Your Essential App Toolkit for Backpacking South East Asia

Exploring Southeast Asia promises an unforgettable adventure: bustling markets, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters. Over seven months exploring Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, we discovered the essential apps that every backpacker needs. We understand that planning can feel daunting, so this guide unveils the tried-and-tested apps that will transform your trip.

From booking flights to navigating temples, hailing rides, and translating languages, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a first-timer, get ready to download your way to a seamless and unforgettable experience!

Getting Around: Ride-hailing & Transport Apps

Southeast Asia is a region of contrasts, from towering skylines to tranquil countryside. To make the most of your adventure, having reliable transportation is crucial. Fortunately, this range of apps can help you navigate the diverse landscape with ease.

Grab Taxis & Takeaways

Grab is a ride hailing platform crossed with food delivery service, similar to Uber One, with a variety of ride options. In Bangkok, the fastest way to get around is by GrabBike. GrabBike is a service that allows you to hop on the back of someone’s moped just like a taxi – they are perfect for zipping through busy city traffic! In Cambodia, you even have the option of a GrabTukTuk – a super affordable way to travel! Often Grab is not much more in price than navigating local bus routes and is 1000% more convenient! If you don’t feel like going out for a meal then the GrabFood area of the app allows you to order from a myriad of restaurants in your area. There is also an offers section when ordering both food and transport, which provide a further discount on the cost, so make sure to always check!

Local Alternatives: Depending on where you are in Southeast Asia, you might find even better deals with local ride-hailing apps. Bolt (Thailand only) and PassApp (Cambodia only) are both worth checking out. Don’t be afraid to download both Grab and the local option to compare prices and find the best deal for your journey.

12Go Book Tickets for Trains, Buses & Ferries

12Go is a total game changer for travelling around South East Asia! Not only can you book all your transport on it but it can also offer combined journey options; if you need to get from A to B but the journey involves more than one bus, train or ferry! The prices are sometimes slightly higher than if you go direct to the bus or train company but for the ease and simplicity we think it’s worth it. However, we have also seen it cheaper on 12Go on occasion, so make sure to compare. Certain journeys, such as the Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper train, can become fully booked up to a week or so in advance. For those journeys in particular this app is an absolute lifesaver.

Google Maps Directions & Reviews

There is not a day travelling that we do not use Google Maps one way or another. Not only is it fantastic for getting around and offering directions, we often used it to find restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, pharmacies . We found using the reviews people have left as a way to pick somewhere so handy and for Eve, who is vegetarian, it made finding places to eat so much less stressful! You also have the option to download offline maps, which we would do before arriving in a new city as we would often not have a SIM card set up yet.

Moovit Navigating Public Transport

Moovit is a brilliant tool for getting around using public transport and is available in over 3,000 cities across 94 countries. When you search for a destination it will give you the quickest route options via bus, metro, trains and taxis. It will track the journey along with you on GPS so you know when and where to get on and off public transport. We used Moovit the most in Bangkok as you have buses, metro, SkyTrain, trains, riverboats and taxis as modes of transport, so navigating these can be a bit of a headache… Moovit saved us here on more than one occasion!

Local Alternatives: Citymapper (Singapore) Commonly used in European and American cities, Citymapper originated in London and is slowing building up it’s portfolio. It is now available in Singapore and is similar to Moovit but with a much more user friendly interface. It is very reliable and you can even track the journey on your phone to see where you are at along the way!

Rome2Rio Planning Your Route

We weren’t totally sure about adding Rome2Rio to this list… It is a very useful tool that allows you to quickly assess travel options to and from a variety of places. Honestly, there isn’t a time we have been planning a trip that we haven’t found need for it. However, we have learnt to take some of the information it provides with a pinch of salt as it can often be out of date. There have been a few occasions that we have found the information to be incorrect when researching further, so we would advise it is always worth clicking through to the provider under each travel option to double check they still run. That being said, it is still definitely a useful enough tool to make this list!

Accommodation: Booking Your Perfect Stays

Finding the right accommodation is key to a comfortable backpacking experience. Whether you crave social vibes, creature comforts, or a budget-friendly options, here are our top choices.

Hostelworld

For solo backpackers, Hostelworld is a game changer. Not only does it offer a wide range of hostels at budget friendly prices, but it also hosts a unique social feature. The app can connect you with other travellers staying in your chosen hostel or the surrounding area, fostering a sense of community and providing an instant network. This is a lifesaver if you have questions before you arrive or simply want to meet fellow adventurers upon check-in.

Booking.com

This is the app we used the most in order to book accommodation. We found it to be the most competitive app for finding places to stay, with a range of properties to suit all styles and budgets (we discovered a double bed in a hotel was more often than not the same price as two dorms beds in a budget hostel, perfect for travelling as a couple!) Plus, their “Genius” program offers exclusive discounts and perks to frequent users, making it an even more attractive option. Level 2 can be achieved by completing 5 bookings in 2 years and level 3 by completing 15 bookings in 2 years, which is very easily done if you’re backpacking and spending a few nights in each location. These ‘Genius’ rewards include up to 20% discounts on stays, free breakfasts and free room upgrades on selected stays.

Agoda

We should also mention Agoda as when comparing between this and Booking.com you may well get a better deal depending on the property, it is absolutely worth checking both if you are travelling on a budget and seeking the best deal possible.

Airbnb

Airbnb is a global online marketplace that connects people who want to rent out their homes or spare rooms with travellers . It offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious villas. You might be surprised to find that sometimes this is the more cost effective option. Airbnb will also sometimes offer discounts for long term stays so if you are travelling slowly and staying a while in each location this can be preferable. Airbnb is also perfect if you are looking from a break from busy hostels, and to catch up on a good nights sleep if you are an extremely light sleeper (like Alec!)

