Southeast Asia was my home for nearly three years. The tropical environment is something to get used to and you never really stop sweating. All the noisy sounds and different smells make each country in the region unique. You can always find someone cooking up some street food at any time of the night. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
During my time in Thailand, I managed to visit all but two countries in the region (Burma and Brunei). This a list of all the wonderful places to visit in Southeast Asia sorted by country.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase using a link I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents:
Vietnam
1. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is located about 2 hours southwest of Ho Chi Minh. Numerous tours go to this area every day. It’s nearly impossible to go explore by yourself because there is already a system set up for you. You can pre-book tours online before you go or head over to District 1 within the city and book one there.
Why You Should Go: The Mekong Delta is essentially a tropical maze navigated by boat, full of exotic animal species and plants. It is a big agricultural hub and a very important place for fishing. The river starts in China and flows through Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The people that live in this region thrive off the environment by producing chocolate, medicine, coconut products, rice, and more. The locals will take you on the river in their boats and show you around. You’ll get a chance to experience life first hand on the Mekong Delta and can buy products made right in front of you. (I recommend the coconut candy.)
2. Hoi An
Hoi An is located in the middle of Vietnam, about 1 hour south of Da Nang. You can easily get here by flying into the Da Nang International Airport and taking a bus to Hoi An. There is also a scenic coastal motorbike route that is also very popular. Many motorbike rental places in town will rent you a bike and transport your luggage to your hotel in Hoi An separately.
Why You Should Go: Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a previous popular trading village from the 15th to the 19th century. It is popular for its yellow-painted buildings located in the Old Town. Even though this town is relatively small, it offers quite a bit in terms of things to do. One of them is getting a custom-tailored piece of clothing. There are hundreds of tailor shops, but I recommend seeing Anna. She made me a custom dress in 2 days! Also be sure to check out the night markets where you’ll find the iconic colorful lanterns, indulge in coconut coffee, and take a bicycle ride to the surrounding countryside where you might meet a water buffalo grazing near the road.
3. Halong Bay
Halong Bay is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, popular for its 700+ limestone islets that have developed over millions of years. The item to check off your bucket list here, is taking a cruise around the bay. With many different cruise operators, you get what you pay for, which is why I recommend slurping a little bit. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Why You Should Go: With a visit to this unique place in Southeast Asia, you’ll discover the natural beauty of the area as you sail around. There are many locals that have a fishing business on floating houses, and they’ll show you how they find pearls. Depending on the cruise that you take, you’ll get to kayak around the islets (get ready for a killer arm workout!), try your hand at squid fishing, explore a cave, and watch a water puppet show. I booked my cruise through Dragon Legend Cruise. You can read about my entire experience here.
Cambodia
4. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. There are many temples and historic museums to visit. The city is also a hub for the cultural arts. The country was also previously ruled by the French, so you can find French bakeries, European architecture, and even some French-speaking locals. Cambodia as a whole has a young population due to a mass genocide that they are recovering from.
Why You Should Go: Since the average age in Cambodia is only 25, many Cambodians are interested in preserving their cultural heritage that was almost lost in the genocide. There is a nightly performance at the National Museum of Cambodia that I definitely recommend attending. It is produced and performed by students in the neighboring performing arts center and titled Earth, Wind, and Sky. Other things to do include watching the sunset on a river cruise, wandering through the old Central Market, visiting Wat Phnom which is a hilltop temple, and most importantly, dining at Friends the Restuarant which helps train and develop underprivileged kids due to the genocide into established members of society.
5. S-21 and The Killing Fields
S-21 and The Killing Fields are places within the city of Phnom Penh where the Khmer Rouge Regime tortured and killed thousands of people. It is not something to take lightly, and you will probably feel very sad for the rest of the day.
Why You Should Go: Even though these places are very sad to visit, I think it’s important to remember and learn about what happened here. I never knew this tragic event happened until I started researching for my trip and from word of mouth in Thailand. It’s worth including during your visit to Southeast Asia. You can read a more detailed explanation of what you’ll see and experience in my full guide.
