Southeast Asia is one of the most popular backpacking and holiday regions in the world, and for good reason. From Thailand's beaches and temples to Vietnam's street food scene, Indonesia's volcanic landscapes, and Singapore's futuristic skyline, the region offers incredible diversity. But hopping between countries means your connectivity needs are more complex than a single-destination trip. A regional eSIM built for Southeast Asia is the answer.
Hypr eSIM's Southeast Asia plan covers the destinations most travellers hit: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. If your itinerary extends to Cambodia, Laos, or Myanmar, check the broader Asia or Asia & Oceania regional plans, which cover these countries under a single profile. The key advantage is one installation, one plan, and seamless transitions as you fly or bus from country to country.
Network coverage varies significantly across Southeast Asia, and knowing what to expect helps you choose the right plan. Singapore and Malaysia have excellent 4G/5G coverage virtually everywhere. Thailand's coverage is strong in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and major tourist islands like Koh Samui. Vietnam has rapidly expanding 4G along the coast and in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Indonesia's coverage is excellent in Java and Bali, but more limited on remote islands in Nusa Tenggara or Papua.
Data usage in Southeast Asia is often higher than travellers anticipate. Grab (the region's dominant ride-hailing app) is essential in most Southeast Asian cities — it's used for taxis, motorbike rides, and food delivery. Google Maps is crucial for navigating unfamiliar streets, and translation apps help bridge language barriers in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia where English signage is less common. Budget at least 1 GB per day if you're an active user of these services.
For budget travellers doing a classic Southeast Asia loop — say, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, then Vietnam from north to south, followed by a stint in Bali — a 30-day regional eSIM plan offers the best value. You avoid the cumulative cost of buying local SIMs in each country ($5-10 each, plus the time spent finding a shop and dealing with registration requirements that vary by country). In Vietnam and Indonesia, SIM registration requires passport copies and can take 30 minutes or more.
One tip specific to this region: many Southeast Asian countries have dual-pricing systems where foreigners pay more for attractions, transport, and sometimes even food. Having mobile data lets you check local prices, read recent reviews, and compare options before committing. It also allows you to book buses and ferries through apps like 12Go Asia, which are significantly cheaper than booking through touts at bus stations.
Whether you're spending two weeks in Thailand or three months across the whole region, a Southeast Asia eSIM from Hypr eSIM removes one of the biggest friction points of multi-country travel. Install it before your first flight, and you'll be connected from the moment you land in Bangkok to the moment you leave Bali.