How to plan your trip to Southeast Asia?

 

Southeast Asia comprises of incredible countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and more. These countries boast breathtaking natural beauty, exotic customs and traditions, a rich event calendar full of festivities, and cities with skylines that are beyond imagination. In this vast continent, we will provide you with some travel ideas to help plan your trip to Southeast Asia. Don’t miss out!

 

Know before your departure

 Southeast Asia comprises countries located between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The region’s indigenous civilizations have been significantly influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Western cultures. It is home to the world’s most populous Muslim country, several prominent Buddhist countries, and significant Christian, Hindu, and Animist communities. Southeast Asia has long been a popular destination for globetrotting travellers due to its stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, affordable travel expenses and convenient flight connections. Before starting your trip, you should know the things below:

If you’re planning a trip to this region, it’s important to know the best time to visit. While Southeast Asia can be visited year-round, its climate varies substantially depending on the location. The best time to visit Southeast Asia depends on the country you wish to visit.

• Myanmar: November to April (beach season is from November to March).
• Cambodia: November and April (beach season is from October to May).
• Indonesia: April and October (beach seasons are May, June and September).
• Malaysia: April to October (East Coast), December to March (West Coast), March to October (Island of Borneo).
• The Philippines: December, January and February (cities), November and April (beach).
• Thailand: March and April (beach), December to March (cities).
• Vietnam: July and August (beach), December to March (cities).
• Laos: November and March
• Singapore: December to June
• Timor-Leste: May to November
• Brunei: January to May

 

 

Travel around Southeast Asia: Air travel is the preferred mode of transportation between countries, while motorbikes and buses are suitable for travelling between provincial tourist attractions. Local transportation options such as cyclos, canoes, and tuk-tuks are available at each destination. Experiencing these activities can be thrilling and should not be missed during your travels in Southeast Asia.

 

Days to tour around: The itinerary for your travels depends on the amount of time you have and the sights you wish to see. Typically, for a city in Southeast Asia, 3-5 days is sufficient to travel at your own pace and avoid rushing. Staying longer will provide greater comfort and the opportunity to visit additional highlights.

 

Languages: English is widely spoken by most Southeast Asians, making communication easy. By attempting to learn the native languages, you can discover fascinating insights into their cultures and people.

 

Documents required: While some countries do not require visas for short-term stays, others necessitate additional authorisation before arrival. Ensure you are aware of these requirements by visiting immigration websites, as they can impact certain aspects of your stay, including length and work authorisation.

 

Clothing: Regardless of the weather, appropriate attire is essential.   For your trip, consider packing bathing suits, shorts, T-shirts, and rain jackets.It’s important to note that when visiting religious sites, it’s necessary to dress modestly, covering your legs and shoulders.

 

7 Top destinations for nature lovers

 

Bali Island, Indonesia

Bali is a beautiful island that is part of the Indonesian archipelago and is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views and unique culture that sets it apart from other destinations in Southeast Asia. Bali is a stunning island that boasts rice paddies, breathtaking panoramas, volcanoes, and a variety of tourism activities and attractions.   Additionally, Bali offers beautiful vegetation, expansive sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and impressive waves. 

 

 

Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia’s tallest mountain, located in Kinabalu National Park. It is part of the Crocker Range and stands at around 4,092 meters high. From its summit, you can enjoy majestic views of the landscape, especially at sunrise or sunset. Additionally, there are small villages located halfway down the mountain. On clear days, you may even be able to see Sabah’s capital and Kota Kinabalu from Mount Kinabalu.

 

 

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is a stunning representation of a karst landscape produced in a warm and rainy tropical climate. It covers 43,400 acres and contains over 1969 uninhabited islands and islets. The limestone karst landform is the main attraction, displaying impressive pillars, unique arches, and caverns that create a beautiful natural backdrop. Over time, the sea’s movements have shaped the limestone karst into a mature landscape with clusters of conical peaks.

 

 

 

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Phu Quoc, located in Kien Giang Province, is Vietnam’s largest island, covering 573 square kilometers. It boasts pristine beaches for water sports, romantic sunsets for Instagram, isolated islands for exploring, and lush tropical forests for adventure. Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s most popular location for water sports due to its calm waves and clear blue sea. In addition to its white sandy beaches, the island boasts a variety of luxury resorts with stylish eateries, soothing spa treatments, and countless entertainment activities. For example, Vinpearl Phu Quoc offers all of these amenities.  

 

 

El Nido, Philippines

El Nido in Palawan is widely recognised by both local and international tourists as one of the best places to visit in the Philippines due to its tranquillity. It boasts paradise-like features such as pure white sand beaches, blue waves, bright coral reefs and breathtaking limestone cliffs. As a result, it has been ranked as one of the top island beaches in the world by several travel magazines. El Nido offers a range of activities, such as island hopping, beach relaxation, cliff trekking, and scuba diving, for your Southeast Asia travel.

