Where to travel in Southeast Asia for your first ever trip?
Southeast Asia travel is highly appreciated among many travelers. With a great diversity of sceneries and attractions, this area is home to some of the most stunning locations on earth. Details about Southeast Asia travel are as follows:
1. Vietnam – One of the best places to travel in Asia
Vietnam is well-recognized for its breathtaking beauty and home to some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. It is a visual wonderland with everything: from the misty highlands, shimmering rice fields and magical waterfalls of the Northern region like in Sapa, Ha Giang or Ninh Binh, to the sun-kissed sand stretches and brilliant turquoise waters of the Central and Southern beaches like in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang or Da Nang.
In addition, Vietnam is a country with a long history and age-old customs. It features numerous ancient temples and historical landmarks. In your Asia travel, you can learn more about Vietnam’s history and culture by paying a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel in Hue, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, or many ancient houses and assembly halls in Hoi An.
Furthermore, with a wide array of unique species, Vietnam is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. The natural reserves and national parks of Vietnam are incredibly diverse and stretch over the three regions of the country. Some famous places are Phu Quoc National Park, Ben En National Park, Bach Ma National Park, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, etc.
Regarding cuisine, Vietnamese food is a sophisticated blend of various flavors and seasonal ingredients. It is rich, delectable, exotic and unique, varying from region to region. If you enjoy eating and want to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine during your Asia travel, you should try some dishes like Pho, banh mi, cao lau, Quang noodles, spring rolls, pancakes, Hue beef noodle soup, broken rice, etc.
Vietnam offers a wide variety of lodging options, from beach resorts, luxurious hotels in major cities to distinctive homestays in tourist sites. Among them, the most prominent accommodation is the hotel and resort system of Vinpearl, including Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, etc. Staying at these places, you will truly enjoy yourself with classy amenities and high-quality services, making it the best stay ever in your Vietnam travel or Asia travel in general.
2. Thailand – A must-visit destination for your Asia travel
Thailand is well-developed and offers a wide range of modern conveniences thanks to the growing tourism sector. Yet, it is still wild enough to provide off-the-beaten-path adventure and once-in-a-lifetime Asia travel opportunities. This country will not disappoint you, whether you go elephant trekking in the Northern hills or go scuba diving off the lovely Southern coast.
Thailand has pristine beaches with emerald water, serene temples, and verdant mountains. Some suggested destinations that you should visit once in your Asia travel are Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, Sukhothai Old City, Erawan National Park, Ao Nang, Phang Nga Bay, The Grand Palace, etc.
This country is also well-known throughout the world for its delectable cuisine. It combines traditional Southeast Asian ingredients to produce a flavor that is complex yet balanced, with a bit of sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and saltiness. Some must-try dishes are tom yum goong, som tum, tom kha kai, gaeng daeng, pad Thai, etc.
3. Singapore
Singapore is a true wonder of Southeast Asia with its fusion of old and new, colonial and modern architecture. This country has it all: gleaming skyscrapers, five-star hotels, picturesque parks, and boulevards lined with air-conditioned shopping centers. Therefore, during your Asia travel in this country, it may be challenging to choose where to begin.
There are several opportunities to find breathtaking views here. For those who are less adventurous, there are countless galleries and boutiques to explore. In your Asia travel, you should take time to visit Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Flyer, Gardens By The Bay, Sentosa Island, Sentosa Merlion Tower, S.E.A. Aquarium, Trick Eye Museum, etc.
Singapore is among the top countries in the world famous for its cuisine, which is seen as a cultural highlight and a significant component of their national identity. If you choose this country for your Asia travel and seek the best foods to eat, try chicken rice, nasi lemak, laksa, fried carrot cake, kambing soup, etc. for a memorable dining experience.
4. Malaysia – One of the inexpensive Asia travel destinations
Malaysia blends the best parts of China, India, Southeast Asia, and the legacy of the colonial period to create a vibrant tapestry of cultures and traditions. The capital – Kuala Lumpur, is incredibly forward-thinking with its dazzling Petronas Towers, which are the most recognizable and iconic structures in the country.
It should not be a surprise that there are many beaches in Malaysia because it is a tropical country with a warm temperature and kilometers of coastline. The ideal destination for a leisurely beach holiday in your Asia travel is Langkawi. Besides, you should pay a visit to Sipadan Island, Coral Beach, Manukan Island, etc.
During your Asia travel in Malaysia, you are in for a big treat when it comes to food. It is a diverse nation, and this is reflected in its cuisine. Some dishes that you should try are ikan bakar, curry laksa and assam laksa, char kway teow, hokkien mee, etc.
5. The Philippines – A not-to-be-missed place for your Asia travel list
The Philippines is a budget-friendly destination for your Asia travel. It draws tourists from all over the world thanks to its stunning beaches and welcoming, laid-back lifestyle. Finding your own piece of paradise is not difficult because the country is made up of 7,000 islands, notably Coron, Bohol, Siargao, Boracay, El Nido, Cebu, etc.
A variety of natural attractions, including volcanoes, rice terraces, underwater rivers, limestone caves, and stunning beaches, are present throughout the landscape of the Philippines as a whole. Meanwhile, each island has something special to offer, whether you are looking for the greatest places to dive or prefer to admire the historical attractions in cities like Manila or Vigan.
More than that, the Philippines’ distinctive and complex culture, as reflected in its inhabitants, food, and way of life, is also a highlight of your Asia travel to this country. In terms of cuisine, there are a variety of dishes that will rouse your taste buds, namely adobo, lechon, sisig, crispy pata, chicken inasal, pancit palabok, etc.
6. Indonesia
Indonesia is considered as the largest island country in the world with over 17,000 islands and several exquisite settings. It is understandable why so many tourists choose Indonesia as a destination for their Asia travel, given the country’s extremely affordable cuisine and reasonable lodging.
It can be difficult to pick out just one area among Indonesia’s thousands of islands as the greatest tourism destination. Its attractions are as varied as they are dramatic, including the cultural hub of Ubud, the enormous Buddhist temple that towers over Java, the turquoise crater lakes and jagged peaks of Gunung Rinjani, and the glittering white-sand beaches of the Gili Islands.
As for cuisine, Indonesia has a variety of regional culinary customs. The cuisines of the Middle East, India, Polynesia, and Melanesia have all had a significant influence on Indonesian food, which differs widely by area. Some national dishes that you can find in your Asia travel in Indonesia are nasi goreng, gado-gado, satay, and soto.
7. Cambodia – One of the ideal attractions for your Southeast Asia travel
There is a reason why Cambodia has grown to be very well-liked by tourists of all tastes for an Asia travel. This country is a great suggestion for tourists whether they are looking for lush jungles, dusty temple ruins, idyllic beaches, stylish hotels, or ethical shopping.
Cambodia has emerged on the international stage as a destination that prides itself on its distinctive character. The diverse array of cultural and eco-tourism destinations in Cambodia is made possible by the country’s rich history, culture and natural resources. Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat, the Royal Palace, and Silver Pagoda are some notable highlights.
Trying Cambodian cuisine should be a part of your Asia travel. The common meal in Cambodia includes soup, salad, fish, veggies, and rice, finished with a traditional Cambodian dessert made with sticky rice and fresh fruits. Some mouthwatering dishes in this country to try are fish amok, samlor machu trey, char kroeung sach ko, twa ko, nom banh chok, etc.