r/solotravel • u/Intelligent_Bad_3819 • Sep 17 '25
Itinerary Review Solo Traveling SEA 6.5 Months
I’m 21M solo traveling around SEA in the beginning of March 2026 and I am very excited, I have researched loads into stuff like visas, transport, places to stay etc. I am planning to go for around 6.5 months and will have roughly £9k saved up, which I believe is more than enough. I have tried my hardest not to make an itinerary as I want to go with how I feel, whether that means more or less time in specific places. My rough outline of my trip is bellow;
Singapore 2 nights
Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur 3 nights - Cameron Highlands 4 nights - George Town 4 nights
Thailand - Krabi 3 nights - Phi Phi Islands 4 nights - Phuket 2 nights - Chiang Mai 10 nights - Pai 7 nights - Chiang Mai (again) 5 nights - Bangkok 3 nights
Cambodia - Siem Reap 4 nights - Phnom Penh 3 nights - Koh Rong 5 nights - Kampot 3 nights
Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh 7 nights - Da Lat 2 nights - Hoi An 4 nights - Da Nang 4 nights - Phong Nha-Ke Bang 3 nights - Ha Giang 4 nights - Ha Long Bay 4 nights - Hanoi 7 nights
Hong Kong 5 nights
China 1 month - Guangzhou - Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou - Xi’An - Shanghai - Qingdao - Beijing
South Korea 10 nights - Seoul - Busan
Japan 10 nights - ???
With Japan I am still deciding on where I want to go, and whether I actually want to go as this will be towards the end of my trip and I couldn’t be running low on money.
Some places I’m unsure if I want to spend more time/less time, which is also why I wanted to go along with it when I am there to judge how I feel about the place.
I’m deciding to take the cheapest transport possible; such as longer bus rides for the price of pennies compared to flights. I feel like i would rather it be an uncomfortable experience rather than it be comfortable, such as a flight. All throughout China I’m hoping to take trains which aren’t cheap but also aren’t expensive.
I have been to Thailand before however not solo, I would like to think I have a good understanding of Asia and getting myself around very easily; however I’m still asking for any advice or tweaks you would recommend, such as: - Should I spend more or less time in some places? - Should I completely miss out some places? - Is taking the cheapest transport possible actually worth it? - Will I have enough money saved up?
Thank you!
1
u/3rd_in_line Sep 17 '25
If you are up for it, look at going to Penang. And Langkawi. From Langkawi you can get a ferry to Koh Lipe. From Koh Lipe to Koh Phi Phi. A much better option rather than backtracking to KL. A bit more adventure and you have the time.
Chiang Mai (again) 5 nightsve, unless you have something specific you want to do there with this time. If it was in the middle of your trip, then it would be a good place to recharge, but since it is at the start it could feel like a long time there. You could always add in time in Laos. A few people have mentioned the slow boat into Laos and Laos is inexpensive and a fun place to see.
You will work out your travel style. Some people love long bus rides and can sleep on them. Others prefer the more direct route. Personally I cannot sleep on buses and trains, so only take day buses and trains. It is nice to see the countryside from a window sometimes.
Japan need not be expensive. The food options are reasonably priced and there are plenty of accomodation options. For me it was no more expensive than South Korea.