15 Best Places to Visit in South East Asia

Southeast Asia is composed of eleven countries with impressive diversity in religion, culture and history. Southeast Asian countries share an overlapping history with a mixture of cuisines and cultures influenced by many ethnic groups. There are thousands of years of storytelling; tales of war tragedies, liberation and achievements.

There’s so much to do and places to see Southeast Asia like sightseeing monuments, walking tours, bicycle tours, and jeep tours run by specialist guides explaining everything you need to know, incorporating food tastings, cooking classes, water puppet shows and circuses performed in intimate settings sharing folk stories with traditional instruments. The natural beauty of limestone karst islands, land locked countries, rivers, beaches, mountains and volcanoes can be explored by boat, hiking trips and scuba diving; on land and off land.

What are the most popular Southeast Asian tourist attractions?

There are so many fantastic tourist attractions in Southeast Asia, but Angkor Wat, Ha Long Bay, and Chiang Mai’s Old Town are probably three of the most visited.

What is the best time to visit Southeast Asia?

November to March is usually the best time to visit Southeast Asia. This is when the weather is sunny and dry, and temperatures are not so hot, but you may get to experience fewer crowds during the rest of the year.

1. Palawan, the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most talked about travel destinations at the moment, and we can see why with its beautiful white beaches. It’s definitely one of the best Southeast Asian countries to visit and you CANNOT miss a trip to Palawan. Palawan is one of the larger islands of the Philippines and it is a traveller’s haven. You could easily spend weeks here exploring all of the hidden beaches, taking boat trips around the islands and islets, exploring the crystal lagoons, scuba diving and snorkelling to see life under water, and watching the sunsets every afternoon.

One of the best places to catch sunset is Las Cabanas Beach in El Nido. And if you’re not afraid of early mornings, then the sunrise hike to Taraw Peak is a must do for your bucket list. Palawan is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, and the most popular destinations visited from here are El Nido and Coron.

One of the best times to visit Palawan is April, just before the rainy season, and make sure to do the underground river cruise, diving in Coron around the old warship ruins, and try out Balabac for your off the beaten track activities with limited tourists around. It’s easy to explore the secluded beaches by kayaking around the coastlines, witnessing Indigenous  fishing communities, seeing limestone cliffs, exploring the marine reserves and testing out your diving skills at one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tubbataha Reef.

Palawan is also actually home to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Saint Paul Subterranean River National Park. This underground river system is surrounded by well-preserved limestone formations, and a forest full of wildlife, making it a must visit destination for nature lovers.

Best times to visit

One of the best times to visit Palawan is April, just before the rainy season. 

Pros and cons

Palawan is idyllic, and has a wealth of cultural and natural treasures to explore. However, it isn’t as well connected as similar destinations in nearby countries like Thailand and Indonesia, so getting here is a little harder.

Top gems

Palawan is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, and the most popular destinations visited from here are El Nido and Coron.

Who is this perfect for?

Sunset and scuba lovers.

2. Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

Sabah is a state of Malaysia located on the northern portion of Borneo, in East Malaysia. Sabah’s signature attractions range from nature-based activities like hiking, diving, visiting geoparks, and cultural attractions to promote the indigenous villages on the island.

Sabah is all about conservation and preservation making it an excellent holiday destination for sustainable tourism lovers. This tropical paradise has beautiful beaches, an abundance of marine life, andstriking sunsets. Some of the main attractions on the island are: Maliau Basin, Bohey Dulang, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Mount Kinabalu and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Wildlife safaris along the Kinabatangan River and Weston River give you the opportunity to see rare water bird species, fireflies, crocodiles, and if you’re lucky enough orangutans too. Inland you can explore the tranquil rainforest of Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and Geopark: Kinabalu Park.

In Kinabalu Park you can face your fears on the world’s highest via ferrata, Mountain Torq, located at Mt Kinabalu’s Panalaban rock face. The walk starts at 3,200m above sea level and ends at 3,776m above sea level. If you’re into diving, a 45-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu will take you to Sipadan Island, renowned for being one of the world’s best dive sites. There’s 40 acres to explore, composed of corals, more than 3,000 species of fish, green and hawksbill turtles.

Best times to visit

Any time during the dry season, which falls between March and October.

