5 Mistakes I made During my 3-week trip in Southeast Asia (and How to Avoid Them!)

View from Mua Cave Look out at 5:58 am

Embarking on an adventure through the vibrant landscapes, bustling cities, and cultural marvels of Southeast Asia is a dream come true for many wanderlust-driven souls like myself. The region, renowned for its diverse cultures, delectable cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, holds an irresistible allure that draws travelers from around the world. With excitement brimming in my heart, I set off on my own Southeast Asian expedition, eager to immerse myself in the unknown. Little did I know that beneath the enchanting surface of this fascinating corner of the world, a multitude of challenges, mishaps, and learning experiences awaited me. In retrospect, I can't help but smile at the memories of the mishaps and mistakes that peppered my journey. While each misstep brought its fair share of frustrations, they also gifted me invaluable lessons, forever etched in the fabric of my travel story. I aim to share my personal anecdotes and the valuable lessons I learned from the five most memorable mistakes I made while traversing Southeast Asia. By revealing my missteps, I hope to equip fellow adventurers with the knowledge to avoid similar pitfalls and embrace the true essence of their own travels. So, whether you're planning your own Southeast Asian adventure or simply looking for a relatable travel tale, join me as I reflect on my journey and uncover the invaluable lessons that unfolded along the way.

Underestimating the SCORCHING HEAT.

Beach Day in Vietnam where I got a 2nd Sunburn

Now, I know what you are going to say. Yes, I knew Southeast Asia was hot. Yes, I did try to pack correctly. What I did NOT expect was while we were there to have the hottest temperatures on record (it reached 120 in Vietnam). As I arrived in the region, I had envisioned pleasant tropical warmth, but the reality exceeded my expectations. The intense heat and humidity of Southeast Asia can be relentless, especially during the peak summer months. I quickly learned that sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight, breathable clothing were not mere suggestions but absolute necessities. Venturing out without proper sun protection left me vulnerable to sunburns and heat exhaustion. It was a wake-up call to realize that even a short walk under the blazing sun could leave me drained and dehydrated and sun burnt. I made sure to prioritize staying hydrated by carrying a literally water bottle everywhere, reapplying suncreen several times a day and seeking shade whenever possible. Furthermore, the heat affected not only my physical well-being but also my overall travel experience. I found myself rushing through attractions, seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces, and missing out on the charm of exploring at a leisurely pace. It became clear that adapting to the local rhythm, embracing afternoon siestas (which quickly became my favorite), and planning outdoor activities during the cooler hours of the day (5-9 am or 6 pm-midnight) were essential strategies for maximizing enjoyment while minimizing discomfort. Underestimating the heat in Southeast Asia reminded me that understanding and acclimatizing to the climate is crucial for making the most of the region's wonders.

Not Bringing Enough Cash

Again, you might be saying "Really?", but hear me out. We have traveled to several developing and underdeveloped (Moracoo, Costa Rico, Peru) countries using credit cards and had very little issue. Southeast Asia was much different. It was a significant oversight on my part. In many countries within the region, cash is still king, especially in smaller towns, local markets, and street vendors. I naively assumed that credit cards would be readily accepted everywhere, only to find myself in situations where cash was the only acceptable form of payment. Not having enough cash caused a fair share of inconvenience and limited my options. I encountered instances where I couldn't transportation, or entrance fees because credit cards were not accepted or the card machines were out of order (which happened quite a lot). It was a humbling experience to rely on the kindness of strangers or scramble to find an ATM when I needed local currency urgently. From that point on, I made sure to have a sufficient amount of cash with me at all times, keeping in mind the local customs and preferences regarding payment methods. Thailand was by far the country where most businesses did not take credit cards, even in tourist areas. This was a huge blunder on my part and something moving forward I have learned from. If you are heading to Southeast Asia I would bring $30-$50 per day depending on what activities you are looking to do!

Overplanning and lack of flexibility

We got up at 4am this day just to fit everything in.

