south east asia
the beating heart of backpacking
Southeast Asia is one of the best regions in the world for backpacking because you can travel between very different countries without needing to commit to one long route.
The most common backpacker destinations Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia each offer something different, so your trip can be built around the time you have and the type of experience you want.
how long should you go?
Southeast Asia is one of the best places in the world to go backpacking. You can spend weeks moving between countries, with each one offering something completely different: islands and beaches, mountains and jungles, big cities, ancient temples, food, nightlife and some of the biggest backpacker communities anywhere.
The problem is knowing where to go, how long to spend there and what to leave out.
That is where Cowboy comes in. We split each country into three routes based on how much time you have. Combine multiple routes to make a the right South East Asia trip just for you.
short
10-16 days
The Short Route covers the essential places for that country. It is designed for travellers who have limited time but still want to experience what makes the country worth visiting.
classic
16-25 days
The Classic Route is the main backpacker route. It adds more of the country's standout destinations while keeping the journey manageable.
Long
25-35 days
The Long Route is for travellers with more time who want to go beyond the obvious highlights. It adds extra destinations, experiences and different sides of the country.