Pros and cons

Sabah is one of the best places in the world to spot orangutans and other rare, beautiful creatures. However, tourism facilities aren’t as developed as other parts of Southeast Asia, so finding reliable information isn’t always easy.

Top gems

Some of the main attractions on the island are: Maliau Basin, Bohey Dulang, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Mount Kinabalu and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Who is this perfect for?

They take the conservation of their rainforest and beaches seriously here, making it an excellent destination for sustainable tourism lovers. 

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is a federal territory and the capital city of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur has undergone rapid development in recent decades and is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Towers. The Petronas Towers have become an iconic symbol of Kuala Lumpur and one of the main focal points around the city.

Below Petronas Towers is the popular KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, a multipurpose development area and one of the best shopping malls in the city. Kuala Lumpur is known for its cultural diversity. The three major religions in Kuala Lumpur are: Islam, Hinduism and Tao Buddhism. A popular tourist site to visit in Kuala Lumpur is Batu Caves. The translation for Batu Caves is Rock Caves, and is famous for the Hindu shrine of the God Murugan. The statue was unveiled in 2006 and took 3 years to construct. The statue stands at 43m tall, and behind it lie the famous rainbow coloured stairs.

The Kuala Lumpur Central Market was built in 1888 originally as a wet market. Known to the locals as Pasar Seni, it is easily accessible on the major public transport lines and today is used as a centre for Malaysian culture, art, craft and cuisine. Getting off at Pasar Seni station, it’s a short walk to the market complex which has been newly renovated across 2023 and 2024. The market has a brand new Makan Hall (Food Hall), and an array of local shops, vendors and handicrafts.

The stalls rotate and feature locally made products from Malaysia. Here you can buy copper water vessels with health benefits, traditional batik styled clothing, enjoy delicious local Malaysian foods like nasi lemak, asam laksa, and hydrate on fresh coconuts. There are small stationery shops with brightly coloured postcards for sale, and stamps making it convenient to ship home from here. Just a 5-10 min walk from Central Market is Chinatown. You can spend the afternoon here between the hustle and bustle of the market, taste testing more local treats, and spending the afternoon wandering around the old buildings, looking at graffiti temples and trying your luck to find the secret bars all around here.

Best times to visit

June to September will offer the warmest weather, but humidity is lower in December and January.

Pros and cons

Kuala Lumpur is a regional hub for business, commerce, and technology, and has a huge majority of the benefits you would expect from developed western cities, including world class public transport. However, the bustling nature of the capital can be overwhelming.

Top gems

The Kuala Lumpur Central Market is a food and fun hotspot in the city. The Batu Caves, located a short train ride away from central KL, are also well worth visiting. KL Forest Eco Park is perfect to get away from the hubbub of the city without leaving the centre.

Who is this perfect for?

Culture vultures and foodies

4. Singapore City, Republic of Singapore

Singapore is a sunny, tropical city-state island off the Malay Peninsula, and is one of the smallest countries in the world. Singapore is surrounded by 62 smaller islands, and famous for being a global financial centre.

It’s one of the most densely populated cities in the world, but at the same time is balanced with being one of the greenest places in the world. Known for the Jewel Waterfall in Terminal 1 of Changi Airport, having the UNESCO World Heritage Site Botanic Gardens, and of course the boat shaped hotel, Marina Bay Sands. The Marina Bay Sands opened in 2010, and at this time it was deemed the world’s most expensive standalone casino property at $8 billion SGD. The resort includes 2,561 rooms, convention centres, a museum, a theatre, restaurants, and bars in the 3 sky towers.

A must-do when in Singapore is heading to the SkyPark observation deck to see the incredible views of Singapore, or head to Cé La Vi for an afternoon refreshment and watch the sunset over the skyscrapers of the city. Below Marina Bay Sands is the iconic Gardens by the Bay, home of the cloud forest which hosts many interactive shows throughout the year, and in the Supertree Grove you can see the nightly light shows at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.

The best place in town to experience a Hawker food centre is Lau Pa Sat, every cuisine you could think of is available, and easily accessible by public transport: the most efficient way to get around Singapore. A few days is needed to explore the city so you can properly get lost in the alleyways that surround Haji Lane, Arab Street, and Bali Lane. Here you will find boutique shops, vintage clothing stores, record shops, bakeries with fresh sweets, authentic Persian rugs, handmade perfumes and oils, textiles and walls lined with graffiti.

