The Best Countries To Visit In Southeast Asia (For Different Travelers)

I’ve to admit: Southeast Asia is like an dependancy to me.

I arrived for the primary time in Thailand approach again in 2012. I used to be contemporary off the airplane, wide-eyed, with no concept what unimaginable issues would await me. My plan was to go backpacking for one month, however I beloved it a lot that I continued to wander the area for a yr. Ever since I’ve been coming again to Southeast Asia for extra.

The finest nations to go to in Southeast Asia rely vastly on what you’re in search of. They’re all nice in their very own methods, however there are all the time subjective causes to desire one over one other.

The nations in Southeast Asia may also be vastly totally different relying on which locations you go to inside them.

For instance, I believed Vietnam was overcommercialized and ‘too touristy’ on my first go to, however after returning and exploring different components of Vietnam, I noticed simply how surface-level these preliminary impressions had been. It was virtually like I’d been to 2 totally different nations.

With that in thoughts, scroll alongside as I share with you just a few insights from my many journeys in Southeast Asia…

Quick solutions
 

Thailand

Ahhh sure, I nonetheless bear in mind what it was wish to arrive in Bangkok for the primary time. The temples, the neon lights, the smells of cooking oil from road meals distributors, the tuk-tuk taxis whizzing previous… it was like getting into a complete new world.

Even although my coronary heart might now beat quicker for extra distant locations, I want to acknowledge simply what an incredible nation Thailand is. Especially for a first-time Southeast Asia journey.

Southeast Asia could be bewildering at first, however Thailand permits you to ease into issues; it’s unique sufficient to really feel adventurous, however the journey logistics are simple, and the famed Thai hospitality will make you’re feeling at residence even when virtually nothing is acquainted.

It’s true that Thailand has lengthy been recognized for its mass tourism (in pre-pandemic occasions in fact). In all honesty, in some locations that reveals. If you might be in search of some pure undiscovered frontier, you in all probability don’t wish to head for the seashores of Phuket! Luckily, mass tourism can also be concentrated in just some areas, so it’s simply prevented if it’s not your vibe.

One enjoyable side of Thailand is that you simply’ll by no means battle to fulfill different vacationers if you happen to’re trying to socialize. It’s an particularly nice vacation spot for solo vacationers. Because there are such a lot of guesthouses, accommodations, and hostels round, it’s simple to improvise on a visit to Thailand and simply take issues in the future at a t ime.

If you’re merely in search of some sand and solar, then Thailand has bought you lined. There can also be a famend get together scene, significantly in Bangkok (Khaosan Road) and on the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi, attracting many youthful holidayers and hole yr travellers. The resorts alongside the coast in the meantime are well-liked with these in search of some luxurious at pleasant costs.

Interested in a extra genuine (or just quieter) Thailand? It’s 100% there if you already know the place to look. For instance, I’ve a lot loved exploring the quieter southeastern components close to Cambodia, particularly the city of Trat and the Koh Chang archipelago. Northern Thailand additionally has loads of off-the-beaten-track locations, such because the Mae Hong Son loop.

Since Bangkok has so many worldwide flight connections, Thailand makes for an amazing gateway to the remainder of Southeast Asia. And to so many globetrotters hooked on journey (like me), Thailand was their first ceremony of passage. It could also be a well-liked place as of late, however who cares? It’s simple, enjoyable, a bit wild (in locations), and really has one thing for everybody.

For extra ideas, see my journey information to Thailand and pattern itinerary.

Laos

Sure, sleepy Laos will not be almost as energetic as Thailand. But if you happen to benefit from the Buddhist calm, Mekong river views, unspoiled nature, and genuine villages, then Laos is just wonderful.

Admittedly, Laos is considerably missing in large iconic sights, like Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay or Cambodia’s huge temple advanced of Angkor. The nation is landlocked and there isn’t one thing ‘epic’ to attract folks to Laos, however that’s additionally precisely why it’s so beautiful to journey there. 

Laos is the right vacation spot for adventurers. Thanks to its many pristine jungles and karst mountain landscapes, it could be one of the best nation in mainland Southeast Asia for climbing and trekking. It’s additionally a wonderful place for different out of doors actions like kayaking, zip-lining, caving, and mountaineering.

