The region of Southeast-Asia has grown immensely in popularity over the last several years and for good reason. Catering to budget travelers seeking adventure and world exploration on a dime, Southeast-Asia is the perfect region for a good dose of culture shock and in-depth experiences that won’t break the bank. Regardless of your taste and budget, each country offers many unique opportunities that are sure to go beyond expectations! If you’re unsure of where to begin, here are our Tour Consultants 7 Ways to Explore Southeast Asia.

Thailand’s Top Three

Thailand is truly an all-encompassing Asian experience! Be a part of entrancing cultural experiences, viewing some of the world’s most beautiful religious shrines and temples, and experiencing floating markets where you can haggle over prices of tropical fruit, and ready-to-eat local fare. White sand beaches are contrasted by giant limestone cliffs, jutting up from the shores surrounded by turquoise waters. You may recognize the cliffs of James Bond Island, from ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. You may want to forgo the shaken martini however for a crisp local Singha Beer, it’s your call though.

Vietnam Essentials and Sapa Trekking

Explore Vietnam’s most scenic locales, through the islands of Halong Bay, the hills of Sapa, and excursions by boat along the Mekong Delta. Sapa comes alive during the weekend market when the local ethnic H’mong and Dao people trek from nearby villages to sell their wares. The region holds countless trails for walks and hikes to visit remote tribe villages, available at all ability levels. While on the Mekong Delta, you will witness a flurry of activity and commerce along its waters which are interspersed with seemingly endless rice fields, floating markets and isolated villages accessed only by boat.

Brief Cambodia

Siem Reap is a quaint and peaceful town in the north of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Rich in charm, it’s the perfect base from which to explore the region’s wonders. Tourism thrives in the shadow of the largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat; and on the edge of the largest fresh-water lake in South East Asia, the Tonle Sap Lake. If you plan on only being in Cambodia for a short time, this is a destination not to be missed. Beyond the archaeological attractions, lush green countryside rich with culture and tradition and shy but friendly locals welcome you with their warm smiles.

Laos Essentials and Plain of Jars

Vientiane is the laid back, and relatively small capital of Laos, with bustling markets, scenic tree-lined boulevards, Buddhist temples, and grand French colonial architecture. Spend time exploring the Xieng Khouang Province, which is host to the mysterious Plain of Jars, a collection of over 500 stone jars scattered around the area. In Luang Prabang you will visit some of the most famous temples in the world including Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Siphouthabath.

Temples and Pagodas with U Bein Bridge

In Yangon, you’ll experience a modern city standing side-by-side with such venerated sites as the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, Sule Pagoda and Shwedagon Paya ensures thrillingly anachronistic discoveries around every corner. A short drive to the Golden Rock Pagoda on Mt. Kyaikhtiyo puts you in the path of pilgrims to this essential location of the Buddhist faith. Your adventure winds down by visiting the traditional, and very active city of Mandalay, followed by a stop in Bagan where you need to make time for an awe-inspiring balloon ride over the seemingly endless sea of temples and pagodas.

Monkeys Galore in Indonesia

Bali and Kalimantan are two distinct islands, each with their own spectacular attractions. Leaving Bali, visit Kalimantan on the Indonesian side of Borneo with lush tropical forests and diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy a cruise atop a local “Klotok” and visit Rehabilitation Centers and Sanctuaries helping to preserve the endangered population of local orangutans. From the sanctuaries, spend a few nights onboard your boat in Kalimantan, viewing diverse, exciting wildlife by day and spending your nights surrounded by only the night sky and the jungle.

Complete Singapore and Malaysia

Malaysia and Singapore act as a cultural crossroads, soaking up the passing cultures and cuisines of China, India, Dutch and indigenous populations. After time in Singapore, enjoy a river journey north to Taman Negara National Park, before driving north To Cameron Highlands to explore the large undeveloped swath of rainforest and colonial-era team plantations. From there it’s onto Penang, before departing to Malaysian Borneo to enjoy a luxury wildlife excursion in Batang Ai. End your journey with a trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu to survey Malaysia and Singapore in its entirety.

After perusing our list of recommended sample itineraries and are feeling inspired, get in touch with our experienced Tour Consultants today to start building your Southeast Asia exploration!

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