Top Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Be it the virgin beaches or the most unusual hills, Southeast Asia is a group of diverse countries located between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean which offers you everything and has got it all for you. The destination of South-East Asia is a mixture of Chinese and Western culture and is also influenced by Indian culture. They are known for their perfect beaches, tasty cuisine, and good air network. These regions include prominent Buddhist countries in the world, populous Muslim countries in the world, and also different communities. Southeast Asia offers you an adventurous trip if you want to track through the jungle, and it offers you to dive into the world’s best coral reefs. Apart from this, what makes this destination great is that this can be easily explored in a week. So, there is no need to convince your boss because you will be back from this paradise before they know. Here we have shortlisted the top 24 destination in Southeast Asia. Add them into your bucket list.

Singapore


Being famous as global financial center, Singapore is the most densely populated place in the world which has an amazing airport with a waterfall, and a botanic garden within it, which is a World Heritage Site. You can explore the whole new world at Singapore change airport, from Marina Bay sand to Night safari and sea aquarium. Technologically thriving and a well-developed city Singapore is a famous destination in Southeast Asia. Whether you want to go on a sweet gateway with your partner or want to go on a holiday with your family, Singapore can be a perfect destination.

Best time to visit: February to May

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How to reach: Changi Airport is the main airport which is connected by all major airlines.

Top attractions: Universal Studios, Singapore Flyer & more.

Suggested Duration: 5-6 days

Currency: Singapore Dollar

Language: Malay, English, Chinese.

Brunei


We believe that good thing comes in small packages. Brunei is that same small package that will fill you with joy. Brunei is one among the 11 countries in Southeast Asia which must visit. This country is famous for pangolin, and it will surprise you with its amazing landscape along with flora and fauna. If you hate crowd and wants to skip the hustle and bustle of the city, Brunei could be a perfect destination.

Best time to visit: January-May, June-September

How to reach: Brunei has a direct flight from Bangalore and Mumbai

Top attractions: Muara Beah, National Park,

Suggested Duration: 7-8 days

Currency: Brunei Dollar

Language: Brunei Malay

Timor-Leste


One of the most unheard destinations in Southeast Asia is Timor-Leste. The offbeat locations of Timor-Leste make it intriguing to visit. This amazing third-world country has unheard culture and tradition, that will welcome you with its lush flora and rich experience. This place is often considered a heaven for divers and if you love underwater sports activities, this place is for you. Due to its picturesque beaches, it is also a famous honeymoon destination in Asia.

Best time to visit: April-July

How to reach: Dili (capital of Timor-Leste) is well connected with Denpasar and Bali

Top attractions: Jaco Island, Dili

Suggested Duration: 8-9 days

Currency: United State Dollar

Language: Tetun, Portuguese

Koh Samui Thailand


One of the most famous destinations in Southeast Asia is Koh Samui Island, which is a beloved destination among backpackers. The high-end resorts, posh spas, and beautiful beaches attract a number of tourists every year. Islands are well developed and clean and full of water activities such as sailing, scuba diving, and swimming. Koh Samui has many famous beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai beaches, and some other hidden lakes such as Ang Thong National Park. You will get several ferries that will connect the mainland with the island. Thai New year is one of the best festivals that everyone should attend which is celebrated between 13 April to 15 April.

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Best time to visit: December to February

How to reach: Koh Samui is well connected to Thailand airport.

Top attractions: Scuba Diving, National Park, Beaches

Suggested Duration: 4-5 days

Currency: Thai Baht

Language:  Thai

Bagan, Myanmar


Bagan is famous for its temple and this city has still over 2000 temples remaining. Almost every temple of Bagan’s temples can be found within the Bagan Archaeological Zone which has a fixed entry ticket costing the U.S. $15. Temples of Bagan are active Buddhist places of worship and visitor pay respect to them by removing their shoe before entering. You can have the best view of these temples from a high vantage point. Having a hot air balloon ride over 2000 feet in the air, at the time of sunrise create the best condition for viewing Bagan’s temple plain. Ananda Temple and Dhammayangyi Temple is famous temple of Bagan.

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Best time to visit: October to April

How to reach: Bagan is well connected with air connectivity from Kolkata.

Top attractions: Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi temple.

Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

Currency: Myanmar Kyat

Language:     Burmese

 Angkor Wat, Cambodia


Angkor Wat is best known for its culture which is a mixture of Chinese and colonial architecture which will give you a pleasant vibe. This city is the gateway to the Angkor region. In the countryside of Angkor Wat, you can see vibrant café cultures and modern clubs. Angkor wat has a famous War Museum and The Cambodia Landmines Museums and Relief center which tell us about the landlines and their impact on Cambodia. This museum covers the involvement of Cambodia in several wars. If you are in Angkor Wat, you can explore nearby markets like Psah Chas and you can have fresh local cuisine and many more.

