Southeast Asia Travel Guide (Asia)

Introduction to Southeast Asia
List of Places to Visit in Southeast Asia
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Southeast Asia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeast Asia
Best Things to Do in Southeast Asia: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Southeast Asia
Food and Drink Scene of Southeast Asia
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Southeast Asia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Southeast Asia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Southeast Asia
Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia
Do’s and Don’ts of Southeast Asia
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Southeast Asia
- Health in Southeast Asia
Getting to Southeast Asia: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Southeast Asia
Conclusion

Introduction to Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, located in the eastern region of Asia, is a popular destination for travelers. Comprising of 11 countries, this tropical region boasts stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of tourist attractions. In this guide, we’ll show you the best places to visit, hike, bike, and explore, as well as where to stay, what to eat and drink, how to get around, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is known for its diverse attractions, from historical landmarks to natural wonders. Here are some must-visit places you should include in your itinerary:

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Bagan, Myanmar
Bangkok, Thailand
Luang Prabang, Laos
Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia
Philippines’ Islands
Bali, Indonesia
Singapore
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Southeast Asia is steeped in history and culture, and there are plenty of spots to visit to learn more about the region’s heritage. Some of the top museums and historical attractions include:

Vietnam War Museum, Vietnam
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia
National Museum of Cambodia, Cambodia
Bali Museum, Indonesia
National Museum of Singapore
Ho Chi Minh Museum, Vietnam
War Remnants Museum, Vietnam
Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, Malaysia
National Museum of the Philippines
National Museum of Myanmar

Natural Attractions of Southeast Asia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Southeast Asia is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor adventures and scenic views to enjoy. Some of the top natural attractions in the region include:

Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Railay Beach, Thailand
Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Ayung River, Indonesia
Tubbataha Reef, Philippines
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Mekong River, Laos
Bamboo Island, Cambodia
Kuang Si Falls, Laos

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeast Asia

Hiking and biking are popular activities in Southeast Asia, thanks to its diverse terrain and beautiful landscapes. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to explore:

Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand
Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand
Ba Be National Park, Vietnam
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Luang Prabang, Laos
Kep National Park, Cambodia
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Best Things to Do in Southeast Asia: Activities and Tours

Southeast Asia offers a wide range of activities and tours to suit every interest. Here are some must-try experiences:

Jungle Trekking, Malaysia
Scuba Diving, Philippines
Temples and Palaces Tour, Thailand
Night Market Shopping, Cambodia
Island Hopping, Indonesia
River Rafting, Laos
Food Tour, Vietnam
Sunset Cruise, Singapore
Elephant Riding, Thailand
Heritage Walk, Malaysia

Week-Long Itinerary for Southeast Asia

To make the most of Southeast Asia in one week, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day 1: Siem Reap, Cambodia Day 2: Luang Prabang, Laos Day 3: Chiang Mai, Thailand Day 4: Hoi An, Vietnam Day 5: Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia Day 6: Singapore Day 7: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Food and Drink Scene of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is known for its diverse, flavorful cuisine and unique local drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages to sample:

Must-Try Dishes

Pad Thai, Thailand
Nasi Goreng, Indonesia
Pho, Vietnam
Amok, Cambodia
Hainanese Chicken Rice, Singapore
Tom Yum Soup, Thailand
Laksa, Malaysia
Adobo, Philippines
Bahn Mi, Vietnam
Satay, Indonesia

Local Beverages

Teh Tarik, Malaysia
Chai Tea, India
Beer Lao, Laos
Coconut Water, Vietnam
Teh O Limau, Singapore
Fresh Mango Juice, Thailand
Red Horse, Philippines
Bintang Beer, Indonesia
Milk Tea, Hong Kong
Chrysanthemum Tea, China

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southeast Asia offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, there’s something for everyone. Popular options include:

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Hang Nga Guesthouse, Vietnam
The Racha, Thailand
The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali
Bagan Lodge, Myanmar
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Philippines
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Cambodia
The Sayana Press, Laos
Mandarin Oriental, Malaysia

What to Buy in Southeast Asia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Southeast Asia is known for its vibrant markets and unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some items to add to your shopping list:

Batik, Indonesia
Thai Silk, Thailand
Tea, Sri Lanka
Custom Tailored Clothing, Vietnam
Lacquerware, Myanmar
Coffee, Vietnam
Kites, Malaysia
Pottery, Philippines
Carvings, Bali
Traditional Handicrafts, Cambodia

Local Culture and Customs of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is home to diverse cultures and customs, and it’s important to respect and understand them as a visitor. Here are some tips:

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Remove your shoes when entering a home or temple.
Avoid touching someone’s head or pointing with your feet.
Don’t raise your voice or display anger in public.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Greet people with a smile and a nod of the head.
Tipping is not always expected but appreciated.

Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia

The best time to visit Southeast Asia depends on the region you’re visiting and the activities you plan to do. The dry season typically runs from November to March, while the wet season is from June to October. Some areas, like Bali and Phuket, have high tourist seasons from December to February and July to August.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southeast Asia

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Southeast Asia:

Do:

Learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
Carry plenty of small bills for tipping and shopping.
Try the local cuisine and drinks.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Bargain at markets and street vendors.

Don’t:

Touch someone’s head or point with your feet.
Display anger or raise your voice in public.
Expect everything to be westernized.
Forget to remove your shoes when entering a home or temple.

Safety and Health

When traveling to Southeast Asia, it’s important to prioritize your safety and health. Here are some tips:

Safety in Southeast Asia

Always carry a copy of your passport and travel insurance.
Avoid walking alone at night.
Keep your valuables in a safe place.
Don’t carry too much cash on you.
Be cautious of scams and pickpocketing.
Check the local news for any safety advisories.

Health in Southeast Asia

Ensure you’re up to date on routine vaccinations.
Consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies.
Ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
Drink bottled or boiled water.
Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.
Be aware of the risk of food poisoning and wash your hands before eating.

Getting to Southeast Asia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southeast Asia is well-connected by air, land, and sea, but travel can sometimes be challenging due to language and cultural barriers. Here are some transportation options and logistics to consider:

Airports in Southeast Asia

Changi Airport, Singapore
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok
Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi

Bus Stations in Southeast Asia

Khaosan Road, Bangkok
Ubung Bus Station, Bali
Pathumwan Bus Terminal, Bangkok
Southern Bus Terminal, Bangkok
Hanuman Taxi Station, Phnom Penh

Other Options

Train travel is a popular option in countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
Ferries and boats connect many of the islands and coastal regions.
Taxis, tuk-tuks, and private transfers are available for hire.

How to Get Around in Southeast Asia

Getting around Southeast Asia can be an adventure in and of itself. Here are some options to consider:

Public transportation, like buses and trains, can be an affordable option.
Taxis and tuk-tuks are widely available, but always negotiate the fare beforehand.
Motorbikes and scooters are popular in many areas, but be cautious and wear a helmet.
Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside.
Car rental is available in some areas, but be aware of the traffic and road conditions.

Conclusion

Southeast Asia is a dynamic region with a rich culture, diverse landscape, and plenty of tourist attractions. Whether you’re looking to explore cultural landmarks, venture into the great outdoors, sample delicious local cuisine, or soak up the sun on the beach, there’s something to suit every traveler’s taste. With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to plan your dream vacation to Southeast Asia!