Southeast Asia

The best time to visit Southeast Asia is during the cool, dry season from November to February, which offers the most comfortable sightseeing weather. However, the "green season" from July to October is also highly popular for travelers seeking fewer crowds and lush, vibrant landscapes.

Our local Stray Travel guides across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam break down what to expect during these two distinct travel seasons:

The Peak Season: Cool & Dry (November to February)

• The Weather: Temperatures are warm and comfortable (typically averaging 25°C to 30°C / 77°F to 86°F) with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
• Why Go: This is the most popular time for outdoor activities, trekking, and beach days, as the weather is consistently sunny and pleasant.
• Keep in Mind: This is peak tourist season, so popular sights like Angkor Wat or Halong Bay will be busier, and accommodations book out further in advance.

The Green Season: Warm & Wet (July to October)

• The Weather: Temperatures are hotter and more humid, with tropical rainfall. Showers are usually heavy but short, typically occurring in the late afternoon or evening, leaving the rest of the day clear.
• Why Go: You will experience far fewer crowds at major attractions, lower local prices, and spectacularly lush, green scenery (perfect for rice terrace viewing and waterfall swims).
• Keep in Mind: Travel times on rural roads can sometimes be slightly longer during heavy rain, but it’s a highly rewarding time to visit for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace.

The Transition Months (March to June):

• These months represent the hottest time of year in Southeast Asia, with high humidity leading up to the wet season. It is a fantastic time for water-based festivals, like Songkran (Thai New Year) in April!

You should use the local currency of each destination you visit in Southeast Asia, though US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in Cambodia and serve as an excellent backup currency throughout the region. We recommend budgeting approximately US$35 per day for daily meals, drinks, and personal entertainment.

All Stray Asia tour bookings and optional on-tour activities are priced in US Dollars (USD). Here is our expert guide to managing your money across our route:

Country-by-Country Currency Guide:

• Thailand: Thai Baht (THB). Cash is widely used for street food, markets, and small purchases.
• Laos: Lao Kip (LAK). Card payment is rare outside of major cities, so you will need Kip cash for daily spending.
• Cambodia: US Dollars (USD) and Cambodian Riel (KHR). Cambodia operates a dual-currency system. You can pay in USD, and you will often receive change under $1 USD in Riel.
• Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Card acceptance is growing in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but cash is still required for local markets and street vendors.

Important Cash & ATM Tips from our Guides:

• Cash is King: While credit and debit cards are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants, local markets, street food vendors, and tuk-tuks deal almost exclusively in cash.
• The "Crisp USD" Rule: If you are carrying US Dollars (especially for Cambodia or as a backup), ensure your bills are pristine. Many local businesses, exchange booths, and banks in Southeast Asia will reject USD bills that have even minor tears, folds, stamps, or heavy wear.
• ATM Access: ATMs are readily available in major towns and tourist hubs, but they can be scarce in remote villages (especially during our wilderness stops in Laos). We recommend withdrawing local cash before heading into rural areas.
• Notify Your Bank: Remember to let your bank know you are traveling to Southeast Asia before you depart to prevent them from freezing your cards due to unusual activity.

Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter the countries on our Southeast Asia tours. Visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship and travel route, and you are ultimately responsible for securing the correct visas and travel documents before your trip begins.

To help you plan, here is a general country-by-country overview of visa processes for our tour destinations (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam):

Visa Requirements by Country:

• Thailand: Many Western nationalities (including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and EU countries) are eligible for visa-exempt entry for tourist stays of up to 30 or 60 days.
• Laos: Most travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major border crossings or apply for an e-Visa online in advance.
• Cambodia: You can easily purchase a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at international airports and land border checkpoints, or apply online for a Cambodian e-Visa ahead of time.
• Vietnam: Important! Most nationalities must apply for an e-Visa online in advance before arriving in Vietnam. Vietnam’s e-Visa typically takes 3 to 5 business days to process, so we recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your tour starts.

Essential Border Control Checklist:

• The 6-Month Passport Rule: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Southeast Asia.
• Blank Passport Pages: Ensure your passport has at least 1 to 2 completely blank pages per country you are visiting for entry/exit stamps and physical visa stickers.
• Passport Photos: Carry at least 4 to 6 physical, passport-sized photos with you. You will need these for the Visa on Arrival applications at the Laos and Cambodia borders.
• Visa on Arrival Cash: Land border crossings typically require visa payment in cash. Carry crisp, undamaged US Dollar (USD) bills for your Laos and Cambodia entry visas (usually around US$40–$50 per visa).

Disclaimer: Visa regulations change frequently. We strongly recommend checking the official embassy website for each country on your itinerary at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel.

To pack for Southeast Asia, choose lightweight, breathable clothing for the hot, humid climate, and include modest attire for temple visits, a light layer for air-conditioned transport, and reliable wet-season gear.

