From the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Asia rewards every type of traveler.
The continent spans 48 countries, each one rich in history, culture, and landscapes unlike anywhere else on earth. If you’re building your next bucket list, these three Southeast Asian countries belong at the top.
Why You Should Visit Vietnam
Vietnam is a land of contrasts. Over recent decades, it has undergone a remarkable transformation into the modern world, yet many of its timeless traditions remain woven into daily life.
Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon, pulses with energy. Luxury resorts and designer shops line its boulevards, while just outside the city, farmers tend their fields and ox-drawn carts still carry produce to market. The old and new exist side by side here in a way that feels uniquely Vietnamese.
Along the Mekong Delta, fishermen in conical hats bring in their nets while floating villages drift gently with the current. Barges and tiny Sampan boats share this slow-moving river highway, offering a glimpse of a way of life that has changed little over centuries.
Other top destinations include Hue, a historic city home to the Imperial Enclosure, a 19th-century citadel-within-a-citadel that once served as the seat of Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty.
Then there’s Hoi An, a beautifully preserved ancient trading port where silk lanterns light up the riverside streets each evening, and Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to more than 1,600 dramatic limestone islands rising from emerald waters. Overnight cruises here rank among Southeast Asia’s great travel experiences, and they book up fast. Find Ha Long Bay cruise options on Viator.
And then there’s the food. Fresh, flavorful, and endlessly varied, Vietnamese cuisine is reason enough to book a flight.
Why You Should Visit Cambodia
Cambodia’s history stretches back thousands of years, and its greatest legacy stands at Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside Siem Reap. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, the park’s sprawling complex of temples is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on the planet.
Angkor Wat, the most famous of the temples, is best experienced at sunrise. As the gray sky slowly shifts to pink and gold behind its iconic towers, the moment feels genuinely unforgettable. This site alone makes Cambodia one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations. Book a sunrise Angkor Wat tour through GetYourGuide.
Siem Reap is worth savoring beyond the temples. Its tree-lined streets are home to boutique hotels, excellent restaurants, and art studios, with well-preserved French colonial architecture adding another layer of history. Hop in a tuk-tuk for just a few dollars and explore at your own pace.
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, blends traditional Khmer architecture, French colonial influences, and modern development into a fast-growing city of 2 million people. The Royal Palace, built in 1866, remains the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, and its gardens and several buildings are open to visitors.
Beyond the cities, Cambodia reveals its true character. Just a few miles from Phnom Penh, Oknhatey Village, known as Silk Island, offers a window into the country’s rich weaving heritage. Local artisans raise silkworms and work traditional wooden looms to create beautiful silk scarves and textiles, a craft that dates back to ancient times.
One memorable way to experience both Cambodia and Vietnam is by river cruise along the Mekong, with departures running between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap. Traveling by river offers an intimate, unhurried view of local life along both shores.
Why You Should Visit Thailand
Thailand earns its reputation as one of Asia’s top destinations for good reason. Its landscapes range from golden beaches in the south to mist-covered hills in the north, and its culture is as welcoming as it is rich.
Most visitors begin in Bangkok, where the glittering Grand Palace sets the tone for what follows. The legendary Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, about 62 miles from the city, is a vivid, chaotic, and thoroughly entertaining half-day trip that no first-time visitor should miss.
Thailand is also a world-class destination for wellness. Massage is a deeply rooted tradition here, and spas range from simple neighborhood storefronts to some of the finest resort spas in Asia.
For beach lovers, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are the best-known destinations, but Thailand’s coastline holds dozens of quieter alternatives worth seeking out.
Northern Thailand offers a different experience altogether. Chiang Mai, 700 miles north of Bangkok, is the relaxed gateway to a region of forested hills and ancient culture.
The city’s night markets and Buddhist temples are highlights, but the surrounding countryside is home to six distinct hill tribes, including the Akha, Karen, Lisu, Yao, Hmong, and Lahu, each with its own language and traditions. Local trekking guides offer immersive visits to this remarkable region.
Thailand is home to more than 31,000 Buddhist temples, and nearly every destination has one worth visiting. Among the most spectacular is Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which rises nearly 350 feet above the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Its tower, covered in intricate porcelain mosaic, is especially stunning at sunset. Explore Bangkok temple tours and river experiences on Viator.
Ready to Explore Southeast Asia?
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand each offer something distinct, but together they form one of the world’s great travel regions. Whether you’re drawn by ancient history, incredible food, tropical beaches, or vibrant city life, Southeast Asia delivers at every turn.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- Beyond Angkor Wat: What to See & Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh: Navigating the Labyrinth of Vietnam’s Vibrant Landscape
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