» NewsTop 5 Destinations to Visit While in Southeast Asia
With pristine beaches, tropical islands, impressive architecture, incredible history, and tasty cuisine, Southeast Asian adventures abound! If you are planning a trip to this area, look no further. Read on to discover the top destinations to visit while in Southeast Asia.
1. Thailand
With over 300 islands, Thailand is a premier beach destination. You can spend as much or as little time as you like hopping from island to island. Begin on the island of Phuket, easily accessible from the international airport. Enjoy one of the many popular beaches, such as Kata Noi Beach or Nai Ham Beach.
From Phuket, make your way to the Similan Islands, home to some of the best scuba diving areas in the world. You will be able to witness beautiful marine life, clear blue waters, and colorful reefs. Next, head to the island of Koh Yao Yai, where you can lay on deserted beaches, a welcome oasis from the more touristy areas of Thailand.
When you aren’t island hopping, be sure to visit Bangkok, the capital and largest city in Thailand. You will be able to sample unique street food, stroll through the Grand Palace, get a Thai massage, and soak in the rich culture of this country.
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2. Vietnam
From stunning landscapes to amazing food, you will never run out of things to do in Vietnam. One of the most beautiful spots in Vietnam is Halong Bay, home to 1,600 limestone towers, azure waters, and hundreds of boats. If this area is too crowded, head to Bai Tu Long Bay, just a few miles down the road. This bay boasts the same scenery as Halong, but with tiny caves, secluded beaches, and fewer tourists.
Check out Cat Ba Island, a national park, for a spectacular hiking trail. Here, you can experience the tropical rainforest, green mountains, and panoramic views. Phong Nha National Park is another fantastic spot for Vietnamese adventures. With hundreds of caves, jungle areas, and waterfalls, this is an adventure lover's dream. While you’re here, you will want to see Hang Son Doong, a cavern so large that you could fit a skyscraper inside!
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3. Malaysia
Known as a bustling business and financial hub, Malaysia is also home to several picturesque beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and impressive architecture. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, boasts the PETRONAS Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. Visitors can walk in the sky bridge that connects these two buildings, admiring the views of this vibrant city.
While you’re in the city, be sure to sample some of the local food. One of the most famous dishes in Malaysia is Nasi Lemak, a plate of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. It is usually served with sambal (a spicy sauce), slices of fresh cucumber, small fried anchovies, a fried egg or hard boiled egg and include choices of protein like fried chicken, sambal sotong (cuttlefish in chilli), and rendang daging (beef stewed in coconut milk and spices).
Escape the crowded city and spend the day on one of Malaysia’s gorgeous beaches. Langkawi Island offers white sand shores and cerulean waters. Another excellent nature spot is Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, which comprises five different islands. Explore the beautiful scenery of this area by hiking, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Get our eSIM data package for Malaysia here.
4. Singapore
This small, upscale city-state is known for luxury shopping centers, fine dining, and high-end hotels. Singapore has a clean and efficient public transportation system, making it extremely easy to zip from one attraction to the next. Singapore abounds in lovely green spaces, so you won’t want to miss one of the most popular green areas, Gardens by the Bay. This area is comprised of three waterfront gardens: Bay Central Garden, Bay South Garden, and Bay East Garden. Enjoy a calm escape from the city by enjoying the vibrant gardens and unique scenery.
If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, take a stroll down Orchard Road, Singapore’s world-class shopping area. With 22 malls, dozens of high-end stores, six department stores, and tons of international restaurants, Orchard Road has access to anything you could ever want or need.
Before you leave Singapore, don't forget to explore the Chinatown area. Buddhist temples, fantastic Chinese food, and boutique shops make this area rich in culture and history.
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5. Cambodia
Cambodia is the perfect destination for history buffs! Most tourists are drawn into this country because of Angkor Wat, a temple city that is one of the world’s must-see ancient sites. While this was the largest city in the world between AD 802 and 1432, the majority of the city eventually decayed. Today, all that remains are the vast temples, including Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom, and Preah Khan.
You will also be able to find an abundance of historical and architectural sites in Cambodia’s capital city: Phnom Penh. Home to the National Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Tuol Sleng Museum, there is an abundance of sites to see in this area. After learning about all of that history, enjoy one of Phnom Penh’s many fantastic cafes or restaurants.
If you want more of a tropical atmosphere, check out the Sihanoukville Beaches. While the central district is drab, the sparkling beaches are lively. This vibrant resort area offers everything you could want in a beach destination: quiet beaches, luxury hotels, and a bustling party scene. For a calm escape, enjoy the serene Otres Beach. For a bustling beach with lots of nightlife, head over to Serendipity Beach.
Get our eSIM data package for Cambodia here.
While traveling throughout Southeast Asia, you’ll want access to international cell service and data so that you can look up directions, send texts, and share your travels on social media. However, most cell phone companies charge extra fees if you are traveling internationally. To avoid this, check out our eSIM data packages. An eSIM data package will give you the ability to stay connected while exploring Southeast Asia. With a working data plan, gorgeous beaches, diverse landscapes, and plenty of photo opportunities, your Asian adventure will be a delight!