With more and more individuals opting to travel alone; just to unwind and get away from their stressful lives, Southeast Asia has become a hotspot for solo travellers.

With beaches, cheap food, flights and accommodation, the Southeast Asians’ hospitality has been a favourite among wanderlust seekers from all across the globe.

However, with travel, comes expenses, therefore, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to go in Southeast Asia that you can enjoy a week off in for only RM1,200.

1. Taiwan: shopping on a budget

Taipei, Taiwan is somewhere you can go solo and never feel like you’re alone. The capital city is a modern metropolis that many individuals travel to.

Whether it’s the food or apparel shops, this concrete jungle has so much to offer especially if you’re on a budget.

Be sure to check out the night markets and be amazed at the range of knick-knacks and snacks that shop owners have to offer.

2. Thailand: Budget food and accommodation

Thailand is a hot tourist destination in Southeast Asia for all kinds of travellers, whether it’s shopping in Bangkok or swimming in the clear waters of Krabi.

Travellers from all walks of life come to this Southeast Asian country to have a good time without worrying about the cost.

Due to the wide range of cheap accommodation, Thailand hosts young crowds who enjoy chilling and chatting over a cool beer and laid back music.

Making new friends with other backpackers and solo travellers can even make your trip more enjoyable than it already is.

So if you are travelling alone for the first time, you might want to consider Thailand, especially the remote beaches and islands that offer serenity.

3. The Philippines – hospitality at no cost

Known to be the most hospitable people in the world, you can never go wrong with the Republic of the Philippines.

With the country boasting over 7,000 islands – you can find almost everything here. From night markets to calm beaches that will take your breath away.

Travelling to the capital Manila, you can get plane tickets to other parts of the country for just under RM455.

Even within a few hours’ drive from the city, you can find one of the best beaches in the rural areas such as Zambales and Batangas.

Most of these places, although far less travelled and filled with tourists, are still filled with culture and lots of sightseeing spots that will definitely make your friends at home jealous.

If you’re thinking of bringing back knick-knacks as souvenirs – don’t – but only because the Philippines prides itself on their food “pasalubongs” which range from dried mangoes to fried pork belly.

4. Laos: Relax and unwind

Situated to the East of Thailand, Laos is a country of culture and religion. With such a quaint history, peace and relaxation are what attracts travellers.

Amid the humidity, Laos remains relatively undiscovered. Therefore, it is still not as commercialised, unlike many other Southeast Asian tourist spots.

This spot has breathtaking infrastructure dating back to the 1800s and waterfalls that will leave you mesmerised. Travel to Laos and leave your worries behind. For less than RM1,200, you can stay in Laos for two to three weeks.

5. Vietnam: Culture on a budget

Vietnam is a small country in Southeast Asia with some of the happiest people on the earth.

You will see colourful and safe street life, warm and welcoming locals and exotic foods here. All these attractions make it one of the best places in the world for solo travellers.

While you are in Vietnam, do not miss Hanoi’s massive Dong Xuan Market. You can have a close look at Vietnamese culture here. Vietnam is very inexpensive, affordable and within budget for many a solo traveller.

If you want, you can spend months here and won’t get bored. Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a hot tourist destination for backpackers. This small country has many calm and tranquil places where you can go for peace and relaxation.

This article first appeared in thenewsavvy.com

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