The perfect tropical climate, island chains of volcanoes, and sparkling waters are just a few of the things that make Southeast Asia such a prime destination for captivating natural landscapes. Here are 12 natural wonders of Southeast Asia that are sure to impress!
Table of Contents
- SE Asia Natural Wonders
- 1. Krabi Province - Thailand
- 2. Sangkhlaburi - Thailand
- 3. Mount Kinabalu - Sabah, Malaysia
- 4. Taman Negara - Malaysia
- 5. Lake Toba - Sumatra, Indonesia
- 6. Mount Bromo - Java, Indonesia
- 7. Palawan - Philippines
- 8. Chocolate Hills - Bohol, Philippines
- 9. Mount Pinatubo - Philippines
- 10. Batad Rice Terrace - Philippines
- 11. Ha Long Bay - Vietnam
- 12. Mekong River - Laos
SE Asia Natural Wonders
1. Krabi Province - Thailand
Jagged limestone cliffs and clear Andaman seas make Krabi an inspiring destination in the south of Thailand.
A few adventurous opportunities include climbing on the rock formations, adventure trekking, island hopping, or just relaxing and admiring the wondrous natural beauty.
Krabi is a great place to learn how to dive amid coral reefs and see an entirely new dimension of environmental beauty on a memorable vacation.
2. Sangkhlaburi - Thailand
Located on the Thai Burmese border, Sankgkhlaburi represents pure relaxation and natural charm.
The simple town surrounding the lake's emerald-green waters is friendly, easy to manage, and laid back.
The best way to see it is during the cool climate of early sunrise. A thick layer of fog hovers above the lake, slowly dispersed with every second of gaining light.
The morning sunshine in Sangklhaburi is so soft; it feels healing.
3. Mount Kinabalu - Sabah, Malaysia
Borneo is an island blessed with abundant natural forests and hundreds of square miles of magnificent landscape.
The island is divided into three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. In the Malaysian part of Sabah lies the unmissable Mount Kinabalu.
Ascending the peak takes determination and lots of energy, but the plant life and views of the island make it worth every step.
4. Taman Negara - Malaysia
Taman Negara National Park, a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site with a dense ecosystem of plant life, is considered the world's oldest rainforest. You can even see komodo dragons.
The beautiful attractions are trekking through the old-growth forests, walking through the top layer of the trees on the world's most extensive canopy, and spotting wildlife.
This natural wonder of Southeast Asia is the ideal vacation destination if you want to see unique flora.
5. Lake Toba - Sumatra, Indonesia
Located in the center of the massive Indonesian island of Sumatra, Lake Toba defines the ideal tropical paradise.
A break in the lush forest makes way for one of the world's deepest volcanic lakes.
The lake is so calm and pure that it's possible to stare into the water and see the volcano's depth.
6. Mount Bromo - Java, Indonesia
Indonesia is an island nation that is formed on the foundation of volcanoes.
This area consists of two prominent volcanic peaks, Mount Bromo and the continually active Mount Semeru.
The view from the top ledge surrounding the Bromo basin is moon-like, a truly surreal landscape.
The famous sunrise over the volcanoes creates vibrant colors of light.
7. Palawan - Philippines
The Philippines is home to some of Southeast Asia's most concealed and gorgeous beaches.
From Coron to El Nido, the island of Palawan is a treasure trove of crystal clear waters, private beaches, and underwater springs and caves, with an expansive underground lake.
8. Chocolate Hills - Bohol, Philippines
The perfectly rounded cone-shaped hills on the island of Bohol, Philippines, appear to be evenly spaced throughout an area of 50 square kilometers.
These symmetrical mounds of earth transform to a chocolate brown color during the dry season, resembling a field full of giant Hershey's Kisses!
9. Mount Pinatubo - Philippines
The volatile nature of volcanoes gives them the power to destroy and create some of the most dramatic natural scenes of beauty available.
Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, creating a caldera from the excess lava flow.
The basin began to fill with water, resulting in a turquoise volcanic lake surrounded by the hands of Pinatubo.
10. Batad Rice Terrace - Philippines
Rounding the final corner of the hike and facing the amphitheater of the rice terraces of Batad is nothing short of breathtaking.
The rugged mountain scenery of this fantastic place cradles the irrigated rice fields, or rice paddies, on terraces built directly into the side of the highest mountain in complete natural harmony.
Hiking and swimming in waterfalls is another incredible thing to do here in this verdant destination.
The stunning terraced hills of this hilly region make it one of the Philippines' most popular tourist spots.
11. Ha Long Bay - Vietnam
In Northern Vietnam, there's a vast mystical bay with thousands of limestone islands proudly sticking out of the water. Welcome to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
Travelers can explore limestone island caves and paddle sea kayaks through the dreamlike landscape. Magnificent photos are a given in such a naturally beautiful area.
12. Mekong River - Laos
The wide Mekong River is a vital part of life in Laos.
