11 Unmistakable Signs That You Travelled in Southeast Asia
What can you expect and see on a trip throughout Southeast Asia? If you’ll be visiting countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines, or you’ve been before, you’ll be able to relate to these telltale signs you’ve travelled in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia is a beloved destination for backpackers and travellers of all ages. Whether you're on a gap year, working remotely, or simply seeking adventure, you’ll find that the region offers incredible value for money and a vibrant travel community. Whether your trip takes you to the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia or another one of the countries in the region, there are a diverse array of attractions to see including pristine beaches, towering mountains and historic landmarks.
While each country has its own unique flavour, there are certain experiences that unite all Southeast Asia explorers. So whether you’ve already been or are planning to go, let's take a look at some of the tell-tale signs that you've immersed yourself in the region.
1. You saw monkeys
One of the unmistakable signs that you've visited Southeast Asia is seeing monkeys in the wild. These intelligent and mischievous creatures can be found all over the region, for example at Batu Caves in Selangor, Malaysia or in the Monkey Forest in Bali, Indonesia. But they are also hanging around temples, parks and beaches all over. While macaques are the most common type of monkey you'll encounter, there are other species to look out for, such as the cute dusky leaf monkey or the long-nosed proboscis monkey, found only on Borneo island.
Remember that while monkeys can be entertaining, they are also opportunistic and can be conniving, especially in tourist areas. To avoid any trouble, make sure to keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid leaving them unattended. Please don't feed or touch the monkeys, as they are wild animals that can be aggressive if they feel threatened or want food.
Tip: Apparently, smiling with your teeth can be taken as a sign of aggression by monkeys. Be aware and smart about selfies - and watch your back when there are animals around.
A macaque monkey hangs out on the fence on the trail to Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand. Don’t be fooled by the cute face - macaques are mischevious, especially in tourist areas. Watch your belongings ;)
2. You took a Grab
Ridesharing has become the most popular mode of transportation in Southeast Asia, with Grab as the go-to app for this purpose. It's similar to Uber but offers much more than just ridesharing, including food delivery and mobile payments. Grab offers different types of rides, including JustGrab (regular car), 6-seater options, and GrabCar Plus (higher-rated drivers and vehicles). In some areas, tuk-tuks and motorbikes are also available for ridesharing. I would not advise using Grab Bike except in Vietnam, where motorbike rideshares include a helmet.
Tip: While I find ridesharing to be safer than taxis, it’s important to always be vigilant, especially when travelling. Always check that the license plate of a rideshare car matches the one on your app before entering.
P.S. Use my link to download Grab for a free ride!
3. You rode in a tuk-tuk or tricyle
Tuk-tuks are my favourite mode of transportation and are a quintessential staple in many Southeast Asian countries. If you've never taken a tuk-tuk before, it's a mini open-air car or a motorbike with a roofed chassis that can normally seat up to four passengers. These vehicles are unique, fun, and efficient, and can be found in most popular areas in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines (although here it will be a tricycle).
Each country and region has its own style of tuk-tuk, with some adorned with disco lights and others boasting traditional designs. You can hail a tuk-tuk just like a taxi, or you can even use the Grab app to call one in Thailand and Cambodia.
While some people may tell you that tuk-tuks are only for tourists, don't miss this fun opportunity to experience zipping around in an open-air vehicle! It is still the go-to transportation for many people.
Tip: It's best to negotiate the fare before hopping on a tuk-tuk. Check the price of a car ride on the Grab app first so you can try to negotiate a lower price than that.
4. You bought elephant pants
If you've been to Southeast Asia, you've probably seen tourists sporting the classic elephant-patterned pants or shorts that are sold in markets throughout the region. The pants are usually made of light material with elastic at the waist and ankle. They are so popular because they're sold in front of temples, where dress codes are enforced and tourists wearing shorts or dresses can buy something appropriate to wear inside the temple. They're also commonly sold or rented for elephant experiences.
It's hard to resist the allure of the famed elephant pants, so you might find yourself buying a pair or two as a souvenir. If not elephant pants, you are likely to end up buying something elephant related. In any case, if you want to save money, consider shopping at a market that isn't in front of a major attraction to find them for cheaper.
Tip: Always do a quality check before purchasing. Sometimes, the cheaper ones can wear out quickly or shrink after the first wash.
5. You ate something way too spicy
If you're a spice lover, Southeast Asia is a food paradise. However, even the most seasoned spice lovers can be caught off guard by the level of heat in some dishes, especially in Thailand or Malaysia. In Thailand, locals use very hot chillies in most recipes (and even enjoy eating raw chillies!), and Malaysians often use chilli paste called sambal. You should definitely try banana leaf in Malaysia, curry mee and laksa in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as tom yum soup in Thailand. Just be prepared for some heat!
If you can't tolerate much spice, ask for dishes with less spiciness, but keep in mind that "less spicy" to you probably does not mean the same to a local. If you need an assist, bread, beer, and dairy can all help you tolerate spiciness at the moment.
Tip: Always pack antacids and Imodium when you travel in case of any stomach issues. It is very common to experience indigestion or diarrhoea when travelling and trying new foods, so just be prepared in case it happens to you.
P.S. Always have travel insurance when you take trips abroad! You can purchase a reasonable travel insurance plan from SafetyWing.
A plate of nasi lemak ayam, or coconut rice with fried chicken, the national dish of Malaysia. The red sauce at the top is a prawn chilli paste, the favourite spicy staple condiment of Malaysia.
6. You used a bum gun
Speaking of the effects of spicy food… let me tell you about the bum gun.
