Travel Tips: Don't get caught out in the rain, know before you go.

Southeast Asia at your Finger Tips

Thailand is renowned for being a travel hub and the base from which many people come and explore the rest of Southeast Asia from. Even more so now with the recent opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand is central to any trip to the region. Thailand is ideally located and travel to neighboring countries is easy and effortless. It is the perfect place to break yourself into the way of life in the East. It’s busy and bustling but not so in-your-face that it might put some people off. Visiting Thailand is a way of gently easing yourself into the waters before taking a plunge.

Thailand is bordered by Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, and in close vicinity are Indonesia, Vietnam and China and Singapore.

Vietnam

There has been a certain stigma attached to Vietnam in recent years after the war with the United States. In today’s climate the war is not forgotten, but the country is fast making a name for itself with a booming economy and an increasingly popular role in Asian tourism. Vietnam is a fascinating place and the people are some of the most welcoming anywhere in the world.

A trip to Pho Quoc Island will land you at some of the best beaches in Vietnam. Scuba diving is excellent in this location which has come to represent the best of Mother Nature’s offerings without succumbing to the temptations of over-development.

Lined with the sway of graceful palm trees, Cua Dai beach provides a satisfying outlet for relaxation. For anyone wanting to explore the rich cultural ties between the US and Vietnam, a visit to Da Nang is where you will find the infamous ‘China Beach’ where many tourists come out of curiosity for the war.

An interesting cultural stop in Vietnam is Van Mieu (the Temple of Literature), which pays homage to university laureates in a unique way. From the 12th to the 18th centuries the names of laureates were printed on stone steles held up by large turtle sculptures. It’s certainly not something you see every day.

Indonesia

Indonesia is huge and made up of 17,000 islands, making it the largest nation made up of islands in the whole world. Indonesia is beautiful and with so many places to go it is so easy to find a secluded bit of heaven to loaf about on. With 200 million inhabitants, Indonesia is a vibrant, interesting country full of amazing sights. Upon arrival you may be swept away by a whirlwind of fascinating Javanese and Balinese cultural and artistic highlights. It’s a colorful place where you can see some fantastic natural and manmade wonders.

Enormous modern cities sit next to ancient artifacts whilst active volcanoes make their presence felt with constant rumblings. The waters are clear and the sands are golden, and so it is not surprising that it is one of the most popular destinations in the region, particularly with Australian tourists. As for sights, every itinerary should include a tour of the Gunung Kawi shrines, the breathtaking mountain ranges, the virtually tourist-free Lore Lindu National Park and the beautiful beaches and volcano of Lombok.

Singapore

Singapore is a glimpse into the future. What it lacks in size it makes up for in character. It is a rich, interesting nation where everything is clean and efficient. The infrastructure is unfaultable and it can at times feel like you are walking along the street in a futuristic sci-fi movie. The buildings are tall and the people are always busy. It’s a business center for Southeast Asia and for many it can be a little overwhelming.

One thing Singapore is renowned for is the nightlife, which is some of the best in the entire world. Be sure to check out the nightclub Zouk if you are in the area. Singapore is party central. It’s an expensive city to live in but for a quick trip it is certainly worth making a little effort for.

Laos

Laos is perpetually a popular tourist destination, especially for backpackers with its rich history and vast dreamlike kingdoms from the 14th century, as well as beautiful mountain ranges. A great influence on the culture of Laos is Theravada Buddhism, which shows through the literature and art of the land. The people are easy going and even more so than in Thailand the approach to life is calm and relaxed.

Exploring the attractions of Laos, tourists often drift to the pair of local World Heritage sites – Wat Phou (ruined Khmer temple) and Luang Prabang, which is the former royal capital, are surrounded by an ancient mountain backdrop. It provides unmissable views of the countryside. Nature lovers can enjoy the northern Laos territory for its mountains, river water, wildlife and plants to explore. It is here that northern tribal groups share their preserved traditions with tourists who visit this region.

Cambodia

Another one popular with backpackers, Cambodia is especially easy to reach from Thailand because they share a border. A bus from Bangkok to the border will only take around 4 hours or so. If you enjoy viewing a piece of the past, a worthy attraction is Angkor Wat, which is a vision of welcoming preservation. Displaying an interesting classical style of Khmer architecture and dating back to the 12th century, this temple is one of the true wonders of the world. It has to be seen to be believed, and you will be left in awe of its size and majesty.

A popular cultural event in Cambodia includes the annual Boon Om Teuk (Festival of Boat Racing), which draws many visitors to the country at the end of the rainy season. Also, be sure to visit the Killing Fields for a sobering look at the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. To think that just 30 years ago a genocide took place is quite incredible. You will be amazed at the history of Cambodia.

Malaysia

Offering a multi-religious, multi-ethnic melting pot of history and culture, Malaysia encompasses 13 different Southeast Asian states under a relatively new federation. With easy access to destinations such as the Langkawi Islands and the province of Borneo, a wide-range of adventures can be enjoyed. Each city is unique and Malaysia’s varied cultural cross-section means that every experience is shaped by elements of many different people’s lives. From India to China, Malaysia plays host to a great many different types of people.

When visiting Malaysia you must go to Kuala Lumpur, which is the cultural heartbeat of the country, with folk art at the Central Market, the elegant domes of Jamek Mosque and the Petronas Twin Towers. It’s a modern city similar to Singapore in many ways, and it is also another nightlife hotspot.

Your trip to Malaysia is not complete until you venture through the all-natural Batu Caves or explore Hindu mythology at the nearby Museum Cave. Nature lovers will be in awe of the long-tailed macque, as well as ridgeback dolphins that flank the outdoors of Ipoh, better known as the ‘City of Millionaires.’

Food lovers can also rejoice as there are the best offerings from many different nations. The Indian food in Penang, for example, is particularly splendid, and very cheap too.

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