One of the most historically, culturally, and culinarily rich regions of the world is Southeast Asia, underappreciated as it may be in the mainstream of Western travel culture. In a seemingly small space, hundreds of millions of people and many distinct cultures live and thrive. To help you find your dream vacation to Southeast Asia, I have put together this list of four of the best Southeast Asia travel destinations in the upcoming year:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Topping off the list of where to visit in Southeast Asia is the largest city in southern Vietnam, a dynamic, exciting city that will leave you feeling exhilarated every day you spend. The country is also well-known as one of the family holiday destinations. It is filled with unique sights, from the motorcycle-filled roadways and some gorgeous, historical architectural works like the Notre Dame and the Central Post Office from the colonial era and breathtaking Buddhist temples that are even older, like the Giac Lam Pagoda.
While all of Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers, Ho Chi Minh City blends Vietnamese, French, and other international influences like no other, whether you are visiting a fancy restaurant or a humble, local place. Not to mention the wonderful, tropical weather and how amazingly inexpensive the city is; If you like a high-energy life, you hav to see HCM City.
Brunei
While I will mostly be naming cities, Brunei is such a small country that it seems suitable to write it in by itself. Occupying a small portion of the island of Borneo, the entire country has a population 1/20th the size of Ho Chi Minh City. The nation is a quiet, peaceful alternative to the massive hard-partying, fast-living cities of Southeast Asia and you will be sure to enjoy a markedly relaxing experience. You can travel across the country quite easily and see such historic locations as Kampong Ayer, an old water village where all the houses rest on stilts and where a gallery dedicated to the fascinating history of the area lays.
Krabi, Thailand
The best places to stay in Krabi are near the beach. Some resort hotels offer and family-friendly rooms. Some hotels offer an ideal mix of natural surroundings and modern luxury. Swimming in a hotel pool is also a relaxing way to enjoy the warm climate. Bathing in the sea brings you into contact with the amazing coastline. Either way, your view will include feathery palm trees and the stunning rock formations that this region is famous for.
There are plenty of things to do in Krabi, including watersports, Thai boxing and rock climbing. After a day of activities, most visitors are happy to sit back and admire the sunset. Relaxing poolside drinks and delicious local food make Krabi another great holiday destination.
Vientiane, Laos
Before finishing this list with the top party destination in Southeast Asia, I will scratch off another unconventional, underappreciated option; Vientiane, Laos. Landlocked Laos is an interesting, adventurous option for travel; it is not so famous as its’ neighbor, Vietnam and the massive cities therein, but there is much to appreciate in the deltas and river islands that can be found throughout the country. It has a unique cultural tradition and a beautiful, syncretic architectural style that combines French and Buddhist traditions.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is one of the most exciting, dynamic tourist hubs on the planet. It boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, extremely fair weather, and excellent opportunities for shopping and getting lost in the local culture. One thing to do in Koh Samui Thailand is to enjoy Chaweng Beach, the largest, most heavily accommodated beach on the island or to go for a stroll at a popular night market and see if anything catches your eye. Good food in Koh Samui is plentiful, one of the famous places is Beach Republic, where you can pick up a delicious meal and enjoy brunch on Lamai Beach, the quieter, more peaceful little sister of Chaweng Beach.
Deciding the best time to go to Southeast Asia is actually a bit complex. The seasons of Southeast Asia are diverse and foreign compared to the steady summer-winter cycle of the global North. Two beautiful Thai islands in close proximity have almost opposite seasons, and each is suitable for travel primarily when the other isn’t. To visit Koh Samui, April to September and January to March are the best times, but they are interrupted by a terrific rainy season.
Every month of the year, there is a great place in Southeast Asia enjoying wonderful weather, so do not hesitate, and book a trip to the region for your next holiday.
