Southeast Asia casts an allure like no other. From pristine beaches to bustling cities and everything in between, this magical part of the world is hugely popular with backpackers the world over.
Picking a top 10 must-see destinations from Southeast Asia is no easy feat. In a region so varied, it's no real surprise that everyone has their favorite part.
Surely some of these would be on your list, however?
Table of Contents
Southeast Asia Destinations
1. Halong Bay, Vietnam
Ask any backpacker what the most unmissable sight is in Vietnam and Halong Bay, the countries breathtaking series of limestone islands and rocks that jut out the ocean to the north, will be firmly on their list.
Want to visit? Then book your hostel in Hanoi here
Home to over 3,000 islands of varying shapes and sizes, Halong Bay features some of the world's rarest species of flowers that grow amid its lush topography.
Catch a junker, tour the various islands and descend into the cracks and caves of its hidden lagoons for a chance to get up close and personal.
Hopping off at Bai Tu Long Bay, one of the larger parts of this UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must.
There you can climb stone mountains, wander through its mangrove forests or laze for a while on its long stretch of beach.
Thanks to the increasing popularity of Vietnam as a tourist destination, it's probably best to visit Halong Bay soon.
In the future, it might not be possible for everyone to squeeze into the enchanting caverns of places like Song Sôt cave.
Halong Bay (photo: Herr-Bert)
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Southeast Asia's not short of temples, but there aren't many as memorable as Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
Heading there? Book a top-rated hostel here
This temple complex, dating back to the 12th century, features the world's largest religious building that is still active today with Buddhists and people of all faiths.
Crawl over the fallen and tree-covered ruins of Tah Prohm (made famous by the film Tomb Raider) for Indiana Jones-like adventures, take a tuk-tuk across the length and breadth of the complex, and don't miss the earth-shattering experience at sunset from the top of Bakheng Hill.
The nearby backpacker town of Siem Reap is heaps of fun too!
3. Boat Quay, Singapore
Singapore might not be the most budget-friendly of destinations but hanging out at Boat Quay, one of the country's oldest and most historical parts, is cheap enough and well worth whiling away a few hours.
Heat out at night for dizzying views of Singapore's financial might as its skyscrapers light up the rest of the city and cast their dimmers over the south bank of the river.
4. Lake Toba, Indonesia
Part lake, part volcano, Sumatra's Lake Toba (Danau Toba) is a geological wonder.
The site of a supervolcanic eruption that changed the world's climate and wiped out most of humanity over 69,000 years ago, things are a little more backpacker-friendly now!
Spend some time at Samosir Island and chill with the Batak people and the hot springs in the shadow of the looming giant lake.
5. Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand's got it all, fantastic beaches, beautiful people, and flavorful food.
But nowhere does its magic all come together more than in its capital, Bangkok.
Planning to visit? Then book your hostel in Bangkok here
While the true hippie mecca of Khao San road, in the middle of Bangkok, is a must for any self-respecting backpacker, it's also worth paying attention to the cities other glorious ages with a trip on the modern BTS Skytrain and a wander around the 19th-century temple of Wat Arun.
There's also Patpong if you fancy a spot of ping pong too. Just don't be expect to be playing!
6. Vientiane, Laos
Little known Laos may be slightly off the backpacking radar, but its capital Vientiane is bags of fun.
Book your Vientiane hostel here
Smaller than most other Southeast Asian capitals, its laid-back feel makes it great for hanging out and checking out sites like the funky (and weird) statues in Buddha Park.
The morning market at Talat Sao is a great place to pick up a nice bottle of snake wine too.
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Alongside Singapore, Malaysia's capital is one of the most international sites in Southeast Asia and a thriving hub of fantastic art, unbelievable architecture, and enough malls and shops to blow your entire backpacker budget.
Accommodation can still be cheap! Book your KL hostel here
Petaling Street, KL's bustling Chinatown, is a prime budget eating spot away from the glitzy restaurants and cafes of the Golden Triangle.
Head in early February, and you can catch the city in full swing during Thaipusam, the Tamil's ode to their hero Murugan killing the evil demon Soorapadam.
