14 Best Southeast Asia Destinations
(1) Bali, Indonesia
Ubud is the major cultural site of Bali, where traditional dances are performed every night. There are innumerable Hindu temples to visit, especially Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Besakih, and excellent volcanoes. The tradition here is particularly important and the festivities of the temple are almost daily. Crowds of partiers traveling to Bali converge at the Kuta-Legné-Seminac convergence, 10 km southwest of Denpasar.
The entire Indonesian archipelago is tropical, so the weather in Bali is warm throughout the year. Broadly, November to April are the wet months. January and February are the hottest and May to October is dry. Visit Bali at the end of the rainy season and you will find the jungle and rice trees. In addition, Nyepi, the Balinese New Year closes in late March or early April, which is a great local experience.
Between mid-June and mid-September, it is not a good idea to travel to Bali during peak season. Christmas and New Year are also extremely busy and expensive. Travelers may like to visit Ubud for the Bali Spirit Festival in April. While culture-seekers descend on the island in their drums for the Bali Arts Festival from June to mid-July. Although August is the busiest month on the island, there are gorgeous beach parties and festivals.
Among the island’s best diving sites are the famous Liberty Wreck and Nusa Penida, whose lime water has manta rays. A little off the coast, the small Gili Islands offer diving including walls, a summit and dramatic tepekong canyon. Bali is nothing short on elegant temples, with the small island scattered around 10,000. Some of the best places to visit include Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Besakih.
(2) Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a favorite among travelers visiting South-East Asia. Over 5 million tourists visit Phuket every year to experience its white sand beaches. Patong is the most famous beach in Phuket. The peaceful beaches of Karon and Kata are only a short drive from Patong. The 45 meter huge white marble statue of Buddha is the most popular landmark in Phuket.
Wat Chalong is the largest and most famous temple in Phuket. If you are a nature lover, then taking a walk on Bang Pa waterfall is a great way to go. The Trick Eye Museum and Upside-Down House are both quaint art museums with impressive displays. Siam Niramit uses incredible set pieces to get you back in time. Phuket Fantasy is a circus style show, in which stuntmen show men gravity-distracting stunts.
Nearly everyone who comes to Thailand has scuba diving on their bucket list. Whether you are a novice or a scuba veteran, you will have a memorable experience here. The Fung Nega Bay Cruise is the most popular island tour in Phuket. It takes you to the famous Bond Bond Island, named after the Bond film. The tour also includes a traditional lunch at the fishing village of Koh Panyee.
Koh Phi Phi is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. Maya Bay is a huge green lagoon surrounded by rocky cliffs. Bangla Road is one of Thailand’s busiest party streets. A stroll with a night market in Phuket is one of the most authentic experiences you can have. Take a walk or trek on an elephant through a tropical rainforest in Khao Sok National Park.
(3) Palawan, Philippines
Puerto Princesa, is the main entry point and is close to the Mangrove islands of Honda Bay. Further north you will find beautiful resort town of Port Barton, which is fortress of the old city of Taité. Many areas are still relatively unaffected by tourism, such as small fishing village of San Vicente and nearby Long Beach.
From the main township on Busuanga, the largest island in Coron Town, you can explore creepy islands hidden between the staggering limestone cliffs of Coron Island and rock cliffs from the Bay of Cove. Here you can climb up to the volcano Kayangan Lake, one of the most unusual dive sites in the Philippines.
Further south is the island of Coillian, the intriguing former home of a Kopper colony. Caloit is home to a quaint African wildlife sanctuary. A short boat ride north of Princesa, the underground river is the view most visitors want to see. The main reason most people visit El Nido is to go island-hopping around an island made up of 45 limestones.
There are many attractions around Puerto Princesa that you can easily visit in a day or less. The picturesque Honda Bay, 10 km north of Puerto Princesa, is a shallow, lagoon-like expanse of water. The bay has seven low-lying islands, far short of sand bars surrounded by small beds of mangrove swamps and corals.
(4) Bagan, Myanmar
An ancient royal capital, Bagan is one of the most famous destinations in Myanmar. The area around Old Bagan, which includes Myinkaba Village and Nayang-yu, is famous for its grounds. They are featuring thousands of stupas, pagodas, and temples, many of which date from the 11th to 13th century.
