Backpacking SEA: Where to Go in Your First Month
July 4, 2025
I had always dreamed of exploring Southeast Asia. Finally, with a backpack on my shoulders and a one-way ticket to Bangkok, I set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Over the next month, I traveled through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—and the journey turned out to be everything I hoped for, and so much more.
1. Touchdown in Thailand: The Beginning
Landing in Bangkok, I was hit with a mix of nerves and excitement. I had no rigid itinerary—just a list of must-sees and an urge to dive in. My first days were a blur of temples glowing in gold, chaotic street markets, and food stalls serving flavors I’d never tasted before.
Thailand instantly felt like the perfect starting point: friendly people, amazing food, and an easy-on-the-wallet lifestyle. My DTV Visa was a huge advantage, letting me stay longer without worrying about constant visa runs. That freedom set the tone for the rest of my trip.
2. Thailand’s Islands: Sun, Sea & Freedom
After Bangkok, I chased the beaches. From Koh Phi Phi to Phuket and Koh Samui, every stop felt like paradise. Days were spent snorkeling in turquoise waters, hiking for panoramic views, and relaxing on white sand. Nights meant beach parties, music, and the spontaneous friendships that make backpacking so addictive.
Traveling around was surprisingly effortless. Ferries, buses, and cheap flights made it easy to move wherever the adventure called. The DTV Visa gave me flexibility, so I could stay longer in places I loved—or switch plans when something new caught my eye.
3. Cambodia: History and Humanity
Crossing into Cambodia brought a whole new rhythm. Siem Reap and its legendary Angkor Wat temples were breathtaking—standing before ruins that had survived centuries felt surreal. But Cambodia’s heart wasn’t just in its monuments—it was in its people.
Visiting Phnom Penh’s Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was sobering, even heartbreaking. Yet, meeting locals who carried such resilience and warmth left me deeply inspired. Cambodia was a lesson in both history and humanity.
4. Vietnam: Chaos and Beauty
Vietnam was my final stop, and it was like stepping into sensory overload—in the best possible way. Hanoi’s buzzing motorbikes, Sapa’s peaceful rice terraces, and the dramatic views along the Hai Van Pass were unforgettable.
I cruised through Halong Bay’s limestone cliffs and fell in love with Vietnamese cuisine—every bowl of pho and cup of street coffee was a highlight in itself. What made it even better was the peace of mind my DTV Visa gave me. While other travelers fretted about extensions, I was free to enjoy every moment.
5. Reflections: More Than Just a Trip
By the time the month ended, I realized this was more than just a trip—it was a journey of growth. I had stepped far outside my comfort zone, discovered new cultures, and built friendships that felt like family.
Each country had its own magic: Thailand’s energy, Cambodia’s resilience, and Vietnam’s contrasts. Together, they created a tapestry of memories I’ll carry forever.
For anyone planning something similar: go for it. And if Thailand is on your list, the DTV Visa is a game-changer—it gives you the freedom to slow down, explore deeply, and truly live the adventure instead of rushing through it.
Southeast Asia is waiting—and it’s even more incredible than you imagine.
I had always dreamed of exploring Southeast Asia. Finally, with a backpack on my shoulders and a one-way ticket to Bangkok, I set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Over the next month, I traveled through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—and the journey turned out to be everything I hoped for, and so much more.
1. Touchdown in Thailand: The Beginning
Landing in Bangkok, I was hit with a mix of nerves and excitement. I had no rigid itinerary—just a list of must-sees and an urge to dive in. My first days were a blur of temples glowing in gold, chaotic street markets, and food stalls serving flavors I’d never tasted before.
Thailand instantly felt like the perfect starting point: friendly people, amazing food, and an easy-on-the-wallet lifestyle. My DTV Visa was a huge advantage, letting me stay longer without worrying about constant visa runs. That freedom set the tone for the rest of my trip.
2. Thailand’s Islands: Sun, Sea & Freedom
After Bangkok, I chased the beaches. From Koh Phi Phi to Phuket and Koh Samui, every stop felt like paradise. Days were spent snorkeling in turquoise waters, hiking for panoramic views, and relaxing on white sand. Nights meant beach parties, music, and the spontaneous friendships that make backpacking so addictive.
Traveling around was surprisingly effortless. Ferries, buses, and cheap flights made it easy to move wherever the adventure called. The DTV Visa gave me flexibility, so I could stay longer in places I loved—or switch plans when something new caught my eye.
