Places to See in Southeast Asia
If you’re looking for a holiday that combines culture and nature, Southeast Asia is the perfect place to visit. From the capital of Laos to a preserved example of Southeast Asia’s trading port city, you’ll find it all here. Whether you’re looking to scuba dive with bull sharks or spend an island hopping holiday, there’s something for everyone.
Luang Prabang is the capital of Laos
There are countless ways to spend your time in Luang Prabang, Laos. Its famous Kuang Si Falls are a must-see sight. They cascade with emerald water. To visit the falls, you must pay an entrance fee of 20,000 kip. The trail that leads to the falls offers spectacular views of the cascading waters.
The town is also home to 34 important Buddhist temples, including Wat Si Bun Heuang, the “Temple of a Thousand Treasures,” and Wat Haw Pha Bang, home to the revered Phra Bang Buddha statue. When the Siamese invaded Luang Prabang in 1778, they took the statue to Bangkok. This caused political upheese, but the statue was later returned to Laos.
In the early morning, visitors to Luang Prabang may wish to observe a religious ceremony. In the Buddhist religion, the morning alms giving ceremony is sacred and is held every day at sunrise. In Luang Prabang, this ceremony is called Binthabat. While tourists are welcome to observe, they are advised not to disrupt the ceremony.
Luang Prabang is a sleepy town with a vibrant atmosphere. The town is home to ancient Buddhist temples and traditional Lao houses. There are also plenty of places to relax and indulge in excellent Lao cuisine. The town is surrounded by hazy green mountains and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hoi An is a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port city
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its old town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of southeastern Asian trading port city architecture. The buildings display a unique mix of local and foreign influences. The ancient town is walkable, and the surrounding area is full of galleries, pubs, and other attractions.
The city was founded by the Cham, a group of Austronesian-Polynesian people who occupied parts of central and lower Vietnam. They had connections to the Jarai language and the Acehnese language, and used the river system to transport goods.
In addition to being an ancient trading port, Hoi An offers a unique and delicious regional cuisine. You can take a cooking class or join a cooking tour to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes. The city’s famous cao lau is one of the city’s signature dishes. Visitors can also visit the Hoi An shipwreck, a ship wreck dating from the mid-15th century. This wreck was discovered off the coast of the city and excavated in 2000. Hoi An also celebrates its annual lantern full moon festival, where people exchange lanterns and flowers in exchange for good fortune.
Hoi An’s climate is temperate. Throughout the year, temperatures range between 28-31 degC. The hottest period is from June to August when the temperature can reach 38 degC in the daytime. The coldest months are November and January. The rainy season lasts from September to January, and heavy rainfall may hinder tourism.
Koh Tarutao is a place to scuba dive with bull sharks
Koh Tarutao is a National Marine Park in Thailand, located near the Malaysian border and 55 km northwest of the tourist island of Langkawi. The islands of the park are mostly uninhabited, and have incredible coral and fish life. The islands are surrounded by gin-clear water, and snorkelling here is one of the most incredible experiences in the country.
The marine park offers several dive sites for scuba divers of all skill levels. Among them is the famous Hin Mueng, known as the Purple Rock. Divers can also explore steep reefs and canyons, and observe massive shoals of fish. Koh Lipe is also the southernmost tip of Thailand, where the movie Mechanic: Resurrection was filmed. Located in the Strait of Malacca, this island has more than 20 dive sites, and is home to around 25 percent of the world’s tropical fish. It has a variety of beautiful pinnacles, boulders, and rock formations.
The scuba diving experience at Koh Tarutao is an absolute adrenaline rush. The region is surrounded by deep waters that are ideal for shark diving. The area is home to many species of sharks, including bull sharks. It is also a great place to see dolphins and rays. If you’re adventurous enough, you may even see a whale shark.
Si Phan Don is a place for a backpacking holiday
If you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back destination to spend your next backpacking holiday in Southeast Asia, Si Phan Don is a great place to start. This quiet Laos town is home to numerous waterfalls and traditional villages.
