Explore Southeast Asia: Unforgettable Destinations and Activities

Southeast Asia stands out as a travel paradise—affordable, safe, and breathtaking. It's the ultimate destination for flip-flop lovers!

My heart belongs to this region. I've spent years organizing photography trips across Southeast Asia and reside in Chiang Mai during the winters. From jungles to historical sites, let's dive into my top picks for

places to visit in Southeast Asia.

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Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is truly one of my favorite cities globally. This UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the mountains and bisected by the Mekong River, is a traveler's gem. Open to tourism since 1989, it remains one of Southeast Asia's hidden treasures.

As the former royal capital, it boasts beautiful golden temples and the daily morning almsgiving ceremony where monks collect offerings from locals. The city center features a range of delightful French eateries, cafes, and bakeries like JOMA,

,

,

and

.

Don't miss the just a block away, where you can enjoy fresh crepes, fish, and local dishes every morning at great prices. Make sure to hike to the stunning

Tat Kuang Si Waterfall and take a boat trip along the Mekong to explore the Buddha-filled

Pak Ou Caves. (Check local agencies for the best tour options.)

IMPORTANT TIP: If you attend the monk almsgiving, show respect! Capture photos from a distance, dress modestly, and avoid obstructing their path. Locals should be the ones offering food, as vendors often sell old food that can make the monks ill.

Accommodation in Luang Prabang

I recommend ($70 USD/night) for its serene location and a lovely pool, conveniently within walking distance of key spots. Finding a room with a suitable desk for work is another reason I love this place.

Meunna Boutique Hotel

For budget options, check out for $39/night or the dorms at

Maison Barn Laos

.

If you're after a luxurious riverside experience, consider ($117/night). Its riverside dining is my favorite place to catch the sunset.

Belle Rive Boutique Hotel

Getting to Luang Prabang

Flying is the easiest option. I suggest either Bangkok Airways or Vietnam Airways. A new high-speed train connects it to Vientiane in under 2.5 hours. Tickets sell out quickly, so ask your accommodation for assistance. You can also take boats down the Mekong, but due to a new dam, you'll need to transfer by van for part of the journey. Roads can be winding, so avoid buses if possible.

Best Time to Visit Luang Prabang

I prefer the rainy season from April to October for its lush landscapes and brief daily showers. March tends to be the hottest month, while November to January is cooler and busier. The bamboo bridges are also up during this time, which is fun. I typically visit in August or January.

Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand

My top spot in Thailand is

Sukhothai Historical Park, the site of the 13th- and 14th-century capital of Siam. Within the ancient city walls of this UNESCO site, there

are 21 stunning ruins and another 70 scattered within five kilometers, best explored by bike or motorbike. (I usually rent a bike at the park entrance for under $1 USD.)

The park's layout allows you to evade the crowds. Here, the ruins are more concentrated and significantly less crowded than Ayutthaya, where sites are spread out and often surrounded by aggressive vendors.

My favorites include Wat Si Chum with its giant Buddha statue, Wat Mahathat, the largest ruin and former royal palace, and Wat Si Sawai, a Khmer-style temple reminiscent of Angkor Wat.

For a truly local experience, visit the nearby Si Satchanalai, another part of the UNESCO site. (Sukhothai was the political center of the first Thai kingdom, while Si Satchanalai served as its spiritual hub.) For visiting details, check my Instagram highlight on Si Satchanalai.

Where to Stay in Sukhothai

During my last visit, I stayed at ($14 USD/night for a private room) and had a great experience. Breakfast is free.

TR Guesthouse

How to Reach Sukhothai

This park is a few hours north of Bangkok, making it a perfect stop on the way to Chiang Mai. Catch a bus from Bangkok's northern station, Mo Chit. The nearest train station is Phitsanulok, an hour away. The park is 12 km from the new town of Sukhothai, easily reached by tuk-tuk or songthaew. The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 Baht ($2.80 USD) for each zone or 350 Baht ($10 USD) for all five zones.

Best Time to Visit Sukhothai

Steer clear of March and April when temperatures soar. The dry season from November to February offers the best climate, while June to October is monsoon season. I personally enjoy the rainy season when the greenery is vibrant, and puddles create stunning photo opportunities.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is a must-see destination, akin to Machu Picchu, known for its breathtaking scenery—limestone formations and tiny islands dotting the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. It's Vietnam's top attraction.

For the best experience, consider a multi-day cruise on a houseboat. This allows you to explore the islands, swim, and indulge in fresh seafood. Various budget-friendly boat trips and overnight cruises are available. I advocate for spending at least a night or two on a houseboat!

Getting to Ha Long Bay

Boats leave from Halong City, which isn't the most charming town. It's a four-hour drive north from Hanoi. Klook offers affordable transfers and tours.

Best Time to Visit Ha Long Bay

Avoid February to April due to cooler, rainy weather. Peak season runs from June to mid-August, which is also tropical storm season. November is ideal for clear skies and calm waters. (I've visited in July and January.)

Singapore

is the New York City of Southeast Asia, showcasing sleek skyscrapers, world-class museums, and culinary delights.

To truly appreciate Singapore's diverse cultures (Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western), explore its museums, including The National Museum of Singapore and the Peranakan Museum. Don't miss the iconic Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay and the rooftop bar at Marina Bay Sands Resort.

Despite its modern vibe, the city's heart lies in its myriad food stalls that serve delicious dishes like traditional kaya (coconut jam) toast and Hainanese chicken rice.

For more insights, check out my detailed guide on Singapore!