Life in Laos is usually fairly quiet and rural. Due to midnight curfews, there additionally isn’t a lot of a celebration scene (opposite to what you might have heard). These components have conspired to protect Laos as an unimaginable ecotourism and journey journey vacation spot. Can you inform it’s one in every of my private favorites?

Don’t miss the lazy 4000 islands archipelago within the Mekong, or hire a motorcycle and discover the countryside. And contemplate a keep on the Gibbon Experience, which helps you to sleep in treehouses excessive within the jungle cover and fly round utilizing zip-lines, providing you with a singular perspective on the rainforest.

Go to Laos – you gained’t remorse it.

Read extra in my in-depth information to Laos.

Vietnam

The cities in Vietnam are really on one other stage — among the many most vibrant and chaotic in the whole area. In Hanoi and Saigon, snarls of scooters and small bikes will continually cross you by, loaded with something from building supplies to whole households. The native meals markets are dizzying beehives of exercise, enveloping you in a pleasant sensory overload. Even extra so than Bangkok or different capitals, the Vietnamese cities are such frenetic and thrilling locations to discover.

The central and northern components of Vietnam are additionally dominated by dramatic mountain landscapes. At Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng, you possibly can go to among the greatest caves on this planet. The well-known bay of Ha Long is dotted with numerous limestone cliffs, feeling a bit like a mystical pirate’s hideout. You can go on a 1, 2- or 3-day cruise round these breathtaking islands, although don’t count on to be alone at this extremely commercialized UNESCO World Heritage Site. (A quieter different is Bai Tu Long Bay.)

One factor that may be a bit off-putting in Vietnam at occasions are the native excursions. If you do the usual day-trips and excursions within the well-known spots, just like the Mekong Delta, Halong Bay, or the Chi Chi Tunnels, you may really feel such as you’re trapped in a little bit of a tour manufacturing facility, with fairly impersonal therapy or inauthentic experiences. Some vacationers who’ve solely been on these journeys might complain that Vietnam is overcommercialized or inform tales of vacationer scams. However, this isn’t the actual Vietnam!

I discuss this extra in my backpacker’s information to Vietnam, however if you happen to diverge just a bit bit from the usual itineraries, Vietnam turns into completely totally different. Among my private favourite locations are Phong Nha, Ninh Binh, and Ha Giang, for instance, however there are masses extra. Don’t miss my 12 must-visit locations in Vietnam. 

By the way in which, top-of-the-line methods to journey Vietnam is by motorcycle or scooter. Many travellers contemplate Vietnam the final word motorbiking nation within the area, letting you see a aspect of Vietnam that not each vacationer will get to see.

Cambodia

Cambodia is a comparatively smaller nation with considerably fewer sights, so it’s generally handled as an add-on to a visit to Thailand or Vietnam.

The essential vacation spot is the spectacular Angkor Wat, which is likely one of the largest historical temple complexes on this planet. This sprawling web site can take days to discover correctly, and it’s simply of the highest sights in Southeast Asia. The close by metropolis of Siem Reap has turn out to be a fun-filled base from which to take excursions into the Angkor Wat archaeological park.

But there’s loads extra to maintain you in Cambodia longer. I actually just like the Cambodian islands, that are nonetheless comparatively much less developed in comparison with these in Thailand or Vietnam. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem (amongst different islands) have a enjoyable backpacker vibe and provide far more low-cost lodging than among the Thai islands that by now have their very own airports and large-scale resorts.

One factor that’s a little bit of a bummer is that Cambodia has been dominated by the identical dictator for many years, so the locals don’t have a lot freedom of speech, there’s a great deal of corruption, and there’s little regard for nature conservation (with just some exceptions). I didn’t discover this stuff on my first journey to Cambodia, however on a second go to after I went a bit deeper these points have been much more apparent.

Don’t trouble visiting Sihanoukville, a seedy resort that’s been offered off to Chinese builders to construct casinos. There are sadly some indicators the beautiful laidback Kampot is heading this fashion as effectively, with a big on line casino advanced deliberate inside Bokor National Park. Cambodia’s dictator should be more than happy with the kickbacks he’s acquired. 

