Places In Southeast Asia You Need to Visit (When We're Ready to Travel Again)

Create and choose your next adventure!

What makes Southeast Asia a gem for travelers of all types? Apart from the temples, beaches, history, palatable cuisine and natural landscapes, Southeast Asia is more than just its beautiful tourist destinations. It’s a traveling experience of diverse cultures and traditions that will leave you wanting for more. 

When we’re ready to travel again, start planning for your Southeast Asia trip with this list! But first things first, make sure you activate your roaming to help you create and choose your own Southeast Asia adventure!

Feel the Warmth of Southeast Asia: A List for Travelers

Wander-lost on what Southeast Asian country you should begin exploring? Just pack your bags and let this list guide you.

In no particular order, here are the countries you should see and discover to find out why Southeast Asia is every traveler’s dream vacation. 

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Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia’s capital is also the base of the Royal Palace and National Museum, which contains Khmer artifacts.

Travel tips:

• When entering the Royal Palace and temples, take off your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees.
• For shopping and food trips, go to the riverfront in the city.

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

The Kingdom of Brunei’s rich cultural roots are of Malay and Islam origins. The Old Malay World played a large role in shaping Brunei’s present society, language, architecture and customs.

Travel tips:

• Travel in July to experience a month-long cultural festivity since it’s the Sultan’s birth month. 
• Most mosques and attractions are a walk away, so wake up early to explore the entire vicinity.

Dili, Timor Leste

East Timor is a lesser known country in the region, but Dili offers one of the world’s best diving spots. In Dili’s oceans, you can also see a huge statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the entire sea. 

Travel tips:

• East Timor receives a few tourists per year, so be prepared for limited accommodations and attractions. 
• Transportation and hotels can be expensive, so be sure to plan wisely. 

Yangon, Myanmar

Myanmar’s scenic temples, ancient cities and religious sites have always been a favorite spot for travelers. 

Travel tips:

• Yangon is one of the most expensive cities in Southeast Asia (in Myanmar, Yangon is also one of the largest cities), but it has a wide lodging offerings so you can explore more options.
• Lots of museums, zoos and temples can be found throughout the city. Avoid traveling during the rainy season (October) so that your plans won’t be ruined.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Located at the center of Indochina, Laos houses one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine ecologies and rainforests. 

If you want to have an immersive feel of the country’s culture, visit Luang Prabang, the former royal capital known for Buddhist temples with monks walking around the city.

Travel tips:

• Some holes can be found in the streets, so be sure to watch where you step to avoid falling.
• Rent a bicycle to explore and enjoy the laid back and charming sights of the city.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is Northern Thailand’s largest city. It’s bustling with cultural and natural activity, which makes it a popular destination to unwind and delight in. 

Travel tips:

• Chiang Mai is a busy city, so be aware of the peak and low seasons (October to February is the peak season for tourists).
• Dress modestly especially within the vicinity of temples and religious sites.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

For a calming atmosphere, stay at Ha Long Bay where karst islands, lakes and grottoes surround the area.

Travel tips:

• Ha Long Bay has 1,600 cliff islands. When booking a tour, don’t opt for the cheapest one (some tourists claim of overbooking and no time to rest and eat).
• The best months to tour the UNESCO heritage site would be April and November.

Penang, Malaysia

At Penang’s capital, George Town, you can see 200-year-old temples and mosques which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Travel tips:

• Although cute and cuddly, leave the monkeys alone! Some can attack you when intimidated.
• As a culinary capital of Southeast Asia, expect to do lots of food strolling, and of course, weight gain.

Sentosa, Singapore

Despite being a small city-state, Singapore has a lot to offer in terms of heritage sites, skylines, parks and gardens. Amid the fast-paced city life, you can seek solace and fun at Asia’s favorite playground, Sentosa.

Travel tips:

• Watch your valuables. Singapore has a low crime rate, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Things can get very expensive here, so be sure to buy passes in bulk and other necessary things outside before you visit.

Siquijor, Philippines

Last but not the least, Philippines!

Don’t let the stories of enchantment and witchcraft scare you from this lovely and serene island. Sit back, relax and swim in the hearty beaches of Siquijor and discover the magic of this island.

Travel tips:

• While it’s true that the locals practice witchcraft, the place is very safe. But similar to other tourist destinations, watch your valuables and be kind to the locals. 

Southeast Asia is a diverse region. We look forward to the day when we can travel again and feel the warmth, taste the delicacies and engage with the cultures and traditions of these majestic places. But for now, stay safe and take extra care at home!