Joanna James
Home to some of the world's most fascinating destinations, South East Asia is a traveller's dream come true. Here are the top 5 countries to explore on a tour of the region.
Often regarded as one of the wildest and least developed nations in South East Asia, Laos's charm lies in the very fact that it remains a largely unchanged nation with natural landscapes and a rich culture bereft of Western ideals and conglomerates. Landlocked by Thailand and Cambodia, this last frontier is made up of four thousand islands. Some of the key highlights on a tour of Laos include a trip to the Luang Prabang historic city. As the former capital of the country, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is lined with breathtaking temples and other edifices. Zip lining fanatics will also find Laos the perfect holiday destination while ecotourism enthusiasts should head down to Vang Vieng to try their hand at kayaking, hot air ballooning and caving adventures.
As one of South East Asia's most straight laced nations, Singapore is also the most developed country in the region with an economy and a tourist industry that is the envy of the world. The shopping hotspot is not only home to some of Asia's most popular recreational attractions and landmarks but it also an activity hub for the masses with Universal Studios Theme Park and Sentosa Island offering world class leisure activities. Little India and Chinatown also add colour to this safe travel environment where street food and affordable delicacies are a part of everyday life. From retail encounters down Orchard Road to wining and dining in Clarke Quay, Singapore packs in a punch in terms of touristic value at every turn. Tourists will also find DHI and other well-known accommodation hubs by top hotel chains in the world in Singapore.
As one of the most geographically spectacular nations in all of Asia, every travel photo of Indonesia looks so perfect that one might be forgiven for considering the photos to be unauthentic. With captivating islands and bustling metropolises to its name, Indonesia offers the best of both worlds to travellers in search of a destination with staggering natural attributes as well as the modern amenities expected of a world class vacation hub. The best place to touch down in Indonesia is, of course, its holiday island Bali where stunning beaches and ancient temples vie for attention while offering ideal conditions to enjoy a host of water sports varieties including surfing and scuba diving.
Although most travellers who vacation in Malaysia rave about its capital Kuala Lumpur, the country's finest assets are concentrated in its islands and include such exotic destinations such as Langkawi and Malacca. Borneo is arguably the most attractive region in the country as the island is not only home to the elusive orang-utans but is one of the top places in the world to spot pygmy elephants in the wild. A foodie's dream, don't forget to sample a bowl of Laksa when travelling around Malaysia.
Declared as a secure holiday location for travellers of all ages, the Philippines is a land full of wonder and beauty that's not just restricted to its rainforests and sandy beaches. From underground rivers to Chocolate Hills, the geological marvels of this vibrant nation alone are well worth the trip.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
