If you ask ten travellers what the best places to visit in Southeast Asia are, you will likely get ten differing answers. Ask ten more; you will get even more variations on the theme. 

There are countless cool places in Southeast Asia to include on an itinerary, and we’re going to run through a few to help you plan your ideal Southeast Asian sojourn. Whether you want to immerse yourself in ancient temples or important places from more recent history; soak up some sun on tropical beaches or admire the panoramas from mountaintops; shop till you drop in modern megacities or mingle with ethnic minorities in the region’s remotest corners, there are plenty of places to go in Southeast Asia to make your trip one that you will never forget.

So, here’s a runthrough of the best Southeast Asian countries to visit and some of their top tourist destinations to help you find your dream itinerary for your next adventure…

1. Thailand

Best for: first-timers, solo travellers, beach lovers, foodies
Heads-up: some areas are very touristy, but authentic Thailand is one day of travel away
Best season: November to March (cool & dry)
Perfect paired with: Cambodia or Laos

Affectionately known as ‘The Land of Smiles’, Thailand has long been a favourite destination for visitors to Southeast Asia. While its southern islands offer idyllic beaches for relaxing and crystal-clear waters for snorkelling and scuba diving, its central and northern areas are awash with the history of one of the world’s few nations that have never been colonised. Bustling Bangkok – a modern capital with snippets of history tucked away throughout its sprawling streets – is a major international travel hub and the ideal gateway to the kingdom. After exploring the Grand Palace, temples, and megamalls, you can day trip to the UNESCO-listed ruins at Ayutthaya before heading further afield to the cooler north, with its hill tribes and lush mountains, before ending your trip watching the sun set over the Andaman Sea.

With Bangkok being home to the region’s busiest airport, not only is Thailand one of the best travel destinations in Southeast Asia in its own right, but it’s also a perfect point of entry to the whole region. You can fly in and out of Bangkok and take short and affordable flights to Siem Reap, Hanoi, or Mandalay. It’s also a convenient place to fly back home from if you fancy finishing your trip relaxing on tropical beaches, such as those near Krabi.

Bangkok

Built up around the Chao Phraya River, just before it flows into the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic cities.

The Grand Palace is one of the most visited locations within the city, and there are also plenty of well-known and lesser-known temples to explore. Ancient sites like Wat Arun and Wat Pho are ideal for visiting in the cooler mornings, while the air-conditioned megamalls offer superb shopping and welcome respite from the city’s heat in the afternoons. The Tha Prachan Amulet Market and Chatuchak offer more traditional shopping experiences, and there are several unique places to visit too, such as Bang Krachao Island and floating markets.

As you explore Bangkok, you can also keep your energy levels up with some of the best street food on the planet (including Michelin-starred options). Stalls selling pad Thai, som tam, and sticky rice are dotted throughout the city, and, in the more touristy areas, you can also snack on deep-fried insects, if you please.

You can uncover many of the delights of Bangkok by adding a few days to the end or beginning of your wider Thai adventure, or indeed, with Bangkok being easy to fly in and out of, to any Southeast Asian itinerary…

Chiang Mai and the Lanna North

The Lanna Kingdom, or the “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, ruled over present-day Northern Thailand from the 13th to the 18th centuries. This region of Thailand is known as the Thai Highlands today, due to its mountainous topography, and the city of Chiang Mai (Thailand’s second-largest city by population and a former capital of the Lanna Kingdom) is the region’s major hub. The cities of Chiang Rai and Nakhon Lampang are also in the Thai highlands, and between the three cities there is plenty of ancient Thai culture to delve into – as well as natural delights.

Chiang Mai, in addition to being a modern city with plenty to do, boasts an array of temples to explore. Wat Chedi Luang sits at the heart of Chiang Mai’s old quarter and is a great place to get a feel for ancient Thailand. The temple was once home to the Emerald Buddha, which is now housed in Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Chiang Rai’s best-known temple is known to tourists as the White Temple but is officially called Wat Rong Khun. The city is also famed for its incredible street food at the night bazaar, and the Mekong River lies close by.