Dili (photo: yeowatzup)
8. Dili, East Timor
The coastal capital of the former Portuguese colony of East Timor, Dili, is somewhat of a forgotten paradise among tourists due to recent conflicts resulting from the end of its Indonesian occupation.
Today, however, Dili is a more peaceful place and features unmissable spots like at the top of the hill next to the statue of Cristo Rei, where you can see out across the whole of Timor and its beautiful beaches.
9. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong's inclusion in a list of top Southeast Asian destinations as a key tourism hub of China might be a little debatable, but that's mostly beside the point.
With attractions like Victoria Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Ocean Park, Hong Kong offers an unbeatable range of things to do.
Visiting Hong Kong? Book a cheap hostel here
Backpackers needn't be put off by Hong Kong's densely packed population; its expansive skyline makes for one of the most dazzling views on the whole of the continent.
10. Yangon (Rangoon), Burma
Having been shrouded in mystery for years due to the secrecy of its military government, Burma, and, more specifically, Rangoon, is exploding into life as a newly opened backpacking destination.
Flying in or out of Yangon? Book your hostel here
Its newness doesn't mean that there isn't much to see, however.
The 2500-year-old Buddhist shrine of Shwedagon Pagoda, Aung San Suu Kyi's house, and the national museum make for compelling viewing.
The beach at nearby Ngwe Saung is also one of the best and most unspoiled in the whole of Southeast Asia.
The above are just some of the incredible sights and attractions that you can see traveling around Southeast Asia.
You can also check out some of Go Backpacking's other top recommendations in its list of top destinations for 2011.
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About the Author: Will Peach is one of the site editors over at Gap Daemon, the gap year community website for backpackers and gap year travelers. You can also catch him writing about his latest adventures on his other blog, My Spanish Adventure, and Twitter.
Jade Johnston - OurOyster.com says
Awesome! I've been to five of those places!
Monica says
A great list - I've just added a few more reasons why I need to go back to SE Asia!
diana says
This is perfect for me to incorporate into trip. thanks!
Christine says
Will totally be referencing this in future months!
Dave says
So Christine is finally heading to Asia?! Excellent. I wish I'd gone to Burma while I was there. I was scared away by a recent Typhoon and the political issues.
Turtle says
I'm so glad you included Dili in your list. East Timor is one of the most beautiful places I've been to. And if you go there soon you'll experience a country that hasn't been 'ravaged' by tourism yet (like many of the other destinations in this post).
Craig says
I have been in Dili, East Timor for several times. It has beutiful and untouch beaches, mountains. I have been to Jaco Island which is located in the most Eastern side of Timor-Leste. It is very incredible place...no words to explain.
Sam says
Even though I have been to a few already, it is great food for though for my upcoming trip next year. Thanks
Roy Marvelous says
Bah, I've only been to 3! But I'll be in SEA early next year, so hopefully I'll get a chance to do more on the list. Hey how about Phillipines??
Amy says
Nice suggestion and great photos. I want to include all of them for my next trip.
Travis says
Not quite SE asia, but in israel, I went on an awesome military tourism trip. We got to shoot a bunch of guns, throw grenades, learn krav maga, go offroading, and even went skydiving! it was crazy exciting. you guys should look into it. this is the company i went with http://www.lionops.com
Eric says
Hi! I am planning a 3-4 week trip to southeast Asia in the Summer of 2012. I figure I cant do all 10 of above although I want to! Im not fluent in the geography of SE asia so anyone willing to tell me the best places you think I could explore in 3-4 weeks? I am flexible and am willing to travel although I also like to relax when I get somewhere.
Thanks for the tips!
Eric
Dave says
Eric, if you’ve only got 3-4 weeks, I’d recommend sticking to the mainland. It’d be really tight, but you could visit Bangkok, an island or two, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and then either Vietnam or Laos.
KayZie says
Great list. My plan was to spend a year in South-East starting March 2012,but unfortunately that's not going to happen,because i didn't develop a location independent business i can live off on the road.
Regin says
I wonder why there's no Philippine destination?
Alison Fazackerley says
Hi, just found your site and its soooo useful for a novice!!
My husband and I (in our 50's) are planning our first backpacking trip to SE Asia, we will be on a budget (not a strict one!) but luckily with no real time constraints or fixed destinations except finishing off in Perth to visit our son!