Singapore’s maritime past, as a port city has shaped the atmosphere and look of the city throughout the years. Dutch and Portuguese styled buildings, painted vibrant colours, that have gone from merchant sellers, to residential buildings, to touristic hot spots. Singapore is full of hidden pockets to explore like Little India and Chinatown, and how could you forget the wonderful museums, the world’s first ever night zoo, sky walks and cable car, man-made waterfalls, and the famous Raffles built in 1887 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

Best times to visit

Singapore is incredibly humid, but this lessens during February, March, and April. June to August is the sunniest time, although this can lead to some astonishingly high temperatures.

Pros and cons

Singapore is safe, jampacked with cultural and natural attractions, and in many ways is more developed than many Western regions. However, this means it can be expensive, especially compared to other popular Southeast Asian destinations.

Top gems

Singapore has one of the best ratios of city size to top gems to visit in the world. There’s the UNESCO World Heritage Botanic Gardens, the boat-shaped Marina Bay Sands, stunning city views from the SkyPark observation deck, and the dreamlike Cloud Forest. Even Changi Airport is a destination, with sites like the Jewell Waterfall.

Who is this perfect for?

People looking for the ultimate city break.

5. Krabi, Thailand

It’s time to visit Krabi, Thailand. Known for its world class beaches, this destination is definitely one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. Krabi has something for everyone – beaches, parties, hiking, lagoons, kayaking, Muay Thai, street food, rock climbing and more. Krabi province is split into Krabi Old Town, and Aonang.

Just a short long tail boat ride away is the mesmerizing Railay beach. Here you can enjoy the quiet beaches, explore the coastline and sip on fresh coconuts before heading back to Aonang for an evening of street food at the new Landmark Night Markets, watch the fire shows at Reeve Beach Club, bargain with the locals whilst shopping at all the local vendors, see live rock bands at Boogie Bar, and on the weekends witness the local Muay Thai fights happening at the stadium.

You mustn’t miss one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the south: Tiger Cave temple. There aren’t any tigers (sorry) but you will get one of the best panoramic views you’ll ever encounter! It’s a challenging 1,237 steps to the top, but totally worth it. This is a religious site, so templewear (shoulders and knees covered, loose clothing, covered mid-riff) is required once you reach the top.

If you’re after a challenging hike, you can try the Dragon Crest Trail (Ngon Nak Nature Trail), the round trip can take anywhere between 3-5 hours depending on your fitness levels. A nice easy walk can be found to the left of the main Aonang Beach, it’s called Monkey Trail and will take approx. 15-20 mins to walk over to the secluded private beach at Centara Grand.

Krabi Old Town is famous for its authentic flair. It’s best to visit the Old Town on the weekend to enjoy the local traditional markets, walk along the pier, explore the caves, or venture to some of the small Buddhist temples. Sound amazing? We’ve got plenty of Thai Island Hopper trips that’ll take you to Krabi and so many more gorgeous islands!

Best times to visit

Try to visit during the dry season (November to March) to ensure you get the best weather.

Pros and cons

A well worn tourist destination, Krabi is quite easy to navigate, with lots of reputable vendors for every activity. However, if a deal does seem too good to be true, it very well may be: there are scammers who prey on tourists.

Top gems

The Old Town is a real highlight, but also you mustn’t miss one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the south: Tiger Cave Temple. There aren’t any tigers (sorry) but you will get one of the best panoramic views you’ll ever encounter! It’s a challenging 1,237 steps to the top, but totally worth it. This is a religious site, so templewear (shoulders and knees covered, loose clothing, covered mid-riff) is required once you reach the top.

Just a short boat ride away is the mesmerising Railay Beach, where you can enjoy quiet stretches of sand.

Who is this perfect for?

Those who want beachy vibes but still some civilisation and culture!

6. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Khao Sok National Park is located in Southern Thailand and is one of the best kept secrets the country has to offer. Aside from Thailand’s beautiful white beaches, there are approximately 150 national parks throughout Thailand, each with its own character and providing visitors with a number of unique experiences. It’s one of the best tourist places in Southeast Asia.

