Asia Travel Guides
In 2023, we set out on an adventure around South East Asia and Oceania. We saw some amazing sights and creatures and ticked plenty off our bucket list. Of course I also soaked up lots of inspiration for new travel posters.
Below you can find travel guides to help plan your next trip to Asia, as well as fact files for each country we visited.
Tips for Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore coming soon!
* Visa requirements may change so double check with each country’s government (links in each table below)
Vaccine recommendations are based on NaTHNaC. Speak to your doctor or book an appointment at a Travel Clinic before travelling. Many vaccines are available for free in the UK on the NHS.
Average Daily Costs are based on our spending per person. We travelled as a couple, sharing a budget hotel room. Costs includes food, accommodation and activities but not flights/transit to and from the country.
Cambodia Travel Guides
Cambodia is nestled in between Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and is easy to reach from each of its neighbours. The country is most well known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat. Whilst most tourists will travel to Siem Reap to visit the ancient temple, Cambodia has a lot more to offer. Take a trip to the lively capital, Phnom Penh and learn about the country’s more recent history.
| Language | Khmer |
| Currency | Cambodian Riel (KHR) USD widely accepted |
| Visa for UK travellers* | $36, available on arrival. |
| Vaccines Recommended* | Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid |
| Best time to Visit | December – June for dry season |
| Average Daily Costs* | ~ £30- £40 |
Laos Travel Guides
Laos is a beautiful country boasting stunning scenery. Most tourists visit Luang Prabang and Van Vieng for spectacular waterfalls and vibrant culture. The country’s capital, Vientiane, although small also has some unique tourist attractions.
| Language | Lao |
| Currency | Kip (LAK) |
| Visa for UK travellers* | £43, available on arrival. |
| Vaccines Recommended* | Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid |
| Best time to Visit | November – March for dry season |
| Average Daily Costs* | ~ £20- £30 |
Thailand Travel Guides
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in South East Asia and it is easy to see why. The country has a lot to offer from jungle treks to pristine beaches and islands to bustling cities.
Many first-time visitors to Thailand begin with the capital, Bangkok – well known for its extravagant temples and party scene. This is often followed up with a trip south to the pristine beaches of Krabi or Phuket. However, I’d highly recommend Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. The city has a vibrant culture and some fantastic hikes.
| Language | Thai |
| Currency | Baht (THB) |
| Visa for UK travellers* | Not required for visits under 30 days |
| Vaccines Recommended* | Tetanus |
| Best time to Visit | Chiang Mai: Dec-Jan, avoid burning season Feb-Apr Bangkok & Southern Thailand: Dec-Mar for dry season |
| Average Daily Costs* | ~ £15- £30 |
Vietnam Travel Guides
Vietnam is our of my favourite countries in Asia. It has so much to offer beyond the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Be sure to experience the rural side of Vietnam in either Ninh Binh or Sapa. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay is also not to be missed.
| Language | Vietnamese |
| Currency | Dong (VND) |
| Visa for UK travellers* | Not required for visits under 15 days.. |
| Vaccines Recommended* | Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid |
| Best time to Visit | North: Nov-Mar is cool, dry South: Dec-Apr is warm, dry |
| Average Daily Costs* | ~ £18-£25 |
