Your Ultimate Guide to Southeast Asia
Vietnam • Cambodia • Thailand • Bali • Philippines
Southeast Asia is electric, grounding, soulful, and adventurous all at once. It’s where culture meets coastline, where street food turns into obsession, and where every border crossed feels like stepping into a new world.
After spending four months exploring this region — and returning twice since — I can confidently say it’s one of the most dynamic places you can travel.
🇻🇳 Vietnam
✨ Must-Do Experiences
Boat Cruise in Halong Bay – Sailing through Hạ Long Bay feels surreal. Limestone cliffs rise from emerald water, and an overnight cruise lets you kayak, swim, and wake up to mist drifting across the bay.
Lantern Lighting in Hoi An – The ancient town of Hoi An transforms at night. Lighting a lantern here is peaceful, beautiful, and incredibly memorable.
Vietnam balances buzzing cities, coastal escapes, and deep cultural experiences beautifully.
🇰🇭 Cambodia
✨ Must-Do Experiences
Monkey Island / Koh Rong – Visiting Koh Rong offers stunning white sand beaches, laid-back vibes, and playful monkeys. It feels untouched and beautifully simple.
Cambodia is raw, authentic, and welcoming. The beaches are peaceful, and the cultural history is profound.
🇹🇭 Thailand
✨ Must-Do Experiences
Bridge Over the River Kwai – Located in Kanchanaburi near Bangkok, walking across the historic Bridge on the River Kwai is powerful and humbling.
Thailand truly has everything — mountains, islands, nightlife, culture, and some of the best cuisine in the world.
🇮🇩 Bali (Indonesia)
✨ Must-Do Experiences
Elephant Feeding Experience – Visiting an ethical sanctuary near Ubud and feeding elephants is an unforgettable experience. Being so close to these gentle giants is something you don’t forget.
Bali blends spirituality, surf culture, jungle retreats, and beach luxury seamlessly.
🇵🇭 Philippines
The Philippines feels like stepping into a postcard.
✨ Must-Do Experiences
Island Hopping in Palawan – Exploring the turquoise lagoons of El Nido is breathtaking. Kayaking through hidden coves and swimming in crystal-clear water is pure magic.
White Beach in Boracay – Powder-soft sand, vibrant sunsets, and relaxed beach vibes in Boracay make it one of the most stunning beach destinations in the region.
The Philippines is paradise for snorkelers, divers, beach lovers, and anyone who wants that “pinch me” tropical feeling.
Getting Around Southeast Asia
Transportation here is surprisingly easy.
Night Buses – Sleeper buses with beds allow you to travel overnight, sleep comfortably, and arrive refreshed in the morning. They’re affordable and a great way to meet other travelers.
Flights – Budget airlines make country-hopping simple if you're short on time.
Public Transit – Straightforward and affordable in most cities.
Taxis – Widely available, but bartering may be part of the experience in some places.
Ride Apps – While Uber isn’t widely used, local ride apps are commonly available and reliable in many cities.
The Food
Hands down — the BEST street food I’ve experienced anywhere in the world.
I’m not usually someone who eats street food… but after four months here, I was completely hooked. It’s fresh, flavorful, affordable, and everywhere. Night markets are an experience all on their own.
There are also incredible restaurants throughout the region.
Tous Les Jours was my daily stop for tea and a chocolate croissant.
Accommodation
Luxury beachfront resorts.
Boutique jungle retreats.
Social hostels.
I’ve stayed in both high-end hotels and hostels — and genuinely loved both. Southeast Asia offers flexibility depending on your comfort level, budget, and travel goals.
Beaches & Adventure
White sand beaches.
Snorkeling vibrant coral reefs.
Kite surfing.
Paragliding straight off the beach.
Many beaches even provide umbrellas and lounge chairs so you can relax in comfort after your adventure.
Why I Keep Returning
Southeast Asia has a rhythm that draws you back. Every visit feels different. New flavors, new friendships, new stories.
If you’re looking for culture, affordability, breathtaking beaches, unforgettable food, and meaningful adventure — this region delivers every single time.
And I could truly talk about it forever. 🌏✨