Getting around Southeast Asia is half the adventure — and sometimes half the challenge. The region offers everything from $30 flights between countries to overnight trains through rice paddies to speedboats dodging limestone karsts. This southeast asia transport guide covers every mode of travel so you can pick the right one for every leg of your trip.
The good news: transport across the region has improved dramatically in the past decade. Budget airlines connect every major city, ride-hailing apps work in almost every country, and high-speed rail is expanding. The not-so-good news: quality and safety vary widely, and the cheapest option isn't always the smartest one.
Budget Airlines: The Backbone of Regional Travel
Budget airlines have transformed Southeast Asia travel. Flights that would take 12+ hours overland take 1-2 hours in the air, often for similar prices to bus tickets once you factor in time saved.
The Major Carriers
**AirAsia** — The original Southeast Asian budget airline and still the biggest. Hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok (Don Mueang), Jakarta, Manila, and more. Flies to virtually every major city in the region. - Fares: $20-80 for regional flights when booked in advance - Baggage: Carry-on only (7kg) included. Checked bags from $8-15 - App: Good for booking, check-in, and managing bookings
**Scoot** — Singapore Airlines' budget arm. Hub in Singapore. - Fares: Slightly higher than AirAsia but often better punctuality - Good for: Singapore connections to anywhere in the region - Has wider seats ("ScootPlus") as an upgrade option
**VietJet Air** — Vietnam's ultra-budget carrier. Has expanded well beyond Vietnam. - Fares: Extremely competitive, especially for Vietnam domestic routes - Note: Frequent flash sales with absurdly cheap tickets ($5-10 domestic) - Check-in bag allowance varies by fare class — read carefully
**Cebu Pacific** — The Philippines' dominant budget airline. - Best for: Domestic Philippine flights (essential in an archipelago of 7,641 islands) - Regional routes to Southeast Asian capitals - Frequent seat sales
**Lion Air / Batik Air** — Indonesia's largest airline group. - Dominates domestic Indonesian routes - Quality has improved but delays remain common - Essential for reaching Indonesian islands beyond Bali
**Thai AirAsia / Nok Air / Thai Lion Air** — Thailand's domestic budget options. - Useful for Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and other domestic routes - Bangkok operates from two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for full-service carriers and Don Mueang (DMK) for most budget airlines. **Don't mix them up.**
Booking Tips for Budget Airlines 1. **Book directly on the airline's website or app.** Third-party sites (Skyscanner, Google Flights) are great for price comparison, but book direct to avoid customer service nightmares if anything goes wrong. 2. **Book early for the best fares.** 4-8 weeks ahead is the sweet spot for domestic flights. 2-3 months for popular international routes. 3. **Be flexible with dates.** A one-day shift can halve the price. 4. **Skip the extras** unless you need them. Seat selection, insurance, priority boarding — it adds up fast. 5. **Pack light.** Budget airlines make their money on baggage fees. If you can go carry-on only (7kg), you save $15-30 per flight. 6. **Screenshot your booking confirmation.** Wi-Fi at budget airline counters can be unreliable.
Two Airports to Know Several cities have multiple airports: - **Bangkok**: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for full-service, Don Mueang (DMK) for budget. They're 30km apart — allow 90 minutes for transit between them. - **Jakarta**: Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) handles everything but is massive. Allow extra time. - **Kuala Lumpur**: KLIA for full-service, KLIA2 for AirAsia (same complex, connected by train).
Trains: Slow, Scenic, and Sometimes Brilliant
Thailand Thai railways are government-run and surprisingly charming, if not always punctual. - **Bangkok to Chiang Mai**: The classic overnight train. 13-15 hours, sleeper berths from ~700 THB ($20). Book upper berths for better ventilation, lower berths for more space. - **Bangkok to the south**: Routes to Surat Thani (for Koh Samui), Hat Yai, and onward to Malaysia. - **Eastern Line**: Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (for the border crossing to Cambodia/Poipet). - Book at [railway.co.th](https://railway.co.th) or in person at Hua Lamphong/Bang Sue stations.
Vietnam: The Reunification Express One of the world's great rail journeys. The Reunification Express runs the entire length of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. - **Full journey**: 1,726 km, approximately 33-36 hours. - **Popular segments**: Hanoi to Hue (13-14 hours), Hue to Da Nang (2.5-3 hours, stunning coastal scenery), Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (16-18 hours). - **Soft sleeper** (4-berth cabin) is the best option: roughly $30-60 depending on distance. - The Hue-Da Nang segment through the Hai Van Pass is the scenic highlight — do this in daylight. - Book through [dsvn.vn](https://dsvn.vn) or agencies like Baolau.
