These places to see in Southeast Asia are wonderful!
All year sunshine, smiling faces, beautiful beaches, stunning thousand years old temples, and mouthwatering cuisines are Southeast Asia’s legacy. From culinary hotspots in Thailand to captivating small islands in Indonesia, Southeast Asia has so much to offer. This alluring region offers countless travel-worthy places to visit. With all the wonders of Southeast Asia, choosing one or a few might be hard. You might be wondering what are the best places to see in Southeast Asia. Chill, we got you!
We have compiled the Top 15 Places to See in Southeast Asia for you. Get ready to get amazed by their wonders!
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Southeast Asia is the land of glorious Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms, reigning hundreds of years ago. Their legacy is portrayed by grand and artistic temples. One of the notable temples is Angkor Wat. The temple that stands in Siam Riep province will leave travelers in awe. Nearby Angkor Wat, there stands Ta Phrom, an ancient temple with magnificent century-old trees. You may feel like you are entering Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones universe as you visit this glorious temple!
What we love about it: The artistic design of this grand temple, the serene and magical vibes it gives, and its interesting history.
When to visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season in Cambodia, which is between November-April.
How much will it cost: The entry fee costs KHR 152,000 or €37 for a one-day pass and KHR 255,000 or €62 for a two-day pass.
2. Nusa Penida Island, Bali, Indonesia
Take a one-hour ferry ride from Bali and visit this paradise on earth. Nusa Penida is a small island located off the southeast coast of Bali. It is well known for its aquamarine sea, beautiful rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. Some of the must-visit spots in Nusa Penida are Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay Beach.
What we love about it: The beaches and views of Nusa Penida are insanely gorgeous! Make sure your camera battery is full to take a lot of pictures of this island.
When to visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season in Indonesia, which is between May-August.
How much will it cost:
- A ferry ticket from the mainland to Nusa Penida costs around IDR 100,000 or €6.72
- A one-day trip tour package costs around IDR 300,000 or €20
- One-day vehicle rent costs around IDR 70,000 or €5 for motorcycles and IDR300,000 or €20 for cars.
- The retribution fee costs IDR 25,000 or €1.7
3. Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Komodo Island has brilliant blue sea, picturesque hills, pink beaches, and extravagant dinosaur-like creatures. It is one of the captivating places in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, a small Indonesian region that can be reached by an hour’s flight from Bali. This island is the home of the ferocious and magnificent komodo dragon, an endangered giant lizard species. Visit the descendants of dinosaurs in their natural habitat and have your own exhilarating travel moment!
What we love about it: Seeing komodo dragons in their natural habitat is such a fantastic experience! It is also safe as the national park makes sure you are accompanied by an experienced guide for the tour.
When to visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season in Indonesia, which is between May-August.
How much will it cost :
- The entrance fee for the Komodo National Park is IDR 150.000 or €10 on weekdays and Rp225.000 or €15 on weekends.
- A standard live-on-board package starts from IDR 3.000.000,00 or €200. The package usually includes room, meals, and tour guides.
5. Vang Vieng, Laos
This one is for outdoor lovers! Vang Vieng is a small city in Laos that stretches around 108 km from Laos’ capital Vientiane. It has green rice fields, a rushing river, mysterious waterfalls, and breathtaking lagoons. Moreover, it is the center of adrenaline-rushing adventures. Go for an exciting adventure with your travel buddies in this lush land of Laos!
What we love about it: There is a bunch of adventure in Vang Vieng, from hiking to river tubing. The natural scenery in Vang Vieng is also gorgeous, with its Nam Song River, serene hills, and green rice fields.
When to visit: The best time to visit Vang Vieng is between October and March, when the weather is nice and warm.
How much will it cost :
- A full-day adventure costs about LAK 450,000 or €28.46
- Transportation using a car, bike, or tuk-tuk costs about LAK 47,000-157,000 or €3-10
6. Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Take a glimpse of the magnificent Hinduism culture in Batu Caves, Malaysia. The sacred site is built between limestone cliffs and lush vegetation in Selangor. You can find Hindu temples and caves, along with hundreds of colorful staircases, on this beautiful site. A giant golden statue of Murugan also greets visitors as they enter the Batu Caves area.
What we love about it: The magnificent architecture and artistic decorations of the sacred destination that comes along with the beautiful natural scenery surrounding it.
When to visit: All year.
How much will it cost: The entrance fee costs RM 15 or €3.32.
7. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
The sacred Buddhist pagoda looks so glorious in gold. Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most important sacred places in Myanmar, as well as a top tourist attraction. It is located in Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar. The pagoda was encrusted with pure gold and precious stones, making it glimmer under the sunlight. You can see Buddhist relics and temples around the Shwedagon Pagoda area.
What we love about it: The outstanding structure of the gold-covered pagoda that comes along with shrines and beautiful Buddha artifacts in the area. It is such an enlightening experience!
When to visit: All-year
How much will it cost: Free entry
8. Ancient City of Bagan, Mangalay, Myanmar
Visit the legendary ancient city of Bagan for an unforgettable experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a place of wonders with its gorgeous temples and stunning view at sunrise and sunset. There are around 2,000 temples, statues, and pagodas in the area. Bagan is also the Cappadocia of Southeast Asia, as they offer hot air balloon rides to see the glorious temples from above.
