Untouched islands, ancient temples & dense jungles.
Vietnam
One of the most popular countries for visitors in the whole of South-East Asia, Vietnam is a fantastic place to explore and such a beautiful country. There is no wonder why it attracts quite as many tourists as it does. Sure, it’s beautiful and full of gorgeous scenery, but is that all there is to it? Well, thankfully, no there are plenty more reasons why you should consider visiting Vietnam. For starters, there is a lot of history in the country. The country has had a very troubled and tumultuous time in the past, most notably during the Vietnam War. These days, the country is very peaceful now but there are still lots of reminders about its violent past. The museums may be quite solemn at time, but they are certainly extremely interesting. It’s not all history, though! There is also a lot of food waiting to be devoured as well! The Vietnamese are known for their vibrant street-food markets that are always busy and feature an array of vendors and sellers selling their wares. The food is seriously cheap and seriously tasty – you really can’t go wrong! If you travel to the area in the summer, you will experience some great temperatures, and it will be the ideal weather for the beach. But just bear in mind that this is also the country’s rainy season, so you could end up stuck in some rain showers while traveling around!
Thailand
Another of the most popular countries in South-East Asia for traveling is Thailand. In fact, it’s probably the number-one spot for young backpackers. Again, this is another country that is known for its fantastic food. Just like in Vietnam, there are so many different street-food markets you will be able to dine on some local specialities without having to pay top dollar. And, even though it is mainly street food, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the food as it really is as good as it gets – you won’t taste anything tastier, trust me! Thailand has also developed a great reputation for its nightlife. Unlike most other countries in the South-East Asia region, Thailand’s nightlife is very welcoming and open to the LGBT scene and there are lots of bars and nightclubs that host special nights specifically for the LGBT community. But no matter where you go for a fun night out in Thailand – as long as you stay away from the red light districts – then you are guaranteed to have a fun time! People travel to Thailand throughout the year and most travelers don’t even seem to be put off by its notorious rainy season, which is from May until mid November.
Indonesia
Even though Indonesia is rather a well-known country, it still doesn’t attract tourists in such large numbers like Thailand and Vietnam. And that is such a big shame as there is so much going for this cool country! First of all, it’s the home of the komodo dragons, which are the largest living lizards in the whole world. Four of Indonesia’s islands make up the Komodo National Park, and this is the only area in the world where you will see these majestic beasts. The dragons aren’t the only unique wildlife you might see while visiting Indonesia. There will also be plenty of opportunities to go snorkelling and see all of the colourful sea life that lives just off the shores of its many islands. Once you have finished doing some serious wildlife-spotting, you will have to have the country’s favorite snack – a banana! Indonesia is one of the biggest banana producers in the whole world. In fact, it’s so popular that the locals have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Malaysia
Most of the countries in South-East Asia are extremely traditional but have the odd burst of contemporary architecture in their capital cities. It’s not like that in Malaysia, though, as contemporary and state-of-the-art architecture far outweighs traditional buildings. So, if you love staring up at skyscrapers and admiring them, then you should definitely make a beeline for Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia also has a lot of outside influences on its culture as well, mainly because it has been colonized so many times throughout its history. And there is no better place to spot this than in its Chinatowns. There is some fantastic Chinese cuisine being served up in the many restaurants that line the streets of the various Chinatowns, some of which is even better than what you can get in China! Then there is the jungle covered island of Borneo where you can see orangutans, climb mountains and scuba dive in the reefs.
The Philipines
How about visiting the Philippines as well while you are traveling around South-East Asia? This country is very distinct from its fellow South-East Asian neighbors that many people wonder whether they have actually landed in South America! If there is one thing that the Philippines are known for, though, it has to be the people. They are some of the friendliest that you will meet on your travels, and nothing will be too much effort for them. They will love helping you have a great time in their homeland. Wondering what there is to do here? Well, for starters, you can see if you can spot the Tarsier. This is one of the smallest primates that lives in the world. It looks just like a tiny monkey with huge round eyes. To make sure you spot one, it’s worth booking a trip out to the island of Bohol where the country’s main Tarsier sanctuary is. The Philippines are also known for their fantastic beaches and diving opportunities – you’ll certainly have plenty of chances to soak up the sun and head under the waves!
Singapore
Another country in South-East Asia that has a reputation for being very pricey is Singapore. But you shouldn’t let that put you off. Sure, it can be expensive if you stick to the main tourist hubs, but that is even more reason to try and get off the beaten track! Singapore is one of the most culturally and religiously diverse nations out there and, as a result, you will be exposed to a lot of different cultures and people when you are out exploring. Because of this, there are many different temples and holy shrines dedicated to a variety of religions, all of which are worth visiting and are guaranteed to make for some truly great Instagram snaps. Love swimming? If so, you will love Singapore’s biggest attraction which is the large infinity pool at The Marina Bay Sands. It’s an expensive pool to swim in, though, and, thankfully, there are a few cheaper versions in some more budget hotels. If you are traveling on a shoestring budget, it’s worth visiting one of the famous Hawker Centers. These are just like large food halls only they will be a lot larger than what you are used to! You’ll find lots of restaurants and street-food stands at these markets that sell some exceptional food at very reasonable prices. Get ready to dig in!
Cambodia
Lots of people who visit Cambodia are surprised by just how much they love it. There’s no wonder why so many people keep on returning to this remarkable country that is filled with breathtaking landscapes, remarkable history, and a warm and welcoming culture. It’s also home to the breathtakingly beautiful Angkor Wat, a large temple that dates back to the 12th century. When you are ready to chill on a beach, there will be a lot of remote islands you can explore to find your own scenic bay.
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The island of Borneo is divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. A massive area with some of the worlds most biodiverse jungles and reefs. From the Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu you can pack in the action and adventure in just a few short days. Visit orangutans in the jungles, wander empty beaches, snorkel coral reefs and even summit South East Asia’s tallest mountain.
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