eSIM for a South East Asia trip: one eSIM for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and more

Why one regional eSIM?

• No SIM shop at every border, no passport registration, no swapping tiny cards on a night bus.
• One balance for the whole trip: top it up on the same eSIM if you need more.
• Your own number stays active for bank codes and WhatsApp.
• Only visiting one country? A country eSIM can be cheaper: compare on the destination page.

Coverage on a typical route

• Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Kuala Lumpur and Bali: fast 4G, often 5G.
• Islands (Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta, Gili, Phu Quoc): good in the villages, weaker on remote beaches.
• Laos and rural Cambodia: coverage along the main roads, gaps in the mountains and on the Mekong slow boat.
• Night buses and trains: signal comes and goes; download your tickets and maps beforehand.

How much data do you need?

Grab (taxis and food in most of the region), Google Maps, booking apps, WhatsApp and Instagram add up to about 0.7 to 1.5 GB a day. For three or four weeks, plan on 20 to 30 GB, or take the largest plan and top up if needed. Working remotely? Choose more, or unlimited in the country where you stay longest.

Practical tips

• Visa rules differ per country (e-visas for Vietnam and Cambodia, for example): check them before you go.
• In Laos Grab doesn't operate; local apps and tuk-tuks take over.
• Turn data roaming on for the eSIM line: it uses local partner networks in every country.
• Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi and switch it on when you land.