The Irrawaddy River has washed away about a third of the original city area. Thieves in search of treasure have shattered many temples. Earthquakes and the havoc of time have turned hundreds of other temples into collapsing boulders. Construction of Anand temple in 1091 AD. Growing to 51 meters, it received its golden creations in 1990 to commemorate the 900th anniversary of its construction.
There are four great statues of Buddha of the four Yugas located within the temple. Kakasundha faces north, Konagamana faces east, Kasapa faces south, and Guatama, the most recent Buddha faces west. Myjedi Stupa, which translates as “Panna Stupa”, contains an ancient stone pill containing the known examples of written Burmese language.
At the end of the 11th century, the Nagayon Temple was located to the south of the village of Minkaba. It’s dark interior hides some impressive graffiti and interesting design features. Thatiniyu Temple is the tallest among the gardens of Bagan and holds a prominent position near the old Bagan. Htilominlo Temple is a 12th-century temple in the northern part of the Bagan.
(5) Siem Reap, Cambodia
Very few people know about history of Siem Reap, which means that “Defeat of Siam” in memory of a battle. Spread to the east and west of the river of the same name, the city has recently grown large. The main for some people only reason to travel to Cambodia is to experience the world famous temples of Angkor.
The majestic temple of Angkor Wat, its five iconic Corncob towers rise high from surrounding forest, is the main attraction. Shopping in Siem Reap is very easy because the outlets are so close together. No visit to Cambodia is complete in the least because a quick glimpse of the women showcases the ancient art of Apsara dance, as depicted on the walls of Angkor’s temples.
Taking a cookery course is a great way to learn more about Cambodian cuisine. Classes usually run for about three hours, starting with a trip to a local market to buy ingredients and begin cooking under the guidance of a trained chef, who prepares you. The city has a prime location to experience traditional Cambodian art.
Explore the fascinating strings of lakefront villages on Tonle Sap, the vast freshwater lake that dominates the map of Cambodia. Most of the inhabitants of these lakes are fishermen. Most of whom are holy ethnic Vietnamese who have been here for decades despite being widely mistrusted by the Khmer.
(6) Chiang Mai, Thailand
Established in 1296, it was the capital of the independent Lanna kingdom until 1558. The striking mountainous landscape around the city offers lots of amazing natural attractions and is home to two tribal villages. It is an attractive historical city and vibrant cultural center, which has a strong tradition of arts, crafts and festivals.
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most popular places to visit in Thai New Year – Songkran – in mid-April. Beyond the city limits, many other day trips can be made, such as to the ancient temples of Lamphun. Chiang Mai is the main hub for hill-tribe trekking. Chiang Mai Night Safari has three animal areas – Savannah Safari, Predator Prawl, Jaguar Trail.
About 5 km south of Chiang Mai, on the banks of the Ping River, Wiang Kum is an ancient city. Doi Pui is the highest peak of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls which are easily accessible from the main road. The handicraft of umbrellas and canopies in Bo Song village is famous throughout the country and even abroad.
The regular fare for trips around the city should be around 20 THB (30 THB at night). The tuk-tuk is also an option and the ride needs to be around 50–100 THB. Similarly, at least six trains from Chiang Mai to Bangkok daily from 6.30 am to 9.00 am. Travel time varies from 12 to 15 hours depending on the number of stops.
(7) Hoi An, Vietnam
Located on the banks of Thun Ban River, which made Hoi An an important commercial center in the 16th century. Due to the importance of its port, it was inhabited by Chinese, Japanese, French and Vietnamese people, all of whom left their mark on the city’s heritage. UNESCO declared this city as a World Heritage Site in 1999.
The Quan Kang Pagoda Temple is decorated in bright gold and red, typical for Chinese temples. It stands against yellow buildings and is a perfect example of cultural influences. Keep an eye on signs that mention things like taking off shoes when standing in front of sacred statues.
The iconic view of Hoi An is the majestic Japanese Bridge, which sits atop the river. This bridge, built in the late 16th century during Japanese immigration, is one of the most popular. Discover hundreds of glowing lanterns with Hoi An Night Market, where you can sell clothes to vendors and more. Hoi An Night Market opens from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Da Nang is a large and developed city located 30 minutes away from Hoi An. It has great dining hot spots, interesting architecture like the Dragon Bridge and arguably some of Vietnam’s best beaches. Additionally, visit the Lady Buddha and the marble mountains. The climate in Hoi An is warm throughout the year but is particularly dry from February to July.