What we love about it: The magnificent temples that shouldn’t be missed, the picturesque scenery of the temple complex during sunrise and sunset, and hot air balloon rides.
When to visit: All year, but the best time to visit is around November – February, as the temperature is warm and pleasant.
How much will it cost: The entrance fee to the Ancient City of Bagan is 25,000 Kyats or €12
9. El Nido, the Philippines
El Nido is the star destination of Palawan. It is the true definition of paradise on earth! El Nido has crystal clear waters, rocky istles, gorgeous limestone cliffs, and white-sand beaches. Moreover, the island also offers colorful marine life and tons of adventures!
What we love about it: Picturesque scene, numerous activities, and beautiful beaches that the island offers!
When to visit: The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season, which is from November – May.
How much will it cost: Island hopping and snorkeling tour costs around PHP 1,200-1,400 or €21-25 per person. If you plan to stay, hotel rooms start around PHP 582 or €10.
10. Puerto Princesa, the Philippines
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan, the tourist hotspot of the Philippines. This beautiful small city is infamous for its magnificent underground river that has recently taken its place on the New 7 Wonders of the World. This marine city is the perfect combination of sunny beaches, gorgeous nature, mouthwatering food, and bustling nightlife.
What we love about it: The underground river is magical; it’s a must-see! You can also easily find places to stay, delicious cuisines, and attractions in Puerto Princesa.
When to visit: The best time to visit Puerto Princesa is during the dry season, which is between November – May.
How much will it cost: A tour of the underground river costs around PHP 1,500 or €27 per person. You might spend PHP 860 or €15 for food and PHP 286 or €5 for attractions.
11. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Take a glimpse of the futuristic and sustainable Singapore by visiting this artistic park. Gardens by the Bay is located at the heart of Singapore, comprising of beautiful flower gardens, horticulture plants, and tall man-made trees. Its colorful features and outstanding architecture make this destination a must-see in Southeast Asia.
What we love about it: There are so many things to see at this destination, from unique orchids and desert plants to futuristic structures.
When to visit: All-year
How much will it cost: Entrance fees are SG $28 or €19.87 for adults and SG $15 or €10.64 for children
12. Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand
The glorious, 269ft tall temple glimmers at the side of the Chao Praya River, Bangkok. Wat Arun, or ‘Temple of the Dawn,’ is a Buddhist temple that was built around three hundred years ago. The temple is decorated with artsy porcelain structures and gorgeous royal ornaments, making it a must-see attraction in Thailand. Don’t miss to take a glimpse of this temple at night, as it glimmers with golden lights and shines brightly between Bangkok’s metropolitan lights.
What we love about it: The artsy design and magnificent structure of the temple. It will also be an exciting experience to learn about the temple’s history.
When to visit: All-year
How much will it cost: The entrance fee is 100 Baht or €2.73
13. Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, Thailand
Glimmering sunshine, sandy beaches, and an Avatar-like scenery with enormous limestone structures and brilliant turquoise waters. You will find that gorgeous scenery in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand. Other than its infamous stone hills, Ko Phi Phi offers vibrant experiences. You would find yourself sipping coconut water by the beach, taking a dip in the crystal clear waters, or having an insane party in Ko Phi Phi!
What we love about it: The perfect tropical getaway it offers! Ko Phi Phi presents an excellent combination of gorgeous natural scenery, colorful marine life, relaxing beaches, and great nightlife.
When to visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season in Thailand, which is between November – May.
How much will it cost :
- Ferry ticket costs around 250-350 Baht or €6.82-9.56
- Tour packages, including snorkeling and island hopping, start from 1700 Baht or €47
14. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
One word to describe Ha Long Bay is ‘magical.’ The enormous bay is the home of 16,000 small islands and istles, forming stunning limestone pillars. You can enjoy the alluring Ha Long Bay by taking a one-hour boat tour around this gorgeous bay.
What we love about it: The magical vibes that Ha Long Bay gives, the limestone pillars and sparkling blue water that are perfect for the pictures, and the exciting experience of cruising around the bay. Also, the fact that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When to visit: The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is during the dry season, which is between September-November and March-May.
How much will it cost: The entry fee starts from VND 200,000 or €8.46 for one day cruise per person and starts from VND 500,000 or €21.2 for a two-day cruise per person.
15. Hoi An Ancient City, Vietnam
This vintage town is recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is located in the Quang Nam province, about 30 kilometers away from Vietnam’s commercial Da Nang city. Hoi An Ancient City offers classic vintage buildings, the smiling faces of the locals, and a beautiful fusion between Vietnamese, Chinese, and European cultures.
What we love about it: The captivating beauty of Vietnamese culture and history that goes along with the modern lifestyle and hustling tourism in the ancient city. There are also beautiful vintage gems, including the Chua Cu bridge, Tan Ki Old House, Ba Mu Pagoda, and Hoi An Museum of Culture.
When to visit: All year, but the best time to visit is around February-March, as the weather is lovely and warm.
How much will it cost: The ticket price is VND 150,000 or €6.30 per person.
These gorgeous places in Southeast Asia are waiting for you!
Southeast Asia is surely a fantastic place to visit. Now, you can pack your bags and start your own awesome Southeast Asia journey! You can also explore lots of Southeast Asia trips and find new travel buddies in JoinMyTrip. So, are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime?
