Top 10 Things to Do in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has an abundance of ancient temples and each one tells a different story about its purpose, the connection to the former civilization, and its preservation through time and the elements.

Temple complexes across Cambodia, Thailand, Bali, and Laos demonstrate the complex relationship between religious and civil life, as well as the former power of imperial structures in the region. For much more information on how to see the world-famous temples of Angkor Wat, take a look at our How to Plan a Trip to Cambodia: Frequently Asked Questions.

As a testament to a rich history far beyond colonial legacy, each temple provides a reminder of religious tradition, a glimpse into fascinating mythology, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, whether hidden in a jungle canopy or perched on the edge of a coastal cliff.

Best places for ancient temples: Angkor Wat, Cambodia • Wat Pho, Thailand • Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali • Ayutthaya, Thailand • Sukhothai, Thailand • Ta Prohm, Cambodia

The culinary prowess of Southeast Asia is not only found in its restaurants, but distributed amongst the population, demonstrating the greatest equalizer in the region, where flavor takes center stage and appeals to people from all walks of life.

Street food in Southeast Asia is generational, cultural, and cherished by locals of all ages as they indulge in familiar recipes passed down through generations or uncover new dishes celebrating local tastes.

Whether finding roots of migrant ancestry or a story of flourishing curiosity, street food shapes the culinary trends across Southeast Asia, acting as the foundation from which new ideas spring and making it an unmissable and unforgettable joy. Experience more flavor during your trip when focusing on iconic and famous tastes with a Thailand Food Tour.

Best places for street food: Bangkok, Thailand • Hanoi, Vietnam • Chiang Mai, Thailand • Jakarta, Indonesia • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam • Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A hot-air balloon ride may not initially seem to be one of the things to do when visiting Southeast Asia, but the aerial view helps you discover a city, town, or scenery from an exciting new perspective. Witness the elegant slopes of traditional temple towers or embrace the panoramic view of rolling mountains blanketed with jungle.

Enjoy the surprising breadth of a temple complex, with new structures sprouting above the trees and passing the horizon. As you soar into the sky, you can also enjoy the sunrise and how it spreads lively color over the landscape for a memorable embodiment of your Southeast Asia trip. Find surprise and delight when stepping off the beaten path, with inspiration from our sample Laos Tours that you can personalize to your preferences.

Best places for hot-air-balloon rides: Siem Reap, Cambodia • Chiang Mai, Thailand • Vang Vieng, Laos • Ba Vi National Park, Vietnam

The idyllic islands around Southeast Asia offer diverse beauty and marvelous experiences shaped by the local environments. From tropical havens with white-sand beaches to river islands once used as trading posts, uninhabited islands where wildlife roams free to those adorned with temples and unfathomable panoramic views, you can discover them all and more in Southeast Asia.

You can find peace and quiet in massive caves, solitude and seclusion on remote islets, or rambunctious monkeys at the edge of a shoreline, before returning to a thriving island city, as you uncover the islands and archipelagos, explore the possibilities of a Two-week Thailand island-hopping itinerary, or find the best islands to visit in Thailand.

Best places for scenic cruises: Mekong River, Cambodia • Halong Bay, Vietnam • Don Det, Laos • Koh Kood, Thailand • Koh Tao, Thailand • Nusa Lembongan, Bali

Southeast Asia is a large collection of diverse countries, but their shared coastlines and riverbanks create incredible beach-going opportunities, where warm water meets soft sands and golden sunlight creates the perfect ambiance for relaxing along the shore.

The best beaches in Southeast Asia combine the natural splendor of the landscape with the changing colors of the crystal-clear water, the powdery golden or white sands with the opportunity for seclusion.

Whether arriving by boat or walkway, finding local vendors or a remote corner bordered by palm trees, each beach has its own personality that can accentuate your preferred experiences, especially when enjoying a classic beach getaway with our ideas on the best time to visit Bali.

Best beaches in Southeast Asia: Mu Ne, Vietnam • Sanur, Bali • Padang Padang, Bali • Phra Nang Cave, Thailand • Koh Rong Samloem, Thailand

The adventures in Southeast Asia are limitless and can take you into the depths of the earth or under the surface of the sea.

