Melo Villareal
Guide to the Top 28 Most Beautiful Destinations in Southeast Asia
Let’s start with a cliche but meaningful travel quote– the world is a book, and those who do not travel only read one page. True enough, traveling to unfamiliar places awakens your sense of wonder and opens your eyes to things you are not accustomed to. From trying out different food, meeting new people, and experiencing unique customs and traditions when you travel, you get to know more about our world and how ever-changing and beautiful it is.
Southeast Asia has a lot of cool places to visit. There is so much to explore. The beauty you will experience is absolutely incomparable to all the other continents. If you travel to Southeast Asia for a longer term, you will make beautiful memories that last for life. But there are definitely a couple places that stand out compared to the rest. These are my personal 8 best places to visit in Southeast Asia.
Travel is a luxury, we dare say, but we hope you won’t let money hinder you from enjoying your time exploring. As early as now, try to save money to fund your travel goals. And if you think you’re ready to do it, trust us– you don’t have to spend a fortune exploring the world. Just plan out and save and go for the destination of your dreams!
Southeast Asia is the place to be if you’re looking for budget-friendly destinations. There are many compelling reasons to discover SEA–from affordable food and accommodation, mouth-watering cuisines, good weather, and exciting culture and traditions; you can never go wrong by starting your travel here.
Let us introduce you to the top Southeast Asian destinations you must see in your lifetime and the good reasons behind them. Read along!
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi’s laid-back, old-world charm draws tourists to explore its charming town. Hanoi, the art capital of Vietnam, welcomes you to explore its many fascinating arts– from art galleries, museums, theatre plays, handicraft villages, and artsy cafes. It’s one of the most exciting places to learn more about Vietnamese culture by touring on foot!
Must-visit: Hanoi Old Town Quarter, Temple of Literature, Thang LongWater Puppet Theatre
Read: 9 Must Do’s When You Visit Hanoi
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Iconic landmarks fill Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. It is home to the tallest twin skyscrapers of the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, Menara Kuala Lumpur, the tallest telco tower in SEA, and the Merdeka 118, the tallest building in Malaysia. But more than these skyscrapers, KL has many cultural attractions for travelers–make sure to book a historical tour while in the city!
Must-visit: Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Read: Top 17 Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Palawan, Philippines
Highly regarded as the Philippines’ best island, Palawan is the must-visit destination you shouldn’t miss when in the Philippines. It’s a natural paradise with heavenly sights from turquoise blue waters, verdant mountains, and exotic wildlife. We’re not exaggerating when we say it’s probably the best island you’ll ever see in your lifetime. And when you visit, make sure to book an island-hopping tour to make the most out of your trip!
El Nido in Palawan is the same for me as Koh Phi Phi. A crowded paradise with too much tourism. But what you will find around it is nothing but mind-blowing. All the untouched islands and beaches. Especially Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach are absolutely fantastic.
Also, go for an island hopping tour. There are so many islands, bays, and lagoons that look better in real life than on postcards. You won`t believe what you will see in Palawan.
Must-visit: Kayangan Lake, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang was the royal capital of the kingdom of Laos until l1975. This historic province is also Laos’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its well-preserved architectural and cultural sites. There are so many natural and historical sites to discover here, so Luang Prabang should be on your travel goals if you like outdoor adventure.
Must-visit: Wat Xiengthong, Phousi Mountain, Royal Palace Museum
Read: Top 15 Best Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
Singapore
It may be the smallest country in Southeast Asia, but Singapore still emerges as one of the most promising countries to visit here. Also known as Lion City, Singapore is rich with must-see spots that will make your stay packed with adventures. Marvel at its architectural landmarks or go on a delicious food trip in the city!
Must-visit: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Read: Top 19 Best Things to Do in Singapore
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
This gorgeous piece of nature lies in the south of Thailand. After the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio and the tsunami in 2006, it got really popular. It looks like someone imagined paradise, drew it, and just placed it somewhere on the planet.
Ko Phi Phi in Thailand is a tropical island famed for its white sand beaches and pristine greeneries. It’s a beach lover’s paradise, thanks to its beautiful island spots and abundant seafood many tourists love. Though many people love the natural wonders it offers, Koh Phi Phi is just as magical at night when it becomes a nightlife hub!
Unfortunately, tourism has taken over nowadays, but I think it‘s still one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Southeast Asia.
Must-visit: Ton Sai Beach, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island
Vientiane, Laos
National monuments, beautiful Buddhist temples, and cultural sites will be your must-see destinations when you land in Vientiane, Laos. This capital city is home to many cultural attractions perfect for history buffs who travel to learn more about a country’s heritage. Vientiane’s charm is its slow and chill vibe, where you can enjoy the in-between of rural and urban lifestyles.
Must-visit: Pha That Luang Vientiane, Patuxay Monument, Buddha Park
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
If you’re into vibrant cities and walking tours, Phnom Penh is the city for you. This capital city of Cambodia is a must-visit if you like your visit full of activities. There’s so much to see in Phnom Penh, from its numerous city architectural spots to island cruises, museum tours, and market shopping galore.
