A Complete Travel Guide: Exploring the Wonders of Southeast Asia

I thought I knew what to expect before I first set foot in Southeast Asia. You know, exploring temples in Thailand, lounging on stunning beaches in Bali, and maybe devouring a bowl of pho in Vietnam. But it wasn’t until I slowed down, lingered longer, and really immersed myself in the countries of Southeast Asia, that I began to uncover the true richness of the region. Southeast Asia rewards the curious traveler. Yes, experiencing the world-famous sights like Angkor Wat at sunrise, Ha Long Bay’s impressive limestone cliffs, or Bankok’s Grand Palace are every bit as awe-inspiring as you’ve heard. But it’s the time in between that transforms a simple trip into an unforgettable journey. It’s taking the effort to converse with a market vendor in Laos or a lazy afternoon spent relaxing away in a hammock somewhere remote on Borneo. For those of you who have yet to visit Southeast Asia, I thought I’d introduce you to some of the incredible countries and their fascinating cultures that await. I’ll blend the must-sees with hidden gems, while encouraging you to embrace slow travel to discover a side of Southeast Asia that’s not just seen, but also felt on a much deeper level.

Why You Should Drop What You’re Doing and Travel to Laos Right Now

Getting ready to backpack through South East Asia we anticipated visiting idyllic islands and traveling to hotspots like Angkor Wat, Chiang Mai, and Halong Bay. We would be visiting ancient temples, witnessing the sunrise over UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and losing ourselves in fairytale landscapes and fascinating histories.

Though of all of the truly wonderful destinations in South East Asia, and we did find a special place in our hearts for each country we visited, when it came to Laos, something unexpected happened. We both fell head over heels in love.

Maybe we favor Laos because we had no expectations for the country. Like most backpackers, we viewed Laos as a place to visit after our visas expired. A stepping stone to the next country. Though Laos proved quite quickly to be a worthy destination in it’s own right; a country which combines some of the best elements of Southeast Asia in one bite-sized destination.