| One of the most popular destinations for | | | | enjoy the trekking for a day or two. |
| independent travellers and backpackers, South | | | | Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi: Meander slowly down |
| East Asia has stunning Buddhist temples, dense | | | | the Andaman Coast, if you fancy it you can go |
| jungles, bustling markets, exquisite cuisine and | | | | sea kayaking or diving, or hire a motorbike and |
| exotic culture. As one of the most affordable | | | | explore the beaches independently. |
| regions of the world in which to travel | | | | Bus or train south and into Malaysia: This border |
| independently, you can expect incredible value for | | | | crossing is no hassle, once in Malaysia head to |
| money and the trip of a lifetime. Here is a sample | | | | Penang where you can swap your phrasebook |
| itinerary for around 6 weeks backpacking | | | | and catch up on a few big city comforts. |
| Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. | | | | Kualur-Lumpur: Less intense than Bangkok, and an |
| Fly into Bangkok: The start of many South East | | | | easy place to relax, there's plenty to see in KL |
| Asian adventures, Bangkok is the ultimate in | | | | for a couple of days including the Petronas |
| exotic and excitement. Busy, polluted, noisy and | | | | Towers and the historic colonial architecture. |
| intense, the culture shock may be bewildering but | | | | Singapore: Developed, westernised, comfortable, |
| the experience unforgettable. | | | | clean and expensive. An international hub, you can |
| From Bangkok head south by train to Surat | | | | spend a few days seeing the sights and enjoying |
| Thani, then speedboat to Koh Samui: A week or | | | | the food before flying home or onto your next |
| two on the idyllic beaches, eating Tom Yum Soup | | | | destination. |
| and drinking Chang Beer. | | | | Assuming you travel independently as a |
| Khao Sok National Park: Southern Thailand | | | | backpacker, this 6 week trip is likely to cost in |
| contains an area of jungle complete with | | | | the region of $1300 -$1800. |
| monkeys, elephants, and cool lodges to stay and | | | | |