Southeast Asia is one of the most popular destinations for tourists all around the world. I have been a fan maybe because I live in Southeast Asia and have heard about these countries a lot more than those who live on the other side. But, Southeast Asia has a lot to offer. It might pop up in your mind as to why south Asia? What is there in it that is not on the other side? Well, I have brought you this special post to tell you the best places to visit in Southeast Asia region.
Travelling is the best part of Southeast Asia. All of Southeast Asia is very cheap and public transports are like free travel for people from the west. Southeast Asian countries are connected from public transports and therefore, you would never find scarcity for the same.
Bringing us back to the topic of this post, what are the top five countries that you should definitely travel to in Southeast Asia if you are planning such a trip.
(Currency: Indian Rupee INR)
India is known as a diverse country all over the world and one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. The one who travels to India never sticks to only one place. India has all in it from hills to highways, beaches to desert lakes and rivers to waterfalls and forests to cities. In terms of attractions, India has also gained attention from great forts and monuments who show the great and interesting history of India. India has every type of tourist interest place. In which Rajasthan is the place which is best to see everything from a vibrant culture to royalty.
If one will be in India at the time of November then he shouldn't miss the ‘Pushkar Mela’ also known as Pushkar Camel Fair of India. It is the biggest and largest fair which attracts many tourists around the globe. In 2019 approx 400000 tourists came to see this beautiful vibrant fair. This 5 day fair has many interesting activities like Matka Food, longest Moustaches, bridal competition.
Another renowned festival for tourists is ‘Rann Utsav’ of Gujarat which falls every year on full moon day from December to February. One of the largest salt deserts in the world where this grand festival attracts tourists. One can see folk dances, music and buy directly from village people crafted things.
Popular Places to Visit:
Vietnam is a very beautiful country and definitely one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. It is often said as the beauty of landscapes and nature here in Southeast Asia. As an American, Vietnam war might be the most popular thing constituting “Vietnam”. Well, that bloodshed past is way too behind than what Vietnam offers today.
Vietnam is the most famous and preferred destination for the LGBTQ travellers in Southeast Asia but obviously, there is no such standard. Vietnam offers a lot of variety of food and it is always fun to see tens and hundreds of food stalls on the road and drink beer along with that.
Places To Visit:
Tet (Tết Nguyên Đán) is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year which falls on the last week between January to Mid February. Full meaning of the word is “Feast of the First Morning of the First Day”. it is celebrated all over Vietnam but the best place to see is in the capital, Hanoi. It lasts 10 to 15 days as it is the biggest celebration of the nation. The whole population of Vietnam welcomes the spring season and you could be a part of it if you plan to visit Vietnam. You can see the Lion dances, Dragon dances, Boat racing and Buffalo fighting. The whole of Vietnam looks vividly in every corner.
The tradition of Vietnamese New Year people would see is to spread good wishes for the beginning of New year every home, neighbours, handover the Red Envelopes to Children with lucky Money, wear colourful clothes especially red and avoid the Black and White clothes, eats the Chung Cake (made up of Sticky rice, green peas and pork) and Jam (made up of dry fruits like Carrots, Watermelon seeds, apples) and many more. So next time if you will be part of this incredible festival say with a smile Chuc Mung Nam Moi (Happy New Year).
Places To Visit:
Songkran
If you are in Thailand in April then you shouldn't miss this most fun festival in Thailand. Songkran is also known as the Water Splashing Festival is the Thai New Year which falls on 13 April every year and is celebrated for 03 days continuously. In this festival, everyone splashes water buckets on others as they believe that they wash all the sins of the past year and start a new beginning fresh.
(Currency : Indonesian Rupiah)
Lake Toba and Samosir Island in Sipisopiso
Indonesia is an archipelagic state of Southeast Asia which is a collection of Islands which holds the untold treasure of diverse cultures, landscapes, World's deepest and South Asia's largest Volcanic lake and beautiful forests. Indonesia consists of approximately seventeen thousands of Islands so undoubtedly it is the home of beautiful beaches. Apart from beaches people also come to Indonesia because of its famous national parks and volcanos. For those looking for something different and less packed, you will find it in Lombok, with its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as plenty of hiking trails. Every year Indonesia has a huge footfall in its best season in July and August as well these months offer fascinating festivals in Indonesia which you can be part of.