Must-visit: Mekong River, Royal Palace, Tulo Sleng Genocide Museum
Read: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Gili Islands, Indonesia
It’s triple the fun when visiting Gili Islands in Indonesia. Whatever your personality, there’s an island perfect for you. If you prefer peace and quiet, head to Gili Meno. If partying on the island is your thing, Gili Trawangan is your target. If you’re okay with both–Gili Air is your destination!
Must-try activities: Snorkeling, diving, and hiking to the waterfalls
Read: Trip of Wonders: Lombok & Gili Islands
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is the quieter and less touristy sister of Bangkok in Thailand. Situated in the countryside, this town offers more of nature and history in the attractions they have. It still has the modern spots people love in Bangkok but without the bustle. Discover Lanna culture when you set foot at Chiang Mai, and don’t forget to visit its amazing temples and try their must-try cultural activities for a more immersive experience.
Must-visit: Elephant Rescue Park, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Chiang Man
Read: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is just as colorful as its culture. Its mesmerizing architectural landscapes, cute hole-in-the-wall cafes, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine will easily endear you to discover its unique city. Hoi An’s charm is a mix of Japanese and French influences that you can see while you roam around the Old Town. It’s perfect for solo travelers– there are so many places to see on your own!
Must-visit: Old Town, Hoi An Night Market, My Son Sanctuary
Read: Top 17 Best Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam
Bohol, Philippines
You get the best of both worlds in Bohol, Philippines– there are so many activities to do and sightseeing spots to discover on the island itself. From seeing the majestic Chocolate Hills to chilling at Alona Beach, meeting cute tarsiers, island-hopping, or having a sumptuous lunch at the Loboc River Cruise, you’ll surely have a fun-filled holiday in Bohol.
Must-visit: Chocolate Hills, Balicasag Island, Tarsier Conservatory, Alona Beach, Anda White Beach
Read: Top 18 Best Tourist Spots in Bohol for First-time Visitors
Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Your Southeast Asia trip wouldn’t be complete without hiking the tallest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia– Mount Kinabalu. It’s also the third-highest peak of an island on the Earth! Hikers and traveling mountaineers will love the journey to this mountain, where flora and fauna are abundant. It’s a World Heritage Site, so don’t miss this epic outdoor hike with your friends!
Must-visit: Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
Read: Top 16 Best Things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Established in 1980, the Komodo National Park was created to protect the komodo dragons of Indonesia. Then in 1991, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve. It’s an unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss as you meet and greet the amazing komodo dragons and learn more about the wildlife in Indonesia.
Must-tries: Swim with Manta Rays, Hike at Padar Island, Swim at the Pink Beach
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Have you ever visited a community by the lake before? In Myanmar’s Inle Lake, it’s like a whole different world out there– the locals have a bountiful and lovely life on the lake, where they get by with fishing and traditional handicrafts. It’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which you can tour by riding a boat with tour guides or renting a bicycle to see the beautiful sights surrounding the area.
Must-visit: Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, Alodaw Pauk Pagoda, Mine Thauk Market
Borobudur, Indonesia
Recognized as the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, the fascinating Borobodur Temples should be on your itinerary when visiting Java island in Indonesia. This sacred place is one of the greatest ones in the world, and you’ll be stunned by the marvelous Gupta architecture and stonework they are built with. Go with a guide to better appreciate the temples, and visit the Borobudur Museum to immerse yourself in archaeological facts.
Must-visit: Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Sewu Temple
Read: Borobudur Temple – The World’s Largest Buddhist Temple
Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines
For many reasons, a hiking tour in the Banaue area should also be on every traveler’s list.
These fantastic rice terraces of the Philippines were built by Ifugao ancestors by hand! It’s a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines, and rightfully so. It’s picturesque from all viewpoints, especially when it changes color depending on the season. These rice terraces were created against floods and for rice cultivation. It’s a cultural landscape you should definitely explore in the Northern Philippines.
This UNESCO World Heritage is one of my favorite places. You can see more than 2,000-year-old rice terraces and go for amazing hikes. You will also see some completely remote villages with people who have never seen anything else but their own villages. A completely isolated life. You can also explore some untouched waterfalls, rivers, and walking tracks.
Read: Banaue Travel Guide
Bagan, Myanmar
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Myanmar’s most magnificent temples. Located in the central plain of Myanmar, it has over 2,000 temples, most of which are found in the Bagan Archeological Zone. Come here to worship and do the pilgrimage in several Buddhist temples. You could even fly via hot air balloon for a magical experience and the best views. Best to go here from October to April if you plan to ride a balloon!
Read: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Bagan, Myanmar
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Visiting Ha Long Bay in Vietnam will give you an island experience you wouldn’t forget. One of Vietnam’s pride, Ha Long Bay, is a paradise filled with emerald green waters, lush jungles, and beautiful caves for tourists to explore. There are so many things to do in Ha Long. You can go on a sunrise cruise, see the floating village, rock climbing, or even spelunking!
Halong Bay was an easy one of the best places I have seen my entire life. I can still remember it like it was yesterday when I was driving my motorbike along the coastline, and all of a sudden, I could slowly see some silhouettes of wonderfully shaped rocks in the distance.
