Southeast Asia is a region filled with vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes and diverse attractions. Whether you’re an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or seeking relaxing time in paradise, this region has something for everyone.
With 11 countries to visit in Southeast Asia, it can be overwhelming to narrow down where to visit. The good news is: you really can’t go wrong choosing!
Here are the top 7 tourist destinations in Southeast Asia that should be on your must-visit list.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is a city that offers a mix of old and new. Historical sites sit side by side with modern skyscrapers.
The city is famous for its lively street markets, vibrant nightlife and cultural heritage. It’s one of the best cities to begin a journey through Southeast Asia as the city can connect you with any part of Thailand, as well as Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Must-visit sites include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho with its massive Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.
Bangkok’s dynamic energy, combined with its world-class street food, makes it one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly for solo travelers.
Highlights
- Explore the opulent Grand Palace, the former royal residence.
- Watch a match of Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand.
- Dive into Bangkok’s street food scene, sampling dishes at places like Chinatown and Khao San Road.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok
November to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring the city.
How to Get There
- By Air: Bangkok has two major airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK), both with international connections. Suvarnabhumi is the main international gateway, while Don Mueang is used for low-cost carriers.
- By Train: Bangkok is connected by train to major cities in Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Hua Hin.
- By Bus: Buses from neighboring countries and within Thailand arrive at Bangkok’s various bus terminals.
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, is Cambodia’s crown jewel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed in the early 12th century, is a stunning example of Khmer architecture.
Some people know Angkor Wat as the Tomb Raider temple because the movie was filmed there. But there’s so much more to it!
Originally built as a Hindu temple and later converted to a Buddhist site, Angkor Wat is surrounded by a vast complex of ruins, each telling a part of Cambodia’s history. The temple is especially magical at sunrise when its silhouette contrasts beautifully against the morning sky.
Needless to say, the architecture is awe-inspiring. Anyone who loves history or culture must visit this destination in Southeast Asia. There are more things to do in Siem Reap, too, aside from Angkor Wat.
Highlights
- Explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the hauntingly beautiful Ta Prohm and the enigmatic Bayon Temple.
- Take a guided tour to delve deep into the history of the temple complex.
- Watch the beautiful colors of sunrise over Angkor Wat.
Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat
November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier.
How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Siem Reap International Airport, which has connections to major cities in Southeast Asia. From the airport, Angkor Wat is about a 20-minute drive.
- By Bus: Siem Reap is well-connected by bus from other cities in Cambodia and neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
- By Tuk-Tuk: Once in Siem Reap, tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable way to reach Angkor Wat. It’s also recommended to travel through the ruins by tuk-tuk.
3. Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam
The Ha Giang Loop is Vietnam’s ultimate adventure, offering a rugged yet breathtaking journey through the northernmost part of the country. The loop, best experienced by motorbike, takes you through dramatic limestone mountains, deep valleys and terraced rice fields.
If you can’t ride a motorbike, don’t worry. There are plenty of companies in Ha Giang that offer “easy riders” – the opportunity for you to sit on the back of a bike driven by an experienced local.
There’s a lot of hype and expectations around the Ha Giang Loop as it’s grown in popularity, especially on social media. That said, the scenery is definitely worth the hype.
The Ha Giang Loop is about more than scenery though—it’s also an opportunity to connect with the ethnic minority communities who live in this remote region.
Highlights
- Ride through the Ma Pi Leng Pass, renowned for its stunning vistas.
- Stay with local families in traditional homestays to experience authentic Vietnamese culture.
- Discover hidden gems like the Lung Cu Flag Tower and Dong Van’s ancient town.
Best Time to Visit Ha Giang Loop
September to November, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush after the rainy season.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can take a bus or private car to Ha Giang (about 6-8 hours).
- By Bus: Buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang are available daily. The journey takes about 7-8 hours.
- By Motorbike: Many travelers rent motorbikes in Hanoi and ride to Ha Giang. The loop itself is best explored by motorbike.
4. Bali, Indonesia
Bali, often called the “Island of the Gods,” is Indonesia’s most famous tourist destination for a reason. This island is known for its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture and luxury on a budget.
Bali offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to surf, relax, explore ancient temples or sample new foods. It’s impossible to deny that the island is crowded – however, locals are incredibly kind and can help you find some off-the-beaten-path activities.