Khao Sok National Park is said to be the remnants of one of the oldest rainforests in the world, dating back further than the Amazon Rainforest. Not only is the National Park full of rainforests, it has jungles, breathtaking views, limestone karsts, deep valleys, lakes, caves and many wild animals. Khao Sok is an adventure lover’s heaven situated between Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui making it an easily accessible destination in Southern Thailand.

Surat Thani is a city close by which is a transport hub connecting all of the best places throughout Thailand, by air, road and marine options. One of the most interesting and stunningly beautiful places to see in the National Park is Cheow Lan Lake. A man-made freshwater lake that offers overnight stays on floating raft houses and luxury tents.

You can spend the afternoons exploring the jungle hikes, seeing Pakarang Caves (Coral Caves) full of stalagmites and stalactites. Khao Sok’s landscape blends tropical evergreen forest, and rainforest hosting about 200 different floral species per hectare marking it as a biodiversity haven. The rich habitat welcomes many species of wildlife including 48 mammal species, 311 bird species, more than 30 bat species, reptiles and insects, and last but not least, the unique Rafflesia.

Known for being the largest flower in the world, with a strong smell, the Rafflesia was named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who was the leader of the expedition through this area in 1818. The Rafflesia is the official flower of the province of Surat Thani. These flowers are seasonal and most likely to be seen between January to March, but sadly numbers are decreasing and becoming rare due to habitat losses and collection by humans. To uncover the Khao Sok National Park (and so much more), hop onto our Bangkok to Singapore adventure!

Best times to visit

Khao Sok is humid throughout the year, and the drier months of June through November are more comfortable to visit in.

Pros and cons

There are few places on earth that contain the diversity of scenescapes and wildlife that Khao Sok National Park does, making it a dream destination for many. However, the heat and humidity can be incredibly intense.

Top gems

One of the most interesting and stunningly beautiful places to see in the National Park is Cheow Lan Lake. A man-made freshwater lake that offers overnight stays on floating raft houses and luxury tents.

Who is this perfect for?

Adventurers, animal spotters, and plant lovers – this rich, biodiverse habitat is home to about 200 different floral species per hectare, as well as 48 mammal species, 311 bird species, more than 30 bat species, reptiles and insects.

7. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Hidden amongst the borders of the Golden Triangle (Thailand, Myanmar, Laos), lies a beautiful city in Thailand, Chiang Mai. One of the best times to visit Chiang Mai is during the high season, between November andApril. February is one of the most vibrant months for the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, or celebrating Songkran (Thai New Year) for a wet and wonderful celebration with parades and water fights – the perfect cool down during the dry season.

Chiang Mai is one of the most historically significant cities in Thailand, and was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields). Chiang Mai is now known as the culture capital of Thailand. Here you will find 33 Buddhist temples inside the walls of the Old City and one of the best bucket list items for Chiang Mai is Wat Chedi Luang. This Buddhist temple is still used for worship and practice today. Onsite you have the incredible opportunity to participate in Monk Chat, during the afternoon you can sit down and practise your Thai and help the Monks to practise their English.

When you stop in Chiang Mai, you’ll want around 3-5 days to explore the city and the surrounding areas. There are the Sticky Rice waterfalls, the Golden Stupa Doi Suthep, the National Park, street food tours, vespa tours, professional Muay Thai fights, lots and lots of markets (Saturday and Sunday walking street are the best), and a day trip to Chiang Rai to see the infamous White, Black and Blue Temples.

A must-try food in Northern Thailand is Khao Soi. An egg noodle soup in a curry paste broth, served with meat, topped with crispy fried noodles, pickled veg and fresh limes. For all this and more, discover Contiki’s Northern Thai Highlights!

Best times to visit

If you arrive in April you’ll get the chance to experience Songkran, or Thai New Year. This days-long event is marked by epic water fights in the streets throughout the city.

Pros and cons

Chiang Mai has an unmatched blend of culture, fun, and natural highlights. However, the historic centre can get incredibly busy, and in the heat this can be a fatiguing combination.

Top gems

The famous Bua Tong Sticky Rice Waterfalls, Doi Suthep and its stunning views, and of course the famous Wat Chedi Luang temple.