Best time to visit: November to Mid-April

How to reach: Angkor Wat is well connected with Vietnam and Thailand

Top attractions: Cafes, Museum, etc

Suggested Duration: 4-5 days

Currency: Cambodian Riel

Language: Khmer

Boracay, Philippines


Boracay is a small island which is located in the central Philippines. This small, beautiful island is known for its beaches and resorts. Boracay has white beaches which are backed by palm trees, restaurants, and bars. At Bulabog Beach you can experience strong winds which make it a hub for water sports. Crimson and Piccolo are some resorts which are famous and luxurious resorts in Boracay where you can spend quality time with your family.

Best time to visit: December to April

How to reach: the Philippines is well connected with Delhi and Kolkata, with Thailand as a layover. 

Top attractions: White Sand Beaches

Suggested Duration: 5-6 Days

Currency: Philippine peso

Language: Filipino, English.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam


Ha, Long Bay is an archipelago (groups of islands) that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. These islands are not normal islands but monolithic cliffs on which you cannot walk, and they are covered in green lush jungles. A massive cave named Dau Go cave is a major tourist attraction that has three main chambers, and rock paintings on it. Many islands of Ha Long Bay have their own enclosed lake within them. Vinpearl and Premier Village are famous spas in this place. If you are looking for a famous tourist destination in Southeast Asia, then Ha Long Bay could be a good option.

Best time to visit: October to December

How to reach: Vietnam is well connected with flights from Kolkata and Delhi airport.

Top attractions:  Beaches, Cuisine

Suggested Duration: 7-8 Days

Currency: Vietnamese Dong

Language: Khmer, Chinese, French

 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the world’s largest shopping center, and it is the cultural and financial heart of the nation. Utama is its famous shopping plaza which is spread over an area of 5,590,000 square feet containing 713 stores and its modern skyline is 451-meter-tall twin towers which are a pair of glass-steel-clad skyscrapers with Islamic architecture. The famous twin towers offer a public sky bridge and observation deck to tourists. Kuala Lumpur is also home to British-era colonial buildings such as the Kuala Lumpur railway station and Sultan Samad building.


Best time to visit: June to August, December to January

How to reach: Kula Lumpur is well connected with a number of flights from Delhi and Kolkata

Top attractions: Chinese New Year, Wesak Days, Shopping center.

Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

Currency: Malay Ringgit

Language: Malay, Bhasa Malasiya

Laos


Laos is a small village that is surrounded by villages that together form the UNESCO Town of World Heritage site. Laos offers you a mixture of rural, French colonial, and its own religious architecture. Its villages are the most beautiful and most visited places in the world. Laos is known for its 400 years old Buddhist temple namely Xiang Thong and Wat Mai, which was once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism. If you love adventures and tracking, then you can explore the lush greenery of the jungles with miles of hiking trails that lead you from the gorgeous waterfalls and limestones caves on the way. Khao Niew is the main cuisine of the Loas which we believe that everyone should try. It’s probably the first home-cooked dish that a woman learned from her grandmother.

Best time to visit: November to March

How to reach: Laos is well connected by flight from Bangkok.

Top attractions: Kuang si waterfall, Vientiane City, Waterfalls

Suggested Duration: 4- days

Currency: Lao Kip

Language: Lao language

Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Ubud


Another famous offbeat destination in the row is the Tegalalang Rice terrace located in Ubud which is famous for its beautiful scenery of rice paddies and its innovative irrigation system known as Subak. If you are a painter and nature lover, then this place is for you. You can see numerous art kiosks and cafes nearby. Pakudui is a small village located near the Tegalalang which is dominated by craftsmen, and it is a great place to see the local talents. In this beautiful village, you will find an amazing variety of ornamental and woodwork carvings. You can have some good restaurants nearby which will offer you local cuisine.

Best time to visit: March-April, September-October

How to reach: Ubud is well connected to Bali International Airport. You can get here by hiring a taxi from Airport.

Top attractions: Monkey Forest, Saraswati temple, Ridge walk, Paddy field.

Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

Currency:     Indonesia Rupiah

Language: Balinese language

Kota Kinabalu



If you are looking for a top destination in Southeast Asia that is also away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city then Kota Kinabalu is the perfect destination for you. Apart from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu is the only place in Malaysia that has it all for you. It’s a bustling market, beaches, and mosques with extraordinary architecture are the top attraction of the city which make it one of the best places to visit. Your trip to this place will be soul-satisfying. As this place has so many things to offer, you will never get bored of this place.