Indonesia is also a home of Orangutans which are critically endangered species. If you are in Indonesia you could see them in the National Parks of Borneo. It is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia.
Places to Visit:
Highlights:
Krakatau Festival
One of the important festivals of Indonesia is Krakatau celebrated in Lampung. This festival commemorates mainly the eruption in 1883 in Krakatau. It is celebrated for one week with different cultural activities like Boat race, kite competition, snorkelling and many more recreational activities. People wait eagerly to join Krakatau which falls in July and August. One shouldn't miss this festival.
Jember Fashion Carnaval (Carnival)
Seeing thousands of people on road in vibrant colours costumes, theme-based costumes, dancing will undoubtedly astonish you. Well, Jember Fashion Carnaval (Carnival) JFC offers a magnificent experience. People catwalk on long stretch Highway of 3.6 km with different theme costumes, cultural costumes whose are Indonesian influenced. In 2019, more than 6000 participants around the globe were part of the Jember Fashion Carnaval, the theme of 2019 was Tribal and Grandeur. JFC celebrated in August lasts four days.
S.E.A Aquarium in RWS
If you want to mix your tour tranquillity with luxury then you must add Singapore to your best places to visit Southeast Asian tour. As Singapore is a cosmopolitan city, it is great for shopping malls, great architectures, botanical garden including the attraction Universal Studios. So, if you want to spend more money then Singapore is the place with expensive things.
The major attraction is the Sentosa in which S.E.A Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is the biggest oceanarium on the planet. It has 800 species of water creatures with the tank capacity of 45 million.
Another must-see place is Gardens by the Bay which has the Supertrees with different species of plants, flowers planted. Where the Flower Dome is the one of largest greenhouse in the world and ticks off in Guinness Book of World Records in 2015.
Places to Visit:
Highlights:
Light Sound and Water Show
Garden Rhapsody
Singapore is also the place to see the tremendous man-made architectures, the perfect example is “Gardens By the Bay” and if you are in this beautiful garden then don't miss the sound and light show in Garden Rhapsody. The show is free, sparkling lights with sound on these supertrees is breathtaking. The show starts every day at 07:45 to 08:45. Each show lasts 15 minutes each.
Spectra
The Marina Bay Sands offers dazzling water and light show named Spectra at 10 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands. Spectra is one of the major daily Light and water shows which visitors never miss. There are many places like across the Marina Bay, behind the Merlion to see shows but if you want the best spot then choose the opposite to Marina Bay Sands hotel waterfront. This show is also free for all visitors. The show timings are 08:00 pm and 09:30 pm and on Saturday it's another show commence at 11:00 pm.
Why Visit Southeast Asia?
The following reasons work in strong favour of making Southeast Asia a must-visit part of the Earth.Affordable Trips
Southeast Asia is feasible. I mean really pocket-friendly! Although the brand products stay at almost the same price with a small difference, self-made products like street food and the native product really blow your mind. A very delicious burger would cost just $0.20 in India, for instance.Arguably Best Food
Southeast Asia brings out the best food in the world. Remember when actors in Hollywood say, I ate Indian and belly would dance from inside? That is quite true. Southeast Asia's food is spicy and full of flavours. Make full use of all your tastebuds!Blessed with Scenic Beauty
Our nature gave some of the very beautiful places on earth and some of them you can see in Southeast Asia. From scenic beaches to snow-capped mountains and large blue lakes. People are never tired of seeing nature as it gives peace to us.
Ease Of Travel
Travelling is the best part of Southeast Asia. All of Southeast Asia is very cheap and public transports are like free travel for people from the west. Southeast Asian countries are connected from public transports and therefore, you would never find scarcity for the same.Travel for all
Southeast Asia cities are suitable from bag packers to the grey hair people. Southeast Asian countries are places with fun and also with mind peace as the Buddhism culture increases the beauty of cities here. So, from bachelors to family to couples, you can see every age group people visiting here.Bringing us back to the topic of this post, what are the top five countries that you should definitely travel to in Southeast Asia if you are planning such a trip.
