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Southeast (SE) Asia: What the land divides, water unites
Whether it’s because of its 25,000 islands, the significance of the mighty Mekong river or the trade routes that have shaped the region’s history for millennia, SE Asian’s have found it easier to move around by boat. In SE Asia, it is often said that what the land divides, water unites.
The region of SE Asia comprises 11 sovereign states divided between:
Mother Nature has graced the region with some of its most spectacular features and an abundance of flora and fauna. SE Asia is also one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world. Adding to this intricate mosaic, travellers from all corners of the world come to fill up on relaxation or adrenaline while ticking off several travel bucket list items.
Whether you are a backpacker, flashpacker or luxury traveller, nothing can prepare you for your first visit to SE Asia. The sense of wonder, excitement and exploration that you get from the colour explosion of its natural (and urban) landscapes, the frenetic pace of its megacities and the abundance of history and culture is simply priceless.
Travelling through SE Asia might be the best form of escapism there is…
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SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL GUIDES
Explore the best of Southeast Asia by country
DESTINATION:
INDONESIA
TRAVEL GUIDES & ITINERARIES
DESTINATION:
SINGAPORE
TRAVEL GUIDES & ITINERARIES
DESTINATION:
VIETNAM
TRAVEL GUIDES & ITINERARIES
PLANNING A TRIP TO SOUTHEAST ASIA?
Here’s what you need to know
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO SE ASIA?
SE Asia lies between the tropics and the southern portion of Indonesia (including the islands of Bali, Lombok and Flores) as well as Timor-Leste are located south of the Equator. The majority of SE Asia has a tropical climate; temperatures are generally warm (to hot) year round (on average 27°C / 80°F), although it can be cooler in highland areas.
Planning a trip to SE Asia is all about avoiding the highest of temperatures which in certain areas, at a certain time of the year, can exceed 35°C and steering clear from the wet season (or making sure that you are prepared for it). If you are visiting more than one country on the same trip, it’s worth remembering that weather patterns differ throughout SE Asia.
Northern SE Asia has two distinct wet and dry seasons which are defined by the monsoons (seasonal shifts in winds). Travelling off season might turn out to be a more hardcore experience than you would have liked!
Closer to the equator (eg. Singapore is just 1° north), the climate becomes hot, wet and humid throughout the year. Even though there is a best time to visit, the difference between that and off season may not be a dealbreaker, especially if you don’t plan to travel by boat or embark on long outdoor adventures.
Have a look at my destination guides for each country for more details about their climate, weather and local phenomena.
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BEST SE ASIA ITINERARIES FOR 2-4 WEEKS
While you can definitely break this itinerary up and adjust it to a shorter trip, I would strongly recommend that, whenever life permits, you go for the whole nine yards…
4-Week Itinerary:
Singapore | Northern Vietnam | Indonesia
For my first trip to SE Asia, I dived head first into some of the best experiences and iconic locations that SE Asia has to offer! Every day felt like a lifetime of adventures! During my month-long extravaganza, I ticked off some major bucket list items:
VIETNAM:
Ha Long Bay Cruise | Ninh Binh boat ride | Rice terrace trekking in Sapa | Exploring Hanoi
INDONESIA:
Padar Island in Komodo National Park | Amazing snorkelling in Flores | Glamping in Le Pirate island | Exploring Bali
SINGAPORE:
Exploring Singapore’s best sights
Best time of the year for this itinerary: April, May, September, October
This itinerary is ideal for travellers who love culture, exploration and nature with a splash of beach time for good measure.
3-Week Itinerary:
Thailand | Cambodia
Another epic SE Asia trip! This time, we discovered the reason why travellers flock to Thailand! Also, we ticked off a major bucket list item by visiting Angkor Wat and fell in love with Cambodia…
THAILAND:
Ethical elephant encounters | Tranquil karst scenery longtail boat ride | Ko Lanta beach time & snorkelling | Staying on a floating house in the jungle | ‘Death Railway’ train ride | Crossing the bridge over the river Kwai | Exploring Bangkok
CAMBODIA:
Angkor Archaeological Park (2-day visit) | Apsara dance theatre | Exploring Siem Reap
Best time of the year for this itinerary: November to February
