Written by Lois Yasay Ribeiro
Designed and Illustrated by Marie Pottiez
Where should I go
in South East Asia
__________
F o r ew o r d
This book started out as an email reply to Patricia who wrote to me about a trip she
was making in Southeast Asia. She only had 2 months on a limited budget and wasn’t
sure which countries she should visit and how long she should explore each place.
I could have written her a very straightforward reply with a couple of paragraphs and
tips. But I kept on adding places, experiences, and memories into my email that it
evolved into a blog post and ultimately, the book you are now reading.
I started to write to for Patricia, and eventually for my naive, optimistic self
who, at one point, had stared into a map of Southeast Asia and had marvelled
on how vast it was and how small I was in comparison. It was all overwhelming
and exciting at the same time.
But I was able to do it, and so will you.
Looking for shells in Hoi An, Vietnam
I know that the decision to explore Southeast Asia is a gift and equally, a
challenge. And I want to make it a little bit easier for you. I won’t be able to plan your
route or itinerary. But I can help you by ranking all the Southeast Asian countries I’ve
visited to give you an idea of what to expect in those places.
When I first planned this trip in 2011, I was low on money but rich in time. I had just
quit my job and saved around 2,500 USD. I wanted to see how far it would last. These
were my main considerations:
- I wanted to spend a maximum of 30 days in most countries (depending on visa restrictions).
- My budget was tight so I chose to spend more time in less developed countries.
I also tried to avoid urban areas as much as possible and focused on rural ones.
- My travel style was slow backpacking in order to explore more and meet a lot of people.
This isn’t the Ultimate Guide to Southeast Asia. But what you have here is a box
of sorts. I’ve filled it with my most cherished memories, some unexpected
detours, and some secret journeys that I had no idea of before I started this
trip.
I’m now handing it over to you so you can fill it with your own adventures. Every
journey is different. And yours will be very special because you listened to
your heart and said yes.
I hope you fill this box and make it your own. And when you’re ready, go share it
with the world.
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This book is dedicated toBenoit wh
o knew I could. And so I did.
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Where should I go
in South East Asia
__________
Playful monk in Mandalay, Myanmar
ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s
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Where should I go
in South East Asia
_________
w h y s o u t h eas t asia ?
I was 29 when I came up with the idea of exploring the Southeast Asian
region as part of my30 before 30 list.By then, I had already lived in the
Philippines, United States and in Europe and was back in Manila dreaming of
the next destination. I had the misconception that all countries in Southeast Asia
would be “same same”. I was proven wrong. Every country had a distinct culture,
landscape and people. But there were a lot of similarities too. We all share a love
for family and pride in the land of our birth.
Aside from their proximity to the Philippines, there were 2 major reasons why I
chose Southeast Asia. The first is because it is relatively less expensive so I can
travel to more places on a limited budget. The second is that I didn’t need a visa to
most countries who were part of the ASEAN.
If you are planning a trip and have more than 2 weeks, Southeast Asia is the
best place to go. Most of the countries can be explored overland and a there are
still many lesser known places that will leave you speechless.
But the best reason to go is for the people. The people whose genuine smiles
and hospitality will give you unforgettable stories for years to come. Families who
barely have a roof over their heads but will happily share their meal with you.
Southeast Asia is where you find those who may not have a lot in life. But they will
be the happiest people you will ever meet.
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