Traveling to Southeast Asia remains firmly on the bucket list of many globetrotters. But when some people think about this region, all they imagine are the clean white beaches in the south of Thailand where hedonistic Full Moon parties illuminate the night. And while this is certainly a part of journeying to this region, there is plenty more to it.
Each country offers something a little different, and you can plan the kind of adventure that appeals most to you. But if you have never been here before, it can be a challenge to know which ones are right for you. To give you a helping hand, we are going to be running you through a country-by-country guide of the nations that make up this region, so you can make a more informed decision of which ones you would like to visit for yourself. So, if you’re ready, then let’s get going!
Thailand
Since it is the most popular country in the area, it makes sense that we start with Thailand. While it is not the undiscovered paradise that it once was, there is still a lot to enjoy and appreciate about this country. Your journey is likely to start in the bustling capital of Bangkok – a place where east meets west. If you love your partying, you have certainly come to the right place.
But if you would prefer to see some of the more cultural attractions, there are plenty of temples, palaces and floating river markets for you to visit. In the north, you can find remote tribes and lush green landscapes. Head down to the south and you can visit some of the aforementioned islands, which are still stunning. Since so many tourists travel here, it is very easy to get around, and like many countries in this region, the prices are extremely affordable.
Laos
Thinly populated and known for its slow pace of life, Laos often gets overlooked for its more popular neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam. But it is exactly this reason that makes it appealing for travelers hoping to get off the beaten path. If you are an adventure seeker, you have certainly come to the right place. As well as hiking and trekking, you can also enjoy high-adrenaline activities such as kayaking, caving, climbing, and zip-lining. Transportation links have improved greatly over the past few years, and it is not the challenge that it once was to journey around.
Vietnam
Vietnam captures the imagination of a lot of travelers. To start, you have the wonderful capital of Hanoi – a place where endless mopeds whizz by its narrow streets. Simply sit at one of the streetside eateries, grab yourself a beer and a bowl of pho and watch the world speed by. Also, the quaint towns of Hoi An and Hue are particularly enthralling.
But even more famous than its cities is its natural scenery. Ha Long Bay is particularly enthralling with its karst limestone cliffs which jut up from the water. If beaches are your thing, there are plenty of resort towns such as Nha Trang, where you can kick back and relax for a few days. And, of course, you have a history which is both rich and tragic that cannot be overlooked on your trip here.
Cambodia
Another nation with a tragic history, you are bound to be reminded of this in the capital of Cambodia. Phnom Penh is a place with sad memorials such as the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison. But there is also a grand side to the history of the country, and you will find this around the temples of Angkor Wat. Hire a tuk-tuk for a day or two and be whisked around some remarkable feats of architecture and construction. The country also boasts some relatively underdeveloped islands in comparison to the tourist magnets in southern Thailand.
Malaysia
The four previous countries can be visited as part of a loop around the region, and Malaysia can sometimes play second fiddle to them. It is also wealthier than the other nations which we have previously discussed, so doesn’t have the same ‘rough and ready’ feel, but budget properly, and the rewards are there.
Many people come here to visit the island of Borneo – a place which is known for its miles of rainforest and dazzling diversity of wildlife. As for the towns and cities, you will find a rich array of influences including Malay, Chinese, European, and Indian. As you may expect, you will find some of the best food from the entire region right here.
Singapore
The most modern and developed of the countries in this region, Singapore has a very different feel. It is also a melting pot of cultures where people from around the world come to live, study, and do business. If you have been traveling around the other countries in the region and you have been missing your home comforts, you will find plenty of them right here, along with some of the finest food in the region. As countries go, it is very small, and while a lot of the city center has been highly developed to modern standards, there is still plenty of green parkland space to enjoy. Be warned, many of the prices are at western level, and some things such as alcohol are right at the top end.
Indonesia
Made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia is huge and can feel daunting to unfocused wanderers. Many travelers only visit the island of Bali, and while it is undoubtedly beautiful, you could end up missing out on so much if you only stay here. Adventure seekers will be right at home here as you can enjoy a diverse array of activities such as surfing, hiking and wildlife spotting.
And if you are a scuba diver or snorkeler, this is one of the best destinations in the world. If you are planning on having a longer stay here, you can check out some apartments on https://rumahdijual.com/yogyakarta/. It is the kind of place that you can keep coming back to, discovering new and exciting sights and adventures each time.
Philippines
Perhaps the best-kept secret in the region, the Philippines is a welcoming country. And since many people speak fluent English here, you won’t find language to be a barrier in the way that it is in other parts of Southeast Asia. Some of the islands and beaches that you can visit here are the most amazing in the entire region. And while some of them are becoming overdeveloped, there are 7,000 to choose from, so you are bound to be able to find a secluded corner all to yourself!
Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar experienced something of a resurgence in the tourist industry a few years ago, but it is still considered one of the last undiscovered corners of Southeast Asia. Of course, recent negative news stories have left a lot of people questioning whether they should visit. But there are many organized tours which will take you around the country if you feel uncomfortable going independently.
Ultimately, you should take the time to do the necessary research before coming up with your own conclusions. But if you do visit, you may feel like you have stepped back in time as so much of Myanmar has been untouched by some of the rampant overdevelopment which has blighted some other parts of the region.
So, now that you have an overview of the countries which make up Southeast Asia, hopefully, you feel in a better position to make a decision about which ones you would like to visit. First of all, you have your budget to think of. If you don’t have much to spend, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are all highly cheap choices. However, other than Singapore, you are likely to find things are a lot less expensive than they are at home.
Secondly, you need to consider what sort of traveler you are. If you like to get off the beaten path, Laos, northern Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines give you plenty of opportunities to do this. But in truth, you are likely to be able to find forgotten corners of all of the nations we have talked about. If you are looking for a combination of historical and cultural attractions, Cambodia and Vietnam provide you with a nice balance. For wildlife, the island of Borneo is hard to beat while scuba divers should look to Indonesia.
No matter which one(s) you choose. You are better off taking the time to get to grips with each country rather than whizzing around and missing some of the most appealing places. You need to become accustomed to the local way of life, try the food, and talk with the people. Do all this and you will come away realizing that Southeast Asia is not a single entity. It is a combination of countries, each with their own unique sense of character and charms waiting to be discovered.
wow nice your article and your all images i like your post. thanks for sharing his post.
anytime!