A moment that I will probably never forget. I recommend to anyone traveling to Vietnam to do a boat tour at Halong Bay. It is not only a lot of fun, but it is also incredibly beautiful. There is a reason why it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Read: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ha Long Bay
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a tourist-favorite destination in Southeast Asia. Also called the “Land of the Gods,” Bali is a beautiful natural sanctuary where travelers go to appreciate the wonders of nature. When you come here for a vacation, there are so many things to do in Bali for every type of traveler. You can hike in Mount Batur, go island-hopping of course, try yoga and go for a Balinese massage, or visit the Sacred Monkey Forest.
Read: UPDATED Bali Budget Travel Guide
Boracay Island, Philippines
There’s no other place like Boracay. Boracay is the best island in the world and the ideal place to go island hopping and do plenty of beach activities. This beautiful place boasts powdery white sandy shores, crystal blue waters, and diverse marine life. It’s a popular beach destination for locals and international tourists who enjoy so many things on the island– do watersports, indulge in seafood, and swim in paradise-like beaches in town.
Must-try activities: island-hopping, snorkeling, parasailing
Read: Ultimate Travel Guide to Boracay
Sapa, Vietnam
If you appreciate peace and serenity in your travels, Sapa is your must-visit travel destination. It’s a quiet town in Northwestern Vietnam, where you can immerse in its rich local culture, away from the bustling metropolis. Here, you meet friendly locals, enjoy local dishes, and be mesmerized by natural views. If you’re adventurous, you can trek or explore the place by bike.
Must-visit: Fansipan Peak, Ham Rong Mountain, and Cat Cat Village
Read: Top 8 Best Things To Do in Sapa, Vietnam
Siargao Island, Philippines
Surfs up in Siargao! Also known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, this booming tourist spot in Visayas is definitely for surfers and islanders. Turquoise waters, perfect weather, and white sand beaches are what will welcome you to the island. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, and you’ll love your stay here with all its charms as if you’re on a secret tropical getaway.
Must-visit: Coconut Viewpoint, Alegria Beach, Naked Island
Read: Top 16 Best Things to do in Siargao Island
Bangkok, Thailand
Lastly, your Southeast Asia trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting Bangkok, Thailand. You can do all sorts of things in Bangkok, where you can explore historical sites, experience the best nightlife, shop in street markets and malls, and eat delicious local food. You will surely have fun in Bangkok, from old-world adventures to modern musings.
Must-visit: Chatuchak Weekend Market, The Grand Palace, Wat Pho
Read: Top 17 Best Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand
Dalat, Vietnam
Dalat is kind of an insider. It lies in the south of Vietnam. Not many people know this small but wonderful city. It is not only Dalat itself that fascinated me. It is also the whole area around it. All the valleys, hills, and untouched forests are something extraordinary.
Especially when you drive around with your own motorbike. It is the best way to explore Vietnam and all its pretty places. If I had to choose the place I would go back to in this country, I’d take Dalat for sure
Killing Fields, Cambodia
One place every traveler should visit at least once is the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh – Cambodia. Why? Because you will see what brutal and fatal things humanity is capable of doing. It will make you think and eventually grow a lot as a person. At least, that`s what this place did to me. It made me think and reconsider my true inner belief about humanity. The Killing field also made me think about what I want to do in life, what kind of value I can give to people, and how I want to behave as a human being.
The Killing Fields is an exceptional part of the history of Cambodia, and you must see them when you travel through this unique country.
Rinjani Volcano, Indonesia
Climbing the Rinjani on an island called Lombok in Indonesia was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. It is quite tough to make it to the summit of this terrific volcano, but when you reach it, you will be blown away. Trust me. It is not just the view. It is also the fact that you made it up to the highest point (3726 m).
The volcano itself is not active anymore. But therefore you will find a beautiful lake in the middle of it. You can go for a swim, hike around and enjoy the environment. Absolutely awesome!
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The last one is awe-inspiring. The Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia are a must-see in Southeast Asia, in my opinion. This place was built thousands of years ago, and it looks phenomenal.
Angkor is known to be where the 7th Wonder of the World is situated. Angkor Wat, a World Heritage Site, is a temple complex built in the 12th century. This religious monument is a religious, historical, and architectural wonder everyone has to visit, especially in Cambodia. It’s an unforgettable experience that you must see thanks to its breathtaking views and impressive history.
You can do different kinds of tours to explore these historical monuments.
Walking through all the temples, you will feel like you are in the “Lara Croft” movie. A couple of these temples can be seen in this movie, The whole scenery is stunning, and it should be on every traveler’s “to see” list.
It was not easy to decide which ones are my favorite 25. I could have put in 10 other ones if I wanted to. So whatever you decide to see, I guarantee you will have a blast in Southeast Asia.
Excited to go on a Southeast Asia adventure soon? Share with us your memorable experiences here!
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Read:
- Top 15 Best Countries to Visit in Asia
- 10 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Laos
- My Time in Southeast Asia: From Thailand to Vietnam by Road, Train, and Boat
