Southeast Asia is quickly becoming the top region for tourism, with more than 50 million tourists visiting countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia in 2023, the first year of normality after Covid. In this short article, we highlight some of the top holiday destination in Southeast Asia to help you make the right choices.
♦ Halong Bay, Vietnam – If you have 3 weeks of downtime and you want white sandy beaches, crystal clear seas with coconut and swaying palm trees. You simply must book a luxury Halong boat trip, with 5-star service, you get to see and experience tropical bays and coves in a luxury setting. They have epic parties that run into the early morning, while you can snorkel, rent a jet ski or explore in a kayak; in the evenings, the vessel comes to life, with awesome DJs who play fantastic playlists.
♦ Phuket, Thailand – The Andaman Sea awaits the visitor to the tropical paradise island of Phuket; yacht charters are popular, from small catamarans to superyachts. A large group can share costs and a luxury cruise is more affordable when you book with friends. High season is from November to February, when accommodation can be hard to find; you can rent a condo or a pool villa; digital nomads use Airbnb for accommodation and there are options to suit every budget.
♦ Koh Samui, Thailand – Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Samui Island is quite developed, with hotels, resorts and exclusive retreats, while budget beach bungalows beckon backpackers. Rent a jeep and explore the island and make sure you visit Koh Phangan, the home of the famous Full Moon Party. Imbibe buckets of alcohol and feel the vibrations of the beach music, we don’t recommend the mushroom shakes. Planning is an important part of life, as this article highlights.
♦ Sihanoukville, Cambodia – The beaches are worthy of mention in this quiet coastal town that is the gateway to many small tropical islands. Stay a few nights at one of the resorts, then charter a boat for a guided tour of nearby marine attractions. You can lose yourself in this region, indeed, many travellers stay for months; there is an undeniable draw to the ambience.
♦ Phu Quoc, Vietnam – Located close to Cambodia, this stunning island sits in the Gulf of Thailand and it is Vietnam’s largest island. Aside from the awesome Khem Beach, which is globally rated as one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, you can visit Phu Quo National Park and see the diverse local wildlife.
♦ Nha Trang, Vietnam – The Southern city of Nha Trang is home to stunning beaches; beach resorts and hotels offer luxury accommodation, while you can explore the small islands and bays in a kayak.
If you are thinking of booking a holiday in Vietnam or Thailand, start with a Google search to find out more about various destinations and get ready for the holiday-of-a-lifetime.
