South East Asia

These sections aren't trying to compete with guidebooks or websites which are totally dedicated to the area where you want to go. This is just to give you an overview of a particular destination, and specific information for career breakers.

What?
Why?
How?
Facts for the career breaker
Top South-East Asia tip

What?

South-East Asia covers the following countries:

• Burma
• Thailand
• Laos
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Malaysia
• Brunei
• Singapore
• Indonesia
• Philippines

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Why?

• Most of South-East Asia is very safe for Westerners, particularly for women. Check www.fco.gov.uk for current troublespots (most of these are not on the commonly-travelled backpacker routes).
• It's easy to travel around – local agents cater for backpackers, and you can often book tours, buses or flights through your hotel or guesthouse.
• It's hot.
• It's very different from the UK , which is great for career breakers looking for a complete change.
• South-East Asia is home to some of the world's most amazing scenery – from mountains to bays, and beaches to rice paddies.
• It's cheap ( Singapore being a notable exception).
• It has some great food.
• The people are generally kind and friendly (everywhere has its scam artists of course, but these tend to be in the minority).

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How?

Bangkok is a common first stop for the round-the-world traveller. It can be quite a culture shock, so if you're on the less adventurous side, book your first couple of nights in a better hotel – one with air-conditioning and proper toilets. Your travel agent can recommend one. An alternative route is to go to Singapore (which is more Westernised) and work your way up.

Most round-the-world tickets don't include flights to many places in South-East Asia , but you can organise your own overland travel when you get there. You can also book domestic flights, and flights to neighbouring countries, when you arrive in your first country. It's easy and cheap, as are the local trains and buses. Things usually run on time, and standards vary according to how much you pay.

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Facts for the career breaker

• If you've never been out of the Western world before, South-East Asia can be quite a culture shock. Career breakers tend to be less adept at dealing with this than younger gappers. Be prepared, do your research and smile a lot.
• A lot of career breakers do this route. Making friends with your fellow travellers is easy, even for shy people!
• It's very hard to get paid work in most of South-East Asia , although not impossible. Voluntary work and teaching English are popular options.

Top South-East Asia tip

• Take your own toilet paper.

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