It’s easy to understand why Southeast Asia Holidays are the ideal choice for travellers worldwide.

When planning a weekend break, many people don’t need to invest more than a few hours to research the perfect location and flight. Between last-minute deals and a getaway that doesn’t require a lot of planning, the click-and-buy generation is taking over the short holiday market.

There’s no shame about it. After all, sometimes you need a quick escape from your everyday routine to recharge your batteries. It doesn’t matter where you’re going if you’re only going to spend a few days there. It’s the quick beach break, the cultural city getaway, or the outlandish countryside weekend. It’s all about not being at home – or work for that matter – and instead enjoying the taste of life elsewhere, far away from your daily worries.

However, there comes a time when you want something else from your holiday when it needs to be more than a short bubble of peace. You know the feeling: You’re drained and want to rethink your life priorities and set things in the correct order.

That’s the life crisis that calls for a long holiday where you can immerse yourself in a new culture, mindset and landscape. You can’t just book a long holiday without considering the destination carefully. To feel refreshed and enlightened, you must aim for a Southeast Asia holiday experience. The Far East, as it used to be called, is rich in history, adventures and flavours. More importantly, it offers the perfect spiritual platform to question your motives and redefine your life.

Book your ideal Southeast Asia holiday hotel at Booking.com!

Enjoy your Southeast Asia holidays in destinations like Patuxai War Monument in Vientiane, Laos.

Southeast Asia Holidays – Is Your Traveller’s Heart Taking You To Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia has been a top destination for holidaymakers for many years now. And it’s easy to see why. The region is home to some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes on the planet, from the snow-capped mountains of Nepal to the idyllic beaches of Thailand.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed holiday or a relaxing break, Southease Asia has something to offer everyone. It’s also great to experience new cultures and meet new people. So if your traveller’s heart is taking you to Southeast Asia, you won’t be disappointed.

The countries of Southeast Asia 

Suppose you haven’t got a map of the world at hand. In that case, Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia that refers to all countries that are situated in a region south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. For simplicity, it consists of what used to be Indochina, the historical East Indies, and the Malay Archipelago.

Geographically, it’s the equivalent of about 8.5% of the world’s population, which makes it the third most populous region in the world – the two others being South Asia and East Asia. In other words, if you’re going for a Southeast Asia tour for a taste of isolation, you might have picked the wrong part of the world. But the region has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, history and even business if you’re looking to start a new life elsewhere.

Lara Croft’s temple in Cambodia

INDOCHINA

Indochina is a fascinating region of the world, home to a diverse range of cultures and landscapes. From the mountains of Vietnam to the beaches of Thailand, there is something for everyone in Southeast Asia.

Indochina is also a great place to enjoy some traditional Southease Asian holidays. Whether exploring the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or celebrating the Vietnamese New Year, there are plenty of ways to experience the unique cultures of this part of the world. Let’s have a further look at some of the Indochina Region.

The French influence in Vietnam

Vietnam was one of France’s most profitable colonial possessions after gaining control over the North of Vietnam due to a victory in the Sino-French War of 1883-1884. As with any colony worldwide, the themes of exploitation of raw materials, workforce and other natural resources are to be expected. But the French rule has left Vietnam with various historical architecture and customs that give the country its particular attitude.

Interestingly, this isn’t Vietnam’s only relic of a colonialist past. French architecture is so dominant that the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An and Hanoi. rlcIndeed, according to The Culture trip, you can find culinary influences from patisseries to restaurants in most of the country. If you’re looking to start your career in the gastronomy industry and learn from the best chefs, Vietnam is the place to be.

Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam.

Thailand is a beautiful country that is shut to foreign opportunities

If you want to enjoy more beaches and less colonialist guilt, take a trip to wild Thailand, especially Khao Lak. Why there? Because it’s a little less than two hours drive from the Island of Phuket, it benefits from a peaceful and relaxing environment.

You won’t find the crowd of tourists you expect so that you can have the sunset, the sandy beaches and the resorts almost to yourself. A little bubble of paradise awaits you every year between November and May in this area of Thailand.

However, you may find it challenging to make a living in Thailand, even if you fall in love with the country and decide to stay. There are minimal business opportunities for non-native citizens as a Thai-born person has to own most of a company. Only US citizens can hold up to 100% of a company in Thailand, but they still need a minimum capital first.

Koh Samui – Thailand.

A taste of Lara Croft in Cambodia

If you still remember Angelina Jolie exploring the ruins of a temple in Tomb Raider, you’ll be pleased to know that you can find these temples in Cambodia. Admittedly, since Angelina went running in her tiny shorts, the place crawls with tourists. But with a good guide, you can still see everything and revive your old Lara Croft memories.

If you’re ready to get up early, you can visit the magnificent Sunrise at Angkor Wat – although be prepared to be there before 5:30 am. You can find the famous Tomb Raider temple, Ta Prohm, with its intertwined tree roots. You won’t have much difficulty imagining life in Cambodia if you’re not afraid to downsize. A couple of American tourists have made Cambodia their home since 2015, and despite low earnings – less than $35,000 a year – they have all they need. They’re the happiest they’ve ever been in Phnom Penh.

Start your spiritual journey in Laos. 

What if you want a spiritual awakening for your holiday? Laos is often described as a mystical country by those who have visited it. Tourists will tell you the most important thing about the country is that it remains entirely outside the spotlight. There are barely any tourists in Laos, so you can look at ancient Buddhist temples without getting up at dawn to avoid the crowd.

