Top 8 Must-See Destinations in Southeast Asia

01 of 08

Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia boasts over 13,000 islands, with Bali being the most sought-after destination. Bali merges hospitable locals, a captivating culture, and stunning beaches that entice surfers, divers, and leisure-seekers alike. Despite the influx of tourists, you can still find a serene environment here, making it a prime location for international travelers.

This heavenly destination is located only two kilometers (1.2 miles) east of Java. Tourists typically arrive at Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, coming from other Indonesian cities or major urban centers like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, and Amsterdam.

02 of 08

Angkor Temples, Cambodia

Once the heart of a powerful empire, Angkor spans over 200 square miles, revealing remnants of the Khmer Empire’s ancient capitals built between the 9th and 15th centuries CE. Here, you’ll encounter the intricately carved Bayon Temple, the tree-covered Ta Prohm, and the breathtaking Angkor Wat, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Situated just 20 minutes north of Siem Reap, the Angkor ruins are accessible by car or motorcycle. Fly into Siem Reap’s Angkor International Airport from various cities, including Seoul, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phnom Penh.

03 of 08

Tubbataha Reef, Philippines

If the underwater Garden of Eden existed, it would resemble Tubbataha Reef, located 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Esteemed among seasoned divers, Tubbataha features stunning coral walls teeming with diverse marine life, including manta rays, clownfish, and Hawksbill turtles. Above water, the reef serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds.

With over 1,000 marine species, many of which are endangered, Tubbataha Reef is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To visit, enthusiasts can find dive operators in Puerto Princesa or surrounding regions. Travelers typically access Puerto Princesa from Manila using local airlines like Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines.

04 of 08

Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

For those seeking adventure, climbing Mount Kinabalu, the third-highest mountain in Southeast Asia, presents an exhilarating challenge. While specialized training isn’t required, the journey might be strenuous due to the altitude. Rising approximately 13,400 feet, the mountain can be reached within four hours if one is determined.

However, there is much more to appreciate. Mount Kinabalu is home to impressive biodiversity, featuring over 600 species of ferns and 326 species of birds. The park’s significance even earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Kinabalu Park lies about 50 miles east of Kota Kinabalu and is accessible within a two-hour bus trip from the city.

05 of 08

Bangkok’s Shopping Scene, Thailand

Amid the bustle and activity, Bangkok is one of Asia’s most traveler-friendly cities. The vibrant shopping scene stands out, featuring the Sukhumvit area known for its vast array of shops offering clothing, jewelry, and art at great prices. Additionally, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is renowned as one of the world’s largest outdoor markets.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is served by two international airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, that facilitate numerous flights daily.

06 of 08

Hawker Centers, Singapore

Singapore, although surrounded by modern architecture, still holds deep culinary roots cherished by its citizens. The famous hawker centers are open-air food courts that showcase an array of Asian dishes, and some of the best can be found throughout the Lion City.

Although the ambiance might not be opulent, the taste is often exceptional. Meals are affordable (approximately $5) and cater to a variety of palates, showcasing the multicultural population. Tourists looking for genuine flavors can head to the centrally located Lau Pa Sat Festival Market and Maxwell Food Centre.

As a major aviation hub in Southeast Asia, all flights eventually lead to Changi Airport and subsequently to the delectable hawker centers scattered across the city.

07 of 08

Petronas Towers, Malaysia

The iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur dominate the skyline. Standing at an impressive height of 1,482 feet, these are the tallest twin towers globally and stand as a testament to Malaysia’s modern architectural prowess, merging cultural heritage with contemporary design.

Visitors can ascend to the skyway on the 41st and 42nd floors for stunning views of the cityscape. Afterward, the vast Suria KLCC shopping mall located at the base offers various shopping opportunities. The towers are conveniently accessible by taxi, bus, or light rail transit.

08 of 08

Vigan, Philippines

No site in Southeast Asia epitomizes the colonial experience quite like Vigan in the Philippines. A UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, Vigan features a remarkably well-preserved Spanish colonial town, characterized by cobblestone streets and a harmonious blend of European and Asian architectural styles.

However, Vigan is not just about historical architecture; nearby attractions include a governor’s fortress with a mini-zoo, old calesas (horse-drawn carriages) for scenic rides, and the Pagburnayan (burnay jar factory), where you can try your hand at pottery.

Vigan is approximately a seven-hour bus ride from Manila, but this beautiful destination is well worth the journey, especially for enthusiasts of colonial architecture. Buses travel the scenic Ilocos Highway, or you can reach Vigan via flights to the nearby city of Laoag.