore South East Asia

Locations:

Vietnam Thailand Singapore Malaysia Laos Indonesia Cambodia

Call:

0845 3 447 667

Product Details

"Around the world tickets" (a.k.a 'Round the World' or 'RTW' tickets) are a series of single flights built into one ticket. Valid for 12 months - this ticket literally takes you "Around the World" - making this one of the cheapest way to do a big trip to Australia.

How do they work?
Simple - choose the regions / countries you want to visit on your way to Australia and then on the way back. You can build your own ticket - for example - the most popular route is:

London - Los Angeles [USA] - Fiji - Cook Islands [Pacific Islands] - New Zealand - Australia - Singapore - travel overland to - Thailand - London

Price guide:
- Basic routes (4-6 stops) leaving off peak (April-August) cost as little as £800 (incl. taxes*)
- Many stops on many Continents leaving at peak times (Nov-Dec) could cost £2,500+ all-in
- Most people: leave Sept, Oct, Jan-March and pay £1,500-£1,800 (incl. taxes*)

* BEWARE! Watch out for 'Fr' or 'From' [e.g. Fr £566] and what look like really cheap RTW tickets. Once you include taxes and your travel dates the price will be similar to above.

Around the World via South East Asia

Visit South East Asia and you'll never want to leave. From the hectic hustle bustle of Bangkok, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City to the laid back beaches of the southern islands, the ancient splendour of Angkor Wat and the traditional tranqulity of Laos, there's an insane amount to explore. Book your flight, stick on your conical hat, hail a tuk-tuk and get started.

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"BUILD YOUR OWN" AROUND THE WORLD TRIP: 3 easy steps

1. Read below what gapyear.com users have to say about South East Asia
2. Find out what you can do and where
3. Decide whether to build this region into your RTW ticket

When you're ready to compare the routes you like, or if you're struggling and need assistance, simply call 0845 3 447 667 or enquire through our online system and we'll help you with the rest. Details at the bottom of this page.

1. THE KEY RTW STOPS IN THIS SOUTH EAST ASIA...

Bangkok [Thailand], Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City [Vietnam]

2. POPULAR ROUTES THAT INCLUDE SOUTH EAST ASIA:

London - Johannesburg [South Africa] - Ho Chi Minh City [Vietnam] - travel overland to - Bangkok [Thailand] - Sydney [Australia] - Christchurch - travel overland to - Auckland [New Zealand] - Fiji - Cook Islands [Pacific Islands] - L.A. - travel overland to - San Francisco [USA] - London

London - Beijing - travel overland to - Hong Kong [China] - Bangkok [Thailand] - travel overland to - Singapore - Bali [Indonesia] - Sydney - travel overland to - Melbourne [Australia] - Auckland [New Zealand] - Santiago [Chile] - travel overland to - Buenos Aires [Argentina] - Sao Paulo - travel overland to - Rio De Janeiro [Brazil] - London

London - Bangkok [Thailand] - travel overland to - Singapore - Bali [Indonesia] - Darwin - Cairns - travel overland to - Sydney [Australia] - Fiji [Pacific Islands] - Auckland [New Zealand] - Santiago [Chile] - travel overland to - Buenos Aires [Argentina] - London

London - Bangkok [Thailand] - travel overland to - Singapore - Bali [Indonesia] - Sydney [Australia] - Christchurch - travel overland to - Auckland [New Zealand] - Johannesburg - travel overland to - Cape Town [South Africa] -London

London - Bangkok [Thailand] - travel overlandto - Singapore - Perth - Sydney [Australia] - Auckland [New Zealand] - Fiji [Pacific Islands] - L.A. [USA] - Mexico City - travel overland to - Cancun [Mexico] - London

3. THINGS TO SEE & DO IN South East Asia

1. The Grand Palace, Bangkok
2. Thai Boxing
3. Full moon party
4. Hill tribes and trekking in the north
5. Beaches, islands and diving in the south

1. Kuala Lumpur
2. Melaka
3. The Petronas Towers
4. Jungle, orangutans
5. Penang (beautiful island)
6. Taman Negara (for trekking)
7. The Cameron Highlands.

1. Orchard Road (for the latest gadgets)
2. A temple tour
3. A night safari
4. Take the cable car to Sentosa Island
5. Visit Little India and China Town.

1. Climb a volcano on Java
2. See Komodo dragons
3. Surf, chill out and party on Bali
4. Monkeys and traditional dancing in Ubud, Bali
5. Longhouses and jungle trekking in Kalimantan.