Best time to visit: January to March

How to reach: You can reach Kota Kinabalu by flight which is a distance of a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Kula Lumpur.

Top attractions: Mt. Kinabalu, Luxury resorts, Atkinson clock tower, Treehouse.

Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

 Taman Negara


Taman Negara is situated in the Titiwangsa Mountains in Malaysia, and it is a paradise for those who are nature lovers. Generally, people have stereotyped Malaysia that it has a modern landscape, but this place can be an image breaker as this place will give you a taste of Malaysia’s Nature bounty. It is believed that Taman Negara is the world’s oldest rainforest. If you are scorching your head that where to go this year in Southeast Asia, then this could be the perfect location for you.

Best time to visit: February to September

How to reach: This place is at 4 hours driving distance from Kula Lumpur.

Top attractions: Wildlife exploration, jungle walk, Mount Tahan.

Suggested Duration: 2-3 days

Chiang Mai Thailand


Chiang Mai is a beautiful town which is located in northern Thailand. This city is believed to be a paradise on earth for both adventure lovers as well as shopaholics person. Chiang Mai has a lot to offer you, from Thai Massage to Thai cuisine, and water activities, there is a lot more to do here. You can explore this city not only during the daylight but also after the sunset. Considering the recent trend of the tourist, Chiang Mai is gaining popularity as one the of best southeast Asia destinations.

Best time to visit: December to May

How to reach: Chaing Mai is located at a distance of 15 hours’ drive from Bangkok.

Top attractions: national Park, Snorkelling, Scuba diving, Namuang Waterfall.

Suggested Duration: 4-5 days

Currency: Thai Baht

Language: Thai language

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Phi-Phi Island Thailand


Phi-Phi Island is a top emerging destination in Southeast Asia which attract millions of tourist every year. If you want to spend some time in the lush green environment, then this is the perfect southeast Asian destination for you. The mesmerizing sandy beaches and the beautiful sunrise and sunset are something that is worth enjoying when you are on Phi-Phi Island. This is the perfect destination for the adventurous soul and if you love snorkelling and scuba diving, then pack your bag and move as this destination is made for you.

Best time to visit: November to April

How to reach: You can take a ferry or speedboat from Phuket to reach Phi-Phi Island.

Top attractions: Bamboo Island, Snorkelling, Sandy Beaches, and water sports.

Suggested Duration: 4 days

Currency: Thai Baht

Language: Thai language

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Philippines


If you want to explore something astonishingly new places in Southeast Asia, then pack your bag and head to the Philippines. Bohol is a small island located in the Central Visayas region and is best known for its chocolate hills and coral reefs along with its unique geological formations. If you want to go on a short trip and experience something new which is one of its kind, then don’t think too much as this destination is just for you. If you are on your Honeymoon, then too, this place is the perfect destination.

Best time to visit: November To April

How to reach: You can have a direct flight from Manila to Bohol Airport which is in Tagbilaran.

Top attractions: Chocolate hill, Cave, Panglao Island, Adventure Park

Suggested Duration: 3 days

Currency: Philippines Piso

Language: Filipino language

Penang, Malaysia



Penang is located in Malaysia where you can get a chance to view the amalgamation of different Asian cultures. Penang is popular for its modern culture and great environment while George Town is the main settlement of Penang. This lace offers you a world-famous carnival and artistic scene. When it comes to the most popular southeast Asia tourist place, Penang is at the top of the list. If you are planning to visit Malaysia in aril, make sure to taste the amazing cuisine and Malaysian culture.

Best time to visit: February – April, November to January

How to reach: Penang is easily accessible by road as well as air.

Top attractions: Penang Hill, The Blue Mansion, Temple

Suggested Duration: 3 days

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit

Language: Malay language

Inle lake


Inle lake in Myanmar is one of the perfect destinations in Southeast Asia. If you are in Myanmar, exploring Inle Lake is one of the best things to do there. Due to its majestic beauty and views, this second largest lake in Myanmar should be mentioned in the top places to visit in Southeast Asia. This lake is located in the southern part of Myanmar and the Intha community is living nearby the lake. These people lived in the small villages or on the floating house on the lake itself. Intha people lived a very simple life and their main source of livelihood is fishing and selling vegetables and fruits. Not just in Myanmar, but we believe that Inle lake is one of the most beautiful places to go in Southeast Asia.

