Southeast Asia travel 2024: Explore natural wonders and cultural delights

Contents

Southeast Asia travel has been one of the top choices of many travelers because of its authentic nature and culture. In recent years, the region’s tourism has been developing quickly, with the construction of numerous new luxury hotels, resorts, theme parks, etc. Southeast Asia is gradually emerging as an ideal destination with various experiences.

1. Southeast Asia at a glance

Southeast Asia travel and tourism provide some of the cheapest and most authentic experiences for tourists. In recent years, the robust growth of this region is attracting more and more visitors.

Southeast Asia travel and tourism are fascinating thanks to its hidden and almost untouched nature and well-preserved culture. The region has all kinds of tourist attractions, from white soft beaches, dense tropical jungles to bustling cities or magnificent historical relics. Here, there are also many unique cultures and thousands of must-try dishes that will please any visitor, whether they are solo backpackers, families or those looking for the most extravagant experiences.

Southeast Asia – the land for adventures (Source: Collected)

2. When is the best time for Southeast Asia travel?

Depending on your destinations and expectations, the best time for Southeast Asia travel and tourism may be varied. In general, the region’s climate diversity makes it an ideal attraction all year round.

Let’s see what this region has to offer during each month of the year.

• January & February: This is a great time for Southeast Asia travel and tourism, as the weather is the most dry in the northern part of the region. You can adventure through the winding rivers and lush forests in Vietnam or embark on a journey through the Tonle Sap Lake, the Mekong, and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. A range of festivals are also celebrated throughout Southeast Asia in January and February, especially the Lunar New Year in Vietnam.

The Tet Holiday in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

• March: This is the ideal time to visit the sunny beaches of Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay. This is also the off-peak season for traveling in Borneo, which has dry weather, affordable rates, and not-too-crowded destinations.
• April: This is the last month of the dry season in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with an increasing temperature and number of visitors. This is also the time of the Songkran festival in Thailand, Thingyan in Myanmar, or Laos’ New Year Holiday.
• May, June, and July: The hot and sunny weather brings along the clear sea which is suitable for diving or snorkeling, which makes Borneo, Bali, and Lombok some of the best places to visit in this period. The beaches of Thailand’s east coast and Malaysia are also preferred.

The Songkran festival in Thailand (Source: Collected)

• August and September: This is the best time to visit Borneo and Indonesia with many unique attractions. During these months, you can also expect numerous festivals, such as the Borneo International Kite Festival, Pchum Ben – a major Buddhist festival in Cambodia, or Myanmar’s Yadana Gu Nat Festival.
• October: During this month, the number of tourists is still low and it is possible to grab early-season promotional deals. It is dry and sunny in Northern Vietnam, making it an ideal place for trekking along magnificent mountains, especially in Sapa. Or you can also come to Laos to see the boat racing festival Boun Ok Phansa.
• November & December: This is the peak season in the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. It is recommended that you come to Cambodia’s Tonle Sap lake or go on a cruise in Laos. In addition, Cambodia’s Bon Om Touk water festival is among the region’s most popular festivals that should not be missed.

The Bon Om Touk festival in Cambodia (Source: Collected)

3. Where to visit: The best places to travel in Southeast Asia

3.1. Vietnam: Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An

• Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, the pearl island of Vietnam, is a tropical paradise that has a wide range of seaside attractions, including numerous picturesque beaches and thick tropical forests. The island is also known for its craft villages that make famous specialties, such as fish sauce factories, pearl farms, bee farms, or pepper farms.

Recently, tourism in Phu Quoc has been strongly developing with the establishment of many luxury hotels, resorts, and entertainment centers, including the VinWonders Phu Quoc theme park which will surely bring you lots of fun.

Phu Quoc – the pearl island of Vietnam

• Nha Trang

Nha Trang is one of the most popular tourist cities in Vietnam, with beautiful weather for the better part of the year, white beaches stretching kilometers, and up to 19 splendid islands to explore.

