How traveling in Southeast Asia changed me forever (to be continued...) + more pictures and video is comming.

The backpacking trail through Southeast Asia is well worn. Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and through the temples of Angkor Wat. It then heads back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai Islands before moving down to into Malaysia and Singapore. And then... to a little (which is not that little ) paradise in Indonesian islands.

I started to plan and to buy tickets for my Southeast Asia's adventure starting from October 2015.
I had all my main tickets already on Deceber 2015. I was ready and prepared to "go with the flow" in-land. 

My destinations were - Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia. 

My budget - 1600 USD for two moths.

My daily budget - 26 USD per day.


I have heard that "things could happen" and "it never goes as planned", but, I could never imagine, that I will experience so much and so many different emotions, situations and people. To be honest - words can not describe. One should go and do, and feel, and "walk in my shoes", otherwise - it could never be completely understood. If you know what I mean.

Here are some tips (a MUSTS) from me to you, my beautiful reader, what you should most definitely do in Southeast Asia:

1. Fall in love with (and in) Bali (like in the movies, and I'm being honest).

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia. It’s famous Kuta beach (overrated) is known for its parties and surfing. However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. Many beaches are great for families, while the rice terraces in the center will show you what green really is. Ubud is an artistic town with great food and traditional dancing, meditation, yoga and just... overall peace. Try to surf in Canggu and Uluwatu. Fall in love with the sunrise from the Single Fin. And fall in love with one (or more) beautiful wanderlust people, who comes and goes everyday through this beautiful island.

2. Learn to dive in Koh Tao.

There are many great dive sites around the region. Learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipidan (Malaysia), as well as Indonesia and the Philippines.

3. Eat in Singapore.

Thought Thailand had great food? Try the hawker stalls of Singapore for great eats. Don’t forget to also visit Little India and Chinatown. They have some of the best and cheapest food in Asia! Foodporn at it's BEST!

4. Situate yourself on some tropical islands.

There’s more tropical islands in this part of the world than can be named. You have some of the best in the world here, places here you can lie on the beach, soak up some sun, and cool off in azure blue water. Some of the best: Koh Rong and Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), Koh Phi Phi (Thailand).

5. Explore Bangkok.

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity for Southeast Asia. You’ll be able to get anywhere you want from here, experience amazing food, find cheap shopping deals, and experience a great night life that will keep you up until dawn. I hated it when I first went, but after a few days, I saw just how amazing this city was.

6. Go jungle trekking.

No matter where you do it, jungle trekking is a must for any traveler. The area is covered in amazing jungles with a diverse wildlife. Some of the best treks are in Laos and Malaysia, though the ones in Thailand are the most convenient.

7. Admire Angkor Wat.

One of the greatest human creations in history, this temple complex is best done over the course of a few days. Even if you don’t like temples, the place is still amazing to see as it’s a testament to the genius of humanity. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. It’s beautiful here.

8. Attend the Full Moon Party.

The biggest one-night party in the world can sometimes see up to 30,000 people. Party until dawn covered in glow paint and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand.

9. Get your temple overload.

There’s a lot of everything in Southeast Asia – lots of food, islands, clothes, drinking, and lots of temples. You can’t turn a corner without seeing another temple. You’ll get temple overload at some point, but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple.

10. See Halong Bay.

A few hours outside of Hanoi, Halong Bay is the inside passage of Asia. An island filled bay, sailing trips out here give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Watch out for scams – make sure you go with a reputable company. Paying more is worth it. Cheaper is not better here.

11. Take in Ho Chi Minh City.

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teething mass of people and cars work together, but it does.

12. Watch the sun rise over an Indonesian Volcano.

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. You’ll not want to miss out on getting a snap of the smouldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Or try Mountain Batur with the spectacular view and those sneaky, little monkeys. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life.

Now, when I am back "home" I can tell you TOP 15 things, what impacted me the most.

1.We need far less than we think we do.

I started my journey with one 6kg backpack and one small shoulder bag for my documents and money. Half of the bag was full with medicine. Other half - with bikinis and some T-shirts, shorts. That's it! I took with me raincoat, umbrella and torch, what I never used.

2. Why have the same-same when you can have different?

Don't do those "tripadvisor" activities. Don't be that typical tourist. Meet locals from "Couchsurfing", stay with them. Go and do things as a local. Escape from the crowded places and overpriced activities. It's not worth it. Forget about it.

3. Don't be cheap.

Don't forget to tip your drivers, your guides. Bargain more, know the "real price", but don't be cheap. I mean - 1 USD for us (even Latvians) doesn't make any difference, but for "them" - it does. Help! If not with  money, then with action or food, or first necessities. 

4. I used to live in a bubble.

I mean - I saw "things" on THE NEWS, I've read "things", but.. you can only understand it, when you see and feel it. I've stayed in Thailand in this little village, with this family for two days. I lived as they lived. It was priceless.

5. I was flexible enough to change my plans constantly.

Things go wrong. That's the universal truth. And it's okey. 

I was robbed from head to toe in Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City only on 10th day of my journey.

He came from the behing with his scooter and snapped my bag full withn cash, cards, driving licence, iPhone, GoPRO, camera and all the little things. It was all gone withing 2 seconds. What a pro, I must admit. 

I was angry, I was frusrated.

I could have cried and gone home, but I managed to continue my adventure. And maybe even better.

Without the money, without the phone, but with the drive and bravery,

6. We choose our own happiness.

I felt the happiest, when I had nothing. That might sound absurd, but... it's true. 

I've found my family for a day. They gave my food and drinks. I took a shower. They hugged me and I felt like home. That's all what it takes sometimes to feel the happiest.

7. I don’t know shit about shit.

Well... simple as that. There's so many things I didn't knew and still don't know. So many situations and feelings, that I could never imagine. I was learning something new everyday. And I'm not finished yet. Southeast Asia has opened my eyes so wide, that I will never ever be the same again.

8. Everywhere in the World is Home.

And that the World is your oyster and everything is more simple that we make it. 

It's not a place, but a feeling. During my adventure I met couple of beautiful souls who helped me a lot and made me feel like home, for that I am forever thankful.

9. I stayed cool when things went wrong.

Yes. Still about that robbery "thing". And many others. For example, when someone dumped me out from their home or cancelled my "booking" on Couchsurfing the last second.

10. I backed up my photos.

Thanks God I did! I don't have my GoPRO videos, though. But photos - I have them all. What a lucky 21st Century girl.

11. I took a break when I needed one.

I was travelling in the night with all these night trains, night busses, tuk-tuk's to save time and money on the hostels. What an exhausted thing it is! In the end I knew the exact pose how to sleep proper (atleast try to). So... I allowed myself to have a massage or to stay in a fancy hotel now and then - for example Marina Bay Sands Hotel, what was my dream. I swam in the infinity pool. I had the time of my life. But I would never do it again, I mean - it's overrated. Price is to high for nearly nothing.

12. I rarely said no to anything.

Simple as that. Even if I couldn't be asked, I said - YES!!!

13. I followed my heart.

And again, simple as that. And in all those cases - it did good and right.

14. I trusted people.

I've stayed more than in 30 "homes", villas, beds, hostels, hotels, guest houses. I've met more than a hundred GOOD people. And I've met some shitty ones, too. But all of them made such a huge impact on my and my life. Priceless!
And I trusted that cray guy from Phi Phi Island and "his fire". I mean - literally fire.
He was doing crazy things (show) with fire and I was his helper, he choose me from  a crowd.
See it in the video (coming soon...)

15. People trusted me.

Well.. I am forever thankful for that! Thank you!