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Discover Southeast Asia: A Journey Through a Region of Culture, Landscapes, and Charm Secrets!

Southeast Asia is an extraordinary continent that cannot be summed up in a single word. Its diverse landscapes, cultures and cuisines offer the modern traveller an unrivalled range of possibilities. Be it ancient temples or chaotic metropolises, serene beaches or untamed jungles – the region is as dazzling as it is diverse. Southeast Asia welcomes backpackers, who flock to its shores for budget-friendly adventures, as well as well-travelled veterans in search of unexplored places. With special care, we will go along the main road through its 11 countries, one by one.

Myanmar: The Golden Land

Myanmar is often called the ‘Golden Land’, in reference to the shimmering stupas and deeply spiritual culture. Visit the ancient city of Bagan, where thousands of temples rise from the plains; or travel more slowly in Myanmar, where there is a disposition that values contemplation as much as movement. Explore the floating gardens and stilt houses on the water of Inle Lake, or trek the verdant hills around Kalaw.

Laos: Land of Serenity

Landlocked, the gentle contours of Laos, its misty mountains and gentle rivers, make it an easy-going benevolent retreat; its ancient capital of Luang Prabang, a World Heritage site, traditional Lao architecture and French colonial style intertwine, while its leisurely pace is matched by the gentle Lao people. Down by the Mekong River in Vang Vieng, a famous tubing destination, tourists float in tyres along the Nam Song river, soaking up the scenery, while the north’s highlands in Luang Namtha are popular trekking spots.

Vietnam: A Land of Contrasts

Vietnam is a country of extremes, where antiquity and dynamism collide. From the rush-hour bustle of Ho Chi Minh City to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, a certain polarity pervades. Of the many highlights, travellers can hit the bustling street food of Hanoi, while poking around the riverside ancient town of Hoi An, or journeying through the shimmering rice paddies of the northwest’s Sapa. With a history that spans some 4,000 years, and one of the oldest civilisations in Asia, Vietnam is effortlessly captivating – not to mention, visually striking.

Thailand: The Land of Smiles

Because of the rich variety of experiences available there, Thailand has long been a top choice among globetrotters. Its blend of frenetic cities, exotic palms and amiable people never fails to dazzle. A visit to Bangkok is almost guaranteed to result in sensory overload. Huge markets and gold-laden temples mix the old and new to dizzying effect. The northern city of Chiang Mai – set in mountains and packed with culture – is an intoxicating alternative. And in the south, some of the world’s most beautiful islands await, including Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui. Who wouldn’t want to relax in warm waters under white sands? Thailand’s balance of urban sophistication and rural culture, food and palaces keeps visitors coming back for more.

Cambodia: The Kingdom of Wonder

Cambodia has one of the most incredible sites in the world, Angkor Wat. It is the complex of temples that is one of the world’s great wonders and the finest legacy of the Khmer Empire. It’s also the very symbol of SE Asia, up there with the Great Wall of China for those ‘I was there’ photo opportunities. And yet Angkor, Phnom Penh, Kampot and the other cities and towns Cambodia has to offer make it far more than just its tragic past. Cambodia is emerging slowly and inspiringly from the nightmare that was the Khmer Rouge, and its people and culture once again make it an inspiring place to visit.

The Philippines: A Tropical Paradise

Scattered over 7,000 islands, the country offers paradise for beachgoers and lovers of water sports. In Palawan’s azure waters with its abundant coral reefs is one of the country’s most stunning marine life eco systems, while beaches, with expansive, soft white sand, abound in Cebu. The country also offers varied island jaunts and outdoor activities for the daring. The Filipino culture is unique with influences from the Spanish, the American and the indigenous, floating above its neighbours. The energy of the country’s capital, Manila, synchronises with the vibrancy of its nightlife, while an adventuresome climb up hiking trails through the lush rice terraces of Bannaue cools the heart like a gust of crisp mountain air.

Brunei: A Hidden Gem

Brunei is one of Southeast Asia’s smallest countries yet it offers access to a wealthy Islamic sultanate. In the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque – a dazzling edifice of modern Islamic architecture – is worth a visit. Brunei is less visited the neighbouring tourist hotspots, but there are abundant stretches of pristine rainforest, cultural attractions, and an insight into traditional Malay life.

Singapore: The City of the Future

With a population of less than 6 million people and the size of Brooklyn in New York, there is nothing modest about Singapore’s might. The island nation, also known as the City-State, is lined with a magnificent ultramodern skyline, efficient, above-ground transport system and vibrant, bountiful assortment of food. Fans of J G Ballard will feel right at home with the Gardens by the Bay while shopaholics meander along the pedestrian haven of Orchard Road. Traditionalists can indulge themselves in the old-world beauty of Chinatown or Little India where aspirational, social-climbing colonials sought comfort in the exotic as they pined for the familiar. The small population’s melting pot of culture helps Singapore punch well above its weight.

Malaysia: A Blend of Cultures

Life in Malaysia spans both ancient rainforests and urban, skyscraper cities; old traditions and diverse cultures. From the cosmopolitan hub of the capital Kuala Lumpur, home to the contiguous, 88-storey skyscrapers of the Petronas Towers, in western Malaysia, to the island of Penang in northern Malaysia, for its exceptional street food, to the wildlife in the densely forested oasis of Borneo, Malaysia is a multifaceted oasis of teeming life. The diversity of Malaysia’s culture – Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous peoples, represented in its array of traditions, festivals and food – is hugely diverse.

Indonesia: An Archipelago of Adventure

It’s hard to comprehend Indonesia’s vast diversity, with 17,000 different islands jutting from the some of the most aquamarine water you’ll ever see. You might have heard about the beaches of Bali, but there’s much more to Indonesia than just stunning coastal beauty. You can tour the sprawling city of Jakarta, volcano-spot in Java, or trek through the wilderness of Sumatra in search of orangutans. Look beyond Bali into Central Kalimantan, one of the greatest jungles in Asia.

East Timor: A Path Less Traveled

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of the world’s youngest countries. Its travel options cover some of the best of ‘off-the-beaten track’ experiences, where pristine natural beauty and rarely visited traditional cultures are the main attractions. As one of the less developed tourist attractions in the world, East Timor is an excellent destination for those looking for a fresh approach to international travel.

A World of Adventure Awaits

Its connected landscape, its cultural diversity, its natural beauty and its affordability have all made it the most irresistible travel region in the world for a wide range of travellers. It carries an unending promise of historic grandeur and bustling streets, of lazy beaches and adventurous hinterlands. Planning your voyage into Southeast Asia? You’re not alone. Do as so many other do every year, and book the ticket for your next dream vacation.