1. Explore Viet Cong tunnels
2. Have a go at the nearby shooting range
3. Take a motorcycle tour with the 'Easy Riders'
4. Chill out on beaches, see the beauty of Halong Bay
5. Chill out in Hoi An.

1. The Plain of Jars (just weird)
2. Four Thousand Islands (see freshwater dolphins)
3. Go trekking, stay with the hill tribes
4. See Luang Prabang and its beautiful temples
5. Go tubing (with a cold beer) in Vang Vieng.

1. See Angkor Wat (one of the most amazing sights on the planet)
2. Beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville
3. Jungle trekking and elephant riding in Rattankiri.

The most popular trip around this region:

Thailand - Malaysia - Singapore

Most people tend to arrive in Bangkok, head North to Chaing Mai for jungle elephant trekking and then south towards Singapore, stopping off at the Thai paradise islands of Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan (East Coast), Ko Phi Phi (West Coast) and the Malaysian Islands / jungle on the way through.

However, it's a beautiful, diverse, safe, easy and dirt cheap region to travel around so consider doing more. It is pretty easy to loop through Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos using a mixture of bus and boat travel.

Our recommended trip:

Bangkok [Thailand] - Siem Reap [Cambodia] - Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi - Vientiane [Vietnam] - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Chiang Khong [Laos] - Chiang Mai - Bangkok - Ko Tao [Thailand] - Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia] - Singapore then a short flight to Indonesia - travel through to Bali.

This is a very well trodden route that takes in all the major sites - which means it's easy to get around, everything is on tap when you want it (accommodation, transport, backpacker tours) and loads of backpackers are on hand to point you in the right direction. You get a bit of everything - ancient cities, jungles, hill tribes, golden temples, vibrant markets, paradise islands, parties and beautiful beaches. Two months would be enough to do that at a fairly leisurely pace, but you can pick and choose your favourite parts if you're pressed for time. Budget internal flights are readily available and an affordable timesaver in South East Asia, but they're not as much fun as travelling overland!

South East Asia is a truly amazing part of an already pretty cool (and massive) continent. It's got everything you could ask for - lush green rice paddies, vibrant cities with insane night life, lovely people, golden temples and golden palaces, paradise islands, rural areas almost untouched by the 20th century (let alone the 21st), beaches like you see in, well, in The Beach and water buffalo on bits of string. Oh yes, lots of them.

What others say about this region...

Tom Garrett: "My favourite place was Cambodia. I learnt a lot about the history and the Cambodians were the nicest people I have ever met. I would love to go back. Plus Sihanoukville is great..."

Becky Knott: "My favourite place is definately Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia because it’s so diverse, so hot and sleepy in the day and really comes alive after dark - its definitely my kind of city..."

Thailand

Adam Lunn writes...
In Thailand you can find cheap and varied food, cheap excursions, friendly Thai people, smiles, humid weather, street stalls, beaches, night markets, a lively nightlife in Bangkok, beautiful temples, friendly monks, the King and floating markets! That should do you for starters.

Lorraine Bridges writes...
Bangkok was more an exciting place of growth and energy than a hotbed of prostitution as I’d expected... a place where visitors could choose between snake blood offerings and marbled shopping malls - where businessmen and monks live together in spiritual harmony.

Everything in Thailand is worth experiencing - a highlight in Bangkok is Chatuchak weekend market at Mo Chit. Past the tie-dye tops, fake jeans and other tourist fare there are the rising and dipping cries of locals bartering. Birds, fish, even gibbons changing hands. Cocks fighting, stalls selling dried meat and fish - every imaginable smell racing up the aisles to greet you. Giant Buddhas on the next stall, rugs, paintings, plants... The stifling heat that besets this covered market makes the experience all the more intense.

Summary

A definite stop-over favourite. Rates highly for affordability (more expensive maybe than Laos and Vietnam, but cheaper than Australia and the US), diving, being on the backpacker trail, shopping and things to do and see. The country, people and culture are amazing. Easy to travel around but very different from home, so perfect for backpackers. You will stop here on your RTW, you will visit the islands of Samui and Phanang, but make sure you consider heading north to Laos, Cambodia etc. if this country floats your boat.