Best Countries to Visit in Southeast Asia
India
(Currency: Indian Rupee INR)
India is known as a diverse country all over the world and one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. The one who travels to India never sticks to only one place. India has all in it from hills to highways, beaches to desert lakes and rivers to waterfalls and forests to cities. In terms of attractions, India has also gained attention from great forts and monuments who show the great and interesting history of India. India has every type of tourist interest place. In which Rajasthan is the place which is best to see everything from a vibrant culture to royalty.
Highlights:
Pushkar MelaIf one will be in India at the time of November then he shouldn't miss the ‘Pushkar Mela’ also known as Pushkar Camel Fair of India. It is the biggest and largest fair which attracts many tourists around the globe. In 2019 approx 400000 tourists came to see this beautiful vibrant fair. This 5 day fair has many interesting activities like Matka Food, longest Moustaches, bridal competition.
Rann Utsav
Another renowned festival for tourists is ‘Rann Utsav’ of Gujarat which falls every year on full moon day from December to February. One of the largest salt deserts in the world where this grand festival attracts tourists. One can see folk dances, music and buy directly from village people crafted things.
Popular Places to Visit:
- Jaipur
- Rishikesh
- Agra
- Manali
- Munnar
- Twang
Vietnam
(Currency: Vietnamese Dong)Vietnam is a very beautiful country and definitely one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. It is often said as the beauty of landscapes and nature here in Southeast Asia. As an American, Vietnam war might be the most popular thing constituting “Vietnam”. Well, that bloodshed past is way too behind than what Vietnam offers today.
Vietnam is the most famous and preferred destination for the LGBTQ travellers in Southeast Asia but obviously, there is no such standard. Vietnam offers a lot of variety of food and it is always fun to see tens and hundreds of food stalls on the road and drink beer along with that.
Places To Visit:
- Hanoi
- Ha Long Bay
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Hang Son Doong Cave (Largest Known Cave in the world)
- Hui An (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Highlights:
Tet FestivalTet (Tết Nguyên Đán) is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year which falls on the last week between January to Mid February. Full meaning of the word is “Feast of the First Morning of the First Day”. it is celebrated all over Vietnam but the best place to see is in the capital, Hanoi. It lasts 10 to 15 days as it is the biggest celebration of the nation. The whole population of Vietnam welcomes the spring season and you could be a part of it if you plan to visit Vietnam. You can see the Lion dances, Dragon dances, Boat racing and Buffalo fighting. The whole of Vietnam looks vividly in every corner.
The tradition of Vietnamese New Year people would see is to spread good wishes for the beginning of New year every home, neighbours, handover the Red Envelopes to Children with lucky Money, wear colourful clothes especially red and avoid the Black and White clothes, eats the Chung Cake (made up of Sticky rice, green peas and pork) and Jam (made up of dry fruits like Carrots, Watermelon seeds, apples) and many more. So next time if you will be part of this incredible festival say with a smile Chuc Mung Nam Moi (Happy New Year).
Thailand
(Currency: Thai Baht)
Thailand is considered the party-capital for the Asians as it has a very soothing and chill environment which makes it a contender in the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. Thailand has been credited with a lot of things in the past such as The Lady Show in Pattaya, the Floating market in Damnoen-Saduak or Massage in Khao San Road. There are a hell of lot of things you can do in Thailand and no wonder they get millions of footprints over the year. The best time to visit is during October - March. Places To Visit:
- Pattaya
- Bangkok
- Krabi
- Phuket
- Chiang Mai
Highlights:
SongkranIf you are in Thailand in April then you shouldn't miss this most fun festival in Thailand. Songkran is also known as the Water Splashing Festival is the Thai New Year which falls on 13 April every year and is celebrated for 03 days continuously. In this festival, everyone splashes water buckets on others as they believe that they wash all the sins of the past year and start a new beginning fresh.
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are the other important and beautiful festivals of Thailand after Songkran. Loy Krathong celebrated as thankful to the water goddess for the Rice Harvest. In Loy Krathong, the “Krathong” means the floating Lantern which is made of the Banana tree and over that decorated with flowers while in the Yi Peng, Sky Lanterns are used. Both fall in November on full moon night according to the Lunar Calendar of Thailand, it is celebrated majorly in Northern Thailand best place to see this festival in Chiang Mai.
