Southeast Asian Travel Guide

The Southeast Asian region consists of 11 countries: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. The total area is approximately 4.57 million square kilometers, with Laos being the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia.

Thailand

Thailand has abundant tourism resources, ranging from southern islands to northern mountain cities, offering opportunities for outdoor activities, culinary delights, shopping, and entertainment. Thailand's tourism industry is well-developed, with various cities offering diverse experiences. Additionally, the cost of living is moderate, making it the top choice for many international travelers.

Cambodia

Cambodia, with its world-famous Angkor Wat, boasts exceptional tourism attractions. However, aside from Angkor, other regions offer relatively ordinary travel resources. The capital, Phnom Penh, and the southern city of Sihanoukville are also relatively subdued in terms of tourism activities, and the cost of living is relatively high compared to local standards.

Laos

Laos is a relatively niche travel destination, with Luang Prabang being a focal point, known for its artistic and cultural ambiance. Vang Vieng offers various outdoor activities such as rock climbing, river tubing, and more.

Vietnam

Vietnam has a long, narrow shape from north to south, with different cities offering unique characteristics. The drawback is that transportation may not be very convenient. Vietnamese cuisine tends to be somewhat uniform, with fewer options compared to some other countries in the southern part of the Indochina Peninsula. However, prices are relatively affordable.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a country overshadowed by the radiance of Bali. Bali is incredibly famous, but in reality, Indonesia offers a wide variety of experiences. Just on Java Island alone, you can explore numerous routes, including the second-largest city, Surabaya, the majestic Bromo volcano, the unique blue flames of Ijen volcano, and the city of Yogyakarta, home to one of Southeast Asia's three wonders. Forget about Bali; Indonesia is worth delving deeper into.

Myanmar

Myanmar is a country I personally love. It's a less mainstream destination with a rich history and a natural, primitive atmosphere that takes you back to Thailand 20 years ago. Exploring the city of Bagan with its thousands of pagodas, sitting beneath the teakwood bridge in Mandalay, waiting for the sunset, and paddling a green boat on Inle Lake – these are just a few of the experiences you can have. Myanmar may lag behind in various aspects, but it's precisely this rustic charm that embodies the most primitive characteristics of Southeast Asia. The humble people and the unspoiled relics are all captivating features of the country.

Malaysia

Malaysia, located next to Singapore, is divided into West Malaysia and East Malaysia. It offers a wide range of natural landscapes and cultural history. West Malaysia, radiating from the capital Kuala Lumpur, includes places like Malacca, Penang, and Langkawi. East Malaysia, particularly Sabah, is a renowned holiday destination known for its sea-based activities. Overall, the cost of living in Malaysia is not high, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers.

Singapore

Singapore has relatively high prices and primarily caters to family-oriented activities. Sentosa Island offers several days of entertainment, while adult tourism is focused mainly on recreational attractions.

Philippines

The Philippines is all about islands and more islands. If you love the ocean, enjoy diving and water activities, then the Philippines is a worthwhile choice. However, compared to Thailand and Malaysia with their mature tourism infrastructure, the facilities on Philippine islands may be relatively limited. Boracay and Palawan are generally the top choices for first-time visitors.