Travel tips for while you’re backpacking Southeast Asia and Australia, or some travel inspiration if you’re sat at a desk wishing you were here. Written by backpackers living or traveling around this side of the world. We’ve got travel advice for Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Midnight Express to the Border First things first: skip the bus because your spine will thank you later. You want to grab a ticket for Train No. 25 (Special Express), which is the shiny, modern Chinese-built sleeper. It departs from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at 8:25 PM and rolls into Nong Khai at 6:25 AM. It’s basically a giant slumber party on wheels, and if you’re smart, you’ll book a 2nd Class A/C Lower Berth (~994 THB or approximately 32 USD) via the 12Go website at least a week early. Once you pull into Nong Khai, grab a quick street coffee and jump in a 10-minute tuk-tuk (50-80 THB or approximately 2-3 USD) to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to get your exit stamps. The Border Shuffle and the Northern Pivot Crossing into Laos is a bit of a dance, but don’t let it stress you out. You can’t walk across the bridge, so you’ll pay 20-25 THB (~1-2 USD) for the shuttle bus to the Lao side. For the Visa on Arrival, make sure you have a pristine $40 USD bill—if it has a tiny rip or even a deep crease, the officers will reject it. Since the slow boat actually starts way up north in Huay Xai, most travelers head to Chiang Rai first. From there, you need to catch the 7:30 AM local bus from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 to Chiang Khong. It’s a 2-hour ride (65 THB or approximately 2 USD) that gets you to the border in time to cross over to the Huay Xai pier for the main event. Two Days of Slow Boat Bliss The boat is where the real magic happens, so head to the Huay Xai pier and grab your 2-day ticket for about 400,000 Kip ($18-20). The boat usually pulls out between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM once it’s “full enough,” and while your ticket has a seat number, everyone absolutely ignores them—board as early as possible and avoid the back of the boat unless you want a deafening engine vibrating your skull for six hours. You’ll drift past limestone cliffs and jungle until you hit the tiny village of Pakbeng around 5:00 PM. Grab a cheap 100,000 Kip (~$5) room, eat some legendary Indian food at Khopchaideu, and be back on the boat by 8:15 AM the next morning to reclaim a good seat for the final 8-hour stretch to Luang Prabang. Arrival When you finally arrive at the Luang Prabang Pier (Ban Don) around 4:30 PM, keep in mind you’ll be about 10km outside the city center. Don’t waste your energy trying to haggle with the crowd of drivers at the water’s edge; instead, walk up the narrow stairs to the official ticket building on the right. Buy a shared tuk-tuk ticket for the flat rate of 20,000-30,000 Kip (~$1-2), and they’ll pile you into a truck for the final 15-minute leg of the journey. By the time you hit the night market for some coconut pancakes, you’ll realize the “slow way” was actually the best way. Backpacker Essentials Don’t be the rookie who shows up unprepared. Make sure to pack these: Is it worth it? Absolutely. While the “fast way” gets you there, the “slow way” gives you the story. You’ll see remote villages unreachable by road, watch elephants bathe in the river, and actually have time to process the madness of your trip so far. By the time you hit the night market in Luang Prabang for some coconut pancakes, you’ll realize the journey was the best part. Know More About Bangkok to…
Group Trips: All Planned, No Surprises Group trips offer a set itinerary, with accommodation and transport sorted out for you. You follow a schedule, see the main sights, and move along with the group. It’s straightforward, but it comes with limits. Pros of Group Trips Stress-Free Planning Everything’s pre-arranged. How to get from A to B won’t be a worry for you. The tour company handles it. Good for New Travelers First time backpacking? A group trip can be less intimidating. With everything taken care of, you’ll have a guide and a built-in group of travelers to hang with. Instant Friends Making friends is a breeze! You’ll be with the same group throughout the entire trip, sharing experiences from start to finish. Cons of Group Trips Stuck to a Schedule You don’t have much say in the itinerary. Early mornings, set time limits, and no flexibility if you want to stay longer somewhere awesome. Tourist Traps Group trips often focus on popular spots, which can mean missing out on the more authentic, local experiences that independent travel allows. More Expensive All-inclusive tours come with a price tag. You’ll pay upfront for convenience, and there’s usually little wiggle room to control your spending. Mad Pass: Total Freedom, Your Way With the Mad Pass, you’re in control. Unlimited stays at Mad Monkey Hostels for 30, 60, or 90 days. No fixed schedules, no rushing, just your own adventure, on your own terms. Imagine having one pass with unlimited access to Mad Monkey Hostels in six countries Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Pros of the Mad Pass Full Flexibility There’s no set route. Want to spend a week in Gili T or a quick getaway in Hanoi? You have full control. Move as fast or as slow as you want. Unlimited Stays Stay at any Mad Monkey Hostel across Southeast Asia. One payment, no worries about booking new places. Just show up. Meet New People Everywhere Mad Monkey