Nakhon Lampang is a little less visited than its two neighbours and, as a consequence, offers a more authentic Thai city experience. It also has plenty of history to uncover and temples to wander around in the cooler northern climate.

Those wishing to explore Northern Thailand can check out the Thai Highlands highlights after a short domestic flight from Bangkok. The region also boasts Thailand’s tallest mountain, and the best way to refuel after a short trek to the summit is to sup a bowl of khao soi – Chiang Mai’s award-winning noodle soup dish.

Koh Lanta and the Andaman coast

While soaking up culture, history, and adventure can lead to a fulfilling holiday, soaking up some sun on a golden-sand beach as the sun sets behind the silhouette of Koh Phi Phi has its merits too. Thailand’s west coast and its exceptional natural beauty have featured in many a box office hit – from The Man With The Golden Gun to The Beach – and as well as making a great add-on to any Southeast Asian itinerary, it more than holds its own as a destination for your whole trip.

Airports in both Krabi and Phuket make travel from Bangkok quick and easy to the country’s Andaman Coast. You can spend a few days in Phuket, checking out Phang-Na Bay and James Bond Island, before hopping across to Koh Lanta via the Phi Phi Islands.

Koh Lanta is – to drop a cliché – a Thai hidden gem. It’s one of the lesser-known Thai islands, but its chilled vibe and quieter beaches make it a great option for a few days of relaxation at the end of a trip.

2. Vietnam

Best for: Culture vultures, history buffs, foodies
Heads-up: Crossing the road in the bustling cities can be ‘interesting’
Best season: March to April is generally better for the South, while September to November is the peak time for the North.
Perfect paired with: Cambodia or Laos

Situated on the opposite side of Cambodia and Laos to Thailand, the long and thin country of Vietnam stretches from Ho Chi Minh in the south up to Hanoi in the north, with over 1,000 kilometres of South China Sea coastline between the two cities. The country boasts an eclectic history and stunning natural wonders.

You can explore the country’s ancient past at places like the 11th-century Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long in Hanoi in the north, or My Son Sanctuary – a collection of red-brick ancient Hindu temples – near Da Nang. You can admire the French colonial architecture in Hanoi – sometimes nicknamed ‘Tropical Paris’ – by visiting Saigon Central Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City – formerly known as Saigon – also boasts several sites that are more pertinent to the country’s more recent history and the Vietnam War.

While there’s more than enough history and culture to take in, the country is also well-blessed with natural beauty. The south is home to the biodiverse Mekong Delta and sun-drenched Phu Quoc Island; the central region boasts the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha Cave; and the north is home to lush mountains and the myriad islands of Halong Bay.

Hanoi and the Northern Highlands

Hanoi serves as Vietnam’s capital and as the gateway to the Northern Highlands and Halong Bay. The northern city is famed for its Old Quarter around the labyrinthine ’36 Streets’ and its French colonial architecture. While wandering the streets, you can enjoy delicious street food while you sit back and build up the courage to cross one of the city’s busier streets.

Heading farther north from Hanoi, the hustle and bustle of the capital fades away as you move to more tranquil environs and the breathtaking scenery of Sapa and Ha Giang. The region’s highest mountain – Fansipan – rises above the lush rice paddies, and the Hmong and Red Dao hill tribes live in its shadow. The ethnic tribes and their markets offer a unique window into traditional rural highland life in all its colourful glory.

No northern journey is complete without heading east to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of limestone karsts rise dramatically from the emerald waters of the South China Sea.

Hoi An and Central Vietnam

The municipality of Da Nang is seen as the centre point of Vietnam. The areas around this central region offer plenty to see and do. Perhaps the crown jewel of the region is Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed ancient port town frozen in time. Famous for its yellow-hued traders’ houses, silk tailors, and hundreds of glowing silk lanterns, it offers a traditional and romantic atmosphere. My Son Sanctuary lies a short one-hour drive from Hoi An. Its ancient temple ruins date back to the Champa Kingdom and sit in a valley between two mountain ranges.

