The Southeast Asian countries have so much to offer that it's almost difficult to leave them off anyone's wish list. This part of the world has something for everyone, from the white soft beaches to the major cities to the rich history, culture, and traditions to the exclusive food choices.
Although some destinations, such as pristine beaches and Islands of Thailand and majestic Angkor Wat of Cambodia, are well-known throughout the world, others in Southeast Asia remain more elusive and off the beaten path. This allows tourists to change it up-to go with the crowds to see the most famous spots, but also to make time to explore new and different corners of Southeast Asia.
The globetrotters of Travelxp - world's leading travel channel have curated a fascinating list of places to visit in Southeast Asia.
The city of Siem Reap, located in north-western Cambodia, is best known as the gateway to the Angkor region. A unique vibe is created by the amalgamation of Chinese and colonial architecture, where countryside residents and old motorbikes coexist with a lively café community and a modern club scene.
The Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Center teach about landmines in Siem Reap. The War Museum covers Cambodia's participation in many wars. There are also a number of large markets offering souvenirs and fresh food. Catch Elisha Kriis, the host of the Travelxp show - Xplore Cambodia, trying out various interesting and unique local street food. You can enjoy the show before going to Cambodia on the Travelxp app.
Angor Wat is the world's largest religious monument. The ruins of this 12th-century temple complex cover over 162 hectares. There are a number of other Khmer-style temples in the city, including Angkor Thom.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of a group of islands and limestone karsts. Many of the islands are simply tall monolithic cliffs covered in the green, lush jungle that cannot be stepped on. Some of these are hollow and contain beautiful caves, such as the huge Du Go Cave (Wooden Stake Cave), which has three main chambers, multi-coloured stalagmites, and rock paintings. Many of the islands have their own protected lakes as well.
Cat Ba, the largest island in Ha Long Bay, is the most popular overnight stop for tourists visiting for cruises and tours. Kayaking in the bay's turquoise green waters is a common activity here, as is cruising the bay in typical junk boats.
Koh Samui, once a favourite destination of backpackers, has undergone a remarkable transformation, now boasting high-end resorts, posh spas, and some of Thailand's whitest palm-fringed beaches. The majority of visitors visit Chaweng and Lamai beaches, which are well built, clean, and full of activities such as sailing, scuba diving, and swimming.
Though Koh Samui has always been a popular destination for sunbathers and snorkelers, the island's population has shifted over time and all for the greater good.
Koh Samui is known for its beaches, but there is more to see and do on the island. Take time to explore Ang Thong Marine National Park's mangroves and hidden lakes. Remember to visit the 12-meter-tall golden Buddha.
Boracay is located directly across the water from Panay Island, one of the Philippines' largest islands. Boracay, despite its small size of 10 square kilometers, draws thousands of tourists each year, who come for the four-kilometer-long beach and its powdery white sands that wash right into the turquoise waters, as well as the sailboats rocking away on the waves.
For all the adventure junkies out there, Boracay is well-known for its parasailing, kiteboarding, swimming, and, even more surprisingly, cliff diving, in addition to scuba diving and snorkelling. On some areas of the island, diving boards ranging from three to fifteen meters above the water are mounted, with lifeguards waiting and watching as divers fly up in the air over the mirror-like waters below.
Yangon served as Myanmar's (or Burma's) capital until 2006 when the military government relocated it elsewhere. The city faced numerous problems as a result of the country's long period of military rule. It also has a lot of decaying structures and insufficient facilities. But that's what makes Myanmar one of the best off-the-beaten places to visit in Southeast Asia.
The city's skyline is dominated by the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the world. The colonial-era structures of the city are based on the 2,600-year-old Sule Pagoda.
Another must-see is the Yangon Circular Train, which runs on a 46-kilometer loop around Yangon and provides a unique insight into Burmese everyday life.
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's cultural and financial capital. It is home to the world's tallest twin towers, the Petronas, as well as three of the world's biggest shopping malls. The city is very green, with many parks, gardens, and open spaces all around. The limestone Batu Caves and Cameron Highlands make excellent day trips from Kuala Lumpur.
