Exotic and rich in culture. The sights, sounds and experiences of Southeast Asia travel take you to a different world, from stunning beaches, to breathtaking landscapes. Southeast Asia travel is about colorful, vibrant journeys to timeless destinations, full of fascinating history, where you can really see the real lives of the people who live here. All this is set against a scenic backdrop of countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as Laos, and Indonesia.
Despite a troubled history, Cambodia is home to gentle scenery and a quiet, pastoral lifestyle outside of the capital of Phnom Penh. Kratie, in the North, is home to indigenous people living along the Mekong River, whilst Stung Treng, in the West, overlooks the waterways too. Siem Reap is the top destination for those who travel to Southeast Asia, as it is home to Angkor Wat, a magnificent 12th century temple complex which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sihanoukville is a beach destination somewhat off the main tourist radar, proving that Southeast Asia travel tours can include quieter, less visited locations too.
Travel Southeast Asia and you can experience picture-perfect beaches, with white sands and crystal clear waters. Thailand’s islands and tropical beaches are found in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, as well as the Indian Ocean. Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Hai offer relaxation and a retreat holiday with pockets of beach front activities, restaurants and nightlife. Southeast Asia Travel in the north of Thailand, might be a trip or tour to visit the quaint, relaxed cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, the laid-back music bars of Pai, as well as the beautiful mountainous, forests of Mae Hong Sorn, home to the hill tribes of the northern provinces. Sukhothai in the West is renowned for its awe-inspiring old capital ruins which are a UNESCO World Heritage Historical Park. Further west, Kanchanaburi is home to the bridge over the River Kwai, and an important slice of history, with the Elephant Hills of Khao Sok National Park taking you deep into nature. Travel to Southeast Asia is not complete without a trip to Bangkok, the buzzing, cosmopolitan capital, with its quirky mix of modern and traditional cultures. Out of the city, Khao Yai National Park is home to treks and waterfalls, and further East into the heartland of Issan, is Ubon Rachathani, revealing the rural lifestyles of much of Thailand.
If you want to experience everything from a big city to a quiet beachside location, then your Southeast Asia travel plans might want to include Indonesia. From the busy, metropolis of Bandung, to the quiet lagoon quietness of Candi Dasa, and the long beach of Lovina in Bali, the landscape is breathtaking. The fertile landscape around Magelang is a way of stepping into the quiet countryside of Indonesia, whilst East Java is home to Mt Bromo, an active volcano. Ubud, in Bali, is home to arts and culture, as is Yogyakarta in Java, whilst Wonosobo is a city in Central Java which has attractions such as the renowned Borobudur Temple.
Travel Southeast Asia and you might want to include Myanmar, which is still a hidden landscape for many. Temples, colonial architecture and the rich culture all identify the capital Yangon. Fishermen using their legs to row boats, diverse wetland wildlife and a gentle rural environment are the hallmarks of Inle Lake. A visit to the small lakeside town of Nyaung Shwe gives a real insight into the lives of those who live here. Sunset and the most spectacular photo opportunities of 2000 temples and pagodas scattered across the landscape is unmistakably Bagan, on the central plains, along the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Cut off in the northern regions of Myanmar is Kyaukme, where life is still lived by the indigenous tribes live as they have always been. Full of classic examples of Myanmar temples and cultural sites is Mandalay, with its royal palace. Nearby Pyin Oo Lwin has markets, countryside treks and is an interesting little town. Out of the city and considered the most beautiful beach in Myanmar is Ngapali, with its white sands and turquoise waters in the Bay of Bengal in the West.
The beautiful scenic landscape, natural history and culture of Vietnam make it a favorite on any Southeast Asia travel itinerary, from the quaint and exciting capital of Hanoi, to the spectacular limestone pillars of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay. The former capital, Ho Chi Minh City gives you a chance to experience a more bustling atmosphere, with a mix of old and new, whilst visiting temples and markets in this charming and yet modern city. Along the eastern coast is the port of Hoi An, near to the renowned China Beach. Hue is further up the coast, and visited for its monuments and architecture, from when it was the capital of a feudal dynasty.
Classic scenic countryside makes Sapa in the northwestern mountains, a nature lovers favorite, with a great diversity of ethnic tribes. Cantho is lively and colorful with its floating markets and city life by the Mekong River. Mai Chai in North Vietnam, is like stepping back in time, with paddy fields and rural life. Going south, Nha Trang and Mui Ne have beautiful beaches, with tourist-friendly, modern developments for ultimate relaxation with something to do at night too.
Southeast Asia travel is about appreciating the different cultures, landscapes and atmospheres of destinations which are on the beaten track and those that lie off it in undeveloped scenic locations. Travel to Southeast Asia opens your horizons beyond its borders so that you can discover the best of Southeast Asia travel through its people, places and hidden gems.