Where to Stay in Singapore

I adore the location of since it's a short walk to Chinatown and downtown.

30 Bencoolen

If you wish to splurge or use points for a luxury stay, the most iconic hotels include Raffles Singapore, Fullerton Bay Hotel, and Marina Bay Sands.

Getting to Singapore

You can fly to Singapore from nearly anywhere. Changi Airport is the best airport globally. (Trust me, you WANT a layover in Singapore!) It's also easily reachable by bus from Peninsular Malaysia and by ferry from parts of Indonesia.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

Monsoon season occurs from November to January. June to September tends to have less rain, with temperatures ranging from 81-87 °F year-round.

George Town, Malaysia

Similar to Singapore, George Town (the capital of Penang) showcases a blend of three cultures and various architectural styles, from Chinese shophouses to British colonial structures.

It's also known as the street art capital of Southeast Asia. Grab a map from your hotel or the tourism office to navigate the maze of 3D artwork and murals, including one at the shop where famous shoemaker Jimmy Choo trained.

Don't miss the crispy chicken with plum sauce for dinner at Tek Sen! Other highlights include the Blue Mansion house museum.

How to Reach George Town, Malaysia

It's easily accessible by plane from across Southeast Asia. There's train service from Kuala Lumpur (KL) and buses available throughout Malaysia. (I often took the bus from KL, which was comfortable and pleasant.)

Best Time to Visit George Town, Malaysia

The weather is relatively stable here. Festivals like Chinese New Year can lead to crowds. November and December are cooler months.

Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Sumatra parallels Malaysia and Singapore, known for its rich tropical forests. One highlight is Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve home to endangered Sumatran orangutans and the unique Thomas's leaf monkey. The town of Bukit Lawang serves as the gateway for arranging orangutan treks with guides. (This is one of the coolest adventures I've had across all seven continents!)

When to Visit Sumatra

Fruits are abundant during the rainy season (November to March), making it easier to spot orangutans. I visited in August, experiencing dry weather and great sightings.

How to Get to Sumatra

Medan is the nearest major city with an airport. From there, you can take a bus or drive. Transfers can also be arranged via Klook.

Where to Stay in Bukit Lawang

I stayed at , which provides excellent access to the jungle trails of

Rindu Alam Hotel

Gunung Leuser National Park. It's a no-frills hotel with spacious, air-conditioned rooms, plus fantastic food!

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure globally, showcases Cambodia's heritage—gracing everything from currency to the national flag. While the most renowned temples in the Angkor Archaeological Site include Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple), and Bayon, many other temples built by the same god-kings await exploration.

I visit Angkor annually for work, and my favorites are Preah Kahn, Baphuon, and Pre Rup. (Banteay Kdei is a less-crowded alternative to Ta Prohm.) To maximize your experience, consider a three- or five-day pass.

For fewer crowds, venture to the Roluos temple group (a short tuk-tuk ride east of Siem Reap) or drive northeast to see the tiered pyramid of Koh Ker and the untouched jungle temple of Beng Mealea. To truly escape the throngs, check out the story I shared for National Geographic on other remote temple complexes.

The charming town of Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the Angkor temples. It's lively, featuring great dining options like Wild,

,

and

. For craft beer lovers, check out

Gelato Lab serves the best ice cream around.

How to Get to Siem Reap

Siem Reap is reachable by plane from most major Southeast Asian cities. (I often fly from Bangkok, Singapore, or Ho Chi Minh.) It's a six-hour drive or bus ride from Phnom Penh.

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

The rainy season lasts from May to October. (I prefer visiting at the end of the rainy season when the surroundings are lush.) The weather cools down from November to February, but the rice fields and trees may appear brown.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

I favor ($55-60 USD/night) for its rooftop pool and complimentary breakfast.

Hari Residence Hotel

For more budget-friendly choices, consider the well-rated ($22 USD/night) or

The Urban

($22 USD/night on

.

Hostels,like

and

range from $4-14 USD a night.

If you want to treat yourself to a luxurious resort, I recommend or

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

.

Miniature tuk tuks at a market in Bangkok.

FAQs About Southeast Asia

Is travel medical insurance necessary for Southeast Asia?

Yes, obtaining travel medical insurance is crucial for any international trip, especially in Southeast Asia. It protects against potential issues like injuries and travel delays, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey!

I use SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance, providing $0 deductible medical coverage for individuals aged 69 and under while traveling abroad. It's very affordable, costing just a few dollars daily! If you become ill or injured, you can visit any hospital or doctor. Other benefits of Nomad Insurance include coverage for lost luggage, travel delays over 12 hours, motor accidents (if properly licensed, wearing safety gear, and sober) and injuries from sports or leisure activities. You can even add coverage for adventure sports, electronics theft, and U.S. coverage (for non-residents).

If you're abroad for 90 days, you can get 30 days of home-country coverage. (For U.S. residents, it's 15 days.) Plus, the entire process, from purchasing a policy to filing claims, is straightforward, which is why SafetyWing is my top choice for travel medical insurance.

For more about my experience with SafetyWing in Southeast Asia, check out my SafetyWing Review.

Where to buy a SIM card in Southeast Asia?

If you plan to visit multiple Southeast Asian countries on a short trip, consider getting a Regional eSIM card. (Both

country-specific and regional eSIMs have worked well for me and include a mobile hotspot option, which is essential for my remote work. Remember, it's typically cheaper to buy a country-specific eSIM compared to a regional one.

Join the free Airalo Loyalty Program to earn 5% cash back on every purchase, redeemable on future transactions. For more on eSIM cards, read my

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and