South East Asia is a region that is hugely appealing to backpackers and travellers. With its vibrant cultures, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, SE Asia is an incredible part of the world and somewhere that everyone should visit at least once. It is also a very large area, so you want to make sure you are travelling to the best places to enjoy a rich tapestry of experiences that you will cherish forever. With this in mind, here are three of the top SE Asia travel destinations for 2024.
Hanoi, Vietnam
It is often Vietnam that first comes to mind when discussing SE Asia, and this is for good reason. Vietnam is a popular tourist spot with its incredible natural scenery, fascinating history, and cultural heritage – this makes Vietnam tours a great way to discover everything it has to offer.
At the heart of this is the capital city of Hanoi – a lively city that combines ancient traditions with modern life. Here, you can explore the labyrinth streets of the Old Quarter, adorned with colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and centuries-old temples. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature will allow you to discover the incredible history, while a cycling tour is a great way to get your bearings and uncover the city’s many hidden gems.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Part of Vietnam’s appeal is that it is such a diverse country, meaning that there are many good places to visit. Along with Hanoi, you will want to check out Hoi An during your trip. This is a charming riverside town that has a well-preserved old town, making it feel like you have stepped back in time. Hoi An is known for its centuries-old merchant houses, colourful temples, and artisan workshops. You can spend your time here wandering the lantern-lit old streets, exploring the vibrant night markets, and even making your own lanterns in a workshop (a great souvenir to bring home!).
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Cambodia is another must-visit on a trip to SE Asia. Cambodia is a country with its own incredible history, culture, and characteristics to discover, which are best experienced in Siem Reap. Siem Reap is a small gateway town to the world heritage site of Angkor Wat – a stunning Hindu-Buddhist temple complex that is the largest religious structure in the world!
Siem Reap has many incredible experiences to enjoy, including watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, marvelling at the intricate carvings of Bayon Temple, and exploring the enigmatic ruins of Ta Prohm.
There is nowhere in the world quite like SE Asia. The above are three of the best places to visit in this incredible region, but there are many others, too! In terms of history, tradition, culture, and natural scenery, it is hard to beat this part of the world, and it is easy to see why people come from all areas each year.
