Top 10 Must Visit Places In South East Asia

Where are the best places to visit in South East Asia? Here are my top 10 destinations to go to:

10. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

As you may have gathered from the other articles on this site, I much prefer nature over culture, but even I was left overawed by this magnificent and ancient Buddhist testament.

An iconic and absolutely magical place, it fills your soul with positive energy and serenity. You may even feel a bit like Indian Jones or Lara Croft as you walk around the many temple ruins.

The largest religious monument in the world is the must see attraction in Cambodia.

9. Pai, Thailand

The ultimate chilled out backpacker town – one of those places where you say “I’ll stay for a few more nights”, and end up staying for a few more weeks.

Pai has an alternative vibe and nightlife, set in an idyllic mountain valley – a great place to reflect on life in a hammock.

Most people hire scooters whilst in Pai as they are so cheap and there are plenty of places to go to in the area, including natural hot springs and waterfalls.

8. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

An idyllic set of tropical islands – if it wasn’t for the vast amount of tourists here, it would be my number one in this list.

The islands shot to prominence after the movie ‘The Beach’, staring Leonardo Di Caprio was filmed at Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Ley. After that of course a place this beautiful is going to become very popular.

Not to worry though, there are many other islands to Phi Phi that provide that iconic image of Thailand, with stunning limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, warm turquoise waters, white beaches and longtail boats. The islands provide some brilliant snorkelling and dive spots too.

7. Bokeo Province, Laos

There are two reasons why I love Bokeo. Firstly the Mekong; a truly iconic river and its at its brilliant best here. It is hard to describe what makes it stand out, but I have never felt so at ease and content with life, then when sitting on its banks at sunset, sipping on an ice cold beer.

Mainly though its Bokeo’s thick, lush and untouched jungle that makes this place so special. Whilst trekking through the dense rainforest my guides carried rifles to protect me from the Elephants, Tigers, Leopards and Bears that call this place home. I spent that night in a tree house in the heart of this immense jungle, where I have never felt more at one with nature.

6. Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Home to the infamous Full Moon Party and surely one of the best party destinations in the world.

Nowadays there is a party everyday of the week on Koh Pha Ngan, but the island really comes to life in the days leading up to the Full Moon Party – so time your trip well.

However people often overlook the other side of Koh Pha Ngan. Literally on the other end of the island from Haad Rin (the full moon party beach), lies Haad Salad and Mae Hat, two of the best beaches in Thailand. They both provide excellent snorkelling and dive spots, as well as beautiful and peaceful, yet cheap, wooden bungalow accommodation.

5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This may be a controversial one – I wanted to add just one city to this list and went for Kuala Lumpur.

Yes Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh are more alive and vibrant, and certainly must visit places (particularly if you like being out of your comfort zone), but I found those cities to be more of places to experience than enjoy.

The reason I chose Kuala Lumpur is because of its diversity. There are some fantastic Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist monuments throughout the city, along with the highly impressive modern architecture of the Petronas Towers. This range of cultures means there are many different areas to the city and plenty of variety in foods to try.

There are some nice parks in the city, you can even find wild monkeys in some of them. If you can’t find them there, you are sure to find them at Batu Caves, a beautiful Hindu monument just outside the city.

Kuala Lumpur has fantastic air links too, so perhaps begin or end your trip in South East Asia here.

4. Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos was my personal favourite country in South East Asia. It is so peaceful, friendly, humble and strikingly beautiful – nowhere sums this up more than Luang Prabang.

This “city” is covered with some of the most beautiful temples and one of the best night markets in the region. The vibrant main town is surrounded by two rivers making it feel like an island. Nearby are some fantastic natural wonders, in the form of Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves.

3. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

The gem of Vietnam and one the most beautiful places in the world.

This maze of limestone islands in the middle of the sea is one of those must visit places before you die.

Ha Long Bay is one of the best and most spectacular places in the world to try rock climbing and abseiling – one of the scariest things I have ever done.

If that is too much for you, just take a cruise around the islands and stop off at the many hidden beaches; whilst there try some water sports or go swimming in the stunning emerald waters.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is wonderful place with plenty to see and do.

The city itself is surrounded by an ancient wall and moat; and is one of Thailand’s most cultural significant cities, with many temples and festivals along with a passion for Muay Thai boxing. The food and markets are another reason why people love this city so much.

The main draw though is it’s gateway to the jungles and mountains of Northern Thailand – great for trekking, mountain biking and bamboo rafting.

Interactions with elephants are popular here too, but I would advise against going on a trek and instead opt for visiting a rehabilitation centre, as these majestic animals are much better treated there.

There are also many hill tribes in the nearby mountains which you can visit and even stay in.

1. Ko Tao, Thailand

I very nearly stayed here forever and many people do.

Ko Tao is small tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand. Most of the island is uninhabited, making for some great walks and hidden beaches.

The main area is Hat Sariee; a sunset beach lined with restaurants, bars, guest houses and dive centres.

Like many people the main reason I came to Ko Tao was for the scuba diving, one the best and cheapest place in the world to start diving. There is something about the diving culture on Ko Tao that makes everyone so happy and relaxed – I think it is something to do with your daily routine…

… for eight days my routine was wake, eat, dive, eat, dive, eat, drink, sleep and repeat.

The perfect lifestyle. Many people stay and become full time dive instructors.