Southeast Asia is a stunning region with a number of fantastic countries to explore. It’s a highly popular destination, known for its exceptional hospitality, rich culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Moreover, traveling through Southeast Asia is also budget-friendly. If you’re planning to visit this part of the world but can’t decide among the many different countries, our Southeast Asia guide will help you choose by highlighting exactly what each country has to offer.
The Philippines
The Philippines is the ultimate beach destination in Southeast Asia. This archipelago consists of 7,641 islands, each more beautiful than the next. During our itinerary through the Philippines, you’ll discover the country’s most beautiful spots. You’ll pass by green rice terraces, charming villages, and above all, countless pristine beaches. Jump into the sea and you’ll see the most colorful fish and corals. It’s truly a paradise! One thing not to miss in the Philippines is the five-day expedition between El Nido and Coron. During this expedition, you’ll visit the most paradisiacal beaches, lagoons, and the best snorkeling spots. You’ll sleep in idyllic huts on deserted islands where you’ll feel like you’re in “Survivor.”
Culture: 6
Nature: 8
Ambience: 9
Cuisine: 6
Beaches: 10
Costs: Average
Indonesia
Indonesia has captured our hearts and is at the top of the list of favorite travel destinations in Southeast Asia. With over 16,000 islands, it’s the largest archipelago in the world, offering an immense variety of experiences. If there’s one thing that makes Indonesia so special, it’s the incredibly welcoming people. As a traveler, you’ll feel welcome from the very first moment. In addition to hospitality, there are countless other reasons to explore Indonesia. You can enjoy delicious Indonesian cuisine on every street corner, and for relatively little money, you can stay in the most beautiful places. Moreover, the country boasts impressive natural wonders. Indonesia is home to around 500 volcanoes, thousands of palm-fringed beaches, and what we consider some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world! Check out all our tips for traveling in Indonesia.
Culture: 9
Nature: 10
Ambience: 10
Cuisine: 10
Beaches: 8
Costs: Low to moderate
Thailand
Discover the Land of Smiles! Whether you’re a luxury traveler or a backpacker, Thailand has something to offer every type of traveler. Follow our itinerary through Thailand and you’ll experience all the different sides of the country in three to four weeks. Your journey starts in the gigantic metropolis of Bangkok, where you’re guaranteed to experience a bit of culture shock. Heading further north, you can enjoy expansive rice fields, and a bit further south, you’ll embark on an adventure in one of the oldest rainforests in the world, before concluding your trip on a tropical island. Of course, you’ll also enjoy the world-renowned Thai cuisine every day.
Culture: 10
Nature: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Cuisine: 10
Beaches: 8
Costs: Low to moderate
Cambodia
Nestled between Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, lies authentic Cambodia. As soon as you set foot in Cambodia, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, experiencing the authentic life of Southeast Asia. You’ll feel incredibly welcome here as the locals always greet you with a broad smile. Cambodia’s greatest national pride is the temples of Angkor. This massive temple complex is the largest religious structure in the world and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever. The paradise island of Koh Rong is the ultimate destination to fully unwind. Here, you’ll find the whitest sand beaches we’ve ever seen! Want to know what else this beautiful country has to offer? Check out our itinerary for Cambodia.
Culture: 9
Nature: 7
Atmosphere: 8
Cuisine: 7
Beaches: 10
Costs: Low
Vietnam
Traveling through Vietnam is incredibly diverse and varied. From the very beginning, you step into a completely different world where all your senses are stimulated. Vietnam offers so much beauty that it’s almost impossible to see everything in just a few weeks. You can truly explore every corner of this country. In Northern Vietnam, you’ll find vast rice terraces, authentic villages frozen in time, and stunning landscapes with towering limestone mountains. Traveling through Central Vietnam, you’ll encounter charming cities and visit some of the world’s most beautiful caves. Southern Vietnam boasts a unique water landscape with hundreds of small rivers surrounded by beautiful rice fields. Our itinerary through Vietnam takes you to the most beautiful places in the country. It’s important to note that Vietnam has few beautiful beaches, with the exception of the southern islands like Phu Quoc where you’ll find paradise-like beaches.
Culture: 10
Nature: 8
Ambience: 8
Cuisine: 9
Beaches: 5
Costs: Low
Malaysia
Malaysia is a unique blend of cultures, breathtaking nature, and vibrant cities. The population consists of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous peoples, each with their own traditions. You can taste this diversity in the cuisine, and there are numerous night markets where you can sample delicious treats. A highlight of the itinerary through Malaysia is a visit to Taman Negara, the world’s oldest rainforest at 150 million years old! You’ll also visit the most paradisiacal islands perfect for snorkeling and hike through the tea plantations in Malaysia’s highlands. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is one of Asia’s most developed metropolises. The city reflects the country’s rich culture yet also feels Western with its modern skyscrapers and architecture.
Culture: 9
Nature: 9
Ambience: 7
Cuisine: 10
Beaches: 8
Costs: Average
Laos
Laos is one of the least visited countries in Southeast Asia, which is a shame because it’s a beautiful country. This makes it the perfect destination if you want to travel without encountering many other tourists. Laos is incredibly authentic, and the local people are extremely friendly. Nature enthusiasts will find paradise here with stunning jungles, enchanting waterfalls, and the mighty Mekong River winding throughout the country. The charming city of Luang Prabang is the heart of Laos, offering cozy cafes, colorful markets, ancient temples, and colonial buildings reflecting French influences. Hundreds of Buddhist monks reside in Luang Prabang, a sight you’ll encounter everywhere. Laos doesn’t have any coastline, so there are no beaches. Therefore, many visitors combine a trip to Laos with Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia.
Culture: 10
Nature: 8
Ambience: 8
Cuisine: 7
Beaches: No beaches
Costs: Low
Check out all our tips for Southeast Asia |
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