Tip: Remember, the best app for you depends on your priorities. If socialising is a must, Hostelworld is the best pick. For the widest selection and potential discounts, Booking.com is a great choice. And don’t forget to check Agoda to snag hidden deals!

Conquering the Skies: Mastering Flight Deals

The best way to find the cheapest flights is to utilise multiple sites to compare prices, ensuring that you are getting the cheapest price possible. Whilst there are so many flight comparisons sites to choose from, we’ve found these to be the best ones.

Google Flights

Our favourite way to quickly check for the best value flight options. It’s reliable, trustworthy and accessible to worldwide users. It’s good for price prediction and tracking, and its prices are generally accurate. However, prices can sometimes be wrong or outdated.

Skyscanner

We will often use Skyscanner alongside Google Flights to ensure we are getting the best deal. A comparison site that shows both direct and indirect flights, making it easy to compare prices. It’s also good for finding deals.

Kiwi.com

We have found Kiwi very useful when looking at longer haul flight options. It’s search tools allow you to look over a variety of dates at once. This is super helpful when you are flexible on dates but want the cheapest possible price.

Momondo/Kayak

Owned by the same firm, so their interfaces are very similar. These are really useful when using their ‘multi-city’ function, have a great range of filters, and is also helpful for considering flights with stopovers, which can sometimes be cheaper than direct flights. You can specify at the start of a search whether or not you want to check in bags so you can compare costs more accurately. We also really like the fact that you can enter multiple destinations, in order to compare prices if you’re not set on where to go and looking for an adventure!

Activities: Discovering Unforgettable Adventures

Southeast Asia offers a plethora of activities, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. This is our list of essential apps to discover hidden gems, enjoy unforgettable experiences and explore the best of Southeast Asia.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is your perfect app for a selection of tours and activities. Whether you’re seeking a guided temple tour or craving a more of an adventure, this app has something for everyone. Their user friendly interface allows you to browse experiences by location, category, and budget, making it easy to find the perfect activity to suit your interests and travel style.

Viator

Along with GetYourGuide, Viator also offers a vast selection of tours and activities across South East Asia. Beyond the popular attractions, Viator showcases a lot more hidden gems and off the beaten path experiences. Think cooking classes with local families or kayaking through secluded lagoons.

AllTrails

For the outdoor enthusiasts, AllTrails is a must-have app. It provides a comprehensive database of hiking and biking trails throughout Southeast Asia, complete with detailed descriptions, elevation profiles, and user reviews. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker seeking a challenging climb or a casual hiker looking for a scenic stroll, AllTrails helps you find the perfect path to suit your fitness level and interests. We found it very useful in areas such as Sapa in Vietnam and the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, in order to not use an organised tour for a hike, and instead follow our own trail in app (for free!).

Miscellaneous: Beyond the Basics

Whilst we’ve covered the essentials for exploring Southeast Asia, there are a few additional apps that can enhance your journey. From managing your finances to overcoming language barriers, these tools will help you make the most of your adventure.

XE Currency Convertor

The best money exchange app that we have found. You can have up to 10 currencies at a time showing on the main screen, making it super easy to check and assess prices on the go! When connected to the internet, this app updates once per minute and is the most up to date way we have found of keeping up with exchange rates. However it still works offline, so you can still get a rough price estimate while exploring.

TravelSpend Keep Track of Expenses

We didn’t actually discover TravelSpend until after our South East Asia trip but have used it on more recent trips and the interface is super easy to use. We now use it for all our trips to log our purchases and make sure we are staying under our set budgets. It has various different categories to log your purchases under and a choice of global currencies to select. It will also show you a converted overview in your home currency, making it really easy to keep track of your total spends. To keep track of unlimited trips you would be required to pay for their premium subscription, however you are still able to keep track of one trip at a time with their free version. Previous to discovering this, we were logging everything on a spreadsheet that we had created but found this very time consuming and clunky as we were having to exchange all purchases and add them to a running total, often missing some. TravelSpend makes all of this so much simpler and hassle free.

Google Translate Essential Translator

The app we always have downloaded for translating. While you will find a huge amount of people in South East Asia speak English and a lot of signs and menus are also translated, it is not guaranteed everywhere, especially if you are going off the beaten track outside any of the major cities. If you are connected to the internet, Google Translate has the option to take photos of a sign or menu and it will translate the image for you. We found it especially beneficial for food menus! You can also download languages to use offline, so even if you lose internet connection you don’t end up stuck!

Worldpackers/Workaway Volunteering Opportunities

Worldpackers and Workaway essentially do the same thing. They are both platforms that match up travellers with volunteering placements in various countries around the world. There are so many choices in South East Asia, from volunteering in hostels, to working on farms, to teaching English in schools. This is perfect for you if you are looking to slow down, experience more of the local culture and meet local people. We used Worldpackers so can vouch that they were great to use. We found a volunteering experience teaching English at a school just outside of Phnom Penh in Cambodia and spent a month there, and it was an incredible way to fully immerse ourselves in Cambodian culture and give back to the local community. They are both paid services and offer plans for both solo travellers and couples, in order for you to view and connect with volunteering options.

Southeast Asia is the most magical adventure with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. With the right tools by your side, you can navigate this incredible region with confidence and ease. The apps listed here are just a starting point – be sure to explore and discover others that cater to your specific needs and interests.

Remember, these digital tools are meant to enhance your journey, not replace it. So, put down your phone from time to time, soak in the atmosphere, and embrace the unexpected encounters that make this part of the world so special. With a little planning, your Southeast Asian adventure is set to be amazing. Now, get ready to embark on an unforgettable experience!

Share your favourite travel apps in the comments below!