Transportation in Southeast Asia: Your Guide to Getting Around

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Planes, trains, automobiles and…TukTuks? Oh, my!

For someone planning a trip to Southeast Asia, understanding transportation in Southeast Asia can be a challenge. It’s one thing to figure out where you’re going on your trip, but it’s another to plan how to get around once you’re there.

Part of the challenge is that the methods to get around vary by country. While something like TukTuks exist in many Southeast Asian countries, other vehicles like Jeepneys are particular to one country (The Philippines in this example).

In Southeast Asia, transportation methods range from the traditional to the modern, each offering its own unique way to see local sights. Ride-hailing apps have revolutionized urban transport, but for those seeking a more immersive experience, TukTuks and motorbike taxis offer an exhilarating ride. 

For longer distances, an extensive network of buses, trains and ferries connects major cities and tourist destinations. Night buses and sleeper trains are popular choices for budget-conscious travelers, allowing you to cover significant ground while saving on accommodation costs. 

Meanwhile, low-cost airlines like AirAsia and Scoot make hopping between countries quick and affordable, opening up endless possibilities for multi-destination itineraries. Whether you prefer the efficiency of a flight or the scenic views from a train window, Southeast Asia’s transportation options cater to every type of traveler.

Understanding the various transportation options available can greatly enhance your travel experience, making your journey smoother, safer and more enjoyable.

I spent six months backpacking through Southeast Asia in 2024, and I’m here to share with you all my tips and tricks for getting around Southeast Asia. 

Let’s get into it! 

How Easy is Traveling Through Southeast Asia?

The short answer is: easy!

The longer answer is that it takes some Western travelers a little bit of time to adjust to the transportation system in Southeast Asia. And that’s okay.

For me, the most difficult part of learning the transportation system was understanding that transportation is more often than not booked at the last minute. While there are some exceptions, it’s common, especially among backpackers, to purchase transportation tickets the night before you leave.

As a type A planner, I definitely had to learn to not plan too far in advance. In fact, it’s usually cheaper if you book later with a local tourist company/your accommodation instead of booking online in advance.

This is because a lot of forms of transportation don’t have an online presence yet. 

That being said, I want to mention the website 12GoAsia. This is a great tool for booking transport online. If you’re the type of person who needs to book travel in advance, this is the best way to do it. 

I’ll be covering the different ways to get around in Southeast Asia and offer you my recommendations for how/when to book each option. However, it’s always a good idea to research the specific travel path you’re planning in case there are any abnormalities. 

What Forms of Transportation Exist in Southeast Asia?

There are so many forms of transportation in Southeast Asia, and I’ll give you a breakdown of the most common ones. 

From familiar vehicles like planes and trains to less familiar vehicles like TukTuks and motorbikes, there are a lot of ways to get around.

The good news is that transportation in Southeast Asia is very flexible, and you’ve got a lot of options. The bad news is that sometimes the standard of quality can fail to meet your expectations.

When traveling, my biggest piece of advice is to stay patient and flexible. It’s not uncommon for things to not go according to plan, so make sure you always budget extra time just in case.

Planes

Most major cities are connected via flights, most of which are small budget airlines. During my time in Southeast Asia, I took flights with AirAsia, Scoot, Nok and Jetstar. 

Like most budget airlines, you get what you pay for. They’re generally smaller aircrafts without a lot of legroom, but they’ll get you from Point A to Point B.

The con with using planes as a mode of transport is the cost, as flights are easily the most expensive mode of transport.

In my opinion, sometimes the cost is worth it. There are some people who are okay with a 20+ hour bus ride, but personally I have my limits. I’d rather spend a little extra and be comfortable. 

If you’re short on time, flights are a great choice as buses and trains can often take a long time. 

In addition, there are some countries, such as The Philippines, where there’s really no escaping flying. On the other hand, between countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, it’s not a must as overland transport is convenient. 

Where can you take planes in Southeast Asia?

Pretty much anywhere! Just make sure you know which airport the airline flies into. In larger cities there may be more than one airport. 

How do you book planes in Southeast Asia?

Not including your flight to Southeast Asia, I recommend booking flights 2-3 weeks out if you can. That being said, I’ve had a few instances where I booked a last-minute flight, and it worked out okay.

If you know you’re going to need to hop on a flight, I recommend tracking prices with Google Flights. This way you can buy when the price is low!