Malaysia

Adrian Slack writes...
The thing I found about Malaysia was that it's somewhere in the middle. If you come in from Cambodia or Thailand you'll be relieved by the great English everyone speaks, the decent transport system and the overall organisation and quality of everything. But if you come in from Australia or other first world countries you're gonna notice the poorer lifestyles and general lack of organisation and quality! However, Malaysia does have it all, with stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, friendly people and lots of stuff to do.

When I first went to Malaysia I travelled up the West Coast first visiting Kuala Lumpur (a crazy city!) and the islands of Penang and Langkowi (no tax - think cheap, cheap drinks!). The second time I visited the Perhentian Islands; surely the most beautiful islands in the country and rivalling those in plenty of other more popular places. It's so hot on the beach you just have to get in the water. But then it's so hot in the sea you have to get back on to the beach! Aaaahhhh!

Summary

Most people leave Malaysia without realising how much they could have done and seen there. A very affordable (on a par with Thailand), easy to get around destination, the English language also helps to make it more familiar to first-timers. From the jungles to the islands (including the big one of Borneo), all now accessible with good, cheap, internal air passes, there is a huige diversity worth seeing. Full of backpackers, but less obvious i.e. not in small areas in great hordes like in Thailand. Well worth a visit.

Singapore

Jon Brown writes...
Singapore is a small island with a variety of stunning attractions and extremely friendly people. Lying to the south of Malaysia, it has made itself the busiest port in the world, a major financial centre and one of the most popular stop-overs for travellers.

With a wealth of beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples, delicious local foods, vast markets, and a friendly population; it’s easy to understand why backpackers choose Singapore. Singapore’s mixed population has created an astonishing diversity of life on the island. A mixture of Chinese, Malay and Indian peoples, this SE Asian port has become a perfect example of ethnic and religious harmony. Although there are few westerners other than the traveller, English is one of the national languages and so there are few problems with communication.

Being such a small island, it is easy to think that there would be limited things to do and see - but this statement could not be less true. On a typical four-day stay, you can expect to be organising your time to cram it all in; Sentosa island, Little India, China-town, night safaris, elephant rides and shopping in Orchard Road are but a few things that you could expect to do.

Summary

As an island state, even the plankiest of backpackers will be able to find their way around! Slightly more expensive than the other South-East Asian destinations, it is still cheaper than the US and Australia. Shopping scores high as does being on the backpacker trail - the hostels will be full of them! Limited number of things to do, so you'll find your time there not going beyond three to four days on average.

Indonesia

Cara Grayling writes...
Indonesia is a huge and incredibly diverse nation. It is a land of contrasts. Beggars sit outside glitzy shopping malls, the population ranges from tribespeople who live in jungle longhouses to designer clad city dwellers with mobile phones. Hawker stalls sell food for a few pence down the road from upmarket restaurants offering fusion cuisine.

Indonesia is a great destination for outdoors and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s got volcanoes, jungle, lakes, diving and a profusion of wildlife - orangutans, elephants, rhinos, and a variety of birds. The archipelago is made up of nine main regions - Java, Bali, Sumatra, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku, Irian Jaya, West Papua and Kalimantan. Of these, Bali, Java and Sumatra are the most touristed.

Indonesia has a turbulent and interesting history. This is mainly because it has such a diversity of religions and cultures, which have not always co-existed peacefully. This also means a rich cultural heritage, with excellent arts and crafts. The main religion is Islam, but of a less strict form than in the middle East. Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism are also found, as are ancient nature worshipping beliefs. The main language is Bahasa Indonesia.

Summary
Scores highly for being on the backpacker trail, being affordable and with having loads of photo opportunities. Traditionally the start or end point for the Bangkok to Bali overland trip, so geared up towards backpackers. For many this is the big culture shock destination on their trip - a different language, culture, food options - far removed from home. Not as easy to travel around as Malaysia or Thailand, but first timers always manage it OK. Cheap destination, your money will go far. If you're just doing the basic S.E.Asia trip, make sure you add this one in.

Vietnam

Emma Gittens writes...
Shaped like a wonky pork chop and twice the size of the UK; though it didn’t have a Lonely Planet guide until 1991, Vietnam now ranks alongside Thailand, Cambodia and Laos as one of the most popular backpacker destinations in South East Asia; with the resulting boom in tourism making it an easy and safe country to travel through. The landscape is stunning, from the mist-shrouded mountains of SaPa to the sand dunes of Mui Ne and the mighty Mekong Delta - if the rice wine hasn’t taken all your breath away, the scenery surely will.