Best time to visit: June to October

How to reach: Inle is at a distance of 30 hours from Yangon by train.

Top attractions: Monastery, Boating, houseboat, Kayan village

Suggested Duration: 2-3 days

Currency: Myanmar Riel

Language: Burmese

Phuket, Thailand


If you want to do nothing and relax on the beach, then Phuket is the perfect pick for you. Phuket comes on the list of top places to visit in Southeast Asia because of its beautiful beaches and stunning shores. Thailand is at the top of every traveler’s list and this island is one of the major reasons why Thailand is so amazing and attract millions of tourists every year. You can even plan your bachelor party in Phuket.

Best time to visit: December to March

How to reach: Phuket International airport is well connected to Kolkata airport.

Top attractions: Phuket Town, Seafood, Diving, Water sports, Beach hopping.

Suggested Duration:3 days

Currency: Thai Baht

Language: Thai language

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Myanmar


When it comes to beauty, Myanmar is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. Earlier known as Rangoon, this vibrant city has a lot to offer you. You can visit various temples and attend festivals whenever you are in Myanmar. If you are in a dilemma that whether to visit Yangon or not, then just remember that Yangon is one of the safest places to visit in Asia.

Best time to visit: November to February

How to reach: Yangon International Airport is well connected with flights throughout the globe.

Top attractions: Burmese cuisine, Inya Lake, National Museum, and many more

Suggested Duration: 4 days

Currency: Myanmar Kyat

Language: Burmese

Komodo Island


One of the offbeat locations of Southeast Asia is Komodo Island which is not so popular Jurrasic Park-like island. This island is located between the island of Sumbawa and Flores in the eastern part of Indonesia. Komodo Island is one of the cheap places to visit in Southeast Asia. Komodo Island is home to the famous giant monitor lizard apart from this it is a paradise for both nature and adventure lovers. Stop scorching your head and put this destination on your bucket list this year.

Best time to visit: April to December

How to reach: You can take a ferry or plane from Bali airport to reach Komodo Island.

Top attractions: Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Pulau kalong, and many more

Suggested Duration: 3 days

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah

Language: Javanese, Indonesian

Phnom Penh, Cambodia



Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia which attract lots of tourist during the month of November to March. Phnom Penh is one of Asia’s top visited cities and it is often considered a traveler’s paradise. If you want to ditch the crowd of this location makes sure to visit Phnom Penh in the month of May to October. You can enjoy a variety of cuisine while you are in Phnom Penh, and you can spend some time in a local café there. You can enjoy an exotic vacation here.

Best time to visit: November to March

How to reach: Phnom Penh International airport is well connected with the major airport in the Southeast Asian country.

Top attractions: Royal Palace, Backyard Café, Museum, Central Market

Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

Currency: Cambodian Riel

Language: Khmer

Bali, Indonesia


If you are in Bali and want to travel to a destination unknown, take a ferry and move to Lombok. This lesser-known picturesque island is unique in its own way. This island is similar to Bali before the tourism boom came. Lombok offers you plenty of options. It is home to Indonesia’s second largest volcanic peak named Mount Rinjani. This breathtaking island is a treasure trove of natural beauty which will give you a lifetime experience. Apart from this, this virgin island offers you underwater sprots activities. As this location is Bali’s next door, pack your bag and move to Lombok as it will give you an awesome vacation in Indonesia.

Best time to visit: July to August

How to reach: Lombok is well connected with flights from Jakarta Internation Airport. It took 4 hours flight from there.

Top attractions: Hot spring, Mount Rinjani, Kuta Beach, Gili Trawangan

Suggested Duration: 3 days

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah

Language: Javanese, Indonesian

Java Indonesia


Java is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia as it reflects the history of art and architecture. It is a volcanic island of Indonesia located between Sumatra and Bali. Java is a geographic and economic center of Indonesia, and it is home to more than half the population of Indonesia. Borobudur Temple of Java is also one of its kind and attracts a number of pilgrims every year. This Mahayana temple traced its root to the 9th century AD and is deemed one of the most famous and prestigious temples in the world. Java Island holds Jakarta which is the capital city of the Country. Earlier this destination was not that popular, but over time, this island has grown into a tourist hub with its active volcanoes, lakes, monuments, market, and tea plantation.

Best time to visit: April to October

How to reach: Java is well connected with air connectivity from major cities of the world.

Top attractions: Sunset ad sunrise from the temple, Alam Pos Mati, Volcano, Borobudur temple.

Suggested Duration: 4 days

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah

Language: Javanese, Indonesian

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