In my experience, AirAsia was one of the best low-cost airlines in Southeast Asia. With the exception of a few delayed flights (which happens anywhere), my flights in Southeast Asia went smooth, so you can feel at ease when booking flights.

Trains

While some large cities in Southeast Asia (like Bangkok) have an underground train/subway, I’m referring to the classic “choo-choo” train here.

I’m a huge fan of traveling by train. In Southeast Asia, I took trains in Thailand, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam. It’s a great way to see the scenery, as you often travel through the countryside.

Many trains in Southeast Asia are overnight trains, which are great for budget backpackers as you save on a night’s accommodation. On these trains, flexibility is key. Don’t have super high expectations – after all, it’s just one night!

Accommodation on trains varies based on the country you’re traveling in, the train itself and which class you select on the train. I highly recommend opting for a first-class ticket no matter where you are, as second-class and below usually does not include air conditioning. 

On the train in Thailand, I had a seat that converted to a bed at night. It also had curtains so I had a little bit of privacy. In Vietnam, I had a bed in a 4-bed cabin that was shared with strangers! Every other train I took was just your normal seat on a train.

In my experience, trains are generally on time. Of course, you should still show up early just in case.

Services on trains vary as well. In any case, I always recommend to not assume they will offer standard materials – bring your own food, sweater, power bank, eye mask and ear plugs. 

If you’re interested in learning more about traveling by train in Southeast Asia, I wrote a whole post detailing my experience taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Where can you take trains in Southeast Asia?

Many countries in Southeast Asia offer trains as a mode of transport: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. 

No trains are alike, so it’s important to do your research before you board. For example, in Laos, China operates the train, and they’re significantly stricter about what you can/can’t bring on board. 

How do you book trains in Southeast Asia?

There are a few ways to book trains depending where you are and how committed you are to saving a few dollars. 

I say this because if you are okay with paying a little extra, you can use 12GoAsia the majority of the time to purchase a train ticket. I actually did this when I booked my train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, as those tickets go on sale (in person) 30 days in advance and I wouldn’t be there to purchase a ticket.

There are certain trains, like the common Bangkok to Chiang Mai route, that need to be booked a few weeks in advance. On the other hand, some trains like in Laos, you can book in a few days’ time. 

It really depends on the route you’re taking.

If your route isn’t very popular, you can probably book a ticket in-person at the ticket office. Sometimes hostels/hotels sell tickets, too.

Buses

Buses are going to be your best friend when traveling in Southeast Asia. They are everywhere! 

Not only that, but they are cheap, efficient and can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go.

The quality of buses in Southeast Asia will vary based on location and bus type. There are large comfortable air-conditioned coaches with outlets designed for overnight trips. But there are also small, uncomfortable and very basic buses used for short and long trips.

Depending where you are, you may have the option to select between the two. Or…you might not. That’s part of the adventure of traveling within Southeast Asia.

Something I want to mention is that some of the roads can be very bumpy. That’s why I always recommend packing nausea medication with you, just in case. 

Also, the standard of driving in a lot of countries will be different than what you’re used to. Honestly, there are some places where they drive really fast over dangerous roads. This is just something to be cognizant of (so always wear your seatbelt).

In some places, like Vietnam, the night bus is basically a rite of passage. These sleeper buses come with beds for you to take a rest in, and there is usually a VIP option that includes more room. 

The reality is that unless you’re the type of person who can fall asleep under any circumstance, you probably won’t have the most restful night sleeping on the bus. But, they are such an important part of the traveling experience that I recommend you take one at least once.

Where can you take buses in Southeast Asia?

Buses exist everywhere in Southeast Asia. I took buses in almost every country I visited during my six-month backpacking trip.

How do you book buses in Southeast Asia?

It’s very easy to book buses in Southeast Asia. You can book buses on a short notice, too.

Most people (myself included) book them via their hostel/hotel. I recommend this option because many times doing this will include transport to the bus station. If you book online, you’ll have to get your own way there.

You can usually buy bus tickets the night before, and sometimes, the day of.

Ferries

Ferries and boat transport is another great way to get around in Southeast Asia. However, it’s not as common as the above methods.

Traveling over water is most common in countries that are made up of islands. It’s also common between countries connected by rivers.

Your experience on a ferry can vary. They’re usually a slow method of transportation, so make sure you come prepared with entertainment.

