South-East Asia is comprised of eleven countries, located south of China and east of the Indian subcontinent. These destinations are blessed with astonishing diversity in terms of culture and geographic makeup, and it is this that makes Southeast Asia so popular with tourists from around the globe. Discover the highlights of Southeast Asia holidays that make them unforgettable.
Nature and wildlife
The landscapes that you will discover in South-East Asia are utterly unique.
A favourite that appears in all the best itineraries for Vietnam holidays is the iconic Ha Long Bay. This sweeping bay is littered with thousands of tiny limestone islets and has extraordinary biodiversity.
The region also has beautiful inland waterways such as the magical Kuang Si Waterfall in neighbouring Laos.
Wildlife lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing their South-East Asia destination. One of the most popular wildlife experiences is to go in search of orangutans in the biodiverse rainforests of Borneo, an island claimed by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Another Indonesian wildlife highlight is seeing the legend-inducing Komodo Dragon at Komodo National Park.
Perhaps the most unique nature attraction in Southeast Asia is the Singapore Botanical Gardens. Set on 60 acres within the heart of the city, this is the only tropical garden to be honoured by UNESCO.
Amazing beaches
The amazing beaches of South-East Asia need no introduction. Travellers across the globe hanker after these pristine stretches of golden sand with swaying palms, fronted by an azure, warm ocean.
For the best beaches, head to the Philippines. The country is comprised of over 7,000 islands, so visitors are thoroughly spoiled for choice whether they are seeking peace and privacy or a lively resort.
Thailand is a close rival, offering tourists crystal-clear waters, private islands for rent, and the choice between luxury stays and rustic retreats.
Adrenaline-inducing water sports are on offer all over the region. Visitors can surf, snorkel, scuba dive and jet ski to their heart’s content, or even sail out to sea in search of marine wildlife.
Rich culture
All of this natural beauty is enhanced by South-East Asia’s astonishingly rich culture.
A blend of religions and traditions from across the globe has created the colourful civilisation you find today. This melting pot of influences is never more apparent than in the port cities where trade abounded, such as Vietnam’s Hoi An.
Most notably, Southeast Asia boasts some of the most spectacular temples in the world. Many will have heard of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a tomb and temple complex dating back to the early 1100s that is counted as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
This is rivalled by the likes of Borobudur in Indonesia, an enchantingly elaborate 9th-century structure that is ranked as the largest temple on the planet.