Laos
6. Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is located in north-central Laos. There is an international airport there which makes it fairly easy to get to. The town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the previous capital of the country until 1975. It is best known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Why You Should Go: There is much history to be learned here and it is a very culturally rich area. A visit to the Royal Palace is a great place to start. The architecture is a mix of Laotian and French. I also recommend doing some hiking to Kuang Si Falls and Tat Sae Waterfall. Early in the morning the monks will collect their alms, or offering for the day, from the locals. It has become a popular sight for tourists, but please remember that this is a peaceful time. Don’t be that person that disrupts the line by getting too close to take pictures.
7. Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a quiet little between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The easiest way to get here is by bus. It is most popular for its natural blue lagoon and adventure tourism. However, there has been an influx of backpacker tourism and the town is said to be losing its charm. The main road caters to cheap alcohol and a partying atmosphere. Many companies operate ‘tubing’ and zip lining activities, which have little to no rules. That being said, there are still opportunities to make smart decisions that benefit the local community during your visit.
Why You Should Go: The landscape itself is stunning, located within mountains, it has a tropical monsoon climate, meaning that it rains a lot. There is an old airstrip that’s hard to miss in the town. It was made by the US during the Vietnam War to operate a secret mission which left many bombs still unexploded in the area. There has been little to no clean up of these bombs which has an effect on the local community, particularly kids. Over the course of nearly 10 years, 2 million ordnances were dropped which has left many injured. COPE is an organization that is decided to helping rehabilitate those affected by ordnances. You can learn about how you can help make a difference by visiting their website or stopping by the visitor’s center in Vientiane.
Thailand
8. Koh Samet
As there are over a thousand islands in Thailand, this one, in particular, is not part of the typical tourist path making it one of the great places to visit in Southeast Asia. Koh Samet is located on the eastern side of the country, just south of Pattaya. From Bangkok it can take about 2-3 hours by car, which is great for a quick island getaway from the city without having to fly to more popular places like Krabi and Phuket.
Why You Should Go: Since this island is lesser-known, there are fewer people to share the beaches with. You get all the beachy vibes at a little lesser cost. The island is small and popular with ex-pats and locals. You can enjoy a number of activities like parasailing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling. There are 5-star private beach resorts and budget-friendly backpacker hostels. Check out my full guide to the island here.
9. Khao Yai National Park
Thailand is full of national parks and you don’t have to visit an island to find one. In fact, there is one only 2 hours outside of Bangkok called Khao Yai. It’s like a little vacation oasis all by itself. To get here, you’ll either want to rent a car or hire a driver as the public transportation isn’t luggage friendly. Then once you check into your hotel you’ll want to rent a motorbike to get around.
Why You Should Go: With its proximity to Bangkok it’s an easy place to include in your trip. You can find unique glamping accommodation, full-on luxury resorts, and bamboo and eco-friendly hotels on Agoda. There is even a whole area designed to look like you’re in Tuscany, Italy. I’m not kidding, you can check out more pictures here. If that wasn’t enough, there also 2 vineyards that you can tour. I know, I know….wine grown in Thailand, but it was actually not that bad. Lastly, if you’re more into adventure, there are a number of waterfalls that you can hike to, you can go horseback riding, take a dip in the blue lagoon called Ban Tha Chang Springs, see a rodeo, and frolick in the flower fields.
10. Erawan National Park
Another national park you have to include in your places to visit in Southeast Asia is Erawan National Park. This park is located in the province of Kanchanaburi. You either take the train or van service from Bangkok.
Why You Should Go: Have you ever heard of a 7 layer waterfall? No? Well, that’s why you should go! This park is most popular for its waterfall. You can hike all the way up to the 7th layer and if you get tired, just take a dip in the water. (Beware of the fish, they bite.) Once you’ve finished your hike you can rent a tent and camp outside in the campgrounds. I don’t recommend doing this during the extremely hot months of April and May otherwise you will feel like you’re in a sauna the whole night. If you’re not into camping, there are little air-conditioned bungalows that you can rent; however, they tend to be booked up in advance. Read a more in-depth guide of the park here.
11. Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a small city in the northern region of Thailand. It has its own local airport that you can fly into or you can take a bus or van from Chiang Mai.
Why You Should Go: The city is most popular for the White Temple called Wat Rong Khun. It is more of an artistic temple rather than used for prayer. The temple is all white and owned and designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. There is also a Blue Temple called Wat Rong Seur Ten, and you guessed it, it’s painted blue. Another thing to do in the area is to tour the Golden Triangle, which is a place where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. So, you can be in 3 countries all at the same time. In February, there is a hot air balloon festival in Singha Park where a bunch of different balloons take off. There are also bands playing and, of course, food. You’ll get a much more local experience as I hardly saw any other tourists when I was there.
12. The Death Railway
The province of Kanchanaburi is just full of amazing things to explore. Not only does it have Erawan National Park, but the railway built to get to the area, has a unique story linked to WWII.
Why You Should Go: I recommend taking the train at least once to get there. The train itself isn’t special, it’s just a normal commuter train, but as it gets closer to the town, it comes usually close to cliffs. The tracks are supported by wooden beams built by WWII POWS. Thailand was forced to help the Japanese in their plan to invade Burma for rubber. POWs were forced to build a railway through rocks and along cliffs in terrible working conditions. Many died in the process, giving the railway the nickname, The Death Railway. I highly recommend visiting the memorial at Hellfire Pass, which was the most difficult area worked on by POWs.
Malaysia
13. Georgetown, Penang
The old colonial town of Georgetown, Penang was part of the historic Spice Trade route between Asia, India, and Europe. You’ll find a mixture of Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian cultures all working together as one.
Why You Should Go: Not only is the history of the town intriguing, but there’s a lot of great street food and street art to explore. You’ll be able to wander through the old town and take pictures with the famous interactive street art. There are mosques and Chinese temples on the same street and an old British fort located by the water. There’s also a free bus route to take you around the town. Find out how to use it here along with a 3 day itinerary of Georgetown.
14. Eco Park in Kuala Lumpur
The Eco Park in Kuala Lumpur is a jungle within the city. It is located near the KL Tower, which makes it really easy to find! The park is 9 hectares and is the oldest forest preserve in the city limits. You’ll find a number of different animal species as well as plants in this Southeast Asian destination.
Why You Should Go: The park is one of the places to visit in Southeast Asia where you can find a canopy walk high in the trees making it the main attraction. You get views of the city and of the KL Tower. It is free to enter the park and well maintained with paved footpaths and various activities and attractions. All the trails are labeled with length and how long it will take to walk to the attraction. Once you’re finished exploring the forest, you can head over to the KL Tower for a bite to eat or cool off in the aquarium. I recommend visiting the park in the early morning hours to avoid the heat. Check out more things to do in KL here.
Singapore
15. Sentosa
Sentosa is a man-made island that is part of Singapore. It is known as Singapore’s Island Resort because you will find Universal Studios here. There are also a ton of other attractions including the SEA Aquarium, Mega Adventure Park, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and Sentosa’s 4D Adventureland.
Why You Should Go: Getting to the island is very simple and easy on the Metro line. If you don’t want to walk across the bridge, you can take the FREE monorail line. There are also FREE buses on the island so you never have to walk very far. You can spend the whole day on the island, and there’s even a little beach if you want to go for a swim. Be sure to get a picture with the sign that says ‘Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.’
16. Chinatown
Chinatown in Singapore is a little ethnic neighborhood full of small winding streets. The architecture is European and Victorian. This neighborhood was where I was first introduced to Kaya Toast and Singapore coffee. Give it a try at NanYang Old Coffee on the corner of Smith Street.
Why You Should Go: This is the top place to go for hawker food and souvenirs. You can find a ton of cheap and delicious food in the Maxwell Food Center. I definitely recommend getting some bubble tea. It’s hard to go wrong when picking a vendor. The famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is also located here. It is a five-story temple that houses a sacred tooth believed to belong to Buddha. The main floor is adorned with 1000 gold Buddha statues that are all different.