(8) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur has excellent restaurants offering cuisines around the world, but it is street food, especially around Jalan Alor, it is often the most memorable. Equally part spiritual destination and theme park, limestone caves are a Hindu temple complex and provide underground adventures. Also make time to visit Kuala Lumpur’s bird park, butterfly park, orchid and deer garden.
Kuala Lumpur’s most fashionable bars and clubs are located in the Golden Triangle, while Bangsar also hosts some slick bars. The Golden Triangle presents the modern face of the city, filled with hotels, restaurants and designer shopping malls. The quiet town of Kuala Selangor offers a chance to witness the nightly dance of the firefly. Fraser Hill is one of Malaysia’s many hill stations.
Chinatown is a hub for budget accommodation, and holds a wealth of inexpensive places to shop and eat. Just a few steps from Masjid Jamek LRT station, Jalan Melayu has Indian stores, some selling excellent barfi and other sweet refreshments. Its name derives from the former Malay community here.
The twin pillars of Petronas Towers, a symbol of modern Malaysia, are 451.9 meters above the city of Kuala Lumpur. At 421 meters, Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower offers vistas to the east among the blue peaks at Petronas Towers. Lake Gardens offers a pleasant getaway from Kuala Lumpur’s more frenzied streets in humid, mountainous areas spanning the green.
(9) Luang Prabang, Laos
Nestled in a lofty valley cut by lofty, lush green mountains and swift Mekong and Khan rivers, Lung Penbang experiences peace and casual grandeur. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang has ancient red-roofed temples and a heritage of French-Indochinese architecture. The old city is centered on a long finger of land, which is about 1 km long, which is 300 meters wide.
As the city grew it expanded from the peninsula to the south and east, and continues to be so today. The monks daily morning procession through the streets of the old city has become one of its biggest tourist “attractions”. Phousi (Sacred Hill) is the geographical and spiritual center of the city. The summit at its peak is the first glimpse of the golden peak city of The Chomsey that visitors get by boat or plane.
Watching the sun set from the summit of Phousi has become a kind of tourist ritual. Situated in an attractive central location in the old city, between the Phousi hill and the Mekong River, the former Royal Palace is now home to the Royal Palace Museum, preserving the traps and contradictions of Laos’s recently extinguished monarchy.
Very much from an ancient image of Buddha, Pha Bang is the Palladium of Laos. Colliding with a steep rough road on Sethilat Road, the traditional arts and anthropology center provides an excellent introduction to the ethnic groups of Laos. Luang Prabang has a wide range of accommodation, ranging from simple rooms to cheap five-star luxury resorts.
(10) Boracay, Philippines
The island of Boracay in the Philippines is a paradise for beach lovers. There are plenty of spots to soak up the sun with more than a dozen beaches scattered around the island, as well as crystal clear snorkeling spots and adrenaline-fueled adventures including kiteboarding, cliff jumping and parasailing.
There is no direct flight to the island, so going to Boracay means flying to Sittikan Airport or Kalibo which is a little farther but often cheaper. You can travel to Boracay by flying from Manila or Cebu, which is usually a very small aircraft. You will then go to Caticlan Jetty Port and board a boat for a 20-minute ride to Boracay.
A holiday here is all about spending long hours outdoors or playing in the water. One of the most popular places to visit in Boracay is White Beach, which is at the heart of the island. This four-kilometer stretch features sparkling sand and warm, clear water. Bulabog Beach is a bit far from White Beach and another busy place, as it is the island’s main windsurfing and kiteboarding area.
Boracay is one of the top destinations in Asia for such sports for its frequent trade winds, which average 12 to 15 knots during the wind season. Boracay is very hot between March and June, while July through October is a rainy season with occasional monsoons. October through December can be cold, but December is still a popular time for tourists for Christmas.
(11) Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon is at the edge of erosion of Burmese culture and a fascinating introduction to Myanmar. Despite being stripped of its capital-city status in 2005, Yangon remains the country’s economic center and is the largest city with more than 7 million people. The city is an amalgamation of Burmese, British, Chinese and Indian influences.
It is popular for its colonial architecture, which remains an almost unique example of the 19th-century British colonial capital. It is also the spiritual heart of Myanmar, home to the Shwedagon Pagoda considered as the holiest Buddhist pagoda. Shop for precious gems, antiques, art and traditional handicrafts at Bogyoke Market, a major tourist destination in the city center.
