Southeast Asia is filled with places that are amazingly beautiful. From white sandy beaches to magnificent architectures, and from delicious cuisines to interesting cultures, Southeast Asia has so much to offer as a travel destination. Here are 8 beautiful places in Southeast Asia that you should visit at least once in a lifetime.
1) Angkor, Cambodia
Located in Siem Reap, the ancient city of Angkor attracts more than two million visitors a year. Not surprising at all given its breathtaking temple complex that spans across 400 square kilometers and houses more than a thousand temples. The magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire has so much to discover. Its wonderful architectures and beautiful sculptural decorations will leave you in awe. Especially when the sun is right on top of the pinnacle of Angkor Wat.
2) Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay is about that natural beauty where thousands of islets tower across its emerald water. One of the most popular activities at Halong Bay is of course to cruise among the breathtaking limestone formations of various sizes and shapes. Also known as the bay of descending dragons, the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay usually attracts the most visitors during the peak season starting from May to early August.
3) Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
Located in Quảng Nam Province, this charming little town is unlike the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Hoi An has a tranquility and timelessness that attracts visitors from all over the world. Originated as an important trade center from the 15th to 19th century, local and foreign traders have left their marks with numerous buildings that make up an exceptionally well-preserved ancient town with diverse influences.
4) Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is an ancient city located in the Mandalay region of Myanmar and it is the home to one of the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world. Imagine thousands of temples lunging out of the Bagan plains under the marigold ray of light. This is what most people head there for and it is one of those places you should not miss in your lifetime.
5) Boracay Island, Philippines
Boracay is famous for being one of the world’s top destinations for relaxation. The top drawing factor is no other than its infamous white sandy beach. Whether it be laying on the beach, water sports or partying, Boracay has something for everyone. The best time to visit Boracay would be from November to May. We recommend you to go Boracay with a bunch of friends for leisure activities such as helmet diving, sailing, kite-boarding, cliff diving and many more.
6) Palawan, Philippines
Palawan, an island province of Philippines, is gradually gaining attention from international travelers. We can understand why since the island boasts many splendid attractions such as Puerto Prinsesa Subterranean River, Tubbataha Reef National Park and numerous beach destinations like El Nido, Coron and Busuanga to name a few. The highlight would be the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has a karstic landscape and “mountain-to-sea” ecosystem.
7) Krabi Islands, Thailand
While Krabi is a province lays in the southern Thailand, most people refer Krabi to its beautiful islands, clear blue sea and attractive limestone formations lunging out of the sea. Ideal for relaxation, activities at Krabi include snorkeling, rock climbing and island hopping. Personally, Krabi is about relaxing at the beach, soaking in the sun and admiring the wondrous natural beauty of limestone formations. Something everyone should experience once in a lifetime.
8) Luang Prabang, Laos
This UNESCO World Heritage site which comprises of a small town is not just about french colonial buildings and Buddhist temples, it is also about experiencing its local culture. Beyond its quiet temples, Luang Prabang is famous for its alms procession, a daily morning ritual in which monks clad in saffron robes take donations of food. A trip to Luang Prabang is not complete without a day trip to the Kuang Si Waterfalls which boasts crystal clear turquoise water that is suitable for that ultimate wild swimming experience.