To the north of Hoi An lies the former imperial capital – Hue. The Complex of Hue Monuments is another of Vietnam’s many UNESCO-listed sites that offer insight into the country’s past. The complex consists of the Imperial City, the Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, and a string of temples, pagodas, and other spiritual sites. If you’re travelling on to or from Hanoi, you can also stop off and venture inside the world’s largest cave – Hang Son Doong – which is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

The Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta, known as the “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam, is a sprawling labyrinth of waterways where life revolves around the mighty Mekong River. Located in the country’s southwestern tip, this fertile region is a network of emerald paddy fields, fruit orchards, and stilt-house villages. The Delta region is famed for its iconic floating markets, such as Cai Rang, where vendors hawk everything from pineapples to hot noodle soup directly from their boats in a vibrant, early-morning ritual.

Cruising along the narrow, palm-fringed canals by traditional sampan offers an intimate look at rural Vietnamese life, where the pace is slow and the hospitality is legendary. After exploring the bountiful region where the Mekong flows into the sea, you can also make the short trip to Phu Quoc. The island sits at the northeastern corner of the Gulf of Thailand and is the perfect way to finish a Vietnam tour with a few days of sun-drenched relaxation on white-sand beaches.

3. Cambodia

Best for: history enthusiasts and temples
Heads-up: modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is required for Angkor Wat visitors
Best season: November to February (cool & dry)
Perfect paired with: Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos

While Angkor Wat is one of the best-known ancient structures on the planet, the rest of Cambodia has flown somewhat under the radar for many. The country has a lot more to offer than ‘just’ one of the world’s most iconic temple ruins. In the south, Cambodia’s Gulf of Thailand coastline is peppered with stunning white-sand islands and fringed with the lush Cardamom Mountains.

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat – which translates as ‘City of Temples’ – should feature in any Cambodian itinerary. The 278 temple sites can easily fill a number of days, but they are not the only ancient religious sites in Cambodia. Battambang, across Tonle Sap (Southeast Asia’s largest lake) from Siem Reap, also boasts a few temple sites as well as superb cuisine; it’s a UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy.

The northeast of the country is home to the remote provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. Here you can trek through the jungle and meet ethnic minority tribes in the villages. And in direct contrast, you can begin or end any exploration of Cambodia in its modern capital of Phnom Penh. In the capital you can take in a mix of older and newer history, with the sombre sites that recall the times of the Khmer Rouge a must-see.

Siem Reap and the Angkor temples

Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second city and the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. The city has a mix of French- and Chinese-styled architecture, and there’s plenty to see and do when not exploring the ancient ruins. Pub Street is great for food and drinks in the evening, and the night markets are ideal for souvenir hunting.

You can take in Angkor Wat’s main temple sites in as little as one day, but it’s perhaps a little better to aim for two or three days in Siem Reap if your schedule allows. Highlights include the stone faces of Bayon and the jungle-consumed ruins at Ta Prohm.

Sitting to the north of Tonle Sap Lake, after your temple exploration, you can also head to the lakeside floating villages to sip a cool drink with the lake’s breeze to help you cool down a little.

Battambang and Tonle Sap Lake

Battambang is a similarly sized city to Siem Reap and is known as Cambodia’s agricultural hub as well as for its arts and colonial atmosphere. You can also explore Angkor-era temple ruins from Battambang in a more tranquil and less crowded setting. Wat Banan and Wat Ek Phnom are well worth a visit.

Just outside the city, the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus school puts on world-class evening performances. The non-profit organisation was set up to help poorer families and their children, and as well as focusing on performing arts, Phare Ponleu Selpak also offers educational programmes in the community.