In Europe, you have the bidet. In Southeast Asia, you have the all-mighty hose, called the “bum gun” by people with a sense of humour. While this concept may seem bizarre at first, the bum gun is a practical work of art. It's a hose with a spray gun found next to most toilets in the region, and you're expected to use it like a bidet to wash your bum after using the toilet in a simple (yet delicate) point-and-shoot method. It takes some getting used to, but many people end up preferring it to just toilet paper. For your first time, it may be best to try it out at your hotel rather than in public.
Tip: Always test the bum gun by pointing it towards the drain before spraying yourself. The pressure can vary and is usually adjustable, so don't take any risks and thank me later!
7. You drank local beers
There are several popular beer brands across Southeast Asia that you will come to know and love as you travel from country to country. These beers are usually light and refreshing lagers, making them perfect for cooling off in the region's hot and humid climates.
In Thailand, Chang and Singha are two of the most popular beer brands. In Singapore and Malaysia, Tiger is the go-to. In the Philippines, it’s San Miguel and Red Horse. Cambodia has Angkor and Cambodia beer, while Laos has Lao beer, and Vietnam has Hanoi and Saigon beer. Beers often come as a deal for a bucket of five, or as one large 620ml bottle served with frosted mugs.
Tip: While imported beers are available, I recommend trying the local brands for a true Southeast Asian experience.
My mom and I enjoying our first Tiger beer when my parents arrived in Singapore. Cheers!
8. You got blessed by a monk
In Buddhist areas, especially in Thailand and Laos, you’re likely to come across Buddhist monks, especially many young novice men. They are easily recognizable in their bright orange robes, called kasayas. Monks lead simple lives devoted to their religion and practice strict rules of minimalism and obedience.
A monk may approach you and offer you a blessing, a kind gesture that you can choose to accept. The monk will say a prayer for you and tie a red string bracelet around your wrist. It's customary to offer a small donation in return. Some people believe that it's good luck to keep the bracelet on until it falls off on its own. So, if you see someone with a red string on their wrist, you'll know that they received a blessing from a Buddhist monk.
Tip: While I haven’t been yet, I am super curious about Orange Robe Tours in Luang Prabang, Laos! They offer guided tours with ex-monks and reviews say it’s a great way to learn more about Buddhism, Lao culture and life as a monk, as well as to try a traditional meditation for yourself. Bonus - they are a social enterprise supporting the local community.
My dad accepting a blessing from a monk at a cafe near The Golden Mount temple in Bangkok, Thailand.
9. You got a massage
Southeast Asia is certainly economical overall, and that includes the things we count as luxuries in western countries. Massages are a prime example because they are so prominent. With massage parlours almost everywhere, it can be difficult to choose which one to go to.
Thai massage is the most popular option, but it's not for everyone as it involves stretching your body in various ways, which can be intense. Foot massages are an excellent choice, and they are readily available in markets, shopping areas, and hotels in the region. If you prefer a classic massage, you can opt for an oil or aromatherapy massage.
Massage spas in Southeast Asia have a very different vibe than Western ones. They are simple spaces with floor mattresses separated by curtains instead of massage tables in separate rooms. Foot massages are usually done in comfortable chairs, with everyone seated side by side. Remember to tip your masseuse as it is not a well-paid profession in the region.
Tip: It is better to know in advance that, in some places, masseuses may offer extra intimate services, commonly known as a "happy ending." Always check Google reviews to avoid surprises.
10. You’ve simplified your English
Travelling to Southeast Asia exposes you to a variety of languages and accents, which can be a big challenge to overcome. English is not widely spoken outside of cities in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, and even then, there will be differences in accent and vocabulary.
Don’t fret - for me, learning to overcome language barriers can be one of the most interesting parts of travel! As a traveller, it’s important to be patient and adaptable. You cannot expect the world to adapt to what you know. You’ll get creative by showing photos of what you’re looking for, inventing sign language, drawing and writing, and of course using Google Translate to communicate as effectively as possible.
By the end of your trip, you will have found ways to simplify your English to make it easier for non-English speakers to understand. It is a small effort to learn how to say hello and thank you in the local language, and it can go a long way in building connections, friendships and lasting impressions with local people.
Tip: Remember to keep a sense of humour and exercise patience when communicating with non-English speakers. Communication barriers are inevitable so it’s best to have fun with them. You will learn to adapt quickly and manage to communicate as effectively as possible.
11. You’ve seen enough temples
There are so many beautiful temples throughout Southeast Asia! To name a few of the more stunning temples, you’ll find the ancient Hindu temple ruins of Angkor in Siem Reap, the White Temple in Chiang Rai, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun in Bangkok, Batu Caves Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur, and Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple in Penang. There are entire ancient villages and monasteries to uncover, like Angkor, My Son and Pattaya, which can call for entire day trips to uncover.
While these temples are absolutely beautiful, you may eventually reach a point where you've seen enough pagodas and ruins. It's not that you stop appreciating them, but rather, you become more selective about what you want to visit and prioritize.
Tip: The cannot-miss temples of Southeast Asia for me are Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia and Wat Arun and the Grand Palace (which contains temples) in Bangkok - so make sure they are on your bucket list!
P.S. Book a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat here or book a tour of Bangkok highlights including my favourites here.
A tiny slice of the spectacular Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand! As beautiful as temples are, you can easily overdose on temple stops on a trip through Southeast Asia.
Experiences like using local transportation, tasting local beers and spicy foods, gawking at monkeys in temples or trying to speak local languages will not only offer a glimpse into the local culture but will ultimately underscore many unforgettable memories for those who immerse themselves in Southeast Asia.
What other tell-tale signs are there for travel in Southeast Asia? Let me know what I missed!
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