 

 

Phuket Island, Thailand

Phuket Island is one of the world’s most popular beach destinations and undoubtedly the most famous in Thailand. The island provides beach enthusiasts with a picturesque coastline, sandy beaches, excellent hotels, numerous tours and activities, and a wide range of dining options for both traditional Thai and international cuisine. It is also conveniently located for visiting other popular destinations in Thailand during your Southeast Asia travel, such as Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, and Phang Nga Bay. Phuket offers a range of outdoor sports, including scuba diving, golfing, trekking, bicycling, and fishing.

 

 

Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

Koh Rong, a Cambodian island located 40 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand, is recognized as the most picturesque place in the Kompong Som region. With 23 white sand beaches and unspoiled jungles, there are many things for tourists to see and try, including trekking for the adventurous.

 

 

5 Top places to explore culture and architecture

 

My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam

My Son Sanctuary is a renowned historical site in Quang Nam province, featuring a unique architectural complex of Champa temples. Discovered in 1885, it was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1995. Located in Hoi An, the sanctuary is nestled deep in a valley surrounded by mountains. Historically, it served as a place of worship and the final resting place of ancient Champa kings. In addition, you have the opportunity to witness the captivating Apsara dance and participate in the traditional Kate festival of the Cham people.

 

 

Ananda Temple, Myanmar

Ananda Temple, one of Myanmar’s most cherished landmarks, was constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries and has been used for worship for almost a thousand years. Its well-balanced proportions make it a masterpiece of Mon architecture. The tower is 40 meters tall and has multiple cascading terraces at its base. Each of the 4 symmetrical entrances leads to the central massive wooden Buddha statue.

 

 

Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

Angkor Archaeological Park is one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites, covering 400 square kilometers and including a forested area.It has the spectacular remnants of the Khmer Empire’s several capitals from the 9th to the 15th centuries. UNESCO has implemented a comprehensive program to safeguard this historic monument and its surroundings. Angkor Wat, Bayon, Preah Khan, and Ta Prohm are all examples of Khmer architecture that are closely linked to their geographical environment and imbued with symbolic significance.

 

 

Long Son Pagoda, Vietnam

Long Son Pagoda is recognised as the oldest temple in Nha Trang. It is home to the largest outdoor Buddha statue in Vietnam, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Built in the 19th century, the temple carries unique and delicate sculptural features from ancient times. After undergoing many restorations over the centuries, Long Son Pagoda has been certified as the oldest temple in Vietnam. From the highest position, you can admire the bustling beauty of Nha Trang city.

 

 

Prambanan Temple, Indonesia

Prambanan Temple is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex, dating back to the 9th century. Prambanan has three main temples dedicated to the Trimurti: Shiva, the destroyer of the universe; Vishnu, the keeper of the universe; and Brahma, the creator of the universe. During the old Mataram Kingdom’s glory days, Prambanan was used as a Candi Agung for numerous royal and religious functions.

 

 

3 Places to taste yummy delicacies

 

Da Nang City, Vietnam

Da Nang cuisine is diverse, including both local and well-known dishes from neighboring provinces. Banh Nam and Banh Bot Loc are two popular varieties of rice dumpling cakes in Da Nang. These foods are inexpensive and readily available throughout the city. In addition, I recommend trying sliced pork rolled in rice paper, duck porridge, grilled fish cake noodles, and other local delicacies.

 

 

Chiang Mai Night Market, Thailand

Chiang Mai, located about 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, offers a unique cuisine from the northern region of Thailand. When visiting the Chiang Mai Night Market, be sure to try Khao Soi, one of the most famous dishes consisting of flat noodles served with coconut milk, yellow curry, and topped with fried noodles.

 

 

Luang Prabang, Laos

If you are a food lover, Luang Prabang in Laos is a real food paradise that you should visit during your Southeast Asia travel. It offers a variety of delicious dishes, including Khantoke, Sai Oua, Kaeng Hang Le, Khanom Jeen Nam Ngeow, sweet coconut pancakes, flavorful sausages, and Jaew Bong, which is made with buffalo fat slices and red chili sauce made from shallots, garlic, chiles, lime, tamarind, palm sugar, etc. Additionally, when visiting there, it is recommended to try dishes such as Or Lam, Luang Prabang salad, and Mekong River seaweed.

 

 

Are you looking forward to your journeys in 2024? If you need any suggestions for your upcoming trip, please do not hesitate to contact our travel consultants. Explore the colours of life with Expats Holidays team!