Malaysia Malaysia has a modern rail network. - **ETS (Electric Train Service)**: High-speed-ish (140 km/h) trains between Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang (Butterworth). Clean, comfortable, and affordable (~$8-15). - **Jungle Railway**: A slow, scenic route through the interior rainforest from Gemas to Kota Bharu. An adventure, not a commute. - **KTM Komuter**: Suburban trains around KL. - Book at [ktmb.com.my](https://ktmb.com.my).
Indonesia Indonesia's rail network is limited to Java and parts of Sumatra. - **Java**: Excellent trains between Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. The Jakarta-Yogyakarta route is popular and scenic. Book through the KAI (Kereta Api Indonesia) app. - Quality is surprisingly good — executive class trains are air-conditioned and comfortable.
Singapore-Malaysia Rail The **Shuttle Tebrau** runs between Singapore (Woodlands) and Johor Bahru (JB Sentral). Quick and cheap — just a few dollars. The Singapore-KL high-speed rail project remains under discussion.
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar - **Cambodia**: Revived rail service between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville/Kampot. Slow but scenic and very cheap. - **Laos**: The **Laos-China Railway** (opened 2021) connects Vientiane to Boten (Chinese border) via Luang Prabang. A game-changer: Vientiane to Luang Prabang takes just 2 hours instead of 10+ by road. Modern Chinese-built trains with comfortable seating. - **Myanmar**: Trains exist but are extremely slow and unreliable. The circular Yangon train is worth riding as an experience, though.
Ferries and Boats
Water transport is essential in a region full of islands.
Thailand - **Gulf of Thailand** (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): Multiple ferry operators including Lomprayah (catamaran, fastest), Seatran Discovery, and Raja Ferry (cheapest, takes cars). Book Lomprayah for the smoothest ride. - **Andaman Sea** (Phuket to Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta): Speedboats and ferries run in high season (Nov-Apr). Many routes shut down or reduce in monsoon season. - Prices: $10-30 for most island-to-island routes.
Indonesia - **Bali to Lombok**: Fast boats (1.5-2.5 hours, $20-35) or the public ferry from Padang Bai (4-5 hours, ~$2). Fast boats have had safety incidents — choose reputable operators (Bluewater Express, Eka Jaya). - **Bali to Gili Islands**: Fast boats from Sanur or Padang Bai (1.5-2 hours). - **Island-hopping in Flores/Komodo**: Liveaboard boats for multi-day trips are the standard way to see Komodo National Park. - **PELNI ferries**: Indonesia's state ferry network connects remote islands. Basic but functional for adventurous travelers.
Philippines - **2GO Travel**: Major ferry operator connecting Manila to Visayas and Mindanao. Overnight ferries with cabin options. - **FastCat and oceanjet**: Faster catamarans for shorter routes. - Ferries are essential in the Philippines — there's no other way to reach most islands.
Malaysia - **Langkawi ferries**: From Kuala Perlis and Penang (2.5-3 hours from Penang). - **Perhentian and Redang Islands**: Speedboats from Kuala Besut and Merang.
Safety Notes for Boats - **Check weather conditions.** Boats should not operate in rough seas. Don't board a boat if conditions look dangerous, regardless of what the operator says. - **Life jackets.** Ensure they're available and in wearable condition. - **Don't book the cheapest fast boat.** In Bali especially, the cheapest operators cut corners on maintenance. It's worth paying $5-10 more for a reputable company.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab Is King
Grab The Uber of Southeast Asia, operating in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Download it before you arrive. - **Services**: Cars, motorbike taxis, food delivery, payments - **How it works**: Exactly like Uber. Set pickup, destination, get a fare quote, pay by cash or card. - **Why it's essential**: Eliminates taxi scam concerns, provides a record of your trip, and is usually cheaper than metered taxis.
GoJek / Gojek Indonesia's super-app, also operating in Singapore and Vietnam. - Competes directly with Grab in Indonesia and often has better prices. - Offers GoRide (motorbike), GoCar, GoFood, GoPay, and dozens of other services. - In Indonesia, having both Grab and Gojek gives you the best prices.
Other Apps - **Bolt**: Available in some Southeast Asian cities, worth having as a backup. - **InDrive**: Gaining popularity, especially in the Philippines. Uses a negotiation model where you set your price. - **Be (be Group)**: Vietnamese ride-hailing app. Good backup to Grab in Vietnam.
Tips for Ride-Hailing - **Set your pickup pin carefully.** GPS can be inaccurate in dense urban areas. Descriptions like "in front of 7-Eleven on Sukhumvit Soi 11" help drivers find you. - **Cash is fine.** Most drivers prefer cash. Cards work but some drivers will cancel if they see card payment. - **Motorbike taxis** (GrabBike, GoRide) are the fastest way through traffic in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Jakarta. Wear the provided helmet.
Buses
Long-distance buses connect every major destination in the region and remain the cheapest way to travel.