I am an over-planner. What does that mean? When planning a trip I want to plan out every single minute of every single day. I research how to get to point A to point b. Have three backup plans. While I initially felt accomplished with my comprehensive plan, it soon became clear that I had unintentionally restricted the true essence of traveling around Southeast Asia. This was mostly true in Thailand, where I had scheduled out almost every single day. As I rigidly followed my schedule, I found myself rushing from one landmark to another, barely scratching the surface of each destination and sweating through all my clothes. There were instances where I missed out on unexpected encounters, local festivals, or hidden gems simply because they didn't align with my predetermined plan. The lack of flexibility not only prevented me from fully immersing myself in the unique experiences Thailand had to offer but also added unnecessary stress to my journey as I had pre-purchased tickets to most things. It was a valuable lesson learned: the beauty of travel lies in embracing the unknown, allowing room for spontaneous adventures, and being open to the unexpected. In retrospect, I realized that overplanning and lacking flexibility deprived me of opportunities for genuine connections with locals and the chance to stumble upon off-the-beaten-path treasures. Once in Cambodia (which my husband SWORE he had planned and had not) we didn't over plan or overthink and became much more flexible with our days which made our trip much more enjoyable.

Pre-Booking Everything

A pre-booked class, we wanted to skip so we could go back to the beach.

As I mentioned above, I am an over-planner. I booked all our accommodations for three weeks, months in advance, and pre-booked several activities in Thailand. Pre-booking accommodations and activities without leaving room for flexibility turned out to be a mistake I made during my travels in Southeast Asia. While it may seem like a practical approach to ensure a smooth trip, it hindered our ability to make impromptu decisions based on local recommendations or changing circumstances. By locking myself into a rigid schedule, I missed out on the opportunity to adjust my plans according to the advice of fellow travelers and locals I met along the way (I desperately wanted one more night in Hoi An but was unable to change anything). Southeast Asia is a region full of surprises, and not leaving space for spontaneous decisions limited my ability to fully embrace the spontaneity that often leads to the most remarkable experiences. Moreover, pre-booking often meant committing to specific dates and locations without fully understanding their appeal or suitability. As I explored Southeast Asia, I discovered that certain destinations exceeded my expectations, while others left me longing for more. Unfortunately, due to my pre-arranged bookings of trains, hotels, and flights, I had limited flexibility to extend my stay in the places I loved or to quickly move on from those that didn't resonate with me. This lack of adaptability resulted in missed opportunities to fully immerse ourselves in the destinations we truly connected with and possibly explore lesser-known areas that could have been even more fulfilling. In hindsight, I realized that while pre-booking can provide peace of mind, it's essential to strike a balance between planning ahead and leaving room for spontaneity to truly embrace the spirit of travel in Southeast Asia. Unless you are going during the high tourist season you can book most activities and hotels once you arrive in Southeast Asia. We booked our last hotel night in Bangkok a day before with many options to choose from. Same with buses and trains, though you might not get the class you want. Not only that but you will often get a better price by waiting to book once in the country you are going to. I know it can be stressful to not have everything planned out, but I am here to say everything will work out.

Not going with the flow!

Eating a Fish Noodle Dish in a back back alley in Hanoi

I will say this is a mistake I made right away that I fixed. I have had a hard time in the past not "going with the flow" and on this trip I realized pretty quickly I needed to go with the flow. The region is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and relaxed pace of life, and by embracing this mindset, I was able to fully immerse myself in the vibrant energy that permeates Southeast Asia. Going with the flow allowed me to let go of expectations, opening myself up to unexpected adventures and serendipitous encounters. By relinquishing control and embracing spontaneity, I discovered hidden gems that weren't on any guidebook or itinerary. Whether it was stumbling upon a local street festival, accepting an invitation from friendly locals to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, or simply getting lost in the winding streets of a bustling city, going with the flow allowed me to surrender to the rhythm of the region and fully embrace the present moment. This mindset enabled me to make genuine connections with locals, immerse myself in the local culture, and create memories that are etched in my heart forever. Going with the flow also helped me navigate the occasional challenges and setbacks that come with travel. Southeast Asia is a diverse region with its own unique characteristics, and not everything always goes according to plan. A few examples on this trip would be:

• being left by our bus driver for 30 minutes while parked on the side of a dirt road in Cambodia during a rain storm

• Having a taxi driver who did not actually know where he was taking us after nodding yes but not speaking English, so he had to Facetime a friend who spoke english while driving in Hanoi.

• Being in a van, that stopped in the middle of the road and kicked everyone out and we had to wait 15 minutes on the curb for the next van to pick us up (this happened twice on this one transfer)

• a monsoon storm coming through Siem Reap and flooding our hotel.

• eating a noddle dish in the back back alley because it was too hot for them to cook inside.

Instead of becoming frustrated or disheartened when things didn't go as anticipated, I learned to embrace the unpredictability and find alternative paths. By going with the flow, I was able to turn challenges into opportunities, making each twist and turn an integral part of my Southeast Asian adventure.

I hope these tips help you when planning your next trip to Southeast Asia.