In Nha Trang, it is not difficult to find a nice retreat where you can relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. Many tourists also come here to enjoy the fun and indulge in countless games in the impressive VinWonders Nha Trang amusement park.

A seemingly endless beach in Nha Trang

• Hoi An

In Vietnam, Hoi An is one of the most favorite destinations for foreigners thanks to its ancient and peaceful vibe. The ancient town of Hoi An in Central Vietnam used to be a busy international trading port in Southeast Asia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Now, Hoi An still retains its charm, especially the original impressive architecture that is the combination of Japanese, Chinese, and western styles.

In Hoi An, strolling around old streets and being surrounded by ancient houses is a unique experience that you will not find anywhere else. It is also great to stand by the river winding through the town, watch the sunset on the beach, drink beer, and enjoy local specialties.

Hoi An has a uniquely atmospheric vibe

There are a range of ancient places to explore in Hoi An, including the Cantonese Assembly Hall, Japanese Covered Bridge, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, etc. If you are fond of more energetic entertainment activities, come to Cham Islands, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, Bay Mau Palm Forest, or An Bang Beach.

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An for many memorable experiences in Vietnam!

3.2. Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket

• Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a major gateway for international visitors to the country and also a tourist destination itself. It is a mix of modern high-rises, ancient Buddhist pagodas, and boasts a wide range of shopping malls, traditional markets, cafes and hangouts.

Some notable attractions that visitors should not miss include the Grand Palace, the royal Vimanmek Mansion, and the Jim Thompson House. It is also recommended that you take a tour on a classic tuk-tuk car or a water bus to enjoy the views around the city.

• Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, a city in the north of Thailand, is home to a variety of jungle-shrouded sanctuaries, centuries-old temples, and mountains. It is much quieter than the bustling Bangkok, suitable for visitors who prefer a moderate pace of life that is rich in nature, culture, and history.

Some must-see places in Chiang Mai include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the golden hilltop shrine that offers a panoramic view of the city and also one of the most sacred sites in Thailand. The town is also a major stopover which travelers often choose as the starting point to explore the surrounding areas.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai (Source: Collected)

3.3. Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

• Phnom Penh

The capital of Cambodia, unlike other quickly-developing Southeast Asian cities, still retains its unique charm and tranquility, along with architectural works from the French colonial period and Angkor monuments.

There are many fascinating touristy sites in Phnom Penh that clearly reflect the history of Cambodia. Most notable are the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek, Wat Phnom, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. Visitors can buy affordable local goods from several marketplaces that offer traditional carvings, paintings, silk, silver, gems, and antiques.

In recent years, Phnom Penh has seen rapid development in tourism, with more and more accommodation, from five-star hotels to budget hostels, fine dining restaurants, street noodle shops, nightlife entertainment zones.

• Siem Reap

As the gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is the destination for almost every tourist to Cambodia, which is also a worthwhile stop itself. The city has a distinctive vibe created by the mix between colonial and Chinese architecture styles, between tradition and modernity.

Visitors to Siem Reap should not miss out on the Cambodia Landmine Museum and the War Museum, the two hubs for learning about Cambodian history. Several local markets, including Psah Chas, are good places to shop for indigenous souvenirs and specialties.

In addition to Angkor Wat, other Khmer-style temples in the complex, such as Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Pre Rup, are also worth a visit.

Siem Reap – the gateway to Angkor Wat (Source: Collected)

3.4. Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Borneo Island

• Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a major financial hub and cultural center of Malaysia. This city has magnificent skyscrapers, including the world’s tallest twin buildings, the 452-meter-tall Petronas Towers. This architectural marvel made of steel and glass is home to an underwater aquarium, a massive shopping mall, and a theater.

Kuala Lumpur also boasts old buildings of Malay Islamic architecture and old Chinese shophouses, which create an interesting mix and make the city an ideal place for walking tours. The city has many parks, open spaces, and even three forest reserves for trekking and sightseeing. Most notable is the Lake Gardens urban park.