Who is this perfect for?

Anybody who wants to immerse themselves in a new culture.

8. Luang Prabang, Laos

There’s no better time to visit one of Southeast Asia’s best kept secrets, Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is often mistaken as the capital city of Laos. It was once the old capital, but is now known as the cultural capital. Luang Prabang is situated on the fork of two rivers in Laos, the Mekong River and Nam Khan River.

Laos is a landlocked country heavily dependent on agricultural opportunities. What it lacks in beaches, it makes up for in lush rolling hills. The country is very mountainous with many different ethnic groups living along the river’s edge of the lowlands, the midlands and then the Hmong people who call the mountains home. Luang Prabang is a listed UNESCO world heritage site. The city is infamous for its French colonial styled buildings, beautiful Buddhist temples like Wat Xieng Thong, the romantic ambience and slow paced living. You can also head slightly out of the city to marvel at the Kuang Si Waterfalls. It’s a traveller’s dream and should be on your Southeast Asian bucket list. 

Contiki actually offers an in-depth travelling experience through Southeast Asia on the Cambodia and Laos Uncovered trip. The trip is 8 days long and starts off in the beautiful Luang Prabang, Laos and finishes in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This in-depth tour unveils the devastating periods throughout history which Cambodia and Laos have faced. It also highlights many positive aspects of tourism and includes multiple MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences to raise awareness and promote the importance of sustainable tourism and how to be involved.

Best times to visit

The cool, dry season takes place from November to March. Visiting during this time of year means less extreme heat and smaller chances of rain.

Pros and cons

The more relaxed nature of the city means there is plenty of time to learn about Laos and its history and culture, as well as reflect on your travels. And, of course, the cuisine is unique in the best way possible. However, Luang Prabang can be a little more expensive than other parts of the country.

Top gems

Kuang Si Falls, the food, and generally just wandering around and taking in the unique architecture. If you can travel here from Thailand via slowboat you won’t regret it.

Who is this perfect for?

People who want a slice of Laotian culture, whether it be historical or contemporary.

9. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Flying into Siem Reap is an eye-opening experience to the vastness of Cambodia. If you have flown from the capital city Phnom Penh, or other neighbouring countries like Thailand or Laos, you will see the flat plains of Cambodia, lined with hundreds and hundreds of Cambodia’s national trees from your flight; Borassus Flabellifer, a type of palm tree, known as a Tnaot in Khmer language.

These trees are iconic to Cambodia, and the Khmer territory. And when you’re in Siem Reap, it’s time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat. It is the largest religious monument in the world, and the only building on a national flag. Angkor Wat began construction in the 12^th century by King Suryavarman II and was designed as a Hindu temple, the religion of the ruler at the time.

However, by the end of the 12^th century through architectural differences it was then considered a Buddhist site. Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia, it consists of temples, basins, reservoirs, canals, and communication routes. For centuries it was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom.

Angkor Wat is historical proof of exceptional civilizations exemplifying cultural, religious and symbolic values, as well as containing architectural and artistic significance. Around the Angkor complex you will see lots of rice paddies. The communities who live in the complex area come from a long line of agricultural farmers who practised rice cultivation, their ancestors dating back to the times of Angkor.

Siem Reap is a beautiful, laid back city with lots of activities to see and do. A 3-day pass for Angkor Wat is popular to explore all the ruins and temples, see sunrises and sunsets, explore Bayon temple with the many faces, or run through the ruins of Ta Phrom like you see on Tomb Raider.

Best times to visit

The winter period in the Northern Hemisphere has the best weather for visiting. In terms of time of day, the early morning is a magical time to first see the temples of Angkor Wat.

Pros and cons

There really is nothing like Angkor Wat anywhere else in the world, and visiting is a unique experience. However, it is also an ultra popular spot, so make sure to arrive early if you want some time without the crowds. 

Top gems

Angkor Wat, of course! The stone has been tattooed with intricate carvings of everything from battle scenes to religious stories, and it isn’t held in place with mortar, but instead stones and rocks were shaped to fit together snugly. It is a marvel of engineering, art, and everything in between.

Outside of the famous monument, you can enjoy the nightlife on pub street, or wander through the vibrant night markets.

Who is this perfect for?