There are many towns in Bali known for different things. For example, Ubud is a cultural hub, famous for yoga retreats, art galleries, and traditional dance.
Highlights
- Visit the cliffside Uluwatu Temple, where you can watch a traditional Kecak dance at sunset.
- Explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces for some of Bali’s most iconic scenery.
- Unwind on the beaches of Seminyak, Kuta, or Nusa Dua, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Bali
April to October, during the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), which has direct flights from many international destinations. From the airport, most major tourist areas are within a 30-60 minute drive.
- By Ferry: Bali is connected by ferry to neighboring islands such as Java and Lombok.
- By Bus: If you’re coming from other parts of Indonesia, buses connect Bali to major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya via ferries.
5. Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng, once known as a party town, has transformed into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nestled along the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by mountains, caves, and lush landscapes.
The town offers a range of activities, from tubing down the river to exploring hidden caves and trekking through the countryside.
Getting around Vang Vieng can be an experience in itself. The city is large enough so walking isn’t always an option, meaning you’ll get to experience tuk-tuks and motorbikes firsthand. These aren’t intimidating – in fact, transportation in Southeast Asia is easy when you get the hang of it.
Vang Vieng’s serene environment and adventure opportunities make it a must-visit destination in Laos.
Highlights
- Go tubing or kayaking on the Nam Song River, taking in the stunning limestone cliffs.
- Explore Tham Phu Kham Cave, home to a lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue.
- Fly high on a hot air balloon ride.
Best Time to Visit Vang Vieng
October to March, during the dry season, when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Vientiane, Wattay International Airport. From Vientiane, Vang Vieng is about a 4-hour drive.
- By Bus: Buses and minivans run regularly from Vientiane and Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, taking about 4-6 hours depending on the route. Note that some of the roads in Laos can be very bumpy.
- By Train: The Laos-China Railway has a stop in Vang Vieng, making it accessible from Vientiane and Luang Prabang by train.
6. Singapore
Singapore is a dynamic city-state that blends modernity with tradition.
Known for its cleanliness, efficiency and multicultural population, Singapore offers a variety of attractions that cater to all types of travelers.
From the futuristic Gardens by the Bay to the historic enclaves of Chinatown and Little India, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Its culinary scene, known for its mix of street food and high-end dining, is another highlight that draws food lovers from around the world.
Highlights
- Visit Marina Bay Sands, including its SkyPark and the ArtScience Museum.
- Stroll through Gardens by the Bay, home to the Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest.
- Discover the diverse neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
Best Time to Visit Singapore
February to April, during the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and many cultural festivals take place.
How to Get There
- By Air: Changi Airport is Singapore’s main international gateway, consistently ranked among the best airports in the world. It has extensive global connections.
- By Train: The KTM Shuttle operates between Johor Bahru, Malaysia and Singapore, offering a quick and convenient way to travel between the two.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Singapore with various cities in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Malacca.
7. El Nido, Philippines
El Nido, located on the island of Palawan, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning seascapes and pristine beaches.
With its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and hidden lagoons, El Nido is often ranked among the most beautiful places in the world. The area is ideal for island hopping, snorkeling and diving, with an abundance of marine life and coral reefs to explore.
El Nido’s natural beauty and relaxed vibe make it the perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
- Take an island-hopping tour to explore hidden lagoons, secluded beaches and limestone cliffs.
- Snorkel or dive in Bacuit Bay, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Relax on Nacpan Beach, often considered one of the best beaches in the Philippines.
Best Time to Visit El Nido
November to May, during the dry season, when the seas are calm and perfect for island hopping.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Puerto Princesa International Airport. From Puerto Princesa, it’s about a 5-6 hour drive or van ride to El Nido. Some airlines offer direct flights from Manila to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport), which is just a short drive from town.
- By Ferry: Ferries from Coron to El Nido are available, taking about 4 hours. This is a scenic route if you’re coming from another part of Palawan.
Southeast Asia is a region of endless discovery. No matter which location you choose, you’re guaranteed to have new experiences you’ll remember forever.
While this list of top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia is a great start, there’s so much more to explore across the region. As you plan your journey, I hope you’ll be able to include some of these destinations.
All photos by Aleah Taboclaon of Solitary Wanderer.