Little mention is made of the war (though its lingering after-effects are seen in hospitals, orphanages and on street corners) and the people here bear no grudge towards their former Western ‘enemies’. Waiting at traffic lights in Hanoi, a girl with peroxide blond highlights on a Vespa scooter sends text messages; next to her a sun-wizened old woman in a conical hat adjusts the brace of live ducks dangling from the handlebars of her bicycle. Everywhere you’ll see examples of this curious mix of old and new, in a country retaining its ancient values and traditions whilst slowly embracing the ways of the West.

Summary

Compared to places like Thailand and Singapore, Vietnam is a challenging country to visit. But don't let this put you off. If you did, you'd miss out on a nation packed with culture, history and beautiful sights. It's got some surprises too, such as the fab shopping opportunities in Hoi An. There's a lightly-trodden backpacker trail, and - you'll probably find - a nice number of fellow backpackers (not too many, not too few).

Laos

Emma Gould writes...
Laos makes a welcome change from the hectic lifestyles in the rest of SE Asia and is by far the least developed and most unspoilt of the countries - as much as 85% of the landscape is still natural. The people are really friendly and it's nice to be somewhere where it's still fairly rare to see other Western people.

Travel in Laos is not as easy as in other countries and being crammed in a Government bus with people standing and even sitting on plastic stools in the aisle is a common occurrence but all adds to the charm of the country.

Who wants to spend all their time in buses full of tourists anyway?! Accommodation and food are cheap and you can probably get by on as little as £4 a day, not counting money for "Beerlao" (famous Laotian beer) of course! I would definitely recommend Laos to anybody - it has a unique laid-back charm and the countryside is stunning

Summary

Whether you like Laos depends on your attitude to travel and your level of experience. It's a country often described as unspoilt: this means that it's green, laid-back, characterful and cheap, but also that it's difficult to get around, and short on nightclubs and Mars Bars.

Cambodia

Amy Lambert writes...
The small, predominantly Buddhist kingdom of Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. It also has beautiful beach resorts, remote national parks, fertile floodplains - used for growing rice - and densely-forested hills.

Buddhism has a profound effect on daily life in Cambodia: many Cambodian males spend time in a Buddhist monastery, and almost every village has a Buddhist temple. Another strong influence on modern Cambodia is its tragic recent history - the Khmer Rouge killed over a million Cambodians in the 1970s. If you’re looking for a fascinating South-East Asian country that’s well off the beaten backpacker trail, Cambodia could be for you.

Summary

If you're interested in history and culture, it's worth going to Cambodia for Angkor Wat alone. The country also scores highly for affordability and culture shock (whether the latter is a pro or a con depends on your attitude). Don't come to Cambodia without reading up a bit on its history - this beautiful country has witnessed some true atrocities. However, it has a lot to offer any intrepid travellers.

SOUTH EAST ASIA: SUMMARY

South East Asia has a unique flavour that comes in different strengths. Singapore, Malaysia and particularly Thailand are great for first-timers. Those with a bit more experience can find plenty to suit their tastes in Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos.

IN ADDITION TO YOUR RTW TICKET YOU ARE LIKELY TO NEED:

1. Click on 'Get a quote' above
Hop-on-hop-off bus passes: Baz Bus
Overland truck tours: Check out our overlanding section

2. For Australia
Hop-on-hop-off bus passes: Oz Experience (include tours) OR Greyhound (just bus)
Starter Packs: Work starter pack, Country starter pack
Visas: Working Holiday Visa, Non working Visitors Visa, Study Visa
Tours: (Ayers Rock, Fraser Island, Blue Mountains etc...)
- We suggest you include these as part of your Oz Experience bus tour
- If you are using Greyhound you can book direct using our Tours section

3. For New Zealand
Hop-on-hop-off bus passes: Kiwi Experience, NZ Travel Pass, Magic Bus OR Haka Tours
Starter Packs: Work starter pack, Country Starter Pack
Visas: Working Holiday Visa, Non working Visitors Visa
Tours: We suggest you include these as part of your bus tour and don't book direct

4. For General Travel
Discount Cards: Gap Year Card, VIP, YHA

5. For More Ideas - check out our First Timer's Guides

Explore South East Asia

Locations:

Vietnam Thailand Singapore Malaysia Laos Indonesia Cambodia

Call:

0845 3 447 667

STA Travel is the World's largest youth and independent travel agency. With over 65 branches in the UK and over 450 around the World, you can visit them if you have problems overseas. The Gapyear.com team at STA Travel are on standby to help you plan your dream trip.