Honestly? Everyone.

10. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon up until 30^th April 1975, has long been one of the cultural, economic and political centres of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces which represent the city’s past and future.

The city has always been one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia and you will always hear backpackers and travelers telling you about their Ho Chi Minh City experiences. The international airport Tan Son Nhat is open to 6 domestic airlines, and 40 international airlines, serving approximately 13 million international passengers and 15 million domestic passengers per year.

HCMC is an easily accessible point in Vietnam to start off your adventures, close to the Mekong Delta to fully immerse yourself in local cultural experiences, day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum, and see the mesmerizing A O Show Bamboo Circus at the Saigon Opera House. With HCMC as your starting point, once you get used to the chaotic traffic, the delicious new cuisine, handling a new currency and navigating your way through the city, you’ll have the confidence to tackle the rest of Vietnam’s best destinations.

Best times to visit

The dry season, between November and February. When it rains, it pours, and the concrete streets mean there’s torrents of rainwater streaming through the streets.

Pros and cons

Endless cultural and historical institutions, a mouthwatering culinary scene, and some of the best nightlife in Southeast Asia are just some of the reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh. However, if you’re not one for big crowds and plenty of stimulation, you might want to minimise your time here. However, if you like it here, you’ll have no problem tackling the rest of Vietnam’s best destinations.

Top gems

Day trips to the Mekong Delta, the war tunnels, a trip to the Saigon Opera House: possibilities are endless in Vietnam’s largest city.

Who is this perfect for?

Someone who wants to feel the hustle and bustle of a big city, but still get a hit of Vietnamese culture.

11. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay in northeastern Vietnam is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site, and is famous for its limestone karts and mountains that rise up from emerald waters, formed thousands of years ago. It’s one of the most beautiful and best places to visit in Vietnam.

This archipelago of islands was named one of the ‘New 7 Natural Wonders’ of the world in 2011. The jaw dropping scenery in Ha Long Bay makes it a very popular destination for domestic and international travellers for day trips, or overnight stays on junk boats. As you sail through the limestone karst islands that surround you, see the green jungles, mountain tops and crystal clear waters you can’t help but feel you have stepped foot onto a movie set.

Ha Long Bay has hosted many film sets over the years, some of the most famous being Pan (2015) using the vast caves of Hang Son Doong with the underground rivers and reflecting pools which were perfect for bringing Neverland to real life; Kong: Skull Island (2017) and James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).

Vietnamese folk stories say that the islands and islets of Ha Long Bay are the jewels that the dragon spat out when defending the Vietnamese against China. Ha Long translates to “descending dragon” to pay homage to the Mother Dragon for protecting the Viet people. Vietnamese people believe that they have dragon origins and that is why these creatures are used in storytelling and can be seen throughout history. 

Best times to visit

December and January.

Pros and cons

Sailing in the bay is genuinely like being in a movie scene, and it’s incredibly easy to find a range of boating options to suit budgets and tastes. However, this is one of the busiest spots in all of Southeast Asia for tourism. 

Top gems

The entire bay is amazing, with each little islet or jutting karst a gift for the eyes.

Who is this perfect for?

Anybody who wants to be wowed by nature.

12. Bali, Indonesia

One of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia, famous for its beautiful beaches, the luscious green rice terraces, and the gateway to Nusa Penida. 

Rice is an important staple food throughout Asia. The way the rice is cultivated varies depending on the different regions. In Indonesia, rice terraces are step-like fields which are carved into the hillsides. They allow for efficient use of limited land, and water resources in mountainous areas. The terraces decrease both erosion and surface runoff, and can easily support crops that require irrigation systems.

Subak is the Balinese word for the traditional irrigation systems that are used in the rice terrace farming, and it’s said to date back as far as the 8^th century. It is a popular farming technique used in Bali, and throughout Indonesia.

Two of the most beautiful rice terraces found in Bali are Jatiluwih and Tegallalang. Tegallalang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering visually delightful shaped rice fields. It’s approximately a 20-minute drive from Ubud making it one of the most popular and most accessible terraces to visit as part of a day trip. Ubud is a popular destination for yoga classes, health food cafes, retreats and getaways. You can live all your Eat, Pray, Love dreams here, and more!

