Hi Megan! I’m so glad this was helpful! I did a little of both. Some flights I booked ahead of time, others I booked while traveling. I found flights as cheap as like 19 euro, so you can definitely still find really good deals while on the road. Plus, not booking everything in advance gives you the flexibility to change your schedule around. By the time I made it to Chiang Mai. I was exhausted! I was supposed to go down to the islands, but opted to just stay in Chiang Mai longer. I hadn’t booked my flight yet, so I didn’t feel like I was losing money or anything.

As a solo traveler, it is SUPER easy meeting people. I stayed in hostels while doing SEA so I’d hang out with people also staying there, or my roomies. I met people by simply eating breakfast at a café and they would strike up a conversation with me (I’m more of an introvert, so I hardly ever initiate convos, but will happily talk to people who approach me haha). There are so many solo travelers, digital nomads, and just all around friendly people in SEA, I never really felt alone, unless I wanted to be. I hope this helps and I hope you have an amazing trip!!

Hi John! Thanks so much for reading. I agree, there are so many amazing places in Vietnam. It was my favorite country while traveling through Southeast Asia. I’d love to return and experience a beach resort.

Thanks so much Chris! Gotta love those free flights :). I wish I’d gotten the chance to visit Phuket, but I’m thinking about going back later this year. Any recommendations on where to stay?

That’s amazing! I hope you guys are loving SEA as much as I did!