The 10 most memorable experiences in South East Asia

South East Asia offers many once-in-a-lifetime experiences for any traveller. Places you need to see in your life and things you should have done when visiting a country. From vibrant cultures, to breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures: South East Asia is a traveller’s dream. Whether you’re wandering through ancient temples in Cambodia, diving in crystal-clear waters in the Philippines, or tasting the street food delights of Thailand, every moment here feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are the best experiences in South East Asia that you need to know about.

Spend a night on a boat in the Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

The first experience leads you to Vietnam, one of the most popular travel destinations in South East Asia. Especially when it comes to backpacking, the country is among the best places to travel to. One of the absolute highlights can be found in the North of Vietnam: the Ha Long Bay. It is a traveller’s dream and one of the places worldwide that you need to see at least once.

The Ha Long Bay is one of the seven world wonders of nature. The impressive limestone rocks in the whole bay are a unique sight. Book a night on a boat and spend one day in between the impressive landscape. Go jump into the water and kayak in the bay. This really is a special place and even though it has become more touristy, it is a rare spot in Vietnam.

Go diving in the Philippines

South East Asia in general is a great place for diving. And one of the best destinations to explore the colorful world under the water surface are the Philippines. With over 7,000 islands, the country is home to incredible coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and historic shipwrecks. Destinations like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boast pristine waters teeming with sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.

If you are experienced, go and rent the diving gear and explore the submarine world on your own. A great alternative is to book a guided tour or to simply rent a snorkeling gear. Both experiences leave you in awe of the beauty of the ocean. Definitely one of the top experiences in South East Asia that you need to know about and put on your bucketlist!

Visit the ancient temple city Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Not an experience but rather a place that travellers need to see: the ancient town of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Angkor Wat is one of the most famous temple cities worldwide. Not only history lovers but any traveller is fascinated by the old buildings and the history behind.

Angkor Wat is located close to the town of Siem Reap. You can book a one, two or seven day pass directly in the city and you’re ready to go. To enjoy the temples best and to get most of your time at Angkor Wat, get the three-day pass. Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat and stroll through the old ruins. This really is an extraordinary place and one that any traveller needs to see with her or his own eyes.

Sail through the Komodo National Park, Indonesia

This guide does not only give you an overview of well-known places and experiences in South East Asia, but as well some secret tips you need to know about. One of them is the Komodo National Park in Indonesia. The park is getting more and more popular and yet it is often being skipped on the route through Indonesia. The Komodo National Park is part of the West-Nusa Tenggara territory and can be explored from the city of Labuan Bajo.

There are multiple companies offering sailing trips for any kind of budget. Starting from around 150 Euros you can spend two nights in the Komodo National Park. Visit the Pink Beach, the famous Komodo Dragons and dive with the mantas. Watch the sunrise over Padar Island and enjoy delicious traditional Indonesian food on the boat – one bucketlist experience seems to beat the other. Explore the Komodo National Park before it turns into a mass tourism destination.

Swim in an infinity pool over Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A typical South East Asia experience which you need to put on your list. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, offers many beautiful attractions. The skyline and the famous Petronas towers are the number one highlight. And how do enjoy them best?

By getting the best view from an infinity pool. Kuala Lumpur is one of the best destinations to book yourself a hotel with a rooftop pool and enjoy the view over the city. There are different options for any price range – from budget to luxury. You can even book yourself into a hostel in a building with a rooftop pool. Be prepared for a swim you will never forget and for the most unique way to enjoy a view over a city skyline!

Enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is on any traveller’s bucketlist. The capital of Thailand is the starting point for a beautiful journey through the country and offers some unique experiences you need to know about. But apart from visiting the famous temples, the palace of Bangkok and some shopping and enjoying the food, there is one bucketlist moment that you need to know about: Enjoying a drink in the famous rooftop bars of Bangkok while the sun sets and the millions of lights turn on.

While this may be a little bit more expensive, it is definitely worth it and one of the most memorable moments to live in Thailand. Most of the rooftop bars are part of hotels and buying a drink works as an entry card. The best time to arrive at the bar is shortly before the sun sets. Be aware of the crazy Bangkok traffic though and make sure to leave on time!

Surf in the waves of Bali, Indonesia

Surfing is another experience in South East Asia for the bucketlist. And one of the best places to surf for both experienced surfers and beginners is Bali. The waves of Bali almost guarantee an unforgettable ride. While the beaches of Uluwatu are mainly for the experienced champions, the waves of Seminyak or Canggu are ideal for your first wave. If you are a pro already, Uluwatu is your place to be.

There are many surf schools offering you a class and lots of fun out in the water. You can book a single lesson or even a whole surf camp. The surfing community in Bali is amazing and will make you fall in love with the sport and the place, for sure!

Drive with the scooter through the landscapes of Vietnam

The scooter clearly is the number one means of transportation in all of South East Asia. Yes, it may require some courage to drive in the crazy traffic but somehow, it is part of the culture which needs to be explored by travellers. The best country to drive a scooter is Vietnam. This will allow you to explore all the stunning landscapes and get an immaculate feeling of freedom.

Some travellers even buy their own motorcycle and drive from North to South or vice versa by themselves – probably the best and most unique way to explore Vietnam. This is your chance to feel like a local and get into the vibe of the country. But always be careful and drive with caution.

Stay a night in the jungle of Malaysia

Are you ready for an ultimate jungle experience? Are you ready to spend a night in the jungle and to feel close to nature? One of the best countries in South East Asia to experience the jungle is Malaysia. In the center of the country as well as on the Langkawi islands, some parts are covered in jungle forest. Staying for a night or two in the center of the jungle is not only a very special experience but as well will help you understand the country and its lifestyle better.

You can learn about the animals and the people living in the jungle and if you’re lucky, you can greet the monkey during breakfast. Find your own way of experiencing the jungle in South East Asia – but make sure it is on your list!

Enjoy the delicious cuisine of the different countries

A very obvious experience but at the same time very special one is the cuisine. The local cuisine often gets lost under the western influence and yet it is one of the best experiences in South East Asia. Every country has its own taste and its own meals that you need to try. Dare to eat in a very local restaurant and order local dishes, dare to experience the menu in a different way and get to know new meals. Have a traditional rice in Indonesia, taste the street food in Malaysia, try the Bahn Mí in Vietnam and the Curry in Vietnam. And after some time you will see that eating local is the best thing to do while travelling South East Asia!