Battambang sits just around the northwestern tip of Tonle Sap Lake from Siem Reap. You can also visit floating markets and explore the wildlife around the lake’s shoreline. Tonle Sap is a designated UNESCO Biosphere site and boasts great biodiversity.

The remote provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri

If you’re looking to venture far from the madding crowds and off the beaten paths in Southeast Asia, then Cambodia’s northeastern provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri may be just what you are looking for. These remote provinces are characterised by red-dust roads, dense jungle, and dramatic waterfalls.

Mondulkiri is the heart of elephant conservation; we collaborate with and ethically support the local Bunong minority directly by organising excursions into the forest that allow visitors to encounter wild elephants in their natural habitat. In Ratanakiri, the primary draw is Yeak Laom, a near-perfectly circular volcanic crater lake with crystal-clear turquoise water. Both provinces are home to indigenous hill tribes, such as the Bunong at Pu Lung village, and the Kachok minority and their tribal cemeteries.

4. Laos

Best for: relaxed-paced travellers, waterfalls, and nature seekers
Heads-up: Life can move at a slower pace in Laos compared to its neighbours
Best season: November to January
Perfect paired with: Thailand, Cambodia or Laos

Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic or Lao PDR, is Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country. A former French colony, the cities of Laos, like Cambodia and Vietnam, bear hallmarks of French architecture and are relaxing to stroll around, especially Luang Prabang and the capital Vientiane.

Vang Vieng, along the Nam Song River, is a great place to visit for adventurous activities and lazing on the river. While in the country’s far north, the provinces of Oudomxay and Phongsaly provide the country’s best mountain experiences. This region is home to a complex tapestry of ethnic minority groups and ancient tea forests.

Heading farther south, the Bolaven Plateau is a fertile volcanic highland famous for its world-class coffee plantations and some of the tallest waterfalls in Southeast Asia, including the twin plumes of Tad Fane.

The Si Phan Don region, as you near the Cambodian border, is perfect for those seeking a slow place of life. The name translates as 4,000 islands, and it sits where the Mekong widens out and slows down. A visit here will show you why some people joke that the PDR in the country’s official name stands for ‘please don’t rush’…

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is seen as the cultural and spiritual centre of Laos. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage town is famous for its blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture. A key daily event is the morning alms-giving ceremony, when locals offer food to saffron-robed monks.

The town is small and walkable, centred around historic temples like Wat Xieng Thong. Most travellers take a half-day trip to Kuang Si Falls, a series of limestone pools known for their bright turquoise water. For views of the surrounding mountains and rivers, a climb up Mount Phousi at sunset is worth the effort. Evenings can be spent at the night market while nibbling on various street eats.

Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven Plateau is a high-altitude region of southern Laos, located mainly within Champasak Province. Famous for its cooler temperatures and fertile volcanic soil, it is the centre of the country’s coffee industry. Visitors can tour organic Arabica and Robusta plantations, many of which offer tastings and homestays.

The plateau is also well-regarded for its spectacular waterfalls. Tad Fane, a twin-stream waterfall plunging over 100 metres, is the most iconic, followed by the wide, powerful curtains of Tad Yuang. You can explore the region via the “Bolaven Loop”, a multi-day circuit starting from Pakse that is often undertaken by motorcycle. This route offers easy access to remote ethnic villages and lush jungle scenery, as you enjoy the cooler climate compared with the lower, more humid climes along the Mekong River.

The remote northern provinces of Oudomxay and Phongsaly

In the far north of Laos, close to the borders with China and Myanmar, you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the excellent trekking in the provinces of Oudomxay and Phongsaly. These northern provinces are also home to several ethnic hill villages nestled among the dramatic landscapes.

Phongsaly sits to the north of Oudomxay and borders Yunnan in China and Vietnam. The provincial capital, Phongsali, features narrow stone-paved streets and Chinese-style architecture, reflecting its cross-border history. This region is also famed for its 400-year-old tea forests and its mist-shrouded mountain peaks. Travelling here is slow and challenging due to the terrain, but it provides unparalleled insights into traditional hill-tribe life.

