With its tempting mix of volcanoes, rainforest, rice fields, beaches and coral reefs, Southeast Asia is one of the most stimulating and accessible regions for independent travel in the world. You can spend the day exploring thousand-year-old Hindu ruins and the night at a rave on the beach; attend a Buddhist alms-giving ceremony at dawn and go whitewater rafting in the afternoon; chill out in a bamboo beach hut one week and hike through the jungle looking for orang-utans the next. Pick Bournemouth Airport promo code you want to use at PromoPro
Mainland Southeast Asia – including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Malaysia and Singapore – offers some of the safest and friendliest semi-exotic travel around for people of all budgets and ages. For new and seasoned travelers alike, this region offers heaps of cultural and visual stimuli, a developed tourist infrastructure, endless activities, safety, and incredible food. And best of all, it's relatively cheap.
Almost everything is negotiable
Haggling can be more beneficial in Southeast Asia than in most places in the world. Vendors at most malls and shops do not have price tags and it is common that when you ask for one, the price will be quite high because it looks like you have cash to burn. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price since another vendor just a few feet way is sure to be selling the same thing.
Get off the beaten track
Though Southeast Asia has long been on the travellers' trail, it doesn't take too much to get off the beaten track – whether it's to discover that perfect beach or to delve into the lush surrounds of the rainforest. Think about visiting the overlooked city of Battambang in Cambodia, taking the railroad less travelled in Thailand or exploring Myanmar's unspoiled southern coast.
Try the street food
This is the home of the world's tastiest cuisines, and the really good news is that the cheapest is often the best, with markets and roadside hawkers unbeatable places to try the many local specialities. Night markets, in particular, are great for tasting different dishes at extremely low prices – sizzling woks full of frying noodles, swirling clouds of spice-infused smoke and rows of glistening fried insects all make for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Check the local rags and mags
Most SE Asian countries have English-written guides. That's because in a number of countries there, there is already an established community of expatriates. If you are looking to just find your bearings and want a safe bet on places to go, pick one up.
Make time for temples
Southeast Asia's myriad temple complexes are some of the region's best-known attractions. The Hindu Khmers left a string of magnificent monuments, the most impressive of which can be seen at Angkor in Cambodia, while the Buddhists' most impressive legacies include the colossal ninth-century stupa of Borobudur in Indonesia and the temple-strewn plain of Bagan in Myanmar.
Take the tour deals seriously
Pretty much anywhere you go (of the major tourist destinations) there are sure to be tour pamphlets sitting around with great deals. From boat rides to day trips, there are great tours around that will get you where you need to go.
After determining your itinerary, pay a visit to your local travel medical clinic to determine whether you need any vaccinations or preventive medications against malaria. The main tourist destinations and travel routes mentioned above are mostly malaria-free. If you are going to be far off the beaten track, then it's best to take precautions. For basic medical concerns, take some medications with you for headaches, tummy troubles, and motion sickness. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent.