In general, this circuit is to visit the capitals of these countries (Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Vientiane and Hanoi), to stop one or two beaches in Thailand to attend full moon parties and take a ride on the backs of elephant in Chiang Mai before returning to Singapore. Nothing wrong with that, on the contrary, all the backpackers who had the chance to live these experiences will tell you they had a great time! That said, we wanted to share with you other places and amazing things to do and see in South East Asia, such as watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat.
Deserted beaches and wild millenary monuments, good places to go out and have fun or beautiful places where diving underwater ... Here's our guide staff the best of South East Asia!
Very useful also find our articles on 10 things to do in Bangkok, Where to party in Thailand and Thailand tour package.
1. Hue, Vietnam
Former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city can be easily integrated into the route of those who go from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi in the north to south (or vice versa) on the east coast of the country. Hue is one of those cities that is large enough to be worth seeing, but also small enough to walk everywhere by bike and not feel lost.
In Hue, you will find Chinese pagodas, castles, fortified citadels overlooking the Perfume River and vast and mysterious forests that surround the city. You can spend 3 or 4 days in Hue without fear of boring you, the city is full of wonders! However, if you are a bit short in terms of time and you can only stay for one day, make sure to see the Forbidden City, the city that was once the seat of imperial power and includes a Pagoda 77 Floors: simply superb ...
More information: Vietnam travel agency
Known for its wooded avenues and architecture of the late 19th century, Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. But it is also a little known place overall mass tourism, making it an ideal destination for travelers who like their tranquility and off the beaten track.
Former capital of Burma (since 2005, the new capital of Burma ... Naypyidaw. But if you are sure you know!), Yangon is full of different cultures that have followed throughout the history of the city. For proof, different architectures that reflect this history, such as colonial buildings (evidence of British colonial heritage) or the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, a Buddhist place of worship, undoubtedly the most beautiful place of the city. The interior is breathtaking, adorned with gold and thousands of precious stones.
The Zoological Gardens, National Kandawgyi Park and Market Aung San Bogyonke are other places to see. It is the same for the local cuisine that you will try at all costs, combining the best of British cuisine, Chinese and Indian, thus creating the most subtle flavors of Southeast Asia.
3. Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, and is certainly the most beautiful and least known of the three islands that lie in the Bay of Andaman.
The island has the same benefits as the most famous islands of Koh Phangan and Samui (of sandy beaches, palm trees and turquoise water) but none of their defects (hordes of tourists, souvenir shops and cheap pubs Western expensive).
While tourist buses travel to Koh Phangan for the full moon parties and drink alcohol more than reason, those of you who go to Koh Tao can enjoy tranquility and relaxation, and also enjoy some the best spots for scuba diving in the world.
Okay, fine, apart from diving underwater beaches and breathtaking scenery, there is not much to do, but the atmosphere and relaxing paradise that exists on the island are ideal for anyone dreaming of absolute rest, especially if you are in the middle of a journey through South East Asia: Koh Tao is the perfect place to unwind before returning! And if you plan to travel in Thailand longer, quickly discover which are the most beautiful cities and regions to discover in Thailand ...
4. Luang Prabang, Laos
Remember Vientiane and its crowded streets and go rather Luang Prabang, a beautiful town in central Laos, where the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River meet and where the Buddhist temples and architecture are simply wonderful.
Luang Prabang Vientiane is less touristy, which means it is a better place to immerse yourself in the "real" Lao culture and also a good base for exploring some of the most impressive natural areas of the country .
Example, you can discover the fabulous waterfall Kuang Si or the famous Buddhist caves of Pak Ou overlooking the Mekong and contain beautiful sculptures of Buddha. Nearby you can visit the village where the factory rice whiskey Lao Lao.
The architecture of Luang Prabang is a blend of traditional Lao wooden houses and European architecture reminiscent of the time and Laos was part of French Indochina territory. Oh and last argument of choice: city suitable for travelers with small budget because life is extremely cheap!
5. Boracay, Philippines
With over 7000 islands all have beautiful beaches, coral reefs, turquoise waters and breathtaking nature, one might think that the Philippines is one of the favorite destinations for backpackers of all kinds. And no, it's actually the opposite! Despite the obvious beauty of the islands, the Philippines is somewhat fallen into oblivion travel destinations in recent years.
However, like Manila, Boracay is still a place for you missed! It is a heavenly destination that offers white sand beaches and has a coral reef home to a diverse and colorful marine life. It is also an ideal place for anyone looking for a place to party because the city is very lively at night, vibrating to the rhythm of dozens of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that are located along the range of 2.5 kilometers long, without feeling a little "shady" or disreputable one feels sometimes in large Asian cities like Bangkok Southeast!
Sometimes the wind blows hard on the small island, which is also a popular destination for surfers and other water sports fans.
6. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is home to the stunning Heritage Site of UNESCO's famous Angkor Wat. It is therefore not surprising that this destination is part of our selection of the best of South East Asia!
Watch the sun set over the temple of Angkor Wat and its five minarets is a moment of beauty, but be aware that there is still more to do in Siem Reap! You can also see the ruins of Ta Prohm, which are in the jungle and are partially hidden by giant fig trees and huge statue of Bodhisattva Four face of Bayon Temple.
In the evening, go to Bar Street: As the name suggests, you will find a selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. Above all, do not forget to eat at the Red Piano! This is the most expensive restaurant but also the best in the city. For the record, Angelina Jolie ate there every day during the filming of Tomb Raider ... the milkshakes are to die for!
7. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Located in the center of the island of Java, at the foot of the volcano Gunung Merapi, Yogyakarta is known for Water Gardens Taman Sari. The city also has schools and a university, and is considered the cultural center of Java: it is full of energy and active young Indonesians. This gives the city an atmosphere "cool" and local, which is precisely what is lacking in other big cities like Jakarta and Kuta which have gradually been transformed into tourist landmarks.
Yogyakarta, you can visit one of the finest Buddhist monuments in the world - Borobudur and Prambanan Temple - which was built in honor of the Hindu deities Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.
In a word, Yogyakarta is vibrant, eclectic and interesting you can explore the ruins and other historical monuments and lie on a beach sublime few minutes later.
8. Sarawak, Malaysia
The state of Sarawak is located on the island of Borneo and is often cited as one of the best kept secrets of Asia. It houses one of the richest ecosystems in the world and various - including Orang-Utans - and is also the largest state in Malaysia that houses no fewer than 27 different ethnic groups, each with its own language, culture and lifestyle.
The Gunung Mulu National Park, with its ravines, canyons and the rainforest is a place to discover, but the most intrepid of you will venture perhaps to visit the caves of the region were inhabited ago that 40,000 years or hiking in the jungle ...