Best Bus Experiences - **VIP buses in Thailand**: Companies like NCA (Nakhonchai Air) offer business-class-level comfort: reclining seats, blankets, meals, personal entertainment screens. Bangkok to Chiang Mai for ~$20-25. - **Sleeper buses in Vietnam**: The Phuong Trang (FUTA) sleeper buses have lie-flat bunks for overnight routes. Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, Nha Trang, etc. - **Malaysia**: Coaches between KL and Penang, Melaka, Cameron Highlands are comfortable and air-conditioned. Book on [busonlineticket.com](https://busonlineticket.com) or [easybook.com](https://easybook.com).
Worst Bus Experiences (Prepare Accordingly) - **Cambodian buses**: Improving but still rough on some routes. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is the most traveled route — companies like Giant Ibis offer reliable service. - **Laos mountain roads**: Beautiful but terrifying. Winding roads, sharp drops, long hours. The Laos-China Railway has mercifully replaced the worst of these. - **Myanmar**: Variable quality. Roads outside major corridors can be brutal.
Minivans Popular across Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos for mid-range routes. Cheaper and more frequent than buses but: - Often cramped and driven aggressively - Higher accident rates than large buses - Can be useful for routes where buses don't run frequently
Book through **12Go.asia** — the best aggregator for bus, train, and ferry bookings across the region.
Motorbike and Scooter Rental
Motorbikes are the primary transport in much of Southeast Asia, and renting one gives you unmatched freedom — especially on islands and in rural areas.
Where It's Common - **Vietnam**: Motorbikes dominate. Renting one for a multi-day ride through the northern highlands (Ha Giang loop) is a bucket-list experience. - **Bali**: Almost essential for getting around outside main tourist areas. Traffic is terrible for cars. - **Thai islands**: The main way to get around Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta, Pai. - **Philippines**: Common on Siargao, Bohol, and other islands.
Costs $5-10/day for a basic automatic scooter (Honda Click or similar). $15-30/day for a semi-auto or manual (Honda XR, Yamaha).
Critical Safety Notes - **Have you ridden a motorbike before?** If no, Southeast Asian traffic is not the place to learn. Seriously. Motorbike accidents are the #1 cause of tourist injuries in the region. - **Wear a helmet.** Always. Full-face if available. - **Check your insurance.** Most travel insurance policies exclude motorbike accidents unless you have a valid motorcycle license from your home country. Some policies cover automatic scooters under 125cc. - **Photograph the bike** before renting — scratches, dents, everything. Disputes over damage are common. - **Leave a photocopy of your passport** with the rental shop, not your actual passport (despite what they may insist). Or a cash deposit.
Cross-Border Travel
Popular Overland Crossings - **Thailand to Cambodia** (Aranyaprathet/Poipet): The most-used crossing. Take a bus or minivan from Bangkok. The border is chaotic — watch for scams. Alternatively, fly — it's cheap and saves a full day. - **Thailand to Laos** (Nong Khai/Vientiane): The Friendship Bridge crossing. Easy and well-organized. Overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai, then cross. - **Thailand to Malaysia**: By train (Hat Yai to Butterworth/KL) or bus. The border is straightforward. - **Vietnam to Cambodia** (Moc Bai/Bavet): Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. 6-7 hours including the border crossing. Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are the best operators. - **Singapore to Malaysia** (Woodlands/JB): Train, bus, or even walk across the causeway. The world's busiest land border — avoid peak hours. - **Laos to Vietnam**: Multiple crossings exist but roads on the Lao side can be rough. Flights are easier.
Tips for Border Crossings 1. **Have cash in USD** for visa fees (especially Cambodia and Laos). 2. **Bring passport photos** for visas on arrival. 3. **Apply for e-visas in advance** when available — avoids queues and scam opportunities. 4. **Don't use "helpers"** at borders who offer to speed up the process. They charge inflated fees.
Apps to Download Before Your Trip
| App | Purpose | Countries | |-----|---------|-----------| | Grab | Ride-hailing, food delivery | All major SEA countries | | Gojek | Ride-hailing, services | Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam | | Google Maps | Navigation, offline maps | Everywhere | | 12Go | Bus, train, ferry booking | Region-wide | | AirAsia | Flight booking | Region-wide | | Trainman (KAI Access) | Train booking | Indonesia | | Baolau | Vietnam train booking | Vietnam | | Wise | Currency/payments | Everywhere | | Grab Food / Foodpanda | Food delivery | Most countries |
The Bottom Line
Southeast Asia's transport network rewards flexibility and planning. Fly between countries when fares are cheap, take the train when the scenery is worth the extra hours, and embrace the motorbike taxi when you need to get across town in traffic. Download the apps, book early for peak season, and remember: the journey between destinations is often as memorable as the destinations themselves.
When planning multi-stop trips, transport costs can add up — but they're almost always manageable if you book ahead and stay flexible. Use SEA Hotel to compare stays along your route, and you might find that adding a stop in an unexpected city saves money overall while adding to the experience.
