Southeast Asia is a collection of countries situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with indigenous civilizations affected by Indian, Chinese, and Western influences. The region is home to the world’s most populous Muslim country, well-known Buddhist countries, and large Christian, Hindu, and Animist groups.

It has long been a popular destination for globetrotting backpackers, thanks to its gorgeous beaches, delectable cuisine, inexpensive rates, and convenient plane connections.

For Western travellers, Southeast Asian countries reflect a completely distinct culture. They’ll find temples instead of cathedrals. Instead of frigid temperatures and snow in the winter, they’ll be bathed in a tropical climate for the most part. They can find basic lodging in small fishing communities, as well as opulent five-star hotels in larger cities and on more popular islands.

Southeast Asia will entice active, adventurous tourists looking to hike through hot rainforests, dive in some of the world’s best coral reefs, camp, or go whitewater rafting on fresh rivers. However, the region has lots to offer the less energetic travellers who, after a day of visiting temples and other cultural attractions, simply wish to unwind in a luxurious hotel. Here are the best places to visit in Southeast Asia:

1: Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, in northern Vietnam, looks like something out of a fantasy novel, with its thousands of limestone karst islands of various forms and sizes. Some of the islands have lakes, while others are hollow, containing a colourful fairytale of grottoes.

On Ha Long Bay, there are four fishing communities made up of floating cottages where the residents catch 200 different fish and 450 different mollusks.

2: Borobudur

Borobudur is the world’s largest and most famous Buddhist temple, located 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta on the island of Java. The kingdom of Sailendra constructed the Borobudur over a period of 75 years in the 8th and 9th century, using an estimated 2 million pieces of stone.

It was abandoned in the 14th century for reasons that are still unknown, and it lay hidden in the jungle for ages under layers of volcanic ash. Also, read Best Tacos near me.

3: Komodo National Park

The archipelago of Komodo National Park is located near the island of Flores. Thousands of enormous lizards, known as “Komodo dragons” because to their looks and aggression, live on the islands.

This is the only spot on the planet where these world’s largest lizards may be found. Komodo dragons have been known to attack humans, though such attacks are extremely rare.

4: Phuket

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and most popular tourist destination outside of Bangkok, is known for its beautiful beaches and superb diving. Patong Beach is the most popular beach, with resorts, hotels, shops, restaurants, and a busy nightlife.

With countless alternatives ranging from massage tents on the beach to world-class spa resorts in stunning locations, Phuket is also a place for ultimate relaxation and pampering. Also read romantic hotels near me.

5: Vang Vieng

ang Vieng, located north of Vientiane, is notable for its limestone karst structures. The town is situated on the Nam Song River and is surrounded by karst hills, making it incredibly picturesque.

Backpackers flock to this village of 25,000 people to tube and kayak down the river. Hiking, cave exploration, and rock climbing in the hills are additional popular activities for visitors. Textiles are a popular item to buy.

6: Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and is a lively metropolis. It is the country’s most populous metropolis, with a skyline dotted with creatively constructed skyscrapers, including the world’s highest twin towers, the Petronas Twin Towers. Kuala Lumpur also has an exceptional Islamic Arts Museum, as well as the Bukit Bintang pedestrian bridge and tunnel, which connects the downtown area, and the world’s largest walk-in aviary. Also read Breakfast Near Me.

7: Taman Negara

In Malaysia’s Titiwangsa Mountains, Taman Negara is a national park. For ecotourists and those who want to get up close and personal with a tropical jungle, it’s one of the best spots to visit in Southeast Asia. Walking through the jungle, occasionally on rope bridges through the woodlands; hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, and camping are all popular sports. To participate in all of the park’s activities, visitors will require a lot of energy.

8: Sapa

Sapa is a tranquil town in Vietnam’s rural northwest that serves as a base for walking in the nearby highlands, touring rice terraces, and visiting traditional communities and hill tribes.

There are attractive French colonial sites worth visiting in Sapa itself, and the numerous ethnic tribes in the vicinity frequently congregate at the town market to sell their products, which make good souvenirs. Also, read Best Italian Restaurants Near Me.

9: Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are a tiny series of coral-fringed islands off the coast of northeastern Malaysia, close to the Thai border. Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil are the two main islands (Big and Small Perhentian). Kecil gets more visitors due to its lower lodging costs, whilst Besar is more suited to families and people who want to avoid the backpacker party scene. Also, read Best Thai Food Near Me.

10: Hoi An

Hoi An, located near the mouth of the Thu Bon River on Vietnam’s central coast, is a lovely town recognised for its wonderful atmosphere. The town, also known as Fai-Fo, has a well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port, which it used to be until the river silted up.

Beautiful historic buildings, traditional wooden cottages, and hundreds of tailor shops offering everything from apparel to souvenirs line the narrow, winding alleyways of the old harbour.