The only backpacker guide you’ll ever need for Cambodia, Laos & Thailand! Discover the best overland routes, secret spots, street-food heavens and how to explore it all with legendary small-group Cambodia Tours, Laos Tours and Thailand Tours by Legend Travel Group – only 10% deposit until 30 days before departure!
Kayaking Nam Song River Laos - Laos backpacking legends are made here (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience guiding more than 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide combines firsthand backpacker knowledge, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys and the latest insider tips. By Legend Travel Group – Southeast Asia’s most trusted tour operator.
The most peaceful border crossing on earth (Source: Internet)This legendary Indochina loop remains the holy grail of Southeast Asian backpacking: ancient temples at dawn, slow boats on the Mekong, jungle treks, island hopping, night markets that never sleep and some of the friendliest people on earth – all on a shoestring budget yet with the option of upgrading to comfortable, responsible Cambodia Travel, Laos Travel and Thailand Travel experiences whenever you want.
The classic route (Phnom Penh → Siem Reap → Don Det (4000 Islands) → Pakse → Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang → Chiang Khong → Chiang Mai → Bangkok → Thai Islands) is still unbeatable, and the borders are easier than ever.
Start: Phnom Penh (fly in cheaply via AirAsia or Vietjet)
Must-do: Tuol Sleng + Killing Fields (half-day), Royal Palace, riverside sunset
Nightlife: Bassac Lane speakeasies & street food heaven
Move: 6-hour comfortable bus to Siem Reap ($10–13)
Siem Reap: 3–5 days exploring Angkor Wat (sunrise!), Pub Street, floating villages
Secret spot: Beng Mealea + Koh Ker day trip (jungle temples with almost zero tourists)
Exit: Cross to Laos via Dom Kralor / Voeung Kam border (Stung Treng → 4000 Islands)
4000 Islands: Rent a bicycle, spot Irrawaddy dolphins, drink Beerlao by the Mekong
Move: Bus/minivan to Pakse → Bolaven Plateau loop (waterfalls & coffee plantations)
Vang Vieng: Tubing is back but calmer – plus hot-air balloon rides over limestone peaks
Vientiane: Quick overnight for the greatest night market in Southeast Asia
Luang Prabang: Alms-giving ceremony at dawn, Kuang Si waterfall, Mount Phousi sunset
Secret spot: Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi Neua – cliff rivers and village homestays
Exit: Slow boat (2 days) or VIP bus to Huay Xai → cross to Chiang Khong, Thailand
Chiang Mai: Temples, night bazaar, Doi Suthep, ethical elephant sanctuaries
Pai: Hot springs, canyons, chill vibes (3–4 days)
Overnight train Bangkok (2nd class sleeper ~700 THB)
Bangkok: Khao San Road nostalgia, Chatuchak weekend market, rooftop bars
Southern Islands: Choose your vibe – Koh Tao (diving), Koh Phangan (Full Moon Party or yoga retreats), Koh Lanta (quiet beaches), Railay/Krabi (climbing)
End: Fly out from Phuket, Krabi or back to Bangkok
$1 feasts every night in Laos (Source: Internet)Absolute shoestring: $20–28/day
Comfortable backpacker: $30–45/day
Flashpacker (private room + occasional tour): $50–80/day
Legend Travel Group hybrid option: Join small-group Cambodia Tours, Laos Tours or Thailand Tours for the tricky sections (e.g., 4000 Islands → Luang Prabang overland, Bolaven Plateau loop, or Thai island hopping) and keep the rest independent – best of both worlds!
Cambodia → Laos: Dom Kralor / Voeung Kam (open daily, $2–4 exit/entrance fees)
Laos → Thailand: Huay Xai / Chiang Khong Friendship Bridge (fast & painless)
All borders accept e-visas or visa-on-arrival if needed
No chains, just love – included in our Thailand Tours (Source: Internet)Because sometimes you want:
Air-con vans instead of local buses
Hand-picked ethical elephant sanctuaries
Sunrise Angkor Wat with zero crowds
Private slow-boat experience on the Mekong
Island-hopping without the stress of ferry schedules
Only 10% deposit required – final payment 30 days before departure. Keep your peace of mind while still feeling like a real backpacker.
Buy a local SIM at every border (TrueMove, Unitel, Cellcard – $5 unlimited)
Download Maps.me + Grab/Indriver apps
Travel overnight whenever possible to save on accommodation
Eat where locals eat – never pay more than 15,000 KIP / 40 THB / 2 USD for a meal
Book buses one day in advance during peak season (Dec–Feb & Jul–Aug)
One trip, three incredible countries (Source: Internet)3-Day Angkor Wat Deep Dive Cambodia Tours
4-Day Bolaven Plateau & 4000 Islands Laos Tours
5-Day Northern Thailand Hill Tribes & Elephants Thailand Tours
7-Day Southern Thailand Island Hopper Thailand Travel
Mix and match – stay independent the rest of the time!
See you on the Mekong!
Visit https://www.legendtravelgroup.com now – secure your spot with just 10% deposit and pay the rest 30 days before departure.
See you on the Mekong!
By Legend Travel Group – Turning backpacker dreams into legendary realities since 2009.
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