• Borneo Island

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world which is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Having one of the most biodiverse environments in the world, many travelers visit this island to see rare and endangered animals, such as pangolins, orangutans, rhinoceros, hornbills, and Borneo pygmy elephants. Borneo also boasts a vibrant culture thanks to it belonging to three different countries.

3.5. Indonesia: Jakarta, Bali

• Jakarta

Jakarta is the most populous city not only in Indonesia but also in Southeast Asia, with an estimated population of over 10 million. The capital of Indonesia is a good starting point for travelers to explore other famous destinations, such as Yogyakarta, Bali, and Lombok. While you are here, don’t forget to visit the National Monument, National Museum Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, and Kota Tua.

• Bali

Bali is certainly one of the top destinations for Southeast Asia travel and tourism, thanks to its famously beautiful nature. This tropical paradise island is best known for its endless blissful beaches, stunning terraced rice fields, and breathtaking sunsets. Although the island is a famous tourist attraction, it still retains a unique lifestyle and charm that are so Balinese. This is reflected through various experiences here, such as yoga, meditation, surfing, trekking, the cuisine and nightlife.

Bali – the tropical paradise of Indonesia (Source: Collected)

4. The top thing to do for your perfect Southeast Asia travel

No matter how you plan your Southeast Asia travel itinerary, your trip will not be complete without the following experiences:

4.1. Enjoy Pho in Hanoi (Vietnam)

One of the most famous dishes of Vietnamese food is pho (phở), which can be found in every corner of Vietnam, from luxury restaurants to street vendors. Pho is a noodle soup with beef (or sometimes chicken) and various local spices and herbs.

The unique flavor of pho comes from the broth that is made by simmering bones for at least three hours. Then, the chewy rice noodles and juicy beef/chicken slices are soused in the boiling hot broth. The addition of herbs and spices complete the dish and elevate its flavors.

Pho is a must-try dish for visitors to Vietnam (Source: Collected)

From the north to the south of Vietnam, there are so many variations of pho with the difference in ingredients in each region. Perhaps the most authentic version of pho can be found in Hanoi where the dish always has a clear, simple, and delicate flavor.

>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to have lots of fun after enjoying a bowl of pho in Vietnam!

4.2. Explore Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s new symbol and one-of-a-kind nature park. Spanning more than 100 hectares, it is also the world’s largest architectural landscape project ever built. Gardens by the Bay has long been a very popular destination, welcoming up to 9 million visitors each year.

The park has 3 waterfront gardens next to the Marina Reservoir: Bay East Garden, Bay South Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Among them, Bay South Garden is regarded to have the best innovations in landscape design, and has become Singapore’s national pride.

4.3. Relax on some tropical islands in the Philippines

As an archipelago consisting of over 7,000 islands and islets, the Philippines has numerous natural wonders that never fail to amaze tourists. Island-hopping tours are the most popular in this country, which offer visitors the chance to explore both famous and untouched islands.

According to many tourists, the following are 7 must-visit islands in the Philippines: Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan; Bohol; Siargao; Boracay; Cebu; El Nido, Palawan; Coron, Palawan.

Boracay Island in the Philippines (Source: Collected)

4.4. Go kayaking in Vang Vieng (Laos)

Vang Vieng, a small town in northern Laos, boasts breathtaking limestone mountains. This town is located along the banks of the Nam Song River. The combination of water and limestone has formed the iconic karsts, making this area the perfect place for adventurous activities, such as kayaking.

As you paddle along the Nam Song River, you will be able to indulge yourself in Vang Vieng’s beautiful nature and picturesque scenery. The river is surrounded by dense forests on all sides. A bit further up the river, limestone karsts stand on paddy fields. These karsts are typical of Laos and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Southeast Asia travel and tourism is really an experience worth trying at least once in the life of all travelers. Its uniqueness and diversity are combined perfectly, creating a melting pot of natural wonders and cultural delights. Whenever you come, Southeast Asia is always ready to welcome you.

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to explore Vietnam to your heart’s content!

>>> Book voucher, combo, tour to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang to have one of the best holidays in your life!