The most famous ferry in Southeast Asia is probably the slow boat that takes people from Thailand to Laos (and vice versa). This is a two-day journey, but it saves you a lot of money and you get great scenery.

Some ferries can be local and cramped, but some are quite large and give you room to walk around.

Where can you take ferries in Southeast Asia?

The most common place you’ll see ferries in Southeast Asia is between Thailand and Laos, as well as countries with a lot of islands, like The Philippines and Indonesia. There are a few others, though.

How do you book ferries in Southeast Asia?

It’s a good idea to book ferries a day or two out because there are often limited ferries running a day. 

Like with buses, I recommend booking ferry tickets at your hotel/hostel. Every time I did this in Thailand, for example, my ticket included a drop-off at the board. 

Taxis/Ride-sharing Apps

Okay, we’ve talked a lot about getting between different cities/countries in Southeast Asia, but what about within the city itself?

Taxis and/or ride-sharing services are a great option. Sometimes, it will feel like your only option.

As a solo female traveler, when given the choice, I will always choose a ride-sharing app over a taxi. There are a few reasons for this.

The first is safety. I feel more safe using the app, where I can track our route (especially if it’s my first day in the city and I don’t know where we are). 

The second is cost. It’s not uncommon to haggle taxi prices in Southeast Asia, and I don’t have to do that with the apps. And finally, the ease. I don’t have to walk around and look for a taxi when I can call it on the apps!

The main ride-sharing apps in Southeast Asia include Grab, Bolt and GoJek. Not all apps are available in every country, however. In addition, some countries have local ride-sharing apps.

Personally, I recommend Grab. I’ve always had the best experience with Grab and it has a wide reach across Southeast Asia. 

For the most part, ride-sharing apps work exactly like Uber or Lyft. You input your information and your credit card, and you are ready to go!

There are two main differences I picked up on during my time using these apps.

One is that apps like Grab offer a lot more options for modes of transport. If you’re traveling by yourself, you can get a Grab motorbike and ride on the back of someone’s scooter. This made me nervous at first, but it’s actually a very efficient (and cheap) way to get around.

The second is that there are options to pay in cash. I think it’s a lot easier to pay with a credit card, so you don’t have to worry about having the right amount of change.

Where can you take taxis/ride-sharing apps in Southeast Asia?

Classic taxis are available pretty much everywhere in Southeast Asia.

A note on safety: It’s very common for people not associated with a taxi service to drive around and look for tourists to pick up. For the most part, these are people trying to make a living. But always go with your gut, and I recommend using official taxis/ride-sharing apps to ensure you’re in good hands.

When it comes to ride-sharing apps, they can be limited depending where you are. For example, I took Grabs around Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Some countries, like Laos, will have a local ride-sharing app you can use (Loca in this case).

When I backpacked, I just kept all my apps and would check which ones worked when I was there. It’s a good idea to download these apps in advance so you’re all set up and ready to go.

How do you book taxis/ride-sharing apps in Southeast Asia?

Ride-sharing apps are all done through your phone, and taxis can be arranged in person. (Make sure to negotiate a rate up front or make sure they turn on the meter).

TukTuks

One of the best ways to get around Southeast Asia is via TukTuk (also spelled tuk tuk). A TukTuk is a motorized 3-wheeled rickshaw. It’s the most iconic form of transportation in Southeast Asia.

Used by both tourists and locals, TukTuks are open air, comfortably seating 2-4 passengers. 

TukTuks vary by country. Smaller TukTuks are popular in Thailand to maneuver around traffic. They are also small in Cambodia, but they look a little different, with a motorcycle pulling a 3-wheeled vehicle. 

In Laos, they also refer to a large open air truck as a TukTuk. In those instances, they seat more people. 

TukTuks have different names in certain locations. For example, in The Philippines, they’re known as tricycles. 

Unlike taxis, there are no set fares or meters. As a passenger, you must negotiate the price of the ride before your journey. Don’t be afraid to haggle! They definitely will charge you a higher rate as a tourist. Cash only, too.

There’s no avoiding TukTuks. In some cities, they may be your only form of transportation. So embrace the TukTuk!

Where can you take TukTuks in Southeast Asia?

Pretty much anywhere, though they’re very common in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and The Philippines. 

How do you book TukTuks in Southeast Asia?

There’s no advance booking for TukTuks. It’s very easy to get one, as once you walk down the street you’ll have tons of people asking you, “TukTuk?”