Nevertheless, regardless of the scenario, there are some wonderful ecotourism alternatives in Cambodia. For instance, Chi Pat is a small village in the midst of one Asia’s final really uninterrupted rainforests and is centered on sustainable ecotourism. The city of Kratie can also be effectively price a go to; a quaint city alongside the Mekong River with remnants of French colonial structure, with an opportunity to see uncommon Irrawaddy dolphins within the waters. 

My information to Cambodia has extra tips about the best way to cherry-pick one of the best of Cambodia.

Malaysia

While Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam have been nations as soon as colonized by France, Malaysia was as soon as a part of the British empire. That offers its historic cities a distinct character. Malaysia additionally usually feels extra cosmopolitan and multi-cultural, as it’s residence to a mixture of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and numerous minorities.

Malaysia is a little more rich, orderly, and conservative than its neighbors. It could also be missing that rough-and-tumble really feel that charms many Western vacationers within the different nations, however it additionally means Malaysia will not be as over-the-top as Thailand. Its seashores and islands (such because the Perhentian Islands) are comparatively low-key, and most of its different locations are family-friendly and effectively organized.

My information of Peninsular Malaysia is a bit patchy, although I feel the cities of Penang and Malacca are very fascinating. I intention to come back again sometime to discover extra.

As an journey traveller, I used to be extra enticed by the different a part of Malaysia on the island of Borneo. I spent most of my time within the jap state of Sabah, the place you possibly can climb Kota Kinabalu (the best mountain in Southeast Asia), go scuba diving at Pulau Mabul and Pulau Sipadan, and go to nationwide parks such because the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (the place even on a foul day you possibly can spot numerous monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and a lot extra). While Borneo is dominated by uniform rows of palm oil plantations, the wilderness additional inland is completely thrilling.

By the way in which, you’ll want to funds a bit bit extra for Malaysia. Accommodation and meals are nice worth, however native excursions, climbing journeys, or entries to nationwide parks do add up a bit quicker right here.

Singapore

The city-state of Singapore makes for an fascinating go to, particularly given how strongly it contrasts in opposition to different close by locations. It’s spotlessly clear and high-tech and is really a world other than all of the chaos, smells, and congestion elsewhere. It’s a meticulously designed place, usually making you’re feeling as if you’re wandering by means of the glittering futuristic visions from an architect’s dream.

The fashionable comforts generally is a refreshing change if you happen to’ve spent a while in additional distant locations in Southeast Asia. The meals in Singapore can also be phenomenal and no go to is full with out going to one in every of its many hawker facilities (a sort of meals court docket) the place you possibly can pattern just about any Asian delicacies — very cheaply and with hygiene requirements a lot greater than the road meals in different nations.

Singapore is a simple and cozy vacation spot, although components of the town may also really feel fairly business-ey and too neatly maintained. It’s been getting extra artistic and vibrant although and the structure and gardens are gorgeous. Singapore makes for a delicate introduction to Southeast Asia or can function a handy pit cease on a bigger journey.

Do remember the fact that costs in Singapore (other than the meals) are basically at Western ranges. That doesn’t imply it’s not possible to remain there on a funds although; I’ve listed some free or low-cost issues to do in Singapore.

Indonesia

To state the plain: Indonesia is big.

It is, the truth is, wider than the United States. It’s so massive that if you happen to have been to jot down an entire information to Southeast Asia, you’d in all probability need to do a separate Volume II simply to cowl Indonesia.

Most vacationers focus solely on a tiny half — the resort island of Bali — however past it lies an unlimited space to discover, with unimaginable potential for off-the-beaten-track adventures. Blessed with 17,000 islands and quite a few volcanoes, Indonesia is a chief vacation spot for browsing, trekking, diving, and wildlife recognizing (with an opportunity to see orangutans). It is culturally various as effectively, with totally different islands following the Muslim, Hindu, Catholic or Protestant religions.

If you’re pressed for time, then spending every week on Bali is truthfully not the worst concept. Its capital of Kuta could also be nauseatingly business and centered completely on mass tourism, however dive deeper into Bali and also you’ll uncover loads of stunning Hindu temples, inexperienced rice paddies, and laidback seashores.

A typical longer itinerary has you beginning within the metropolis of Yogyakarta on Java, then visiting the traditional temples of Borobudur, the epic volcano of Bromo, after which ending in Bali. This publish tells you, extremely, how this may be completed in a single week — although I like to recommend not less than 2 or 3 weeks for this route.