The expanse of the brown-colored river weaves its way through green jetting mountains, nurturing natural ecosystems and the farms of local communities and indigenous people along the way.
A boat ride on the river gives one a glimpse of its power and the environment that so crucially relies on the waterway.
The natural wonders of Asia are a stunning display of mountain peaks, glassy lakes, turquoise seas, and chocolate hills!
Visiting any or all of them would provide nature lovers with a truly memorable vacation.
Monica says
Great list. I'd love to go to the Philippines, you're photos look gorgeous, especially Coron Island!
Migrationology says
Thanks Monica. The Philippines is a wonderful country and the outdoor scenery is truly pristine.
Crazy sexy fun traveler says
The only thing I can say now is WOW :)
Wanna go to all 12 :)
Mark Wiens says
Great Alex! You can do it!
Line says
Great pictures. I have always wanted to go to indonesia :)
Mark Wiens says
Thanks!
Marie says
Awesome pics, Mark! I recall two of the photos, Halong Bay and Mekong River in Loas. Brings back wonderful memories of SE Asia. Thanks!
Marie
Mark Wiens says
Glad you were able to make it to those 2 places! Did you take a boat on both?
Scott says
Inspiring pictures man, the Indonesian one almost took my breath away!
Migrationology says
Thanks Scott!
Amelie S. says
Great pictures! Ive always wanted to go to Indonesia :)
Matthew says
I only made it to three of them on my last trip, now I've got a few more places added to my ever growing list.
Migrationology says
Great Mathew, I hope you can make it to these other destinations in the future as well. SE Asia truly has some amazing wonders!
Grace says
Glad the Philippines made it four times =) Might I add that Palawan is a UNESCO Heritage site and has some awesome diving. You can also see wreckage of WWII Japanese fighter plane in Coron.
Anonymous says
Great list Mark! I'm planning a trip to Asia next year, but now you have me questioning my initial itinerary. What a lovely dilemma you've created for me! ;-D
Dave says
I think the Philippines isn't on the main tourist trail, so it could be really cool to explore. The number of islands is overwhelming!
Michael Figueiredo says
These all look like amazing places to visit! I especially love the photo of Palawan--everything looks so lush.
Jeremy B says
Wow, this is amazing Mark! Thanks for sharing this and these are amazing photos! I haven't been to southeast Asia but what a wonderful introduction to it!
The Dropout says
Wow. I feel like I've had a little holiday just looking at those photos. Thanks, Mark!
Lauren Rains says
Wow what magical photos! I love them all! I lived in China for 1 year and got to visit SEA a few times but not long enough! I am all about long term travel and just visiting literally kills me! I hate to be rushed. When you visit these kinds of places you must remain for as long as you need to take it all in and to really grasp where you are, you know?
Thanks for sharing these! I hope they inspire more people to explore the world and stand in the very spot where these shots were taken! :)
-Laur
Dave says
Hi Lauren, it drives me crazy to only have a little time to visit places too, though sometimes that's all I'll need. During my time in SE Asia, I spent 2.5 months in Thailand (and wanted more time), while about 18 days each was enough for me in Cambodia and Laos.
Lorna - the roamantics says
great list! looking at these pix, i wonder if i'll ever STOP going to SE asia! so much to offer, so amazingly gorgeous, and still so much more to see. coron island is high on my list now mister! thanks for constant inspiration :)
Alpakabong says
it's not Batad rice terraces! it's Banaue(Banaweh) rice terraces in the Philipines.
Dave says
I'll fix that now, thanks for the correction!
Mark Wiens says
The whole chain is Banaue, but that view is from Batad!
Sofia - As We Travel says
Great sum up of amazing places in South East Asia! We skipped Taman Negara last time we were in Malaysia, but I think we might check it out when we go there in a week or so, it seems really nice.
Tobias says
Palawan is just beautiful. The underground river was one of the most interesting places i have visited. Think i need to plan a trip to Vietnam next :)
Len says
WOW PHILIPPINES! 4 out of the 12! I've been to 2 of 4...I'll visit Coron and Pinatubo soon :D
cheapcallsphilippines says
Beautiful shots. :) love Coron, Palawan. and i was always curious about Laos! two places on my list to visit soon.
cheapcallsphilippines says
Beautiful shots. :) love Coron, Palawan. and i was always curious about Laos! two places on my list to visit soon.
mary says
I'm glad you included the fabulous Philippines here because it is my personal favorite. I have been to a lot of different places and the this is the best for me. The beaches are second to none and the people are among the friendliest in the world. They weren't always hounding me to buy stuff but they were always willing to help out of sheer kindness. I really must go back. I am truly amazed at how many people skip this amazing place when traveling through Asia. Go to El Nido!!!!!!!
louihie says
wow! philippines is the best!
Noy says
Great list. I wanna visit each of these wonderful places someday.