Best times to visit

Bali has great weather year-round, but December and January are particularly pleasant, with a drier heat warming the air.

Pros and cons

Bali has everything you could want in a destination, all packed into a relatively small island. You can hike volcanoes, go to a yoga retreat, party on the beach, and get incredible global and local food. However, it can be difficult to find more authentic experiences on the island.

Top gems

Two of the most beautiful rice terraces found in Bali are Jatiluwih and Tegallalang. There are also countless waterfalls in the north. 

Who is this perfect for?

Wannabe yogis, young travellers looking for fun, older tourists keen on some luxury, and everything in between.

13. Flores, Indonesia

Although Bali is often regarded as the shining jewel of Indonesia, many are quick to overlook Flores which is just as stunning and even more untouched! These islands are incredibly unique and fewer tourists means you get the whole place virtually to yourself. Also, did we mention komodo dragons? KOMODO DRAGONS! Though, keep a safe distance.

The waters are teeming with marine life so you can play true mermaids to your heart’s content and make some aquatic friends with manta rays and sea turtles. The main town in Flores is Labuan Bajo, which is a gateway to Komodo National Park where you can spot some of the aforementioned carnivorous beasts. Really, Flores is an island and animal lover’s paradise.

Best times to visit

December to March.

Pros and cons

Flores has gorgeous beaches and an abundance of wildlife, but it can be difficult to get to, and tourist infrastructure is not as well developed as somewhere like Bali or even Lombok.

Top gems

Diving in the coral reefs, marvelling at crater lakes, and of course seeing the magnificent komodo dragons.

Who is this perfect for?

Animal lovers and surfers.

14. Moalboal, the Philippines

Located on Cebu island in the east of the Philippines (which you can island hop with ease thanks to Contiki!), Moalboal – how fun is that to say? – is well worth a visit when you’re trotting around Southeast Asia. Beaches, obviously, crystal seas, of course, and lots of fresh and delicious local foods and the friendliest local people. Highlights of Moalboal include the Kawasan Falls where the water is literally turquoise, and the sardine runs that you can catch a shimmering glimpse of just off the shores of Panagsama Beach. 

Snorkeling, diving, and sailing are all available as well, so there are just endless things to do and see around this eastern section of the paradise-like country.

Best times to visit

Any time between November and May is usually good to visit – the wet season is short but intense, so it is best to avoid.

Pros and cons

Moalboal is much better connected than many other similar spots in the Philippines, so you can combine natural beauty with a convenient trip. Moalboal can be relatively expensive, though, thanks to this accessibility.

Top gems

Highlights of Moalboal include the turquoise Kawasan Falls, and the sardine runs that you can catch a shimmering glimpse of just off the shores of Panagsama Beach. 

Who is this perfect for?

Lovers of lazy beach days, marine life explorers, and anyone who just wants to relax.

15. Phuket, Thailand

Yeah, there’s a lot of Thailand on this list, but can you blame us? There’s a reason season 3 of The White Lotus decided to base themselves here. It’s the most perfect location ever and Phuket never fails to disappoint.

Phuket is an island and there’s soooo much to do. All your classics, really, including the exciting full moon parties. But we’re talking about the actual city. Did you know it was a city? Now you do. It’s gorgeous: pastel coloured houses along Thalang Road that’ll evoke rainbows and sunny days as you stroll around shoveling mango stick rice into your mouth. San Chao Jui Tui is a red and gold Buddhist temple that you can visit and receive an education from the monks, and Phuket Old Town is filled with archways and architecture reminiscent of China’s sloped gabled temples. You also cannot miss the night market for your taste of Thai street food and a great day out.

Best times to visit

From late October until March is best to visit, as it will be drier.

Pros and cons

Breathtaking vistas, impossibly fun full moon parties, delicious food: Phuket really does have everything. However, it is very popular, so if you’re looking to get away from it all there are only a few completely isolated spots left here – although they do exist!

Top gems

San Chao Jui Tui is a red and gold Buddhist temple that you can visit and receive an education from the monks, and Phuket Old Town is filled with archways and architecture reminiscent of China’s sloped gabled temples. You also cannot miss the night market.

Who is this perfect for?

Those keen to have an iconic Southeast Asian experience.