5 Best Spots To Hit In SE Asia

It is with great pleasure that I am able to introduce you to another one of our guest bloggers Dan.

Dan is here to share his recommendation and awesome tips with you with his 5 Best Spots To Hit In SE Asia.

This post is great as continues one of our recent themes where we discover Thailand.

Over to you for a quick intro Dan!

I’m Dan, and I’m the Editor in Chief of True North Athletics. I’m also an avid adventurer, digital nomad and traveller. I enjoy all types of outdoor sports, a good golf tan, and spontaneous weekend trips. I currently live in Brazil where I can be found frequently hiking the rain forest around my city!

On to the guest post – 5 Best Spots To Hit In SE Asia – Enjoy!

Backpacking is something in which so many travellers live for. You’re able to see and do so much on a tight budget — seeing dozens of spots within one holiday.

Regardless of where you live in the world, Asia is known to be the ultimate backpacking adventure. From rice fields to rain forests, there’s excitement around every bend. Regardless of your interests, you’ll be amazed by the sheer beauty and history surrounding Southeast Asia.

A Few Tips Before You Travel

Before we dive into some of the best spots — let’s cover a few basic tips.

1. Plan based on the weather — Southeast Asia is generally hot and humid, however, if you travel during a monsoon, you will experience plenty of rain and high winds. Depending on where you’re travelling, the monsoon season may differ. Look into your planned destinations in terms of the predicted weather.

2. Don’t be shy to explore — Although you’ll want to keep your wits about you, be sure to head off the beaten track. Whether you discover that perfect beach or unique small town, Southeast Asia is full of wonder. You can also learn a lot from the locals, so be sure to interact.

3. Pack light — If you’re venturing off the beaten path often, you’ll want to pack light. Invest in a light multi-day backpack so that you can carry all the necessities.

4. Budget — Depending on the length of your stay, you’ll certainly want to budget, budget, budget! In some countries, you can survive on around $20 a day — but this will all depend on the type of experience you’re looking to have. One tip: Don’t steer away from traditional street food. It’s fast, authentic, and cheap!

So, now that we’ve covered some of the basics — where should you go?

Top 5 Spots in Southeast Asia

There are far too many great spots to list, so do your research ahead of time. Are you looking to spend most of your time on the beach? Are you interested in seeing temples? Plan your adventure around your personal interests. Along the way, you’ll do and see so much — it truly is a remarkable place to discover.

Here are just some of the top spots to check out while travelling in SE Asia.

1. Angkor Archaeological Park — Cambodia

Located in northern Cambodia, this is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of SE Asia. Stretching across an area that is approximately 400 square kilometres, it is here that you’ll discover the wonder of Angkor Archaeological Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Before you travel here, read all about the sites. There is so much history and symbolism to appreciate. Many will head to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise, before exploring other ruins. Some of the other common favourites include, Bayon and the vine-covered Ta Phrom. With hundreds of stunning temples around the site, one day isn’t generally enough.

2. Cameron Highlands — Malaysia

Located in the Titiwangsa Mountains, the Cameron Highlands is one of the oldest tourist destinations. It is most certainly a tableland unlike any other — full of lush scenery and local wildlife. Once again, you need more than a day or two to explore this must-see destination.

Occupying an area of approximately 710 square kilometres, you must visit the Cameron Bharat Tea Estate, the Mossy Forest, and the Cameron Highlands Jungle Trail No. 1. From high-class resorts to an array of hostels, there are accommodations for every budget.

3. Halong Bay, Vietnam

When you first arrive at Halong Bay, you will feel as though you have stepped into a postcard. With towering pillars made of limestone, you’ll surely appreciate the sheer beauty of this scenic landscape. With islands scattered about, you can explore one spot after the other — taking it all in.

Once you catch your bearings, be sure to hop on a boat tour to see Halong Bay from a completely new and unique perspective. While you’re backpacking, be sure to stop at the Sung Sot Cave — also known as the Surprise Grotto. From Ti Top Island to Castaway Island, Halong Bay is every backpacker’s dream.

4. Luang Prabang — Northern Laos

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang is a highly charming town — complete with more than 30 temples. Until 1975, Luang Prabang was the royal capital of the country, and is known for its Buddhist temples. With its extensive natural beauty, including cascading waterfalls, you can’t miss this one-of-a-kind destination.

5. Koh Phra Thong — Thailand

If you’re looking for a unique spot, this island should most certainly be on your short list. While travelling on a budget, you’ll love the beach-side huts. Known as the Golden Buddha Island, Koh Phra Thong got its name from a local legend. It’s been said that the golden statue of Buddha was stolen and buried on the island — never to be found.

Today, it is one of the country’s last unspoiled coasts. The white sandy beaches of this island, along with the wide array of tropical fish and coral species, make it a backpacker’s paradise. Whether you want to take part in world-class diving or kayak along the coast — you can most certainly lose yourself in nature.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pack and jet off to visit my 5 Best Spots To Hit In SE Asia — endless wonder will be waiting.