Lombok, the island that’s adjoining to Bali, is crammed with surfer spots, waterfalls, and quieter seashores. Further east, I beloved exploring rural Flores and seeing the Komodo dragons at Komodo National Park.

So far I’ve been on two massive journeys to Indonesia, and I’m itching to return. The subsequent one will in all probability take me to the less-explored components of Sumatra, Sulawesi, or West Nusa Tengarra. Indonesia feels to me like one of many ultimate frontiers of Southeast Asia.

The nation appears oddly ignored amongst journey bloggers (not less than outdoors of Bali), however I’ll exit on a limb and say it’s one of many actual highlights of Southeast Asia.

For extra, try my run-down of all of the Indonesian islands.

Philippines

The Philippines will not be normally the primary nation in Southeast Asia that vacationers go to, but it’s really a gem and to not be ignored! 

Since most Filipinos communicate fluent English, you can too get quite a bit nearer to the tradition. I’ve discovered myself travelling along with Filipino backpackers, made associates in lots of villages, and sung karaoke with locals. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia the language barrier can put you in a bubble, however a lot much less so right here. I can’t stress sufficient how a lot of a distinction this makes.

The Philippines additionally occurs to have the most wonderful seashores and islands, palms down. Although the phrase has definitely gotten out about some spots like the islands and lagoons round El Nido, there are far fewer vacationer crowds general.

The Philippines has over 7,000 islands, so it gained’t be operating out of wonderful locations to go any time quickly! Palawan is all the time an enormous hit however undoubtedly additionally go to the central Visayas — significantly islands like Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, and Camiguin. 

The Philippines was once a Spanish after which an American colony, which is mirrored within the faith, structure, and language. The meals does take plenty of inspiration from American quick meals or Spanish asado and appears much less involved with Asian spices. Many Western vacationers complain in regards to the meals, and I can undoubtedly see why in comparison with the wonderful Thai delicacies for example, although if you happen to look effectively sufficient there’s one thing to anybody’s style.

Thanks to its unimaginable islands, gorgeous rice terraces, volcano hikes, beautiful folks, and an enchanting cultural melting pot, I feel the Philippines is definitely top-of-the-line nations to go to in Southeast Asia. Be certain to take a look at all of my articles on the Philippines.

One tip although: it’s not price staying within the capital Manila for too lengthy, because it’s tremendous congested and never the nicest vacation spot on this in any other case attractive nation.

Myanmar (Burma)

Sometimes nations take some steps again, and that’s sadly the case with Myanmar. I visited some years in the past when there was pleasure within the air in regards to the new democratic authorities and the borders opening as much as worldwide tourism. Now, Myanmar is embroiled in a civil battle, and it’s unclear when it’s secure or accountable to go to it once more.

What I beloved after I visited earlier than the latest issues is the relative lack of cynicism in the direction of vacationers in Myanmar, and the way the nation was nonetheless very a lot untouched by globalization.

The hundreds of historical temples at Bagan present some true pinch-me vistas, significantly at sundown. Burmese delicacies is vastly underrated and a foodie goes to have a good time. It’s wonderful taking a prepare not less than as soon as: the creaking outdated carriages could also be gradual as a snail however they’re one thing to expertise.

Hopefully, the political scenario in Myanmar will enhance sooner or later. 

Still undecided the place to go in Southeast Asia?

As needs to be apparent… Southeast Asia is a massive area!

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed whereas planning your journey, I perceive. Trust me… I’ve been there.

Honestly, all of the nations in Southeast Asia are wonderful (I really suppose so). Try merely selecting some nations that sound most fascinating to you and that suit your funds. If your funds is fairly tight, contemplate northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, or Cambodia. The different nations aren’t that rather more costly although. You can see my Southeast Asia backpacker budgets for extra data.

You might also discover my in-depth ebook useful to you. Readers of Travel the World Without Worries have mentioned it looks like having a good friend sit down with you to mull over your journey goals and switch them into actual plans. I wrote a lot of the ebook after travelling by means of Southeast Asia, so it’s the right companion if you happen to’re planning a visit. You can learn the primary chapter at no cost.

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