Have a Mesmerizing Experience in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a trending tourist destination, attracting tourists from all corners of the world. The region is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, ancient temples, tropical beaches, delicious cuisine, and abundant wildlife. It has something to offer to every age group and promises a trip worth every penny. Whether you want to go on a spiritual tour or enjoy a laid-back holiday on the beaches, experience vibrant nightlife, or spot animals in the wild, Southeast Asia has it all.

Southeast Asia is a region that offers numerous stunning destinations that you can include in your trip. Selecting which destinations to include in the itinerary depends on the kind of experiences you are looking for. If you are a nature lover, then you can visit places like HaLong Bay and Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia, Phuket Island in Thailand and El Nido in The Philippines. If you are on a spiritual and cultural retreat, then explore Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, Ananda Temple in Myanmar, and Long Son Pagoda in Vietnam.

Another reason people love traveling to Southeast Asian countries is that they are extremely budget-friendly destinations. Accommodation, meals, and transportation are available at a reasonable price. Additionally, the Southeast Asian folks are extremely friendly and offer warm hospitality to visitors, which makes them want to visit these countries again.

Must Visit Destinations in Southeast Asia

1. Vietnam:

Vietnam is one of the cheapest yet one of the most beautiful countries to travel in Southeast Asia. It is nothing less than a nature paradise, offering lush greenery, idyllic beaches, deep blue waters, and tall mountains.
Some of the must-visit places in Vietnam include Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Trang An. Additionally, you can make your trip more exciting by indulging in adventure activities here like mountain biking, kayaking, caving, rock climbing, rafting and motorbiking.

2. Thailand: Also known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ Thailand is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. While you are in Thailand, you can hop on over to Phuket, a town that is known for its scenic beaches and thrilling water sports like jet skiing, snorkeling and river rafting. Another city that is a must-see is Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. It is a beautiful city with so many of the typical creature comforts of home and an amazing nightlife.

You can also visit the second largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai, explore its ancient temples and enjoy the night markets. If you are planning to opt for a Thailand tour package for 3 days 2 nights, make sure to include a visit to some prominent places here such as Phi Phi Island and Pattaya.

3. Cambodia: If you are a history buff then Cambodia should definitely be on your list. A major attraction here is Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple that is an architectural masterpiece. Some other eminent temples that you can visit here are Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Banteay Srei, and Pre Rup Temple. Some other fun attractions to explore in Cambodia are the Royal Palace, Cambodia Landmine Museum, Independence Monument and Kirirom National Park.

4. Laos: A trip to Laos offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and rich culture. This landlocked country is an affordable and picturesque location. You can visit the beautiful island of Si Phan Don, which is an ideal place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can even enjoy island hopping and explore places like Don Khong, Don Khon, Bolaven Plateau, and Don Det. You can also visit Luang Prabang, a spiritual and religious center in Laos. Moreover, enjoy your time exploring the night markets, admiring French architecture, going on river tours, and exploring the waterfalls of Luang Prabang.

5. Indonesia: Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of over 17,000 islands. You can start your tour by visiting Borneo, the third-largest island in the world. It is home to rainforests, giant mountains, caves, and wild animals such as orangutans, rhinos and pygmy elephants. If you are an adrenaline junkie, make sure to visit Java which features 30 active volcanoes and lush green rice paddies. Consider booking your Bali tour packages for 5 days and 4 nights to experience its serene beaches, lush forests, and a lively nightlife.

6. Malaysia: It is said that Malaysia offers the best of Asia. It has several stunning beaches that you can visit, such as Langkawi, Tioman Island, Rawa Island, Mataking Island, Coral Beach, Monkey Beach, Cenang Beach, and Port Dickson. Moreover, two-thirds of the country is rainforest, allowing you to witness wild animals like tigers, elephants, sun bears, orangutans, leopards, crocodiles, and king cobras. Malaysia also offers a number of adventure activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, river rafting, bungee jumping and paragliding.

7. The Philippines: The Philippines is mainly renowned for its warm hospitality and is ranked as the friendliest country in Asia. Tourists love visiting this country as they are welcomed with huge smiles and warm gestures. There are over 7000 islands in the Philippines, featuring soft white sand, lush greenery, and crystal clear water. It is also home to a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Another natural wonder you can explore is the Chocolate Hills, a truly unique and fascinating creation of nature. If you are lucky enough, you can also be a part of their vibrant festivals like Dragon Boat Festival and Thaipusam.

8. Singapore: If you are in Southeast Asia, your trip is incomplete without visiting its gem, Singapore. Also known as the ‘Lion City’, Singapore is a multicultural country with inclusions like China Town, Kalimpong Glam and Little India. It offers various attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, Night Safari, and River Wonders. It also offers world-class shopping experiences, from luxurious malls to vibrant street shops. Additionally, the city is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, pubs, discos and rooftop restaurants.