Located in Southern Laos, Si Phan Don is an archipelago of islands along the Mekong river. It’s also home to Khone Phapheng, Southeast Asia’s biggest waterfall. It’s the perfect getaway for travelers tired of the hustling cities of Southeast Asia.
Si Phan Don is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in Southeast Asia. It’s the ideal base to travel around the region, from island to island. The area is home to a large number of backpacker hostels, and there are plenty of budget options to help you save money while traveling. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in a large city and hop between countries. You’ll be able to find cheap puddle-jumper flights between major cities. However, it’s best to stick to two countries when backpacking in Southeast Asia, as you’ll spend most of your time in transit.
Getting to Si Phan Don is a breeze. The minibuses depart every morning at around 8am and include a boat ticket. Most visitors will buy their ferry tickets in Pakse, where they can then board minivans to the islands. Songthaews leave from the southern busstation in Pakse for Don Det, Don Khone, and Don Som.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a resort town in northwestern Cambodia. It is the gateway to the Angkor ruins, which were the seat of the Khmer kingdom between the ninth and fifteenth centuries. The main temple, Angkor Wat, is featured on the Cambodian flag. Other temples of note include the Bayon Temple, which is decorated with giant faces.
The city is not the largest city in Cambodia, but it is a cultural hub for the entire country. You can tour the famous temples in Angkor, which include Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, and Beng Mealea. The city also boasts Phnom Kulen National Park, which is home to the country’s largest reclining Buddha.
You can also visit Pub Street, which is known for its crazy nightlife. This area is packed with young backpackers, and you’ll find them dancing in the street to loud music. Pub Street has many restaurants and clubs, and is home to many touts. It is like a mini version of the famous Khao San Road in Bangkok or Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City.
You’ll need at least three days to see the sights in Siem Reap. During this time, you’ll need to stay at a hostel or hotel in town. Cambodian dollars are quite valuable, so you’ll be able to find inexpensive and luxurious accommodations.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is one of the most famous temples in Southeast Asia. Its five stone towers are modeled after the five mountain ranges of Mount Meru, the mythical home of Hindu and Buddhist gods. Its architects imagined building temples dedicated to Hindu gods on earth as a representation of Mt. Meru, which connects heaven and earth.
If you’re visiting Angkor Wat in Southeast Asia, make sure to check the weather before you go. It can get very hot, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. You will also want to bring bug repellent, as mosquitoes can transmit dengue fever.
The Angkor Wat temple complex contains many intricate bas reliefs. They depict eight different Hindu stories. For instance, one of them explains how the world was created. It then shows how good defeated evil. It also shows how the elixir of life is released from the earth, and how the demons and gods work together to do so.
Angkor Wat is one of the most popular places to visit in Southeast Asia. It is the most famous temple in Cambodia. To fully appreciate the splendor of this ancient temple, it is best to visit early in the morning. It is at its best when the sun rises, casting its auburn-orange rays over the temple’s moat and lotus flower-strewn gardens.
Laos
If you’re looking for an inexpensive vacation spot, Laos is a great choice. This country is home to a wealth of sights, including 33 temples, a bustling night market, and lush countryside. The best time to visit Laos is from October to April. Its warm, dry climate makes it a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. Laos is an easy country to get to from neighboring Thailand, and many of its sights and activities are available only a day trip away.
For the nature lover, Laos’ highlands are home to high grade coffee plantations and protected national parks. You’ll also find the Suay, a tribe of animistic shamanists who are highly skilled in elephant handling. In addition to the pristine forests and waterfalls, Laos also has stunning waterfalls and a cave system that’s just 7.5 kilometers long.
Don Khong Island: Don Khong is an 18-kilometer long island in the Mekong River, with a population of only 4,000. Don Khong has excellent infrastructure and is close to Pakse. Don Khong is also home to one of the country’s oldest Buddhist shrines, Wat Phu. The 11th to 13th century temple was originally dedicated to Shiva, but later became a Buddhist shrine.