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are the other important and beautiful festivals of Thailand after Songkran. Loy Krathong celebrated as thankful to the water goddess for the Rice Harvest. In Loy Krathong, the “Krathong” means the floating Lantern which is made of the Banana tree and over that decorated with flowers while in the Yi Peng, Sky Lanterns are used. Both fall in November on full moon night according to the Lunar Calendar of Thailand, it is celebrated majorly in Northern Thailand best place to see this festival in Chiang Mai.
Indonesia
(Currency : Indonesian Rupiah)
Lake Toba and Samosir Island in Sipisopiso
Indonesia is an archipelagic state of Southeast Asia which is a collection of Islands which holds the untold treasure of diverse cultures, landscapes, World's deepest and South Asia's largest Volcanic lake and beautiful forests. Indonesia consists of approximately seventeen thousands of Islands so undoubtedly it is the home of beautiful beaches. Apart from beaches people also come to Indonesia because of its famous national parks and volcanos. For those looking for something different and less packed, you will find it in Lombok, with its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as plenty of hiking trails. Every year Indonesia has a huge footfall in its best season in July and August as well these months offer fascinating festivals in Indonesia which you can be part of.
Indonesia is also a home of Orangutans which are critically endangered species. If you are in Indonesia you could see them in the National Parks of Borneo. It is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia.
Places to Visit:
- Bali
- Kuta
- Sumatra
- Tanjung Puting National Park
- Raja Ampat
Highlights:
Krakatau Festival
One of the important festivals of Indonesia is Krakatau celebrated in Lampung. This festival commemorates mainly the eruption in 1883 in Krakatau. It is celebrated for one week with different cultural activities like Boat race, kite competition, snorkelling and many more recreational activities. People wait eagerly to join Krakatau which falls in July and August. One shouldn't miss this festival.
Jember Fashion Carnaval (Carnival)
Seeing thousands of people on road in vibrant colours costumes, theme-based costumes, dancing will undoubtedly astonish you. Well, Jember Fashion Carnaval (Carnival) JFC offers a magnificent experience. People catwalk on long stretch Highway of 3.6 km with different theme costumes, cultural costumes whose are Indonesian influenced. In 2019, more than 6000 participants around the globe were part of the Jember Fashion Carnaval, the theme of 2019 was Tribal and Grandeur. JFC celebrated in August lasts four days.
Singapore
S.E.A Aquarium in RWS
If you want to mix your tour tranquillity with luxury then you must add Singapore to your best places to visit Southeast Asian tour. As Singapore is a cosmopolitan city, it is great for shopping malls, great architectures, botanical garden including the attraction Universal Studios. So, if you want to spend more money then Singapore is the place with expensive things.
The major attraction is the Sentosa in which S.E.A Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is the biggest oceanarium on the planet. It has 800 species of water creatures with the tank capacity of 45 million.
Another must-see place is Gardens by the Bay which has the Supertrees with different species of plants, flowers planted. Where the Flower Dome is the one of largest greenhouse in the world and ticks off in Guinness Book of World Records in 2015.
Places to Visit:
- Marina Bay,
- Sentosa,
- Singapore Zoo,
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Highlights:
Light Sound and Water Show
Garden Rhapsody
Singapore is also the place to see the tremendous man-made architectures, the perfect example is “Gardens By the Bay” and if you are in this beautiful garden then don't miss the sound and light show in Garden Rhapsody. The show is free, sparkling lights with sound on these supertrees is breathtaking. The show starts every day at 07:45 to 08:45. Each show lasts 15 minutes each.
Spectra
The Marina Bay Sands offers dazzling water and light show named Spectra at 10 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands. Spectra is one of the major daily Light and water shows which visitors never miss. There are many places like across the Marina Bay, behind the Merlion to see shows but if you want the best spot then choose the opposite to Marina Bay Sands hotel waterfront. This show is also free for all visitors. The show timings are 08:00 pm and 09:30 pm and on Saturday it's another show commence at 11:00 pm.
Not on the list?
I hope this post was helpful to you in deciding your next travel destination and the exact time for the same. If you visited some other place in Southeast Asia and wants it to be added to our "Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia" list, please comment down below and we would be happy to do so.
This post was made possible with the help of Vibha Negi. If you want to send some travel post or share your stories, please reach out to us on Facebook!!
Comments
Post a Comment