Asia is the largest continent with 48 countries that are known for their cultural diversity, delicious cuisine, landscape, beaches, and beautiful coral reef. On top of that traveling to some country in Asia is affordable.
Winter is just around the corner. Are you ready to escape from the freezing cold Winter to enjoy a warm sunset with a fresh cold beer in hand by the beach? Asia is the largest continent with 48 countries that are known for their cultural diversity, delicious cuisine, landscape, beaches, and beautiful coral reef. On top of that traveling to some country in Asia is affordable. Here are 5 top destinations for you to visit in South East Asia that we have prepared for you!
#1 Thailand
If you wish for vibrant nightlife, white sandy beaches, spa massage, and “maybe” a little bit of Marijuana then Thailand is the answer. Start from Bangkok with its famous cultural landmarks and street life then up north to the second largest city in Thailand Chiang Mai for its famous tribe hill and breathtaking landscapes.
Where to go?
Bangkok
Bangkok known for it’s cultural landmarks and wherever you go, you can see temple everywhere. Lies in Chao Phraya river bank Wat Arun (The Temple Dawn) is the most iconic temple that you don’t want to miss during sunset, Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the most important and most visited, while Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bangkok.
Bangkok is the city that never sleeps. Khao San road offers you plenty of a local Thai cuisine and bars, Sukhumvit Road for upscale restaurants and nightclubs, meanwhile Patpong, Soi Cowboy, or Nana are places for “adult” destination.
Walking in Thailand’s streets you will see many food stall with various local Thai Cuisine. One of the most popular is Tom Yum a spicy and sour soup that usually cooked with seafood.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island Phuket offers you plenty exciting places. Get a day tour and explore the historical old Phuket Town that used to be a Tin Mining Industry back in 1907. Other activity that popular is to jump on a boat to Phi Phi Islands, trekking to Big Buddha or visit white sandy beaches around the island.
Pattaya
Famous for its cabaret show, Pattaya offers you other interesting destination like Sanctuary of Truth, Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), Four Regions Floating Market, and Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
Chiang Mai
The second largest city in Thailand Chiang Mai famous for its tribe hill and breathtaking landscapes. One of the largest and the most famous tribe in Chiang Mai is the Long Neck Karen Tribe. Lantern Festivals (Yi Peng Lantern Festival) is held annually to mark the end of the monsoon season (this year will be held on 8-9 November 2022). Elephant Sanctuary that you can visit during your stay in Chiang Mai are Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, Happy Elephant Home, and Chiang Mai Elephant Land.
#2 Indonesia
More than seventeen thousand islands means plenty of amazing places to visit.
Where to go?
Bali
Kecak fire dance during sunset on Uluwatu hill might be the most epic dance performance in Bali. Based on Ramayana Hindu story and usually performed by 150 male dancer. Seminyak and Canggu are the best areas for nightlife in Bali. There are countless restaurants and beach bars lining along the beach. Ubud is the heart of Bali – a serene paradise of healing and relaxation.
Discover the most iconic shipwreck to dive USS Liberty Shipwreck in North Bali (Tulamben) and swim with Manta Ray at Nusa Penida.
Lombok
Gili islands are top rated destination in Lombok. Just 1 hour 30 minute by fast boat from Padang Bay (Bali) you can walk or rent bicycle to explore unpolluted island. Mount Rinjani is an active volcano and the second highest volcano in Indonesia. Takes up to 3 days for you to explore and see it’s magnificent crater. Close to the Lombok Praya International airport, a lovely white sandy Kuta beach with restaurants where you can dine with ocean views.
Flores
Taking a 4 days adventure with boat that leave from Lombok to Komodo island is fun. You will stop to some destination along the way to Labuan Bajo like Moyo island and Mt. Sangeang Api (an active volcano in Sumbawa, NTB). Located between Sumbawa and Flores, Komodo island is home for the largest venomous Lizard and beautiful sea life. Visit unique Tri-colored lakes at Mount Kelimutu, Ende and takes only 15-30 minutes trek until you reach the viewpoint.
#3 Cambodia
Cambodia is a beautiful country and listed as one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.
Where to go?
Phnom Penh
As the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh famous for its historical architecture and tourist attractions. One of museum that hold the secrets of Cambodia’s dark history are Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. Visit Russian Market or Psah Toul Tom Poung for unique and colorful souvenir.
Siem Reap
The famous Angkor Wat is an ancient Buddhist temple complex that was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century. Angkor Wat best to visit during sunrise or sunset. Find authentic Cambodian dishes and a wide range of clothing/ handicrafts that were made by local artist at Old Market (the oldest Khmer market in Siem Reap).
#4 Philiphine
The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Consists around 7,641 islands, many impressive islands to visit.
Where to go?
Manila
Manila, the capital city of the Philippine has a wide selection of travel destination. Fort Santiago is the oldest historical Hispanic stone castles built in 1571. Casa Manila – a living museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period.
Boracay
Boracay is a small island in the central Philippines that known for its white sandy beaches and resorts. Island hoping, Diving and snorkeling are other activities that you can do. Mount Luho is the highest point on Boracay Island that gives you a panoramic view of the island.
Cebu Island
Province of Cebu is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas and has a strong Spanish tradition on its cultural life. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church and triangular Fort San Pedro are famous landmarks in Cebu.
#5 Vietnam
Vietnam known for its Hoi An Lantern Festival – a festival during Lunar New Year where thousands of floating lanterns release into the river.
Where to go?
Ho Chi Minh City
Formally known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City offers you an amazing destination to visit. Explore pagodas, museum, taking a street-food day tour, or visiting floating market at the Mekong Delta.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is UNESCO World Heritage Site that located within the Gulf of Tonkin in the city of Halong. Thousands of towering limestone spreads around the bay that makes this place is amazing.
