There’s no better way to connect with locals than to have a go at speaking a few words in the local language. Yes, your accent may be atrocious but your enthusiasm will be https://travelmatethai.com/top-places-to-visit-in-south-and-east-asia/ much appreciated! Not only will you make friends, but you’ll also discover cultural insights that can teach you so much about the country in which you are travelling.

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Da Nang is laid-back and friendly, maybe because everyone you meet has just finished an amazing meal. Culinary tours are a hugely popular way to experience literal local flavor. After you’ve stuffed yourself with bold noodle soups and savory street foods, walk it off by exploring the limestone caves and Buddhist grottos of the Marble Mountains.

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The most renowned tourist places in Thailand are its beaches, dense forests, ancient monasteries, and floating markets. Indonesia, on the other hand, is equally famous for its temples, scenic coral reefs, waterfalls, and retreats. The capital city of Vietnam has influences of the Southeast Asian, Chinese and French in its amazing culture. The city has beautiful temples and other attractions that make it one of the unique places to visit in southeast Asia. Apart from Kuala Lumpur and the Perhentian Islands, if there’s one place in Malaysia that has got it all, it’s Kota Kinabalu.

Famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace, now a luxurious five-star hotel, and the massive City Palace on Pichola’s east bank, featuring epic courtyards and stunning paintings. Delectable dim sum, floating islands, and a one-of-a-kind skyline are just some of Hong Kong’s unique features. Get an eyeful of traditional Chinese architecture in Ngong Ping village, then take the tram to the tippity-top of Victoria Peak for unparalleled views.

Jordan’s most famous attraction, this ancient archeological site is known for its rock-cut structures that date back to the Nabatean era. It’s worth giving yourself a couple of days to explore this massive complex of temples, tombs, and civic buildings. For a particularly enchanting experience, candlelit visits to the Treasury — at the entrance of the site — are run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. With its white-sand beaches and imposing limestone cliffs, Railay Beach near Krabi is one of the most photogenic parts of Thailand — and that’s saying a lot. It’s also a popular rock-climbing destination, with ample routes for beginner and experienced climbers alike.

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Carved out by hill-tribe communities over thousands of years, this lush green scenery will simply take your breath away! The best way to experience the rice terraces is to trek on foot along the tiny trails that only the villagers know. Take a two-day trek with a local guide and immerse yourself in an ancient culture during a homestay with a local family. Read more about one traveller’s experiencetrekking in Sapa, Vietnam here. Asia is one of the easiest continents to visit as a solo traveller and one that reaps rewards many times over.

While some islands are coated in lush rice fields or tropical rainforest, others are home to hidden lagoons and smoking volcanoes. Dotted about its varied landscapes, you can find chaotic yet colorful cities, such as Cebu and the capital Manila. Besides the vibrant cities of Siem Reap and the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia also boasts plenty of delightful nature. With picturesque paddy fields, jungle-clad mountains, and fabulous tropical islands for you to explore, Cambodia has something for everyone to enjoy. This is because the mighty Khmer Empire built lots of amazing temples, monuments, and palaces around the country between the 9th and 15th centuries. Of these structures, the undoubted highlight is the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat.

  • That said, there are places in Asia that are more suited to solo travel than others.
  • Kuala Lumpur is another one of the happening southeast Asia destinations.
  • If you’re looking for a destination that perfectly merges the old and the new, South Korea’s capital should be at the top of your list.
  • Lahore, PakistanIf you’re someone who enjoys nature, history, architecture and culture, Pakistan is one of the best places to travel alone in Asia.
  • Don’t miss the Po-i-Kalyan complex, considered among the finest examples of Islamic architecture on earth.

You can have an opportunity of taking up trekking, water sports, as well as multiple adventure sports in Borneo. Penang is a place in Malaysia where you will view how several Asian cultures are amalgamated. George Town is the fundamental settlement of Penang which is popular for its modern culture and great environment.

Located in mountainous northern Thailand, this city is a paradise on earth for both adventure lovers and shopaholics. From getting a Thai massage to exploring its various attractions, there’s a lot to do here making it one of the top destinations in Southeast Asia. You’d have the time of your life here not just during the daylight, but also after the sun goes down as this vibrant city has a lively nightlife. Considering the recent visitor trends, Thailand is gaining popularity as one of the best southeast Asia destinations for water adventures and island hopping. There is no doubt that the third largest island in the world has various surprises for you. Known for its picture-perfect beaches, lush rainforests, and amazing wildlife, Borneo Island attracts nature lovers for a serene holiday.

I still think the Maldives is the most romantic destination I have been in my life. With crystal clear waters and some of the best snorkelling I have seen the world over! There are endless hotels to choose from and many of them are floating on private islands. Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and as such has a great amount of history and culture to discover. You’ll need at least a few days to discover all this city has to offer. From the Bamboo Forrest to the famous Fushimi Inari shrine which features a seemingly endless line of torii gates.

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It is a famous city in Japan in the Kansai region and also the capital of Kyoto Prefecture. It is referred to as the most beautiful city in Asia as well as Japan. The city has a mesmerizing mountainous scenic backdrop and houses more than 4,000 historical structures, shrines, temples, with gorgeous ancient landscapes and street patterns. Adventure lovers can have a great time doing trekking and white water rafting here in Mae Tang River trail. It is the prominent destination in northern Thailand and one of the famous cities in Asia. The Old Chiang Mai is an architectural wonder here housing 300+ beautiful temples, museums, ancient city walls, and plenty of other heritage sites.

Q: Where Should I Travel In Asia For The First Time?

At a depth of 5-30 metres, the shipwreck can be explored by non-certified divers and even snorkelers at low tide. Touted as one of the best coastal roads in the world by none other than Top Gear, riding the Hai Van Pass has become one of the must-do adventures in Vietnam! The famous 20km route, which has been called “a deserted ribbon of perfection” connects the city of Da Nang with the town of Lang Co in the province of Hue. Historically, it’s believed to be the connection between the cold, industrial North of Vietnam and the more laid-back, tropical South. If diving isn’t your thing, then don’t worry, you can still explore the amazing underwater treasures of Southeast Asia with just a snorkel and a mask.