SEA alone and during the raining season

by Lory
(London UK)

I'm so excited I found this website and just at the right time since I'm planning an around the world trip leaving this September. I will travel solo and plan to spend 3 months exploring Southeast Asia.

My question is: considering that at that time it will be the raining season in SEA, shall I start from Thailand and go down, by land, to Malaysia or vice-versa? How feasible is it to travel around northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam in September/October without getting stuck in the mud?

Also I've never travelled in a Muslim country before and I'm a bit apprehensive, what do I need to consider or expect? Do I need to cover my head? What is the etiquette for women traveling alone?

Answer:

Lory, I'll try to answer all your questions. First, the weather. September IS the rainy season in the region so expect to get drenched. If you wander off the beaten path, you will end up in mud in rural areas where roads aren't asphalted.

That said, keep two things in mind. First, it rarely rains all day. In Thailand, you'll get bursts in the afternoon, and the rest of the day might be rain-free. Laos and Vietnam are rainier.

Second, there are variations within countries. Some cities or parts of the country have different rainfall patterns - Northern and Southern Vietnam, for example. A good place to get a sense of what to expect is by checking the BBC climate guides for each city you plan to visit. If that's too dry to you, drop by the Asia board on the BootsNAll Forum and just ask your question. You're bound to find someone who's been through the rainy season in each of these countries. So yes, you'll get stuck in the mud - but not all the time, and not everywhere.

Now - about which direction to go. If you're traveling in September and October, I'd start with Malaysia, where the rainy season isn't really in full swing until October. I'd head up the West Coast, stop off in Penang (one of my favorite islands), head up into Thailand, and cross over to Laos and then Vietnam. Again, you'll get great advice about specific routes and times of year from the forums.

As for travel in a Muslim country, if you're talking about Malaysia, don't give it a second thought. Many Malaysian women don't cover their heads, and you'll find huge diversity in the country - for example there are large Sikh and Chinese populations. Just dress modestly, stay away from halter tops or shorts and short skirts and you'll be fine.

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