3. Cambodia: History and Humanity
Crossing into Cambodia brought a whole new rhythm. Siem Reap and its legendary Angkor Wat temples were breathtaking—standing before ruins that had survived centuries felt surreal. But Cambodia’s heart wasn’t just in its monuments—it was in its people.
Visiting Phnom Penh’s Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was sobering, even heartbreaking. Yet, meeting locals who carried such resilience and warmth left me deeply inspired. Cambodia was a lesson in both history and humanity.
4. Vietnam: Chaos and Beauty
Vietnam was my final stop, and it was like stepping into sensory overload—in the best possible way. Hanoi’s buzzing motorbikes, Sapa’s peaceful rice terraces, and the dramatic views along the Hai Van Pass were unforgettable.
I cruised through Halong Bay’s limestone cliffs and fell in love with Vietnamese cuisine—every bowl of pho and cup of street coffee was a highlight in itself. What made it even better was the peace of mind my DTV Visa gave me. While other travelers fretted about extensions, I was free to enjoy every moment.
5. Reflections: More Than Just a Trip
By the time the month ended, I realized this was more than just a trip—it was a journey of growth. I had stepped far outside my comfort zone, discovered new cultures, and built friendships that felt like family.
Each country had its own magic: Thailand’s energy, Cambodia’s resilience, and Vietnam’s contrasts. Together, they created a tapestry of memories I’ll carry forever.
For anyone planning something similar: go for it. And if Thailand is on your list, the DTV Visa is a game-changer—it gives you the freedom to slow down, explore deeply, and truly live the adventure instead of rushing through it.
Southeast Asia is waiting—and it’s even more incredible than you imagine.
I had always dreamed of exploring Southeast Asia. Finally, with a backpack on my shoulders and a one-way ticket to Bangkok, I set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Over the next month, I traveled through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—and the journey turned out to be everything I hoped for, and so much more.
1. Touchdown in Thailand: The Beginning
Landing in Bangkok, I was hit with a mix of nerves and excitement. I had no rigid itinerary—just a list of must-sees and an urge to dive in. My first days were a blur of temples glowing in gold, chaotic street markets, and food stalls serving flavors I’d never tasted before.
Thailand instantly felt like the perfect starting point: friendly people, amazing food, and an easy-on-the-wallet lifestyle. My DTV Visa was a huge advantage, letting me stay longer without worrying about constant visa runs. That freedom set the tone for the rest of my trip.
2. Thailand’s Islands: Sun, Sea & Freedom
After Bangkok, I chased the beaches. From Koh Phi Phi to Phuket and Koh Samui, every stop felt like paradise. Days were spent snorkeling in turquoise waters, hiking for panoramic views, and relaxing on white sand. Nights meant beach parties, music, and the spontaneous friendships that make backpacking so addictive.
Traveling around was surprisingly effortless. Ferries, buses, and cheap flights made it easy to move wherever the adventure called. The DTV Visa gave me flexibility, so I could stay longer in places I loved—or switch plans when something new caught my eye.
3. Cambodia: History and Humanity
Crossing into Cambodia brought a whole new rhythm. Siem Reap and its legendary Angkor Wat temples were breathtaking—standing before ruins that had survived centuries felt surreal. But Cambodia’s heart wasn’t just in its monuments—it was in its people.
Visiting Phnom Penh’s Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was sobering, even heartbreaking. Yet, meeting locals who carried such resilience and warmth left me deeply inspired. Cambodia was a lesson in both history and humanity.
4. Vietnam: Chaos and Beauty
Vietnam was my final stop, and it was like stepping into sensory overload—in the best possible way. Hanoi’s buzzing motorbikes, Sapa’s peaceful rice terraces, and the dramatic views along the Hai Van Pass were unforgettable.
I cruised through Halong Bay’s limestone cliffs and fell in love with Vietnamese cuisine—every bowl of pho and cup of street coffee was a highlight in itself. What made it even better was the peace of mind my DTV Visa gave me. While other travelers fretted about extensions, I was free to enjoy every moment.
5. Reflections: More Than Just a Trip
By the time the month ended, I realized this was more than just a trip—it was a journey of growth. I had stepped far outside my comfort zone, discovered new cultures, and built friendships that felt like family.
Each country had its own magic: Thailand’s energy, Cambodia’s resilience, and Vietnam’s contrasts. Together, they created a tapestry of memories I’ll carry forever.
For anyone planning something similar: go for it. And if Thailand is on your list, the DTV Visa is a game-changer—it gives you the freedom to slow down, explore deeply, and truly live the adventure instead of rushing through it.
Southeast Asia is waiting—and it’s even more incredible than you imagine.
