Law School Backpacking Trip: Southeast Asia

Summer 2018

This was one of my favorite trips ever and really cemented Southeast Asia as one of my top vacation spots. The summer before it actually happened, my friend Morgaine (Mo) and I joked about doing a backpacking trip somewhere cool before we had to “grow up.” I had just finished my first year of law school, and Mo was considering grad school, so we were itching to travel while we still had flexibility. I suggested Southeast Asia—it had always fascinated me, and I’d heard nothing but amazing things.

And so, the usual planning and budgeting began. Mo and I met weekly at Panera to map out our route. We decided to start in Manila, Philippines, for three days. Manila was… interesting. The poverty and despair were shocking, prompting us to research the sociopolitical climate. The government, riddled with corruption (partly thanks to U.S. influence), combined with cultural emphasis on personal rather than communal cleanliness, made the city feel chaotic. That said, Manila gave us a glimpse of Filipino life beyond Instagram-perfect islands, even if we were ready to leave after being catcalled from an ambulance (yes, really).

Next up: Vietnam. Our first stop was Cat Ba Island, a journey involving plane, taxi, boat, and bus. The port had recently relocated, so we were dropped off in the middle of a shipping yard, sweating, confused, and mildly panicked. After some creative problem-solving with locals, we finally arrived on the charming island just off Ha Long Bay. We spent our days hiking, kayaking, boat-jumping, and snorkeling around the iconic karsts and colorful fishing boats. Nights were spent at a beach club, occasionally hitching a motorbike ride back downtown.

Our Cat Ba Airbnb was a dream: rooftop lounge overlooking the town, chill international staff, and plenty of space to unwind. On our last day, we had an adorable encounter with local schoolchildren, who somehow orchestrated a full “secret handshake” with us despite the language barrier. Endless waves and “bye byes” later, we left with huge smiles.

From Cat Ba, we headed to Hanoi, where we met two of Mo’s Vietnamese friends from undergrad.

Originally planning to go to Hoi An, we were thrilled to spend time in Hanoi instead. The city perfectly balances modern life with rich history. We caught a world-famous water puppet show, explored Buddhist temples, and devoured street pho and Vietnamese coffee under our friends’ guidance.

Next: Siem Reap, Cambodia, home to the legendary Angkor temples. Four days felt perfect for exploring by tuk-tuk. We marveled at Angkor Wat, navigated temple ruins, saw monkeys, and soaked in the spiritual energy of the place. We also learned about the Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Genocide, which was dark, sobering, and humbling—a stark reminder of history’s brutality.

From Cambodia, we traveled to Vientiane, Laos, for a “Culture Week” volunteering program. I’d never learned much about Laos in school, particularly the U.S.’s “Secret War,” during which hundreds of millions of cluster bombs were dropped across the country. Visiting caves where villagers sheltered and hearing stories of embedded unexploded ordnance made the history painfully real. Many of these “bombies” still pose risks today, limiting infrastructure and threatening civilians.

During the week, we visited temples, made flower crowns, practiced the Laotian language, played badminton, sampled local cuisine, and reflected on the resilience of the Laotian people. It wasn’t exactly a vacation; it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and honor the history of a beautiful country.

Thailand rounded out the trip. We started in Bangkok, where we met my mom, who joined us for the final two weeks. After exploring the city’s markets, we took a bus to Pranchuap Khiri Khan, a small fishing village. There, we volunteered on marine conservation projects—building coral reef stands, planting mangroves with local schoolchildren, and scuba diving to witness thriving ecosystems.

From there, we headed to Koh Lanta Yai, a gorgeous island with wooden stilted houses and hidden viewpoints accessible by motorbike. One afternoon, while swimming, monkeys stole my mom’s backpack full of snacks—cue panicked shrieks and a sandwich negotiation.

Our penultimate stop was the Phi Phi Islands, a tiny but wild party haven. Three days here were plenty: booze cruises, unforgettable characters, and sunsets that make your Instagram jealous. We wrapped up with a quick, unplanned stop in Phuket—fresh sushi, couples massages, and lively streets—before returning to Bangkok to fly home.

All in all, five countries, nine cities, 45 days, and countless memories. The food, people, and cultural experiences were phenomenal. We navigated extreme heat, every mode of transport imaginable, and language barriers, and came away richer in perspective and joy. Southeast Asia tested us, thrilled us, humbled us, and totally stole our hearts!

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To Do or Not To Do?

Absolutely—yes, yes, yes! Southeast Asia isn’t for the faint of heart: infrastructure, language barriers, and logistics can be tricky. But if you’re up for adventure, amazing food, stunning sights, and incredibly kind locals, this is the place to be. Stay hydrated—the sun hits harder than you think—and be flexible with your plans. Embrace the unexpected; it’s all part of the experience.

The best part? Once you arrive, it’s super affordable. Traveling here on a budget is surprisingly easy, which is a huge bonus for money-conscious adventurers.

Do your homework before you go: check VISA and immunization requirements, and have apps ready for translation and currency exchange. But honestly, no matter how prepared you are, you won’t be disappointed. The region’s geography, history, and culture are unforgettable.

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