Thailand's capital seems to have a lot going for it-not only is it the main gateway to all of the country's big destinations, but this cosmopolitan region still has a lot to offer on its own.
Bangkok's multi-faceted sights will please a wide variety of tourists, whether they are interested in the city's culture, history, or shopping. Take a traditional tuk-tuk taxi or a water bus for a completely different perspective on the region.
An interesting fact came out in a travel show by Travelxp TV, where the host, Elisha Kriis discovered that using a durian fruit as a weapon will levy a fine and the amount depends of the number of spikes poked the victim. Funny right? Watch the show on Thailand with the Travelxp app.
Singapore is a one-of-a-kind destination in Southeast Asia. This island-city state is modern and cosmopolitan, with multi-story shopping malls mingling with breath-taking and unexpected natural attractions.
You'll be fascinated throughout your tour starting right at the Airport. Singapore's airport has been ranked the best in the world, and it's a tourist attraction in and of itself, with the world's tallest indoor waterfall, a five-story tall indoor garden and a vast butterfly garden with over 1,000 species flying free in tropical greenery. Interesting right? Well, there's more.
Sentosa Island is another example, with a two-kilometer-long beach and a restored coastal fort, as well as Southeast Asia's first 4D theatre, and Universal Studios Singapore theme park.
This northern Laotian city is associated with a multitude of villages that comprise the UNESCO Town of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site. The city is one of Laos's most visited and certainly most beautiful, known for its blend of agricultural, French colonial, and religious architecture and heritage.
The Wat Chom Si shrine is perched atop Mount Phou Si, overlooking the city. The Bear Rescue Centre specializes in assisting sun bears that have been saved from poachers. The Pak Ou Caves are well-known for their numerous miniature Buddha sculptures. The entire town is engulfed in streams of orange in the early morning as monks inquire for food.
It's difficult to overlook the elegance of Palawan, which has been called one of the world's most beautiful islands numerous times. Technically, Palawan is still underdeveloped, which means fewer high-end hotels but also slower, more sustainable development to preserve the virgin forests, green jungle mountains, and amazing wildlife.
Palawan is encircled by calm turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling, diving, and kayaking. There are several smaller islands dotting the sea around Palawan, and you might spend the entire day island hopping and still not see all that the region has to offer.
The lush, green, terraced rice fields of Ubud province are equally beautiful along with its soft sand beaches and picturesque landscapes of Nusa Penida Island.
For generations, Bali's farmers have set rice paddies on terraces to cope with the area's hilly terrain-and these areas make for beautiful landscapes. Visitors can walk the terraces here for hours for a donation of pennies, as the green fields stretch well beyond what the eye can see.
Komodo Island is much greater than "just one" of Indonesia's over 17,000 islands. The Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, lives on this rugged island of just under 400 square kilometers. In reality, the population of Komodo dragons on the island is double that of permanent human residents, making for an unforgettable sight as you walk through the volcanic hills and forests.
Mangrove forests and coral reefs can be found on Komodo Island. Pantai Merah has one of the world's only seven pink-sand beaches. The cotton-candy sands are the product of a natural process that occurs when coral micro-organisms die. And thus, attracting a huge number of visitors from around the world.
Bottom LineIf you're someone whose been looking for those popular destinations in Southeast Asia for a vacation but also wanted a break in between to visit all those dazzling Off-road destinations, yet well-connected via flights. All these places are worth visiting which will bring ample amount of happiness and joy to your mind and soul. Happy vacationing!
Author Bio - TravelxpTravelxp is one of the fastest-growing travel platforms for experiential and frequent travellers. It provides travellers with a chance to watch incredible travel videos along with access to exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, and exotic holiday packages. It is part of Travelxp group operates Travelxp TV, the world's leading travel channel, broadcasting in 40+ countries with a viewership of over 500 million.