5. Myanmar

Best for: intrepid travellers, temple lovers, and cultural purists
Heads-up: some areas are off-limits due to civil unrest
Best season: November to February
Perfect paired with: Thailand

Visiting Myanmar at the moment is a complex choice, defined by a sharp contrast between its breathtaking cultural heritage and a difficult political landscape. Its central area, including Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake, remains largely accessible for foreign tourists. The key to a successful visit is to lean on a knowledgeable local guide. At In Asia Travel we’ve been on the ground in Myanmar for years: we understand the nuances of the current security climate, know which routes are safe for travel, and can build trips that include meaningful interactions with local communities.

In Bagan, you can still witness thousands of ancient pagodas dotting the plains, while Inle Lake offers a look at unique stilt-house villages and traditional fishing techniques. Yangon, the former capital sometimes known as Rangoon, is famous for its huge gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda and its ageing British-colonial downtown area and is the country’s bustling commercial heart. Mandalay, the final royal capital, serves as the cultural centre, famous for the teak U Bein Bridge, traditional workshops, and the marble-carved Buddhas of Kuthodaw Pagoda.

Bagan and Chin State

Bagan lies to the southwest of Mandalay and is famed for being one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 2,000 Buddhist monuments scattered across a vast plain alongside the Irrawaddy River. It can be explored by e-bike, with sunset and sunrise being the best time to snap iconic photographs as the mist mingles among the stupas.

For mountain lovers, Chin State to the west is a great destination. It borders India and Bangladesh to the west, and as well as offering superb trekking, it also boasts excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Its cooler climate offers comfortable conditions for trekking and meeting the local ethnic tribes.

Inle Lake and Shan State

Inle Lake sits in the southwestern corner of Shan State, about halfway between Mandalay and Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai. It too is a mountainous region and is also famed for its sublime trekking and diverse ethnic groups. The lake itself is famous for the Intha people, who live in stilt-house villages and employ a unique leg-rowing technique to navigate the floating gardens – using one leg to stand on the boat and the other to work the paddle.

The two-day trek west from the lake to Kalaw is a must-do for avid walkers. The trek overnights in Nguh Village and takes in rolling hills and tea plantations along the way. Farther east within Shan State, you can also trek up to the old British Hill Station at Loi Mwe. Near the Thai-Myanmar border and close to 1,600 metres above sea level, the cooler air makes for excellent trekking conditions as you stroll through rice fields towards the station.

Yangon and the Golden Rock

Yangon is Myanmar’s former capital and its largest city. It’s seen as the gateway to the country and is known for its crumbling British-colonial architecture, vibrant street food stalls, and the serene Kandawgyi Lake. But perhaps the biggest pull is the Shwedagon Pagoda. This 99-metre-tall, gold-plated stupa dominates the city skyline and serves as the nation’s spiritual heart.

Another of the country’s most sacred sites lies a few hours’ drive east from Yangon. The Golden Rock, with Kyaiktiyo Pagoda sitting atop it, is also a true icon of Myanmar. This huge granite boulder, covered in layers of gold leaf applied by devotees, appears to defy gravity as it balances precariously on the edge of a cliff. Reaching the summit involves a steep, exhilarating truck ride up the mountain, where you can mingle with local pilgrims as they chant and burn incense en route.

Ready to plan your Southeast Asia trip?

Southeast Asia is a stunning part of our planet. And while there’s far too much to discover in one trip, the fact that it is a compact corner makes packing a lot into an itinerary a little easier. As a local tour operator throughout the region, we have several ready-made itineraries that cover the region, and we also specialise in putting together bespoke tours that make sure you get to see everything that you wish to. Whether you want to focus your trip on one Southeast Asian country or border hop across a couple of them, drop us a message if you want some advice on putting together your dream Southeast Asian itinerary…