Page 40 iGap Travel Guide 2022
P. 40
iGap Travel Guide | Asia
40
DEFYING CLICHÉS
Backpacking through
Southeast Asia
In recent years, the thought of backpacking
through Southeast Asia has become loaded with
stereotypes of ridiculously posh teenagers with
dreadlocks attempting to ‘find themselves’, making
the prospect considerably less attractive to anyone
wanting to explore this gorgeous part of the
world. Countries like Thailand have become fairly
commercialised over the past decade and are now
almost a boring option for young people to take a
gap year in. Despite all this, there is still a wealth of
fantastic destinations for you to take a year out in to
discover this wonderful part of the world, whilst also
avoiding breaking the bank or following the heard.
One of the main misconceptions of travelling round
Southeast Asia is that you need a never-ending pool
of savings to stay there for a prolonged period of
time. While it is true that any flights to and from the
area will be expensive, no matter which company you
travel with, you may be surprised to discover just how
cheap the cost of living is over there. Rooms in Laos
and Cambodia are available for as little as 8,000-
20,000 KHR or 16,000-40,500 LAK (the equivalent of
£1.30 or $2), whilst hostels in Vietnam and Indonesia
cost closer to £8 in their respective currencies. Food is
also extremely cheap by western standards, particular
when sampling local delicacies and street food which
you can easily live off for just a few pounds a day.
Even purchasing European and American cuisine here
will frequently work out cheaper than if you were to
purchase them in their country of origins.
THE ASTONISHING VALUE
THAT YOU GET CAN FROM THIS
PART OF THE WORLD MEANS
IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE ON
AROUND £10 PER DAY
Using public transportation here also provides decent
value for money, with many long train journeys
through the continent costing less than a tenner.
This method of getting around can become an
arduous experience, as some of the journeys last
upwards of 12 hours, so try and bear this in mind
before booking. The astonishing value that you get
can from this part of the world means it is possible
to live on around £10 per day, though you’d be
advised to spend slightly more if you want to live
comfortably during your travels.
People looking to explore the lesser-known parts
of Southeast Asia will find plenty to enjoy in Laos,
a tiny country that combines many of the most
popular elements of the region in a more chilled-
40
DEFYING CLICHÉS
Backpacking through
Southeast Asia
In recent years, the thought of backpacking
through Southeast Asia has become loaded with
stereotypes of ridiculously posh teenagers with
dreadlocks attempting to ‘find themselves’, making
the prospect considerably less attractive to anyone
wanting to explore this gorgeous part of the
world. Countries like Thailand have become fairly
commercialised over the past decade and are now
almost a boring option for young people to take a
gap year in. Despite all this, there is still a wealth of
fantastic destinations for you to take a year out in to
discover this wonderful part of the world, whilst also
avoiding breaking the bank or following the heard.
One of the main misconceptions of travelling round
Southeast Asia is that you need a never-ending pool
of savings to stay there for a prolonged period of
time. While it is true that any flights to and from the
area will be expensive, no matter which company you
travel with, you may be surprised to discover just how
cheap the cost of living is over there. Rooms in Laos
and Cambodia are available for as little as 8,000-
20,000 KHR or 16,000-40,500 LAK (the equivalent of
£1.30 or $2), whilst hostels in Vietnam and Indonesia
cost closer to £8 in their respective currencies. Food is
also extremely cheap by western standards, particular
when sampling local delicacies and street food which
you can easily live off for just a few pounds a day.
Even purchasing European and American cuisine here
will frequently work out cheaper than if you were to
purchase them in their country of origins.
THE ASTONISHING VALUE
THAT YOU GET CAN FROM THIS
PART OF THE WORLD MEANS
IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE ON
AROUND £10 PER DAY
Using public transportation here also provides decent
value for money, with many long train journeys
through the continent costing less than a tenner.
This method of getting around can become an
arduous experience, as some of the journeys last
upwards of 12 hours, so try and bear this in mind
before booking. The astonishing value that you get
can from this part of the world means it is possible
to live on around £10 per day, though you’d be
advised to spend slightly more if you want to live
comfortably during your travels.
People looking to explore the lesser-known parts
of Southeast Asia will find plenty to enjoy in Laos,
a tiny country that combines many of the most
popular elements of the region in a more chilled-
