Southeast Asia has some of the world’s most beautiful places. When you’re talking about diverse cultures, rich history, delicious food, and beautiful sceneries, this region has something for everybody.
It has tourist spots that are known throughout the world and places that remain off the radar. So, you have the option to follow the beaten path of many tourists or discover new places that not a lot of people know about.
If you’re looking for new travel experience and adventure, you should check Southeast Asia off your travel bucket list this year. Here are five travel destinations that you should visit in Southeast Asia.
Palawan, Philippines
The beauty of Palawan is simply hard to ignore. This island in the Philippines is considered among the most beautiful islands on this planet. It has a lot to offer when it comes to natural attractions. Green mountains, virgin forests, lakes, lagoons, rivers, white-sand beaches, you name it, Palawan got it all for you.
One of the world-renowned tourist spots in Palawan is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. There’s so much to see in this protected area, such as the limestone karst landscapes, incredible cave systems, rock formations, distinctive wildlife, and the 8.2-kilometer underground river.
In other places on the island, you can enjoy various water activities, such as diving, kayaking, and snorkeling. You can also go on island-hopping and see the wonderful entirety of Palawan.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is a city in Northwestern Cambodia famous for its resorts, clubs, vibrant markets, Chinese and French colonial architecture, and museums. The city hosts two famous museums: the War Museum and the Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Center.
Of course, Siem Reap is also well-known as the gateway to the Angkor region. The world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat, is only 5.5 kilometers north of the city. The 12th-century Hindu temple complex covers an area of 162.6 hectares. Angkor Wat never fails to amaze visitors with its myriad of structures constructed using sandstone blocks.
You can also visit several other Khmer-style temples in the Angkor region, such as the Pre Rup, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom temples.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a city with a confluence of the old and the modern. In this place, you can witness majestic skyscrapers and modern buildings blending with British colonial, Asian, and Malay Islamic architecture. Indeed, it’s an awesome and enriching experience just strolling around the city.
Prominent structure in Kuala Lumpur is the Petronas Twin Towers, which is the world’s tallest twin building with a height of 452 meters. Around this architectural marvel, you can find a massive shopping mall, a large urban park, an underwater aquarium, and a world-renowned theater.
Kuala Lumpur is also known for its environmental sustainability. This modern green city has open spaces, city gardens, and parks. For instance, there’s an urban park called Lake Gardens, which houses an orchid garden, bird park, and butterfly park. If you love trekking, there are also three forest parks in the city, where you can find animal species endemic to Malaysia.
Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon, Myanmar, is another must-visit travel destination included in our list. The city was Myanmar’s capital until 2006 when the government officially named Nay Pyi Taw as the new capital.
Myanmar experienced a military dictatorship that lasted almost five decades. Up until 2011, the influx of foreign visitors was limited. Now, you’re all free to visit this beautiful country in Southeast Asia.
Yangon is a city with a vibrant culture, delicious dishes, hospitable people, and magnificent architecture. Most of the buildings in the city are beaming with colonial-era architectural influences. There are also religious structures in Yangon, the two most prominent of which are the Shwedagon Pagoda and the 2,600-year-old Sule Pagoda.
Your visit won’t be complete if you don’t stroll around the Bogyoke Aung San Market. Here you can find local clothing stores, art galleries, jewelry shops, antique stores, and local handicraft shops.
Also, don’t miss the delectable Burmese food, such as the nan gyi thoke, mohinga, samosas, Burmese thali, and Burmese biryani. If you plan on visiting Yangon, browse through this booking website for your hotel accommodation.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is famous for mountainous rainforests, palm-fringed beaches, high-end resorts, and luxurious spas. You can enjoy various activities on the island, such as swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving. It’s also recommended to visit the Na Muang waterfalls, the Ang Thong Marine National Park, and the Big Buddha Temple.
Takeaway
The must-visit places mentioned in this article are only five of the best travel destinations in Southeast Asia. The region has a lot more to offer beyond that number, of course. But, you’ll have a good start exploring Southeast Asia if you visit Koh Samui in Thailand, Yangon in Myanmar, Palawan island in the Philippines, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and Siem Reap in Cambodia.