Make sure to attend the Luang Prabang ceremony in northern Laos before you leave. You can ask the locals how to participate. Every morning the monks walk into town to collect the food offerings. Consequently, it’s a great place to learn more about Buddhism and explore your spiritual side at your own pace.

A stunning temple in Laos.

The city of the many pagodas and temples in Myanmar

Another great place to explore your spiritual side is Myanmar, especially Yangon, which has some of the oldest pagodas and temples in the country. Some are even believed to date back to the lifetime of Gautama Buddha over 2500 years ago. The oldest pagoda in Burma, the Shwedagon, is a 99-metre-high stupa covered in gold.

Find your calling in Myanmar and wonder about staying and embracing a new lifestyle. It’s a place of pilgrimage for many Buddhists as it enshrines a hair relic of Siddhartha Gautama. You can see it from anywhere in town, and it’s impossible not to feel its aura. Generally, locals are friendly and will go out of their way to help you. Besides, you can experience a frontier market in a Buddhist culture, simultaneously challenging and peaceful. You might be interested in reading this interview http://www.goaway.sg/life-in-myanmar that explains how the ex-pat life feels like in Yangon.

EAST INDIES & MALAY ARCHIPELAGO

The countries of EAST INDIES & MALAY ARCHIPELAGO offer a wide range of holiday options, from bustling cities to idyllic beaches. Southeast Asia holidays are enjoyed by many for their natural and cultural attractions. Whatever your preferences, you’re sure to find a Southease Asian holiday that suits you.

The East Indies & Malay Archipelago have thousands of islands, each with its unique culture and history. Indonesia is the largest country in the region and is home to some of the most popular Southeast Asian destinations, such as Bali and Jakarta.

Malaysia is another popular destination for its tropical beaches and vibrant city life. Singapore is a small island nation renowned for its cleanliness and efficiency, while Thailand is a popular destination for its friendly people and stunning beaches. No matter where you go in the East Indies & Malay Archipelago, you will have an unforgettable holiday experience.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the EAST INDIES & MALAY ARCHIPELAGO countries.

Singapore – The City for every tourist.

Singapore has long been a popular destination for Southeast Asian holidays.

The city-state offers a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, all within a compact area. Singapore has something to offer if you’re looking for bustling city life or peaceful island getaways.

The city is also well-connected, with an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around a breeze. In addition, Singapore is home to some of the best hotels and resorts in the region. So whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a more extended vacation, make sure to add Singapore to your list of must-visit destinations.

Singapore has diverse holidays celebrated by the different cultures that make up its citizens. Some Southeast Asia holidays celebrated in Singapore include Chinese New Year, the most important holiday for the Chinese community, and Hari Raya, a Muslim holiday.

There are also several national holidays, such as National Day, commemorating the country’s independence from British rule, and Labour Day, which celebrates the achievements of workers. Despite its small size, Singapore has a rich history and culture in its holidays and festivals.

Making the most of your time during your Singapore vacation.

Indonesia, the melting pot of cuisines and cultures

There is no bigger melting pot in Southeast Asia than in Indonesia. Jakarta, home to 10 million people, offers a tour of colonial architecture, live music venues and fine dining restaurants, all within a few yards from each other. Needless to say that there’s a lot to see and experience in Indonesia, from a metropole culture in Jakarta to UNESCO-listed national parks and volcanoes to hike up on Java.

If you love the creative juxtaposition of cultures and wildlife, and without mentioning the world’s biggest Buddhist temple, you’ll be happy to know that the house prices are low. You can buy a manor house with a garden for the price of a small family home in the UK.

Buddhist temple on Java.

The country of thousands of islands – the Philippines 

With over 7,000 islands, visiting the Philippines will be an adventurous experience. In fact, for most people, it can be challenging to know where to start, but here’s a little overview of the best sites to see. El Nido, for Pinoy travellers, offers one of the world’s most picture-perfect seascapes, without mentioning its fantastic limestone cliffs.

El Nido might be the closest you’ll find to it if you’re wondering what Heaven looks like on earth. If you want a feel for the old history of the place, spend some time in the UNESCO-listed town, Vigan, where the Spanish architecture continues to tell the tales of the past. However, you can forget any dream of making your life in the Philippines: Foreigners are not allowed to own property. Although, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy your beautiful Southeast Asia holidays in the famous tourist region.

Malaysia – A Multicultural country with a proud history and fantastic beauty.

Malaysia is a Southeastern Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and parts of the island of Borneo. Malaysia has a long history and was once part of the Srivijaya and Majapahit empires. The government is multiethnic and multinational, with diverse languages, cultures, and religions.

The British colonised the country, which later became a Commonwealth member. Today, Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy with a strong economy. The government is renowned for its natural beauty, with rainforests, mountains, and beaches that attract tourists worldwide.

Malaysia is also home to Southeast Asia’s most vibrant cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Johor Bahru. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or a beautiful place to relax, Malaysia has something to offer everyone.

Whether you want to reboot your life or clear your mind, Southeast Asia offers a multitude of landscapes, spiritual encounters, fascinating cultural backgrounds and exciting business opportunities to help you on the way. All you need is to pack your luggage and start your self-discovery tour.

Your Southeast Asia Holidays are complete with the perfect hotel room; find yours at Booking.com!

Enjoy South-East Asia at its best, like at this Khao Lak Markets.