South east asia

Beautiful South East Asia is a popular destination for first-time travellers, and for good reason. The beaches are beautiful, the climate (usually) warm and inviting, the food is delicious, the landscapes are varied, and the locals are incredibly friendly. 

When you’re exploring South East Asia, it’s also worth getting to know the local culture and history as much as possible. This part of the world has a complex past and many local traditions and learning about them can help you be a more responsible traveller.

If you’re interested in exploring South East Asia, I’ve got plenty of blog posts to help you out! 

THAILAND

Affectionately known as ‘the land of the smiles’, Thailand has so much to offer tourists. It has a distinctive culture, world-renowned cuisine, beautiful beaches and sprawling temple complexes.

Enjoy the bustling capital of Bangkok, take a train north and see temples and elephants around Chiang Mai, go island hopping and diving.

Whether you’re into culture, nature, food or nightlife, there’s something for you in wonderful Thailand!

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Asia Thailand Beach

CAMBODIA

Famous for the sprawling temple complex of Angkor Wat, Cambodia attracts countless visitors every year. Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world, but there are thousands more beautiful temples to explore in the country. 

Parts of Cambodia’s past are very sad, and you can learn about them in Phnom Penh. However, it’s a country that is pushing toward the future, and by supporting sustainable and responsible travel companies, you can help its industries grow. 

I recommend trying some Kampot Pepper, buying some locally-made cotton or silk and staying at local guesthouses while you’re in Cambodia!

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LAOS

Laos is the often-forgotten country in South East Asia – but in reality, there is so much here. I spent a month travelling around the country, and could have easily stayed for another. 

Laos is known for the beautiful mountains of Vang Vieng and quiet temples of Luang Prabang. But it’s worth getting to know the country more, seeing the waterfalls of Pakse, Kong Lor cave, going climbing at Thakek and learning about UXOs in Vientiane. 

There’s so much that will surprise you about Laos! 

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VIETNAM

Vietnam is a country that’s becoming increasingly well-known, mainly for its epic scenery and delicious food. 

Scenery-wise, you can’t miss the Mekong Delta, the world’s largest caves at Phong Nha, the rice terraces of Sa Pa and Ha Long Bay. 

Also, take some time to soak in the culture in the towns and cities! Vietnam has a fascinating history, and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An all have their own unique atmosphere. 

Truth be told, I mainly visit Vietnam for the food. Think bowls of steaming hot pho, bahn mi sandwiches made with crusty bread and delectable fillings, and spring rolls made fresh to order. 

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MALAYSIA

From city to countryside, there’s plenty to love in Malaysia. The country prides itself on its cultural harmony, and it’s somewhere where you can learn about different religions and ways of life. Cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Melaka all have dynamic pasts, with plenty of historical houses and places of worship to visit. 

Malaysia does nature too. Go scuba diving on the east coast, trek in the jungle, traverse rice terraces in the Cameron Highlands or just bask on the beaches of Langkawi. 

And don’t miss trying the food. Malaysia’s cuisine is seriously underrated. It takes influences from the many groups that have settled here over the years, with some components that are uniquely Malay. 

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SINGAPORE

There’s nowhere quite like Singapore. This island state is tiny, but it is also one of the wealthiest countries in the world. 

You can see a lot of Singapore in 2 days, but there are also plenty of offbeat attractions if you’d like to see the city a little deeper.

But make sure you don’t miss the places that make Singapore famous. Stroll around the Gardens by the Bay, take a walk in the Botanical Gardens, grab a coffee in Haji Lane and pay a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic temple. 

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INDONESIA

Indonesia is made up of over 17,500 islands. It’s the largest archipelago in the world, and it would take a lifetime to see it all! 

But it’s well worth seeing what you can. Many tourists start in the Hindu island of Bali, known for its wealth of attractions, beautiful accomodation and friendly people.

From Bali, you can head east towards Lombok and Flores, which is famous for Komodo dragons and surreal marine life. Alternatively, see the popular volcanoes of Java and the jungle of Sumatra. 

Then, there are plenty more islands to explore! Sulawesi, Sumba and Maluku are just some of them. One things for sure – you won’t just have one trip to Indonesia!

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The Philippines

It’s more fun in the Philippines! the tourism board proudly proclaims, and they are probably right. From scuba diving to mountain trekking, five star hotels to jeepney rides in busy cities, there’s so much to enjoy in this archipelago. 

With over 7,500 islands, there’s a colossal amount to explore here as well. The Philippines is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class diving and  hospitable people. 

Many tourists stick to the main islands, like Palawan and Cebu, but it’s well worth visiting some less touristy places. You might get the beach to yourself! 

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