Yangon has a tropical monsoon climate with a rainy season from May to October. November to February, when the weather is cold and dry, are the best months to visit. While Myanmar is somewhat lighter on festivals than other Asian countries, the Thingyan festival in April is the start of the Burmese New Year.
October sees the festival of Thadingyut, the festival of lights. In November, Shwedagon went to the pagoda to present robes to Buddhist monks. Within the last ten years, Yangon’s international food scene has exploded with the introduction of Western, Italian, Japanese, Thai and Korean restaurants. To eat like a local, the national dish is Mohenga, a fish soup consisting of lemongrass and tea leaf salad.
(12) Singapore, Singapore
Singapore is an island city state made up of 62 islands, the main island, and a stretch of reclaimed land. Its strategic location makes it an important and vibrant trade center for centuries. Singapore is also a global transport and tourism center. Universal Studios Singapore has more than 20 attractions, most of which are original or specifically adapted for the park.
Singapore’s Chinatown boasts of multi-religious buildings and structures. Apart from a Chinese temple, there is a mosque on the road, a Methodist church and an Indian temple. Little India can also be discovered on its own, which is good if you are on your budget. The main attractions of Garden by Bay are 25 huge man-made supertrees and two equally extraordinary biodomes.
As a playground in Asia, Sentosa Island is one of Singapore’s best beaches, resorts, a wide variety of interesting places to visit, including Resorts World Sentosa, The Wings of Time Show, Sentosa Marillion, iFland Singapore, Wave House Sentosa, SEA Incorporated. Visiting the Singapore Zoo is an educational and fun way to see a wide range of animals from different continents around the world.
Singapore flyer found across the bay can also enjoy an amazing view of Singapore. This giant Ferris wheel once held its completion time as the world’s highest title. Kampong Glam is famous for the Sultan Mosque, and the Malay Heritage Center. The Singapore River joins between the Civic District and the Central Business District. Orchard Road is home to the largest mall in Singapore.
(13) Sa Pa, Vietnam
Sa Pa Town is a destination worth seeing in itself as well as a base for excursions to minority villages. It was not until 1993, when the Vietnamese government decided to open the region to full tourism. The city is of interest in the famous Sa Pa Love Market (Bạc Hà), which does not appear to be the site.
In fact it is just a regular market, but in the past where local H’Mông and Dao young people used to gather on Saturday evenings in the hope of meeting suitable partners. The market is in the city center just below the Landmark Stone Church of Sa Pa. Do not miss the church gardens with their 500 year old trees.
There is also Cầu Mây Street in the city center. It is ideal for souvenir shopping and its restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels. The number of tourists in Sa Pa is increasing, but relatively small. That is likely to change when the new Sa Paa Airport under construction opens. It is scheduled for the end of 2020 and is expected to bring one million visitors a year, which will increase to 1.5 million by 2030.
Vietnam’s highest mountain, Fan Si Pan (3143 m) is located less than 5 km away but it is a difficult three to five day walk. It is a difficult climb, the most difficult aspect of the Fan Si Pan is its climate: even in the most favorable months of November and December, the stretch of inhabited clear weather is difficult to predict.
(14) Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok has seen an explosion of modernization since World War II, and especially in the mid-1960s. Ratanakosin is the royal island on the east coast of Chao Phraya, where the city’s most important and extraordinary sights are located. From Bangkok you can explore other cities of Thailand like phuket, Chiang Mai via short flight.
Banglamphu’s most infamous attraction is Thanon Khao San, a small sliver of a road built over a canal in 1892, with its budget-minded nightlife making it the home of Southeast Asia. Chinatown has grown into the largest Chinese district in the country, a stretch of narrow alleyways, temples and shopkeepers packed between Charoen Krung and the river.
Dusit is also the site of the spectacular annual Trooping the Color, when hundreds of Royal Guards demonstrate their loyalty to the King by parading around the Royal Plaza. Downtown Bangkok is central to the vast expanse of Bangkok overall, but peripheral in a viewfinder perception of the city. In this modern high-rise area, you will find the main shopping center around Siam Square.
Most of Thailand’s climate is governed by three seasons: rain (around May – October), which is caused by the southwest monsoon, Quiet (November – February) and hot (March – May). The calm season is the longest time to travel to Bangkok, although the temperature can still reach 30 ° C in the middle of the day. However, keep in mind that this is the busiest season, so planning ahead is essential.