Southeast Asia is where most first-timers fall for the continent. Overland buses, cheap domestic flights and a well-worn backpacker trail make it easy to string several countries together, while luxury resorts and island villas cover the other end of the budget. The dry season runs roughly November to April on the mainland, but the region is a patchwork of microclimates, so there is always somewhere sunny.
Countries in Southeast Asia
Thailand
Golden temples, island-hopping, night markets and northern hill towns.
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Vietnam
Limestone bays, lantern-lit old towns and some of the world's best street food.
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Indonesia
Bali's temples and rice terraces, Java's volcanoes and Komodo's dragons.
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Malaysia
Skyscrapers and street food in Kuala Lumpur, heritage Penang and Borneo rainforest.
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Singapore
A garden city-state of hawker food, futuristic architecture and spotless transport.
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Philippines
Over 7,000 islands of white sand, limestone lagoons and world-class diving.
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Cambodia
The temples of Angkor, riverside Phnom Penh and laid-back southern islands.
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Laos
Saffron-robed monks in Luang Prabang, the Mekong and limestone karst country.
Explore →Map of Southeast Asia
Top landmarks
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The dazzling former royal residence and home of the revered Emerald Buddha.
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Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn, its porcelain-studded spire rising from the Chao Phraya.
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
A golden hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai, reached by a 300-step naga staircase.
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Phang Nga Bay
Limestone towers rising from emerald water, best explored by sea kayak.
Discover →Ha Long Bay
Thousands of limestone islands in a UNESCO-listed bay, best seen on an overnight cruise.
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Hoi An Ancient Town
A remarkably preserved trading port of wooden shophouses and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
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