In today’s world of perfect Instagram photos, it’s easy to believe that travelling is always carefree. But, the reality is that traveling isn't always pretty. It can get dirty, messy and uncomfortable. It's also been known to induce a few tears as well as the occasional tantrum.

My mishaps of my trip in Southeast Asia are solid proof that travelling can go horribly wrong. I’ve been to over 60 countries without having had anything stolen, broken or lost. Southeast Asia changed all that. If I’m going to be completely honest, Southeast Asia kicked my ass.

MISHAPS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: WHEN TRAVELLING GOES WRONG

This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on the link (at no extra cost to you). 

MISHAP NO. 1: SOYA FEEL SICK (THAILAND)

Mishap no. 1 happened in a packed minivan heading to the mountain village of Pai.

In case you didn’t know, the road to Pai is very, very winding. Wait, that’s an understatement. In fact, the road has 762 curves! I never get carsick but it didn’t take long for me to feel nauseous. I felt hot then cold then hot again. I started to feel weak and breathless. Then my stomach began to churn and rumble.

Uh-oh.

The rumbling got worse. I began to feel hotter and I was getting sweatier by the minute. Then it happened. I hurled the entirety of my stomach out the window! It was so gross - I could actually see my vomit carried away by the wind.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed in my life. I blame the soya drink I had that morning.

MISHAP NO. 2: MOTORBIKE CHRONICLES (THAILAND)

We decided to rent a motorbike in Pai to explore the area. Riding around the valleys was amazing! All was going well - until it wasn’t.

As we took a turn at a busy junction, my husband didn’t see the patch of loose gravel. It was already too late. The motorbike skidded on the gravel taking us along with it. We fell to the ground with a thug. We both scraped our arms but mine was worse. My left hand was also badly scraped. I was a mess of tears and blood.

Fortunately, nothing was broken but I had to wear bandages until the cuts healed properly.

MISHAP NO. 3: WTF IS THAT SOUND? (LAOS)

We found a really nice guesthouse on our second night in Laos. It was one of those places where you just feel good in. The white bed sheets were freshly-pressed. The pillows were fluffy. The duvet was cozy. You get the picture. I was looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

But wait. What the fuck is that sound? Snoring? The wind? The bed cracking? Crazy birds? Mosquitoes? I just couldn't figure it.

My husband decided to open the lights while I stayed tucked under the cozy duvet. No sense two of us getting eaten by whatever was making the noise, haha. Once the lights were on,  I immediately screamed! Wtf?!

There were two bats frantically flying above our bed! I hid under the covers while my husband grabbed an umbrella to try to kick the bats out the window. Of course, the more he tried, the crazier the bats got.

After several failed attempts, my husband finally whacked one of them with the umbrella. It fell to the floor with a loud thump. We both felt really bad about having killed a bat but it was them or us, haha.

I think the other bat got scared out of its wits because it flew straight out the window. What a relief!

MISHAP NO. 4: CHASING WATERFAAAALLS (LAOS)

Mishap no. 4 happened on our way to the Khonepasoi Waterfall in Don Det. The hanging footbridge to get across the river to the waterfall was made of loose, wooden slats. There were wide gaps between each slat. Nothing about that bridge was reassuring but I moved forward, nonetheless.

Halfway across the footbridge, I decided to take a picture of the stunning scenery. In that moment of awe, I forgot all about the gaps that freaked me out just minutes earlier. As I turned to take the picture, I fell through one of the wide gaps.

The only thing that stopped me from falling into the gushing river below was my knee. Luckily, it was too big to pass through the gap. A small child wouldn’t have been so lucky, though.

The next day my knee was swollen the size of a grapefruit. It turned purple and blue all the way down to my ankle. Oh, the joy!

MISHAP NO.5: LOSING MY VOICE (CAMBODIA)

Senmonorom is known for its indigenous minority, namely the Bunong. The Bunong live in the small village of Dak Dam nestled in the hills. The people were friendly and curious, and we had a wonderful time. The problem was the unpaved roads.

All the roads were covered in a thick, orange dust which got swept up by the wind. This dust was relentless. It got tangled up in my hair and went down my throat despite wearing a mask. It was so bad that I actually lost my voice the next day.

MISHAP NO. 6: IN THE WOODS I LEFT MY MARK (CAMBODIA)

We had rented a motorbike to explore a few of the surrounding villages in Senmonorom. We rode all over on nicely-paved roads. That is, until we reached a road block. We had to take a dusty, desolate road back to our hotel.

I started to feel queasy about halfway through the wooded area. It got worse with every bump on the road. My stomach made awful gurgling sounds. I started to get cramps. Something was desperately trying to get out of my stomach.

I couldn’t keep it in anymore. I yelled at my husband to stop! I jumped off the motorbike and ran to the woods. Please, please, please don’t let me crap my pants.

I frantically looked for a spot to do my business. You know, like a dog, haha. I crouched, pulled down my pants just in time and left my mark in the woods. Thank goodness I had toilet paper and wet wipes. I can’t imagine the disaster that would’ve ensued if I hadn’t.

The moral of the story is: always carry toilet paper when you're traveling.

MISHAP NO. 7: ANOTHER STRANGE SOUND (CAMBODIA)

When we went on the island of Koh Rong, we stayed in a wooden hut. The room was utterly basic with a bamboo ceiling and walls. One night, a strange sound was coming from inside one of the walls. I already knew the sound a bat made but this sound was completely different. I stayed in bed (yet, again) while my husband searched the room.

He finally found the culprit behind the bamboo wall. It was a huge gecko! The gecko came and went the whole time we were there. It was disconcerting trying to sleep knowing a gecko was in the room but it was harmless.

MISHAP NO. 8: IN MANDALAY I LAY (MYANMAR)

The last of my mishap happened in Mandalay. The town was small enough to get around on bicycles. We really enjoyed Mandalay but the stifling heat was exhausting. It was way too hot to be riding around on bicycles in the middle of the afternoon.

The result? I believe I had a sunstroke. I spent the whole night tossing and turning in a pool of sweat. I see-sawed between chills and a high fever all night long. I could hardly eat anything except for some refreshing watermelon.

I was exhausted but I finally felt better after 5 whole days spent in bed.