17. Changi Airport
The Singapore airport is a destination all in itself. It’s kind of like a shopping mall that planes happen to fly in and out from. The Changi Airport has been ranked the Best Airport in the World by Skytrax for 8 consecutive years.
Why You Should Go: You’ll probably already be visiting since the chances of you flying into this airport are very high (seeing as it’s the only one). One of the things that Singapore is known for is its gardens, and the airport is no exception. The Jewel is a gigantic 40-meter indoor waterfall in the middle of the airport surrounded by green space and gardens. And believe it or not, that’s not the only attraction. You can also find an indoor playground, movie theater, swimming pool, and numerous shops and dining options.
Indonesia
18. Kelingking Beach
This beach is located a quick boat ride from the main Bali island on Nusa Penida. This island is not as developed as Bali. There are dirt roads and tons of potholes, and almost no signs. Cell service is also very spotty. It’s small enough for you to see everything in a day, but it can get crowded.
Why You Should Go: If you didn’t know, Kelingking Beach is shaped like a dinosaur which is why it’s so popular. Most just take a picture from the top of the cliff and move on. (There tends to be a line for these types of pictures.) If you wanted to hike down to the bottom it takes 30 minutes one way. You will be met with a pristine white sand beach and crystal clear water, making the hike down definitely worth it.
19. Uluwatu
Uluwatu is the bottom half of Bali. It’s popular for couples and has some of the best surf spots in the world. In my opinion, the best beaches in Bali are located here. You can also find a lot of fine dining and spa resorts.
Why You Should Go: Even though a lot of places in Uluwatu are geared towards couples/weddings or the surf crowd, there is still plenty of places to relax and explore. I recommend visiting these 4 beaches in Uluwatu. All of the cliffside Instagram pictures and infinity pools are taken in this area of Bali. I prefer this location as opposed to the jungle of Ubud because there’s less of the feeling of being shuffled around. A lot of places in central Bali are popular tourist attractions and I felt that I was just being herded from one place to the next in order to see everything in a given time frame.
Philippines
20. Siquijor
This place is known to locals for its mystic atmosphere and love potions. However, travelers come for the waterfalls, diving, and relaxing environment. Siquijor is southeast of Cebu, making it fairly easy to get to.
Why You Should Go: If you’re more interested in the mystical side of the island there are plenty of locals to tell you all about potion making, voodoo, and spells. If you want to go the other route of beaches and chasing waterfalls, I recommend visiting Cambugahay Falls. It is a three-tiered waterfall that has amazing turquoise blue water.
21. The Chocolate Hills
This unique landscape located in Bohol is nicknamed The Chocolate Hills because of the brown-colored limestone mounds. The easiest way to get here is by plane, but you can also opt for a boat. This island offers many activities from hiking in the forest to beach days and island hopping.
Why You Should Go: The Chocolate Hills is still considered an off the beaten path destination and is becoming one of the top places to visit in Southeast Asia. The landscape is something I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world.
I’ll be honest, I had no idea that Thailand was full of so many beautiful National Parks… As an outdoor travel lover, that’s definitely caught my attention! I’m going to have to do some more research starting with the locations you suggested. There is no better vacation idea for my husband and I than one that involves hiking, boating, etc.!
Oooh! Totally agree with these places to visit in Southeast Asia! It has been AGES since I’ve been to Vietnam. Definitely a must go-place. I’ve been meaning to go back someday. Thailand has a ton of gorgeous places! Thanks for sharing all of these amazing places!!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Vietnam has amazing street food! I think it’s the best out of all the Southeast Asian countries.
Wow, so many beautiful places. I was enchanted by Sri Lanka also which has a ton to explore.
I haven’t made it over to Sri Lanka yet, but I’ve heard good things!
I’ve never been to SE Asia and never really planned to go but all these places really do look and sound spectacular. It just seems like a bit of an overwhelming place to me – I wouldn’t know where to start without some guidance!
I agree! There are so many options it can get overwhelming. I’m always happy to help make it less daunting. 🙂