Nestled comfortably between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Southeast Asia provides a haven for travelers from far and wide to discover the rich and diverse cultures of the Muslims, the Chinese, the Thais, the Indians and even the Christians. For Western travelers, Southeast Asia is an experience unlike any other. You will find the great temples like Angkor Wat instead of traditional churches, and you will find a warm tropical breeze, rather than snow in the winter.
For Asian travelers, the sights may be familiar, but the history will never fail to leave you in awe. Southeast Asia also bears amazing beaches, mysterious jungles, gargantuan mall complexes, luxurious resorts, as well as beautiful farm stays and cozy villas. There will always be an activity and a place to stay for you, no matter your travel preference. This is why the region is absolutely perfect for travelers.
To get to the point now, here are some top destinations in Southeast Asia that you may wish to visit!
5. Hoi An (Vietnam)
A quaint little town in Vietnam, it used to be a great bustling trading port in Southeast Asia. Now the Old town is lined with beautiful traditional architecture and tons of expert tailoring shops. Due to a large number of merchants from all over the world that used to travel through this little port, many of the town’s residents learned to tailor western suits and build great Western style pillars, which can be seen respectively in the Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son Temple. The Ancient town of Hoi An is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Center and a great must see for all Southeast Asian travelers.
4. Boracay (Philippines)
A small island located just off the shores of Manila, Philippines, Boracay boasts one of the most beautiful beaches that Southeast Asia has to offer. Despite it being only 500 meters wide and 7 kilometers tall, Boracay has the picture perfect white sand and aqua blue ocean for you to enjoy. Not only that, it is lined shoulder to shoulder with bars, resorts, and restaurants for all those who are down for a beach R&R. At night, expect the loud live music, the fire dancers, and great parties for as long as the dark stretches before dawn!
3. Singapore
This one’s for all those seeking a bustling city. Singapore’s one of the go-to city hubs of Southeast Asia, with great attractions such as their Marina Bay Sands, and Resort World Sentosa. Although it is a melting pot of different races and cultures, their predominant language used is English. Don’t speak English? Fret not, the other main languages they have include Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay! You’ll never get lost in this little city.
2. Bangkok (Thailand)
How can we have a top 5 list and not mention Bangkok? Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is home to eight million people from all walks of life. You could never want for something to do in Bangkok, with all the shopping, eating, and exploring. It is great for those who wish to experience the traditional Thai markets, and Bangkok is just as great an option for someone who is out for a shopping spree at the mall. A city with a rich culture and great views, Bangkok is a must-go destination for all travelers.
1. Bali (Indonesia)
Bali may seem insignificant amongst Indonesia’s 17,000 small surrounding islands. But this little island made a big name for itself for it boasts picture perfect beaches, mountains, and little towns. It is a tropical paradise with endless things to do, but for any weary traveler, Bali’s the perfect spot for you to kick back, relax, and watch the world spin by.