Actively explore the world's wonders when scuba diving in crystal-clear waters in search of whale sharks or tropical fish. Venture deep into a cave to see where the passageways lead and surprising stalactites shape the subterranean skyline.

Raft on whitewater rapids surrounded by meandering jungle, cling to rocky cliffs as you climb for unforgettable views, or learn to surf the famous waves as you scratch the surface of adventurous possibilities to connect you to the culture and scenery in exciting new ways. Enjoy new opportunities across the region’s countries with Zicasso’s Southeast Asia Travel Guide.

Best places for scuba diving: Koh Tao, Thailand • Moray Beach, Vietnam • Pak Ou Caves, Laos • Phong Nha Cave, Vietnam • Phraya Nakhon Cave, Thailand • Gunung Lesung, Bali

Shopping when in Southeast Asia is special. The pure diversity in options, the thrill of haggling, and the opportunity to find unique items specific to the country or city you’re visiting turn the pastime into an adventure.

Digital commerce has changed the shopping experience around the world. However, in Southeast Asia, the thrill of finding a handcrafted piece or having a garment made specifically for you, the energy of winding through a night market or the world’s largest wholesale environments will reveal local culture and a distinct shopping experience, especially when visiting the world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market during a Bangkok Vacation Package.

Best places for shopping: Bangkok, Thailand • Chiang Mai, Thailand • Seminyak, Bali • Hanoi, Vietnam • Phnom Penh, Cambodia

With a combination of dense jungle, rich rainforest, steep mountains, and protected national parks, Southeast Asia has remarkable opportunities for wildlife spotting, with possibilities of witnessing exotic, rare, and dangerous animals in their natural habitat in a safe environment.

Whether eager to see komodo dragons lumber through the bushes or find gibbons dangling from the trees, witness elephants bathing in refreshing waters or search for signs of tigers beneath the heavy canopy, viewing wildlife in its natural environment can feel majestic, offering a new perspective on how to engage with the wilderness in a new country.

Best places for wildlife: Mu Ko Chang National Park, Thailand • Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam • Phnom Kulen National Park, Cambodia • Komodo Island, Bali • Sumatra, Indonesia

Cooking is one of the best ways to connect with a different culture and forge new relationships. In Southeast Asia, a cooking class is a fantastic way to uncover remarkable flavors and take recipes home with you as a reminder of your trip.

The cuisine of a country can change depending on the region or city in which you taste a dish, demonstrating the importance of seasonal and local ingredients shaped by surrounding ecosystems and exemplified during a custom-tailored Vietnam food tour.

Open your mind and find the ways a local cooking class can exceed your expectations, whether when learning to master a single dish or enjoying a multi-course menu exemplifying the variety of dishes you can find during your trip.

Best places for a cooking class: Hanoi, Vietnam • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam • Chiang Mai, Thailand • Bangkok, Thailand • Badung, Bali • Phnom Penh, Cambodia • Luang Prabang, Laos

Whether new to hiking or a seasoned adventurer, trekking in Southeast Asia can appeal to all levels of experience and attract new enthusiasts with the promise of stunning experiences.

From trails leading to remote beaches with glassy waters to routes weaving up volcanic summits for sunrise, multi-day hikes connecting historic villages to guided walks exploring vast caves and massive stalactites, each trek in Southeast Asia can reveal a new side of the culture or landscape for a rewarding experience often overlooked by travelers.

Indulge in panoramic views, find the perfect spot for a surprising picnic, or embrace an active way to find a remote corner of the world where you can relax. Find more places to enjoy a hiking experience with our answers to How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam: Frequently Asked Questions.

Best places for hiking: Bokeo Nature Reserve, Laos • Sapa, Vietnam • Mondulkiri Project Trail, Cambodia • Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, • Mount Batur, Bali

Surprising wildlife adventures, immersions into the past at elaborate temple complexes, and unparalleled cuisine found in authentic marketplaces and hidden restaurants, Southeast Asia brims with unforgettable experiences. Whether visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, or Bali, each country has its own stories to share, giving you opportunities to embrace a new destination far beyond your expectations.

Discover new possibilities for your trip with our sample Southeast Asia Tours & Vacations or uncover exciting places to visit with ideas from our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia.