I’ve been traveling in Southeast Asia for two months, and though I’d like to consider myself a well-researched traveler, there are some things you can’t prepare for. On my trips abroad I’ve fallen down a flight of stairs, contracted the flu, and lost my passport, but most importantly, I’ve learned how to navigate my destinations along the way. You can only do so much preparation. Though the economies of many countries in Southeast Asia are structured to accommodate tourism, there are still some things any visitor should know before heading to this part of the world.
What To Eat
Whatever you might call it, food poisoning, Bali Belly, or a parasite, you need to be careful about what you eat in Southeast Asia. Many countries don’t have potable drinking water, so you’ll need to get used to drinking water out of bottles, or finding places where you can safely refill your reusable container.
In most countries in Southeast Asia, you won’t have to worry about this, restaurants aren’t giving you cups of tap water, but your fruits and veggies may be washed in it. Eating raw produce is generally discouraged on a trip to this region, as it’s hard to tell what was prepared with tap water and what wasn’t. You’ll also come across a lot of confusing-looking meat. Noodle soups, pho, and many traditional dishes in this region include pork or beef, and sometimes, it looks like you shouldn’t eat it. Usually, you’ll be okay, but try to avoid eating raw meats while you’re here.
Dining Out
The U.S. and many major countries around the world house their finest eateries in fancy buildings, with gorgeous interiors to match their top notch cuisines. In Southeast Asia, however, the best food you may have might be eaten standing up in the street, or sitting on a tiny plastic chair on a crowded sidewalk. While it’s important to make sure you’re vetting your food for health and safety, it’s also important to try new things and keep an open mind. The best meal you have might be the one you never expected.
Getting Around
Many cities around the world offer transportation systems like buses, subways, and trains, but how to best get around varies in Southeast Asia. That is of course unless you are adept at driving motorcycles and scooters. In Southeast Asia, the main mode of transport is not a car, but motorbikes. When hopping around from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh, you’ll see many tourists driving bikes, and in rural areas, you may even see children driving motorbikes. But don’t be misled. Driving a motorbike takes skill, especially in busy cities like Hanoi and Bangkok. While you may see tourists driving bikes, you’ll also see tourists walking around with arm splints and bandages on their legs from crashes. Don’t mess with the motorbikes!
If you can’t drive your own motorbike, you can try booking a ride on Grab, the region’s version of Uber which offers car rides and bike rides. These are often extremely affordable one-way trips that get you to your destination in a jiffy. Otherwise, bargain with tuk tuk and taxi drivers to get the best deal for your ride around the city.
Dressing Appropriately And Respecting The Culture
Though it’s fun to bring your best fashion looks around the globe, fashion in Southeast Asia is modest. Many people in this part of the world dress more conservatively, not just to uphold tradition and respect their cultures, but to protect themselves from the sun. This is often a class issue in places like Thailand or Vietnam, locals want to have fair skin which is still today a signal of higher class in these countries. You’ll notice many locals wearing jackets and pants when the weather is sweltering. Though you can get away with wearing tee shirts and shorts, you’ll want to do your research on the country you’re visiting ahead of time to see what the customs are.
What is of paramount importance is dressing conservatively in religious facilities. There are many temples throughout the region that are beautiful and ornate, but they require knees and shoulders to be covered at all times to visit. While out and about it’s a good idea to bring a light sweater or jacket so you can drop into these places without showing disrespect.