In some places, like Cambodia, you can even book a TukTuk using Grab!

Other Shared Vehicles: Songthaews, Jeepneys, etc.

Similar to the TukTuk are other shared vehicles. These are usually location-dependent, but I still wanted to mention them.

For example, in Northern Thailand, songthaews are very common. These are an open air truck that you can flag down. In The Philippines, they have Jeepneys. True to their name, they look like long jeeps you can get in.

I’m sure there are plenty of other shared vehicle types across Southeast Asia.

What sets these apart from TukTuks is that they’re shared. This means it might take longer to get to your destination as the vehicle will make other stops. However, it also makes for a cheaper ride. 

And it’s a great opportunity to meet other people!

Where can you take other shared vehicles in Southeast Asia?

It depends on the country, but a lot of places have local forms of transportation like this.

How do you book other shared vehicles in Southeast Asia?

Just like you would a TukTuk. You can literally walk down the street and flag one down. 

Motorbikes and Scooters

Another way to get around is to rent your own motorbike or scooter. Most hostels/hotels will have scooters available to rent.

This is a great form of transportation in Southeast Asia, giving you the ability to visit far-off places. The best part is you can do it all on your time.

Long journeys via bike can be tiring, so I recommend this for day trips. 

Safety is key here. Only ride a bike if you feel comfortable driving it. Some of the roads in Southeast Asia can be bumpy and difficult. Honestly, some areas are much easier to drive in compared to others.

In some ways, this is a challenging mode of transport. But once you get the hang of it, it’s very rewarding.

Where can you take motorbikes and scooters in Southeast Asia?

Anywhere! There are always tons of places to rent a motorbike or scooter.

How do you book motorbikes and scooters in Southeast Asia?

Renting is the best option for travelers. Hostels/hotels have bikes on hand to rent, but there are also local stores that will rent them out as well.

The fees are very affordable, especially if you have a buddy to share the cost with. Don’t forget your helmets!

Traveling Across Borders

When it comes to traveling across borders, most travelers are familiar with taking planes. 

In Southeast Asia, it’s common to take buses or trains across borders, too. 

No matter which method of transportation you take, it’s very important to do your research ahead of time and know what you need when heading into a new country. 

This could include:

• Visa: Some countries require a visa regardless of how long you’re staying there.
• Cash: If there’s a visa requirement, chances are there is a cost associated, as well.
• Onward Transportation: Some countries require you to show proof of transportation out of the country in order to be granted approval to enter.

It’s a well-known fact that transportation won’t wait for you if you forgot one of these items, so make sure you’re prepared.

Tips For Getting Around Southeast Asia

In my six months backpacking Southeast Asia as a solo female traveler, I found the areas to be very safe. 

That being said, here are some tips for when you’re traveling through Southeast Asia:

• Keep your precious belongings on you. Items like your passport, money, phone, etc. should be on your body at all times. While generally leaving your luggage in the proper place on transportation is safe, unfortunately, petty theft can happen anywhere. 
• Use an AirTag. I loved having AirTags in my backpacks so that I knew where they were at all times.
• Assume the worst. Assume you won’t have frequent stops on your long-haul transport; assume there won’t be a snack cart; assume it’ll be cold. I don’t say this to be negative, I say it to be prepared. There were times I went hungry because I assumed there would be food options available, and there weren’t for hours at a time. Bring anything you might need.
• Leave plenty of extra time. Do not book a train that gives you just enough time to get to your flight. Sometimes transportation in Southeast Asia has a mind of its own. Vehicles will leave when they’re ready, not you.
• Be flexible. Similarly, it’s not unusual for routes to change or for buses to overbook. Patience is key when traveling here.
• Verify your driver. When taking ride-sharing cars, use the app to verify the license plate. 
• Wear protective gear. If you’re driving a motorbike, wear protective gear. 99% of people I met in Southeast Asia who experienced an injury did so while on a motorbike.
• Avoid traveling alone at night. I would say an exception to this is an overnight bus or train where you’re in one spot for a long period of time. If your route requires you to switch modes of transport, opt for a day trip.
• Just because you can book online, doesn’t mean you should. This is up to your personal preference, but as I’ve mentioned, it’s much more the norm to book transportation in person in Southeast Asia compared to other parts of the world. 

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I hope this guide has helped you learn how to get around Southeast Asia. As always, feel free to leave a comment with questions or anything I missed!