Plan so far includes : Bangkok ; Ko Samui & Ko Pangnan; Penang; KL; Singapore; Bali, Lombok&Gili Isles then fly to Perth.
We plan to do most travel by train, bus, ferry etc but want to know if we have missed anywhere out that is a 'must-see'!! (We plan to do another trip where we will visit Vietman, Cambodia, Laos)
Any guidance would be most gratefully received!!
Dave says
Hi Allison, thanks so much. I'm excited for you! It looks like you have an excellent itinerary. I haven't been to Malaysia, but I can attest to the places in Thailand, Singapore, Bali and the Gili Islands.
On Koh Phangan, my favorite beach was not Haad Rin where they have the full moon party, but Thong Nai Pan Noi (small, quiet beach at the north end of the island).
wajid says
mam, if you want to go to Malaysia, go on Ramadhan month, you will really love it
Jenny says
The pictures of cities even great ones never impress me as do nature pictures. I vote for Halong Bay!
Stunning cliffs - I must go there and see them with my own eyes.
Thanks for the idea :)
Global Travel Guides says
I've visited Kuala Lumpur and it's a great city. You can easily walk around the Golden Triangle with lots of bars and restaurants. Highly recommended for backpackers!
Peter says
If you go to Bangkok, DON'T GO TO PATPONG!!! There will be too many people trying to rip you off
Dave says
Thanks very much for the list. reading about Angkor Wat brought back some happy memories of my time spent there. I hope to return in the near future!
Michael Hoyt says
I have been to all of those except East Timor (which I really wanted to visit), Lake Toba, and Hong Kong. I think my favorite on the list would be Halong Bay, and Bangkok (I lived there for five years). Halong is my favorite place in Vietnam! How awesome is East Timor? Maybe I'll try to find my way back to SE Asia to visit. Great Post!!!!
Mark says
Where is Philippines :( ... (IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES) !!!
GRRRLTRAVELER | Christine says
After just coming from Hong Kong, I totally agree. There's some cool culture shock there and that cityscape view is priceless. Wasn't so keen on Vientiane though. I really didn't know what to do when I was there, but Luang Prabang felt more vibrant. Still want to go to Burma.
Erika says
And for addition, do not forget to go here http://www.jakpost.travel/news/7-sites-in-indonesia-worth-climbing--tzpPSFbIMQKqGxvk.html
Sites for who likes to clim :)
Jennifer Kunkle-Clark says
I think that Bagan should have made the cut instead of Yangon for Myanmar. There can't be another place on earth with this many pagodas crammed into one spot! Check this out!
http://www.myanmarburma.com/en/pages/blog/716/pagoda-land-you-wont-know-where-to-bagan
Pamela says
Only been to 2 :( I think i would replace kuala lumpur with redang!
Global Nomads says
We loved Vientiane the most. Awesome vegan food, not too many tourists and inexpensive hostels. The only downside was their crappy visa policy forcing to exit the country every 30 days.
Deborah Mesa says
Wonder why Miri isn't in the list, nevertheless a stones throw away is the beautiful land of Brunei. You'll love the nothing to do land.
mazura says
Good idea!
Working in KL, been to Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, Bandung and now looking for another trip. A bit confuse to choose:-)
Jennifer Kolbuc says
Great list! Have checked off about half and will be back to to the rest! Burma is one place that tourism is really starting to open up in!
Can't wait to be back to visit the rest!
Jennifer Kolbuc
@GoGallivanting
McDonough says
I think in this post has the bet information for me and all people to know this list, in this list i know only one of them that's Angkor Wat, because it in my Country.
After you see it what do you think about it ? by the way if you want visit in southeast-asia you should see this site or this link.
David says
I definely agree that Halong is a top travel destination for backpacker in SE Asia. But I do recommend Bai Tu Long bay which is off the beaten path, it would be unique and memorable travel experience for a cruise trip.
Laura says
Great list! I would also like to suggest Sapa in the Northern highlands of Vietnam as a great spot for incredible trekking and homestay experiences!
Steph says
Hi - the list jumps from Place #2 to #5, leaving out 3 and 4... :)