Hostels are social hubs. Every new location means fresh faces, new friends, and epic hostel events like pub crawls and pool parties. Budget-Friendly The Mad Pass saves you cash. Pay once and your accommodation is covered for up to 90 days. That leaves more budget for street food, adventures, and fun. Real Local Experiences Because you’re not locked into a set plan, you can explore beyond the tourist trail. Follow local tips from fellow travelers and hostel staff, and dive into the culture. Cons of the Mad Pass No Fixed Routine Some people thrive on structure, and the Mad Pass doesn’t come with a daily plan. If you prefer having a strict itinerary with everything mapped out, the freedom of the Mad Pass might feel a little overwhelming at first. So, What’s the Verdict? If you want someone else to plan your trip and like the idea of traveling with the same group, a group tour might work for you. But if you want total freedom, flexibility, and the chance to meet new people everywhere you go, the Mad Pass is hands down the better option. With unlimited stays, the freedom to travel at your own pace, and a budget that works for real backpackers, the Mad Pass offers the adventure you’re really looking for. When it comes to group trips vs Mad Pass, there’s no contest—grab a Mad Pass and start your ultimate Southeast Asia adventure. Need planning tips? Check out our itinerary blogs to make your Southeast Asia adventure planning a breeze. Itinerary in Cambodia for 30 Days: Ultimate Guide for Backpackers 30 Days Itinerary in Thailand: The Ultimate Guide for Backpackers 60 Days Itinerary in…
The Clean Water Project: Impact Across the Loop Access to clean water remains a top priority. This year, we achieved a major milestone in Northern Vietnam: Supporting Students & Education: Building Brighter Futures Education is the cornerstone of sustainable change. In 2025, our properties focused on everything from infrastructure to nutrition and sports: Protecting the Environment: Preserving Our Paradise We are committed to ensuring that the natural beauty of our destinations is preserved for future generations: Community Support Initiatives: The Spirit of Giving Back When our communities face challenges, the Mad Monkey family steps up with heart and action: Sustainability Milestones: Climbing the Staircase We are focused on minimizing our footprint and leading the way in responsible hospitality: As we close the chapter on 2025, we are proud to share that we collectively raised over $14,300 for various charities and organizations. While this figure represents our shared commitment to giving back, the true measure of our efforts lies beyond monetary value. It’s in the countless smiles, strengthened communities, and opportunities we’ve helped create in the places we call home. Together, we’ve shown that meaningful change is possible when we combine purpose with passion. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey in the years to come See the full 2025 Community Impact Report Here
Know What You Can Spend Each Day Before you even leave, figure out roughly how much you can spend daily. Include food, rooms, transport, and some fun money for nights out or tours. You don’t need to track every cent, but having a loose number keeps you from blowing your budget on day three. There are great apps for this stuff, but honestly? Notes on your phone works fine if you actually check it. Stay in Hostels That Save You Money The right hostel can save you way more than a “cheap hotel.” Look for free breakfast, group dinners, or social nights that don’t cost much. Find a social hostel that fits your vibe — you get cheap meals, happy hour deals, and free events. You’ll spend less and still meet people every night. Check out more hostel hacks every traveler needs to know. Eat Like a Local Street food is your wallet’s best friend. Markets and local joints are where you’ll find the best meals anyway. In Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, you can eat well for just a few dollars. Pro tip: follow the locals or the longest queue, it usually means the food’s legit. Walk More, Ride Smart You don’t have to pay for a Grab every time. Walk when you can — it’s free and the best way to actually see a city. For longer trips, use buses or trains. They’re slower, sure, but they keep your budget happy. Mix Paid Tours with Free Adventures You don’t need to spend every day doing something big. Do the paid tour you’ve been eyeing, then balance it with a chill beach day or local market wander. Some hostels post free or cheap activities on their boards. Just ask the staff what’s happening. They usually know the best deals in town. Keep a Backup Fund Stuff happens. Flights get canceled, cards stop working, phones fall in pools. Have a little money set aside that you don’t touch unless it’s a real emergency. Keep a small bit of cash hidden too, just in case. Stay Smart About ATMs and Fees Watch the ATM fees. Try to take out more money less often instead of a bunch of small withdrawals. Look for some travel cards that can save you a few bucks each time. And always use ATMs at banks, not random street corners. Final Thoughts Traveling solo on a budget doesn’t mean saying no to fun. It’s just about being smart with where your money goes. Save on the boring stuff so you can splurge on the memories that matter — the island tours, the night markets, the sunsets that turn into stories. Because traveling alone isn’t about how much you spend — it’s about how well you spend it. Pin Now. Read Later.