Our local Stray Travel tour guides across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam recommend packing light (ideally under your 23kg luggage limit) and focusing on these trip essentials:

• Clothing & Footwear
  • Lightweight fabrics: Pack cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking activewear to stay cool in daily temperatures that frequently exceed 30°C (86°F).
  • Temple-appropriate attire: Bring modest clothing that covers both your shoulders and knees (like sarongs, lightweight trousers, or maxi skirts) to respect local dress codes at sacred sites like Angkor Wat.
  • Transit layers: Pack a light jacket, sweater, or hoodie for heavily air-conditioned overnight trains, buses, and flights.
  • Footwear: Bring comfortable, worn-in walking shoes or trail runners for excursions, plus a durable pair of waterproof sandals or flip-flops.
  • Swimwear: Pack a swimsuit or board shorts for waterfall swims and beach stops.
• Weather & Health Essentials
  • Rain protection: Carry a compact, packable rain jacket or a heavy-duty poncho, particularly if traveling during the wet monsoon season (typically May to October).
  • Sun & skin protection: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Mosquito protection: Pack a high-strength insect repellent containing at least 30% DEET or Picaridin for mosquito-prone and rural jungle areas.
• Practical Gear & Electronics
  • Universal adapter: Southeast Asia uses a mix of Plug Types A, C, and G, so a universal adapter is highly recommended.
  • Reusable water bottle: Help reduce plastic waste; many Stray guesthouses offer free filtered water refills.
  • Daypack: A small 15–20L daypack is essential for day trips, boat excursions, and overnight stays where major luggage is left behind.
  • Local currency & emergency cash: Carry crisp USD bills or local currency (Thai Baht, Vietnamese Dong, etc.), as ATMs can be scarce in remote villages.
• Essential Documents
  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
  • Visa documentation: Requirements vary dynamically by nationality.
  • Travel Insurance (Strict Requirement): You must provide your policy details to Stray before departure and carry physical or digital proof of coverage with you at all times on tour.

Our small group tours have a maximum capacity of 24 passengers per bus, plus your expert local Driver Guide. Most of our travelers are aged between 20 and 50, but we welcome adventurers of all ages because we believe great travel is about your attitude, not your age!

Here is a quick look at the group dynamics and who you will be traveling with:

• Small Group Benefits: With a maximum of 24 travelers, our tours are small enough to feel like a close-knit group of friends, yet large enough to ensure a fun, social, and diverse atmosphere. You won't feel like you are being crowded around on a massive commercial tour bus.
• A Global, Multi-Cultural Vibe: Our tours attract active, open-minded travelers from all corners of the globe, including the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. It is a fantastic environment for sharing stories and making lifelong international friends.
• No Maximum Age Limits: While the majority of our travelers fall into the 20-to-50 age bracket, we have no upper age limit. Whether you are 21 or 61, as long as you have a spirit of adventure, a desire to get off the beaten track, and a positive attitude, you will fit right in!
• Tour Styles to Match Your Pace: If you prefer premium comfort and private spaces at the end of the day, explore our Select tours. If you are looking for a high-energy, budget-friendly, and highly social backpacker experience, check out our Adventure tours.

Yes, travel insurance is strictly compulsory for all travelers joining a Stray tour. You must secure a comprehensive travel insurance policy before your tour departs, and you will be required to show proof of coverage to participate.

New Zealand and Southeast Asia are world-class adventure destinations. Because our itineraries include active outdoor experiences (like hiking, water sports, and optional adrenaline activities), having reliable coverage is essential.

Your travel insurance policy MUST cover:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for unexpected accidents, injuries, illnesses, death, and medical expenses (including pre-existing conditions).
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: Essential for remote wilderness destinations, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance coverage.
• Personal Liability: Coverage in the unlikely event that you cause accidental damage to property or injury to another person.

We also STRONGLY recommend coverage for:

• Trip cancellation, curtailment, or interruption.
• Loss, theft, or damage to luggage and personal items (please note: Stray accepts no responsibility for lost possessions).
• Disruption caused by natural disasters or force majeure events.

Strict Rules for Southeast Asia Travel:

• Provide Details in Advance: For our Southeast Asia tours, you must provide your travel insurance details to our team before departure.
• Carry Proof on Tour: You must carry proof of insurance while traveling and show it on request. Failure to provide proof of insurance to your Tour Leader may result in the immediate cancellation of your trip or removal from the tour without a refund.

Yes, unless you purchase a private room upgrade, you will be sharing accommodation. On Stray Select Tours (New Zealand), solo travelers are paired in a comfortable twin-share room with another traveler of the same gender. On Stray Adventure Tours, dorm-share accommodation is multi-share and is not gender-split or for exclusive use.

Here is a quick breakdown of room sharing by tour style:

Stray Select Tours (New Zealand Only):

• Default Setup: Standard accommodation is twin-share (two travelers per room).
• Solo Travelers: We will automatically pair you in a room with a fellow group member of the same gender. There is no single supplement fee required to travel solo!
• Want Your Own Space?: If you prefer complete privacy throughout the trip, you can purchase a Single Room Upgrade package at the time of booking (subject to local availability).

Stray Adventure Tours (Southeast Asia & New Zealand):

• Default Setup: Lodging defaults to high-quality backpacker hostels and unique wilderness lodges.
• Room Type: The default room option is social, dorm-style (multi-share) rooms. Please note that dorm-share accommodations on Adventure tours are mixed-gender and are not for exclusive use.
• Adventure Plus Upgrades: On select departures, if passenger numbers on an Adventure tour are low, Stray reserves the right to move customers onto our Select product at no extra charge. This represents an upgrade in service, and your accommodation will be upgraded to twin-share hotel rooms where locations differ.