5 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

From dense tropical rainforests to awe inspiring temples, these five unique destinations are some of the best places to visit in South East Asia.

If the amazing mix of cultures and traditions doesn’t leave you spellbound, the vastness of the continent with its endless array of mystical sights surely will.

Get ready to experience a huge diversity of experiences at every turn in these five unique places in Southeast Asia.  You will find they are also the best places to travel to in Asia for first-time visitors.

The Hidden Gems of Siargao, Philippines.

Roughly 800 km south of the capital Manila, on the northeast tip of Mindanao, lies a treasure of a destination. Simple, unique and unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia. 

Siargao is one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia and one of the most romantic places to visit in the Philippines.  Still today, Siargao enjoys a crowd-less and laid-back atmosphere, with all the charms of a picturesque island getaway. It is one of the Philippines most beautiful off the beaten path destinations. 

Stunning white-sand beaches, scenic lagoons surrounded by weird rock formations teeming with diverse wildlife. The island also boasts of some of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. A trip to Siargao will be an unforgettable one no matter your interest. 

The warm-hearted locals and top-class beaches, not to forget the simplicity of the place, makes Siargao a must-visit place for every traveller to the Philippines.

Getting to Siargao Island

Siargao can be quite difficult to reach, and accommodation hard to find, which is why many visitors to the secluded island chose to include it in a pre-planned Philippines trip package.

Trek the Fascinating Mountain Villages of Sa Pa, Vietnam

The beautiful mountain region simply implores visitors to experience, at least once, a journey of a lifetime to Sapa. Home to the highest peak in the country, Fansipan, Sapa is also the trekking base for hikers in North Vietnam.

What really makes Sapa one of the best places you may visit in Southeast Asia, are the ethnic hill tribes, such as the Red Dzao or Black Hmong.

A mountain adventure awaits visitors where picturesque landscapes form a stunning backdrop. While the hardy ones attempt to conquer Fansipan, others can hike through the villages to get a feel of local life in the mountains of Vietnam.

For a truly authentic experience of Sapa, opt for staying in one of the homestays. Not only will you have access to local cuisine, but get a much deeper insight into the culture and beliefs of the different hill tribes.

Those looking for forest treks and surreal natural beauty should make a beeline for the mountain region of Sapa in the north of Vietnam. 

Walk on the Wild Side in Borneo, Malaysia

A journey to Borneo is like a trip into uncharted territory. Home to some of the most diverse and endangered rainforests in the world, Borneo is a stunning and unique destination in Southeast Asia.

Where else can you witness orangutans swinging from the treetops or watch proboscis monkeys forage in the canopies?

As your boat speeds across the South China Sea, you get to view the incredible landscape and a feel of the indigenous culture. The impenetrable jungle will conjure up visions of the very heart of darkness, while the excellent Malaysian cuisine will surely fire up your taste buds.  Borneo is a must do on your Southeast Asia itinerary.

Explore the Intriguing Dieng Plateau of Indonesia

This vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands has countless attractions, but none as special as the majestic Dieng Plateau. Apart from enjoying the views of the sprawling countryside from the 2000 m high peak, visitors come here in large numbers to rejuvenate in the hot springs. The scores of ancient Hindu temples are also a major drawcard, where devotees come to pay obeisance.

Immerse Yourself in the Charming Town of Siem Reap, Cambodia

The erstwhile empire of the Khmer regime boasts of some of the most incredible landscapes and finest of temples to be found anywhere in South East Asia. The quaint town of Siem Reap is not only the gateway to the renowned Angkor Wat group of temples, but has an inbuilt vibrancy of its own.

A must do activity in Siem Reap is the boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. The trip takes one past age-old jungle villages, bird sanctuaries with paddy fields in the background.

South East Asia is every traveller’s dream. It has everything one can wish for on any foreign trip. Great beaches, fantastic and cheap food and a plethora of temples and monuments to leave one satisfied for all time to come.