9. Myanmar: Myanmar is a beautiful country, renowned for its pristine landscapes, spirituality and rich culture. One of the most popular attractions in Myanmar is Shwedagon Pagoda, which is a 99-meter tall temple complex. A fascinating fact about the temple is that its stupa is crowned with 4,351 precious diamonds, which weigh around 1800 carats. Some other must visit temples include Golden Rock, Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda and Lawkananda Pagoda. The country also offers stunning attractions like Inle Lake, U Bein Bridge, Goat Hteik Bridge, Ngapali Beach and Mount Hkaka Bo Razi.

Exploring Southeast Asia

1 . Culture & Heritage : Southeast Asia has a diverse culture and a rich heritage, attracting tourists from all around         the world. There are plenty of historical sites such as Angkor Wat, Sukhothai Historical Park, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Xiengthong, and Shwedagon Pagoda. To witness its vibrant culture, you can attend cultural shows and enjoy traditional dances like Khon, Joget, Ao Dai, Fan Dance, and Padaung.

2. Beaches & Islands: Southeast Asia boasts a vast number of stunning beaches and islands that you can explore. Some beaches have a lively atmosphere with a bustling crowd while some remain distant and quiet, ideal for a peaceful getaway. Some of the must visit beaches and islands include Krabi, Pink Beach, Phu Quoc, Langkawi, El Nido, Phi Phi Island, Nha Trang and Tanjong Beach.

3. Adventure & Thrill: Most countries of Southeast Asia are hubs for adventure activities. You can try a wide array of thrilling activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, skydiving, paragliding, river rafting, ATV riding, caving, trekking, parasailing, surfing, and kayaking. You can try these activities in major destinations like Hanoi, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, The Philippines, Bali, Halong Bay, Bor, and Boracay.

4. Local Cuisine: If you are a foodie then Southeast Asia is going to amaze you with its delicious delights. Whether you are someone who enjoys street food or someone looking for a fine dining experience, the Southeast Asian countries have everything for you. Some dishes that you must try while you are there include, Amok (fish curry with rice, vegetables, and sauce), Pad Thai (rice noodles), Hainanese chicken rice, Katupa (coconut rice), Nasi Katok (brunei chicken) and Mohinga (fish soup).

5. Vibrant Nightlife: Experiencing the fun and lively nightlife of Southeast Asian countries is a must. Some of the party hotspots include Bali, Koh PhaNgan, Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Boracay, Pai, Vang Vieng and Kuala Lumpur. These cities have a number of exciting bars, pubs, and clubs where you can groove to techno beats and enjoy your favorite drinks.

Know Before You Travel

1. Visa Requirements:

Some Southeast Asian countries, like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, do not require visas from Indian citizens. However, you will need a visa to enter other countries, which is why it is best to apply for a visa in advance. For the visa application, you will need to submit basic documents like a valid passport, ID proof, passport-sized photos, address proof, and travel insurance.

2. Best Time to Travel:

Southeast Asian countries have a tropical climate, with half the year being dry while the other half being rainy. These countries are all year-round destinations, and the best time to visit them depends on the kind of experience you wish to have. However, the ideal months for your travel will be between November and April so that you can experience mild temperatures and less humidity.

3. What to Pack:

The things you need to pack for your trip to Southeast Asia will depend on the season when you are visiting. If you are visiting in the summer, you can pack light summer clothes, flip-flops, swimsuits, light dresses, sunscreen, and hats. However, if you are visiting in the rainy season, you need to pack cotton clothes, sturdy shoes, raincoats, and an umbrella. Make sure that you also pack decent clothes that will cover your knees and shoulders for your tour of the spiritual sites.

4. Transportation:

The countries of Southeast Asia have a well-maintained transportation system. You can find taxis almost everywhere in each of these countries. You can even rent your own cars or two-wheelers to explore the place at your own pace. For more budget-friendly options, you can choose to travel by local transportation, bus, tuk tuk and underground metro.

5. Currency: It is best to convert your currency to the country you are traveling to in order to avoid any inconveniences. There are a lot of attractions where ATM facilities are not available. Additionally, you will require the converted cash for shopping, local transportation, and meals.

Recommended Travel Company

To ease your travel planning, Thrillophilia offers well-curated and budget-friendly Southeast Asia tour packages. You can scroll through the wide range of tour packages and select the one that suits you the best. Thrillophilia takes care of all your needs and offers packages that are all-inclusive of accommodations, breakfasts, local transportation, tours, and activities. Booking these packages will resolve your last-minute hassle so that you can be stress-free and peacefully enjoy your holiday with your loved ones. Once you’ve decided on your next trip, always make sure to pop back over to Travel Till You Drop for excellent travel advice and more ideas!