COUNTRIES.

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma), Malaysia, Philippines, Borneo, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore

GET YOUR BEARINGS.

Welcome to backpacker central; where most backpackers start and for good reason. There's plenty to see/do, life's fun, cheap, easy and fairly safe. There's however something clichéd about the region and many grow tired of the crowds while a certain type of backpacker keeps coming back.

Sure, it's a cliche, but if you can draw yourself away from the beaches and bars, you'll find a safe easy region to travel with loads to discover. Decide to visit? Make sure you don't miss Thailand's beaches, Angkor Wat or the Philippines.

RECOMMENDED READING.

More on why travel reading makes your trip better, here.

Our Favorites

Shantaram

By Gregory David Roberts

Our editor's favorite book, this one will take you on a wild ride so good Johnny Depp is rumored to be staring in the film adaptation.

Are You Experienced?

By William Sutfliffe

A quick read that pokes fun of travelers in India. Definitely funny, but a little dark if you read between the lines. Which you will, because you won't be able to put it down.

Memoirs Of A Geisha

By Arthur Golden

There are definitely more factual books out there about the country, but this is a page turner that'll give you a fascinating glimpse into life in post-war Japan.